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grief in his eyes. “ Thank you, Courcy. ”
    They stood and Courcy summoned a servant. “ Take our guests to their quarters and see that they have everything they need. ”
    “ Aye, m’lord. ”
    Branan followed the servant, still reeling with the shocking insights the past few days had wrought. He could scarcely comprehend it. Catriona’s future had been bartered because his foster-father wanted to guarantee Branan’s victory. Suddenly , he despised the man who had been well-meaning , but absolutely foolish.
    The servant escorted them to a large, pleasantly furnished room with four simply made beds. Their bags had been brought in and the three men bedded down for the night. But Branan discovered sleep eluding him.
    He sighed. His notion that he had found a place with the clan to live in peace had been foolishly romantic. At least he still had Catriona and Gavin.
    John de Reigny had known Branan’s true father well. Lamed in the battle that had claimed his father’s life, John had told Branan of their many escapades together. Although he walked with a limp and needed a cane, John had once been a fine knight. He had instructed Branan on swordplay and battle strategies. Branan had learned well. Then the day came when a bear-like Scot, Uncle Duguald, had arrived and taken him to Scotland in the dead of night. Like a thief, he had stolen Branan away with only John fonh only knowing the truth. Duguald then s aw to Branan’s training.
    After that, Branan had learned never to call one place home. Hidden among ou tlying clan families, Branan had been shuffled like an unwanted orphan–which he was. Every time Duguald feared Strickland’s spies might learn of his whereabouts, he appeared and took Branan to another home. Although Duguald visited often to train him in swordplay and battle tactics, every time he rode into view, Branan couldn’t help but wonder if this was the time he would be moved again.
    When Branan had earned his spurs in a tourney at sixteen, Duguald brought him to the clan seat at Dun-Ardrigh as laird. When he entered the courtyard, the clan members had gaped at him…
     
    ... ” Duguald, ” one man said, plucking at the bear’s sleeve, his eyes wide. “ Raulf stands in the flesh. ”
    “ Aye, ” Duguald said with a smile. “ He be Raulf through and through, appearing more like his father than a son has a right tae. ”
    “ Does my appearance offend ye? ” Branan asked Duguald.
    “ Nay, laddie. Does my heart true tae see so much of yer da in ye. ”
    After that Branan discovered the keep where his father grew up to be a wonderful home. One he did not wish to leave. That was until Gavin’s arrival once again turned his world upside down....

Chapter Four
    The Pact
     
    Catriona curled under the blankets shaking, absolutely exhausted , but unable to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes , vivid images of that horrifying night pushed forward. She relived the terror and agony of watching her home burn with her parents trapped inside. Tears burned in her eyes and she forced herself to focus on Branan.
    Finally , after years of waiting, of wondering, of agonizing over his mysterious departure, he had returned. She couldn’t deny her joy at seeing him again , but the pain of him leaving remained close to her heart. Why hadn’t he said goodbye? Why had he not sent a note? The uncertainty of not knowing if he was alive or dead remained a thorn embedded permanently in her soul.
    Now , she was pledged to another and that knowledge nearly shattered her heart. Why had her father done this? Did he have no idea how she felt about Branan, how for the two years Branan had stayed with them , she had been certain her father would betroth her to him? Of course, when Branan disappeared, her father probably thought he would never return, so had no choice but to secure her future in another way.
    But during those two years, Catriona had idolize d the gangly , but handsome youth –although she was careful never to