Page 62 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
Edmund looked out over the majestic scene, his head moving from side to side as he took in every detail. From there, there was a perfect view across the woodlands to the village, and from the lochs almost to the sea.
He turned to Ewan, his eyes glowing. “’Tis a bonnie sight, indeed. I am happy and proud that me sister will make her home in such a place, surrounded by the might and protection of yer glan.”
Ewan found himself nodding in agreement. He was proud of his home and his spirit soared when he was able to stand here in his tower, regarding his lands as they extended before him.
The two men descended again to the study where Edmund’s men awaited them.
Once they’d each perused therèiteachand raised some questions concerning distances and time frames for visiting vessels for which they received satisfactory answers, Edmund was ready to sign.
“Ye dae understand, Laird Ewan, that me jurisdiction over the trade routes is also dependent on me agreements with the MacKinnons and the MacNeils?”
Ewan nodded. “Of course, Laird MacNeacail. I understand the complex web of alliances that exists. But I assure ye all the clans will be glad of an alliance wi’ the Mackenzies. We’ve long been threatened by the MacDonalds, as ye ken. And this latest disturbance involving Harris MacDonald, has soured our relationship even further. I am glad of this opportunity tae make new alliances.” He smiled as Edmund took up the quill, signed the contract and passed the quill to Ewan for his signature.
Once it was done, Ewan felt as if a giant boulder had been lifted from his shoulders. This would please his Council.
Lionel and Tormod took their leave, while Edmund and Ewan continued their friendly conversation. Ewan was glad of it. He’d found Edmund to be a fine and agreeable man and he looked forward to the allegiance in the years to come.
Edmund gazed into the fire, sipping his whisky thoughtfully.
“Laird Mackenzie, this visit has been a very productive one fer me and me clan. The trade agreement we’ve just achieved will benefit yer people as well as mine, and our alliance will be a safeguard fer us all, strengthening us against our enemies.”
“Aye. I am happy tae send soldiers from our garrison tae boost the number of yer men patrolling and keeping me sister safe from this wicked creature who threatens her.”
“I thank ye, Laird Edmund. I have nay doubt the man poses a grave danger. I trust ye will be safe on yer return voyage tae Skye.”
Edmund nodded again. After a few moments’ pause he turned to Ewan, his expression serious, his brows drawn in a frown.
“Laird Ewan, ye’ve reassured me that the reason fer the great haste in securing the marriage was tae protect me sister. And now we’ve spoken and ye’ve shown me such hospitality, me mind has been set at rest. Where I had once feared she mayhave been subjected tae threats or pressure, I ken she has agreed freely tae the marriage. I see, also that she will be well cared fer in yer keep. All of this pleases me a great deal.”
Ewan poured another splash of whisky into their glasses. It seemed he and Tyra had been able to achieve what they’d set out to. Convincing Edmund and Annora that theirs was a genuine marriage, entered into willingly by both parties.
Edmund cleared his throat. “We’ve spoken at length over many subjects and discussed at length the new alliance between our clans and the trading agreement. However, there is one thing that still bothers me mind, that we’ve nae addressed.”
Somewhat puzzled by Edmund’s comment, Ewan shook his head.
“What ye’ve nae mentioned is yer feelings fer me sister.” He raised a hand as Ewan went to speak. “I ken ye are pledged tae her protection,” he went on, “but d’ye care fer her as she needs tae be cared fer? Daes yer heart warm tae her, as a man’s heart should warm tae his wife?”
Ewan’s breath hitched in his throat. This was the last thing he’d expected from Laird Edmund. “Ye speak plainly, lad.”
“I beg yer pardon if me bluntness offends ye, but I wish tae content meself that me precious sister willnae suffer heartbreak as she has before.”
His mind racing, Ewan stood to tend the fire with the poker and placed another log on the flames.
“But of course.” He turned to face Edmund. “I have come tae care fer her. Deeply.” As he spoke the words it was as if a giant hammer had struck him a blow to the head.
‘Tis true. Tyra is most precious tae me. I care fer her a great deal.
“Dear brother Edmund. When I say I wish tae protect yer sister, I speak not only of her material wellbeing, but I wish tae keep her spirit and her heart protected and safe in me care as well.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Clan Lands of MacDonald of Sleat
Laird Harris MacDonald of Sleat had been sleeping rough for more nights than he cared to remember. Now, he was preparing for yet another night in that cursed forest clearing, half frozen, under the stars. Only, of course the wretched stars weren’t visible, hidden as they were by heavy clouds still deciding whether to snow or not.
He pulled his fur cloak around him and sat on the chair draped with more furs, that had been especially carried there for his comfort.
He scowled, noting the way his men stepped back. They knew to keep their distance. He’d been in a foul mood since their initial ambush had failed to bring him the Lady Tyra as he’d demanded. It had worsened to a white-hot rage since the failure of the second ambush only a matter of days ago.
