Chapter Six
The wind rustledthrough the thicket behind McAfee Keep as Moira patrolled, her red curls dancing in the brisk air. Her gaze swept over the familiar rugged landscape when a shadow emerged from a cluster of trees. Hand on her dirk, she narrowed her eyes.
“Lucas Gordon,” Moira said icily. “What brings ye here?” Lucas had caused Moira and Ailis a great deal of misery while they’d been at his father’s keep for the Highland Games.
Lucas raised his hands. “Moira, I come in peace. Clyde Stewart has gone mad and is pushing us toward a disastrous battle. I seek amnesty and a place among yer ranks.”
Doubt flickered across Moira’s face but she nodded, leading Lucas to the great hall where Alisdair McClain awaited. Lucas recounted the discord within the Stewart Clan and revealed an attack planned two days away.
Lachlan McClain scowled. “I dinnae trust him.”
Brodie weighed in, “Serpents can provide valuable information. We might use what he knows to our advantage.”
Alisdair considered this. “Speak, Lucas Gordon, and know that deceit will cost dearly.”
Tense silence filled the room as Lucas divulged the names of allied clans. The complex web of Highland alliances shifted constantly; one thing remained constant: determination to protect clan and kin at all costs.
After Lucas had finished speaking, Alisdair said, “Please wait outside this room while me brothers and I discuss whether ye can be trusted.”
Lachlan shook his head as soon as Lucas was out of earshot and the door was closed between them. “I dinnae trust the man. He needs to go back to where he came from.”
Alisdair frowned. “I think yer missing the greater picture in your distrust. It would be one more man fighting for us, and we may be able to get more information from him. Things he dinnae think to tell us.”
Brodie nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Aye, Alisdair has a point. If Lucas is telling the truth, we cannae afford to ignore the information he brings. The Stewarts’ plans could end us all.”
Lachlan’s scowl deepened. “And if he’s lying? Leading us into a trap? We’d be fools to trust him so easily.”
Brodie was the one who answered. “We dinnae have to trust him completely, but we can use what he knows. Keep him close, watch him carefully. If he proves false, we’ll deal with him then.”
Alisdair frowned, weighing their options. “Brodie is right. We’ll grant Lucas amnesty for now, but he’ll be under constant watch. We cannae risk the safety of our clans.”
He turned to Lachlan whose jaw was clenched, his eyes flashing with reluctance. “Aye, brother. We’ll do as ye say. But mark me words, I’ll be watching him like a hawk. One false move, and he’ll feel the bite of me blade.”
Alisdair nodded solemnly. “Understood, Lachlan. We must be vigilant.” He frowned. “I will have Moira watch our new guest. Her instincts are sharp, and she knows him better than most.”
Moira’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she inclined her head. “As ye wish, Alisdair. I’ll make sure he doesnae step out of line.”
With the decision made, Alisdair called for Lucas to be brought back in. The young man entered, his eyes dartingbetween the brothers and Moira, trying to gauge their expressions. Alisdair stepped forward, his posture straight and imposing.
“Lucas Gordon, we have decided to grant ye amnesty…for now. But know this,” Alisdair’s voice grew stern, “ye will be under constant watch. Any hint of betrayal, and ye will face the consequences.”
Lucas bowed his head, relief and gratitude etched on his face. “Thank ye. I swear on me life, I will not betray yer trust.”
Lachlan scoffed under his breath, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
“Moira will be watching ye closely, Lucas. Dinnae think for a moment that yer past actions are forgotten,” Alisdair said. “I ken ye dinnae want to feel her blade.”
*
Alisdair entered theprivate chamber, halting all conversation. Fiona, Ailis, and Duncan turned toward him, faces full of anticipation and concern.
“Lucas Gordan will join our ranks. He’ll stay in a tent with the others,” he announced.
Moira expressed her disapproval. “Ye trust him enough for that? How do ye ken he’s not a spy for the Stewarts?”
“His knowledge has been valuable,” Alisdair replied. “We must use every tool to protect our lands.” He paused for a moment. “And ye, Moira, are assigned to watch him, and make sure he does nothing to undermine me authority.”
Moira’s eyes widened at Alisdair’s words, a mix of surprise and indignation flickering across her face. “Ye want me to be his keeper? After all the grief he’s caused us?”
