“I know,” Arran stated, setting his sword back into the scabbard so he could sharpen it later. “And I agree. She’s a tough lass. She is the reason I am standing here.”
“Then give her time,” his ma replied. “I believe ye wilnae regret wedding the lass. She reminds me of me.”
Surprised, Arran looked at her. “Ye?”
His ma nodded, wrapping her tartan tighter around her body. “I’ve never told ye how I met yer da, have I?”
“Nay.”
Arran shook his head. His ma did not like to discuss his da. It reminded her of the loss she had experienced, and he knew it still pained her after all these years.
She drew in a breath, a slight smile on her lips. “I was running a rogue warrior party. Mah own da had been murdered the month before, and I was out for vengeance. We helped ourselves tae yer grandda’s stores, and yer da caught me as we fled. I tried tae fight back, but he was overpowering, and soon I was in the dungeon, awaiting mah fate.”
Arran stared at his ma, trying to picture her in the dungeon, likely giving the guards an earful for being there. “Yer da came tae see me,” she continued, her eyes growing soft. “He gave me a choice. I could either wed him, or he would kill me on the spot. I wanted him tae kill me. I chose for him tae kill me.” She then shook her head, laughing softly. “He refused, and I stayed in the dungeon for weeks afterward. Every night, he would come down and sit beside the bars, telling me all the reasons I should marry him. Mah hate grew into something of acceptance and then affection. The next time he asked, I accepted.”
“I didnae know ye were enemies.”
“Aye, but I grew tae love him like no other. He didnae give up on me, and I am telling ye not tae give up on Ainslee. Remember wot she has suffered through and wot she has done for ye.”
Arran sighed. “I will consider it.”
His ma crossed the distance between them and pulled him into an embrace. “I love ye, lad.”
“I love ye,” he told her, returning her embrace. “Thank ye for accepting his proposal.”
She laughed and slapped at his shoulder before walking toward the door. “Ye keep me happy, Arran. Ye and yer brothers. When I lost yer da, I didnae want tae go on with mah life but knowing I had our sons tae take care of kept me going. Everyone should experience that sort of love at least once in their lifetime.”
Arran watched as she walked out before shoving a hand through his hair. He knew Ainslee had not meant to lie to him, but he had taken her from her home and forced her hand in marriage. Perhaps he should listen to her, to see if she could be a good wife to him. He would be a good husband to her. He would not beat her nor push her aside. He wanted someone like his ma, someone he could trust in what was best for the clan.
He wanted a partner, not just a wife.
An hour later, Arran sat in his chair and looked out over the council that had gathered, his throat tightening as he saw the empty seats that would be occupied by his second-in-command and the other top-ranking warriors. It was time to put someone in those positions.
Pounding his fist on the table, Arran commanded the attention of those gathered, including his brother Malcolm. “Let us not forget those that have lost their lives protecting this clan. May their deaths never be in vain.”
There was a chorus of ayes as those present removed their swords and laid them on the table, a sign of respect. Arran did the same, running his fingers over the blade so he could feel the bite of the steel on his skin. “Now,” he continued, catching the eye of his brother. “’Tis time to name a second-in-command. I nominate Cameron.”
Cameron looked up in surprise, and Arran gave him a nod. Cameron had been one of his younger warriors, one that had stayed behind to protect the keep and its occupants.
“What say ye, council?”
Another chorus of ayes followed his declaration, and Cameron rose, approaching the seat that had been occupied by Alistair, kneeling before Arran. Arran rose and picked up his sword, placing it on the young lad’s shoulder.
“Ye will protect yer clan and yer laird until the day of yer death.”
“Aye,” Cameron replied, his voice heavy.
“Rise then,” Arran said, removing his sword, “and take yer place next tae me.”
Cameron did as he requested, and Arran returned to his seat. “We must prepare for an attack on our clan,” he started, meeting the eyes around the table. “We must raise our warriors and be ready.”
“Aye, they are already lining up tae replace those that were lost,” one of the elder clansmen stated.
Arran gave him a quick nod. “Have them start tae train.” He knew they would be young and likely inexperienced, which meant they would still be green when McDougal did attack.
“Why are we not storming the McDougal keep?” Malcolm asked, his face red with anger. “He nearly killed ye! Why should we wait for him?”
Arran understood his brother’s anger. “Our warriors are in the ground on the hill. ’Tis will take time tae be ready.”
