“I told Gavin he was wrong, that he had no proof. Then I watched Allison use her remaining strength to stroke her son’s cheek and whisper her love to him. Gavin, my boy of only fifteen carried his mother from the keep, swearing never to return. In the same breath, he vowed to avenge his mother’s murder. Too late, I realized what a fool I’d been. We could have raised them together,” he cried in regret. “Mayhap then none of this would’ve happened. But, in truth, it had been easier to let her go when she asked. Her love scared me, and I turned to others instead.”

“Where did Gavin go?” Greylen asked.

“To his mother’s family. ’Tis where they lived for years. Lincolnshire, England. I wrote to Gavin repeatedly throughout the years, begging his forgiveness. I deeded all the lands that came with my marriage to him. Set coin in his name so he could live.” He shook his head. “He never used it…none of it. His mother’s family paid for his education at the university, and when he joined in service for our king, he used his spoils to repay them. He’s wealthier now than I ever was, and of his honor, I could not be prouder.”

“I’ll have the whereabouts of those estates,” Greylen said, reaching for parchment and a quill. “My captain will sail immediately.”

“Have you heard anything from him?” the elder MacFale asked.

“Nay. We know he’s tried to track Malcolm,” he explained. “It seems Malcolm and his men hide in the lowlands. We’ve received word, however, that Gavin’s set a price on his head. It’s so significant, ’tis a wonder Malcolm’s not been captured.”

“Bring my son home, MacGreggor, if not to me then here. You gave him more than I ever could.”

“If you’ve word from Malcolm?” Greylen asked.

“I’ll turn him over. Though he’ll probably kill me first.”

Greylen stayed within his study long after Guy MacFale left. His ship’s captain had his orders, and Duncan and Hugh sailed with him. His mother had seemed exhausted after their discussion and, truthfully, he was still in a state of shock that she’d known about Gavin all along. He smiled as he remembered her parting words, just hours ago.

“You and Gavin would run along the hills, Greylen. ’Twas your imperiled kingdom you’d both commanded proudly, puffing your little chests out. You both fought so valiantly to protect it. ’Tis a sweetness I’ve always remembered, especially to have watched you do so together as men. Allison would be pleased to know how close you’ve become.”

His thoughts were interrupted as Gwen stood in the open doorway. He gave her a smile. “Come. Sit on my lap, sweet.”

“I’ve come to trim your hair, my laird,” she teased.