“If I was Galbraith, I wouldnae set too much store on Allan sendin’ troops anytime soon. Remember the reason why I decided nae tae wait any longer tae challenge Galbraith? Because right now, half Allan’s army is still up near Dingwall, fightin’ with the McLoughlins over the clan’s whisky distillery. Allan’s forces in the south are at their weakest now,” Ewan reminded him.
“Aye, but he still has a powerful force at his disposal. Even fifty of his warriors fightin’ alongside Galbraith’s would likely see us off as we are at present.”
“I appreciate yer optimism, Colin,” Ewan said wryly. “Granted, Allan has a few hundred men down here still tae deploy. But the question is, will he wantae?”
Colin’s shot him a questioning look. “What d’ye mean?”
“Well, ye ken how Allan thinks as well as I dae. He robbed me of me land simply because he coveted the wealth such fertile landbrings. So, he came and took it by force, lyin’ and claimin’ I stole it from him.”
His voice had become a growl and his dark brows knitted as he felt the pain of the insult afresh. The theft of part of his birthright by the bastard Allan was one of the injustices he had suffered at the villain’s hands that constantly twisted in his heart like a dagger.
“I ken what drives a man like that—’tis an insatiable hunger fer gold and power over others,” he continued.
“I agree with ye there, Ewan, but what’s that got tae dae with whether he sends reinforcements fer Galbraith or nae?” Colin asked, frowning.
“Och, he’ll send them all right. It would look bad if he didnae send anyone at all tae help out his ally. The question is,whenwill he send them?” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table, looking at Colin intently. “I’ll wager Allan intends tae take full advantage of the situation. I mean, if he beats us, he’ll take over all that’s mine. But I reckon he’ll nae stop there. With Galbraith’s forces already weakened from the battle, then what’s tae stop him from takin’ over the castle and Clan Galbraith fer himself?”
Colin gave a low whistle. “Naethin’,” he said, nodding. “That makes good sense.”
“Aye, but the trouble is, Galbraith just daesnae see it. Somehow, whether by design, gutlessness, or just sheer gullibility, he’sallowed Allan tae convince him that he’s an innocent man bein’ slandered as a thief by me.” He paused thoughtfully for a moment.
“Although there’s probably more tae it as well. ’Tis likely Allan has somethin’ Galbraith wants or needs, grain maybe. Could be he thought he had nae choice but tae ally with Allan. Any way, it daesnae matter. What matters is, that it would suit Allan very well if his reinforcements arrived just as the battle’s windin’ down. With both sides weakened, it would nae take much effort fer him tae finish both me and Galbraith off and make all we own his.”
“So, ye think he’s plannin’ tae take over both clans at the same time?”
“That’s just what I think, I’ve nay guarantee it’s true. But even if I’m wrong, it’s gonnae take some time for Galbraith’s messenger tae catch up with Allan himself. He could be anywhere from here tae Dingwall. That buys us some time. In that time, there’s always hope.”
“So, a siege could work best then. If there’s a delay in the reinforcements coming, Galbraith might give up and come over tae us.” Colin smiled and drank down his dram. “That’ll mean less bloodshed as well.”
“Aye. That’s all tae the good. Of course, if Allan sends reinforcements in the next few days, we’ll havetae fight. But I feel it in me bones that I’m right about his intentions. I’m takin’a gamble that we’ll nae see hide nor hair of any reinforcements fer a good while yet.”
“I’ll roll that dice with ye gladly, Ewan,” Colin said with a gruff laugh. “So, with that settled, what’s our next move?”
Ewan got up and stretched luxuriously, cracking his bones and yawning widely. “There’s nae time tae waste. Let’s go and talk tae the men about the plans. It should boost their morale a wee bit.”
“Aye all right.” Colin got up and followed Ewan out of the tent. Darkness had already fallen as they strode side by side across the well-organized camp to the rallying point in the center.
“Gather round, lads,” Colin called to the knots of men among the tents as he and Ewan strode past them. “The laird wants tae speak tae ye all about what’s gonnae happen.”
Minutes later, Ewan was standing on an upturned crate before his assembled troops. “Thank ye, lads. Now, listen well tae what I tell ye about our plans fer this wee venture of ours.” He went on to outline the strategy he and Colin had already agreed on. “So, ye’ll be pleased tae ken there’s likely nae gonnae be any fightin’ fer the moment. Nae if I can help it anyway.”
There came from the ranks a mixture of laughter, boos, and cheers, which made him grin. “I ken some of ye are disappointed, but ye should be happy ye’ll live tae fight another day, eh?”
He paused as he looked out at the faces, some of which he silently admitted were more familiar to him than others. That occurred to him when he noticed one lad hanging back from the front row. He was a short, skinny specimen wearing a too-big uniform jacket, with a cap pulled low over his head and a kerchief concealing his lower features. But Ewan could make out enough of him to be sure he did not know the lad.
Shrugging it off, he turned his attention back to the sea of expectant faces in front of him. “But just because ye dinnae have tae fight just yet, I dinnae want any of ye usin’ that as an excuse tae shirk yer duties. Attend yer trainin’ sessions every day, keep yer blades sharp and yer equipment and gear ready in case we havetae fight. All right, lads, now off ye go tae yer rest.”
As he stepped down from the crate, there was a ragged chorus of “Aye, m’ laird,” from the men, who began to disperse, the majority seemingly cheered by news of the temporary reprieve from fighting.
Ewan headed back to his tent with Colin. When they reached it, they stopped outside. Ewan turned to his second-in-command and slapped him on the shoulder. “Well, lad, I’m gonnae turn in.”
“I’m nae hittin’ the hay just yet,” Colin replied. “I’m gonnae dae me rounds of the perimeter first and make sure the guards are all awake.”
“They’d better be, or they’ll get me boot up their arses,” Ewan threatened before breaking out in a smile. “Well, bad as I feel ferleavin’ ye tae it, I’ll bid ye good night. Wake me up if anything happens though.”
“I will. Go on and get that much-needed beauty sleep.” Colin laughed as he turned and went off about his duties.
Ewan went inside and prepared to sleep. Clad in his shirt and trews, he lay on his cot, propped against the pillow. For a while, he looked over the papers he had brought from the table, his mind turning relentlessly. Eventually, with a large yawn, he gave in to his fatigue, blew out his candle, and turned on his side under the blanket. Gradually, his mind quieted, and he fell deeply asleep.
