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One week ago…

“Dae ye think the Vikings are gaeing tae attack again?” Isla asked as she gathered some supplies in a basket.

Emmel wore a thoughtful look on his face. He was tall, favoring his Viking father rather than his Highland mother. His eyes were pale green, and he was a strong man. His muscles were evident through his loose shirt, and he had a glorious head of hair. It was so lustrous that Isla couldn’t help but be envious of it. They were of a similar age, and in another life, she might have thought herself a good match for him, but the decisions of the past made her less desirable to men than she might have been otherwise. It was a rare man who wanted to take on the responsibility of another man’s child. Isla had made peace with that a long time ago, though. Still, it was surprising to her that Emmel hadn’t settled down and married yet. Every woman in the village would have been honored to be his wife.

“In time, but we will always drive them off. We’re Highlanders, and we’re strong. We’re nae gaeing tae let anyone take our home,” he said. Such confidence was imbued in his words. It was difficult not to be attracted to him.

“Aye, well, I hope that ye keep tae yer word and come tae the help of a defenseless lass when she needs ye,” Isla said.

Emmel grinned. “Ye can always count on me. Hae I ever let ye down yet?”

“Nay, but there’s always a first time,” she chuckled lightly. Glancing around, she admired the business of the village. People were rejoicing after the victorious battle and were in a celebratory mood. They were also preparing for the wedding between Emmel’s sister, Brenda, and her betrothed, a man called Douglas McAlister. “It’s good tae see things getting back tae normal around here.”

Emmel nodded in agreement. “Aye, it is,” he said, although there was something heavy in his voice and a certain pensive look in his eyes.

“Is anything the matter, Emmel?” she asked gently. He shook his head and brushed away her concern with a wave of the hand.

“I was just thinking about something,” he said, but he wouldn’t elaborate on what that was. She decided not to press him. She knew all about secrets, after all. “It’ll be fun tae hae a wedding here after all that’s happened. It’ll give people a chance tae enjoy life.”

“And I’m sure ye’ll be busy. After all, as the brother of the bride and the leader of the village, ye will hae tae entertain everyone. I hope that yer feet are well rested because I hae a feeling ye’ll be spending most of the night dancing.”

“I’m nae sure about that...” Emmel scratched the back of his head and looked sheepish.

Isla arched an eyebrow and regarded him with a look. “Dae ye nae realize how many pretty young maidens will be looking tae get a dance with ye, Emmel? Weddings always fill up girls’ heads with ideas of romance.”

“Oh aye? Well, perhaps I’ll find a place tae hide away.”

“I never regarded ye as a coward. Would ye truly flee from love?” she asked in a playful tone.

“I never said I was running from love,” Emmel wagged a finger in front of him. “I said I would hide from the girls who want tae dance with me. I would nae want tae give anyone the wrong impression.”

“And what impression would that be, that there is the beating heart of a man underneath those clothes?”

“What’s that supposed tae mean?” Emmel asked indignantly.

Isla shrugged slowly and went back to gathering fruit and vegetables in her basket. “I’m merely saying that it’s strange tae me how the leader of the village haes nae been married yet. I would wager there are few men who would turn down the chance of spending a night dancing with maidens.”

“Well, maybe I’m waiting tae dance with the right woman,” he said. There was an edge to his voice and a certain way he looked at her that almost made her wonder if he might mean something deeper, but she shook the thought away from her mind. There was no sense in her thinking about the impossible.

“I’m sure if she’s there, she’ll make herself known,” Isla said in a quiet voice.

“Are ye gaeing tae be there?” Emmel asked.

“Actually I’m nae. I hae already arranged tae visit my sister in the Lowlands.”

“Ye what?” Emmel said in a thundering voice. Isla was taken aback by the strength of his reaction. “Ye cannae think about leaving now!”

“Why nae?” Isla said, rising to her feet. She brushed a cloud of dirt from the bottom of her skirt and glared at Emmel. Her brow was furrowed, and her dainty features were flushed with anger.

“Are ye mad, woman? Think about what haes just happened! We hae only just driven the Vikings off. We dinnae know how many are lurking in the forest waiting and watching for any opportunity tae get revenge. It’s gaeing tae be some time before my cousins drive them all out of the Highlands. We may hae won the battle, but we still need tae be cautious,” he said.

“I shall travel whenever I like,” Isla said in a haughty tone, arching her neck back to life. “I’m quite sure that the roads are safe, and I’m nae gaeing tae live my life in fear. We cannae stop daeing things just because we’re afraid of Vikings.”

“But ye might be kidnapped!” Emmel said.

“If ye are sae afraid, then come with me, and ye can guard me on my travels,” she shot back.