"Your manservant tells us you have something important to say," Duncan commented. He strode over to Tristan and smiled. "I hope it doesn't concern the supply of rum."
Tristan closed his eyes and shook his head. "I wish it was something so mundane, but I must disappoint you. The matter is more grave than most."
Duncan's good humor slipped from his face and he furrowed his brow. "What is it?"
"I will wait for the others so I needn't repeat myself," Tristan replied.
The others were soon to arrive. MacLaren and his wife stepped inside, and Laird MacNaughton, Seumas, and Laird Graham were behind the lovely couple. Chamberlain and Captain Alan were two of the last to enter and Leod firmly shut the door behind himself.
Laird MacNaughton glanced at Bruce who stood in the far corner while Seumas 'honored' us all with his unusual smile. The guests gathered around the chairs positioned before the fireplace and old Laird MacLaren was given the best seat. He perused Tristan's face and his bushy eyebrows crashed low over his face.
"There is danger in your eyes, young laird," MacLaren commented.
"Aye, my laird, and grave news," Tristan confirmed. He studied the faces present, particularly that of Laird MacNaughton. "I have received news that the Menzies clan has gathered an army and even now marches south to avenge their fallen comrades and plunder our lands."
MacNaughton frowned. "An army? Surely nothing as large as that, and certainly not the Menzies. They would need to cross my land, and I have heard nothing of this."
"And yet it is true," Bruce spoke up as he stepped forward. "I have seen the army with my own eyes. They are a thousand strong and with many horses."
Graham started and his eyes widened. "A thousand? How came they to be so united against us?"
"What proof do you bring us besides your own eyes?" MacNaughton challenged Bruce.
"My word as a laird," Bruce returned.
MacNaughton scoffed. "I know not to what land you belong, stranger, but I have no qualms in calling you a liar."
Bruce scowled at MacNaughton. "And I have no qualms in telling you I do not believe you are wholly ignorant of the passage of this army through your lands."
Tristan held up his hand. "That is enough. Arguing will not advise us on how to proceed."
"But confirmation will," MacLaren spoke up. "We must send scouts to confirm the army, and scout a location on which to do battle."
"I offer myself to go, my laird," Chamberlain offered.
"And I, also, will go," Duncan chimed in.
"And I, as well," Angus agreed.
"You will stay, Angus," MacNaughton insisted.
Angus frowned. "Are we only to have two sets of eyes, Father?"
"As great as I admire your courage, I must agree with your father. The fewer the pair of eyes the less chance they will be revealed," Tristan agreed.
"And my going to lead them to the army will make three sets which is quite enough," Bruce offered.
"How long will you be gone?" Tristan asked him.
"Only a few days. Welcomed or not, the army marches quickly through the lands of MacNaughton," Bruce replied. MacNaughton scowled at him, but said nothing.
"Then take my swiftest horses and leave as quickly as you can," Tristan commanded them.
A faint smile danced across Bruce's lips. "I am afraid horses and I do not agree."
Tristan returned his smile with one of his own and patted him on the shoulder. "Then I shall introduce you to one whom you will find most agreeable. Now come."
"But what of the guests?" Chamberlain reminded us.
"Let them make merry for a while yet before the cloud of war darkens their brows," Tristan suggested.
All but Ciardha and I left the room. When the door shut behind them I turned to her. She stepped from the corner and her lips were pursed tightly together.
"These troubles reek of malice," she commented.
I furrowed my brow. "Because the army wishes revenge?" I guessed.
She closed her eyes and shook her head. "No, because I sense a traitor among my son's lairds. MacNaughton's eyes and scent told me more than his lips would reveal. He knows more of this than he would tell my son." She opened her eyes and they whipped to me. "And what of the young man with him? He who did not offer himself for the group of spies."
"He is Seumas Campbell, cousin to the old laird," I informed her.
Ciardha's frown deepened. "There is darkness in his eyes that I believe lies as deep as his heart. He will bring us trouble."
"Ciardha-Lady Campbell, I mean," I corrected myself.
Ciardha shook her head. "I forsook the title when I abandoned my husband."
I sighed and seated myself on the end of the bed. "And what right have I to it?"
Ciardha walked over to me and set a hand on my shoulder. I looked up into her smiling face. "As great a right as any, my dear Muira. Your kindness will make you a wonderful queen, and your strength and that of the goddess will make you a wonderful protector for these lands."
I turned away and looked down at my lap. My hands lay palms-up atop my white dress. "But what am I to do with these powers? How am I to use them? When am I to use them?"
Ciardha sighed. "That is for you to learn, though I fear it will be in the heat of battle that you learn them." Ciardha patted me on the shoulder and moved towards the door, but paused before the entrance and half-turned to me with a smile on her lips. "But Tristan and I have faith in you, so you must have faith in yourself. The goddess of the wolves will feed off your confidence and all you care about will be saved. Be assured of that."
I returned her smile with a weak one of my one. "Thank you."
She bowed her head. "My lady. Tell my son I will return when the men return, and will help where I may."
I stood and stretched out my hand to her. "But Tristan would like you here," I pointed out.
Ciardha shook her head. "Not yet. Not until these troubles are behind us."
She left, and I was left with my thoughts. I turned my hand to myself and studied the normal, frail palm. Beneath the surface lay the power of the goddess of wolves, but what power did she hold? I had witnessed protective fog and fire, but they had not struck down a single enemy. Tristan had been the one to defeat the Menzies clan at their last raid, and my fog provided only cover for his transformation.
I sighed and dropped my hand. How little I knew what lay in store, but the near-present demanded our attention, as did my guests. I rejoined the party and entertained with a heavy heart. My mother drew me aside in the dining hall and looked me over with worried eyes.
"What ails you, Muira?" she asked me.
I tried to give her a smile, but the result was miserable. "Nothing to be concerned about."
She pursed her lips. "Muira, you have always been a terrible liar to me since you broke my favorite bowl. Now come, tell me what is the matter."
I clasped her hands in mine and shook my head. "I cannot tell you now, but rest assured you will know the reason soon enough."
My mother sighed, but gave a nod. "Very well, but do not carry the whole weight of the world on your shoulders." She brushed her hand against my cheek and smiled. "And whatever you have to tell me, know that you will always bring me pride and will always have my love."
I grasped her hand and kept back the tears that sprang from my eyes. "And I will always love you, Mother."
My mother chuckled and used her free thumb to gently wipe away my tears. "No tears now. Not on your wedding day." She moved to stand beside me and looped my arm through hers. "Now let's entertain your guests and be merry until the time comes when you must tell me what bothers you so."
CHAPTER 45
My mother was a great asset in keeping my spirits high as a shadow cast itself over the castle and those within its walls. The heavy dread of the return of our men stifled the joyful mood of my wedding. Tristan smiled, but the humor did not reach his eyes. He was too preoccupied by the threat of war to even bed with me, and instead gathered
and trained his men in the courtyard and outside the village.
It was on the third morning after the men's departure that I glanced out the easterly windows that looked towards the High Road. The day was gray and overcast, and a faint hint of fog floated over the mountain behind the castle. Somewhere around the road was my laird. He was so near, and yet I felt he was so far. Those stone walls were as thick as a hundred miles.
I set my hands on the windowsill and sighed. A knock came from the door, but I was not alarmed for I knew who wished for entrance.
"Come in," I called.
Davina and Eva stepped inside. The first was all smiles, but Eva glared at her companion.
"You must show more decorum," Eva hissed as they walked over to me.
"Not even your jealousy can ruin my mood," Davina replied as they stopped before me and curtsied. "Good morn, my lady."
I blinked at this changed Davina who was polite. "Is something amiss I am not privy to?" I wondered.
Eva shook her head. "It is nothing more than a flight of fancy, my lady."
I walked through them and took a seat on the foot of my bed. "A flight of fancy would be most welcome to me."
Eva sighed and jerked her head towards Davina who had a far-away look in her eyes. "Davina thinks herself in love with a common soldier," she explained.
Davina stuck her tongue at Eva. "You are merely jealous he did not choose you."
Eva pursed her lips and turned her face away from her from. "I, as a lady-in-waiting to Lady Muira, would not think to associate myself with one so low."
"Then you miss much, and may as well confine yourself to a nunnery," Davina scolded her.
I couldn't help but smile at their bickering. It distracted me from greater problems. Eva sniffed the air and ignored Davina to focus on me. She turned to me and bowed.
"My apologies, my lady. It seems in our arguing we have neglected our duties to you," she apologized.
I smiled and shook my head. "Your friendly banter does not bother me."
"But we should dress you and take you down to breakfast. The staff awaits your coming," Eva insisted.
They dressed me as I stood before them. My thoughts wandered to their mention of a soldier, and to the man who led them, my laird.
"Is your soldier under the command of our laird?" I asked Davina.
She smiled and nodded. "He is, and a mighty fine man he is. Both our men, that is," she corrected herself as her eyes flickered to Eva. Eva rolled her eyes and focused on my hair.
"Does he train today?" I wondered.
Davina sighed. "Every day he trains, and not a thought nor a minute for me."
"He trains to prepare for the spring defense," Eva reminded her.
I bit my lip before I corrected her. None but those of Tristan's inner circle of lairds and ladies knew the true, more immediate reason for the training.
"What of your eyes? I have seen them wander to Angus quite a few times as we walked past," Davina scolded her friend.
Eva blushed. "I-I did nothing of the sort!"
"Then you both know the way to the training grounds?" I spoke up.
Davina paused in her tying of my bodice to lean forward so she caught sight of my face. Her brow was furrowed as she studied my expression. "Why do you ask these questions, Muira?"
I pursed my lips and spun around to face the surprised pair. "I can no longer remain in these quiet chambers," I told them.
"You wish to go to the dining hall?" Eva guessed.
"Or the courtyard?" Davina suggested.
I shook my head. "I wish to go to the patch of ground where my laird and his men train."
Eva's mouth dropped open, and even Davina frowned.
"But the attempt on your life!" Eva reminded me.
"My life was spared, and I will have two very good friends to accompany me," I pointed out.
"For once I must agree with Eva. This is rather dangerous," Davina commented.
I stood tall and bowed my head. "I understand, and I do not blame either of you if you do not wish to escort me."
"Lady Muira!"
"Muira!"
Both of them spoke in scolding tones as they gathered around me and grasped my sleeves.
"Never believe we are so selfish!" Eva pleaded.
"You should know us better than that, Muira!" Davina scolded.
"If you do not worry for your positions then I can only assume you worry for your safety. I understand, and will not force you to go with me," I assured them.
Davina stepped back and stood tall. "Well, I for one refuse to allow you to travel alone," she insisted.
"And I will not allow either of you to leave without proper supervision," Eva chimed in.
I allowed a twinkle to slip into my eyes and a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Then you will go with me?" I asked them.
"Of course!" they cried in unison.
"Then let us go at once," I insisted.
We finished my dressing and ventured forth to the training grounds outside the village. My pair of friends walked on either side of me and led the way.
"Are you sure this is so wise?" Eva asked me as we walked down the long road from the castle to the village.
"Would you rather have remained at the castle?" Davina asked her.
Eva glared at her friend. "I would not. She is our responsibility, and I will ensure her safety."
"I will take responsibility for my actions," I reminded her.
"We won't blame you for anything, will we, Eva?" Davina scolded her friend.
Eva sighed and shook her head. "No, of course not."
Davina leaned forward as we walked and frowned at her old acquaintance. "What ails you? I thought you would be pleased to see your young laird."
Eva scowled at Davina. "It would please me to perform my duties to Lady Muira, but-" She paused and shook her head. "I would rather not discuss the matter."
"Come on. Out with it," Davina insisted.
"It isn't of importance," she argued.
"It is if you won't discuss it," Davina countered.
Eva's eyes flickered to me as we entered the village and turned left toward the High Road. She lowered her voice so she wouldn't be overheard. "If her ladyship won't laugh at me."
I smiled and shook my head. "Of course not."
Eva bit her lower lip and looked at the ground. "Well, I have a horrible feeling something might happen. Something very bad."
Davina rolled her eyes . "Another of your feelings?" she scolded her.
Eva glared at her. "This one is very strong. Something will come, and it will be terrible."
By this time our quick feet had taken us beyond the boundaries of the small village and to the training grounds. The grounds abutted the High Road and was a flat parcel of wheat ground. The wheat was put up for the winter so the hundred men walked on the small stubs of the once-golden harvest. Tristan stood at their head and showed them several sword moves for close combat. Alan and Angus were at his sides and assisted in the drills.
We were not long unnoticed. Tristan turned and frowned at us. He spoke a few words to the men and strode over to us.
"Why have you left the castle?" he asked us.
I shrank beneath his ire. "I only meant to see you," I explained.
Tristan looked from Davina to Eva, and each in their turn bowed their head. "Why did you not stop her?"
I frowned and stepped forward. "The choice to come here was none of their doing. I commanded them to accompany me, and they obeyed against their wishes."
Tristan returned his attention to me and pursed his lips. "Do you not understand the danger? Your assassin could return at any moment and succeed in the task to which she has assigned herself."
I stood tall and looked him in the eyes. A spark of energy shot through me in which I found strength. "I would not have allowed her to frighten me into not living my life. If she returns again I will show her I am not afraid."
A hint of a smile slipped onto Tristan's lips.
"It seems we both have lacked the faith of one another at some point, and the time for mine was brief." He opened one arm and stepped aside for me to join him by his side. "Come, my godly wife, and join-"
"My laird!" Alan shouted.
We all turned our attention to Alan. He pointed at the High Road, and we followed his finger to the point where three riders rode hard down the road. My heart quickened when I recognized them as Bruce, Chamberlain and Duncan. They rode up to us and their filthy clothes and sweat-covered steeds showed their hard journey. The men dismounted and hurried up to Tristan. They were joined by Angus and Alan.
"My laird, it is as the man has spoken," Chamberlain revealed.
"Aye, and far worse," Duncan spoke up. His face was grim as he shook his head. "Men of my father's lands have joined them and strengthened their army."
Tristan frowned. "What cause have they in union with the Menzies clan?"
"Rumors, my laird," Chamberlain continued. "Rumors of devilry among the lairds of Castle Campbell."
"Their priests urge them to stamp out the Devil by joining his lot against us," Bruce spoke up.
Tristan pursed his lips. "I see. Then there can be no convincing them otherwise?"
Chamberlain shook his head. "None at all save for victory. God's will would be shone through the victor."
"Then we will show them god's will," Tristan promised. He turned to me where I stood off with Davina and Eva, and offered me his hand. "Will you grace us with god's majesty?"
I smiled and strode over to lay my hand atop his. "Wherever you lead, my laird, I will follow."
Tristan nodded, and looked to the men around him. "Have I your strong hands to assist me in god's will?"
"For forever and a day," Duncan promised.
"I will join you," Angus offered.
Chamberlain and Alan bowed their heads.
Bruce looked on the company and smiled. "This shall be interesting."
CHAPTER 46
"Very interesting, but we must first give strategy to our decisions," Tristan advised.
"And choose groups for the army we fight against has two heads," Bruce revealed. He knelt on the ground and drew a few circles in the mud with a stick. "This group-" he pointed at one circle, "-moves along the High Road, but the other dares the passages through the woods and mean to strike us from the east."