Chapter 35
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Kenneth and Halvard strode together along the ramparts, the stones icy beneath their boots, the wind whipping at their cloaks.
They paused, taking in the land spread out before them: the undulating hills, and the patchwork of fields and crofts.
Then they turned toward the sea, where the mist shrouding the waters parted to reveal the wee Tulm Island close by, and in the distance, the blue shaded outline of the Isle of Harris.
The air was crisp, carrying the tang of salt and pine, and both men inhaled deeply, accustomed to the elements that shaped the lives of Highlanders.
“The king,” Kenneth began, his voice measured, “demands an end tae the hostilities and skirmishes between Clan Macdonald and Clan Macleay.” He drew in a slow breath, aware that the words themselves carried weight beyond mere ink on parchment. “I fear he is asking the impossible of us.”
Halvard’s brow furrowed. “So what if it cannae be achieved?”
Kenneth shook his head. “I cannae say with certainty. All he wrote was that if we dinnae resolve our disputes, he will deem it rebellion.”
“Ah,” Halvard muttered, a grim smile on his lips. “And we all ken what the king doas tae those he considers rebels.”
“Aye,” Kenneth said, his gaze sweeping over the rolling landscape. “There are enough of our people languishing in the Tower of London fer us tae ken well the king’s displeasure at perceived rebellion.”
Halvard nodded solemnly. “So, what are yer plans? How dae ye hope tae bring about the truce the king demands?”
Kenneth’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I have sent scouts tae locate Aidan’s encampment. We have reason tae believe he is already on our lands.”
Halvard whistled softly. “Good Lord. On yer lands? Already?”
Kenneth let out a short, bitter, laugh. “Nae long past, there was a raid on the castle. Selene’s life was at risk. Other incursions have occurred over time – fishermen’s boats damaged, cattle taken. Fer months, he has been a thorn in me side. Recently, though, he has become far more dangerous.”
Halvard stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I see… the attack upon yer lady. Her safety… a dire affront indeed.”
Kenneth’s jaw tightened. “I have nay intention of forgiving him. He is dangerous, quite mad in his own way, and I cannae allow him tae threaten our people or our lands any longer. Me only hope is that he respects the king’s letter and the prospect of forfeiting his holdings.
Perhaps it will compel him tae a parley. ”
“If I can assist in any way, I will,” Halvard said. “I can act as an envoy. I might speak with Aidan first, on yer behalf, assessing his resolve before he meets wi’ ye. It may make him understand that ye have allies willing tae support a truce or pave the way tae dissolving this animosity.”
Kenneth inclined his head. “I am grateful, braither-in-law. It has been regrettable that yer clan and mine couldnae resolve our differences sooner. Now, with our families joined, I am heartened that the closeness of our wives may ensure that any quarrel can be swiftly addressed.”
Halvard smiled. “Indeed. Now we are kin, let our clans be bound nae by strife, but by alliance.”
Together they descended from the ramparts and retraced their steps to the study. The morning sun streamed through the tall windows, glinting off shelves crammed with tomes and manuscripts. Halvard’s eyes roamed over them.
“I admire the number of books ye possess, Kenneth. A collection I have aspired tae, though mine daesnae compare.”
Kenneth gestured toward the towering shelves. “Me faither loved books, and me maither as well. Over time, I have accumulated what I could. And, when duty permits, I read.”
Halvard chuckled. “I have found some pleasure in books meself, thanks tae Lady Elsie. Though she introduced me tae English authors, I have been surprised by the enjoyment they offer.”
Kenneth poured two drams of whisky. “Shall we share a drop tae fortify ourselves?”
Halvard nodded. “Indeed, ‘tis near enough tae noon fer a wee dram.”
As they raised their glasses, a knock sounded at the door. “Enter.” Kenneth called. Callum strode in, boots still dusted with frost.
“’Tis cold out, the snow falling fast.” He thrust his hands toward the fire.
“Callum,” Kenneth said, pouring him a dram, “I suspect ye are nae here tae speak of the weather.”
Callum took the glass gratefully. “The messenger returned with news of Aidan. Our scouts were near his encampment at first light, the fire was still warm, but he and his men had moved on.” He took a gulp of his whisky.
“One man lingered, however, and through… persuasion, we learned of Aidan’s intentions. ”
Kenneth’s brow rose. “What of him?”
“His resolve is more dangerous than ever. He intends tae attack before yer wedding. He knows of the impending union and plans tae seize Lady Selene, wishing tae rob ye of yer bride as he claims ye did tae him. This is nay mere threat. He is determined.”
Kenneth felt a chill despite the fire. He paced, hand to his brow. “Then our hope of peace is likely gone. If his goal is Selene, all else is secondary. We must act swiftly.”
Callum considered this. “Can ye advance the marriage, perhaps have the ceremony taenight?”
Kenneth nodded slowly. “If the ceremony occurs before his move, it may cause him tae falter in his purpose. It may be our only safeguard.”
Halvard leaned forward. “If I may assist, Kenneth, as yer envoy I am prepare tae talk with Aidan meself, or deliver any correspondence ye wish. We must show him that our clans are united.”
Kenneth’s eyes softened with gratitude. “Thank ye. Every measure is necessary tae protect what we hold dear.”
Resolute, Kenneth set down his glass, got to his feet and strode toward the door.
“I must speak with Faither Mulcahy without delay. Callum, ensure the men double the guard taenight. Nay one enters without me knowledge. Halvard, yer counsel has been invaluable. Prepare whatever measures ye can. One last thing – let nay mention of Aidan reach the ears of our lasses. It will dae nay good tae destroy their joy and replace it with fear.”
The two men exchanged nods as Kenneth stepped through the door and closed it behind him.
He moved with long, purposeful strides along the corridor, down the stairs, and out into the chill air making his way toward the chapel.
He crossed the cobbled courtyard, the cold from the stones biting through his boots, the chill seeping into his bones.
Inside the candlelit chapel he found Father Mulcahy by the altar, his vestments laid out carefully. The faint smell of wax and incense hung in the air.
The priest looked up in surprise as Kenneth approached along the aisle.
“What brings ye here at this time, lad?” he enquired.
“Faither, I require yer assistance. The wedding must be brought forward, as soon as it can be arranged. Taenight, if possible, or tomorrow morning at the latest.”
The priest shook his head. “I regret I willnae be here this night. I am summoned tae the village and leaving here soon. I cannae delay, fer I am called tae give an old man, faither of one of the fishermen, his rites before death claims him. I shall return late taenight or first thing tomorrow. I shall be ready tae perform yer marriage ceremony before noon.”
Kenneth inclined his head. “Thank ye Faither. May yer journey be safe, and may yer prayers guide the elder’s soul tae its haven. We will rely on yer presence in the morning.”
The priest offered a small, sympathetic nod. “I wish yer safety, Kenneth. Dark times swirl around yer lands. Keep watch over your lady, and all shall be well, by God’s grace.”
Leaving the priest by the altar, Kenneth returned to the keep, his mind already racing through the preparations necessary to protect Selene and the castle.
He paused at the threshold of the solar, taking in the soft morning light falling across the wooden floorboards and the tableau of three beautiful lasses, Selene at the harpsichord, Maureen singing beside her, Elsie seated beside the fire – an audience of one.
He listened for a moment to the delicate notes of the harpsichord and Maureen’s voice raised in song, sweet and clear. He was reluctant to interrupt, but the urgency of the day weighed on him, and he stepped forward.
The music grew silent as he walked in.
“Fergive me intrusion, lasses,” he said softly, bowing his head slightly. “I shouldnae have entered unannounced.”
Selene greeted him with a beaming smile. “Oh, my dearest, we are rehearsing the song for Maureen to sing for us at our wedding.”
She then frowned upon seeing his expression. “What brings you here? I thought you were busy this morning.”
Kenneth wrapped her in his arms, smiling at Maureen and Elsie, determined to appear as if there was nothing else on his mind.
“Yer song is perfect. Ye and Maureen sound… wonderful. But I must speak with ye about the wedding. I am afraid… it cannae wait as we had planned. It must be brought forward. The ceremony is tae take place tomorrow morning, before noon.”
“Tomorrow?” Selene looked up, confused.
“I had hoped tae keep everything as we had planned.” He paused, considering his words carefully. He could not frighten her with talk of Aidan. That would serve no good, only cause anxiety, when all he wished for her was happiness.
He decided on a story that would hold the truth without alarm. Before saying more, he considered his words carefully. Falsehoods did not come easily to him.
“Father Mulcahy must return tae Ireland unexpectedly,” he said. “A matter of pressing duty calls him, and he cannae perform the ceremony as we hoped. He will be able tae officiate in the morning, before he leaves fer Ireland.”
She gasped. “Tomorrow? But… we arranged it fer a week hence.”
“I ken, me love.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “I am afraid there is nay other way.”
Maureen looked dismayed. “We’ll have nay time fer…” her voice trailed off despairingly.
“I ken it is disappointing fer ye, Maureen, but I’ve nay wish tae delay until the priest returns.
And yer sister and Halvard cannae wait that long.
We want them tae be here, nay?” He turned to Selene.
“There’ll be nay feast, nay formal celebration.
But I ken that Maureen, Elsie, and the household will help prepare what they can.
The ceremony itself will be our true celebration. ”
Maureen, who had been watching, stood up, a mixture of disappointment and determination in her eyes.
She turned to Elsie who was already on her feet.
“Och, we must act swiftly. We need ivy fer wreaths and crowns, we must choose gowns and petticoats and I must consult with Cook. Even though there’s tae be nae feast, we will make it special.
” She turned to Elsie. “There is much tae see tae, and very little time.”
Elsie clapped her hands. “Aye. Even without a full feast, we can make it beautiful fer ye, Selene.”
Kenneth breathed out, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the tension coiling in his chest. “Thank ye. And Selene…” He drew her close again, brushing a wayward curl from her face. “Once we are married, Laird Halvard will have tae return tae Raasay with Elsie.”
She looked askance at her sister. “We’ve had so little time together.”
Kenneth smiled, heart heavy but resolute. “I ken, me love. But we will visit often. Our families – our clans – will remain close. These bonds, now strengthened by marriage, will ensure that our lands and our people remain secure.”
Selene’s eyes shone with love. “Thank you. I am comforted, Kenneth. I don’t care a jot for feasts or merriment, or an imperfect song. You and I will be wed, and that is all that matters. It is the day I have been longing for.”
He gathered her hand and squeezed it. “Yes. And taegether, we shall face whatever comes.”