Elena: Highlanders of Silver Island

by Diana Knight

  “Yes. Like Marren.” Lena smiled widely at her.

  Just like Marren. His taste for battle was far from over, but his eagerness to part from Silver Port was stronger now. When he knew there was so much here worth protecting, he had no reason to leave. Especially now with the growing members on the island, he had more than enough to do here. For that Lena was thankful. She would never have to fall asleep alone in her bed, wondering if he was still alive. She did not have to part from him for a long period of time and watch daily for a boat to give her messages from across the sea. He was there with her and always would be. Her stomach warmed to the thought of him, and as if on que the door swung open. Marren stood there with a small wool tunic over his chest while the kilt clan colors draped over him. He kissed Maria on the forehead in greeting before he walked over and wrapped his arms around his wife.

  “The boat is arriving with news from the mainland. We should hurry to hear what is said.” Marren said after kissing her hard on the lips.

  They left the house and walked to the docks together, many of the people already gathered were carrying flowers for the wedding that afternoon. It had been the talk of the city for a full fortnight. He was the new Lord of Colreed and his wifes clan would soon be bonded with theirs for life. It was an event worth the whispers, but for now there was a boat coming. That seemed to draw most of their attention, especially because the attacks and battles had become larger. William Wallace had taken armies all across the land taking back the lost villages and cities. The English were still continuing to fight and fight back harder. Lena knew the war was far from over, no matter how convinced her brothers were of William Wallace’s strength. The boat arrived on the island and the man started sputtering words out before anyone even had a chance to tie his boat to the dock.

  “They captured him! He’s been taken! They’ve taken Wallace! They have taken Wallace!” he shouted.

  Screams and chaos filled the lips of those standing by.

  “King Richard is calling for an army. He needs his men! He needs his kin!” The man shouted.

  Shivers filled her spine. She looked at Marren, she was reading his face to see what his thoughts were. If he was going to rally and fight alongside them or if he still wanted to stay and protect the city. She could not hold it against him if he wanted to go, but the thought of it sent nothing but sheer terror. He finally looked at her as the whispers and worries began circling. They were asking for Terryn to say something. He stood there eyes serious and forward without saying a word. Until Lena saw Maria walk over and to him and hug him.

  “I’m sorry this ruins your wedding. Please don’t go.” She heard her say.

  “I’m not leaving. Not yet.” Terryn spoke and jumped up to calm the people down.

  “Listen! Listen! Our victories have always been numbered. Yet we will not give in! The English have Wallace, but they do not have us. They do not have our strength, our courage, our life. We will take back Wallace, and take back out land. Tomorrow! Today we celebrate. We have had enough terror, enough fear. We must think of this on the morrow, as today we must drink!” Terryn shouted.

  The people rallied like they did with Marren, yet Lena could see the deceit in her brothers eyes. Although he told them not to worry, that was exactly what he would do. Lena turned to Marren and stared at him until he met her eyes.

  “I’m not leaving either.” He reassured her and placed his lips against her forehead.

  “Not when there is so much here to protect.” Marren said and placed his palm against her ever growing stomach. The feeling of flutters kicked inside her.

  She placed her hands on his chest and stood on her toes to kiss him. It had been a full season already, yet she was only just now announcing the child. People would begin to notice her belly full and her body weaker. Mulla’s eyes knowing her son would soon have a cousin was more bliss than Lena had expected. Lena was ready to bring new life into the world after so much death. If Marren ever decided to leave for the war. Should there ever come a day when Marren had to defend their people on the mainland once again, she would be ready. Only because she knew that part of him would still be with her, and for that she knew she would never be alone. There was still war ahead, but there was still life as well. Tomorrow would come, and the weeks after would pass. A final battle would come someday that she would have to prepare for. For now she would enjoy the moments she had with those she loved. She would laugh and smile at those she could see, and should a day come when Marren leaves. Lena touched her stomach and knew that Marren would always be there. For now, forever, and for always.