“I must say something else,” Lindsey said. “On the way here, we passed a family in the depths of poverty. They said you had burned their crops. Why would you do such a thing?”
The laird shook his head sadly. “That was my father. A cruel man, I am afraid. Times are different now I’m in charge, not that the Sinclairs could yet know the lairdship has changed hands. I seek only peace with all the clans of the Highlands.
“Edward is coming north with his army or so rumor has it. If we are to repel him, we must work together, not bicker amongst ourselves. If you would go to Castle Sinclair and return with an emissary of peace, I will gladly give you their sacred stone in turn as a gesture of good faith.”
“I have an emissary outside right now.”
“Really, who?”
“Tavish.”
The laird shook his head. “We cannot talk peace with an exiled murderer.”
“Did you not hear me just now? He is guilty of no crime.”
“Nonetheless, the Sinclairs will not listen to him so nor can we.”
The apothecary spoke up. “That is why she wants the stone. So that they can gain entry to Castle Sinclair and prove his innocence. Do you see?”
The laird turned to his companion. “You are right as ever, Father.” He turned back to Lindsey. “Prove the truth of which you speak. Bring Tavish to me and I will gladly give you the stone to take back to its rightful home. Perhaps then we may unite as a single people as has always been my wish.”
A minute later, Lindsey was standing waving outside the castle gate, hoping Tavish was watching from his vantage point. She was rewarded by the sight of a figure standing up, silhouetted against the sky for a brief moment before beginning the descent to her.
“What happened?” he asked when he reached her a few minutes later. “Do you have the stone?”
“Come with me,” she replied, taking his hand and leading him into the castle. “There is someone who wishes to meet you.”
Tavish looked utterly bewildered as he walked beside her into the castle. People stopped what they were doing when they saw him, muttering to each other and pointing at the outlaw.
“Tavish Sinclair,” the laird called out from the steps of the keep. “You are most welcome. Come, break bread with me.”
“Am I dreaming?” Tavish whispered to Lindsey as they climbed the steps to follow the laird inside.
A minute later the three of them were sitting at a small round table, trenchers and goblets in front of each of them. “This is a remarkable woman,” Dom said, nodding toward Lindsey. “You’d do well to look after her.”
“I intend to. But where is the laird?”
“Dead these six weeks. I am laird now.”
“I am most sorry for the loss of your father.”
“I’m not. He was a wicked man and the cause of much bloodshed between our two clans. But let us put that behind us. I have an offer for you, Tavish Sinclair.”
Tavish tore off a hunk of bread and ate it slowly. Lindsey watched as the laird did the same, the two men examining each other closely.
Finally, the laird burst into laughter. “You are a strong man but your eyes betray you. I see you want peace as much as me. Take the sacred stone and return to Castle Sinclair. Send them my blessing and ask for parley. We must have peace between the clans if we are to avoid a bloody future.”
Tavish twisted in his seat, giving Lindsey a look she understood at once.
“I told him the truth,” she said. “He knows I’m from the future.”
The laird slid a red velvet bag across the table. “The sacred stone, blessed by our holy men, given freely by the laird of the MacIntyres to you, emissary of the Sinclairs. Take it and fresh horses with all the food you need for your journey home.”
“I cannot ride,” Lindsey said. “Though I thank you for your gift.”
“Ride together on one then,” the laird replied, his smile not fading. “You look like neither of you will find that too great a discomfort.”
He got to his feet, holding a hand out toward Tavish who looked at it for several seconds whilst saying nothing. Then he too rose to his feet.
