Ransom

'Why would they think they have to protect her from her own sister?'

'Her English sister,' Ramsey said. 'Stop worrying, Brodick. If Christen is here, we'll find her. Ah, there's Gideon with Dylan. Let me take care of any pressing business, and then we, too, will put our heads together and decide our plans.'

An hour passed quickly as Ramsey first listened to the concerns of his clan, then heard Gideon's report on the problems that had arisen while he was away from the holding. He wasn't surprised to hear that the majority of those problems involved the MacPherson soldiers. Ramsey held his patience while Gideon recounted incident after incident on the training fields.

By the time the Sinclair commander was finished listing the grievances, his face was bright red. 'You've ordered me to be tolerant,' Gideon reminded his laird. 'But I tell you this: It's dangerous to allow such insubordination. The leader of this group of misfits grows more powerful with each passing day. When I give an order, the majority of MacPhersons look to him first, and if he gives his nod of approval, then they follow my command. It's unacceptable,' he added in a voice shaking with anger.

Ramsey stood calmly in front of the hearth and watched his commander pace about the hall. Brodick leaned against the table as he, too, listened to the tirade against the MacPhersons. Dylan stood beside him.

When Ramsey had heard enough, he raised his hand for silence. 'And what would you have me do, Gideon?' he asked softly.

The commander whirled to face his laird. 'Throw the bastard out.'

'Does the bastard have a name?' Dylan asked.

'Proster,' Gideon replied.

'And you want me to banish him?' Ramsey demanded.

'I would rather you let me kill him, Laird, but I would be content if he were cast out.'

'What about his followers? What would you have me do to them?'

'The truth?'

'Of course.'

Gideon sighed. 'I would have you throw them all out. You know I was against this union of clans, Laird, and I do recall telling you that it wouldn't work.'

'And you believe your prophecy has been fulfilled?'

'I do.'

'You knew there were going to be problems, Gideon. It is your duty to find a way to solve them, but not by casting the misfits out,' he added curtly. 'Find Proster and send him to me,' he commanded then. 'I'll deal with him and his cohorts.'

Gideon seemed relieved to be rid of the problem and eagerly nodded. 'I welcome your interference, Laird, for I swear the troublemakers have pushed me to the wall. I do not have your patience.'

No one had Ramsey's patience, Brodick thought to himself. Gideon obviously didn't know his laird well, for if he did, he would have known that under that thin layer of civility and diplomacy beat the heart of a savage warrior whose temper put Brodick's to shame. Unlike Brodick, Ramsey was slow to ignite, but once he had reached his limit or had been prodded too far, his reaction was explosive and most impressive. He could be far more brutal than Brodick, and perhaps that was one of the reasons they had become such good friends. They trusted each other. Aye, Brodick trusted and admired Ramsey as much as he trusted and admired the man who had trained them to be leaders, Iain Maitland.

Now there was a ruthless leader, Brodick thought. Iain rarely showed mercy, and was known for his impatience, which was why in the past he had relied on Ramsey to speak on his behalf at council meetings. Whereas Iain would have killed anyone who disagreed with him, Ramsey used persuasion to get what he wanted, and only if and when that didn't work, did he, like Iain and Brodick, resort to brute force.

Once Gideon had aired his complaints, his disposition improved dramatically. 'There's one more matter to attend to before you rest,' he announced with a grin.

Ramsey raised an eyebrow. 'The matter amuses you?'

'Aye, it does,' Gideon replied.

Ramsey sighed. 'Let me guess,' he said. 'Does the matter involve our Bridgid KirkConnell?'

Gideon laughed. 'You're most perceptive, Laird, for it does indeed involve our Bridgid. There has been yet another request for her hand in marriage.'

A resigned look on his face, Ramsey asked, 'Who is it this time?'

'The soldier's name is Matthias,' Gideon said. 'He's a MacPherson and I would warn you that if Bridgid agrees to marry him after turning down so many of our worthy and proud Sinclair soldiers, there will be hell to pay.'

Now Ramsey laughed. 'If Bridgid is anything, she's predictable. We both know she isn't going to agree to have this Matthias, so you needn't worry about the repercussions. Send her in, and I'll put the question to her. I'd like Brodick to meet her.'

'Why? 'Brodick asked.

'She's… intriguing,' Ramsey explained.

'Begging your indulgence, but her mother requests an audience first, Laird. She wishes to speak to you before Bridgid is summoned.'

'Is she waiting now?'

'No,' Gideon answered. 'I'll send someone to fetch her.'

'When we're finished,' Ramsey said. 'I want you to give the order for all the men to gather in the courtyard at sunset. Every single man must attend,' he added.

'Accept no excuses,' Brodick interjected.

Gideon immediately nodded. 'As you wish,' he said. He studied Ramsey for several seconds and then asked, 'Are you planning to make an announcement then? Do I congratulate you?'

'No,' Ramsey replied.

Curious about Gideon's remark, Brodick asked, 'Congratulate you on what?'

'I've been asked by the elders to consider marriage to Meggan MacPherson. I still haven't decided what I'm going to do. 'Tis the truth I haven't had time to think about it. I'll admit it would make my life easier if the two clans were joined by marriage.'

'You'll break a lot of hearts,' Dylan couldn't help remarking. 'There were quite a few pretty young ladies following after you, but I noticed none had the courage to come forward and speak to you.'

'They usually hound him,' Gideon said. 'Today, however, they were most timid. I believe I know the reason why they stayed away.'

'And what would that reason be?' Brodick asked.

Gideon decided to be blunt. 'You, Laird. You were standing with Ramsey, and that's why the women didn't come forward. Though they're clearly besotted with their laird, they're more frightened by you.'

Dylan grinned. ' 'Tis good to know that you can still make the ladies fainthearted, Brodick.'

'We don't have time for foolish banter,' Ramsey muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the talk about the young ladies' behavior. Brodick knew it embarrassed Ramsey to be chased after because of the way he looked, and as his friend, Brodick used that knowledge to his advantage. Whenever he could increase Ramsey's discomfort, he did exactly that.

'It must be sheer hell for you to be cursed with such a pretty boy's face,' he drawled. 'The agony of finding a different woman in your bed every night must wear you thin. I don't know where you get your stamina with this terrible burden you bear.'

The muscle in Ramsey's jaw flexed, which pleased Brodick considerably.

'We know you've had as many women in your bed as I have,' Ramsey snapped. 'But I meant what I said. There are more important matters to discuss.'

Weary now, he walked to the table, deliberately shoving Brodick out of his way when he tried to block him and gaining a good laugh from his friend. Motioning to Dylan and Gideon to take their seats, Ramsey sat down at the head of the table, grabbed a pitcher of cold water, poured another drink, and asked the young squire waiting by the doorway to fetch them some warm bread and cheese to ease their hunger until supper was ready.

As soon as the boy left the hall, Ramsey suggested that Brodick fill Gideon in on all that had transpired. 'Our commanders are going to have to coordinate their efforts for the attack,' he said. 'Iain wants Winslow and Dylan