In the secluded stone chamber, Moira’s hands moved over the parchment, her red hair cascading like a warrior’s banner. The intensity in her eyes grew as she read Mary de Guise’s letter once again.
“Can ye believe this?” she hissed to her sisters and brothers-in-law, Alisdair and Lachlan, gripping the letter tightly. “Clyde Stewart endangers not just our kin but all the Highlands.”
Ailis, standing by the window, turned to face Moira. Stormy concern filled her usually peaceful green eyes. “I ken,” she replied evenly. “But we must tread carefully to avoid provoking a war we can’t win.”
“Carefully?” Moira scoffed. “While they plot like wolves? Nay, Ailis, ’tis time for action!”
“Action, aye,” Ailis agreed, stepping closer with a calming presence. “But it must be precise. We should call a clan meeting and gather more allies who share our cause.”
Moira’s rigid posture softened at Ailis’s words—a strategic spark ignited within her. “Allies…” she murmured. “We have envoys going to the clans who just left with their armies, asking them to come back. Thankfully, there are still McClain soldiers here, and when you add in the McAfees, and the people who joined us after leaving Clyde, we can definitely handle them.”
“Exactly.” Ailis nodded, the plan taking form in her mind. “We’ll need support from Highland Clans bound by honor and tradition—not fear or coercion.”
“It’s settled,” Moira declared, determined despite looming uncertainty. “As Highlanders, we stand together. We’ll protect our family, lands, and way of life—no matter what comes.”
Their gazes locked, solidifying a silent pact to fiercely defend their clan. Together, they would navigate treacherous politics and weather the gathering storm.
As night fell and there was no army, Moira went to Brodie. “I do believe Clyde took his army to Sinclair Keep. He’ll continue using it as his base of operation, I fear.”
Brodie nodded. “It would make sense for him to do so. Tomorrow morning will bring battle, most likely, and Alisdair and Lachlan are most likely hurrying to make preparations. Thank God you and the ladies have kept the hunting going, and we can feed whomever we need to feed.”
“And we’ll keep at it. There’s no reason for anyone to go hungry.”
