Then Dougal spoke, his voice carefully controlled. "Yestolea woman from a buyer at Graham's auction."
"I freed a woman who was bein' sold against her will," Alpin corrected. "There's a difference."
"Graham willnae see it that way," Malcolm said. "Neither will the buyer. Who was it, anyway?"
"Henry Ashcombe. Duke of Ravenscar."
"AnEnglish duke?" Dougal's voice went up an octave. "Alpin, are ye mad? Ye stole from an English duke?"
"I rescued a lass from a predator," Alpin shot back. "And I'd dae it again."
"So, the Munro lass?" Lachlan asked carefully. "The one ye brought back. Will she cause problems fer the clan?"
The room went quiet, all eyes turning to Alpin.
"Nay," Alpin said firmly, meeting each councilor's gaze in turn. "She willnae."
"But Ashcombe—" Malcolm started.
"If Ashcombe comes fer her, we'll handle it." Alpin's voice was calm but left no room for argument. "And if Graham decides tae make trouble over it, we'll handle that too. I'll dae what's best fer the clan. I always have. Ye all ken that."
Dougal studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Aye, me laird. We dae."
"The lass has been through hell," Alpin continued. "She's under me protection now, which means she's under the clan's protection. If any man has a problem with that, speak now."
Silence.
"Good. Iain, I want ye tae start drawin' up a list of clans that have reported missin' women..."
Alpin leaned forward, bracing his forearms on the table.
"Now here's what we're goin' tae dae. First, I'm sendin' scouts tae confirm Graham's movements. I want tae ken where he is, what he's plannin', and if there are any more auctions scheduled. Second, I'm writin' tae Peadar again with more details. If he's dealin' with the same issues, maybe he has information we dinnae. Third—" He paused. "Third, we prepare. Tighten security, increase patrols, make sure our people ken tae report anythin' suspicious. Ashcombe willnae take kindly tae losin' his profit, and Graham willnae be happy either, when he hears it. We need tae be ready."
"What about the Munros?" Lachlan asked. "Dae they ken their daughter is here?"
"I've sent a letter to Laird Angus informin' him of Mhairi's safety and whereabouts. If he wants tae respond, he can. If hedaesnae..." Alpin shrugged coldly. "Then we'll ken exactly what kind of man he is."
"And the lass herself?" Malcolm's tone had softened slightly. "How is she?"
"Terrified. Angry. Tryin' tae be brave about it." Alpin's expression gentled. "She's stronger than she kens. But she's been through hell. She needs time."
"Will she stay?" Brodie asked.
"Fer now, aye. Beyond that..." Alpin shook his head. "I've given her me word that she's free tae leave whenever she wishes. I willnae make her a prisoner just because I pulled her out of one cage."
Dougal studied him for a long moment. "Ye like her?"
"I respect her," Alpin said carefully. "She's been through more than most warriors face and she's still standin'. That deserves respect."
"That wasnae what I asked."
"Then maybe ye shouldnae have asked." Alpin's tone was mild, but there was steel underneath. "Me personal feelin's about Mhairi Munro arenae relevant to this discussion. What's relevant is that she's here now, which makes her the clan's concern. And I expect every man in this castle tae treat her with the respect she deserves. Am I clear?"
"Aye, me laird," came the chorus of responses.
"Good." Alpin stood, effectively endin' the meeting. "Iain, I want ye tae start drawin' up a list of clans that have reported missin' women. Include any details ye can find. Malcolm, work with thecaptain of the guard tae increase patrols. Lachlan, I need ye tae speak with the merchants—see if any of them have heard rumors about where the lasses from previous auctions were taken. The rest of ye, keep yer ears open. If anyone hearsanythin'about Graham or Ashcombe, I want tae ken immediately."
The councilors rose, gathering their papers and preparing to leave. But Dougal lingered, waiting until the others had filed out before speaking again.
