“Aye,” Keegan said hesitantly, wondering what was on Dirk’s mind now. Had the whisky loosed his tongue?
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you about something,” Dirk said. “I’ve thought long and hard on it. I want you to be my tanist until I have an heir who is of age.”
“What?” Keegan frowned. Why would Dirk name him heir apparent to the chiefdom? “Nay. Aiden is tanist, as he should be. He’s your brother.”
Dirk shook his head. “He doesn’t want the position. Ifsomething should happen to me before I sire an heir, Aiden might be baron but he could never lead the clan. You saw the kind of chief he was before I came back. He’s not a leader. He’s a minstrel and a piper, a very talented one. He’s more than happy to simply play music. He told me you would make a better tanist, and I agree.”
Shocked to the core, Keegan swallowed hard. This was something he’d never expected. “Well…I thank you. I’m honored you chose me. I’d be more than happy to fill the role, until you have a son, although I’m your cousin, not your brother.”
“You’re like a brother to me,” Dirk assured him.
“And you’re like a brother to me as well.” Even though Keegan had three younger brothers, he actually felt closer to Dirk. Maybe because the two of them were alike in many ways and near the same age.
“You’re a fearsome warrior. A strong leader,” Dirk said. “You’ve been head of the guards for a long while now.”
“Aye.” Four years, in fact.
“You ken what is expected of a chief. You watched my father lead the clan for years, even while I was away.”
Keegan nodded. “He was a great chief, as you are.”
“I can only aspire to be as good a leader as he was,” Dirk said. “Anyway, I want the clan and Isobel to be safe and protected should Haldane or his men hit their mark next time.”
Chapter Ten
Keegan left Dirk’s chamber feeling gloomy and disturbed, despite being named tanist. Of course, ’twas a great honor and a high position within the clan, just beneath the chief, and he was grateful for it. But he would never wish for anything bad to happen to Dirk.
Keegan met Isobel in the narrow corridor, carrying a tray of food. Her face was still pale and concerned.
He paused. “I hope you’ll pardon me for asking, Lady Isobel, but I need to see Lady Seona for a few minutes. Could you ask her to meet me here without her aunt knowing?”
“Aye. Just a moment.” Isobel took the tray into Dirk’s chamber, then returned.
“’Tis not for frivolous purposes,” Keegan said. “I’m teaching her how to use a blade to defend herself. I don’t want her aunt to know. She wouldn’t approve.”
“Aye. ’Tis very kind of you, Keegan. There’s a private parlor at the end of this corridor you can use for practice if you wish.” She motioned toward a distant closed door. “Also, the cooks prepared food and left it in the dining room below for everyone—you and all the men.”
“I thank you. I’ll let them know.”
She proceeded to one of the other bedchambers. A couple of minutes later, Seona and Isobel moved along the corridor, whispering. Seona looked beautiful, but he knew she had to be exhausted after all the travel.
“I thank you.” Keegan bowed when they paused before him.
“I’m glad to help.” Isobel went into the chamber with Dirk and closed the door.
Seona glanced back at the door leading to the room where her aunt remained, unable to believe she would have some precious time alone with Keegan. She faced him again, taking in his serious expression in the dim light of gloaming. She knew he was concerned about Dirk.
“I had hoped to teach you more about defending yourself,” Keegan whispered. “Things have turned dangerous. Our chief is injured, and it near kills me to imagine you attacked or captured and unable to fight off the outlaws.”
Seona nodded, a cold shiver traveling through her when she imagined Haldane kidnapping her. “I thank you for the help. Aunt Patience is asleep, so we have some time.”
“I hadn’t considered… we’ve been traveling a long time. You may be too tired.”
“Nay.” No matter how tired she was, she’d rather spend time with Keegan than sleep. Besides, being near him suffused her with giddy energy.
“Isobel said there’s a parlor at the end of the corridor we can use.” He motioned.
“Very well.” She proceeded in the direction he’d indicated and he followed.
