Chapter 10 C10

The women removed their hands and instead gestured toward her to precede them into the keep. She looked nervously around, and it was clear she had no desire to go in. She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth until Edward was sure she'd draw blood if she didn't cease.

Edward sighed. "I'm not ordering your death, lass. You asked for a bath and food. Are you questioning my hospitality now?"

She frowned, and her eyes narrowed as she gazed sharply at him. "I asked for a horse and food. I've no need of your hospitality. I'd prefer to be on my way as soon as possible."

"I've no horses to spare, and furthermore, you aren't going anywhere until I've sorted this entire matter out. If you have no wish for a bath, I'm sure the women would be happy to show you into the kitchens so you can eat."

He finished with a shrug that signaled he didn't care whether she bathed or not. That had been Alan's idea, but didn't all women jump at the chance to wallow in a tub of hot water?

She pursed her lips as if to argue but evidently decided restraint was a better idea. "I'd like a bath."

He nodded. "Then I suggest you follow the women upstairs before I change my mind."

She turned, muttering something under her breath that he didn't catch. His eyes narrowed. The contrary lass was sorely trying his patience.

He looked around for his son only to see him running behind the women toward the keep.

"Crispen," he called.

Crispen turned around, anxiety over being kept from the woman etched on his small brow.

"Come here, son."

After another moment's hesitation, he launched himself toward Edward, and Edward caught him up in his arms once more.

His heart raced frantically as the sheer relief of holding his son again overwhelmed him. "You frightened ten years off me, lad. Don't ever scare your father like this again."

Crispen clung to Edward's shoulders and burrowed his face into Edward's neck.

"I won't, Papa. I promise."

Edward hung on to him far longer than necessary, until Crispen wiggled to be set free. He hadn't thought to see his son again, and if Alan was to be believed, he had the woman to thank for it.

He looked over Crispen's head to Alan, demanding answers from his silent brother. Alan shrugged.

"If you're wanting answers from me, you're looking to the wrong person." He gestured impatiently at Crispen. "He and the lass refused to tell me anything. The cheeky little brat demanded I return them both to you so that you could protect her."

Edward frowned and looked Crispen in the eyes. "Is this true, son?"

Crispen looked decidedly guilty, but determination sparked in his green eyes. His lips twisted mutinously, and he tensed as if he expected Edward to launch into a tirade.

"I gave my word," Crispen said stubbornly. "You said a Woods never breaks his word."

Edward shook his head wearily. "I'm beginning to regret telling you of things a Woods doesn't do. Come, let's sit in the hall so you can tell me of these adventures of yours."

He leveled a glance at Alan, silently commanding his presence as well. Then he turned to Gannon. "Take your men and ride north to find Caleb. Tell him Alan has returned Crispen home. Return as quickly as you can."

Gannon bowed and hurried away, shouting orders as he went.

Edward set Crispen down but kept a firm grip on his shoulder as he herded him into the keep. They walked into the hall amid a chorus of cries and exclamations. Crispen was soundly hugged by every passing woman and slapped on the back by the men of the clan. Finally Edward waved them away so they were left alone in the hall.

Edward sat at the table and patted the space next to him. Crispen hopped onto the bench while Alan sat across the table from them.

"Now tell me what happened," Edward commanded.

Crispen looked down at his hands, his shoulders drooping.

"Crispen," Edward began gently. "What else did I tell you Woods always do?"

"Tell the truth," Crispen said grudgingly.

Edward smiled. "Indeed. Now begin your tale."

Crispen sighed dramatically before saying, "I snuck out to meet Uncle Alan. I thought I'd wait at the border and surprise him when he came home."

Alan glared across the table at Crispen, but Edward held up his hand.

"Let him continue."

"I must have gone too far. One of the McDonald soldiers took me and said he was going to take me back to his laird to ransom me."

He turned pleading eyes on Edward. "I couldn't let him do that, Papa. It would shame you, and our clan can't afford a ransom. So I escaped and hid in the cart of a traveling merchant."

Edward tensed in rage at the McDonald soldier, and his heart clenched at the pride in his son's voice.

"You could never shame me, Crispen," Edward said quietly. "Now go on with your story. What happened next?"

"The merchant discovered me after a day and he chased me out. I didn't know where I was. I tried to steal a horse from men who were camping but they caught me. M-I mean she saved me."

"Who saved you?" Edward demanded.

"She saved me."

Edward swallowed his impatience. "Who is she?"

Crispen fidgeted uncomfortably. "I can't tell you. I promised."

Edward and Alan exchanged frustrated glances, and Alan raised one eyebrow as if to say I told you so.

"All right, Crispen, what exactly did you promise?"

"That I wouldn't tell you who she was," Crispen blurted. "I'm sorry, Papa."

"I see. What else did you promise?"

Crispen looked puzzled for a moment, and across the table, Alan smiled as he caught on to the direction Edward was headed.

"I just promised I wouldn't tell you her name."

Edward stifled his grin. "All right, so continue with your story. The lady saved you. How did she do this? Was she camping with the men you tried to steal the horse from? Were they escorting her to a destination?"