The Seer - Hildie McQueen Page 0,10
sensible and lovely. She’d make a good wife to her brother.
“Ye know I adore dear Fiona and I do believe ye do as well. Why are ye brooding then brother?” Dallis asked.
Always bound to duty, Guiles would do what was necessary for their people. As the only son, Guiles’ responsibilities were many. Not just was he responsible for continuing the Sinclair lineage, but also for marrying to advance and benefit the clan.
“I had plans. Thought to coerce the Macpherson’s young daughter into marriage to keep Da from marrying ye off.”
Her heart melted with the abundance of love she had for her brother. “Truly? That would have been horrible. Besides, the Macpherson’s daughters are much too young so it is doubtful the man would have agreed. The eldest at ten and three would make a horrible wife, and she has the most disagreeable temperament. Besides, the thought of us joining with those people makes me want to vomit.”
“If our plans fail, what other way can there possibly be?”
Dallis joined Guiles at the window. “I hope the visiting lairds will come up with a plan and dissuade father, from the idea, of an alliance with Clan Gordon.”
Despite the fact they were alone, Guiles lowered his voice. “We have plans. Dangerous plans. This is not the time to take on a wife, to start a life. I can’t be distracted with such nonsense.”
“Yer first duty is to the clan. As our father’s only son, we must keep ye safe. Guiles listen to me. If there is some sort of peril, Niven and I will go. Ye will remain behind.”
His jaw clenched at the ever-present argument. Before he could say anything, Dallis shoved him. “Think brother. Yer death means there is no one to carry on the bloodline. Ye must not fight. I know ye hate the idea of it. But there is no other choice.”
“And allow my sister to?”
Dallis blew out a breath. “I have trained to fight but am not so stupid to think I can hold my own against a warrior. There are many ways I can help. I can be a distraction, a distraught lady in need of rescue. A bawdy loose woman offering more than a handshake. I can slit a throat or stick out a foot to trip someone when needed.”
Despite the situation, Guiles chuckled. “Ye paint a clever picture, but battle is not like that.”
This time it was Dallis who set her jaw. “I am well aware. Must I remind ye I have fought before?”
“I do not want to think about it.”
Dallis chuckled at her brother’s angry expression.
The door opened, and their mother peered in with a wide smile. “I heard laughter and it lightened my heart. Our guests arrive.”
The siblings peered out the window to the view of a party arriving. Two banner carriers holding up the clan crested flags rode side by side at the front.
Next atop overly large steeds were the lairds, each with their personal guards flanking them. Behind the men rode wives and other family, also protected by guardsmen. The procession was rather idiotic in Dallis’ opinion. They presented clearly marked moving targets if anyone wished to attack.
By the way the guards kept turning side to side keeping watch, they were of the same opinion. No doubt by now they all had sore necks.
“Why would they carry on in such a fashion in the midst of unrest in our area?” Dallis said shaking her head.
Guiles snorted. “I don’t think they did so until nearing our home. Neither of the lairds is stupid enough to do that. Being that The Gordon comes to present his daughter to consider for marriage, and the Robertson his son, it calls for a display of grandeur.”
“Son?” Dallis turned to her mother. “Please tell me the Robertson is not hoping to dump his repulsive son on me?” She huffed.
Her mother giggled. “I certainly hope not. Guiles, why would ye say such a thing? Did yer father mention something?”
By the widening of Guiles’ eyes, he’d spoken out of turn. “I am not sure...”
“Well, it won’t happen. I’d rather stick a dagger in my heart than marry that toad of a man.”
“Dallis,” her mother said, while obviously attempting to keep a stern expression. “Enough. We don’t know if it’s true.” She placed a hand on Dallis’ shoulder. “Besides, the Robertson’s son is not terribly unattractive. It’s his nature that makes him so. I sense, yer father already has other plans for you when it comes to marriage.”
“Oh, that’s right. My