Guiles’ Adam’s apple bobbed, and she looked away to meet her mother’s gaze. “Mother, ye’ve always said ye hoped Guiles and I would marry for love. Ye’ve said it over and again, that we would not be forced into a loveless marriage?”
Her mother’s face softened. “I did and still believe it. However, ye’re at marrying age and have yet to show any kind of interest in anyone. Ye have left us little choice Dallis, especially with yer late night escapades.”
“Guiles was with me. He ensured I was safe.”
This time her father stopped her from saying more by slashing his hand through the air. “What of reports of ye being in the tavern arguing with men over money? Is that something Guiles stopped? No, ye probably went without telling him.”
Once again she slid a look to her brother whose face had turned red with embarrassment.
“He tried to stop me,” Dallis offered weakly and hung her head. This was a horrible mess. The thought of being married to someone she barely knew or worse, hated, made her stomach churn. “Who do ye plan to marry me to?”
When her parents exchanged looks, her stomach pitched. Dread filled her and she held her breath. “Tell me.”
“If current plans don’t go into effect as I am hoping, then ye shall marry Cronus Macpherson, the second son of the Macpherson.”
“No! I will never marry into that family. His father is cruel and unjust. I cannot stand by watching them mistreat their people. I am horrified ye wish to unite with them.”
Her father’s jaw tensed. “We will not speak further on this. Ye will marry whom I choose, and that is final.”
By the sudden paleness of her mother’s face, it was obvious she was not in total agreement. They planned to use her to keep a clan war from occurring. If that were the case, Dallis would have no choice. She owed it to her clan to sacrifice herself in order to save lives.
Dallis turned on her heel and stormed from the room. No one would voluntarily marry into the Macpherson clan, other than out of necessity. The Macpherson was as trustworthy as a venomous snake.
Guiles waited until his sister was out of earshot. “Why are ye doing this?”
Suddenly his father looked tired, slumping into a chair and looking to his wife. “It is out of my hands Guiles. If my plans to find a way to keep from a clan war don’t come to be, yer sister must marry the Macpherson’s son. We must remain on their good side. We have too many people depending on us to keep them from harm.”
Guiles’ eyes narrowed. “They’ve threatened us then. We are strong enough to defend our borders from the Macpherson.”
“There are rumblings,” his father admitted. “And temporarily, perhaps yes, we could hold our borders. But if they declare war, our men cannot win much more than a short battle. The Macpherson has at least six hundred men, if not more.”
Clan Sinclair had already lost many people the winter just past due to an epidemic. The sickness and harshness of the weather combined with the inability to keep people safe from marauders meant entire families had perished by the end of winter. Now as they’d begun to repair all the damage and rebuild homes that would withstand another winter, the clan could not afford a fight. Any kind of clan clash would bring the ravishing of houses and killing of innocents. The Macpherson’s were cruel and ruthless whether at peace or at war.
Guiles considered if there was a course of action to stop from joining with the Macpherson. The Macpherson did not have daughters of marrying age. He supposed it was possible to be hand fasted to a younger one. It was doubtful the Macpherson would agree to such an arrangement.
“Have ye spoken to the Macpherson as yet?” Guiles asked.
“He has expressed interest in the past. It seems his son admires Dallis.”
Guiles walked closer to where his parents sat. His mother stood and gave him a wan smile before kissing her husband and leaving the room.
“Give it a bit more time Da. We have to concentrate on rebuilding. Hopefully by the fall harvest, things will settle. For now, why we should attend last meal at the Macpherson’s keep and assess if they are holding any grudges against us,” Guiles suggested.
His father, always a fair man, bent his head in thought. “Ye are smart son and know well what must be done. I will wait a sennight before presenting the idea to the Macpherson. Lairds Robertson and Gordon will arrive in the next day or two. We must move with haste as the Macpherson is not a patient man. He’s asked that we discuss how our clans will work together. I know it's a preamble to the idea of taking over.”
Guiles ground his teeth. “Whether or not we join with them, the man is without honor and will attempt to gain more power. He wants our lands and has never bothered to hide it. We have to consider other ways to stop him. Form a resistance...”
At the last words, the Sinclair got to his feet. “I forbid ye to consider joining the resistance. I know of it. I am aware men are gathering in an effort to kill the Macpherson, and I promise ye they will fail. The man is cunning and has eyes and ears everywhere.”
Laird Sinclair locked gazes with Guiles. “If I, who am not involved in it, know about it, I have no doubt he does as well.”
Although his father’s declaration made his stomach pitch, Guiles waved away his concerns. “There has been talk of a resistance for years. No one takes it seriously.”
“I do. Every laird does. None of us want to be accused of belonging to it. If the Macpherson decides one of us is involved, he will not hesitate to send his army and attack without hesitation.”
Once Guiles left his father’s study, he went directly to his chambers. Something had to be done and fast. The resistance would have to move up its timetable. First they had to find out who amongst them was untrustworthy and informing the lairds.
If someone was getting messages to the Macpherson, it could prove lethal, not just for the resistance but his clan as well.
Their first plan had failed. The Macpherson’s guardsmen had been on full alert thwarting their efforts of sending in a man under the guise of wishing to join the guard’s ranks.
Guiles didn’t like any of it. The lack of trust within the resistance, the fact his sister was not only about to be married off in an effort to keep peace, but also what if they knew she was a part of the clandestine group?
Both he and Dallis along with twenty had formed a small contingent that planned to find a way to overthrow Laird Macpherson. Unfortunately, nothing would be done until the man they’d sent for arrived. A seer, who is rumored to have strong abilities. Guiles suspected the seer would be an old withered soul with glazed over eyes and stark white hair. It mattered not to him what the man looked like, what did count was the strength of his gifts.
Whoever was untrustworthy would be dealt with immediately. Each day that passed was closer to a war his clan would not survive. Guiles was certain even if Dallis was married off to the Macpherson’s son, it would not stop the greedy laird from conquering their clan. The man would not stop until the entire region in the northeast of Scotland was under his rule.
Dallis paced, unable to sleep.
She went to the window and peered out into the night. The moon was full making it easy to see across the courtyard toward the small village. Sadness enveloped at the thought her father actually thought that by marrying her off to the evil bastard’s son, it would stop the Macpherson from attacking.
The man’s greed knew no bounds. Perhaps the marriage would save her immediate family, however, the clan’s people her father sought to keep safe would not be so lucky. They would be the ones oppressed and mistreated.
Peering down into the courtyard, a bonfire caught her attention. The guardsmen on duty stopped to warm up before continuing on their patrol. Her lips curved at recognizing the figures. Two men laughed at something, and she shook her head. The Tavish brothers were always up to something. They were as handsome as they were incorrigible flirts, who no doubt at the moment planned their next trip to the village where they’d break the heart of a maiden or two.
/> Past them were another pair of guards who attended to their duties with more seriousness. Dallis moved away from the door at a soft knock.
Guiles walked in, jaw set and slashes for brows lowered. “I got word earlier that the man we sent for has arrived. I will go with Niven to meet him at dawn. Ensure ye stay here. We can’t afford for father to get suspicious. Behave Dallis, I beg of ye.”
“Don’t treat me like a child. I know what is at stake. I just hope this man is as powerful as the tales we were told. Otherwise, we will have no choice but to carry forth in hopes whoever the spy is will not send a warning in time.”
She moved back to the window, looking back out. “Who else will go with ye?”
“No one, just Niven and me. It’s much too risky. Not knowing who to trust.”
Dallis nodded and met her brother’s gaze. “God go with ye brother.”
Her brother left and she sunk to the bed. Weariness weighed heavy on her shoulders while at the same time she felt too alert to sleep. Guiles was about to meet with the one person who could help them to find an infiltrator.
Falling back onto the bed, she considered how to deal with her father and plans for her marriage. Somehow, she’d put him off for a bit. With luck, the plan to unseat the Macpherson would be successful and the problem would go away. Otherwise, she wasn’t sure what to do. Of course, the right thing to do would be what was best for the people.
Her father was fair and just in not choosing her over the needs of many.
In this case, she was only one person who stood to lose the most from such a marriage. If her marriage to the loathsome Cronus Macpherson saved the lives of her people and there was no other choice, she’d do it without hesitation.
But in this instance, it would not matter. Liard Macpherson would not be friendly for long.
Of that she was sure.
Chapter 3
Rays of sunlight trickled through the dense forest, giving just enough light to see. Alasdair wasn’t sure why the men wanted to meet at dawn rather than at night when it would be easier to remain unnoticed. But, what did he care? If they were stupid enough to be out in broad daylight, he’d ensure his own safety before meeting with them.
A short distance from the opening of the caves, he dismounted and left his horse to feed on the new grasses. The animal would not leave, and Alasdair refused to tether his horse in case of danger. Like anyone else, his steed deserved a chance to survive.
On foot, he walked a bit before hiding behind bushes waiting to see who showed up. A few minutes later, deep voices sounded.
The man he’d met the night before was with a light-haired younger man. Alasdair narrowed his eyes and studied the pair.
“Are ye sure this is a good idea?” the younger man asked, looking in several directions.
The other man shrugged. “We’ll know soon enough.”
They dismounted and the man he’d met the night before blew out a breath. “If ye’re here, please join us.”
Alasdair set his jaw. He didn’t sense any aggression from the pair. Other than ill-concealed impatience, both were not a threat. He scanned the surroundings once more before walking out to meet them. Both turned, not expecting that he’d been so close by the lifting of their eyebrows.
The younger man slid a look to the other, obviously allowing the warrior to start the conversation.
“I am Niven, my companion is Guiles. That is all ye need to know about us.”
“Seems ye ask a lot of trust from me without returning it.” Alasdair walked in a circle, his arms behind his back. “May I remind ye gentlemen that my life is as much at stake as yers? If we are to enter into an agreement, which I have not decided upon, then I will need more than just yer names.”
The younger man nodded. “Men are rising against Laird Macpherson. To not only rid this area of him, but also his sons,” Guiles said, not revealing anything that Alasdair hadn’t already gathered from spending the night at the tavern up in the rafters. He’d overheard several whispers, sensed fears which meant he was pretty sure which men were part of a resistance.
Alasdair met each man’s gaze for a moment. “Ye are the leaders. The tavern owner, Fergus McVey, as well as Conner, a trusted clansman, and the Tavish brothers are all part of it. There are several women involved as well, they are mostly assisting in the capacity of planning and providing information.”
There was a long beat of silence. Niven took a step backward, taking a defensive stance. “How do ye know all of this?”
“Ye hired me to find out what I could about it, I assume.”
Guiles frowned. “Ye expect me to believe all this information came from eavesdropping?”
Taking a step forward, Alasdair brushed his hand over Guiles’ lower arm. “Not all from listening in, no. I have other...talents. Oh, and by the way, yer plan to marry a Macpherson is not going to work. The Gordon’s daughter is who ye will marry.”
The younger man’s eyes widened. “How do ye...”
Niven studied Guiles before turning to him. “I see the reports about ye are true. Ye have powerful sight. Can ye tell us what will happen? Will the resistance win?”
Alasdair shrugged. “There will be no resistance. Ye waste yer time. The answer is coming shortly.”
“There will be a meeting tonight. Here in the caves. Only the ten we trust the most will be present. Ye will be there. I will introduce ye as a cousin of mine,” Niven explained, his demeanor hard. “I suggest ye be clear as to whether they are indeed the one sharing information freely.”
Alasdair nodded. “Very well. I will return at sunset.”
He took a step forward and was stopped by Guiles’ hand on his shoulder. “What do ye see right now? Are our people safe?”
“I am not so strong that I can see the future of an entire clan. I mostly get senses of things from one person at a time. In all honesty, I wish I could tell ye how it will turn out.”
As he walked away, Alasdair trusted the men not to follow. The younger man’s intentions were noble. He genuinely cared for the people his family was responsible for. A part of him wanted to ensure the young warrior, but one thing he’d learned over the years was that giving hope was not his calling.
Just as he reached his horse a sensation of a person’s presence made him freeze and scan the area. Someone watched him. Whoever it was did not pose a threat.
The person wore red and did a poor job of hiding behind a tree. Every few moments, their head would move from the hiding place and peer around the tree to spy on him.
He walked in their direction while lifting his tunic and pushing down the front of his breeches. Undeterred by the soft gasp, he proceeded to relieve himself at the tree’s base.
It was a woman on the other side of the tree. She did her best not to move but was unsuccessful when he purposely piddled past the tree.
Having to bite his bottom lip, he managed not to laugh, readjusted his tunic and turned to walk away.
“Ye know I’m here.”
He didn’t bother to turn. “I suggest ye return to where ye came. I do not require yer services today, wench.”
“I did not plan to provide ye with anything other than perhaps a slice through yer throat.”
When he turned, Alasdair was pleasantly surprised. The beautiful lass with fiery eyes stood at a ready stance with a small dagger in hand.
If he’d learned anything over the years, it was not to underestimate an angry woman. “I see yer prepared to follow through with yer threat. I am afraid to find myself at a disadvantage as I am not sure what I did that warrants yer ire.”
Her eyes hardened and nostrils flared. “Ye have to but breathe in my direction, sir.”
This time Alasdair couldn’t help a smile. “I will endeavor not to breathe milady. Now if ye don’t mind, tell me why ye are spying?”
If she was the spy the men feared, he would find out soon enough. Unfortunately, he had to touch her in order to do so. Although he currently didn’t sense any reason to dist
rust the beauty, it was best to be sure.
Her chin lifted just a bit. “I was not spying.”
“So ye make it a habit to stand behind trees for no reason then?” He took a step toward her and she didn’t move. Thankfully neither did she lift her dagger higher. Instead she studied him, her gaze roving over him from his face down to his boots. “Ye seem familiar to me.”
“That would be because I saw ye arguing with some men last night at the tavern.”
He’d not meant to reveal that and the fact he did made him grind his teeth.
“Ye were there.” Her statement was almost like she attempted to picture him. Other than the night before, Alasdair was sure never to have met the woman. “Interesting.” She left the word hanging in the air between them.
Alasdair took another step closer. “Do ye know the gentlemen with whom I met?” He was perfectly aware that one of the men was her brother. It mattered not what their relationship was. In his experience betrayal within a family was unfortunately very common.
Her gaze slid toward where he’d been with the two warriors, but she didn’t reply. Instead she lowered the dagger.
“I will be on my way then.” Alasdair turned toward where he’d left his steed. The beast was nowhere to be seen. He let out a breath and whistled. When that went unanswered, he called out, “Blasted horse, come here!”
“Blasted? Is that yer horse’s name? Perhaps if ye were nicer, he’d not hide.” The woman came to stand next to him. It was interesting she did not act at all intimidated by him. Most people, especially women, were wary when he was about. Although quick witted, his stern demeanor and disfiguring scar down past the side of his left eye to the top of his cheek could be a deterrent.
The horse ambled through the trees, not seeming to have a care in the world.
“If my life were in danger, I’d be dead by now,” Alasdair mumbled, glaring at the horse who began to nibble at the grass.
The woman studied the horse a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. “I must take my leave. I would say it was a pleasure meeting ye, but that would be a lie.”
The Seer Page 2
