The Seer - Hildie McQueen Page 0,43

Alasdair held up a hand. “I’m not ungrateful. Just unsure.”

“I admire yer candor. I do suggest from now on ye don’t share so much with yer men. They will grow to see ye as more of a friend than a leader. Not a bad thing entirely, but it could prove disastrous in battle.”

Alasdair nodded. “One more thing to learn.”

“Now,” Niven said, placing a heavy hand on Alasdair’s shoulder. “From now on, right after practice and before evening meal, go to yer chamber. Remain there alone and do nothing. I write in my journal, sometimes I sleep, other times I stare out the window. There will be days ye will need this time to ponder many things. For our men’s burdens become our own.”

“I am glad for yer friendship,” Alasdair said, meaning it. “Now we should go see about our men.”

Niven met his gaze for a moment before motioning for Alasdair to go first.

It was a sunny day, only a few strips of white in the sky.

The men stood shoulder to shoulder in four lines, archers in the front line and swordsmen in the back three rows. Everyone looked to him and Niven as they walked out of the keep.

Alasdair took his place next to the archers and waited for whatever Niven would tell them.

“Men, as ye know by our clan joining the Robertson and the Gordon, we are not as vulnerable as before. That said, we cannot let our guard down. Individually, each of the clans is not large enough if the Macpherson were to decide to attack us separately. Therefore, training will remain vigorous. Ye must remain alert at all times when working...”

The talk continued until finally, Laird Sinclair arrived. The laird looked every bit a warrior. With wide shoulders and body still fit from training, he was not the type of man to remain behind when his men went to battle. With his sword strapped to his back, he stood at the top of the stairs watching them for a few moments before descending to stand next to Niven.

Laird Sinclair motioned for Alasdair and another warrior, Connor, to come to the front.

“I am proud of our guard. Although we may not be as large as others, what we lack in size we gain in valor.”

The men grunted in agreement and the laird held up a hand. “I have placed these men as yer leaders and as such, they carry my word.” He motioned to Alasdair and then Connor, who stood to his left. These men will lead the archers and the rear guard. Niven as ye know remains the head of all the guard.”

By the time everyone was dismissed, the men walked away with square shoulders, boosted by what their leaders had said. Unlike the others, Alasdair had kept his comments short, only telling the archers he admired their sharp mind and eye and admitted to his pride in leading them.

Last meal was announced, and he was glad for it. Having only eaten that morning, his stomach grumbled with hunger.

At the table with the other guards, Alasdair ate until his belly protested. He drank deeply from his tankard and let out a loud belch, much to the amusement of the other men at the table.

Every time he looked up, he caught sight of Dallis sitting at the high board. Head held high, she spoke to Fiona. It had been a long time since they’d made love and his body stirred with desire every time he saw her. As of late, with so much to do, he’d fallen into bed too exhausted to do more than fall asleep instantly every night.

Now he hoped to have the opportunity to whisk her away this night. If she didn’t remain cross with him, there was a chance she’d give him the privilege of her body.

It was certain he would be allowed to remain there at the Sinclair keep. He wasn’t sure if it meant the marriage would take place or not. Alasdair held to the hope it would.

There was a clanging of cups to signal silence as the laird stood up. The man searched the room his gaze lighting here and there. For a beat, the man looked to him, but Alasdair could not read anything into it.

“Alasdair Creag, come to the front of the room please.”

His heart skipped several beats and his too-full stomach pitched. “Aye laird.” He walked up to stand before the high board.

Laird Sinclair’s gaze was warm when meeting his. “This man has done something very few have