The Captive Scot

By Molly Stuart

It hadn't been long before the men returned to the house, her uncle foremost among them. He was bruised and battered, a line of blood running down his cheek. But he had an aura of triumph. The reason why soon became very clear. There's going to be a new guest in the house, a man, a member of the Raiders. He must be particularly important since her uncle was so pleased by his capture. Like everyone else standing in the hall, she tried to catch a glimpse of the prisoner.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Avery Publishing
• Release date: Apr 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386225584

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The Captive Scot

A Scottish Romance Novella

By: Molly Stuart

The Captive Scot

Chapter 1

The raids had been expected since dawn and Isabel had been watching from the window since about 12 o'clock. There had been little sign of any Raiders at that point, but early in the evening the first sight of horsemen coming over the hills had made all the men leave the fortress. Isabel and the other women listened to the sound of metal on metal, cries of horses and men and the thumping of their own hearts.

It had only been a matter of time. Isabel knew that the men were more than capable of defeating the border Raiders, it was frightening nevertheless. She feared being captured and carried over the border, they all did. This was one of only a number of raids which happened in this area since the start of summer. Although she didn't know anyone personally who had been taken, she had heard tales of women snatched, never to see their family again.

It hadn't been long before the men returned to the house, her uncle foremost among them. He was bruised and battered, a line of blood running down his cheek. But he had an aura of triumph. The reason why soon became very clear. There's going to be a new guest in the house, a man, a member of the Raiders. He must be particularly important since her uncle was so pleased by his capture. Like everyone else standing in the hall, she tried to catch a glimpse of the prisoner.

He was crouched down low in the saddle, feet bound to the stirrups. But he didn't seem ashamed of his capture, and he stared ahead of himself as though completely disinterested in the curious eyes staring at him. He seemed almost to be pretending that he was an honoured guest rather than a captive.

When Isabel ran out into the courtyard, her uncle jumped out of his seat on the horse and came towards her, grabbing her arms with his big hands and saying, I have wonderful news for you Isabel.

What do you mean? she said.

Only that we have bought you Gregor McRae, Laird of Thornhill. I've brought him to you, for a husband.

Husband? she said, But we are at war with them.

Oh, never mind that. he said, "You need a husband and this is far too good an opportunity to waste on your womanly