Epilogue
A bout a month passed before the unrest in the Gilmour Clan was finally soothed. Despite Caroline’s stirring words on the night after the battle, there were people who failed to see the benefits of having a Knox as their Laird. They tried to foment rebellion in the name of the fallen Laird, even invoking Caroline’s father’s name, which didn’t gain much traction considering that man’s daughters had pledged their loyalty and love to Laird Knox. Sadly, some men were still loyal to Gorram as well, and they formed packs of bandits that lived in the forest, making sneak attacks against the keep and disrupting the supply.
Because of Gorram’s last orders, Ryan stationed guards around the well at all times to ensure that the poisoning could not be carried out. There were more men lost than he would have liked to these raids, but over time he proved that he would protect the common people, and the tide of opinion soon began to turn. Instead of viewing these bandits as men with good intentions who were trying to restore the natural balance of things, they were seen as a disruptive influence who interfered with the daily routine. Eventually, these bandits realized that they weren’t going to reclaim the glory days and gradually dissipated.
Ryan’s protective nature extended to this clan as well, and over the weeks they realized that the qualities that made him such a formidable enemy also made him a steadfast Laird. He was fair and just, showing no lingering enmity to the people of the Gilmour Clan. His quarrel had been with Gorram, and now that was at an end, so everyone could begin again with a clean slate.
In these early days, Caroline and Ryan were a near-constant presence in Gilmour lands. To celebrate the passing of enmity, a great feast was held in the Gilmour Keep, and everyone was invited to attend. Many of the serving staff had been retained, and they helped to bring a sense of joy to the feast, exorcising the ghosts of battle that would otherwise threaten the ambience.
Wine, ale, and whiskey flowed freely, while hunting parties had been out to bring back deer, boar, pheasants, and other delicacies. The air was alive with the aroma of different scents, and the flavors were so potent that they could almost taste the food even before they took a bite.
Ryan and Caroline took their seats at the head of the table, but made an effort to move around the room and make themselves known. They wanted to be approachable to the common people, and to help wherever they could.
Ryan was met with wary stares still. It was somewhat hard for the people to forget about all the stories they had been told through the years. After all, Ryan had worked hard to cultivate a mysterious and fearsome aura that would drive people away from his territory. Some people even believed he was more demon than man, but the time he spent in the clan helped to disabuse people of this notion.
Caroline’s presence was more telling than anything, however, and his gratitude to her was unending. Without her help, this would have been far more of an arduous process, and he might never have been able to win the Gilmour people over.
As it was, peace reigned and Ryan could sleep easy knowing that he ruled over a united enemy, and that any growing pains would soon be extinguished.
Since Ryan was a cunning man, he didn’t merely rely on Caroline’s word either. Now that the Gilmour clan was under his control, he could open up his territory to them and put into place things that had never existed before, such as trade routes.
For a short period of time, he extended a gift to the local merchants to visit the Gilmour clan and show them the fine wares that were sold in the Knox clan. Of course, people got to talking with the merchants, and their natural curiosity led them to ask about the nature of life in the Knox clan.
Word soon spread of the prosperity enjoyed by the people, as well as the unwavering trust inspired by their Laird. Ryan’s reputation took on an entirely new tone as he was spoken about almost as a mythical figure by the people who knew him best, and this too helped his reputation grow among the members of his new clan.
Ryan drank well at the feast and joined in with traditional songs. He showed a fine appetite as well, and people appreciated the fact that he made the effort to socialize with the people. Even though he was a Knox, people remarked on how much he reminded them of the former Laird, Caroline’s father.
As news spread of Gorram’s deceit, people were relieved that Ryan had stepped in. It had taken a former enemy to wrest the serpent out of the clan and to save them from a danger that they had never imagined taking hold.
As the feast reached its apex, Ryan stood tall and clapped his hands loudly, summoning the attention.
“I wanted tae use the opportunity taenight tae make announcements that everyone can hear. First of all, I want tae thank ye all for welcoming me and my men intae yer land. It hae taken some time for us tae get tae know each other, but I can see that ye are a hard-working people, noble and strong. It is an honor tae lead ye, and I’m sure that we can achieve great things taegether.”
This praise brought about a cheer and raised mugs. Ryan had to gesture with his hands to get the people to simmer down, for they were in the mood to be excited.
“There is some serious business to which I must attend. There are two people who hae proven themselves tae be worthy of high positions in the clan, and I am sure that naebody here will hae any quarrel with them. First of all, Nessa, come and join me,” he beckoned his sister-in-law. Nessa pushed herself to her feet and strode confidently to the Laird. Her hair was swept back, and she possessed a swagger that radiated something wild.
“Ye hae proven yerself tae be fearless. There is nae risk that ye will nae take, and nae fight that ye will back down from. Ye embody the fighting spirit of this clan, and we can all learn something from the example ye set. I hae spoken with many experienced warriors who say that ye are more skilled with a bow than anyone else they hae ever encountered, and sae I cannae think of anyone better suited for the role of this clan’s guard. Ye will protect the clan and the clan’s interest, having a say in tactics and strategy. Ye possess a keen mind, and I believe we will all feel safer knowing that ye are watching over us.”
Nessa bowed before him, a wide smile adorning her face. The place erupted with a cheer. Ryan reached behind the high seat and pulled out a ceremonial shield. It was made of iron, and had been in the family for generations. It was dull and black, but its appearance was not why it was revered so much.
This shield had been wielded by many impressive warriors over the generations, men and women whose lives had been etched into legend, and now Nessa could add her name to the prestigious lineage. She roared with triumph as she lifted the shield above her head and another roar of celebration swept through the room. Ryan hugged her and then Nessa returned to her seat, gazing at the shield with admiration.
“Next I would like tae welcome Tara,” he said, and Tara dutifully came to his side.
She walked with more grace, her head was dipped, and her hands were clasped together. “Ye hae taken great measures tae tend tae the wounded, and from what I hear, ye hae a keen talent in the art of healing. I would like ye tae study with the keep’s healers, sae that eventually ye can be the chief healer of the two clans. Yer compassion with the sick is noteworthy. This is for ye,” he reached behind the throne again and gave Tara her gift, a leather pouch filled with various herbs and ointments used for medicinal purposes.
This was not something that had been passed down through the generations, but it was an item with which Tara could begin her own legacy. She accepted it with grace, curtsying before Ryan and then scurrying back to her seat, flashing a smile along the way.
“And now we come tae the final announcement. For this, I need my wife,” Ryan said.
Caroline rose to stand beside him. Ryan opened his palm. Caroline placed her hand in his. Ryan looked at her and happiness swelled in both their hearts. “There is none more beautiful in all the land. Tae her, I pledge my loyalty and my love. She helps ensure the future of the clan, and I hae good news in that regard. She is with child. A new heir shall be born!” he cried.
The cheer that arose was the biggest yet. It was as loud as thunder and anyone passing would have believed that a storm had broken out in the Keep. Celebrations were shouted out and mugs were raised. Everyone drank freely and deeply at this happy news, but none were happier than the parents to be. They turned and smiled to each other, embracing each other in a kiss that displayed their love to the clan. It was a merry mood indeed, and there didn’t seem to be anything that could taint the occasion.
However, shortly after this announcement, a servant came up to Ryan and whispered in his ear, telling him that his trusted guard needed to speak to him. Ryan had sent this man on an important mission, and he was eager to hear the news. He excused himself from Caroline’s company and strode out of the chamber, the sounds of the party becoming muted through the thick walls. The guard awaited him.
“What news have ye? Good, I hope,” Ryan said, but the smile soon faltered from his face.
“Alas, I fear I must disappoint ye, my Laird. We hae scoured the land, but hae nae found any trace of Gorram’s son. We believe he was warned tae leave before we came tae attack. At the moment he is in the wind, and there is nae telling if he will return.”
“Oh, he’ll return alright. He will nae forgive this. We hae his Da, and we hae the clan. I know what it is tae hae everything taken from ye, and how bitterly vengeance can burn. He will be stewing, and one day he will come back here and try tae take back what he thinks is his. But he will fail.,”
Ryan grit his teeth and clenched his fist. It was a matter he was going to have to deal with at some point; otherwise, this threat would linger over him for years. But there was nothing he could do about it now.
He sent the guard away and then returned to the celebration, dispelling the uneasy look upon his face.
“Was that anything important?” Caroline asked as he returned to her side.
“Naething that cannae wait,” he replied, not wishing to sour the mood for her.
He ordered the musicians to strike up a merry tune and then tugged Caroline into the middle of the room, where he danced with her. Nessa, Tara, and all the other clansmen poured into the middle of the room to join them, and they lost themselves to this sea of fervent excitement.
Ryan smiled widely as his heart thrummed. The room whirled around them as he danced with Caroline, and at that moment nothing mattered except her and the happiness they shared.
Thank you for reading my Novel!