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Chapter Twenty-Eight
The room was silent as their eyes took in what they almost refused to believe. On the stone floor, lying in a pool of his own blood, lay a wide-eyed Archibald Campbell. John yelled out in agony and kneeled down to his brother’s side. “Nae, brother! Why did ye do such a stupid thing?” His trembling hands touched the blood on his brother’s chest, and Charlotte felt her heart go out to him.
Then a cry erupted from Lord Darling. He fumbled to pick the gun up again, and he was beginning to speak in blurred tones to Archibald’s body. “You idiot! ‘Twas not you that needed to die, but him! I shall get my revenge!”
But he was too shocked by his own kill, and he couldn’t manage to pick the gun up or remember that there was only one shot in the barrel, and Charlotte watched as Angus leaped towards the man, pushing him to the ground. The musket moved away from him, sliding along the stones towards Archibald’s side.
Lord Darling spit in Angus’ face as Angus laid on top of him. “You Scottish brute! Unhand me! You are abusing a servant of His Majesty!”
Angus finally spoke, yelling out, “He is nae His Majesty tae me! He is a bloody tyrant!” Then he lifted a fist and punched Lord Darling’s face as hard as he could. The man’s head slumped to the side, unconscious. Angus then scrambled to get him on his back so that he could tie his hands behind him. He was about to call out for help when he turned to see that John Campbell had picked up the gun.
His eyes were red, and Charlotte could tell he was trying his best not to cry. She moved towards him softly as he lifted the gun and pointed it towards Lord Darling’s unconscious form, lying underneath Angus. General Andrews slipped out a side door.
Charlotte saw it out of the corner of her eye and knew that her father was going to get the men. She laid a hand on John’s arm softly. “No, John. You have a life to lead still. Do not do this. There is also no shot left in the musket. It contains only one.”
John didn’t look at her, and he spoke gruffly and angrily. “And with that shot, he killed my brother and changed my whole life irrevocably. I shall plunge this blade through his heart! Although it pains me that he will not be awake to see it.” John moved towards the Lord swiftly, and Charlotte cried out.
Angus stood and held John’s arms up, so that the blade was pointed upwards, away from the body. “Dinnae do this, man!” Charlotte was tense as she watched Angus attempt to hold the man back. He was still too weak to fight - that she knew, but she hoped his strength would hold out enough against the large rival Highlander.
John looked at Angus. “I have nae family now. That man stole him from me!”
Angus replied, softening his voice. “I know, Campbell. He is a bloody bastard, and he will receive his punishment. But you saved me. You saved my life, and I mean to save yours. Do not let another murder stand in the way of your new life.”
Charlotte watched as John’s stiff and angry form slowly melted into resignation. He dropped the musket to the floor and fell to his knees. She was touched by Angus’ kind speech. Perhaps there could be a reconciliation between clans after all.
General Andrews returned with men at his side. “Men, take Lord Darling into custody.” He pointed to the writhing figure of the Lord, who had begun to stir. General Andrews walked towards him and stood above him. Angus moved off of him, and the soldiers reached down to lift him up. Lord Darling’s dark eyes bore into the General’s face. Charlotte felt a swell of pride as she heard her father say, “Lord Mortimer Darling, Earl of Oxford, I am placing you under military arrest for the murder of an innocent man within a British Fort, as well as threatening to kill many others, including a General of His Majesty’s army. Soldiers shall come for you and place you in the Fort prison until the means are found to send you back to London.”
Lord Darling groaned in pain as the men tightened their hold on his wrists.
He groaned as he was dragged along the floor of the Hall. “Unhand me, you fiends! How dare you treat me so! I am your superior! I am well-connected with His Majesty!” His voice faded into the hallway, and Charlotte rushed to her father’s side.
Charlotte smiled. “Father! You have done it! Here are the documents proclaiming Angus’ innocence. I took them from your study before Lord Darling could find them and destroy them. I hope you are not angry.” Her eyes were pleading, and she watched a strength develop in her father that had been gone for so long.
It was like scales had fallen from his eyes, and he looked at Charlotte as if seeing her for the first time in many weeks. “My dear Charlotte, of course! You are stronger and wiser than I, my dear.” He smiled at her with affection. “He has murdered, and before my eyes! He will leave us, and I will send a message to the King myself.”
Just then, Calum, Julia, and Liam stormed inside the hall, the men’s hands on their blades, and Calum looked at everyone and yelled out, “What the bloody Hell is going on here?”
* * *
Charlotte cried out with joy and rushed over to Julia, wrapping her in a fierce embrace. “Julia! I’m so glad you’re back!” There was a brief silence before Calum said, “I ask again, what the bloody Hell has happened?”
General Andrews moved towards him, a serene look on his face. “Laird MacLean, you do not need violence here any longer. The matter has been handled.”
At his words, Charlotte turned to see a broken Elizabeth, sitting on the ground, her skirts gathered about her. She rushed to her friend.
“Dear Elizabeth! Come, let me help you! I am sorry to have deserted you at such a moment. Are you well?”
She was about to assist her to stand when John placed his hand on Elizabeth’s elbow and gently helped Charlotte pull her up. “Allow me, Mistress.” His voice was soft and gentle, and Charlotte was amazed at his composure with the dead body of his brother lying in a pool of blood just behind them.
Elizabeth looked up at John, tears still streaming down her face. Her voice was weak, but her words were kind, “Mr. Campbell, I am so terribly sorry for the actions of my father. I had no idea he would attempt to kill anyone. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother.” She broke out anew in a burst of tears, and Charlotte wrapped her arm around the distraught Elizabeth.
She noticed that John kept his hand on her elbow and said, “Dinnae distress yerself, Mistress. ‘Twas nae yer finger that pulled the trigger of that gun. And I confess, I had nae idea that my brother would sacrifice himself for me.”
John then moved away from the two women and knelt by his brother’s side once more. Charlotte looked up and saw Angus watching the two of them. She was about to go to him when Calum walked up to Angus, and Angus’ gaze was drawn away. “Brother, are ye all right? Ye look as though ye were on the brink of death.” Calum placed a strong hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. Julia rushed forward and kissed Angus on the cheek.
Angus tried to smile. “That I was, brother, but now ‘tis over. I can explain the matter tae ye when we return home.”
“Aye,” Calum said, and his eyes were turned towards John and Archibald. He moved to John’s prone form. “I know we have nae been friends or comrades, but I am sorry for yer loss, John Campbell. Come, we shall assist ye with the body.”
