Malise nodded to Nolan Sutherland as he came out to see the returning group. They stepped off to one side shaking hands and deep in discussion for a long moment. Nolan had been left in charge while Kael. Allister, and Malise were all away. He was of the Sutherland line but not as high in the line of birthright as Kael and the others. Malise was informing him of the change in leadership which Nolan excepted without question.
Malise stepped up to the top of the stairs leading into the keep. “Friends, I bring good news, our Laird Kael has been victorious and has expanded the lands of the Sutherlands!” There was a hearty cheer that went up from all that were there. Malise let the cheer die before continuing, “As there was much to do in his new lands Kael sent me back to keep watch over his lands and to return with the captured Laird and his sister.” At that Flynn and Blair were pushed forward to the steps and up them slightly for all to see. Another cheer from the men and Malise dismissed the group turning to Nolan. “Throw them in the dungeon.” His voice sneered in contempt for them.
“What!?” The voice was that of Angus which till now had said nothing. “Malise, Kael wouldn’t….” Angus wasn’t able to finish his statement.
Malise turned slamming his fist into Angus’s face knocking him down the short flight of stairs and into the mud. Before Angus could move to raise Malise stood over him sword resting on his neck. “Learn your place now MacKay, Kael might put up with your mouth but I won’t open it again to question my orders and you will be joining them.”
Angus’s eyes burned with anger before looking down into the mud knowing that it was the safest thing to do at this point.
Malise turned back to the door seeing Flynn and Blair still there, “I said take them to the dungeon!” His yelled orders were quickly followed.