Page 43 of Treachery in the Highlands
"Iontachmeans 'wonderful.'"
The next morning, we all rise early.Father ensures we will awaken at the same time by bellowing, "Rise and shine, women!We have guests today!Dress appropriately, please!"
He then clangs a cow bell.We have no cow, so I cannae imagine from whence he got that thing.
Today, we have other things to concern ourselves with, namely, the arrival of the MacLeod clan.Thebeithirhovers in the back of my mind.Yet I am currently more worried about the MacLeods.Alisdair wants to marry me, and he has made that clear on many occasions.Bod an Donais, I'd rather marry thebeithir.
The arrival of the MacLeod clan triggers a flurry of activity throughout our already bustling castle.I can't help but feel a twinge of anxiety as I watch the procession of kilted warriors and their families file through the gates.My gaze darts nervously to Joey, who stands tall beside me, his jaw clenched, demeanor resolute.
"Breathe, Rach," he whispers, his warm breath tickling my ear."Considering our magical problems, a rival clan seems like a piece of cake."
"Aye, that's true."I wince."Now I'm craving cake."
Joey chuckles."Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned desserts.Promise I'll bake a cake for you later."
"You bake?"
He shrugs."My last foster mom forced me to cook, bake, and do all the cleaning."
I snuggle up to him."Poor Joey.I'll gladly cook for ye."
Try as I might, I cannae suppress the butterflies in my stomach.It's not just the MacLeods that worry me, but the growing tension concerning Alisdair.As if summoned by my thoughts, the warrior himself materializes from the crowd, his dark eyes fixed on me.
A shiver slides down my spine, and I instinctively lean closer to Joey.The air crackles with an unseen energy, and I can't help but wonder if it's the result of the mounting tension or something more...magical.
Joey's hand finds mine, his fingers intertwining with my own.The simple gesture grounds me, a reminder that I'm not alone in this increasingly complex web of clan politics and supernatural forces.
"Rachel," Alisdair's voice cuts through the din of the arriving clan.He approaches us, his eyes never leaving mine."Your father requests your presence in the great hall.The MacLeod chieftain wishes to greet you."
Och, must I endure more MacLeod nonsense?But I must do what Father wants.He is not the clan chieftain or even the clan chief---except in my eyes.The laird of Dùndubhan presides over our wee corner of the MacTaggart world."Of course, Alisdair.I'll be there shortly."
As Alisdair turns to leave, his gaze flicks to Joey, a flash of barely concealed hostility passing between them.The moment feels taut as a bowstring, until Alisdair strides away.
"I don't like this," Joey snarls, his grip on my hand tightening."Something feels off."
I've felt a similar sensation, unable to shake the feeling that we're walking into a trap.But what choice do we have?To refuse would be an insult to both clans.
"Come with me," I say, tugging Joey towards the great hall."I'd rather face whatever awaits us with you by my side."
"This is a friendly gathering, not a battleground.Right?"
I am less than convinced that it won't become just that.
As we make our way through the throng of MacLeods and MacTaggarts, I catch glimpses of unfamiliar faces.One in particular stands out---a tall, imposing figure shrouded in shadows.I take half a step toward him.But then he vanishes, and I'm left to ponder whether I'd seen the figure at all or simply imagined it.
As we enter the great hall, the space is a cacophony of voices and laughter when we enter.My father stands at far end of the room, deep in conversation with a man I assume to be the MacLeod chieftain.I had only seen the MacLeod twice in my life before this moment.As we approach, I feel Joey tense beside me.
"Ah, Rachel,mo nighean," my father says, his voice carrying over the din."Come, greet Chieftain MacLeod."
I paste on my most diplomatic smile, squeezing Joey's hand before releasing it to step forward.The MacLeod is a bear of a man, his wild red beard streaked with gray, his eyes sharp and calculating beneath bushy brows.
"So, this is the famous Rachel MacTaggart," he rumbles, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that makes my skin crawl."I've heard tales of your beauty, lass, but they dinnae do you justice."
I force a laugh, falling back on years of training in clan etiquette."You're too kind, Chieftain MacLeod.Welcome to Dùndubhan Castle.We're honored by your presence."
"Aye, I'm sure you are."The chieftain squints at Joey."And who might this strapping lad be?"
He jerks his chin towards Joey, who stands rigid at my side.
