Page 49 of A Fierce Archer

“My father was not the great man like yer late father,” Ewan began. “I wish it was different, but it was often left for the council to handle all of the clan affairs. My father was a cruel man who cared little for the people. He devoted his time to things I would rather not speak of.

Malcolm looked to his brothers. “What of yer mother? Does she not require ye there? It would be an insult to the clan if ye do not attend yer father’s funeral.”

It was true.

“Ye are right. I am thinking only of myself. In this matter, it is important that I be there for my family. They are not the reason I do not wish to return.”

“A moment,” Malcolm said, motioning for everyone to leave. The solemn young laird waited for his brothers and Ruari to leave.

“What is it?” Ewan asked, pouring a second glass.

“Naill and Kieran will travel with ye to represent the clan. Is there anyone else ye would like to go?”

“No, thank ye. I will rest one day and then we head to Uist. It will be best to ride hard, so no wagons will be required.”

Malcolm nodded. “I agree.”

Ewan considered what kind of a return would be best. For him to return the same, without anything to call his own or perhaps different? Truthfully, nothing had really changed about him. He remained a younger part of a family without a wife, land or any titles.

“I would like to return a landowner.”

“I am not sure I understand,” Malcolm said.

Ewan nodded. “I wish to purchase land from ye, so that I can have something before returning to my family. I left without anything. I gave up my land, my life, as it was. In all this time, I have not acquired anything. No wife, bairns or land.”

“Ye have done many things, Cousin. Ye have saved lives and fought for our clan bravely.” Malcolm exhaled. “I understand yer need to have something tangible. As a reward for yer service to me, I grant ye the land east of Ruari’s. There is a creek that runs south that divides the two. Ye can take the eastern portion as far as the Macdonnell lands. It is not very large, but it does include two villages.”

His heart thudded with disbelief. “That is much too generous. I cannot accept such a large gift.”

“It is what ye deserve. No member of my family should have nothing to their name. Upon returning to Uist, ye return a laird in yer own right.”

Laird.

He took a deep drink of whisky and coughed. “Thank ye.” He stood and hugged his cousin. “I will make ye proud. I swear it on my...”

“Yer name is good enough,” Malcolm said with a wide smile. “The villagers there will be glad for a laird who lives closer and can give them the attention they need.”

Ewan could not believe what had just happened. “What about Tristan and Kieran? Will they not resent that ye give me this?”

“Neither can leave Dun Airgid as their responsibilities are here. Not to mention, if any of us separate our wives, they would serve us our balls on a platter.”

Ewan nodded, understanding.

“It will be announced at last meal. Ensure ye are present.”

“I would not miss it.”

Walking to his bedchamber, Ewan considered what would be required of him. First of all, and perhaps most importantly, he would begin the search for a wife so that he could start the lineage for his new lairdship. Of course, it would not be a love match, but one of convenience. He would choose a meek young lass. One that would obey him without question and one he would never love.

That very day, he would begin his search. He’d make inquiries to Lady Ross and the other wives. Surely one of them would have the perfect candidate for him.

The opportunity presented itself rather quickly as he walked from Malcolm’s study to his bedchamber.

“Welcome home, Ewan.” Lady Ross and Kieran’s wife, Gisela, walked toward him.

Both waited in silence as he bowed and greeted them. “I am glad to be here although I fear it is only for a day, as I must go to Uist the day after tomorrow.”

“I am so very sorry,” Lady Ross said. “I am sure yer father will be missed.”