"Nay. 'Tis fine." Though she still felt weak and a bit dizzy, her headache was tolerable today. Tavia had given her a half cup of willow bark tea. She hoped it wouldn't make her sleepy, for she wanted to be awake for the whole inauguration, plus the feast andcèilidhafterward.
Far out in front, two pipers played as they set off, creating an exciting and jubilant mood. The wagon rumbled over the rough cobblestones of the bailey and splashed through the puddles of the rutted road. Horses' hooves thumped in front of them and behind. She had never attended a chief's inauguration and wasn't sure what went on precisely, though Anna had told her each clan had its own traditions and customs.
Despite being a cool, breezy November day, the sun shined warmly on her face. She had only one regret. "I wish I could see." Tears pricked her eyes. "What does this place look like?"
Anna put an arm around her shoulders. "The horse is pulling this wagon out a grassy ridge toward a huge oak tree. It looks ancient."
"Sleet lies in wee piles on the grass," Maili said, gently squeezing her hand. "A glimmer of frost sparkles upon the tree branches, the dried leaves and the brown bracken fronds."
"Colin, his brother, Neacal and Cyrus ride in front of the wagon on their horses," Anna explained. "Shamus, Fraser and Ralston are riding behind us. Colin's mother and some of the other women are riding on another wagon. The rest of the clan is walking behind us."
When they stopped, the horses snorted and the leather creaked as several dismounted. Though Kristina could tell a crowd surrounded them, all were mostly quiet. She barely heard a few murmurs and shifting feet upon frosted grass.
"Colin is now seated upon a large square stone beneath the old tree," Anna whispered in her ear. "Reverend MacAbee stands on one side and an elderly bard with white hair and a long white beard on the other. The male clansmen are forming a large circle around the tree."
After the minister said a prayer, the bard began reciting Colin's lineage back through hundreds of years of Cameron history. It amazed Kristina that he could remember so many people's names and the details of their lives. Then, he bragged of Colin's heroic deeds, starting with his most recent one of defeating the clan's enemy and rescuing the fair maiden.
Kristina's face burned, for she felt everyone's gaze upon her, but was flattered by the description, honored and humbled that they could overlook her extensive scars.
"Colin Cameron has already proven himself a powerful and most honorable leader. He would not accept the role of chief until he'd brought his father's murderer to justice. This is a man we can all depend on to protect us and provide for us," the bard said.
All grew quiet, but she heard footsteps and other movements.
"What is happening?" Kristina whispered.
Maili leaned close. "Two of the clansmen are draping a blessed plaid ceremonial mantle upon Colin's shoulders and fastening it at his throat."
"I accept the position of chief of the Camerons," Colin said in a commanding voice. "Bring me the sword of my forefathers."
Kristina was so proud of Colin at that moment she could hardly contain herself. He would be a caring, strong and generous chief. She sat up straighter, determined to be a capable and competent wife for him. She would support him and help him in any way she could.
"Warton has just placed a large, two-handed Highland sword into Colin's right hand," Anna whispered into her ear. "Another clansman has placed a white staff in his left hand. And now, the minister is anointing Colin's head with oil."
"All hail our new chief!" the bard announced.
A deafening cheer went up. The clan's joy and excitement was so intense it brought tears to Kristina's eyes.
Anna laughed. "Some of the clansmen are carrying Colin upon their shoulders."
Chuckling, Kristina wiped the moisture from her eyes. Oh, if only she could see Colin's face now. Surely, he was smiling and laughing, too. Or did he feel melancholy or bittersweet, missing his beloved father? She would have to ask him later, for there was no time to talk to him now.
"The clansmen have deposited Colin onto his horse," Anna reported.
The wagon jolted forward and turned in a tight circle as they headed back toward the castle. She knew now 'twas time for the feasting to begin.
***
An hour later, Kristina sat beside Colin at the high table in the great hall. She was eating a brambleberry tart and enjoying her future husband's funny comments in her ear. The whole of the clan was talking and laughing boisterously.
Colin stood from his seat and dinged his wine glass to quiet the noisy gathering. "Would you like to hear a story?"
"Aye!" several clansmen yelled. Whistles and hollers erupted, then everyone in the packed hall grew silent in expectation. Storytelling was a big part of everycèilidhKristina had attended. Everyone, from the young children to the elders, loved listening to the tales.
"When I went to Bearach Castle several weeks ago to help my foster brother, I had no inkling a beautiful, strong and special lady would steal my heart." Colin lifted her hand and kissed it.
More whistles, whoops and shouts exploded from the crowd, and Colin chuckled.
Kristina could not contain her beaming smile, despite her burning cheeks. She was thrilled with his devotion to her, and he was incredibly generous with his compliments.
