Read The Border Vixen for Free Online Page B

without question.
    “Aye, my lord,” Fingal Stewart replied. He was agreeing to this madness because he had no other choice. It was his family’s tradition to be loyal without question to their kings. Still, he made a small attempt to reason with James Stewart and learn more of what was expected of him. “Why must this lass be wed quickly, my lord? May I know what more is involved in this situation? What will the laird of Brae Aisir think of your sending a cousin to wed his heiress? What if he says nay?”
    James Stewart barked a short laugh as he realized in his eagerness to solve this problem he had told Fingal Stewart little or nothing of it. “The Kerrs of Brae Aisir possess control of a pass through the Cheviots into England. The pass is called the Aisir nam Breug. Their English kin, the Kerrs of Netherdale, control the other end. The pass has always been used for peaceful travel; never for war nor raiding. The Kerrs on both sides of the border have defended it against such use. The laird is old. He has one heir, his granddaughter. She will not choose a husband from among their neighbors. Indeed, she is said to be called Mad Maggie, for she is willful and wild.
    “The laird fears his neighbors will attempt to wrest his control of this crossing from him, or from his granddaughter when he is gone, but the lass has him at an impasse. He’ll nae refuse my command that she take ye for a husband. If old Kerr had his own choice for the lass, the matter would have been long settled. He obviously did not. His neighbors are already eyeing the Aisir nam Breug, I’m told. If this Hay fellow had the stones to attempt to steal a march on them, and come to me in an effort to gain an advantage, then he fears someone else gaining what he covets. Ye’ll be the answer to Dugald Kerr’s prayers, Cousin. Now get ye into the Borders before there is blood-shed over the matter. I have only just gotten the lairds there settled down after years of running roughshod over my authority,” the king said. “Return to Edinburgh on the morrow to fetch yer servant. Shut up yer house. Then go south, Fingal Stewart. Hopefully the lass will be pretty enough to please, but if she isn’t, just remember that all cats look alike in the dark.” And James Stewart laughed. “Bring her back to court when I have returned with my queen.”
    “Yer taking me from relative obscurity, gifting me with a wealthy wife, and giving me control of an asset that is valuable to you, and to Scotland. I will be a man of power, my lord,” Fingal Stewart said quietly. “Other than my undying loyalty, what will ye require of me in return for this bounty?” His candid gaze met the king’s eyes, and James Stewart laughed aloud.
    “Yer a canny fellow, Cousin,” he complimented his companion. “I will take half of the tolls ye collect from travelers, payable on Michaelmas each year in hard coin.”
    “One-third,” Fingal Stewart dared to counter. “The pass must be maintained in good condition, and the laird I am certain supports his people with these monies. Remember I am a stranger coming at your behest to wed its heiress, and take control no matter whether the old laird welcomes me into their midst. Nothing must appear to change for the Kerrs of Brae Aisir other than a husband for the heiress. Remember, my lord, I have naught but my sword and yer word to recommend me. My purse is empty.”
    James Stewart nodded. He was known to be tightfisted, but he was also no fool. A third of the yearly tolls from this traverse was a third more than he had previously had.
    He held out his hand to his cousin. “Agreed!” he said as they shook.
    Lord Stewart rose from his chair, recognizing that he was now dismissed.
    “Thank ye, my lord. My sword and my life are yers forever.” He bowed low.
    The king nodded his acknowledgment of the words, and with a wave of his hand he dismissed his cousin from his presence.
    Fingal Stewart turned and left the privy chamber. He found