Free The Raven's Moon by Susan King

into the Highlands, where he might never be found.
    Taking a human pledge as a promise of another's good behavior was common practice in Scots law. Her own father had served as a pledge for the good behavior of the Fra on ser clan during their feud with the MacDonalds. He had nearly lost his life—but Mairi, a woman, would face less risk. Simon might treat her hospitably, even release her within a few weeks.
    She drew a breath. "Simon—"
    "There'll be rain again tonight," Simon said, looking up. "What a bad year for storms. Jehovah's breath, they say. Wrathful omens. A dangerous time." He glanced down. "Mind you stay in your house at night."
    "Oh, I will," she said, a touch too brightly.
    "Hey. Where is that Armstrong lad, Devil's Christie?"
    Startled, she looked around. "He's here. Somewhere."
    "Tell him I said he's to stay here and protect you. There's more than storms riding these moors." He gathered his reins. "I best get after Heckie and his gang."
    "Simon, wait! Will—will this new deputy bring word from the council about Iain?" She had been unable to read the rain-soaked page that Scott had carried.
    "I do expect a warrant from Edinburgh," Simon admitted.
    "No orders as yet from the council?" She clutched her plaid shawl tightly at her throat.
    "Some messages are missing, no thanks to those cursed Lincraig riders," Simon said. "I need a warrant from the council before the next appointed day o' truce. Iain is to be handed over to the English then when we wardens meet that day."
    "He will go to English custody?"
    "Aye, once I have the warrant."
    "Can we see him before then?" She was unable to keep a plaintive tremor out of her voice.
    "Come to the truce day meeting. You can see him then."
    Impulsively she grabbed his sleeve, damp, cool leather. "Simon. Listen to me. I will act as pledge for Iain."
    Simon stared at her. "Are you daft?"
    "Please," she said. "You must let me do this."
    He reached down and tipped up her chin, his glove cold on her skin. "How far would you go to save him, hey?" he asked in a low voice.
    Something prickled along her spine. His hand moved to squeeze her shoulder.
    "Iain should not die for what Alec Scott has done. I will pledge for him. 'Tis simple, and legal."
    "A nice enough pledge," he said. "I am tempted. But 'tis nae simple at all." The cold glove moved to her cheek. "How much value do you place on your brother's life?" he murmured.
    "Priceless." She stepped away. "I would pledge honorably."
    "I will think on it," Simon stared intently at her, then lifted the reins. "I must catch up to my mosstroopers." He turned the horse, kneed it forward.
    Mairi stood watching. The ghost of Simon's heavy touch lingered on her face. She rubbed it away and turned.

 
     
     
    Chapter 7

     
    "Thanks for thy kindness, fair my dame,
    But I may not stay wi' thee."
    —"Lord Maxwell's Goodnight"
    Shoving his fingers through his hair, Rowan rose to his feet, setting a hand against the cold wall. The headache had eased and he felt stronger, though some dizziness lingered.
    Leaning a shoulder against the wall, he glanced around. For three days at least, he had been locked in this small cell. The tower walls may have crumbled long ago, but the rusty iron lock on the door held fast. He had tested it enough to know.
    Silvery daylight filtered through the narrow window. He stretched his hand out to catch the light full on his fingertips. Beyond the aperture, he could see clouds and sunlight.
    Blackdrummond Tower was not far from here, and his grandparents would be expecting him to arrive. He had to get out of here.
    With a sigh, he sat again, picking up an oatcake from its cloth wrappings, nibbling, setting it down again. He swallowed some water from a flask. The lanky blond lad, Christie, had brought food, broth, fresh water more than once, quickly leaving it and disappearing again.
    Rowan touched the bump on his head—the swelling had greatly reduced. He was strong enough now to overpower his young jailers, if