Читать книгу Taming the Highlander - Terri Brisbin, Terri Brisbin - Страница 12

Chapter Six

’Twas long after midnight when he led the men back into the keep. The guards on the battlements, at his orders, had been prepared to wait for his return and to open the gates for him. This was much later than he’d planned to return, but the light of the fullest moon of the month lit their way and gave him the additional time he needed to continue searching for the vermin who had attacked some of his clan in the small village six hours away. The intruders paid for their arrogant beliefs that they could take what they wanted from the MacLeries and not face retribution. The retribution dealt to them was so severe that others of their ilk would think twice before attempting the same.

Releasing his horse to one of the stableboys, he dismissed the men and walked to the keep where he knew Duncan would await him. A few torches burned in sconces set high up on the walls of the great hall, but the rest of the huge chamber was darkened and the sounds of sleep emanated from the men who slept on pallets there. A few sounds not related to sleep also echoed through the hall as he walked quickly to the steps and high table.

Tempted to determine who was involved in those, he shook his head and continued forward. The only women who slept on, or rather, visited the hall’s floor were the village whores when invited by one of his men. He did not need to watch that particular transaction of business—the occasional sounds were proof enough of it.

He found his seat and found Duncan sitting nearby and a servant appeared just as he sat down at the high table with a bowl of hot porridge, some bread and a jug of wine. After suffering the effects of last night’s overconsumption of wine, he waved it off and asked for some ale.