Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) by Keira Montclair Page A

they reached Aline’s destination. The two guards were given strict instructions to stay back and follow the lay of the land.”
    A slight smirk crossed Jake’s face. He had to admit he’d been outsmarted by his elders. “So when Ashlyn returns, she and the guards will be able to tell us how to find that cruel bastard.” He glanced at his sire, sighing, but pleased at the same time. Then he asked, “Da, can we not just end this? I know Aline worries that if we attack, she and her friends would be in danger, but surely you must know a way to prevent that from happening. Once we know where he lives, why not take two hundred warriors and beat the man in front of her? Show the bastard and everyone else what happens to men who abuse women. It would be easy to attack that castle. We must be three times the size of them.”
    Uncle Robbie chuckled and peered at his brother. “Time to teach the next in line, aye?”
    “Aye,” Alex said, nodding. “For several reasons, Jake. First, we know naught about him. Always know your enemies. The only way to avoid the unexpected is to get your information before going in. Second, we have no idea how many guards they have, so how many would we find ourselves facing? Aline spoke of another chief. Did he bring more men? What kind of fighters are they? Are they archers? And third, and I consider this most important, we cannot attack unless provoked. ‘Tis our king’s instructions. We cannot just go flying in there on the attack without a reason. The king would flay a laird who was fool enough to do that. He cannot keep order in the land if his largest armies go on attack whenever they please. ‘Tis the kind of behavior that starts wars. We must wait.”
    Jake’s sire stood and clasped his shoulder before he could walk away, “Believe me, this is not the last we’ve heard of this man, and I believe in being ready. We will learn all we can about him, but first we have to wait to find out his exact location. Without that information, we are helpless. Trust someone who knows from experience. That temper can make you a fearsome enemy, but it will get in the way of sound reasoning. Learn to rein it in when necessary. We expect them back before sundown, probably before. We are guessing they’ll part ways from Aline by midday.”
    “Then I guess I am best served working on my skills for a bit longer,” Jake said. “I think I’ll be doing some traveling soon.”
    Uncle Robbie snorted. “But have you learned from your mistakes, or will you travel like a fool, alone and unprepared, driven by your temper and your youth?”
    “I shall wait for information, Uncle. You have my word.”
    Jake did not share his next thought. He wouldn’t wait for long, nor would he promise what he would do when he had that information.
    ***
    When Aline finally recognized the area around them—the familiar stream with the mountains in the background—she slowed her horse and turned to Ashlyn. “This is almost the edge of Hew’s land. ‘Twill not be much farther, so I shall leave you and walk the rest of the way.”
    Ashlyn nodded. “Do you trust that I will help you at any time?”
    “Aye, I have enjoyed your friendship, Ashlyn.”
    “Remember, I wish to help you free yourself. Just send a message and I will return. I’m sure you know Jake would come with me, and my sire and uncle would send as many guards as necessary.”
    “My thanks. I will keep that in mind. First, I shall return and hope that I will be welcomed back.” She stared out over the landscape, drawing the strength to do what she must. How she wished she was still in Jake Grant’s arms, but such simple happiness could not be hers.
    “If even the slightest thing goes wrong, return to Clan Grant. Is there aught else you can tell me about your keep before you go? Every bit will be helpful if we must come to your assistance.”
    “It’s called Castle Dubh, and there are two keeps. One is Hew’s, ‘tis the oldest one. The other is