Chapter Six

People were beginning to arrive for the upcoming celebration. At the high board, to his left, was the MacLachlan and his wife Frieda. On his right were Finnian and Keir.

Other than Finnian, the only other family that lived there was his younger brother Elvin. Both his brother and mother had been away to visit her sister who was ill.

They'd returned earlier that evening. Tired from travel, both were currently in their bedchambers.

It seemed that even when his immediate family was there, Ruari was apart from them.

His mother, Melvina, had always been distant. Never showing either him or Elvin any affection. Since Ruari and Elvin's childhood, she'd rarely spent time with them, preferring the company of her two maids, who were ever present at her side. His mother didn't seem to find it necessary to even attend last meals.

Elvin, on the other hand, was pleasant enough, except for the fact he'd rather spend the entirety of his time in the forest hunting. He'd never shown interest in battle and had refused to go. Instead, he honed his archery skills and hunted.

"I spoke to Robbie," Ruari said to Finnian. "He asks that ye take his place in the games."

Finnian's eyebrows rose. "Archery?"

"Stone toss."

"Why nae Keir?"

"He must be prepared for the caber toss."

Finnian turned to Keir. "Can ye do the stone toss after the caber?"

His friend shrugged. "The caber is last. I would rather nae try. But I can if ye can nae."

Ruari decided to let them decide between them. "We can expect Elvin to win the archery competition." As the host laird he would not compete that year.

Both men nodded as his brother strolled into the room, a crooked grin appearing at seeing the other guards at a table.

Despite his brother's lack of participation in battle, the men still liked him. It was his personality, he was always in good spirits and genuinely cared for people. Everyone except for their uncle Archibald, whom Elvin detested.

Ruari went to his bedchamber and just as he sat to remove his boots, Elvin entered. "I heard what happened to Robbie."

Not wishing to discuss it again, Ruari just nodded. "How was the trip to visit our aunt?"

Elvin's left shoulder lifted and lowered. "She is recovering. Was happy to see Mother. Nae sure why we went, as Mother barely spent any time with her."

"I suppose that our mother's visit was enough to let her know she cared."

"True," Elvin agreed. "What will happen to Robbie?"

It was best to get the conversation over with since Elvin would not let it go. "Once he is well enough, Robbie will be going home to finish recovering."

"I hear he will nae recover fully." His brother gave him a questioning look. "What will ye do?"

"It is nae up to me," Ruari snapped. "Why all the questions? Ask him. He is here in the keep."

Despite his annoyed tone, Elvin didn't seem inclined to leave. "I will see about him. We are friends, after all."

"That is right, ye are everyone's friend, except when it comes to defending them in battle."

Elvin rolled his eyes. "I will never fight for him, nor will I bend to his constant demands."

Frustration coursed through Ruari. If Elvin bothered to go with him to their uncle, he would understand that if he declined to be part of whatever scheme the man was up to, he would not hesitate to take over their keep and lands.

"Think what ye want. Please go." Ruari was tired of shouldering the blame for everything. It was his duty, which meant it was also his burden.

He stalked from one end of the room to the other, finally opening the door to the balcony and stepping out to look up at the starlit sky above. If he fought against his uncle, his people would lose everything. Not only to be ruled by a tyrant but the men would be forced to fight against more powerful clans.

The plan to have the new warriors train men to fight and have a hope of standing against Archibald would take time. Time he wasn't sure to have.

There was one alternative. To join with a neighboring clan but that would mean another opportunity for a stronger laird to take over.

His mind whirled. Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep, he left the room. The rest of the keep was silent. The only ones noticing his departure were two hunting dogs, whose heads lifted from where they lay by the hearth.

Both stood stretching and trotting out behind him with the anticipation of an adventure. Their eagerness lifted Ruari's spirits just a bit and he leaned over to pet one.

A pair of guardsmen straightened at seeing him, though neither moved to speak to him seeming to sense he was not in the mood for company.

Ruari walked to the back of the keep, from where he could look across his lands to the village. The moonlit view made up of blues, purples, and black hues turning the trees and fields into a picture of calmness.

*

The next morning, just after first meal, the guards dispersed to begin setting up the competition areas. Village people arrived and began erecting tents and stands from which wares and food were to be sold.

Soon the land surrounding the keep would be transformed into a small village of sorts. Musicians would play, children would be entertained by traveling puppeteers, and ladies would spend their time admiring the displays of shawls and jewelry.

Ruari had business to attend to. He'd be spending his time with the attending lairds in an effort to keep the peace between them.

His uncle was to attend but would not arrive until the first day of the competition. As was his way, he'd arrive ensuring to be noticed, flanked by banner carriers and warriors.

"I would like a word." His mother neared when he stood to leave the room.

"Of course, Mother." They walked side by side closer to the hearth, where they could speak without being overheard. "Is something bothering ye?"

"While visiting my sister, it came to my attention that if I were to leave, ye would be without a lady of the keep. During the festivities, seek a wife. Surely one of the visiting lairds has a daughter of marrying age. Or who will become of marrying age soon."

Ruari tensed. The subject of marriage was becoming tiresome. He studied her for a moment. "Why would ye leave? I have other matters to tend to that are much more important at the moment."

"I am aware." His mother's gaze held no warmth. "However, a man with a wife by his side is stronger in the eyes of his enemies. And I realized while visiting yer aunt I miss my homeland."

He followed his mother's progress as she crossed the room to join a visiting laird's wife and considered that perhaps she was right. Wives influenced their husbands. When women bonded with one another in friendship, it became easier for their families to come together.

It was what his mother did at the moment, ensuring to form connections with the visiting women.

Elvin waited by the front entrance so that he could escort a visiting laird on a short hunting trip. The man had gone to his bedchamber to change into something more suitable.

"Does mother plan to go live with her sister?" Ruari asked his brother who shrugged.

"She mentioned missing the larger village where she grew up, and that she wished to live there."

Ruari considered the area from where their mother had come from. It was two days ride in a relatively peaceful region. She came from Clan Ross, a powerful clan that kept enemies at bay by the size of their army alone.

That could be the answer to his problems. To form an alliance with his mother's clan. Ruari's lips curved. Finally, a light in the darkness.

The MacLachlan ascended the stairs and Ruari looked to Elvin. "Ensure he enjoys himself. Guards have been instructed to herd prey toward him."

His brother's eyes twinkled with excitement at the prospect of his favorite activity. "We will have a prosperous hunt and will feast on the kill tomorrow."

The MacLachlan laughed. "Ye expect much from my hunting skills." He looked to Ruari. "Will ye not be joining us?"

Ruari shook his head. "I must be here to greet the other guests. I assure ye, Elvin will be much better company when it comes to hunting."

The men left and Ruari prepared for what would be a busy day ahead. A talk with his mother forefront on his mind. It would have to wait until he could get a moment alone with her, but it would have to be soon.

He sensed someone watching him and he scanned the great room, catching sight of Adair. She stood in the opposite entryway studying the people in the room. The lass had never eaten in here, instead preferring to have her meals in the kitchen with the servants.

It occurred to Ruari that he'd not thought to invite her to join him for a meal. There was something about that lass that pulled to him. Her presence alone put his fretful soul at ease, a feeling he'd not felt in a very long time.

That he'd pulled her close and held her so tightly had settled him, brought a sort of calm to his chaotic feelings. It was the first time in a long while that he'd touched a woman. Had needed closeness. The act had been unexpected, but exactly what he needed to ease his mind.

Adair's gaze met his and all his surroundings disappeared. The din of conversation, and the clattering of dishes became a melody. The quickening of his heart and fluttering in his belly were pushed away when she turned and disappeared from sight.

All he had to do was walk across the room and catch up to her, but to what purpose? What would he say?

"Laird?" A guard looked from him to the now empty doorway. "Ye asked to speak to us."

Ruari dragged his gaze from where Adair had stood. "What?"

"Finnian and Keir asked that I come for ye."

"Oh… aye. Let us go."

As they walked to meet with the others who'd be competing, Ruari let out a long breath. What the hell was wrong with him. His head was everywhere except on the matters at hand. Both Kier and Finnian turned to him upon his nearing. Ruari looked to Finnian. "Have ye spoken to Robbie yet?"

Finnian nodded. "Aye, just now. He was in pain, so I did nae linger." His brows lifted. "The sister was there with a friend, a bonnie lass called Edine."

Keir's turned to look at Finnian. "Golden-haired lass?"

"Aye," Finnian said, and they began discussing having seen the girl called Edine in the village.

Just as Ruari was going to ask what they thought of Adair, Finnian spoke. "Robbie's sister is bonnie too. I dinnae dare go anywhere near the lass. Robbie would find a way to take my manhood." Finnian motioned between his legs.

Keir laughed. "True."

They met with another seven men and divided into groups to discuss their strategy for each game. Since Ruari planned to compete in the hammer throw, it was just him and the blacksmith from the village.

The man was just a bit older than him, of stocky build and with a gruff demeanor. Ruari sized him up, wondering if once again he'd lose to the strong man who worked with iron every day.

"Have ye practiced much Clyde?" Ruari asked.

The blacksmith scratched his thick beard. "A bit, aye." His dark gaze took Ruari in. "Ye have put a bit of weight on yerself, Laird."

Ruari grinned. "Aye a bit." He went to where the hammer lay and lifted it with his right hand. Becoming familiar with the item didn't take long as he'd practiced at least once a day for the last several weeks. Without someone to compete against, it was hard to tell if he had an advantage or not.

The blacksmith lifted his own hammer and went to stand by a short wall made of stacked rocks. He straightened and whirled the hammer around his head several times before releasing it. The heavy object rotated through the air landing with a thud quite a distance away.

"I am content with that," Clyde said with a broad grin. "Yer turn Laird."

Ruari visually measured the distance unsure he could beat it, but he'd do his best. With his hammer in hand, he went through the same motions as the blacksmith, swinging the hammer with both hands around his body before releasing it to fly through the air.

It landed just a foot length short of the blacksmith's, which satisfied Ruari. He'd not tried as hard as he could, wishing to save his strength for the day of competition.

Lads from the stables rushed to fetch the hammers, exaggerating their movements when picking them up.

"Do ye think our clan will win against Clan MacLachlan?" Clyde asked looking across the way to where some of the other clan's men watched.

"It was a close competition last year," Ruari replied. "The same man competes this year and he is considerably older than us."

They spoke for a bit longer when he noticed in the distance that Adair and her fair-haired friend, joined by one of the servants stood near where the laundry was hung. They watched the practice.

Immediately he wanted to throw the hammer again, to be sure she saw. Then he was annoyed with himself at the thought.

The blacksmith followed his line of vision. "I heard about Robbie. Will he survive his injuries?"

"Aye," Ruari replied. "The healer hopes to be able to save his leg. However, it is nae expected that he will be able to walk on it."

The man's face fell. "He is young and strong, perhaps he will."

Ruari nodded. "Aye, it is in the hands of God now."

Upon noting the women watched, the men competing grunted louder when tossing the stone and the archers' conversations rose significantly as they goaded each other on.

"I best go see about any visitors," Ruari said, then hesitated. "Ye are welcome to go and visit Robbie if ye wish."

The blacksmith's face brightened. "Aye Laird. I will."

Ruari followed the man toward the house until they reached where Adair and the other two women were. The servant's eyes rounded until he nodded in acknowledgement. "Osla, how fares yer grandmother?"

"She is much better my laird. Thank ye kindly for asking." The young woman bobbed her head and turned to go back inside.

"Ye can continue yer rest," he said, stopping her. "I know ye work hard." Osla's face brightened, and she went to sit on a small bench.

He turned his attention to Adair. "Clyde wishes to visit with Robbie. Is he awake?"

"Aye, Laird. He is."

Her friend smiled at the blacksmith. "I will take ye to him."

Before Adair could go with them, Ruari stopped her. "May I have a word?"

She nodded silently allowing him to take her elbow and guide her away from Osla who pretended not to notice them.

They walked a short distance away to the back of the keep where he'd been pacing the night before.

Instead of meeting his gaze, Adair looked into the distance toward the village. "This is a nice view."

"It is." He stood next to her. "I stood here last night. The moon was bright…" He left the sentence hanging as he was heading toward something poetic.

"My brother wishes to go home. I worry that the travel will prolong his healing." She let out a soft sigh. "He is headstrong."

If she still blamed him, Adair didn't seem to be considering it at the moment.

"I can speak to him. Ultimately it is his decision."

When she whirled to face him, thoughts that she'd forgiven him were instantly dissolved. Eyes narrowed and nostrils flared, he could barely stand to look at her. There was a beauty about her that was not immediately noticeable.

In a clipped tone, she got his attention. "As his laird and the one who sent him, ye should ensure he is nae further injured."

Tearing his eyes from her angry ones, he wanted nothing more than to ask her to sit and allow him to tell her everything and perhaps she would agree to shoulder his burden, or at least to listen.

Perhaps the only one who understood him was Finnian who was unable to do more than offer sympathy as he too had suffered from Archibald Stuart's vile quest for power.

"Is that what ye wish me to do?" Ruari asked. "Order him to remain here."

"If ye must," Adair replied, her expression wary. "The healer insists it is too soon."

On the winding road that led to the front of the keep, a group of men escorted a carriage. He followed their progress for a few moments. He imagined that he and Adair would be greeting the visitors as a united front.

It was stupid to allow such romantic musings and he wondered why the thought had ever occurred. Perhaps all the talk of marriage, by both his uncle and his mother, had affected him.

"I will speak to Robbie." He turned away, wishing she'd ask him another question, if only to prolong the time with her.

Of course she didn't, and he continued past where only the archers remained and on to where Osla no longer sat.

The carriage would be arriving just as he rounded the corner which meant he and his mother would begin the art of ensuring others thought them to be without worry and without threat. It would be the only way to convince the visiting lairds to a peaceful union.

His mother emerged, her face devoid of any emotion. He'd often thought she resembled a stone carving come to life. With nothing soft about her, and yet she remained an attractive woman.

"Who comes?" she asked when Ruari neared.

"The McNaughton," Ruari responded. "He brings six men who are to compete."

His mother slanted a look to him. "Ye seem troubled."

The comment took him by surprise. "Nothing of concern, Mother."

Her right brow lifted indicating she didn't believe him. "I believe the McNaughton has a daughter of marrying age. Being his holdings are small, perhaps they would agree to a match."

He could only nod as the visiting laird alighted from the carriage.