Ailis stepped forward, her brow furrowed with concern. “Alisdair, are ye certain this is wise? Lucas has proven himselfuntrustworthy in the past. What if this is another one of his tricks?”
Fiona placed a gentle hand on her sister’s arm. “Aye, Ailis has a point. We cannae afford to let our guard down, especially now with the Stewarts plotting against us.”
Duncan, their father, stroked his graying beard thoughtfully. “Alisdair, lad, I trust yer judgment. But we must be cautious. The safety of our clan must come first.”
Alisdair nodded, his expression solemn. “Aye, I understand yer concerns. But we must use every advantage we have against the Stewarts. Lucas’s information could prove invaluable in the days to come.”
He turned to Moira, his gaze steady. “I ken it’s not an easy task, Moira. But yer the best one for the job. Yer instincts are sharp, and ye ken Lucas better than most. If anyone can keep him in line, it’s ye.”
Moira’s jaw clenched, her eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and resignation. “Very well, Alisdair. I’ll do as ye ask. But mark me words, if he steps out of line, even for a moment, I’ll not hesitate to put him in his place.”
Ailis sighed, her shoulders slumping as she met Moira’s gaze. “Just be careful, sister. I dinnae want to see ye hurt again because of Lucas’s schemes.”
Moira softened, reaching out to squeeze Ailis’s hand. “Dinnae fash yerself, Ailis. I’ll not let him get the better of me. If he tries anything, he’ll feel the sharp end of me dirk.”
Fiona stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “We must stand united in this. The Stewarts will seek to exploit any weakness or division among us. Moira, ye have our support in watching over Lucas. But remember, ye dinnae have to face this alone.”
Duncan nodded, pride shining in his eyes as he looked at his daughters. “Aye, Fiona speaks true. We are stronger together, asa family and as a clan. Trust in each other, and we’ll weather any storm that comes our way.”
Alisdair clapped a hand on Duncan’s shoulder, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Well said, Duncan. We’ll face these challenges together, just as we should.”
Moira took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she met the gazes of her family. “Aye, ye’re right. I’ll not let Lucas, or the Stewarts, divide us. I’ll keep a close eye on him and make sure he stays true to his word.”
As they all dispersed, each to their own duties, Moira couldn’t shake the unease that settled in her stomach. Watching over Lucas would be no easy task, given their tumultuous history. But she was determined to prove her worth and protect her clan, no matter the cost.
*
Brodie and Lachlanjoined the group as they went to address the clan’s warriors in the courtyard.
“Me brothers,” Alisdair thundered, “the Stewart forces will descend upon us in two days’ time.”
A collective murmur swept through the crowd.
“We will meet them with Highland strength. Our swords will sing the song of freedom!” Alisdair declared, igniting their spirits.
The warriors roared in approval, raising clenched fists.
“We fight not just for victory but for our way of life!” he continued, silencing the crowd once more.
Another wave of affirmation rose from the men. Brodie began strategizing while Lachlan stood beside his brother. United in purpose, they prepared to defend their homeland with honor and freedom intact.
As Alisdair’s speech ended, he raised his arms. “Tonight, we gather in strength,” he proclaimed. “Tomorrow, we feast within these walls as brothers in arms.”
*
In the bustlingkitchens of McAfee Castle, Moira kneaded dough with intensity while Fiona moved from pot to pot, tasting and seasoning.
“Careful, Moira,” Fiona chided gently. “We need that to rise.”
Moira flashed a smile. “It will be the fluffiest bread they’ve ever tasted.”
Ailis remained in the infirmary, lending her steady hands and calming voice to those who needed it most.
Granny McAfee entered the kitchen, watching her granddaughters work with pride. “Ye both know this feast is more than food for the belly. It’s nourishment for the soul, a reminder of what we’re fightin’ to protect.”
“Thank you, Granny,” Fiona replied softly. “We’ll make sure this feast is one to remember.”
“Let’s give them a night of joy and laughter,” Moira said. “For tomorrow, we may dance with fate, but tonight, we feast!”
