Wager with a Warrior - Emma Prince Page 0,62
baskets and crockery pots of food, firewood, new candles—everything the castle would need for the celebration that evening.
Laird Morgan stood on the raised dais, directing the madness with his good arm.
“Aye, Samuel, that’s fine over there. Ye can follow Mary to the kitchens with those, Greer. And Hackon, keep those neatly stacked if ye will. This is the Morgan clan keep, no’ some pig sty.”
The Laird’s gaze snagged on Gregor as he moved around the perimeter of the great hall.
“MacLeod! Dinnae tell me ye are going to the Gunn border again, man.”
Gregor reluctantly changed course and headed for the dais. At least Laird Gunn, Cormack, and Birdie were nowhere to be seen. Mayhap she was locked in her chamber with Tessa, preparing for her engagement. Mayhap in walking past her door a moment ago, he’d been as close to her as he ever would be again.
He halted at the base of the dais. “I am off, Laird.”
“Off? Where? I’m telling ye, there is naught to find along the border anymore, MacLeod. Ye dinnae need to—”
“I’m leaving for good,” Gregor cut in. “Yer daughter brought me here to end the feud with the Gunns, and…” He gestured at the frantic whirl of activity around them. “This wasnae exactly what any of us had in mind three sennights past, but peace is hard enough to come by that it’s worth holding on to however ye get it.”
“Wise words, MacLeod,” Laird Morgan said, frowning softly. “But why depart so soon? Dinnae ye at least wish to stay for the feast?”
“Nay, but thank ye. I’m needed elsewhere. As I have learned, an army willnae build itself.”
The Laird chuckled dryly at that, but then sobered. “It is I who should be thanking ye, MacLeod. I wasnae exactly thrilled about yer arrival here, but I am no’ too proud to admit that I was wrong. I’m grateful to ye for all ye’ve done—and for yer part in all this.” He lifted his bearded chin toward the buzzing great hall.
Laird Morgan extended his good arm, and Gregor took it in a firm shake.
“Can I compensate ye somehow?” he asked, his brows drawing together.
“Nay,” Gregor replied quickly. “Just…just keep being a good father to yer daughters.”
Curious confusion flickered in the man’s hazel eyes, but then he nodded slowly. “Mayhap when matters settle a bit, I could send a few of my men to join yer army,” he offered.
“That would be much appreciated. Thank ye, Laird.”
“Farewell, then, MacLeod. I hope we can toast a victory over Balliol no’ long from now.”
With a final nod, Gregor released the Laird’s hand and strode from the great hall.
Outside, the hill was just as hectic as the castle. Gregor wove through men and women coming and going with supplies. Near the stables, he spotted Lamond directing traffic just as the Laird had been doing in the great hall.
Once Gregor had sent a stable lad to saddle and bridle his horse, he approached Lamond.
“Arenae ye tired, old man? Mayhap ye should take a rest.”
That earned a narrow-eyed glare from Lamond, but it dissolved into a grudging smile and a quick forearm shake.
“Are ye offering to help?” Lamond’s gaze landed on the saddlebags over Gregor’s shoulder and his smile slipped. “Or do ye have somewhere else to be?”
“I am leaving.”
Lamond’s frown deepened, but after a moment, he nodded. “I cannae believe I’m saying this, but I’m sorry to see ye go, MacLeod.”
“Dinnae turn soft on me now, man.” Though Gregor tried to muster a mirthful huff, it turned into a long exhalation.
Lamond’s blue gaze searched him. “Did ye say goodbye to her?”
They both knew to whom he was referring.
Gregor hesitated, unsure how much to reveal to the captain. “She is no doubt occupied,” he said carefully. “I didnae wish to bother her further.”
“Hmm.” Lamond pursed his lips, his gaze wandering over Gregor’s shoulder. “I cannae imagine what would occupy her down at the kyle. I saw her walk that way mayhap an hour past, and she hasnae returned yet. She has a favorite spot down there, ye ken.”
Gregor’s brows shot up. Lamond had made himself more than clear when they’d ridden back from the bog together. He was protective of Birdie, and had reminded Gregor that naught could come of whatever attraction had grown between them.
“Just to say farewell, mind ye,” Lamond said dryly, apparently following Gregor’s thoughts. He gave Gregor a kind, sad smile. “Ye did right by her—and the whole clan—by finding a way to bring about peace. Still, I ken it wasnae