Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
T he aftermath of the battlefield painted a vivid scene of both victory and chaos. Broken swords and discarded weapons bore witness to the fierce clash of blades that had taken place moments before.
Annabelle embraced Jamie tightly, never wanting to leave his strong arms. His scent, a mixture of sweat and earth, was a comfort to her, a reminder that they had faced the turmoil together and emerged victorious. She wanted him close as she looked around, she didn’t want Malcolm to come out of hiding and try to capture her again. As her gaze scanned over the scene she wondered, “Where did Maeve get to?”
Jamie looked around as well and then pointed across the camp. “She’s jest there, lass, nae need to worry.”
Annabelle followed his finger to see Maeve hurrying over to speak with the Campbell men. It seemed Maeve was having a frantic conversation and she began to gesture toward Annabelle and Jamie.
“Um, maybe we should go over there?” Annabelle suggested.
“Aye, that might be wise, lass,” Jamie agreed as he escorted her toward Maeve and the Campbell men.
“I am telling you what happened. The Donald Clan wasnae behind the attack on me and my brother.” She stomped her foot. “Aye, we were attacked by these men that you jest defeated, but they are nae members of Clan Donald.”
“Several of them wear the Donald plaid,” one of the Campbells replied, his eyes narrowed.
Annabelle felt Jamie tense. She stepped forward. “You’re right, they are wearing the Donald plaid, but only because they were attempting to pin Maeve’s kidnapping and her brother’s murder and the murders of his envoy on Cam MacDonald.”
"Aye. I heard it with my own ears," Maeve asserted, her eyes filled with determination. "Malcolm MacDonald, he's the one behind all this. He's been long banished by the Donald clan, but he seeks to sow strife between our clans, all because he covets Cam MacDonald’s seat as head of the family."
The Campbell men exchanged glances of astonishment, the weight of Maeve's revelation sinking in. Their faces bore expressions of disbelief as they processed the implications of her words. The tension that had lingered in the air moments ago began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of understanding.
One of the Campbell soldiers, a seasoned warrior with a grizzled beard, stepped forward, his voice carrying a note of sincerity. “You speak the truth, lass?"
Maeve nodded firmly, her gaze unwavering. "Aye, I do. Malcolm aims to exploit the feud between our clans for his own gain. He's a danger to us all."
The realization that their actions had been driven by false assumptions began to dawn upon the Campbell men. “We misjudged you, MacDonald, you have our thanks for rescuing our Maeve.”
Annabelle could only hope this would be a turning point for the clans. Perhaps now they would stop fighting each other and start working together. She could only hope since this would now be her home. She didn’t want it punctuated with a war between them.
“Tis what any decent Scotsman would do,” Jamie replied taking the offered hand and shaking it.
“I’ll have my men start tearing this camp down.” The Campbell guard turned from them and began ordering his men to get busy.
Jamie walked with Annabelle over to the village guards who had joined their fight. “I wish to expressed my gratitude for your help. I donnae know if we’d have won this battle without you. I will speak highly of each of you to the Chief.”
The village guards each nodded at Jamie. “We are loyal to Clan Donald…” and then with a surreptitious glance toward the Campbell guards, he added, “And to Laird Colin Campbell.”
Jamie smirked but said, “Aye, we are all grateful to Laird Colin Campbell for his men’s help as well.”
Annabelle knew that he’d never in a million years swear loyalty to the Campbell clan, but it seemed he was willing to offer thanks to them which was a start. She figured it would be a long road to get any of the Donalds to be on actual friendly terms with any of the Campbells.
Jamie made sure the wounded were attended to by both Campbell and Donald clansmen. Thankfully, most of the injuries sustained by their own men during the skirmish were minor, with a few cuts and bruises that bore testimony to the intensity of the clash.
Amidst the clearing, Gwilym and the remaining bandits, subdued and disarmed, were brought to the Campbell guardsmen who would be taking them to the Laird for questioning. .
Gwilym, a wiry and unkempt figure, swore vehemently as he was loaded into the cart for travel. He insisted, with a conviction that bordered on desperation, that their nefarious deeds were all orchestrated by Malcolm MacDonald. His aim, he explained, had been to create discord and turmoil between the MacDonalds and the Campbells, ultimately seeking to implicate Jamie's brother in the eyes of the Campbell clan.
Maeve apparently overheard his and said, "You see. It tis the truth as I told you," she affirmed. "I'll tell Laird Colin myself when we return."
“As you said, Maeve. I believe you and you’ll have your chance to tell the Laird of what happened to you. Donnae worry,” the Campbell guardsman replied.
Maeve turned from him to Annabelle and Jamie. “I want to thank you again for coming to my rescue. I donnae know what might have happened to me if you didnae risk your life for mine,” she said, holding her arms open and moving toward Annabelle.
Annabelle hugged her back. “You’re welcome, Maeve. I was doing my duty to protect and serve, and I would do it again to save you from men like that.” She knew Maeve probably didn’t understand exactly what she meant, but Annabelle knew. There was just one other thing she wanted to say to Maeve. “I do hope this means that you and I can be friends, even if I do end up marrying a Donald.” She glanced at Jamie shyly and then looked back at Maeve.
Maeve laughed. “I’d like that, Annabelle, even if you do marry a Donald.” She winked at her.
As everyone began to remount their horses, with everything at the camp cleaned up, one of the Campbell guardsmen approached Jamie. Annabelle watched him with caution, unsure of what was about to take place.
“I wanted to say thank you again for searching for my cousin Maeve. Twas not your duty to do so, but you did it anyway.” He held a hand out to Jamie.
"Nae, it tis my responsibility to keep the lines of civility between our clans and rescue those in peril no matter whose relation they are," Jamie responded with a smile as he shook the man’s hand.
The man acknowledged his words with a nod and a smile before he departed. With goodbyes exchanged and the promise of new beginnings in the air, the two groups prepared to part ways. The Campbell guards along with Maeve set off toward the Laird’s land, with the captured bandits being driven in the cart, while the village guards returned to their town.
Jamie, Annabelle, Eamon Artair and the rest of their small group turned their own horses back toward Fort Donald. The winding path they followed, worn smooth by countless hooves over the ages, stretched ahead like a ribbon of destiny, leading them through the rugged and untamed countryside.
As they rode, Annabelle found herself gazing at the man beside her, her heart warmed by the bond they had created between them. In the soft light, she couldn't help but admire Jamie's rugged features, his strong and capable hands gripping the reins of his horse with confidence. She couldn’t wait to be back at the fort and in his arms.