Mist Warrior Read Online Free PDF Page B

shocked she had given up so easily. Courcy wrapped his cloak around her.
    “ MacTavish, ” Courcy said his tone light. “ As a reward for helping my betrothed, I’d like to invite you and your men to Brackenburgh. ” He paused and leaned closer. “ I believe we have a few things to discuss. ”
    Branan nodded , although his gaze never left Courcy’s hand as he wrapped his arm around Catriona’s shoulders. “ Aye, Courcy. ”
    Courcy nodded and lifted Catriona into his arms. Branan’s throat tightened.
    “ Honestly , Richard, ” she said her voice harsh but weary. “ I’ll be just fine. ”
    “ Nonsense, ” Courcy replied. “ You’ve been through a terrible ordeal and it has given you a fright. I do not wish you to swoon. ”
    Catriona shot at glance at Branan, over Courcy’s shoulder, and rolled her eyes in the most meaningful fashion. Branan had to fight down an unexpected grin. Courcy, ye doona ken of the fyrdraca ye have drawn to yer breast .
    ****
    The large group arrived at Brackenburgh as the faint echo of distant church bells rang for Compline. Branan sighed and his belly gnawed at him, wanting supper.
    Courcy led them through the gates of a large keep built on a grand scale. Branan cringed , thinking of his home in Scotland. This keep made his look like a peasant’s hovel. His gaze automatically found Catriona as Courcy dismounted with her in his arms. No wonder John had chosen this man to marry her. With his wealth, her future would be secure.
    Courcy instructed one of his men to escort his guests inside while he saw to his betrothed. Branan heard Catriona protest again , as he carried her to the stairs , but couldn’t hear her words. He scowled. Her future would be secure but what of her heart? Catriona’s free spirit would find little comfort in Courcy’s overbearing nature. Many men did not approve of a woman having a spark of independence , but in the short time Branan stayed with the Reigny’s, Catriona’s fire entranced him.
    Branan joined Duguald and Gavin. The rest of the men walked to the barracks and servants took their horses. Courcy’s steward escorted Branan, Gavin , and Duguald into the great hall.
    Again the realization of Courcy’s wealth assailed Branan. A massive fire roared in a huge hearth in the cavernous hall. Expensive tapestries adorned the walls and a giant oak table filled the center. Branan paused simply to appreciate the craftsmanship of the wood. The chairs were equally as fine.
    Duguald noted his gaze and chuckled. “ ’Tis a goodly piece of work. ”
    “ Aye, ” Branan replied. “ It w ould take us years to complete one like this. ” He r an his fingers lightly along the grain.
    The steward escorted them to a small room where they could refresh themselves. Branan removed his armor and donned a clean inar, trews, and wrapped his plaid over his shoulder, tucking it into his belt. Soon, the small group had rid themselves of dirt and returned to the hall.
    “ Thank you for your patience, ” Courcy said as he descended the stairs. “ I have granted my betrothed use of my deceased mother’s solar. Tligs solhe maids will tend to her and see that she eats. ” He paused at the table as a servant handed him a cup of wine. “ Although she will never admit it, I know she is exhausted. ”
    Branan could only agree with Courcy’s observation.
    “ Come, sit , and refresh yourselves. Our meal will be served soon. ”
    Branan sat at the table. The servants brought them bread and cheese. He found the wine a b it too strong for his pallet, instead enjoying the finely made ale.
    The y spoke little except for trivial things during their meal. Gavin carried the conversation, asking about Courcy’s money-making ventures. Through the evening, Branan discovered Courcy a shrewd man when it came to profits and definitely not a slouch when it came to tactics.
    Brackenburgh, although a defensive castle, existed primarily for trade. Its locale, close to the fork of the