Page 10 of Highland Guard
Chapter 3
Henderson Land, Glencoe
“Kieran, there are warriorsat the Keep. They claim to have a message from your clan.”
Kieran put down his axe and asked, “The MacGregors?”
Lachlan shook his head. “No, the MacKenzies.”
Kieran’s body locked, and he clenched his jaw as he gripped his axe. He and a group of men had been repairing a cottage wall that collapsed after a heavy storm. “What the bloody hell do they want?” he growled.
“I dinnae ken, but Bram is talking to their leader. His name is Iverson.”
“Damn that whoreson. He has some nerve coming all the way here.” Kieran handed the axe to a man nearby and gave orders for the men to continue without him. He then walked over to a nearby tree where he had left his leine and sword.
Lachlan waited while Kieran donned his garment, then he passed him his sword. Kieran thanked him and walked towards the Keep. Lachlan knew there was bad blood between Kieran and the MacKenzies. He also knew if Kieran needed him by his side, he would ask. If he did not, then he would make it clear. So, Lachlan hung back and waited.
After a few paces Kieran paused and said, “Are you coming, Lach? Or are you just going to stand there and look stupid?”
Lachlan sighed, then replied, “Aye, I’m coming. Dinnae fash.”
Then they walked in silence to the Keep.
***
The MacKenzies
WHEN KIERAN ENTEREDthe great hall of Henderson Keep, their laird, Bram Henderson was waiting to greet him. Beside Bram stood a tall, broad-shouldered man. His eyes were intense and gave nothing away. Kieran also noted a second man. He had grey hair with peppered strands, and a furrowed brow. Kieran immediately recognized them as Iverson Macrae and Donald Clunes. The Macraes were loyal to the MacKenzies, acting as their guardsmen. Still, Kieran had no time for either of them. He refrained from spitting on the floor lest he cause offence on Bram’s behalf.
“Is he dead?” Kieran asked in a deadpan voice.
“Aye. Tis why we’ve come,” Iverson replied.
Kieran remained stoic. He had no other feelings to express. “What happened?”
“Raiding.”
“Serves him right. I hope the bastard burns in hell.” Kieran turned to go, but Iverson stopped him.
“Wait, there is more.”
Kieran sighed. “There always is. What is it now?”
“Tis about your half-brother.”
“Baden? What about him?”
“As you ken, he was next in-line to be our chieftain.”
Kieran frowned. “Was?”
“He is dead as well. On the same raid, both cut down within moments of one another.”
