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“I’m sorry I wasn’t quick enough. They ambushed us,” Varrik said.

“Laird Fletcher always thought he was one step ahead. At least he paid for it with his life. And at least we are still standing.” Fiona raised her voice at the last words as she turned to face her clan. “I want all of ye tae know that Varrik didnae take me by force. I hae given him my heart. I love him, and I am taking him as my husband unless anyone objects.” She narrowed her eyes at this last part and pointed her sword to the crowd. No longer was she going to let anyone else make decisions for her. She was in control of her life.

“She’s right,” Varrik said, stepping forward. “I hope that now you see that we Vikings aren’t monsters. All we want is to live here and be a part of this clan. Fiona has won my heart, and I think we can all see that Vikings and Highlanders can live together. We don’t need to define ourselves by the past, and we don’t need to let fear rule our hearts. Yes, we are different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a future together. Look around at each other. All I see are warriors willing to fight for each other, willing to die for each other. Let us live together as well and ensure that Laird Callan has not died in vain.” He clasped Fiona’s hand and raised it aloft. “I declare to gods and men that we are as one!” he roared.

The cry came back to him in unison as the weary warriors recognized the bond they shared. The chant was repeated, and it seemed to gather strength the more it was said. Varrik turned to Fiona, and she lost herself in his eyes, embracing him in a kiss that brought a great cheer to the clan.

“Thank ye for coming, Emmel. We couldnae hae done it without yer help,” she said, bowing slightly.

Emmel returned the gesture.

“As Varrik said, I’m only sorry that we were unable tae arrive sooner tae prevent this damage. It’s clear that we still hae a long way tae gae tae root out evil in the Highlands, but I’m glad there are more people like ye. Ye can always count on our help, and I hope I can count on yer help tae,” Emmel said.

“Of course,” Fiona and Varrik said in unison.

Emmel went away to talk with his men and help to clean up the battlefield.

“I’m sorry I did not get to make my peace with him before he died,” Varrik said, looking at Laird Callan. Fiona clutched Varrik’s hand and rested her head on his arm. “I wish there was a way we could have saved him, Fiona. I feel like I’m an unworthy, weak man for not saving the laird.”

“I think deep down he knew that ye were a good man, Varrik. Dinnae feel guilty about this; ’tis my own fault. I had to inform him—it was my duty—but I thought that I could protect him. I thought that I could protect my family. But now my da and Lotta are dead, and ’tis my own fault, Varrik.”

“Stop blaming yourself, Fiona. You know that you couldn’t tell your father about the attack. You should know that if your father knew about the attack, maybe things would be worse right now. Fiona, you saved the clan, and your father is proud of you. As a laird, he vowed to protect his clan, and you did exactly what he would have done,” Varrik said.

“Ye mean that, Varrik? Ye think I acted well?” Fiona asked him as she swept the tears from her eyes.

“I mean it, Fiona. You saved the clan. Your father would have given his life for them. He could never live if he knew that you put his life over the safety of the clan.”

“You are right.” Fiona looked at him for a few moments. “Ye helped in doing this. My da is proud of ye too. I love ye. Thank ye for everything.”

“I love you too, my Highland shield-maiden,” Varrik said while looking at her fierce face. “And what about your sister?” Varrik asked, glancing at Lotta.

“I dinnae think she ever got over losing her parents. She was a troubled lass, and I could hae done more, I suppose, but she saw the world differently than me. At least she’s at peace now. I owe her my life. I would hae been dead if it wasnae for her.”

“Then let’s make sure you have a good life,” he said, and he took her in his arms.

She was overwhelmed with happiness, but she could not ignore the pangs of sorrow that lanced through her as well. She shuddered as tears flowed through her, but Varrik held her tightly, as though he was preventing her from falling apart.

They were the laird and lady of the clan now, and the beginning of their era was conceived among blood and tears.