“Well, someone had to do it. Would you have me stand safely back and order another to risk his hide? You would not do that.” Iliana grimaced at the cursing that followed her words.

When Angus finally fell silent, Iliana thought it prudent to continue quickly. “They had been busy while they kept us pinned down with their arrows. The wounded and dead had all been removed, a second shield was already in place, they had repaired the damage to the causeway and were attempting to finish it.”

“Aye,” Rabbie piped up now. “She ordered two more boulders brought up. Big ones this time. ’Twas a nasty business getting them up there, but once we had, we pushed one off the top again and put paid to the causeway—and a good many of their men as well. She had us leave the second one sitting on the wall as a warning. They gave up the causeway and have done naught since then.”

Angus glanced briefly at Iliana’s unhappy expression before turning back to Rabbie. “Go back to the wall and keep an eye on things. But know this: Lady Iliana is in charge until I am recovered enough to take over. Report to her.”

“I do not think I should be in charge, my lord. I do not have the experience,” Iliana said as Rabbie left the room and Elgin entered, a bowl of broth in hand.

“’Tis not experience that will save us here. ’Tis intelligence, and you have that.”

“Nay, I am not nearly smart enough to manage Greenweld. I tried three times to escape him in England and failed all three times. I would not wish to fail you here.”

“Ye will not fail,” Angus announced calmly.

“Aye,” Elgin agreed, moving to her side. “Yer very clever, me lady. Why, your plan with the rock and the stew were most clever…. Except for losing my vat,” he added with a frown. “S’truth, that part could have been planned better, as I’ve naught to cook in now, but—”

“Elgin!” Angus snapped, managing some strength behind his words. “Leave us.”

The cook hesitated, then handed the broth to Iliana and hurried out. Angus then turned a frown on the female servants. They immediately moved toward the door. Within moments he, Iliana, and her mother were alone in the room.

“I could tell by yer expression that ye feel responsible fer the deaths of Greenweld’s men on the bridge,” Angus commented as soon as the door closed.

Iliana nodded her head silently.