Page 73 of Highland Steel

“And neither does it bring back my parents who also died because of you,” Rhoswen ground out.

“Mmmph,” grunted Drummond, his hand going to his back where Rhoswen had stabbed him. He looked to be losing a lot of blood.

“Now, agree to the one on one fight to see who wins the sword,” Rhoswen boldly spoke up. “There are women and children here and innocent people who do not deserve to die.”

“She’s right, Ranulph,” Rona tried to convince him. “Let’s end this once and for all.”

“I agree to it, but under the conditions I’ve stated,” said Drummond. “But do the MacKeefes agree to it and promise no’ to go back on their word?”

“Of course we do,” Storm spoke for his clan. “The MacKeefes have always kept their word. We will battle ye one on one and the winner keeps the sword. And there will be no more fightin’. The losers will let the winners take the sword and leave.”

“Or stay, in this case, since I willna lose,” said Drummond.

“Choose yer opponent and let’s get on with this,” growled Logan.

“Anyone I want? Ye’ll agree to it?”

“As long as it isna a Drummond,” said Storm, making everyone laugh.

“All right, then I choose Rhoswen to battle me for the Sword of Triumph.”

The laughing suddenly stopped and all eyes were on Rhoswen.

“But she’s a lass,” said Caleb. “That’s no’ fair.”

“And I’m injured, so that’s no’ fair either,” said Drummond.

“She’s no’ a MacKeefe. Ye canna choose her.” Logan stepped forward, talking in Drummond’s face. “Choose me, Drummond. Ye ken ye really want to fight me, so do it.”

“I fight Rhoswen, or the deal is off and we can all fight to the death instead,” said Drummond. “Ye told me I could choose anyone besides a Drummond, and I did. Now, are the MacKeefes goin’ to go back on their word?”

“Storm, do somethin’,” said Logan, looking over at him. “I refuse to let Rhoswen fight. It’s no’ right.”

“I don’t agree,” said Rhoswen, coming forward with her sword clutched in her hand. “The Drummonds have agreed that it isn’t a fight to the death. The winner will be the one who disarms the other first.”

“We’ll never get our clan’s sword back if he fights her,” complained a MacKeefe clan member.

“Ye tricked us, Drummond,” yelled Logan. “This isna right.”

“Logan, calm down,” said Storm. “We gave our word. Would ye rather see everyone here die if we continue to fight?”

“I agree to the challenge,” said Rhoswen, stepping forward to face Drummond.

“Nay, Rhoswen. I willna let ye do it,” protested Logan.

“You can’t stop me, Logan,” said Rhoswen. “Now, step aside so I can fight one on one with Drummond and win back the MacKeefe’s sword.”

Chapter 23

Logan took Rhoswen’s hands in his, and looked her in the eye. “Ye dinna have to do this, lass.”

“Nay, I do. The MacKeefes made a deal and I won’t let your clan go back on your word.”

“But Drummond tricked us. No one will think less of ye if ye decline.”

“Logan, a deal is a deal. Now, please, step aside.”

“Logan,” warned his father, Aidan from atop his horse. “Ye need to think of the entire clan, no’ just yerself.”