Chapter 10
Malcolm grippedthe metal bars of his cell and cursed. Black rage flowed through his veins. His father would pay with his life if he touched one hair on Sheona’shead.
“I don’t think you’ll do anyone any good if you beat your brains out,MacDonald.”
Malcolm raised his head and looked across at the same face he’d seen there a few hours ago. Alasdair MacLeod smirked. Malcolm saw nothing humorous about thesituation.
“You mentioned a plan earlier. I assume being thrown in a cell for the second time in one day is not part ofit.”
He had to admit, it was a bit ridiculous. And no, he could not carry out his plan from where he stood at the moment. The question was how could he get word to the Privy Council about the escalating feud? They could intervene and put a stop to it. But if they were not informed about the goings on, nothing wouldchange.
“I still intend to carry out my plan, MacLeod. I may have an additional challenge or two to contend with, but I will see success and all restored to its rightfulplace.”
“Well, if that means us under your boot you better find another plan because we will neveryield.”
“Do you not see that is the problem? No one yields. For years and years we push and pull at one another and no one has gained one inch of ground. We’ve lost many lives along the way, as have you. Surely you see this is not theway.”
MacLeod was silent for a time. Did he see the reason in his words? His father’s heart was filled with bitterness and hatred. How could anything thrive in thatenvironment?
“You have a noble heart,” MacLeodsaid.
That comment came as a surprise, considering the source. He’d never received a compliment within the walls of his own castle, let alone from his enemy. Perhaps there was reason to be hopeful after all. Perhaps the MacLeods were just as tired of the feuding as hewas.
“So what do you intend todo?”
“Can I trust you,MacLeod?”
“Can I trustyou?”
And there it was—the potential impasse that could keep them from moving forward. Someone, sometime, had to take a leap of faith or they were destined to forever circle one another, taking bite afterbite.
“Aye, you can trust me, MacLeod. I will share my plan with you, but I must be assured that you are just as resolved to find a peaceful solution here, else we will all hang by my father’shand.”
“You have myword.”
“What is your biggest barrier?” Malcolm suspected he knew the answeralready.
“That my father doesn’t know how to do anything besides fightyours.”
Malcolm nodded and smiled. “I thought as much. That is mine aswell.”
“So what do yousuggest?”
“There is an authority that can ensure peacefultalks.”
MacLeod shook his head. “The Privy Council. You’ll get no such support from them. They’re more concerned with parliamentary affairs than clan feuds. And besides, how do you plan to contact them from inhere?”
That was the biggest challenge at the moment. “You leave the Privy Council to me. What I need from you and yours is an assurance you will back whatever the council decides in order to end the feud. Are weagreed?”
MacLeod stroked his beard. “We are agreed. Neither of our fathers will be pleased aboutthis.”
“It is the only way any of us will survive. You know this as well as Ido.”
“I believe it is a possible solution, albeit an extremeone.”
It would have to do. Malcolm had no choice and even a soft agreement from the MacLeod chief’s son was better thannothing.
“And as to your other question, regarding his current dilemma . . .” Keith stepped out of the shadows. “I believe I may be able to assist withthat.”
