Chapter 20
A slow blink met Cam’s statement, he took that as confirmation of him being understood and to continue. Though now it had actually come down to it, Cam could not find the eloquent words that he wanted to give. He settled on the fact he was a warrior, and he would have to speak as he fought, with the power he had in head straight into enemy lines. “There was a couple of skirmishes on the way to the arranged trade spot. We were victorious every time, we took no losses and only minor wounds. It was a good suggestion to only take trained warriors with us. Corey of course was the weakest link we had, but came in useful with his healing capabilities…”
He told his father of meeting with the Sassenach, what they traded and what they managed to get in return. How he had managed to get more than what his father had expected from the trade. He told of the cargo that would make sure their clan would survive through the winter and hopefully prosper further next year as there is a major possibility of this becoming an annual trade. He even told Toren of the traders who they had met upon their route and the lower land clans that would be interested in the goods produced up here in the MacKay clans’ lonely highland valley.
It was when he arrived at the part in his tale where Aislinn appeared that he had to start and smudge the truth a little. He could not tell his father of the ‘feelings’ not in his condition, he had always hated any mention of them. He did not want to lie to his father outright and so he took out certain parts and retold the story he had told his men. “Father, well, during the storm we managed to take cover one night in the southern cave system that you took me too when I was a boy. I decided, as I was commander of the expedition, to make sure the way was clear for the morning ride.”
He shifted uncomfortable in the hot room and on the solid chair. He did not want to share Aislinn with his father, but knew better than to keep something from him that anyone with access to this room could bring him news of. “I managed to go off track somehow, and ended up stumbling across a young woman unconscious on the ground. She was severely injured and incredibly cold. I managed to get her back to the caves alive. I gave her my protection and she has joined us here at the Keep. Isla has taken her under her wing, so I’m sure she will be put to good use.” He chuckled quietly thinking about Isla ordering Aislinn around as she cleaned his wound earlier.
Looking back to his father, he saw a grave look in his eyes. He saw the cracked lips try to work in their half state and leaned forward to hear the croaked half formed words. “Stay…from her. Not. Not good. Down…fall, her…problem.” The understandable words made no sense. But he could ask no further as the eyelids fluttered down in front of him and his fathers laboured breathing evened out somewhat. Knowing it would be useless to stay he needed to speak to some of the elders about the clan, maybe he could get from some of them what they problem with Aislinn was. Perplexed her kissed his father’s cheek and headed towards those who could answer him.
Aislinn reached the main hall and she saw two shadows in the corner opposite the doorway she had just exited. Curiosity taking over she headed in that direction. Even more curious when she saw that Hamish had cornered Corey she called out to warn them of her approach. “Hamish, is everything alright? I was hoping you had seen Isla, maybe point me in her direction?” She smiled politely at the two of them, she was sure Corey was scared and had to separate them, but she had got to know Hamish a bit during the journey back. She knew he would not attack Corey for no reason, so that was why she had aimed her questions toward him.
Hamish’s serious gaze landed upon her, and to her surprise he angled his body quite obviously to block her from seeing Corey. “Aislinn, is Cam not with you?” He gave a noticeable look over her shoulder. At the shake of her head he continued. “Well, you just happen to be in luck. I have a need to speak with Isla, so if you do not mind, I will accompany you on your quest to find her.” He took her arm gently and pulled her in the contrary direction to Corey. Confused at his actions she decided it was probably for the best to try and forget it, or her head may start to hurt.
Corey watched them walk away, angry at Hamish, the situation and even Aislinn. She had called out to Hamish and not him. He was through playing nice. The last time this had happened was two years ago. At sixteen, he realised, he was not ready. But now, with Aislinn, he had to take control. He would succeed with this plan, or no one else would have her.
Hamish walked with Aislinn throughout the Keep, Isla seemed to have disappeared into the mist. He did not trust the clan, if he left her on her own, they would swamp her with questions and the possibility of Corey being allowed near her was too great. As her intention was a tour of the Keep, that he could honour at least. He actually enjoyed her company. She did not mind that he was silent most of the time. And though he had not seen her talk much, she took it upon herself to create a conversation as if he spoke. She was lively and actually managed to make him smile twice, more than he could recall in the last year.
There were many comments from her that she feared she would get lost, that she would never be able to remember the way. But, as she feared this he noticed that she had taken the lead in the direction they were returning, and he knew she was wrong. She would not get lost, that fates had brought her to MacKay keep, and here she was meant to be.
Aislinn’s side was aching by the time they made it back to the main hall. The tour of the Keep had been long and while not too arduous, with her injuries, she had possibly done a little more than she should have done so soon. The large room was filled with movement and sound as servants made preparations for the evening meal. Platter being placed in wait for the feast to come. Spoons and knifes placed in wait for the occupant of that place.
Captivated by the movement, and the camaraderie of the women chatting and laughing as they moved at a speed which belied the perfection of their work. Aislinn failed to see the tiny Isla barrelling in her direction. Fury barley contained on her face. Cringing into Hamish without thought, Hamish took a step forward to cover her slightly. Isla, however, stopped just before them, breathing hard. “That GIRL.” The growl threw Aislinn for a moment, thinking she was talking about her. “I swear, when she surfaces I will be putting her to work in the kitchens scrubbing the pots. Aislinn, feel free to say what you feel to Larena from now on. After this last stunt I wash my hands of her.”
With that she turned and stormed towards the kitchen, Aislinn felt sorry for anyone not doing their job as she walked in. Hamish recovered quickly from their interruption, “Whatever it is Larena has done now, it is sure to be worse than usually for that reaction. The last time I saw Isla like that was after Cam had ‘gone hunting’ when he was twelve. Only he was missing for days and worried Isla to death, let’s say after that incident he never again pulled the stunts that he had before, and didn’t hunt again until he was sixteen.” Pulling her towards the top table he made sure to take it slow and allow for the women of the clan to talk with Aislinn. This was important for her to become a needed and valued member of the clan.
Cam was in a bad mood by the time he returned to the Keep. Issues that could have been sorted out between neighbours were suddenly in need of his command, why he had no idea, it was getting ridiculous. He had not managed to catch any of the elders, it was as if they were hiding from him. Every time he thought he’d seen one of them, another problem magically appeared in front of him. His mood had dropped with each one, and he was convinced he was being set up. When he got his hands on the elders they would definitely pay for this.
His mood dropped further as the twins, as chirpy as ever dogged his steps. Stage whispering comments behind him. But one comment, made in jest, had him pausing. “Repeat that last one.” Artair was perplexed but repeated, “Maybe they were testing you,” and added on as if this had made him see what Cam had, “Close enough to see but too far away to be of help with any of the concerns.”
“The sneaky buggers. Of course, they were testing me. Why else would they have suddenly appeared at the same time as those problems?” Shaking his head his mood improved by a miniscule amount. “I better have passed whatever test they’ve given me, because if they chuck any more at me I may not be held responsible for my actions.” Heading back towards the main hall he managed to calm himself to at least look like he was under control. He knew who he needed to see right now and that was directly where he headed.
AN. New story started, would appreciate if you check it out.