Chapter Thirteen
Meanwhile, Arran Sinclairglanced up at a soft sound and caught a shadow emerging. The man’s voice cut through the stillness.
“Arran Sinclair,” the man began, “the Sinclair clan stands alone, betrayed by the McAfees. A marriage between Ailis and Lachlan would seal this betrayal. Something needs to be done immediately.”
Arran’s gaze sharpened, acknowledging the stark truth. “What do ye propose?” he inquired.
“Kidnap Ailis before she binds herself to Lachlan,” the figure suggested ominously.
“My oldest son kidnapped McAfee’s daughter. It dinna work out. We need to come up with a better plan.”
“There is no better plan and time is running out. Ye will do as I say, or yer clan will be left to fight the McAfees and McClains alone.”
In the waning light, Arran deliberated and reluctantly nodded. He had known the McAfee lasses since they were bairns. The idea of kidnapping one was distasteful, but he’d walked along the traitorous path for too long to turn back now.
Soon inside the great hall, Arran convened with his sons, Ian and Callum, by the crackling fire. Both were eager to make an alliance with the McAfees any way they could.
“Ian, Callum,” Arran began, a weight in his words. “Ailis must be taken from the McAfees.”
Ian met his father’s eyes as Callum absorbed the grave task ahead.
“Create chaos,” Arran commanded. “Command the ‘clanless’ men to disrupt the McAfee borders. In that turmoil, seize Ailis. It must be done soon.”
“An abduction,” Ian mused aloud, calculating outcomes. “With our alliance shattered, we have little to lose. And while she is here, I can force her to marry me. It should be simple enough.”
Callum nodded in silent acquiescence, resolve etched on his features.
Arran sighed wearily. “Send only our weakest soldiers to fight. Our numbers dwindle rapidly, and we must have a clan left after ye marry the lass.”
*
Ailis responded toan urgent call for aid. Hastily dressing, she readied herself to assist an injured woman thrown from her horse, arm twisted unnaturally. The woman was one of the best in the entire clan with horses. It didn’t make sense to Ailis that she’d been injured the way she had, but she would be there to help in any way she could.
As she hurried through the great hall, she told her father where she was going. “I must tend to Kirsty, who has been thrown from her horse and has injured her arm. From the description, it sounds like it’s broken, and she needs me.”
Duncan frowned. “I would like ye to take a guard. I worry about yer safety.”
Overhearing, Lachlan offered his unwavering support. “I will not let anything happen to her.”
Duncan smiled and nodded. “See that ye dinnae.”
As they navigated the rugged terrain together, Ailis cautioned, “Stay close. I fear there’s more to this than isapparent. Kirsty is the best horsewoman in the clan, and she often helps with the training. This injury does not make sense.”
They arrived to find Kirsty on the ground with an injury that seemed more than should have happened with a simple fall. Ailis tended to her expertly while Lachlan stood watchful and protective.
Lachlan carried Kirsty back to her cottage, where Ailis skillfully tended to her wound with practiced grace, comforting her with gentle words as Lachlan stood guard with a wary eye on their surroundings.
“Do what ye must. I understand it is broken and needs to be mended properly. I expect pain,” Kirsty whispered through gritted teeth.
Ailis smiled softly, offering reassurance as she carefully set the injury. “I apologize for the pain I cause, but ye are right. It must be mended.”
After the arm was set, Ailis made supper for the woman’s family. It would normally be Kirsty’s task, and she shouldn’t be jostling the arm too much. “I hope yer family likes stew.”
Kirsty nodded. “They will be happy with anything ye take the time to fix for us. I thank ye for all the trouble ye have gone to.”
“It is no trouble to help me family. What happened? Ye have a reputation with horses, and it’s not one of being thrown.”
Kirsty shook her head. “I am not certain. I was riding, making certain the horse was tamed enough for its new owner, and it stumbled over a rock that was not there yesterday. It threw me.” She sighed. “Dinna worry. The horse is fine.”
