“Ye wish to enfold Lagrith within yer mantle of protection?” Fraser took a generous gulp of mead. “How do ye like our mead, Captain?”
“In all honesty,” Kai said, “I have never tasted anything like it before.” He took another sip of the thick liquid and swallowed. “I must think it over more.”
Fraser laughed. “I have wine.”
“Nay. I am intrigued by this drink and would like to take some back to Sans Airgid if some is available for purchase.”
“We are always open to trade, are we not?” the elder said aloud so all could hear him, then raised his drinking vessel. “Join me in welcoming our honored guests.”
The villagers raised their cups and cheered.
“Why would we give up our simple lives here, our freedom, to bend the knee to Laird Jamie? He would make demands of us, require a high percentage of our food and other wares.”
“I understand your concern,” Kai said. “But the politics in Scotia—in the broader world—are changing. Wars. Famine. Ambitious men seeking to expand their territories and to bring a fresh supply of slaves home. There is no honor or mercy in their hearts, they kill and take whatever they want.” He thought of his own father murdering the nomadic tribes in the desert.
“I am fully aware,” Fraser noted. “Remember, trade ships often anchor off our beach. News travels quickly on the sea.”
“Yes, it does. So, then you cannot deny how vulnerable your people are.”
The elder gazed thoughtfully at Kai. “Ye are not the first, nor the last to extend an invitation to join a clan in exchange for protection.”
“You have not heard my offer, Fraser.”
“Nay, I havena been fair. Forgive my gruff manners, Captain. Please, make yer offer.”
“I am not interested in altering the power structure of this village—tis what makes it successful, I believe. But if you would consider allowing Laird Jamie to build an outpost for a regiment of soldiers, then Clan MacKay can defend you against invaders and outlaws in exchange for feeding our soldiers and the right to first trade.”
Fraser leaned back in his chair. “No one has made such a proposal before.” He eyed the other men at the high table, who all seemed interested. “We will require some time to discuss it.”
“I understand.”
“I am not opposed to ye recruiting a handful of lads from our village for yer laird’s army. At the very least, our village will be connected to yer laird in one way or another.”
Kai took another drink of mead and smiled behind his cup. Fraser had been surprised by his offer, and by tomorrow, Kai hoped to sign a treaty with the elders, giving Laird Jamie a strategic advantage over the Sutherlands.
