The abbot smiled, holding out a hand to shake. Callum took it, surprised by how strong the grip was. “It’s good to see you.”
“And you. What brings you here?”
“I came to bless the wedding.”
“You’ve heard then?”
“All the highlands have heard of the union of the MacCleods to the MacKays. The MacIntyres are thinking of uniting with the Campbells and the MacDonalds in return. They think you mean to invade.”
Callum swore quietly. “The whole point of the wedding was to make things safer, to bring peace to the highlands and islands.”
“Not everyone sees it that way. I tried telling your father but he will not listen. You marry Nessa and the other clans unite against you. All he sees is the dowry that will come with the wedding.”
A light went on above Callum’s head. “Of course. That’s why he’s not worried about wasting our food on the feast. He’ll get the stores refilled by old man MacKay.”
“And their people will starve instead.”
Callum nodded. “Still, it must be done. I have no choice.”
“Do you not?”
“What? Do you know something I dinnae?”
Fingal scratched his chin as he began to walk slowly into the castle, Callum by his side. “I had a woman brought into the abbey unconscious.”
“I knew you monks were starved of female company but isn’t that going a bit far?”
Fingal didn’t laugh. “She mentioned a name in her sleep. In fact, she said the name many times.”
“So what? What’s that got to do with me?”
“It was your name, Callum MacCleod.”
Callum stopped dead, grabbing Fingal by the arm. “Who was this woman? What did she look like?”
“Bruised and half drowned. She said her name was Kerry. Does that name mean something to you?”
“I must go to the abbey. I have to see her.” He was already marching to the stable when Fingal stopped him. “What are you doing? Let go of me.”
“She’s no longer at the abbey.”
“What? Why? Where did she go?”
“I’ve no idea but she left with another woman while we were in the middle of a service.”
“But where have they gone?”
“I’ve no idea. I thought you might know. She is not well. Was muttering all kinds of things in her sleep about flying machines and boxes that can talk and all sorts of gibberish. Said she had to get back to the future like Marty McFly. I fear she is delirious. I have never heard of the McFly clan. Do you know of them?”
“No but I know she’s not delirious.” He smiled. “And I know where she’s going.
“Where?”
“MacIntyre Hall. I just hope I’m not too late. Do me a favor.”
“What?”
“Call off the wedding for me.”
