Page 10 of Highland Sky

Chapter Four

“Iam surprised to see three of ye here,” Ciaran told them as he showed them all the damage that had been done by the Sutherlands. “I was only expectin’ one MacKeefe to show up here today.”

“Just two, actually,” said Aidan. “I’m just passin’ through on my way to see the Gordon Clan,” so I thought I’d escort them to yer camp. However, North will be stayin’ to help ye rebuild. And of course, ye’ll have Nash who is here to work off his sentence so he’ll no longer be an outcast, and be welcomed back into the clan.”

“I heard some of ye are outcasts,” said Ciaran, watching them carefully. “I hope ye didna do anythin’ that would make ye dangerous here.”

“Hah!” laughed North. “I’m in trouble mainly because a silver goblet went missin’. But Nash almost burned down Old Callum MacKeefe’s tavern, so I canna vouch that he isna dangerous.”

“I put the fire out,” snapped Nash. “Laird MacKenzie, we have no real crimes and I assure ye that we are of no threat to ye. We are only here to offer our help.”

“Well, that is guid to ken. Aidan, ye said ye’re on yer way to the Gordon Clan?” The chieftain seemed very interested.

“Aye,” he answered.

“The Legendary Bastards of the Crown have a sister that married their chieftain, Shaw Gordon if I’m no’ mistaken. Is that right?” asked Ciaran.

“That’s right,” said Aidan. “Lady Spring is a true warrior, and tougher than any lass I’ve ever met.”

“Ye should see her with a bow,” added North.

“Why do ye ask? Are ye friends with them?” Nash wondered.

“Well, we’re no’ enemies, but have never truly formed an alliance either,” answered the chieftain. “Although I’m no’ sure why no’. I wonder if ye could do me a favor, Aidan.”

“Of course. What is it?” Aidan took his squirrel off his shoulder, cradling him in one arm, giving him a nut to eat.

“My niece, Kellina, has turned bitter ever since the death of her parents.” The chieftain looked back at Kellina who was across camp, talking to others of the clan. “My late wife and I took her in, as well as her siblin’s and raised them as our own.”

“Yer late wife? Och, that’s right. Our chieftain said she was killed along with yer daughters. I’m sorry,” said Nash.

“Thank ye.” The man’s eyes teared up. “I was wonderin’ if ye could convince Lady Spring – Shaw’s wife, to come for a visit and mayhap talk some sense into my niece. Lady Spring is a strong woman, and verra independent, so I hear. I thought perhaps she could give Kellina some advice.”

“I suppose I could,” said Aidan. “I must admit though, that I dinna see anythin’ wrong with a lass wieldin’ a sword. Why do ye want to discourage yer niece?”

“Blethers, it’s no’ the swordplay I want to discourage. I am glad the lass can defend herself as well as others.”

“I’m confused.” North rubbed the back of his neck. “What is it ye want Spring to do?”

“I ken she used to be an enemy of the Gordons when she was with the Gunn Clan. I would like Spring – Lady Spring, to talk some sense into Kellina.”

“I’m confused, too,” said Nash. “Ye mention enemies, but yer clan and ours are no’ enemies any longer. That’s why I’m here. To marry the lass – to form an alliance.”

“If ye even make it to the weddin’,” mumbled the man.

Nash and his friends all looked at one another. “What do ye mean by that?” asked Nash.

“I mean, Kellina blames the MacKeefes for the deaths of her parents. She wants revenge I’m afraid.”

“The MacKeefes killed her parents?” asked Nash. “When?”

“It was about twelve years ago. There was a battle between us, and her parents died. It’s a long story but, in the end, Kellina’s parents died, when they never should have.”

“Our parents died twelve years ago, too,” said North. “I believe it was in this same battle ye speak of.”

“Aye. I’m sorry,” said Ciaran, his gaze dropping. He reached down and rubbed his leg.

“Och, no wonder Kellina is so bitter,” said Nash. “Now it makes sense why she put her sword to my back.”