Allistair appeared about to argue the matter, but Angus reached him then and stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “He’s right. Ye stay.”

Expression stony, the younger man whirled away and stormed out of the keep. Angus sighed, then nodded to Duncan. “Let’s go.”

Duncan frowned at that. “Nay, Da. I will lead this battle.”

“She is my daughter.”

“And my sister. But someone must stay to mind the castle.”

“Allistair can—”

“Yer the one who is forever telling me that either ye or mesel’ must always stay behind to mind the keep.”

“Aye, but this is different. Seonaid needs us. ’Sides, there is no threat here now. The assassin has been killed.”

“And what if the bastard lied as he died? What if there is another? We would be leaving the women untended but fer a handful o’ old men and a lame soldier.”

Angus glanced toward Iliana and her mother, taking in the concern on their faces. Sighing reluctantly, he nodded. “Go then. But bring her back to us safe.”

Turning away, Duncan left the keep, every man in the great hall following. Iliana glanced from the departing men to her mother, then hurried after her husband, unwilling to let him leave without saying good-bye. It was silly, she supposed. Duncan was a great, strong man. But then, so had her father been, and the thought was nagging at her that she had not had the chance to say good-bye to him when he had left on his last trip.

He was halfway to the stables by the time Iliana hurried through the keep door. Grabbing at the skirt of her plaid, she hitched it up slightly and raced after him.

Duncan was stomping toward the stall holding his horse when he heard his wife call his name. Pausing, he turned impatiently toward her, his expression softening slightly as he took in her breathless appearance. She had obviously run to catch up to him, and her brows were drawn together in a worried frown that warmed his heart.

“What is it, wife?” he asked, trying to hide his impatience. His mind was focused on Seonaid and getting her back, and he knew he should not waste his time on marital matters.

Iliana paused a few feet away and grasped at the nearest post, leaning on it while she tried to catch her breath. “I—I—” Sighing impatiently, she let go of the post and rushed at him, throwing herself against his chest and hugging him tight.

Duncan gaped down at her, briefly stunned by her impulsive action. Then, realizing that Rabbie, the stablemaster, was standing not three feet away, grinning widely, he glowered and ordered him out of the stables. Once the man was gone, he raised his hands to pat her back gently.

“Why,” he murmured uncomfortably. “What is all this in aid of?”