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Murray turned to Ilene. ‘I am sorry your homecoming is like this.’
‘So am I. Murray, go and find my father and do what you have to do. I will find my mother and get shelter for our men for the night.’
Murray raced into the castle and found Duncan in his study.
‘Murray, thank God you are here,’ he said, with feeling, as he rushed over, pulling him into a bear hug. ‘Is Ilene with you?’
‘Aye, she’s gone to find Ailsa. So, what is happening?
‘The Grants have attacked some of our men on Campbell lands. Rory fought bravely but was caught unawares and barely escaped with his life. We lost men Murray, good men, good fighters. Lachlan Grant has taken control of some land, on the edge of Mallach Moor, and we have to go and take it back.’
‘Aye, or they’ll think us weak.’
‘We are weak, Murray. They are emboldened by their victory and are on the brink of attacking again, gathering a large force of men to fight, and trying to drag the weaker clans into this, one by one. Most of them haven’t absolutely declared for Grant until they see which way the land lies, but sooner or later, they will, unless we put this dog down once and for all.’
‘Then they are cowards.’
‘Sensible cowards, for if we succumb, then they will have to bend the knee to Grant and if they were fighting for the losing side they know his retribution will be swift, it would go very badly for them. So we have to strike back and quickly. You brought men?’
‘Aye, and I can rely on them, I am sure of it, but we’ve few decent weapons, they’re mainly armed with pitchforks, axes, scythes even. Can you not delay facing the Grants, bolster your strength first?’
‘I can delay Murray but they will not, while they sense victory is within their grasp. We must face them now so we’ll leave at first light and join with Rory at Dunslair, and then press on up to Mallach Moor. It will be there that we stand or fall so say your goodbyes to Ilene, and Murray,’ he grabbed hold of his arm tight, ‘don’t tell her the worst of it.’
‘And what is that?’
‘I don’t think we can win.’
***
Murray went to Ilene’s chamber, but she was not there. It seemed as though an age had passed since he had been here with her, sharing her bed, feeling that blazing anger when her betrayal stole the joy from his wedding night. But it didn’t seem to matter now. He should never have taken her from Raghnall only to bring her back to this danger. At least she would have been safe on Barra. Duncan had never talked of defeat before and it had unnerved him.
‘Murray?’
Her voice behind him, soft and fearful, caused an ache in his chest. He recognised it as love but perhaps it had come too late. He had to go and quickly.
‘It is decided I will ride out at dawn so we can say goodbye, here and now.’
She came up to him and her dark eyes were tearful. ‘I’m so frightened Murray, for you, and for father.’
‘I’ll keep him safe Ilene.’
‘Who will keep you safe?’
‘I can take care of myself, I’ve done this countless times.’
‘Aye, and you have had the luck of the devil. What if this is the time that luck fails you?’
‘Then I will be dead my love, and you will be free.’
Out of nowhere, she slapped his face, hard. ‘Don’t say such a thing to me, Murray, not ever.’
He had no words. His face stung where her palm had connected with it. That she could strike him was astonishing, given what he could do in return, but there was no fear on her face, only a fire in her eyes he had not seen before.
‘That is the worst thing you have ever said to me, Murray, theworstthing,’ she hissed.
‘Why?’ he shouted.
‘You think I want you dead? You really think I am that cold?’
