The Seer - Hildie McQueen Page 0,31
Dallis to. Alasdair vowed to buy land and build. Even if it would be years before he was allowed to leave, any children that came from his union with Dallis would have land and a home.
In the distance, the Tavish brothers, who’d been released from the dungeon the day before, along with two other guards sparred. Moving back and forth, the sounds of the swords clashing in a solid rhythm.
“I don’t wish to be at odds with anyone, however, I will do whatever it takes to marry Dallis.”
A bird flew overhead squawking loudly and both looked up for a moment following its path.
“Is it the challenge or because ye truly care for her?” Niven asked.
It was then that Alasdair realized Niven also cared for Dallis. Perhaps in a brotherly way, it was not clear. He was willing to wager Dallis had no idea. Niven had never made his intentions known, which Alasdair was glad for at this point. Having known each other perhaps their entire lives, Niven did have a lot in common with the beautiful Dallis.
Alasdair let out a long breath. “I do it because I care for her. She is all I think of. Everything about her calls to me and I am fortunate that she too feels attracted to me.”
Niven only nodded, seeming to be in deep thought. “I hope my laird agrees to allow ye both to be together.” His friend pressed a hand over his shoulder.
“Otherwise?” Alasdair had sensed nothing but anger from the laird. Of course, it had been impossible to touch or go near the man to get a good reading of what he considered doing with the information he’d been given.
“There is little that can be done. Other than perhaps get another man, who the laird considers worthy to marry the lass.”
“Cuthbert Robertson?”
His friend gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I do not dare guess.”
“What was it ye wished to speak to me about earlier?”
Niven scanned the area. “I came to hear about ye through family. We are indeed cousins, distant but related. My sister, Miora, has gifts such as yers. However, it’s kept secret. When I asked her to come and help find the spy who was in our midst, she refused. It was then she told me one of my aunts, had told her about ye.”
“Who is yer aunt?”
“Finella Creag.”
“She is my father’s cousin. It is true then, we are related. Why did ye not tell me this before?”
His cousin blew out a breath. “Didn’t seem important. Besides, I wasn’t sure ye were trustworthy yet.”
“I suppose it is not important for what I was called to do originally. However, ye could have spoken up to the laird and informed him of my swordsmanship.”
Niven snorted. “Do ye believe to be better than me?
“Let us see.” Alasdair unsheathed his sword and waited for Niven to do the same. They crossed swords and began to spar.
Back and forth they trained, jumping over hurdles and evading strikes. The sparring helped Alasdair forget what was transpiring inside the keep. That someone would decide his future was not something he was accustomed to.
After first meal, with a whirl of activity and chaos, finally, the visiting clans departed.
A lot of people remained in the courtyard. Some servants took tents down, while others dismantled tables, carrying the wood to be stored.
Dallis hurried after some maids who carried buckets of water while carrying one.
“Come,” Alasdair walked past her and continued on to the side of the keep. There was a large garden beside the building, as well as short wall that gave some privacy.
When Dallis appeared, she was breathless. “We cannot be caught alone. Father is already furious. What were ye thinking to go to him?”
“What do ye think will happen?”
Her gaze finally met his and her expression softened. “I do not know. I hope he will touch his heart and allow us to be together.”
Alasdair closed the distance between them. “I will fight hard for yer hand. I wish to treat ye like the treasure ye are. I promise to cherish ye always.”
When she reached out to him, Alasdair took her hand and kissed the back of it.
Her lips curved into a soft smile and Dallis let out a long sigh. “I sincerely care for ye.”
Voices sounded and Dallis snatched her hand away. She whirled and hurried around the corner back to the festivities.
The evening meal came. Thankfully only the Sinclair clan remained. It was the first time in many days the hall was not as full, and the mood