Chapter Seventeen
In a dimlylit chamber in the territory of Clan Gordon, Clyde Stewart addressed the circle of lairds he had come to trust. He spoke quietly of the failed alliance with the Sinclairs and Ailis’s feelings for Lachlan McClain. “We must reassess and weave new alliances,” he declared. “The Sinclair clan has been defeated and we must find another way to keep the McAfees and the McClains from strengthening their alliance. I want us allied with the McAfees.”
Laird Gordon nodded. “Me clan is allied with the McAfees. Perhaps it would be good if me son, Lucas, courted Ailis. He is a much better warrior than any McClain and a true gentleman.”
The other lairds listened intently, their eyes betraying the strategy forming within. Laird MacKenzie suggested his own son Bearnard, while Laird Cameron offered his son Horas. Laird Sutherland, however, had only daughters to pledge.
Clyde contemplated each offer, calculating the potential gains and setbacks. “Yer loyalty does ye honor. We shall present these fine young warriors as suitors for the McAfee maidens. Ailis may yet be swayed from her ill-advised affection. Laird Sutherland, mayhap ye should send yer daughters to flirt with Lachlan and Brodie McClain.”
“Laird Gordon, yer ties with the McAfees are strong. I propose a grand ceilidh to entice the two younger sisters and the McClains who court them. We can make certain they areseparated and spend time with the people we want them to spend time with.”
Laird Gordon was intrigued. “Aye, that can be arranged.”
“Invite the McAfees courteously,” Clyde instructed. “Present yer sons—Lucas, Bearnard, and Horas—as suitors for Ailis, distracting her from Lachlan McClain.”
The lairds leaned forward, envisioning the courtship they would orchestrate. “I believe ye should host Highland Games. The McAfee lasses were raised as warriors, and they will not be able to reject an invitation like that. Each son will challenge Lachlan McClain with honor and skill,” Clyde continued.
The ideas flew through the room, each man suggesting ways to separate the McClains and McAfees. “Perhaps even a rumor that the McClains think they are better than the McAfees would help,” Laird Gordon suggested.
As the meeting concluded, the lairds exchanged firm handshakes. Clyde watched them leave, satisfaction hidden behind stoic leadership.
“Let the games begin,” he murmured. The Stewarts’ fate and the Highlands’ future hinged on this grand ceilidh’s outcome.
*
The Great Hallof McAfee hummed with anticipation as Laird Duncan informed his son-in-law and the other McClain men of their summons to the Highland Games in Clan Gordon’s territory. “Fiona, Ailis, and Moira will compete—a rare opportunity. They specifically asked for them, and they will be allowed to compete against the men.”
Lachlan’s eyes met those of Alisdair and Brodie before he spoke. “We’ll accompany yer daughters to ensure their safety. I worry this is another plan to force yer daughters into unwanted marriages.”
“Aye,” Duncan agreed. “I must stay to protect our home and make sure no one tries to rescue our captives. I trust that ye three will be able to keep me daughters out of trouble.” His gaze lingered on each of the brothers, making sure they understood the importance of their task.
Lachlan chuckled. “Yer daughters dinnae get themselves into trouble. They are all well-behaved.”
*
Soon the threesisters gathered. The honor of competition was evident, as were its political implications. They had only ever been allowed to compete in the games held on McAfee land. Now they could compete and show their prowess to many more people.
“We will go not only to prove ourselves but to uphold our clan’s dignity. I’m certain there will be much talk about our clan destroying the Sinclairs. The truth must be told to help the reputation of the McAfees.”
Moira’s eyes gleamed with excitement even as Ailis sensed the gravity of what lay ahead. To compete meant vulnerability before potential enemies. Retreat, however, wasn’t an option for the McAfees.
“Let’s embrace this challenge,” Ailis murmured. “Through uncertainty, we carry our ancestors’ strength and spirit.”
“Are ye certain about the tartan?” Moira asked, pleating the fabric around Ailis’s waist.
Ailis glanced at her reflection. “We shall wear it proudly, as is our right.”
Fiona added, “Let our colors fly high. Let McAfee be synonymous with honor.”
As they donned their clan’s hues, each sister bore not only cloth but duty—to showcase their skills and navigate alliancesand rivalries. This was the perfect opportunity for them to share their side of the story about the defeat of the Sinclairs. It was time the entire Highlands knew of the treachery they had faced.
*
“Stay vigilant, Ailis,”Lachlan cautioned, scanning the horizon beyond fluttering banners.
She stared up at him, noting his tense jaw and stormy eyes. “Is there cause for concern?” She scanned the area and found no immediate dangers, but she didn’t know what he was seeing. He was a seasoned warrior, and he knew more about the dangers that lurked than she did.
“This event might well be a ruse,” he admitted. He had thought about the circumstances over and over. The Sinclairs’ allies should’ve been fighting with the McAfees. Instead, no one uttered a word, and they were invited to participate in Highland Games. It wasn’t what was expected. “Why have the Sinclairs’ allies not attacked? The timing of these games is odd to me.”
