Page 98 of The Speed of Lightning
At the edge of the wood, Calum paused, heart swelling. Love and pride surged through him—she fit, perfectly, among his chosen family.
When she looked up and saw him, her face lit with relief. She sprinted across the beach and leapt into his arms. “Cal! How did I do? Did it work?”
He crushed her close, words faltering. “You were…verra good.”
Doc clapped her shoulder. “Better than good. The place was a riot by the time we left. Lass, you set black powder right under the king’s throne.”
David emerged from the wood, brushing past him and standing in front of Freya. He pushed back his hood, his face raw with emotion, his fist opening and closing. Calum moved protectively to her side, uncertain if David’s emotion was fury or gratitude. The camp fell silent, waiting.
Alarm shivered over Freya’s face. “High Chief Chattan…I hope I did your daughter justice.”
“God save you lass.” He seized her in a trembling embrace. “Thank you. Thank you, lass. Thank you.”
Freya’s eyes squeezed shut as she wrapped her arms around his craggy shoulders. “I’ll never forget her. I promise. The world will remember Morven MacKenzie.”
They lingered in silence until at last he set her gently down, wiping his eyes, his grief unmasked.
The warriors closed in, forming a circle around him. One by one, hands touched his shoulders, his back, his arms, even the crown of his bald head—unspoken vows of brotherhood and war. Calum looked at his comrades and felt God near. It would take more than a wolf and a king to break them.
Hector’s eyes shone as he clasped David’s arm. “We will win this war.”
David drew a shuddering breath, eyes on the sky. “It feels impossible, like I’m getting nowhere. Like I’ve broken my promise to her.”
The words pierced Calum. He tightened his grip on David’s shoulder, giving it a firm shake. “We help each other uphold promises. When one falls, another picks him up. None of us are alone in this. We will stand together on the mountaintop when this is over, our vows kept.”
Aileen stepped forward, signing.
Léo interpreted. “She asks, what’s next?”
Calum pulled his plaid tighter. “Have you heard from the other banished council members?”
Hector nodded. “They’re ready. Eoghan secured Rathlin for John Mór—he landed yesterday. We’ll assemble there at Saint Pádraig’s feast to pledge fealty. The O’Donnells will patrol the seas.”
Eoghan nodded. “Speaking of which, we’d best be off before dawn.”
Iain held up the dispatch. “I’ve got the report.”
Angus mounted. “I’ll watch Cota Liath.”
David took Freya’s offered satchel. “I’ll be in Inverness—the Ranalds wish a meeting on Garmoran.” He smiled faintly. “Freya has prepared their reading.”
Aileen signed again.
Léo kissed her. “She and Cara will be at Moy, working on the standard. My men are monitoring Duntulm—I’ll watch for signs of trouble from the MacDonalds.”
Doc clapped Calum’s shoulder. “I’ll be on Jura next week for training.”
Calum took Freya’s hand, leading her toward Fraser’s skiff. “And we’ll be at home. Waiting.” He glanced toward John Mór’s cog, letting out a low whistle. “That’s some ship, Sea.”
Iain grinned. “If Mór thinks he’s getting her back, he’s mad. I’ve christened her.”
Calum chuckled. “Hector’s Bonnie Eyes?”
Hector signed a string of insults before leaping aboard.
Iain shook his head, laughing. “The Leviathan.”
As the ship vanished into the dark sea, hope surged in Calum’s chest. They were back. Moving forward. Even if he never regained the chieftainship, this war would be won.
