Page 17 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Carneil laughed. “I thought you might say that.”

“Then you wasted a journey.”

That didn’t phase Carneil, having come to know Torden. He went right on talking. “Her name is Margaret MacLaren.”

Torden returned the iron to the coals.

“I've been seeing her whenever my travels bring me through MacLaren land.”

“Does her father know?” Torden asked and thought himself a fool for doing so.

“Nay.”

“Smart man.”

Carneil sighed. “Margaret is promised to Brandon of Clan Drummond.”

Torden worked the bellows. “Then find another woman.”

“I don't want another woman.”

Torden glanced at him. “And there is the problem.”

Carneil shook his head. “You really don't understand love.”

“Don't intend to.”

“Margaret loves me.”

“Then why is she marrying Brandon?”

“Because her father arranged it. Coins will be exchanged. Land granted.” He sighed in frustration. “The agreement has nearly been signed.”

“And Brandon?” Torden asked, again wondering why he did.

“He doesn't want the marriage either. Margaret finally told him about me. He's willing to break the agreement.”

“Problem solved.”

“Nay. Chieftain MacLaren refuses to release her. He says his daughter's honor and the honor of his clan will suffer.”

Torden removed the glowing iron from the coals and carried it to the anvil. “What does MacLaren lose?”

“An alliance with Clan Drummond.”

Torden brought the hammer down. “What else?”

“Coins and lots of them.”

Another strike of the hammer. “What else?”

Carneil hesitated. “Land.”

Torden stopped and looked at Carneil. “MacLaren doesn't care who his daughter marries.”

Carneil frowned. “She is his daughter.”

“It matters not to him. He only cares what her marriage brings him.”