His first-in-command had him worried as well. Gavin wasn’t at all himself. He seemed haunted almost from the moment they’d entered the keep. In truth, that concerned him more than not finding Malcolm.

They were so silent and so deep in thought, they heard the sounds of arrows being rent as soon as they were released. Gavin brought his horse to Greylen’s, protecting his back as the attack began. The men formed a tight circle around their laird while returning fire of their own. Two men fell from the trees, but at least four more remained. Kevin took an arrow in the leg, ripping it out as their horses danced in fright.

“Fight like men, you cowards,” Greylen bellowed as their attackers remained silent above.

“I’ve waited years for this, MacGreggor, to see the look upon your face when you crumble.”

“Then come, MacFale. See the look upon my face now.” Greylen’s voice was chilling, contained fury simmering through his entire body as he taunted Malcolm to confront him.

Greylen felt Gavin tense at his words but didn’t have time to glance at his first-in-command to understand his apprehension. They’d never shied from a fight. Gavin had never shown anything other than dauntless strength during battle. But then they’d never confronted MacFale before.

Malcolm was never called on by their king, nor had he ever been present at their council meetings. Only the elder had attended. Greylen hadn’t seen Malcolm since they were boys and he didn’t like him even then. Malcolm was always jealous of Greylen’s skills, and rather than work to achieve the same, he became spiteful instead.

’Twas hard to admit, even to himself, but Greylen took pleasure in humiliating him, time and time again, at swordplay and fisticuffs. And ever since, Malcolm’s father kept him far away, paying for his transgressions with coin and promises to leash his son’s behavior.

“I’ve arrows aimed upon your back, MacGreggor. But I’d not miss this for anything,” Malcolm taunted as he came down from his perch.

Greylen’s men awaited his command as they watched the form approach. Gavin remained to Greylen’s right, Kevin and Hugh behind them, and Duncan to Greylen’s left.

“If you move, they’ll release their weapons,” Malcolm told them. But what he didn’t know was that they weren’t in the least threatened by another attack. With one word from Greylen, they would all be dead, and though they might suffer a wound or two, such was the price of fighting. But Malcolm had obviously piqued Greylen’s curiosity. ’Twas the only reason he still lived.

“I wish only to give you a glimpse of what you’ve been too blind to see,” Malcolm continued, not realizing his precarious circumstance. “What say you, Gavin the Brave?” he hissed as he stepped from the shadows but feet away. “Your downfall shall be even more rewarding.”