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reached for de Courcy’s. “I accept yer proposal.”
    Catriona made a soft noise in her throat as Branan clasped de Courcy’s forearm, sealing the pact.
     

Chapter Five
    Black Rage
     
    T he group returned to Brackenburgh and Catriona excused herself to the solar. She knew Richard was pleased to see her go. She had to admit she was weary, but doubted it had anything to do with overextending herself. The day’s events weighed heavily on her.
    She had known Richard only two months and didn’t trust him any farther than she could throw him. His manners were always impeccable, especially around her father, but Catriona knew one didn’t get to his level without being cunning.
    This agreement with Branan frightened her. Truly, Richard was at odds with Strickland and stood to gain by having him removed. But just how far would that gain go? Would circumstances change in the future so that Richard would find it more profitable not to support Branan?
    If Branan failed at this, Strickland would kill him.
    She shivered, pulling a blanket from her bed and wrapping it around her shoulders.
    What if Richard decided it would be more profitable to betray Branan to Strickland? She had not seen the wording of the betrothal contract. What loopholes existed that Richard could exploit?
    What if Branan succeeded? Would he claim his inheritance only to discover himself with a massive financial debt to Richard? Would Richard use the power of that debt to gain control of Branan and the Wardenship of Inglewood?
    Catriona knew Richard would only support Branan as long as he found it profitable to do so. If that should change, Branan’s life was forfeit.
    What could she do to see that Branan succeeded?
    Catriona sighed, rubbing her eyes. She could think of only one solution. She would have to keep an eye on Branan and her betrothed. If she involved herself, then the fact that Strickland could persecute her as well as Branan might keep her betrothed from doing something foolish. It wouldn’t be easy, especially considering Richard’s slight regard of her and his desire to shut her off from everything. But she had to do this. Strickland was dangerous enough to Branan; she had to make sure Richard did not become a danger as well.
    HHH
    Branan, Gavin, Duguald, and de Courcy sat in the small study late that evening, enjoying a pleasant fire in the hearth and good wine in their cups.
    “As foster-brother to my betrothed,” de Courcy said to Branan, “you may stay here as long as you wish. I have the workers building temporary shelters at Thistlewood. Eventually, you will move to the tower as I do not wish to direct too much suspicion to Brackenburgh. I will help as much as I can, but this plan will take a lot of organization and I cannot afford to spend too much time at Thistlewood.”
    Branan nodded. “Our goal is to divert attention away.”
    “I must say, learning you are a laird has allayed my previous reservations of your organizational skills, but I remained concerned as I do not know your military experience. Currently, the mercenary raids I am conducting against Strickland are keeping him quite busy. Our ranks grow daily. Do you have the skill to organize these fighting men into an army?”
    “Of that,” Duguald said before Branan could reply, “I havena doubt. I trained the lad myself.”
    De Courcy nodded.
    “And I will be with you too, Branan,” Gavin said.
    “But what of the manor house, Gavin? Surely, ye need to rebuild it.”
    Gavin winced, his jaw flexing. “I fear rebuilding the manor house will only draw Strickland’s eye back to us...and to you.” He paused and shook his head. “Nay, Branan, the manor house will wait until the true heir of the Wardenship returns to his proper place.”
    Branan nodded, seeing the wisdom in Gavin’s choice.
    “Tomorrow,” de Courcy said, “I will fetch my steward and you can look at the records. They will give you a solid grasp on what I have started.”
    “We willna be able to do