“Where is your father, lad? I do not see him on the battlements with you. Is he hiding inside and will jump out with the rest of you lot to finish what youstarted?”
Malcolm couldn’t blame the MacLeod for his anger or his fear. He was completely justified in both. Merely seeing some of his clansmen wasn’t enough to wash away years of hatred and bitterness. They all had a long road ahead ofthem.
“He will want to see his daughter before he steps through that gate,” Alasdairsaid.
“I do not want her involved in this business. He will take our word for it or he can stay outthere.”
He then turned back to the men on the outside. “Will you come inside andtalk?”
Long moments passed before MacLeod said anything. He was right to weigh his options, but there was only one option that made any sense, no matter which side of the gate onestood.
The MacLeod slid from his horse and walked to the gatehouse alone. Malcolm descended the stairs and walked to meet him. He drew a deep breath and prayed that when he opened it, only one man would walk through and not a rush of angry clansmen onhorseback.
Malcolm nodded and his men lifted the heavy log holding the gate in place. He opened the door and waited. Rorie MacLeod was a large man, not quite as tall as Malcolm, but he was heavy-set and battle-hardened. He glared at Malcolm as the latter stood back, motioning for him toenter.
“Welcome to Knock Castle,MacLeod.”
A look of surprise crossed his face and he nodded and entered. Alasdair stood next toMalcolm.
“We have much to update you on,Father.”
“Aye, it would seem. Where isSheona?”
“She is inside.” Malcolm walked toward the keep with the others intow.
“Have her things packed and ready to leave within the hour. I will listen to you, MacDonald, but I do not plan tostay.”
“She will not be leaving withyou.”
“What do you mean? She is my daughter and she will be coming home withme.”
“No, MacLeod, she will not. She is my wife, and she will be staying withme.”
A meaty fist slammed into Malcolm’s jaw just before the heavy MacLeod tackled him to theground.
“You bastard, you have defiled mydaughter!”
Malcolm shoved him off and leapt to his feet, ready to defend himself if he neededto.
“She was not forced. She married mewillingly.”
“Youlie!”
“You will see for yourself in a moment, but I will not let you see her if you do not control yourself.” Damned man had a very good punch. Malcolm’s jaw throbbed and he itched to return the compliment, but they would get nowhere if he lost his temper aswell.
Alasdair held his father back. “You must listen to what he has to say, Father. He has found a way to end thefeud.”
“Come, let us meet in the hall and I will explain everything there. I will send for Sheona and you can see for yourself that she is well andundamaged.”
