"But you will one day."
When they reached the mountain above MacGregor Castle. Lennox looked down into the valley, saying nothing. Rose peered over his shoulder, expecting to see a people under siege. Instead, there was only silence. The castle itself looked undamaged.
They began to descend the mountainside, Lennox still saying nothing. They reached the castle and found it an unnervingly peaceful place.
Climbing down from the horse in the courtyard, Rose looked for any sign of a siege. There was none. It was as if it had never happened. Lennox's father had clearly been informed of his arrival as he strode out from the keep to meet them both.
Ross was smiling. "You did it!"
"I take it the siege has ended?"
"A messenger brought a letter to the rat this morning. He read it outside the gates and then off went his entire army.
"My Laird," a voice called out. Turning, Rose saw a man running into the courtyard.
"Colin?" Ross said. "What is it?"
"Robert de Ros."
"What of him?"
"He is burning villages as he goes south I only just made it out alive."
Ross turned to Lennox. "Did you see anything of this?"
"No, nothing. Which road did he take?"
"The west road by Loch Leven."
"Broaching MacCallister land, the fiend. He knew I would be watching the south road, so he looped around to gain his revenge. Lennox, gather your men. You will go make sure Robert de Ros sets no more fires."
"At once."
"No, not at once. You are no good to me dead from exhaustion. Eat first while the horses are prepared. I will call for you when it is time to leave."
"Yes, father." Lennox walked away, nodding for Rose to follow. He turned to talk to her. "We will visit Quinn in the meantime and discover why you are still here."
Quinn seemed to be expecting their visit. Three tankards of ale sat waiting on his table when they entered. His raven called out in alarm when they walked in.
"Sit," Quinn said. "We have not much time."
"It didn't work," Rose said. "In case you hadn't noticed."
"You held the staff at the altar."
"In the stone circle. Nothing happened."
"Nothing at all?" He didn't sound surprised.
"Well, I moved a few feet, but that was it."
"The staff could only send you home. Your heart lies here in the Highlands. I wasn’t sure before but now I have proof. You are the one."
"But this isn’t my home."
"The staff kens you better than you ken yourself, lass. It cannot lie even if you delude yourself."
He turned to his candle, sprinkling powder into it and then nodding as he examined the blue smoke that drifted upward. He turned to face them.
