Chapter Twelve
A hint of excitement spread through the hall as the evening meal began. There was a frivolity that Ailis did not feel. Sir Duncan was pleasant and engaged her in conversation even though she wanted to curl up in the corner and sob out her anguish. When she felt that urge, Davina would reach out and offer a comfort that Ailis had missed for months.
Her father was generous in his praise now that she had capitulated and accepted her fate and his choice of husband. She realized that the feeling spreading through the people was not excitement as much as relief. The battle between father and daughter, between chieftain and kin, was over. Their chieftain was happy. Drink flowed and food was served until everyone was satisfied.
If she was devastated over the knowledge she carried in her heart, no one seemed to notice. Or rather, no one commented on her demeanor or lack of mirth at the prospect of marrying the wealthy and well-connected Sir Duncan.
Then, from the back of the hall, words began buzzing about like a swarm of bees. The noise moved forward with a sense of alarm and danger. Men jumped to their feet, women whispered and fear grew. Ailis could see it but didn’t know the cause. A small group of her father’s warriors strode quickly toward the dais. Breac drew her father away from the table to speak to only him.
“Davina? What is the cause of this?” she asked. But her friend’s gaze was centered on Ailis’ father and Davina looked both worried and guilty. “Davina?”
Turning her attention to her father, Ailis was able to hear only bits of his exchange with Breac. What she heard shocked her to her core.
Dozens ready to attack. An army at their gates. Surrounded but for the sea.
But the last words took her breath away.
The MacLean demands the prisoner.
Ailis stood. She’d have gone to her father’s side had Davina not grabbed her and pulled her back. Searching her friend’s face, she read the truth.
Lachlan was not only alive, he was here. Now.
A prisoner of her father’s.
“Father!” she called out. She pulled free of Davina’s hold and ran to him. “He is no danger to ye, to us. Set him free and. …” Ailis knew she must handle this quickly and the price she must pay. “I willna delay in marrying Sir Duncan.”
Her father’s gaze narrowed. He looked from her to Davina to Sir Duncan and back.
“He doesna remember himself,” she said in a quiet voice so few heard her. “He doesna remember … me.”
By now, Davina reached her side. Although her father threw dark glances at his wife, her friend didn’t flinch. Had Davina some part in this?
“Finnan,” Davina said. “I pray ye, just let him go.”
With a nod to Breac, the order was given. The commander and his men rushed off towards the stairway that led below to the prisoners’ cells. Ailis took a step in that direction with the intent to follow them, but her father stopped her.
“Remain where ye are, Daughter.” His words and tone made everyone stop. She met his stare until the sounds of footsteps approached from where the men had gone. “Stay!”
Even in his angriest moments, he’d never spoken to her thus and everyone witnessing this scene knew it. She didn’t move as Breac and the others entered, dragging Lachlan between them. When he turned his head, she started again.
“Stay,” he ordered through clenched teeth.
Ailis couldn’t look. She couldn’t watch him being dragged away from her, now that she knew the truth. It took every bit of strength and control to remain where she stood. She turned her head so she didn’t see him.
The footsteps moved steadily away from the front of the hall towards the doorway in the back. Then the sounds of a struggle erupted. Yelling and chaos spread forward.
“Ye lied to me, Ailis!” Though hoarse and rough, she could hear Lachlan in every word. “Ye lied!”
Then he was standing before her as he had just days ago, tall and strong and a threat more now than before. He fought Breac and the others as they tried to grab hold of him and take him away. He didn’t behave like a man being taken to freedom and returned to his life. His accusation echoed and every MacKinnon heard it.
“Tell me the truth now, Ailis,” he said as he struggled.
Davina stood at her father’s side and touched his arm, a message spoken louder than any words could. A simple nod brought action and Breac and the men stepped away.
“What truth do ye wish me to say,Iain?” she asked, wiping her damp hands down her gown to ease her nervousness. She’d given her father her word. If she spoke wrongly, it could cost Lachlan so much. “That I loved a man but cost him his life?” She lifted her head and met his gaze.How had she not known him or recognized the eyes staring out at her through the scrap of fabric?“I called a man to me and he came … and he died.”
Gasps rose from those listening. As she watched, he shook his head.
