Read Online The Raven's Moon by Susan King - Free Book Online

king's peace by coming here. The warden will have arrest warrants made in all your names," Jennet said.
    "Valentines!" Clem grinned. "We've had plenty o' those."
    "We mean nae harm to you," Heckie said impatiently. "Iain Macrae would not grudge us a few sacks o' meal and some o' his beasts, since we watch o'er his household while he's gone." He smiled, a fleeting, dark slash in his whiskered face. "For a wee price in grain and hoof, we make you safe, lassies. The Borderlands can be an ill place in the night," he added.
    "We will not pay such black meal to you," Jennet said defiantly. "'Tis criminal rent. We pay rightful rent to the Auld Laird at Blackdrummond Tower."
    "Your husband struck a bargain wi' me afore he was taken by the warden," Heckie said.
    "He never mention such to me," Jennet countered.
    "Perhaps he forgot, when he was taken for a treasonous spy," Clem said.
    "False charges!" Mairi said. "Even crossing the border at night is treason in the Marches. You're guilty of that crime too."
    "We boast such treason boldly," Heckie said. "Reivers do not care about such. But Iain's charge is different. They say the council will let the English decide his fate." Heckie looked at Jennet. "Mistress, your husband is gone and you need protection. A beast or two and a few oats is all we ask in exchange for the strength o' our lances. Paid each week. Or we can take the goods from you."
    Jennet looked at Mairi. "A fair price to buy their departure."
    "Iain never paid their blackmail," Mairi said. "You do not have to do this."
    "What shall we tell Heckie?"
    "Let me," Mairi said, and turned. "Be gone from here now, Heckie Elliot, or I shall speak to the warden about your visit. Leave now, we will say naught of it."
    "Simon Kerr favors that lass," Clem told his brother. "He would not be pleased."
    "Simon Kerr cannot stop us," Heckie growled.
    "Taking black rent from good folk is wrong," Jennet said.
    "Are you the kirk minister now? Well, I do not listen to him, either. Do not refuse me, mistress. Your man will be hung, and then you will want our help!"
    "Iain will soon be free," Mairi said. "And he will come looking for you with Kerrs and Armstrongs at his back."
    "Scotts too, I wager," Heckie drawled. "Pay us, lassies, or lose your cattle and your gear. We do not want to hurt you, but it could come to that. What do you say?"
    "Get out," Mairi said firmly.
    Heckie turned and beckoned, and one of the men rode forward. "This is Thomas Storey," Heckie explained. "We call him Thomas the Merchant. He handles our accounts. He'll help you count how many beasts you'll give us."
    Thomas Storey, whom Mairi had heard was an Englishman in league with Heckie's lot, rode toward Jennet. The horse's steps forced her to move back until she met the stone wall of the house. Thomas drew his sword.
    Mairi's temper flared. She ran forward, yanking Jennet free, then turned to glare up at Thomas. "Are you a lackwit to harm the mother of a newborn son?"
    His horse whickered and Thomas stepped it back. Mairi turned toward Heckie, her breath heaving. "Heckie Elliot, I hear your own wife has a bairn at her breast. The Crown would declare fire and sword on your heads if you harm this woman!"
    Heckie swore, and gestured to the other men. Some of them leaped down from their horses, shouldering past Mairi and Jennet to enter the house. Mairi heard thuds and scrapes as furniture was knocked over and chests and cupboards were thrown open. Bluebell barked, then growled and snarled. The babe inside began to whimper and cry.
    Jennet gasped and moved forward, but Mairi caught her arm as two men stepped their horses in front of the women.
    Two other reivers went to the barn, a wattle structure attached to the side of the house, quickly breaking the iron lock off the door. Going inside, they came back leading two horses.
    Heckie, still in his saddle, rode forward to look down at Mairi and Jennet. "Stay where you stand!"
    "My child—have you no heart, sir!" Jennet