Page 39 of Highland Dove

“There is no way ye could have gotten in here. It’s too well protected. I’ve seen to it.” Eideard eyed his sword on the ground. The sound of swords clashing and men shouting from below stairs filled the air. No longer was there happy music, just the sounds of a battle as the bells tolled.

“It seems my men are really more loyal to me than ye after all,” said Duncan. “Now pick up yer sword and fight me like a man.”

“Kill him, Duncan,” cried Mari, holding together her torn bodice.

“Did he hurt ye, lass?” Duncan’s eyes flashed over to her and then back to Eideard.

“Nay, Duncan. And I am still a virgin.”

The sound of heavy footsteps was heard and Angus poked his head into the room. “Do ye want help killin’ him, Brathair?” he asked, rattling his chains on his hands. “These things proved to be beneficial in chokin’ the life out of a man or two.” He pulled the chains tight between his hands to prove his point. “The MacKeefes and Laird Stewart are takin’ care of the rest.”

“My faither is here?” asked Mari, praying for his safety.

“Pick up the sword,” Duncan told Eideard again. Eideard, naked, moved slowly to the end of the bed, but didn’t grab his weapon.

“Mayhap ye should just kill me unarmed, ye coward.”

“Eideard, I’m comin’!” called out Baldair, running down the corridor with his blade drawn. When he got close, Angus kicked the sword out of his hand and then choked him with the chains. When Duncan turned to look, Eideard dove for his sword. Mari screamed as he picked up the blade and lunged for Duncan.

“Duncan, watch out!”

Duncan turned and raised his blade, embedding it into Eideard’s heart. The sword fell from the man’s hand and he fell dead to the ground at Duncan’s feet.

“Duncan!” Mari ran to him and buried her face against his chest and cried.

“Shhh, it’s all right,” Duncan told her, putting his arm around her and kissing her atop the head.

“The castle is yers, MacLean, and Eideard’s men are either dead or imprisoned.” Storm MacKeefe walked up, holding his bloody sword.

Mari looked up and kissed Duncan hard, not wanting to ever be without him again.

“Och, sorry about that,” said Storm. “I’ll meet ye downstairs. I see ye’re busy.”

“I told ye I’d come for ye,” said Duncan, looking deeply into Mari’s eyes. “And this time, I am never lettin’ ye out of my sight again because I love ye, Mari. I want ye to be my wife.”

Chapter 15

New Year’s Day

“Congratulations to the two of ye. I am so happy that ye married my son, Mari.” Emmaline gave them both a hug as Mari’s father stood right behind her with a large smile on his face.

“After all we’ve been through lately, it’s hard to believe that Duncan and I are finally married.” Mari admired the gold ring on her finger that Duncan had placed there when they’d said their vows. Her hand went to her locket again, and she fingered the etched turtle doves atop it.

“Ye’re no’ worried about consummatin’ the weddin’, are ye?” Duncan asked her, his eyes dropping down to her hand.

“Nay,” she said, releasing the locket. “I guess I am just in the habit of worryin’. Actually, I canna wait to be yer wife in every way.”

The great hall had been cleared of the dead bodies and cleaned and now they all enjoyed the happiness of bringing in the New Year with a wedding that was in the making for such a long time. Two houses were aligned as one, and Mountain Magic was flowing like wine. The MacKeefes were also part of the celebration since they were a big part in helping secure the castle.

“Mari, ye were so brave, and I thank ye,” said Duncan, kissing her and running his fingers over her cheek. She leaned in to his touch, a warm feeling encompassing her now. She felt safe with Duncan and always would. “We couldna have done this without ye.”

“What about me?” Angus walked up, scratching himself. Tillie was with him and Malmuira was right behind them with Tillie’s girls. Tillie never looked happier. “Dinna forget, I dressed up like a wench to find out the whereabouts of Mathair.” He scratched his arm and then his leg. “I even had to read Eideard’s palm.” He scratched his cheek next.

“Angus, I think ye are startin’ to get blisters,” said Tillie, looking at him closer.

“Och, nay!” he spat. “It’s because I had to touch Eideard’s palm.” He scratched some more and groaned. “I never should have done it.”

“Hrmph,” snorted Malmuira. “Do us all a favor and never try to read a palm again, because ye are no guid at it at all.”