Mist Warrior by Kathryn Loch

for a reason , but I did not expect you to have determined it. ”
    “ Anyone with knowledge of Thistlewood’s history would be able to see your reasons. ”
    Branan tried to curb his frustration. “ This is the first time I’ve heard of the place. ”
    “ That be good to hear, lad, ” Duguald said. “ for if ye dinna ken of it, Strickland willna either. ”
    “ I doona understand. ”
    “ Thistlewood was a part of ye mother’s dowry when she married yer da. ”
    Branan arched an eyebrow.
    Duguald chuckled. “ Yer grandsire, as Warden of Inglewood, was quite a wealthy man. Your mother was his only issue. The tower here had fallen into disrepair , but when your parents toured their holdings, they fell in love with the place. In honor of their marriage, they decided to rebuild it and yer da chose the hall and tower b e built in the Scottish fashion –calling it Thistlewood. ”
    Branan blinked, remembering a dim flash from so long ago; Strickland wielding a huge Scottish claymore with a thistle engraved on the hilt.
    “ Just as the building began at a good pace, yer da was murdered and the tower abandoned. I’d wager my whiskers , if ye dinna ken of it , yer mother ne’er told Strickland about it. ”
    Courcy nodded. “ Strickland does not know of this place. It’s part of my overall plan. ”
    “ Plan? ”
    “ Actually my proposition to you. ”
    “ Of what do ye speak? ”
    “ Come, let us proceed. Once you see the place , I will explain. ”
    A bit later, Branan approached the three story stone tower in surprise. About twenty men worked in the area around it, clearing trees and dead brush. Fires burned and wagons, filled with debris, waited to be hauled away. Branan spotted many items that would be used in the repair of the keep – items which had originally come from Brackenburgh’s bailey.
    His gaze returned to the tower. Thick vines nearly covered it, bushes and stout saplings grew next to the walls. The doors were gone and he approached the ground entrance. It had a second entrance with narrow stone stairs to the first floor, both on the north side. Large hearths graced the east and west walls on each floor. The wooden supports of the roof had rotted away, and caved through the top floor, completely destroying it, and severely damaging the first floor.
    Thick vines also grew in the interior. When the roof had collapsed, it had taken part of the west stone chimney and wall with it. As Branan entered, several birds took flight, exiting through the roof with the sharp snap of wings. He noticed several nests in almost every nook and cranny. The workers had not yet begun to clear the interior. A strong musty odor, mixed with the pungent scent of animal dung , assailed him.
    “ You said there was a reason for selecting this place, ” Branan said to Courcy.
    “ I understand it, ” Catriona said, her voice soft with reverence as she gazed up at the tower. “ Your mother knew that eventually you would need a haven from Strickland. That’s why she never told him about it. What better place than the tower your parents named after your Scottish heritage? ” She looked at Courcy who nodded, again gazing at her in surprise.
    “ Exactly, Branan, ” Courcy said. “ John told me about this place and its history. I thought it would be perfect for you. ”
    “ For me? ”
    “ Aye. You correctly noted I am producing enough supplies to outfit an army. ” He nodded at the tower. “ It will be up to you to lead it. ” :
    “ Lead it? ” Branan asked , stunned.
    Courcy stepped out of the tower and the others followed. He sat on a log and motioned for them to do the same. “ That is what all of this is for. ”
    “ Wait a moment, I doona see this in its entirety. ”
    “ Aye, ” Courcy replied. “ As I said, Strickland suspects me in organizing the raids against him, but he does not have the proof he needs to go to the king. Yet , he is a cunning man. If I am to protect my investments, I need to make