Trouble with a Highland Bride by Amanda Forester Page A

the English. They had formed a line with the mounted knights in front, the foot soldiers in back, and archers to the sides. They were marching on the castle, making a terrible roar. The castle was under attack!

Ten
    “What is this?” David stormed the stone stairs of the tower and came toward Jack, his fist raised. “Was this a ruse to buy time so ye could attack the castle while I was distracted?”
    Gwyn jumped between her brother and her new husband, intent to protect them both, but Jack swept her behind him.
    “No!” defended Jack. “I told you my uncles wanted war. They must have given me up for dead and decided to attack the castle. I will speak to them and tell them we have made an accord. I’ll need my armor and my sword.”
    “Nay!” shouted David, stepping close and looming over Jack. “How do I know if I can trust ye?”
    “Because I love your sister. More proof than that I cannot give.” Jack did not back down.
    More Highland warriors ran up to the tower to see what was happening on the grounds below.
    “Is it time for battle?”
    “They are marching against us!”
    “Prepare for war!”
    “Armor up!” commanded David. “But we go to counsel for peace. I have made an accord.”
    “Ye think they want peace?” Thick, black eyebrows clamped down over the fierce eyes of Laird Douglas. With his large stature and bushy black beard, he was the most fearsome of all the Highland warriors. “We should prepare for battle and meet them on the field of honor. And who is this?” He pointed to Jack.
    Gwyn held her breath. Jack had been discovered. What would they do?
    David gazed at Laird Douglas with an admirable calm. “This is Sir John Lockton with whom I have made an accord.”
    The Highlanders turned as one from the approaching army to stare at Jack Lockton.
    “Then we hold him for ransom. We have their leader. We have won!” cried Laird Douglas.
    “Sir John is also my brother.” David’s words were spoken in a low growl. “He has married Gwyn to seal our contract. None shall harm him.”
    Gwyn’s older brothers Finn and Gil pushed their way onto the tower. It was getting rather crowded.
    “What’s this? Gwyn married?” cried Gil, a happy smile on his face.
    “Congratulations! And what a handsome Englishman ye’ve found for yerself. Always stirring up trouble. That’s our lass!” Finn gave her a hug. The effect of the twins’ arrival and their perpetual good humor cut the tension.
    “But the English are still marching against us,” reminded Laird Douglas.
    “Armor up. We try for peace,” said David in a grim voice. “If the English will not have it, then it is war.”
    Laird Douglas shrugged, mollified he at least had a chance at battle. David shouted commands and a plan was quickly formed to run a party out to meet the English under a flag of peace. They would leave the front gates locked and instead leave out the cistern gate.
    Gwen grabbed Jack and ran with him down to where she had hidden his sword and armor. She helped him as best she could back into his English armor. While Jack was wrapped in her plaid, she could pretend he was one of her people, but in his armor and surcoat, he was naught but an Englishman.
    “Go now. Stay safe,” said Jack, hauling his chain mail hauberk over his head. Gwyn paused, wanting to say something profound at such a momentous occasion, but was instead jostled by the stable lads bringing in the mounts, and Jack disappeared from her view.
    Clearly, she could not let Jack go with such a poor farewell. Besides, this affected her more than anyone. In a flash, Gwyn ran back to the solar to change into her man’s garb. Isabelle intercepted her and Gwyn expected protest, but instead Isabelle assisted her out of the blue gown and into her makeshift armor.
    “You be safe,” was all Isabelle said.
    Gwyn ran to the entrance of the cistern gate and grabbed the reins of a horse brought by the stable lads for the warriors. She almost got her hair tucked