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rushed up to him, his black mantle billowing with the wind. “The swimming competition is anon—and MacCoul was disqualified for using a blade. You’re our victor. You cannot—”
    Sean gripped his uncle’s shoulder and placed his lips to his ear. “Da’s dead. Keep it to yourself until I have the keep in order. I must muster my men. Word like this gets out when our enemies ken I’ve been away, God knows what they’ll do.” Dread snaked up Sean’s neck. Aye, he needed to grieve his father’s death, but it was more important for him to take care of the clan. Once he had control, he’d issue an appropriate decree to be read by the criers.
    “I shall make your excuses.” Lorn pursed his lips. “Do what you must. I’ll keep your confidence. But do not wait too long, else a scandal could erupt with your reputation sullied. People will think you’ve something to hide.”
    “It shan’t be but a day, two at most.” Sean mounted his horse. “Besides, this news would serve to put a damper on your festivities. You wouldn’t want that.” He dug in his heels and cantered south to Dunollie. Thank God he was only four miles away. If he’d still been on the borders it would have taken him a week to travel home—and even longer for Angus to find him.

Chapter Five
     
     
    Gyllis sat in her saddle with her back hunched and stared at her gelding’s withers. She’d been furious when Sean didn’t bother to present himself at all during last night’s Beltane festival. She couldn’t decide what hurt worse, seeing him in the arms of another woman, or having been completely disregarded as if her invitation meant nothing. Her heart ached—felt like Sean had taken his dagger and cut it out.
    Duncan had been right. Sean MacDougall was not good enough for her or any of the Campbell sisters. He was a womanizer of the worst sort.
    Worse, Gyllis had not accomplished a one of her goals on their trip to Dunstaffnage and now she and her sisters were headed back to Kilchurn Castle to be tucked away until Lord knew when. Her entire body hurt. Her throat was sore—probably from crying herself to sleep—her eyelids were heavy and her head hurt so much, she could have sworn someone clamped it between a pair of smithy’s tongs.
    At least she’d be protected from the cruel world cloistered within Kilchurn Castle’s curtain walls. If she never saw Sean MacDougall again, it would be too soon. She stuck out her tongue and spat. And to consider I kissed his filthy mouth. I wish I could curl up in my chamber and never come out .
    Her sisters were riding just behind Mother with Gyllis taking up the rear. Of course, they were accompanied by a heavily-armed guard of sixteen men in four-point diamond formation. When they traveled, Duncan always ensured they had a well-armed retinue to protect them against outlaws.
    Gyllis looked over her shoulder and realized her brother wasn’t with them. “Where is Duncan?”
    Mother turned in her saddle. “He received a dire missive from the king. He left for court at first light. Enforcers business.”
    What is it about the Highland Enforcers? They are always here and gone. Sean’s most likely traveled with him—not that I care about his whereabouts in the slightest .
    “Lady Meg will not like it when she discovers he’s off to court again,” Helen said.
    Alice tapped her mare’s rump with her riding crop. “Heaven’s stars, Duncan’s wife awaits him with two wee bairns and he’s off on yet another inordinately important errand.”
    “It is not our place to question your brother. He’s the Lord of Glenorchy,” Mother said. Gyllis could swear Ma would defend Duncan with her last breath.
    Helen smoothed a hand over her veil. “Aye, but not everyone is made of iron, Ma. I have no idea how you lasted for seven years while Da was fighting in the Crusades.”
    “That which you cannot change must be endured. I coped quite nicely—and the Glenorchy coffers grew healthier as a result. If you