“My father has undergone a great change, MacLeod,” Malcolmsaid
“Aye, that he has.” MacLeod said nothing more until MacDonald was alongside him. “You areunwell.”
His comment appeared to bring MacDonald out of his trance. It was as though he noticed the other people in the hall only at thatmoment.
Sheona had mixed emotions. This man had frightened her so before; now he looked as harmless as a weebairn.
“My father is turning over in the ground,” Malcolm’s fathersaid.
MacLeod laughed. “Minetoo.”
Malcolm stepped between them. “Will you both sit andlisten?”
“Aye,” MacLeod said. “I hope there’s ale. I believe I may needit.”
Sheona sat next to her father and listened while Malcolm explained his trip to Inverness. She watched various emotions cross his face: anger, frustration, disgust, and finally, hope. Malcolm left out nothing when it came to expressing his true and honest feelings about the feud and the devastation it hadcaused.
“My father will be collected by Gordon, and you, MacLeod, will go with Argyll. You will both enter into peaceful negotiations with the intent to end this feud once and for all. If those talks break down, I will replace my father and Alasdair will replace you. Are we understood and inagreement?”
Long moments ticked by as the two chiefs eyed one another. Sheona had never known a moment in her life when both of these men had not despised one another. Whatever had transformed the MacDonald must have been powerfulindeed.
Tell him toconcede.
The voice caught her off guard and she jumped. She wasn’t sure if she should say anything under the circumstances. It was not her place and Malcolm appeared to have everything well undercontrol.
She shook herhead.
You must tell him, Sheona. He hesitates. I can feel it in him. His anger rises with each passing second as old hate and doubt fillhim.
Malcolm caught her eye and his brow drew inward. “Are you unwell,wife?”
She forced a smile, hoping he would not guess at her turmoil. Though she would never hesitate to voice her opinion to her father and clansmen, since they’d always indulged her that way, she wouldn’t dream of interfering in a critical matter such as this. One wrong word and there would be bloodshed. She doubted any one of them would leave this room alive if that were tohappen.
Sheona! Tell him to concede. He will listen to you, I promise. Tellhim!
“You must concede!” Her words echoed throughout the great hall. All heads turned her way and it took her a moment to realize she’d actually toppled her chair when she jumpedup.
Both chiefs turned to look at her. Malcolm looked like he would throttle her. Too late now, she must see this through regardless of theconsequences.
“You both must.” She drew in a deep breath and tried to steady herself. “My husband is right. We cannot continue in this manner. Father, the town of Bracadale has little left in it to call a town. MacDonald, you have seen as much devastation on your end as well. How many more lives would you both sacrifice because of yourhatred?”
Sheona waited. At any moment, a great battle would erupt; she could almost feel it rising to the surface, as though the evil behind it were a seething entity seeking hosts. She prayed the men at this table wanted a peacefuloutcome.
* * *
Malcolm watchedSheona express her demand. She was glorious in her stance, her hair falling loose about her shoulders and her cheeks flushed from her outburst. He had not expected such from her, but revelled in the message she sent. This wisp of a lass had the guts to stand up to the two most powerful warrior chiefs in the Highlands. He smiled. He had to admit she was more than a little intoxicating in that moment. He wanted her, despite the inappropriatetiming.
The two chiefs glared at oneanother.
“It is possible a grandchild of both of yours grows in my belly,” Sheona said. “Do you want him or her to know peace or war? The choice isyours.”
With that she kissed both men on the cheek and left the great hall. The incredulous look on both men’s faces was almost humorous. Perhaps under different circumstances he might have laughed. For now, he was grateful she’d said what shehad.
MacLeod cleared his throat. “My daughter is a fierce negotiator. She makes a goodpoint.”
MacDonald nodded. “Aye that she does. I am glad my grandchild will grow up at Knock Castle. He will add much joy to thishall.”
MacLeod shook his head. “No, MacDonald. ’Twill be her choice where she lives and we all know she will prefer Dunvegan. My grandson will love theseals.”
