The Seer - Hildie McQueen Page 0,32
was subdued. It was as if everyone relaxed by the way the murmur of soft conversations and soft chuckles filled the room.
Alasdair sat at the guard’s table with Niven and waited for a maid to bring food. Meanwhile one came and placed tankards down in front of them. At the high board the laird spoke to his wife, his son sitting on his left. Guiles’ attention remained on his intended, who’d had stayed behind for a season.
Dallis was seated next to her mother, her face devoid of expression. Whatever decision the laird was making had obviously not been announced and no one had any idea of the outcome.
The meal continued and it was as if the air became thicker as more time passed. Surely the man would put him out of his misery soon.
“Ye look as if in pain,” a guard next to him said. “Did Niven pierce yer stomach today?”
The other guards laughed, and Alasdair glared at them. “No, but he did get a wee bit scared at one point.”
“When exactly was that?” Niven replied, resting an elbow on the table.
They continued the banter, which Alasdair was grateful for.
“An announcement.” Niven motioned to the high board. Alasdair’s stomach dipped and he turned to find that the laird stood with tankard in hand.
Laird Sinclair’s eyes moved across the room. “I thank our people for their loyalty in following me into a future in which we will stand united with two other clans under one flag. The Sinclair colors will continue to be ours, although we have sworn fealty to the Robertson.”
Tankards and glasses were raised. People murmured in agreement.
The laird looked across the room. “By joining in marriage with the Gordon, this means we will be stronger in our bonds with the clans we are united with. Anything that happened in the past between the clans will be forgiven as now we are one.”
There were grumbles until the laird held up a hand. “A request for my daughter’s hand in marriage has been made by a man who has sworn his fealty to me.”
The crowd looked to the guards, their gazes searching for answers as everyone began to speak at once.
Alasdair looked to Dallis, whose attention was locked on her father. For a short moment, she looked to him before looking back to the laird. The laird’s wife however smiled as she studied her husband.
Conversations quieted, everyone curious to hear what the laird would announce.
“I made a decision based on what is best for our clan and not the desire of two individuals. It is my honor to lead ye all and do right by the people who depend on my leadership.”
Alasdair’s stomach sank and he saw that Dallis’ gaze was now downcast. She too expected the worst.
The laird continued, “We are all one and the same and I want ye, my people, to know that I do believe we are equals, no matter social standing. Therefore, after consideration of the marriage request, I have made a decision. Alasdair Creag stand and come forward.”
Alasdair stood and although his knees were suddenly unsteady, he held his shoulders straight as he made his way to the high board. Everyone began talking at once, at each table people questioned each other. “Who is he?” or “I didn’t know they were courting” was repeated.
When Alasdair neared, the laird looked to him. There wasn’t animosity, nor was there warmth in the man’s regard.
“Alasdair Alexander Creag, I grant permission for ye and my daughter Dallis Eleanor Sinclair to marry.”
Dallis jumped to her feet and rushed to her father and they embraced. Guiles grinned, his gaze filled with sincere warmth when meeting Alasdair’s.
Alasdair was at a loss to what he should do. He’d never been in such a situation.
When the laird rounded the table, Alasdair unsheathed his sword, held it up hilt first and kneeled. “I swear my fealty to ye Laird Sinclair and to the Robertson.”
The laird took the sword with both hands holding it over his head. “I accept and grant ye a position as a member of the archer guard.”
Alasdair bit his lip to keep from laughing. Although reasonably good with the bow and arrow, archery was not his strength. However, he wasn’t about to argue the point at this moment. No doubt the archers would not be keen on his leadership in any capacity.
“Thank ye my laird.”
“Rise.”
The laird looked to the people in the room. “The marriage will take place in a fortnight. Ensure the news is spread.”
They’d be married right after Guiles