Gavin held his hand over the snout of the messenger’s horse, ensuring that he and the steed were well hidden in the forest’s shadows. He watched Murdoch walk toward the village. The Laird of Kinfairlie’s hunting party galloped toward the forest, the mare in Gavin’s care stamping at the sight of them.
The Laird of Kinfairlie did precisely as his lord Murdoch had promised. Gavin was awed by his master’s ability to anticipate the choice of another.
And he stood tall with this responsibility. He had never anticipated such adventure when he had been chosen to accompany his laird’s brother, and indeed, he found his lord Murdoch’s tactics thrilling. Although Stewart disapproved, this was like a great game. The messenger had been terrified the night before, but he had not been injured. And lord
