They were discussing where to go. The options were few, to say the least. Not many would be willing to take on the wrath of the king, who'd made harboring MacGregors punishable by death. Worse, Argyll had put his Henchman, Jamie Campbell, in charge of hunting them down. Patrick had crossed paths with the Henchman enough times to know that he was relentless and would not rest until they were found.
He regretted the missed opportunity of ridding his clan of their bane two years ago at the games.
Patrick bided his time as names were bandied about and quickly discarded. Even MacAulay and Murray, who'd sheltered them before, would be unlikely to risk doing so at this time.
Finally, he spoke what had been on his mind from the first. What was always on his mind. “My brothers and I will go to Balquhidder.”
Alasdair gave him a long look, guessing at Patrick's motives. “Glenorchy is no friend of ours. And at least for now, he holds those lands. Though not for long, I warrant.”
Patrick went completely still. “Explain yourself, cousin.”
“Argyll and Glenorchy are squabbling again.”
The two branches of clan Campbell were often at odds— a state that suited the MacGregors just fine. As long as Argyll and Glenorchy were fighting, they would not unite against them. “What does their squabbling have to do with my land?”
Alasdair hesitated. He knew Patrick's determination to reclaim his father's lands. Knew how even mentioning the subject would send him into a black mood for days. “Argyll is claiming the land for his cousin's tocher.”
Patrick's fists clenched at his side. ClaimingMacGregorland. Land that had belonged to his clan for hundreds of years. Land that had been stolen from them twice—first by Argyll, who'd turned them into tenants on their own land, and then by Glenorchy, who'd purchased the superiority from Argyll and refused to recognize them even as tenants and burned them out.
The haunting images assaulted him, but he forced them aside, leaving only the familiar hatred and bitterness coiling inside. The Campbells had paid for their injustice, but it would never be enough. Some things could never be replaced.
But taking back his land would help.
All of a sudden, Patrick stilled. His gaze shot to his chief. “You said cousin. Which cousin?”
Alasdair and their uncle Duncan exchanged looks, as if realizing the reaction his pronouncement would effect. “Elizabeth.”
“Patrick's Campbell?” Gregor asked.
“Aye,” Duncan said.
Patrick held his expression impassive, masking the turmoil burgeoning inside. The lass he'd once helped now held his land. Fate or irony? He didn't give a damn either way. It was an opportunity.
The crackle of the fire seemed to accentuate the tense silence.
“Who is she betrothed to this time?” Patrick's youngest brother, Iain, finally asked.
“No one,” Alasdair replied. “Yet. I suspect that Argyll has added the land to the gel's tocher to pique interest in her. I'd marry the lass myself—if I didn't think Maihri would object.”
“She'd cut off your bollocks and serve them to you for dinner for even suggesting it,” Duncan said in all seriousness. The men laughed when Alasdair paled.
Patrick's mind was racing as he realized that the chance he'd been waiting for might have just arrived. Not only would he have the personal satisfaction of seeing his land returned to his family, but it could also be a godsend to his clan. Without land, they'd been forced to steal and scavenge for food. But never had the situation been so dire as after Glenfruin. The people were starving, and he didn't know whether they could survive another cold winter like the last.
They couldn't ignore the opportunity. If they didn't do something, someone else would.
“I'll do it,” Gregor proclaimed boldly.
“No!” Patrick boomed. The men were silenced by the forcefulness of his outburst. Hell, it had surprised even him. But the thought of his brother with that delicate lass … He moderated his tone. “I will.”
Alasdair met his gaze. The chief did not look surprised by Patrick's pronouncement. “You have a plan?”
“Aye.” His mouth thinned to a hard line. “To get my land back.”
Alasdair frowned. “You will take the lass?”
It was his first instinct, and one that would exact further revenge, but Patrick shook his head. “Nay. ’Twould be too easy for Argyll to set aside.” And only cause them more problems. He needed Elizabeth Campbell towantto marry him—and stay married.
“The Campbell devil will hardly allow a MacGregor near his precious cousin,” Duncan pointed out. “How do you intend to marry the lass if you do not take her?”
