“We’ve sent riders to the MacGregors, McDonalds, McDuff’s, and Robertsons for unity and strength,” Alisdair explained. “We ask for all to gather on McAfee land.”
“Then let it be so,” Duncan agreed. “We’ll stand against those who seek power.”
Alisdair exchanged a heavy glance with Duncan by the hearth. “Tomorrow,” Duncan began with fatherly concern, “allies will arrive hungry and weary. Me daughters will lead the hunt at dawn.”
*
At daybreak, Ailisemerged from the keep accompanied by Fiona and Moira. Sinclair women who had sought refuge among the McAfees approached, offering their help with bows and arrows in hand. Grateful, Ailis devised a plan to divide the group into hunters and fishers.
Ailis moved with purpose as she demonstrated knife-wielding techniques. The Sinclair women watched intently, eager to learn this vital skill. The women had been forbidden to hunt while they were members of Clan Sinclair, and now they were finally learning.
“Ye must respect the blade,” Ailis began. “For it is an extension of yer own hand.” She held the knife before her,its polished surface gleaming. With a swift motion, she sliced through the air. The Sinclair women mimicked her movements.
She showed them how to properly throw a knife, explaining that they had to be very careful not to hurt their friends in the process.
Nearby, Fiona, her blond hair bound in a practical braid, nocked an arrow to her bow. Observing Fiona’s stance, the Sinclair women tried to emulate her poise.
“Draw the bow with purpose,” Fiona instructed firmly but encouragingly. “Let the arrow fly true to yer intent.” As she released the string, the arrow found its mark. Gasps of admiration rose from the observers. “But remember to be careful to know who is around ye at all times. We cannot lose even one of ye. Yer all family now!”
As Ailis continued her knife-wielding demonstration, one of the Sinclair women, Flora, attempted to mimic the swift slicing motion but accidentally tossed her knife backward over her shoulder.
There was a moment of stunned silence before Ailis cried, “Ah, Flora, I did say respect the blade, not send it on a surprise exploration mission!”
Flora apologized profusely, and Ailis just laughed. “No one was injured, and now ye’ll be more careful.”
Fiona couldn’t help but chuckle as she noticed one of the Sinclair women struggling with the bowstring. With a twinkle in her eye, Fiona teased, “If ye keep wrestling with that string like a wild boar, lassie, we might have to recruit ye for a whole new kind of battle formation—the infamous fumbling archer brigade!”
The group erupted into laughter. Everyone knew the sisters were trying to lighten the mood as they learned new skills with dangerous weapons.
While Fiona and Ailis demonstrated with the weapons, Moira walked among the women, correcting their holds of their weapons as needed. Finally, they were ready, and the group of women set out into the woods.
Once they were in the forest, they broke into three groups, each lead by one of the McAfee sisters. With each step through the towering pines, Ailis felt a deep sense of duty. She understood that today’s sacrifices would contribute to tomorrow’s safety and prosperity while maintaining a delicate balance between collective needs and individual yearnings.
Ailis nocked an arrow to her bow, imagining a time when love and laughter filled these woods. But now, only the hunt mattered—a task of survival echoing through the Highlands.
Ailis watched her sisters and the Sinclair women move among the trees. The rustle of leaves and snap of twigs underfoot punctuated the calm. Their baskets grew heavier with rabbits and small game, slung across their backs.
At the end of the day, six deer lay before them, showcasing the skill of the McAfee and Sinclair women. Pride swelled within Ailis despite her weariness.
“Granny will be pleased,” Fiona remarked softly, exhaustion in her voice. Ailis nodded, envisioning Granny’s satisfied expression.
“There will be plenty of meat to serve the other clans who join us,” Ailis added.
Fish were brought to Granny and Elspeth, who stood ready to prepare the feast for allies in the days to come. “We’ll cook as much as we need, and the rest will be smoked and dried so we will have meals even if we are keep-bound,” Granny murmured. She had lived through many battles, and she knew the way to keep everyone fed.
Moira rallied the youngest among them. “Children, to the fields with ye,” she called authoritatively. Ailis observed as thechildren ran off, laughter bubbling from their lips, yet their steps carried importance—they had a role in gathering the harvest. It was good to see their enthusiasm for the task at hand.
Ailis leaned against the stone wall of the keep, allowing herself a brief respite. She understood sacrifices had to be made for her clan. And sleep appeared to be one of those sacrifices.
Her green eyes reflected an uncertain future—a future requiring unity and strength. She had never lived through a siege such as the one they were expecting, but she knew she would help in any way possible. Hunting was something she did well, so she would help with the hunt for as long as needed.
“On the morrow, we will tend to our guests,” Ailis announced. “If ye have no job in the clan yet, please report to the keep when ye rise. We will need people to help cook and serve.”
During a time of need, the Sinclair women’s unexpected assistance amazed Ailis as they worked seamlessly with her kin.
“Look at them,” Moira whispered to Ailis in awe. “They work as though our cause were their own.”
“Aye,” Ailis agreed, watching the Sinclairs effortlessly carry heavy game. “They know they have a home with us, and they are grateful.”
