"Battle?" MacRury asked. "With whom?"
"The MacCromar clan."
"They're from the east, far from here. What is your conflict with them?" Hamilton asked, his dark brows lowered.
"I cannot discuss it. Nor do I want you to get involved. If our castle is attacked, your ladies could be in danger. 'Tis best you leave as soon as possible. We expect them to come overland."
"When will they be here?" MacGill asked.
"In a day or two." Neacal did not know for a certainty how long it would take the survivors of their skirmish to reach Blackburn and report they'd located Anna and that the MacDonalds sheltered his estranged wife. But Neacal wanted the chiefs and their daughters gone from here forthwith. "I suggest you leave at daybreak in the morn."
"Aye. I'll have my servants start preparing." Chief MacGill leapt up and hastened out of the room.
Thank the saints, Neacal didn't have to convince him.
The other two chiefs glared at each other and then fixed their eyes on him. "I've met MacCromar," Hamilton finally admitted. "'Haps I can act as a go-between so you can avoid violence."
Neacal frowned, remembering that Anna had said she was trying to prevent Chief Hamilton from seeing her when she'd left because he had visited Blackburn. "You're a friend and ally of his, are you not?"
"Nay, neither," he said gruffly. "But I've had dealings with him."
Suspicious, Neacal ground his teeth. "Tell me what you know about him."
"In truth, he is malicious. He has a large garrison. And if I were you, I would not want to cross him."
Neacal's hackles rose. If Hamilton didn't wish to cross Blackburn, then he would never be on the side of the MacDonalds.
"Then you are his ally," Neacal said.
"Nay," Hamilton said, but the flare of panic in the man's eyes was obvious.
"'Tis clear to me you fear him. You'll do me no good. 'Tis best you leave in the morn." Neacal knew he was calling the man a coward, but the truth was the truth. He was not one to mince words.
"What is your quarrel?" Hamilton demanded, a scowl on his face.
"As I said, I cannot reveal this."
"Not only will I stay and fight beside you, I'll send for reinforcements… if you'll agree to marry my daughter afterward," Hamilton pressed his case.
"Nay," Neacal said with calm confidence.
"Are you…" The man snapped his mouth closed, his face reddening as his words hung in the air.
"Mad?" Neacal asked. "Aye, most likely. And I have no need of your help."
"I'll help you, lad," Chief MacRury stated with quiet self-assurance. "With or without a marriage to my daughter. Your da often helped me. I owe it to him and to your clan."
Hamilton glared at him.
Neacal held a new respect and fondness for MacRury. "You have no idea how much I appreciate that," Neacal said. "Hopefully, we can maintain the alliance of friendship that my father began."
"This is lunacy," Hamilton muttered, then shoved back from the table and left the room.
"I hope I have not made two enemies in them," Neacal said. He already had enough enemies.
"I wouldn't worry over it." MacRury arose from the table. "I'll send some of my men south for two dozen more of my soldiers. They should arrive within a couple of days."
"You're most generous. I'll owe you a grand favor."
