In a flash, the man’s hand shot out, gripping Moira’s wrist in a vice-like hold. She gasped in pain, the dirk clattering to the ground. He yanked her closer, his fetid breath hot against her face.
“Ye McAfees think ye’re so high and mighty,” he snarled, his eyes blazing with hatred. “But I remember a time when yer clanwas nothin’ more than a pack o’ mangy dogs, scroungin’ for scraps at the feet o’ the Sinclairs.”
Moira’s eyes widened in recognition as she ignored the first part of his statement. The McAfees had been the strongest clan in their area for a long while, over a century. “Ye…ye were an advisor to Laird Sinclair,” she breathed, the pieces falling into place.
The man’s grip tightened, his nails digging into her flesh. “Aye, I was,” he spat. “Until yer husband and his kin warred against us, leaving the few remaining Sinclairs to rot.”
“The McAfees didnae betray yer clan,” she argued, struggling against his grip. “Yer laird was a tyrant, oppressin’ his own people. The McAfees simply fought for what was right. And both of my sisters were taken by the Sinclairs against their will at different times! Yer leader was in the wrong for what he did, and me clan and the McClains took care of him.”
The man’s face contorted with rage. “Lies!” he roared, spittle flying from his lips. “The Sinclairs were a great clan, and we will rise again!”
Kevin stepped out from behind a tree, sword in hand. “Run back to the keep, Moira!” he shouted as the stranger struck his sword with his own.
Moira couldn’t move. She felt as if her legs were tangled into roots in the ground. As she watched, Kevin made short work of the man, and within moments, Sinclair was on his knees before Kevin. “Just kill me!” the man shouted.
Kevin shook his head. “Nay, I’ll put ye in the dungeon with yer laird and his son. Ye can rot for all I care!” While Kevin held his sword to the man’s throat, Moira hurried forward and bound his hands behind his back with her shawl.
Moira followed the two men back to the keep, reminding herself once again, it wasn’t safe to be out alone—especially after dark.
