Free Fraser 02 - Highland Quest by B. J. Scott

orders.”
    “You’d merely be showing compassion to a fellow Scot. A man who has but a few hours to live. Surely the Almighty will reward you for such kindness.”
    The guard’s harsh expression softened. Had she managed to weaken his resolve?
    “I wish there was something I could do for you, lass, but I was given my orders. If it were up to me, I’d grant your request, but—”
    “Please. I only wish to speak to him.” Choked with emotion, the words caught in her throat. “I give you my oath to leave before anyone knows I’ve been. I want to tell him I love him and to say . . . to say goodbye.” Hands clasped tightly together, she prayed the sentry would change his mind.
    The guard dragged his hand across his brow, then to her relief he stepped aside. “Very well. I’ll grant you a moment to say farewell. But only for a moment and then you must be away and not come back.”
    Fallon brushed the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Thank you. I promise to be brief. You are most kind.” She bobbed a curtsy and rushed past him. Her heart sank when she spied Donald standing by the window, watching as the gallows were tested.
    “Uncle.” She touched his arm.
    Donald turned and immediately wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “I told you to stay at the croft. Why did you disobey me and come to town? If Dungal sees you, he may decide to arrest you as well.” He whispered in her ear so the guard would not hear.
    “I could not remain behind when you were to be punished. It is my fault you’re here.” She fought back the sob rising in her throat.
    “Hush now, dinna cry. You are not to blame for any of this. I knew when I brought Bryce to the croft the consequences would be severe if anyone found out. But I could not leave him to die. I may be too old to fight for the cause, but I am a Scot. By offering him refuge, I feel in some way that I have done my part.”
    “But if I’d told you from the beginning I knew him and he was a fugitive, things might have been—”
    “The fact you knew Bryce, or that he was wanted by Longshanks was of no importance in my decision to offer him sanctuary. I would have taken him in regardless of his past.” Donald brushed a tear from her cheek with his knuckles.
    “I wish there was something I could do to help, a way to stop the execution from happening. It is so unfair.” Her heart was breaking. The thought of Donald being executed for helping Bryce tore at her soul.
    “There is one thing you can do. But it is very dangerous.” Donald kept his voice low.
    “Anything. Tell me what.” She clung to his arms in desperation.
    “While I was waiting for the trial to begin, I overheard some of Dungal’s men talking. Apparently they have gotten word the Bruce has returned to Scotland. He crossed near Turnberry while his brothers created the diversion at Loch Ryan. Dungal is leaving on the morrow, after the execution, to meet with Aymer de Valance. They will then try to intercept the Bruce before he can establish a stronghold in Carrick. By doing so, they hope to squelch his attempt to regain his throne.”
    “Do you think that is where Bryce was headed?”
    “Aye. I’m certain of it, but he dinna say anything for fear it would put you in danger.”
    “What can I do to help?”
    “You must leave at once for Turnberry. Warn the Bruce that de Valance knows of his plans and give them a chance to escape before it is too late.”
    “I canna leave you.” Fallon fisted her fingers in the fabric of his tunic. “I’ll not have you die alone.”
    Donald hugged her before he continued. “You must do this. I will die a better death knowing it had not been in vain. There is nothing you can do to stop the hanging, but you can save many lives, including Bryce’s, if you leave now.”
    “But how will I find the Bruce? Surely his camp will be well hidden.” Her pulse sped up in anticipation of her impending journey, but her heart clenched at the thought of leaving