Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

L ater that evening, as the great hall gradually emptied, the atmosphere transformed into a more intimate setting. Mae and Niall sat close to each other at a table, the remnants of the evening's revelry scattered around them. Mae, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, leaned closer to Niall and asked, "So what is the situation with Brian? Why does everyone tolerate him?" The idea that these warriors put up with a guy like him bothered her and she needed to know why.

With a weary expression and a subtle roll of his eyes, Niall explained, "You've nae heard the tale of how we lost our ancestorial land then?"

"You started to tell me about it, but I don't think we finished the conversation, we were interrupted."

"It's best I start from there then. When we lost our land, taken from us by the King of England, it was given over to the Campbells. The Donalds have lived and worked this land for centuries, but because we sided against the king, in favor of Scottish rule, it was taken out from under us. The Campbells allow us to continue to live here, as long as we pay the taxes they levy upon us."

Mae frowned. It didn't seem right to her that the king was allowed to just take land that belonged to the Donald Clan. "How can the king do that? Is that even legal?"

Niall chuckled darkly. It was a rumbly sound that made her stomach flip. "The king can do whatever he wants. Scotland is under English rule, and as the ruler, he can take and distribute the land as he sees fit, whether we Donalds like it or not. I suppose we're lucky he didn't have us all executed or locked in prison."

"But to give your land to your worst rivals? That's just cruel." Mae frowned.

"I donnae recall saying the king was a fair and just man, lass," Niall said, his eyes twinkling.

Mae laughed and shook her head. "I suppose you didn't. So how does Brian fit? I know you said he was sent here by the Laird, but he's an idiot, why him?"

"Aye, he is, lass, and as to why? I havenae idea why the Laird would trust one such as him, but at least we know how to deal with the likes of him." He winked. "He may be a spy, but we donnae let him know much. An' it tis safer to let him be, rather than instigate any action with him, which would get back to the Laird who would retaliate."

"I suppose that makes sense. Better the devil you know, than one you don't." Mae nodded as she thought about the situation.

"Aye, lass. Tis true your words." A smile lit his face, and he looks a little mischievous as he added, "It is also my opinion that the Laird wanted to be rid of his obnoxious behavior and sending him here gets him out of the Laird's way." He chuckled.

Mae laughed too. "Yes, I can definitely see that as being a plus for the Laird." After a moment she sighed. "But, he's such an ass. What if something happens? What if he starts shit?"

Niall shook his head. "That cannae happen, lass. T'would not be good for the Donald Clan. The Laird looks merciful by allowing us to stay on this land, if something happened to his representative, he would be justified in kicking us off of this land and at best, we'd be homeless, at worst, the king would see to our executions as I mentioned before."

The mere idea of it sent a shiver of fear down Mae's back. "That can't happen."

"Nae, lass. It cannae."

His serious gaze met hers and she felt the depths of his devotion to his clan, his family. It was something she'd never had in her life. She had no experience in having such a close tight knit family, but she could feel it as though it was a tangible thing with him. It made her long to be a part of it.