Harris nodded without smiling. “Thank ye. I would appreciate some walnuts and cheese.”
As they ate, servants filled their tankards with ale or mead.
Taking note of the lavish display, Annora was impressed. It seemed that Scorrybreac was well served and, no doubt, traded extensively with the nearby clans and beyond. There would be much for Edmund to discover about the MacNeacails and this part of the world they had occupied for so long.
“D’ye wish tae begin yer tour of the clan lands today?” Lamend enquired of Edmund. “I can accompany ye and guide ye tae many interesting places that will help give ye a glimmer of understanding of the place of yer birth.”
“Thank ye,” Edmund said, “I look forward tae that.” He turned to Annora, “I trust that plan meets wi’ yer approval, me dear.”
Annora gave a cheerful nod. She welcomed the opportunity to leave the castle walls and enjoy the outdoors. “Of course, I am curious tae explore the place that has such meaning fer Edmund.”
At this, Harris gave a strangled noise – somewhere between a loud snort and a scoff. All eyes turned to him.
“What ails ye, Laird MacDonald?” Tormod said.
Harris cleared his throat, frowning. “Why, I can hardly credit that Scorrybreac has great importance tae Edmund Sinclair. After all, the lad has likely given it nay thought at all during hisentire lifetime.” He twisted his face in a sneer. “Save fer the past few weeks, since ye apprised him of his faither’s death.”
Chest heaving, he glowered around the table.
Annora ventured a glance at Edmund. It was clear Harris was baiting him. His chest heaved as he drew in a breath, releasing it slowly. Beneath the tabletop his fists were clenched. She prayed he would not fall into the trap MacDonald was attempting to lead him into.
Edmund leaned back in his chair with an insouciant air, seemingly unruffled by the blatant insults.
He shook his head in a leisurely manner. “Indeed, it was never me intention tae visit this place. I am here only because Chief Tormod was persuasive in bidding me return tae the place of me birth.”
Annora gave a soft laugh, attempting to make light of the tense situation that was brewing. “Why, Laird Harris, methinks ye speak wi’ little knowledge of me husband, Edmund. He is a fine man and worthy of leading any clan in all of this fair land of Scotland.”
She felt Edmund’s startled gaze on her, yet his surprise only mirrored her own. Speaking out was the last thing on her mind, yet she refused to leave the MacDonald’s distasteful words unchallenged.
“Of course, Laird Harris, this is the very reason why Edmund is wi’ us now.” Tormod fixed Harris with a steely gaze, although his tone was mild. He continued. “His heritage has been denied him and he is eager tae discover this place of his birth and tae connect wi’ his people.”
Harris shook his head, and reached for a slice of bread. “I find it almost too convenient that this lad, claiming tae be the son of our departed laird, should arrive here with a noble bride.” He glanced around. “What proof is there that this man is the one Laird Baldur was seeking?”
This last comment brought a loud ‘pshaw’ from Gaufried. “Why it takes nay brain at all tae see that Edmund is the singularly exact replica of Baldur. The same dark hair, the same straight nose, the light-colored eyes that can pierce yer soul. He may be taller and broader than his faither ever was, but the likeness is uncanny.”
The other Elders nodded.
“Aye.” Tormod nodded. “Fer those of us who kent Baldur when he was the same age as Edmund, it could be the young laird standing afore us.”
Lamend frowned at Harris. “Ye’re impertinent lad, tae question the Elders’ judgment in this matter. We dinnae take lightly our task in seeking the new laird and carrying out our old leader’s dying wish. We ask that ye pay him due respect as the rightful heir tae the lairdship.”
Harris flung down the piece of oatbread without taking a bite, rose to his feet and made a show of bowing low to the group. “I have naught else tae say. I take me leave of ye.” With that, he turned on his heel and, head high, marched out of the hall.
Annora sighed and exchanged a glance with Edmund, whose face was like thunder. It seemed Harris had made his opposition clear. She hoped this would not continue and lead to bad blood between the two men. Although, this was, indeed, a faint hope.
Ignoring the outburst, they’d all been witness to, Lamend smiled at Edmund. “Lad, once ye and yer lady have sufficiently broken yer fast, we can meet at the stables. I will be happy tae spend some hours wi’ ye discovering the Isle of Skye and the lands of Scorrybreac.”
Once they’d finished their meal they rose to go. The Elders nodded and wished them enjoyable day’s exploration, but as they were walking out, Annora was surprised to find Tyra hurrying to catch up
“Ye’ll need a tunic and breeches if ye’re tae spend all day riding. Will ye permit me tae send ye what ye required?”
“Why, thank ye, Tyra. That is most kind of ye.”
Tyra smiled warily, seeming relieved at Annora’s reaction. Mayhap she was somehow trying to make up for her fiancé’s display of animosity toward Edmund. Annora reached a hand to give Tyra’s arm a quick squeeze before they moved on.
When they went to their chambers to change for the ride, Edmund had a whimsical smile quirking his lips as he looked at her with eyes that had darkened. There was something in the way he caught her eye that conjured a bolt of lightning passing between them, robbing her of breath.
“What?” She asked, discomfited.
