Chapter One

It would take time to visit the place where he stood now and not think of the carnage that had taken place just a few months earlier.

The sounds of voices carried from inside the house out to the courtyard where Gavin Ross stood looking up at the building.

It was not his first time visiting his brother, and yet, each time he couldn't help but remember the day they overtook what had been the Mackinnon keep resulting in the late laird, their mortal enemy, slashing his own throat at realizing defeat.

In stark contrast to that day, what had been crumbling walls surrounding the keep were now sturdy and tall, and the once unkempt courtyard now housed repaired stables, pens replete with livestock, and vegetable gardens. A new guardhouse had also been built as well.

Although it was only a season since his brother, Munro, had come to live there as the new laird, many changes had occurred.

Not only to the keep but also the village and surrounding farmlands. Munro worked tirelessly to build a relationship with the local people. It was an uphill struggle for many reasons. The late laird had been a cruel and unfair man, who'd taken advantage of the people. Secondly, they were mostly Clan Mackinnon, which meant they'd lost brothers, husbands and sons in battles against Clan Ross.

Since Munro had brought with him only a few men from Ross lands, local men, who'd plead loyalty to Munro had been hired to work as guardsmen, gardeners and stable hands. By what Gavin could tell by the surroundings, there seemed to be a good rapport between those that worked there and the Ross' who'd moved to live at the small keep.

There was a long way to go, but Gavin's brother had come a long way in building a good rapport with the community. True loyalty and trust would only come with time, there were no shortcuts when it came to building a community.

Gavin urged his horse further into the courtyard and dismounted, his boots landing solidly on the hard ground.

A young lad rushed over, his cheeks reddened by either the effort or the fact he was late in greeting a family member of his employer. "Apologies, sir. I didnae see ye arrive."

The eager expression on the boy reminded Gavin of when he'd been given his first task at his family home. Each of his brothers had begun learning the ways of keep responsibilities by working at the stables.

His father had insisted they not be treated any differently than any other workers. At the time, he'd balked considering it utterly unfair. Now he realized the wisdom of his father's ways in that he understood the responsibilities and tasks of every person that worked in a keep.

Gavin handed the young lad the horse's reins. "I only just got here. Ensure to give my steed water and oats," he instructed as the boy led his immense warhorse away. His horse, that he'd named Gregor, was an intelligent animal. Seeming to understand that he'd be fed and watered, the usually boisterous horse lowered his head in an attempt at docility and allowed the boy to lead him away.

Gavin's boots crunched solidly on the stone pathway that led to the wide arched front doorway. The front door was closed, perhaps no one had alerted his brother that someone had arrived. Either an oversight or his brother was otherwise occupied.

Gavin pushed the door open without knocking and walked into the dim cool interior.

Munro's two wolfhounds, which had been their father's, lay just outside the entrance to the great room. The dogs roused from slumber, lifting their heads to see who'd disturbed their sleep and sniffed the air. With soft barks of recognition the dogs jumped to their feet and bounded toward him, tongues lolling out of the sides of their mouths. The large beasts jumped to their hind legs, pressing paws on his chest and sides, their bodies wiggling in a dance of joy.

Unable to contain a smile, Gavin rubbed his hands down the sides of the dogs' bodies and scratched the rough fur. Since the dogs had gone to live with his brother, Gavin missed their company. Many a night one or both would find their way to his bedchamber and sleep at his feet.

"Aye, I miss ye both as well," he said as the hounds competed to claim a lick to his face.

"Brother," Munro walked toward him and the boisterous dogs. "I dinnae expect ye."

Munro was just a bit shorter than his six-foot height, with thick arms, broad chest and thick dark brown hair. A warrior through and through, Munro naturally moved with purpose, somehow managing to exude a mixture of strength and grace simultaneously.

His brother's green gaze traveled over Gavin from head to toe, inventorying him for any injuries or bruising. He understood that being second to the youngest meant his older brothers worried about his wellbeing, but at times the coddling was annoying, especially when other warriors were about. Gavin's or his younger brother Cynden's discomfort never deterred his older brothers Munro and the laird, Alexander, from doing it.

"What brings ye?" Munro made his way forward and they hugged in greeting. The feel of his brother's arms around him was familiar and comforting in a familiar sort of way.

"Must a brother have a reason to visit?" Gavin teased. "Perhaps I missed yer pretty face."

His brother's expression was serious. "I supposed all beauty is gone from the keep since my departure. All who are left are trolls."

Gavin punched him in the shoulder. "I may be a troll, but I can still beat ye in most things."

Munro was five years older than him; however, at five and thirty, his brother remained quite youthful and strongly built. Truth be told, Gavin would be hard-pressed to beat him in hand-to-hand combat.

"Perhaps in archery," Munro stated. "How are things? Did Alexander and Mother leave for Uist?" Their eldest brother and mother had traveled to visit their cousins on the Isle of Uist, which was a short distance on bìrlinn from Skye.

"Aye they did, Mother plans to return in a fortnight. Alexander will remain away longer. He wishes to learn as much as he can from Darach," he said referring to their cousin, Darach Ross, the laird of Clan Ross of Uist.

While continuing to talk of nonconsequential things, they made their way inside to the great room.

At seeing them, Munro's wife, Lila, rose from a chair next to the hearth and walked toward them. Her long skirts swayed around her legs as she moved across the room.

"How kind of ye to visit. Munro misses ye all," Lila greeted Gavin by lifting her face for him to kiss both cheeks. Since marrying his brother, the shy lass had blossomed. Although still reserved, she exuded a serene strength that wasn't evident before.

"How fare ye?" Gavin asked his brother's wife.

A soft smile on her lips, Lila slid a look to Munro then back to him, her cheeks pinkening. "I am very happy here."

It was easy to tell that both Lila and his brother were still in the throes of discovering their love for each other. The lingering looks of new lovers they exchanged were hard to ignore. He was glad for Munro, that he'd made a love match.

"I will see about something for ye to drink and eat," Lila said excusing herself.

"We will be in the study," Munro called out to Lila.

"Come, tell me all that happens," Munro said gesturing for Gavin to follow him to a room to the right of the entrance.

The room was brighter than the great room thanks to a large window that opened to the south, which meant it had sunlight all day long. It was simply furnished. Since moving in, Munro hadn't wished to keep anything that belonged to the late laird and had given away most of the furnishings and had new ones built. Aside from a table and chairs, there was a sideboard alone one walls.

While Munro held hearings from the local people in the great room, private meetings with guards and village councils were done in the study.

A housemaid entered with a large tray that held a plate of food, a pitcher and two tankards.

Despite him being family and not requiring the formality, Gavin appreciated Lila's efforts, especially at noting thinly sliced ham, his favorite, on the plate.

Munro poured ale from the pitcher into the tankards handing one to Gavin. His brother sat back in his chair and let out a long breath. "Today has been quiet. Other than a pair of farmers coming to ask about land boundaries, no one has sought a hearing."

"Do not allow yerself to trust over much," Gavin replied past the ham in his mouth. "It is too soon to expect complete peace."

Munro nodded. "I am fully aware. I ensure there is always a Ross within each group on patrols. It seems so far, they are building a camaraderie. Yet I often remind the men who came with me from Keep Ross they are not to let their guard down and to keep their eyes open."

Satisfied that his brother was being as careful as he could be, Gavin felt more at ease.

"Have ye discovered any more about the woman who washed up on shore?" Munro abruptly changed the subject to something Gavin wasn't sure he was prepared to talk about.

Gavin shook his head, immediately picturing the dark-haired woman, with almond-shaped brown eyes and a heart-shaped face. The striking beauty was shrouded in mystery, making it hard to keep curiosity at bay.

By her demeanor, always looking over her shoulder and avoiding the courtyard for extended periods, to him it was obvious they could be harboring someone in fear for their life, which meant she had enemies.

Her presence brought the possibility of danger to the clan.

Along with her brother, Freya Craig had washed up on shore after a particularly strong storm. It had been miraculous that they'd skirted the worst of the storm and had survived. Unfortunately, shortly after their small seacraft was pulled ashore and being rescued by Clan Ross guards, her brother had perished from exposure and refusing to eat or drink while at sea so that his sister could survive.

Now the woman lived at Keep Ross as a launderess, keeping her past a secret from everyone.

Gavin shook his head and blew air from his nose. "It is maddening. We have tried everything to get information about where she comes from and what caused her and her brother to flee. But she remains steadfastly silent on the subject refusing to speak of the past. For the time being, we keep her in the cottage in the courtyard. Although she works in the laundry, it is not easy for her to go from there to the main areas without being seen."

Munro's brow crinkled. "Perhaps ye and Knox can sit with her and explain it will be impossible to continue to harbor her without knowing why she escaped from wherever she came from," he said referring to their wily cousin.

"Aye, I am fully aware it must be done," Gavin said. Once again he pictured the frail beauty. Although admittedly, she was slight and seemed the type to be easily broken, he was not fooled. The woman had survived a harrowing ordeal, worked hard and steadfastly kept secrets. She was much stronger than she seemed.

"How should I begin the conversation?" Gavin was genuinely perplexed. He'd tried many different ways to ask, and each time Freya had instantly closed off, refusing to speak or even make eye contact.

Munro shrugged. "That may be a question best asked to a woman." He stood and moments later returned with Lila.

"I believe you can help Gavin out of a quandary," Munro told her motioning for her to sit.

Lowering to the chair Munro had vacated she sat perched on the edge, hands folded on her lap. "How can I help?" She gave him an inquisitive look, her face relaxed.

"I must question Freya, the woman who washed up on shore, and insist she reveal why she and her brother fled their home. Thus far she refuses to speak of it," Gavin explained. "I am nae sure how to approach her yet again and get answers."

"Ye cannae treat her as if she is a prisoner, but with kindness. Assure Freya that it is her safety ye wish to ensure."

Gavin scratched his jaw in consideration. "Nae, it is the clan's safety I wish to safeguard."

Letting out a long sigh, Lila shook her head. "What I mean is that ye should convince her that ye wish to be sure she is safe. I am sure she is already aware ye wish to keep the clan safe."

"I see," Gavin replied not quite sure he did.

"Dinnae cross yer arms when ye do." Lila's gaze went to his chest, and Gavin uncrossed his arms. "Ye must be approachable."

He exchanged looks with Munro who seemed as puzzled as him.

Gavin met Lila's gaze. "I think she is hiding from someone, either because she is avoiding an arranged marriage, or perhaps in fear of her life. Either way, we cannae continue to give harbor when she refuses to tell us why she fled her home."

"If it were me," Lila said. "If I were hiding in fear and continued to be questioned, I would in all probability flee. It could be she feels safer if the truth is hidden." She bit her bottom lip in thought. "Take her for a walk. Treat her as a friend. It could work."

"I do nae have time to coddle her. Be carefree when there is a possibility of danger…" Gavin began.

"How much danger can a scorned groom be? Or an angry father? That siblings left together points to a family matter." Lila's expression became sad in all probability remembering her own past of mistreatment.

They finished eating and Munro asked him to join in the guard's practice, which he did. Afterwards, the off-duty guards joined the family for last meal in the great room.

Although he missed Munro, now when they spent time together it felt more meaningful. They spend more time in conversation, and he didn't have to share the time with the other brothers or cousin. It was their private time, which Gavin treasured.

Gavin pushed back from the table and along with Munro walked out to the courtyard where the same young lad was dispatched and returned with his horse.

Once again, the brothers embraced.

"Be with care," Munro said, "Ye should nae be traveling alone. Despite us now owning the lands here, there are still those unhappy being under Clan Ross's control."

"So they would rather be ruled by a tyrant?" Gavin asked flabbergasted.

"I think it has more to do with the years of fighting against us and the death of loved ones by our swords," Munro clarified. His brother looked past the gates, his brow furrowed.

Gavin followed his line of sight waiting for his brother to continue. "I understand. For me, at times it is hard to come face to face with those I fought against, not knowing which one killed Brice."

At mentioning their dead childhood friend, Gavin's chest constricted. "Ye are a much stronger man than me. I am nae sure I could live alongside them."

"I am much stronger than ye. Ye are but a young lad still." Munro's eyes twinkled with mirth.

Once again they embraced, and Gavin mounted.

"Be with care," Munro said.

The ride back to Keep Ross was uneventful until a wagon being driven by a bearded man came into view. The merchant brought the tarped wagon to a halt loudly greeting Gavin.

"Friend are ye headed to Tokavaig?" the man called out.

"Nae," Gavin replied. Tokavaig was a large village a short ride from Keep Ross, where he lived.

Undeterred, the man smiled widely waving for Gavin to stop. "I have many lovely wee things yer lady love would be delighted to receive. She will repay ye with great glee," the man exclaimed with a meaningful wink. "Allow me to show ye kind sir."

The sun was setting, but he was close enough to home that he'd arrive before nightfall.

Gavin neared the wagon and taking it as an agreement, the man clambered down from his seat and hurried to the back of his caravan and moments later emerged with a tray of trinkets.

Except for once, when he'd been about ten and five and infatuated with a village lass, he'd only purchased items for his mother from peddlers.

At the man lifting the tray, Gavin studied the items unsure what exactly most of them were.

"What is this?" he asked holding up a shiny bauble.

"Ah, good choice," the peddler said with a broad grin. "It can be added to a ribbon and worn as a necklace.

"A comb?" Gavin pointed at another strange pronged item.

"To comb the lush hair of yer lady love or it can be used to decorate. See the intricate detail?" the peddler explained.

They continued back and forth until finally Gavin decided to purchase the heart-shaped pendant, a wooden box, two ribbons, and a small jeweled dagger.

"Yer lady love will shower ye with kisses," the peddler happily pronounced. With surprising agility for his rather portly size the bearded man-made quick work of climbing back onto his seat and pulling the reins back to alert his horse they were to get on their way.

"Safe travels and good tidings," the peddler said with a grin as he lead the wagon to the opposite fork in the road than the way Gavin was to go.

Gavin placed the bundle of purchases in a sack that hung from his saddle and continued to the keep. He wasn't sure who he would give the items he'd purchased to. That the lass Freya came to mind as he chose items was a bit disconcerting.

It was possible that a gift would entice her to speak. Gavin huffed. The lass was much too intelligent to be convinced with gifts. At the same time, she had nothing of her own and the items he'd purchased would be her only belongings.

He was certainly giving too much thought to the mysterious woman. It could come to be that she was married and had a husband and bairns waiting for her return. Something in his gut told him she did not belong to another, at least not willingly.

Keep Ross stood atop a hill that jutted out toward the sea. There was a drawbridge that once crossed led to the courtyard. The only other way to enter past the tall gates would be to climb up the sides of the rocky hill and breach the guarded walls.

Sheep grazed in the surrounding rugged terrain, their feet seeming sure on the craggy rocks.

Across from the keep was a tall hill upon which guard quarters had been built. It was a very fortified site upon which his ancestors had built. The only way to attack Keep Ross would be by sea and then scaling steep hillsides.

Gavin studied the sea beyond the keep, the water was calm, the waves gently lapping the shoreline.

He guided his steed across the drawbridge where guards greeted him as they turned large levers that opened the gates. Once in the courtyard, he dismounted and stretched out his stiff back. He wished for nothing more than to fall into his bed and rest.

Several warriors milled about, most had finished training for the day and were checking on their steeds before ending the day. As a warrior, the most important thing when going to battle was their weapons and their mounts. As a result, the horses were very well cared for.

Gavin led his horse to a corralled area. The stable hands were busy, so he went about removing the saddle, brushing down the horse and ensuring it had water. The animal bobbed his large head and looked around before turning away to trot to the other horses.

The small sack he'd placed the items from the peddler hung from the saddle. Gavin retrieved it and headed toward the main house. It had been a long day of travel, and although he was tired, he was in good spirits.

For a moment he considered going to Freya's cottage, but decided it was best to wait and think through how he would approach speaking to the woman as Lila had instructed. If she was truly in fear for her life, he didn't want to scare her enough to run away and end up in more danger.

Besides Gavin, the family members who lived at the keep, were his brother and laird, Alexander, his mother, his youngest brother Cynden, Cynden's wife Ainslie and his cousin Knox.

Currently Alexander and his mother were gone to visit family on the Isle of Uist.

They'd probably all retired to their rooms because no one was in the great room when he walked though, the room was all shadows and dimness without any lanterns or candles to emanate light.

To his surprise when he walked into his bedchamber, the woman who'd inhabited his thoughts stood at the foot of the bed. Freya was placing folded clothes into a trunk. She hummed quietly giving him an opportunity to study her.

Seeming to sense someone watching, she jerked up and whirled to face him, mouth forming an "O", eyes flying wide.

Her cheeks pinkened as their eyes met. "I am placing clean clothes here… sir." She stood stock still and brushed her hands down the front of the apron she wore. "If ye will excuse me." Freya took a tentative step forward but stopped at him not moving aside to let her pass.

"It is late, why are ye still working?" Gavin asked.

She pressed her lips into a tight line in thought. "I wished to finish my tasks and help Flora with hers as she fell behind. I am finished and going to the cottage now."

"I wish to speak to ye," Gavin said then looked around the room. "I suppose it would be best to do so elsewhere."

Lifting the lantern she'd probably used to find her way there, he motioned to the door, and they exited together.

Once in the corridor, he walked toward his mother's sewing room. The only woman of the family currently about was Ainslie, his brother Cynden's wife. Hopefully she wouldn't be in there at the moment.

"In here." He opened the door and waited for her to enter.