Page 12 of Highland Guard
“Aye, we can,” Donald replied.
Kieran gritted his teeth. His fists clenched and his gaze filled with hatred. “If you do, then you will regret it, for I will not marry any wench for the good of your clan, and I will battle any man who dares to take my freedom. So you can take your petition is stick it up your arse!”
Donald said with defiance, “Then you ken we will stop at nothing to ensure we dinnae go to war with the Anrias.”
Kieran moved forward and raised his fist, but Bram stayed his hand.
The hall filled with tension as all parties stared off at one another. Then Bram said, “You have given the news to Kieran and now you must give him time to consider the matter for himself. Until then, he stays here. You are welcome to take refreshments and rest for the night, but in the morn, it would be best you leave.”
Bram stood firm by Kieran’s side, Lachlan Gair at his other and behind them were Iain Henderson, Niall Henderson and several retainers. Kieran had never felt so grateful for their support.
Donald opened his mouth to protest, but Iverson stopped him, then replied, “Aye, that is fair. I am sure this has come as a shock, so we will give Kieran a fortnight to decide before we take it up with Macbeth.”
“Do what you must,” Bram replied.
***
ONCE THE HALL WAS EMPTY, Kieran said, “I dinnae trust anything they say.”
Bram replied, “Be that as it may, they have petitioned the king and you dinnae want to go up against Macbeth.”
“I dinnae care if they petitioned the devil himself. I’ll not dance to any man’s tune.”
“All right, calm down. We will find another way.”
Lachlan asked, “Kieran, why did you not tell us you are the son of the MacKenzie chieftain?”
“Because I am the bastard son of his leman. Upon his marriage to another, he cast my mother and me aside with barely enough food to survive the winter. Colban MacGregor, Beiste’s father, found us on the roadside half frozen to death and took us into his clan.”
“Is your mother still alive?” Bram asked.
“No, the ordeal took its toll on her. She was never the same after that and died three summers later from a broken heart. Over a man who was not worth it.”
“Tis sorry I am for your loss.”
“It was a long time ago now. But I vowed someday I would return and beat the hell out of him. It seemed he robbed me even of that satisfaction. The prick.”
“I guess there is no love lost between you.”
“I hated the man for what he did, and I want nothing to do with a clan who stood by and did nothing. Yet here he is, even from the grave, trying to control my life.”
“So, what do you plan to do?” Bram asked.
“With your permission, I shall seek an audience with the king. I want the decision overturned.”
“Aye, I think that is wise. Take the time you need.”
Kieran was furious with his former clan. He could not believe he was as good as wed to a stranger. He always thought he had plenty of time to find a good woman and settle down. Now he regretted not doing it earlier.
***
