Tamhas smiled broadly at her.
So maybe Aisling had some matchmaking ability.
Before they arrived at the castle, they waved at Coinneach and Aodhan. Both men waved back.
When they reached the castle gates, Aisling took Tamhas’s hand. “We’ll see Drustan now.” She figured since he was here, they might as well get this over with.
Then she saw Drustan and hauled Tamhas toward him, and Nelly running to keep up with them.
“Drustan, because of the assault on Tamhas’s family’s croft, he needs to learn more sword skills,” Aisling said, taking charge of the situation.
Tamhas glanced at Nelly, and she nodded her head vigorously.
“Aye,” Tamhas said. “Chief Alisdair taught Coinneach and me lots, but I need more experience.”
“Your brother canna fight for three days because of the sword wound he received, but I welcome you to the practice fight we will have soon.” Drustan glanced at the sword swinging from Tamhas’s belt. “I see you have a Viking sword also.”
“Aye. But it was Coinneach’s kill,” Tamhas said. “I’m willing to learn. My da approves.”
“If more of the farmers were so armed and trained, the better for all of us.” Drustan slapped him on the back. “You are welcome.” He glanced up at the wall walk and saw Coinneach watching them. “Go. Tell your brother what you are up to. I’m sure he’ll want to watch you fight.”
Tamhas said to Aisling, “You didna tell us Coinneach was injured in the battle with the Vikings.”
“He wasna. It was during sword practice. He didna want anyone to know.” Now Aisling felt bad that she hadn’t told the family the whole truth.
Tamhas glanced at Drustan. “It happens sometimes. Tristan apologized and was truly remorseful. Because we dinna know how well you can fight, we’ll pair you with fighters who are more your skill level, and you can work up to what the skilled fighters can do.”
“Aye.” Tamhas straightened his shoulders. “I’ll speak with Coinneach now.”
Aisling waved at Coinneach and blew him a kiss. He smiled.
“Can we watch them fight?” Nelly asked.
Nelly had never wanted to watch a fight before, so Aisling thought she might be a wee bit interested in Tamhas.
“If Cook says you’re free, then aye.”
Nelly grabbed Aisling’s hand and raced her to the keep.
11
When Coinneach had seen Aisling and the other woman leaving the castle grounds, he wanted to go with them. But when they returned with Tamhas, he didn’t know what to think.
Aisling and her friend raced for the keep, but Tamhas appeared to be headed for the tower stairs. He hoped Drustan hadn’t recruited him to be a soldier. Tamhas needed to run the farm. Or Coinneach would. One brother or the other.
Tamhas finally emerged from the tower and strode forth, his shoulders back, his expression serious until he drew closer as Coinneach walked to meet up with him.
“What are you doing here?” Coinneach hugged his brother, glad to see him.
“It is all Aisling’s doing. She talked to Drustan, and I’m required to practice fighting with the others. You didna tell us you were wounded in a practice fight. How bad is it?”
“Just a cut, but I reopened the wound while battling the Vikings. It’s getting better.”
Tamhas cleared his throat. “Aisling also said her mother approved of your marriage to her. We’re all thrilled.”
“As am I.”
“I think Aisling is playing matchmaker.”
