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Strickland punished them by burning their stores and their homes. I tried to help those Strickl and persecuted but he grew suspicious of me, thinking I was holding back. ”
    “ He not only bites the hand that feeds him , but he lops it off, ” Branan muttered.
    “ Strickland’s bastard deliver ed a message from his father. He threatened my standing and my profits if I did not give them more. ” Courcy’s lip curled. “ When I asked why Strickland did not come himself, the whelp replied that he was collecting his due from another village. The idiot was too busy pillaging to come threaten me. He had to send his by-blow to do it. ”
    Gavin shook his head. “ One would think if a man has the ballocks to threaten one with financial backing like yours, he’d leastways do it in person. ”
    “ Aye, ” Courcy replied, his disgust poorly veiled. “ There is a point where a man must take a stand otherwise Strickland would have bled me dry. I flatly refused the cur and told him he could get only what we had been giving, not a farthing more. ”
    “ So that’s when Strickland burned some of your holdings? ” Gavin asked.
    “ Aye. But he did not realize what he was jumping into. I have the finances to easily hire some of the best mercenaries available–and I have the finances to keep them most loyal. ”
    Branan nodded in appreciation.
    “ For every village and storehouse Strickland destroys, I destroy two of his. He suspects I am behind this ?< , but has no proof. Tension builds and Strickland has to pay his taxes out of his own coffers. Something is going to break soon. Right now, the villagers and freemen are bearing the brunt of Strickland’s frustration and greed. I may like making money , but I do not believe in destroying those lower in station to get it. I mean to stop Strickland and bring him down. It is no longer solely a matter of money , but for the survival of those who call Inglewood home. ”
    “ How do ye plan to do that? ” Branan asked.
    “ It was not long after this started that I spoke to John and he told me about your heritage. He thought we could work together. If I am to stop Strickland then the best way is to restore the true heir to the Wardenship. Strickland would be defeated, the persecution would stop, and there would be an honorable man managing these lands for the king. I would be able to return to my ventures without worry. Yet while I liked the idea, I was not without concern. I mean no offense when I say , I was uncertain about putting a man with such strong Scottish blood into such a powerful position. John told me much about your honor and the strength of your character. But when I voiced my doubt he sweetened the deal by offering his daughter and her dowry in marriage. ”
    The blood drained from Branan’s face and even Gavin’s jaw went slack.
    “ He did what? ” Branan asked.
    “ ’Tis in the betrothal contract, ” Courcy said. “ B y supporting you and your cause against Strickland, I get Catriona to wife. ”
    Horror coiled through Branan and he clenched his fists. What had his foster-father done? John offered his beloved daughter to insure Branan would have an alliance to defeat Strickland. Anger surged through him that John would use Catriona like a pawn to guarantee Branan’s future. She should not have to pay so high a price.
    “ I see, ” he said softly, fighting to get his emotions under control.
    “ But it grows late, size="+0" face="Garamond">” Courcy said, watching him closely. “ We should all get some rest and tomorrow I will show you some of the various projects . I think you will be impressed. ”
    Branan nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
    “ Reigny, ” Courcy said. “ In light of your recent loss and the fact you will soon be my brother by law, I hope you know you may stay her as long as you need. I will do everything in my power to help you rebuild Newton Reigny. ”
    Gavin stared at the signet ring he now wore and Branan clearly saw the