Page 57 of Highland Guard
“What of the amulet? Do you know whether she has the power to wield it?”
“I am uncertain, it remains guarded,” Guy lied. There was no way he was admitting the amulet led him to blurt out all their secrets.”
“And Naomi?”
“On her way toGlenorchywith her new husband.”
“Then I suggest we make her a widow soon.” FitzOsbern looked towards the back of the room and asked, “Did you hear that?”
“Yes,” a man replied.
Startled, Guy abruptly turned his head to catch sight of a towering figure stepping out from the shadows. He donned a beige hooded cloak that cascaded down to his knees, concealing the peculiar body armor beneath. The armor consisted of intricately woven chains, complemented by a long-sleeved leine and black braies. Clutched in his hand was a spear adorned with a gold tip, accompanied by a brass shield strapped firmly to his back. His olive complexion stood out, adorned with intricate tattoos that adorned his forehead, chin, and one side of his neck. But it was his cold eyes that scared Guy right down to his marrow.
“Who ... who are you?” Guy stammered.
“Thanatos,” the man replied.
“What does that mean?” Guy asked.
“It means death.”
***
The MacGregors
“WELCOME!” EWAN ARROWSMITHsaid as he warmly greeted Kieran, Naomi and Dalziel. Arrowsmith also worked for Macbeth and he and his family often frequented the Keep.
“Where is everyone?” Dalziel asked.
“Everyone’s in the village. But I’ve sent a message that you’ve returned. The last we heard, they forced you to wed and lead the MacKenzies. What happened?”
Kieran replied, “Much. I wed this bonnie lass. We’re to stay here for a wee while before returning to Henderson Keep.”
“Then congratulations are in order. This will be good news for the womenfolk. They have been threatening to travel to Dunsinane castle and intervene,” Arrowsmith replied.
“Thank heavens they did not stick their noses into it. They would have only made matters worse,” Kieran said.
At that moment, Abbott Hendry, their local priest, and Jonet MacGregor, their chieftain’s mother, entered the hall. They greeted Kieran and Naomi. Then Jonet called for refreshments and a cottage to be prepared for the newlyweds.
Kieran was grateful because he really needed some quiet time alone with Naomi to get her settled in without his clanswomen pecking them to death with their curiosity.
The hall filled up as more and more people trickled in for the late afternoon meal. Remaining by Kieran’s side, Naomi couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the constant attention. Kieran took it all in his stride, but at one point he stiffened and stared at the side of the hall.
Naomi cast her gaze in the same direction and saw a young woman standing by a trestle table, holding the hand of a small boy. The woman beamed at Kieran and she and the lad waved at him. Kieran smiled, then resumed chatting to Abbott Hendry. Naomi wondered who she was but dismissed it because moments later, the hall doors burst open.
“I object to this wedding!” a woman carrying a baby on her hip cried out from the back of the hall.
“What wedding?” the crowd murmured.
“Amie, for goodness’ sake, woman, you cannot just barge in and shout at people,” said a rather fearsome looking man behind her.
“Be quiet, Beiste. I am trying to save that lovely lass from a fate worse than death,” she replied.
Kieran glowered at the sight of Amelia and Beiste MacGregor. Trust the batty woman to come flying in like a banshee to cause trouble.
“Who are they?” Naomi asked.
“My chieftain, his troublesome wife, and one of their many bairns.”
