Page 89 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

William smiled.

"That's better. Go on." For a moment, he looked at his advisor quizzically, a glint in his sky-blue eyes.

"A very bonny speech," said Alasdair directly. He smiled unevenly, awaiting William's response.

William, for his part, patted Alasdair on the back.

"Ye have got the right instinct for the crowd," said Alasdair encouragingly. "But there's always one o' two wee things to master. But that's nae for noo."

Alasdair cast his blond head about as he surveyed the room glassily. "An' there's one or two wee things about the clan's security, as well."

As he said this, William's heart sunk. He knew only too well the border securities and other issues which may be targeted by outlaws. Taking Alasdair aside, he shunted him away from the murmurings and into the tiny cabinet at the back of his bedchamber.

Only when they were alone did William finally say what he had first thought to.

"Alasdair, I need to strengthen the clan. The borders are treacherous. At any point, we might be invaded. I need to strengthen the existing alliance with all the main players."

Beside him, Alasdair nodded sagely. "William, ye should speak wi' the Douglas representative. He is⁠—"

Alasdair stopped dead as William laughed out loud,

"Speak wi' him? The man barely looked at me, just before," said William. He was surprised to find himself almost in a rage. Trying to dampen himself down, William took time to compose himself. "I mean, I dinnae ken his problem, but so far, I grow fearsome that the entire Douglas clan are nae keen on this planned union."

Alasdair opened a small blue eye. Now he looked at his friend.

"What do ye mean?" gasped Alasdair. But it was clear what he meant.

William fixed him with a look. "I mean, I think they have cold feet. Worse, that they are using oor union for their advantage, using oor farmland, an' some o' the men are saying they've stolen their sheep too!"

William looked at Alasdair gravely.

"We must stop them," he said seriously. "Afore they take full advantage. An' then, the next week, we strengthen oor alliances elsewhere."

"Aye, of course, sir, but how shall we do that?" asked Alasdair, his cool blue eyes spinning at the speed of it all.

William looked at him like he was simple. "It's about time I called in their side o' the deal. I need to take a leaf out o' oor Fiona's book."

Alasdair looked blankly. Frustratingly, William continued.

"A marriage, Alasdair. I need to get wed to this one. I dinnae ken her name." William fiddled uncertainly with plaid on his shoulders, then, catching himself in the act, stopped abruptly.

Such weakness would never do now he was a ruler.

"Wed?" said Alasdair, a light shining in his eyes. "Ye want to get wed?"

With a heavy sigh, William placed his hand on Alasdair's arm.

"Aye, lad, that's it. I need to get wed. Whatever it takes to strengthen the clan."

There was a pause as Alasdair's pale eyes absorbed this information, then a smile spread across his thin face, and he nodded. "Aye, I will send the message."

A ripple of pleasure ran through William. It was strange to think that, as laird, William was now the master of his own time. But looking at his sisters, he wondered. Their marriages had turned out alright, so why not his?

Did he want to wed? It could be arranged just like that. Happiness, however… That was another matter entirely.

2

"Nora! Hoo! Will ye hurry up? What is keeping ye? We are expected at the Duncan clan by sundown tomorrow."