It was done. Fann watched as all three men were tossed from the cliff into the pounding waters of high tide. Apparently the three who were rallying all the others. Uilleam and Callum both agreed that with these three gone it was likely most of the others would leave without much fight. He turned back towards the woods and passed his dirk to Will with a nod. He was about to continue down the corridor when something about the boy’s stance made him pause for a better look. The boy looked nervous and wouldn’t meet Fann’s eye. He was not new to life with the mercenaries, the death and blood should no longer bother him much. It had not on the last attack.“Is aught amiss, Will?” The boy bobbed his head yes, and his mouth opened, but no words came out.“Be ye injured?”“Nay M’Laird” his voice was uncharacteristically quiet.“Be ye ill?”“Nay M’Laird.”“Speak your mind, Will. I lose patience with ye.”“Some say I must tell ye now, some say I must no tell ye until later. I ken not who is rig

A few weeks later, the sun peeked up over the ocean, dusting the water with yellow as it made its daily climb across the water and into the sky. Its rays filtered through the fog, bathing the cliff where Fann and Eleanor sat in the glow of the morning. “You should go soon then,” Eleanor said as she looked out to see, “travelling in the cold with all those animals would be awful. They should be settled in their new homes before there is a risk of snow.”“I do not want to leave you here alone. It is too soon.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.“If it is what is best for the clan, you should go.”“The clan be dammed,” Fann cursed, taking her chin in his hand and turning her to look at him. “You are my first priority. I will do what is right for you, then what is right for the clan. They are catching fish and hunting well now and with the women working together to salt and smoke we will have plenty for winter. Nobody will starve.”“Does Paddy really want to care for all those a

The autumn market on Stuart land was really something to behold. In all his travels Fann had not seen the like outside of the more permanent market squares of large cities. Banners and flags were everywhere. There were stalls with everything a person could possibly need. He was glad he had listened to Alasdair and here first. It was likely they would not need to find any others. From here they could go to Padraig’s place and pick up the animals the emissary had left there for him and be home several days sooner than expected. He was so busy looking around as they made their way to the place they had chosen to tie up their horses that he didn’t notice Eleanor moving Beck up close beside him until she spoke.“Will you take me on your horse, Fann?” His eyes widened in surprise at the paleness of her skin peeking out from under the hood she had drawn over her. She shivered under it, despite the warmth of the afternoon sun. She had been so content during their travels so far. With all the

Fann used his foot to slam the door shut behind him as he took Eleanor from his shoulder, putting her on her feet an arms length in front of him so quickly that she stumbled back a couple steps before regaining her footing. She flipped her hair out of her face and looked up at him with her hands going to her middle making him worry that he had re injured her ribs. Again. Their eyes caught. He relaxed slightly when he saw no significant pain or tear filled eyes shinning back at him. He took a deep breath, relieved that he had likely only winded her. Looking at her the way he was, Fann saw the change in her expression the moment she realized he was more relieved and aroused than angry. Her chin dipped and a gentle smile curved her lips as her blue eyes blinked up at him through her long lashes. “I don’t know what I want to do to you more at this moment, mo Leannan.”“What are my options, husband?” “I want to beat some sense into you! You were so foolish and reckless!” His brows drew t

The bonfire glowed brightly, casting light and heat over everyone in the yard. Lively music was being played and everyone, young and old, was dancing around. She grinned as Fann spun her around, her feet lifting off the ground. They were both laughing by the time her feet hit the ground again. Eleanor couldn’t remember ever having so much fun! Did MacDonald clan never have these parties? There were certainly plenty of children about, so if they had partied like this when she was small surely she would remember it. If it wasn’t something they did, she and Fann would have to start the tradition. It was too good a celebration not to! Their new clan would need to have fairs like the Stuart clan, but the girls could compete just the same as the boys, though perhaps not against them. Different events for lads and lasses as well as for women and men! And then a feast and a party with a big fire, music, dancing... Perhaps they could even do this often! The solstice, maybe another for Christm