The others nodded. Lamend offered a wide grin. “If it’s crags or glens ye’d like tae explore, I can be yer guide.”
Tormond smiled. “And I am willing tae dae me best tae explain our laws, or any customs ye might find strange.”
Lamend laughed. “And there are many of those.”
“It would be a sad thing, indeed, if ye were our guest here and we didnae offer ye the drops of wisdom we’ve gleaned over the years, and let ye meet our people.”
Surrounded by smiles and laughter Edmund felt his heart soften. The Elders were right. He was here now, why not meet his kinfolk and discover his heritage? After all, that was why he’d accepted Tormod’s invitation and had journeyed there. He was eager to learn what he could from those wise Elders and from the bards and troubadours who held the stories of the clan in their hearts.
“Aye. Ye speak wisely. I dae wish tae learn more of the MacNeacails and, mayhap, discover more about meself at the same time.” He glanced around the table. “Methinks ye all might wish tae learn more about me also.”
“Aye lad. That we dae.” Tormod gathered his papers and rose to his feet. “’Tis agreed. Ye and the Lady Annora will be with us fer a wee while longer.
“I will arrange fer the Council tae assemble here in a fortnight tae meet wi’ Edmund and Annora. We thank ye fer yer presence here today. I invite ye and the other members of yer party tae the feast tonight tae welcome Edmund and his lady tae Scorrybreac.”
With that, Tormod strode from the room, closely followed by the others, leaving Edmund to slowly gathered his parchments and his thoughts.
Once he had his satchel over his shoulder, he made his way back to the armory where Lionel had promised to await him.
“Did yer meeting go well?”
“Aye.” Edmund nodded thoughtfully. “I have much tae think on.”
They made their way to the solar, where they found Annora and Tyra working, heads bent, over their embroidery hoops with a pile of colored silks resting on the table beside them.
They both looked up as Lionel and Edmund walked in.
Annora got to her feet and bowed to her ‘husband’ while Tyra barely glanced up and quickly lowered her head over her stitching without acknowledging either Edmund or Lionel.
Taking note of her coldness, Edmund could only assume that her betrothed had already spoken with her of his meeting with the Elders. Of course, as she was so obviously in love with Harris it should not be a surprise to him that her support was for the MacDonald.
Yet a part of him wished he could become closer to the lass who he’d only just learned was his half-sister. Having spent a solitary childhood, with Tòrr his only true companion – although he was as close as any blood-brother could be – he had always yearned for a family that to call his own.
He turned his attention to Annora, casting a giant smile and offering an admiring glance as he took her in from head to toe.
“Why lass, ye’re looking beautiful. And ye’ve a fine new gown!”
She twirled so he could see her new finery, his belly lurching at the sight. With her hair shining bright and her cheeks flushed pink with excitement there was no sign of the forlorn waif he’d rescued from the sea. She was a true beauty with her porcelain skin, her dark-lashed gray eyes, and her mane of yellow hair.
“I am so grateful tae the Lady Tyra fer presenting me with two new gowns.”
Edmund glanced at Tyra who was still ignoring him.
“Lady Tyra, I am indeed grateful fer the care ye’re showing tae me wife.”
Tyra looked up and favored him with a sour smile before turning her gaze back to the embroidery, although she stilled her needle.
At that moment there was a sharp rap on the door, but before Tyra could call “Come,” it was flung open and Harris MacDonald strode in. He managed a smile, yet his face conveyed no pleasure at seeing Annora and Edmund there.
Tyra looked up and a sweet smile spread across her features, transforming her face from the sour expression she’d granted to Edmund.
Without being invited to sit, Harris took a seat.
Tyra looked up and grudgingly nodded to Edmund. “Dae sit down.”
He took the seat beside Annora and focused his gaze on the fire while Lionel bobbed his head and took his leave. “I’ve things tae see tae in the armory.”
As the door closed behind Lionel, Annora glanced at Harris who sat stiffly in his chair. She could practically feel the man’s resentment of Edmund vibrating off his skin. His half-hearted smile changed into a scowl.
