Page 56
“Perhaps I am.”
His father laughed bitterly. “With Clan MacKinlay? Never.”
As they continued to play, Niall losing the advantage, he found himself curious as to the reason. “It seems if anyone would be resistant to an alliance, it would be MacKinlays. It was their clan, after all, that was nearly decimated.”
His words were not endearing him to his father.
“Clan MacKinlay was ordered to that battle as we were. We lost men that day as well. You do not remember what led to it, Son, as you were too young.”
“Though I know the tales. It seems both clans were equally to blame for the feud.”
His father scowled and made a move Niall was unlikely to overcome. “You know nothing of what you speak. Clan MacKinlay will never be our allies,” he repeated.
“Yet those who remain, like Avelina and her brother, were not at that battle. Nor took part in any of the activities that led to it. A generation has passed—”
“Four generations will pass before I welcome a MacKinlay into my hall.”
“Including my wife? Our children?”
Another move. Niall had lost. Too quickly.
But he would not lose the most important fight.
“What did the chief of Clan MacKinlay say about his sister marrying you?”
As always, his father refused to give him an answer. He treated Niall as if he were a child at times. Including now.
“He was not pleased.”
“Where did you marry?”
“At Tannochbrae. We were there questioning the re-posting of the cattle.”
“On Tannochbrae land.”
“Aye.”
“Did the brother attend the ceremony?”
“Nay,” Niall admitted.
“Then, for once, MacKinlay and I are in agreement.”
“Nor did her brother attend the wedding feast the chieftain hosted. Tannochbrae was exceedingly gracious.”
“And will be rewarded for it, even if I do not agree with the union.”
“So that is your answer then? You will not accept Avelina here? Shall I go to Glenhaven then? Perhaps you wish to name another as your second?”
HIs heart thudded in his chest. Niall was sorry it had come to this, but he would not have Avelina be mistreated.
“I would think on the matter,” his father said.
It was not the answer he’d hoped for.
Never in his life had Niall disagreed with his father on such an important matter. It seemed he’d been too generous in his mind about his father’s ability to forgive. Something he’d do well to learn from Avelina.
Niall stood. “Very well. I will not have Avelina hurt, believing she is not wanted here. We go to Glenhaven immediately. I will await your decision, Father.”
