Page 94 of Highland Flame

“So, does that mean that Yvaine and Keithen are free to go?” asked Cam.

“Everyone is free to go. No one today is goin’ to die, or goin’ to the dungeon,” said Storm, getting cheers from all but Bart.

“I insist someone pays for my brathair’s death.”

“If ye really want someone to pay, then I’ll put ye in the dungeon for accusin’ innocent people,” bellowed Storm. “Now, leave Hermitage and never show yer face here again.”

“What about the shop?” Bart wouldn’t stop. “Now that my brathair is dead, I should get his shop and business.”

“Are ye a chandler?” asked Ian.

“Well, nay,” said Bart.

“Then I see no reason why ye should get it.”

“Yvaine is his widow, and now owner of the business,” said Cam. “Doesna the chandler’s guild state that a widow can inherit her husband’s place of business and run it herself after his death?”

“It’s true,” said the tanner. “Every guild has that rule.”

“Yvaine is the owner of the chandler’s shop now,” said the butcher.

“We’re happy to help her in any way we can until she gets back on her feet,” added the butcher’s wife.

“Then it’s settled,” said Storm. “The trial is over, and everyone can please leave.”

“No’ so fast,” said Old Callum MacKeefe, getting to his feet. “I think it’s time we address the issue of Cam MacKeefe and his conduct at the priory.”

“What?” Cam was busy hugging Yvaine, but when he heard his name, he spun around. “I’m finished with my sentence.”

“Cam, we’ve had a missive from Brathair Gillies, sayin’ ye didna cooperate.” Storm told him. “I’m afraid ye’ll have to start over with yer sentence.”

“It’s no’ true,” said Cam. “I did everythin’ the monk told me to do.”

“We can assure ye it’s true,” said Nash. “That is, since we had to do chores as well.”

“I’m sure ye did,” said Storm. “Still, I’m sorry. Without confirmation from Brathair Gillies that ye carried out his orders, I’m afraid I canna let ye back into the clan, Cam.”

“I’m here about that missive,” came a voice from the back of the room. Cam turned around to see Brother Gillies standing there. He groaned.

“Brathair Gillies, how long have ye been here?” asked Storm.

“I wanted to be here to help clear my sister’s name, but I see that it is thankfully no longer needed.”

“Gillies?” said Keithen in surprise. “I canna remember the last time ye came to Scotland.”

“Why did ye come?” asked Yvaine. “To cause more trouble for Cam? Havena ye done enough of that?”

“I’m sorry about that,” apologized the monk. “Lairds MacKeefe, I give ye my word that Cam has carried out his sentence and has worked hard to accomplish any task I gave him, no matter how nasty it was. I only sent that missive in anger, and what I wrote isna true. The fact is, Cam’s punishment is over and I hope ye will see it that way as well.”

“Is he talkin’ like a Scot?” asked Cam, not believing his ears.

“Brathair, it doesna sound like ye,” said Yvaine.

“I am talkin’ like a Scot because that is who I am,” said Gillies. “I thought about everythin’ that happened and realized I can replace things . . . but no’ family. I was wrong, and I am sorry for any trouble I’ve caused ye, Yvaine and Cam. I willna worry about what the king and bishop think anymore because I have left Lanercost Priory.”

“Ye did?” asked Yvaine.

“Aye. I havena had time to do it yet, but I am movin’ to Scotland and I intend to find a new priory here.”