“You forget my sisters,” Amanda said, smiling. “But now, My Laird, let’s go and share our happiness. We could all do with a dose, it has very healing properties!”
Hamish put his arm around her waist, and they entered the Great Hall, where a crowd of their own men, servants, and even Struan’s guards were waiting for them. A great cheer erupted as soon as the crowd saw them, and they both waved, then Hamish escorted Amanda to a seat at the head of the table.
He called for silence, then smiled broadly and said, “My people, I am now the Laird of Inchkeith since my half-brother Struan is now deceased. I promise to be the best Laird I can be, and I swear to you now that I will do my very best to make sure you suffer no hardship under my tenure.
I will also do my utmost to make sure you are provided with everything you want and need. It has hurt me badly to see how my brother has treated you over the past years. Now, I would like you to welcome my bride-to-be, Amanda. It was she who helped me to rid you of Struan, and we all owe her a great debt.”
Another cheer erupted, then Hamish said, “She is the best Lady to be at my side, since not only is she a wonderful woman, but as you know, she is a skilled healer. Between us, we will make it our mission to improve life for all of us.”
He had provided a glass of wine for everyone, and now he held up his glass.
“Now, let us drink a toast to the future! Sláinte Mhath!”
“Sláinte Mhath!” came the joyful reply.
A few moments later they were on their horses riding to Inchkeith, while a couple of wagons loaded with food rolled behind them.
“I cannot wait to see their faces,” Amanda said joyfully.
Hamish reached across the gap between them to take her hand, smiling with his heart in his eyes.
A few moments later they arrived in the village and were greeted with cries of happiness as they gave out loaves of bread, fruit, vegetables, cheese, eggs and meat, as well as many other types of foodstuffs.
It gladdened Amanda’s heart to see the poor underfed people, especially the children, descending on the best fare they had seen for ages. It also angered her to think that Struan McNeill had sat on all of it for ages while his people starved.
Hamish put his arm around her. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said gently, “but we are going to change all this poverty to prosperity, my love. Struan was a monster, but we are not.”
Amanda sighed and laid her head on his shoulder, smiling as she watched a boy running past munching a piece of bread and honey. Everyone looked as though they had suddenly had a weight lifted from their shoulders, and indeed they had. There would be no more scrounging for edible leaves and mushrooms, no more eating the remains of forest animals that had been killed by wild boars.
Hamish could not stop smiling. He had recovered his home and his heritage, and now he was holding the love of his life in his arms. He felt free, happy, and alive in a way that he never had before.
When they arrived back at the camp, they found that the atmosphere had changed completely. Everyone was drinking the wine they had brought back from the castle, and the atmosphere of watchfulness had disappeared, since there was no further need for it. The inhabitants had thrown caution to the winds; they were free, and celebrated it by singing, dancing and drinking wine.
Hamish and Amanda stood watching for a while, then Fiona came towards them wearing an uncertain smile.
“Thank ye for what ye have done,” she said softly.
“We didn’t do it alone, Fiona,” Amanda told her.
“But I didnae help,” Fiona replied, shaking her head. “I am sorry for bein’ such a fool, Amanda. I was jealous, but I cannae make Hamish love me when he loves you. Please forgive me.”
“Of course I will,” Amanda stepped forward and hugged Fiona, much to her surprise.
After a moment, Fiona returned the embrace, then the two women smiled at each other. Fiona looked at Hamish, who, after a glance at Amanda, also hugged her.
“I heard the news ye are gettin’ married,” she said.
“Indeed we are,” Hamish replied, looking down at Amanda lovingly. “The sooner, the better.”
“I hope ye will be very happy.”
Then, with one last sad smile, she turned and left, and Amanda sighed happily.
“Well, this day started badly, but ended wonderfully,” she said.
“What about some more celebrating?” Hamish asked wickedly.
Amanda giggled. “I am all yours, Hamish,” she told him, before he swept her into his arms as they walked to his tent.
