Epilogue

After the sword dance ended, the very last part of the night for those inside the courtyard, Torrian Ramsay came into the center, making his way to the platform.

Alaric and Eli had just returned from the hill. A few people teased her about the condition of her gown, but typical of his feisty wife, Eli didn't rise to the bait. He held her hand with a firm grip, not willing to let go of her. They were now husband and wife forever.

None of this year and a day bullshit.

Eli was his, now and forevermore.

Torrian called all the clan chieftains up to the platform, naming them one at a time.

Connor Grant and Jamie Grant, with wives Sela and Gracie.

Diana Drummond with husband Micheil Ramsay.

Drew Menzie with wife Avelina.

Marcas Matheson with Brigid.

Aedan Cameron with Jennie.

Loki Grant with Arabella.

Once all had gathered with him, Torrian spoke to everyone in the courtyard.

"We have some announcements to make. We all met earlier today, before the wedding, and decided to do this while we are all together. Some are aware, and some will be surprised. We have many changes to announce. First, Aedan and Jennie Cameron."

Aedan and Jennie introduced Brin as the new Cameron laird and sang the praises of his wife, Ceit.

Diana Drummond and Micheil Ramsay announced that the next laird of Clan Drummond would be their son David and celebrated his marriage to Anna.

Marcas Matheson announced that he was remaining as laird of Clan Matheson. He and his wife Brigid were welcoming their son Merek as co-laird.

Loki announced that Kenzie would be the new laird of Castle Curanta.

Drew Menzie and wife Avelina announced that their son Tad was the new laird of Clan Menzie. Ada applauded while a lad on Maitland's shoulders shouted, "Look, Wiley. 'Tis our da!" Q smiled and pointed to the platform while Wiley held on to Maeve's hand.

Torrian took the dais again with his wife Heather. "'Tis time for a new lairdship at Clan Ramsay, as well. I agree with my sire that the lairdship should be passed on while the laird can still give guidance. Thus, I announce that Clan Ramsay is moving to co-lairdship because we have grown so large. The two lairds will be our son, Lachlan, and Errol, son of Gavin and Merewen.

Connor Grant was next, and with Jamie at his side, said, "We have deliberated much over this decision, but we are happy with our choice. We are passing on the co-lairdship of Clan Grant to Alasdair, son of Jake and Aline, and Alick, son of Kyla and Finlay."

The two joined them, ecstatic with the announcement.

But everyone looked at Alaric and Eli. Everyone had assumed this would go to Alaric.

Alaric whispered to Eli, "Dinnae worry. They will all learn the truth soon."

Torrian congratulated everyone, and as everyone rejoined their clans, he waited for the group to settle before announcing the next speaker.

"Our last speaker is my dearest mother, Brenna Grant Ramsay." Everyone cheered Brenna on as he helped her to manage the high step. He stood behind her as she made her announcement.

Brenna began, her cracking voice telling all how important this announcement was to her, "I have a verra special announcement to make, and this comes from Logan and King Robert, who has been grateful for all the help we gave him while he was away from Scotland assisting his brother. The Battle of Skaithmuir was a decisive victory for the Scots on our land, and Sir James Douglas considers it one of his most difficult battles ever. He sings the praises of our wonderful young people who were there to help him.

"Because of this, King Robert has awarded Clan Ramsay another castle, one that you will learn more about soon enough. But we are here to announce who we, as a group, have unanimously chosen to be chieftains of this new property and the clan that will grow there."

She stopped to mop her tears before continuing, and Torrian squeezed her shoulders in support. "This is what Quade always dreamed, to have his bloodline, the Ramsay bloodline in many clans. So now we are part of the Grants and the Drummonds and the Menzies." She paused to mop her tears again. "And the Camerons and Mathesons. And now we will be a part of this new clan."

Brenna stopped, dried her tears one last time, then smiled at everyone. "We'd like to call the following to come forward: Alaric Grant, Elisant Ramsay Grant, Maitland Menzie, and Dyna Grant Corbett."

Alaric squeezed Eli's hand and ushered her in front of him, meeting Maitland and Dyna at the dais.

Once they were there, Brenna turned the four around.

"We are verra fortunate that these four wonderful young people have agreed to start a new clan. They will decide exactly who the two lairds will be, and it is their choice. But we have come up with a new name.

"Welcome the leaders of our new ally, Clan Grantham."

The End