Love Letters from Largs: Brodie and Celestina (Highlander Clan Grant Series Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

nay?”
    Brodie glanced at his brother to gauge his reaction. A queasiness settled in his gut as the implications of the king’s statement forced their way into his brain.
    So his suspicions were valid…The king was ready to go to w ar with Norway? The Norse had a fierce reputation as fighters.
    Alex’s words remained level, no emotion breaking through, a gift he had that Brodie envied. “My clan supports the crown, Your Grace, but can you no’ continue to negotiate with King Haakon?”
    The king’s eyes searched all the men in the room. His brother, Walter Stewart, coughed. “We have not told you the worst of it. My men tell me King Haakon has dispatched a fleet of ships headed this way. He is no’ happy that some of the chieftains have changed their allegiance to the Scottish crown. Haakon himself is commanding one of the galleys.”
    No one spoke for several moments.
    “Rumor has it he left Bergen with the largest fleet of galleys ever seen, perhaps even one hundred ships. Among them is the largest ship ever built. He is probably on Orkney now. It is said he will stay to celebrate St. Olaf’s Day there at the end of the month, then set sail for the Hebrides, hoping to gain men and chieftains as he travels.”
    “ But many of those chieftains have pledged allegiance to you, Your Grace?” Mure asked. “Is that no’ why he has a bee in his bonnet?”
    “Aye. And Haakon aims to travel to the Isle of Mann to see if Magnus still supports him.”
    “ What do you expect of Magnus?”
    Alexander’s chin raised a notch. “I expect he will support Haakon, who is sure to take the opportunity to replenish his stores and head for Kintyre. Time will tell. But I refuse to be intimidated by his display. Those isles belong to the Scottish crown.”
    Silence reigned as the king’s words settled heavily on them all. Brodie glanced at his brother, hoping to read his reaction, but he couldn’t. A war like this could devastate Scotland. Brodie’s gut clenched with the realization that his clan might never be the same. And what role would he play? Alex had trained him to lead a number of warriors, but not all of them. Their number was too vast for him. Alex or Robbie would have to handle them. Would Alex leave Maddie behind? His mind churned with all the possibilities, none settling his stomach.
    Walter Stewart spoke up. “Since I am the Sheriff of Ayr, I would like to speak. Grant, we need your warriors to fight if needed, and we specifically need guards to help protect the Royal Castle here in Ayr.”
    Alexander spoke. “Aye, Grant. We have nae enough protection if they attack outright. Besides Boyd and Mure’s, we have other s on their way, but y ou have the largest group of fighting warriors in the Highlands, as well as the best trained. Can we count on you and your warriors? It may turn into naught, but it could mean a battle. I want my land and its people protected.”
    Alex took his time before speaking. “How many?”
    “All of them. How many do you number?” the king said.
    Brodie jumped at the implication. Leave his family unguarded? He knew Alex would never do such a thing. He was stunned the ir king would ask it of them. He waited with bated breath to hear his brother’s response.
    “I will send you two hundred and fifty. The rest stay to protect my own clan. You know I must do that, Your Grace.”
    The king stared at the laird for a long moment. “Is it true you have trained your stallions to wear mail?”
    “Aye, some but no’ all. ‘Tis something we are still working on.”
    The king strode over and clasped Alex on the shoulder. “I accept your two hundred and fifty trained warriors. Please send some of those stallions with the mail in case we are forced to battle. ” He smiled—first at Alex, then at Brodie. “That will do nicely for now, though things may change in the near future. I will find a nice chamber for you until your warriors arrive.”
    “Och, I never agreed to stay.”
    The