FLAME ACROSS THE HIGHLANDS Read Online Free
Author: Katherine Vickery
The pipes, summoning everyone to gather. The sound was unnerving. Shattering.
"What is it? What can hav e happened?" Glenna voiced her fear. She could not help but wonder if another clash of shields and swords was about to ensue. How many men would be killed or wounded this time? It was a sobbering thought and one which filled her with apprehension for Alaistair. During any battle he walked bedside the pipers and there was always the danger of a wayward dirk or sword harming him. "Oh, Brianna!" Glenna clutched at her sister's hand.
"It willna do us any good to be afraid." Putting her arm protectively about her sister's shoulder, Brianna pretended to a bravery she did not really feel. She was just as worried by the sound as Glenna only she would not allow herself to show it. Instead , she whispered sternly, "Come back with me to the hall!" Pulling Glenna by the hand, she led the way over the well-worn pathway.
Total pandemonium greeted the twins as they pushed through the heavy wooden door of the large stone hall. Ominously , the MacQuarie clan were preparing themselves for the imminent danger they thought was to come. Brandishing their weapons, which reflected the flames ablaze in the hearth, they grumbled in anger as they waited for their chief, Lachlan MacQuarie, to enter the hall.
Brianna's eyes darted back and forth, searching for the familiar form of her father. Where was he? As if her anxiety conjured him up, he soon pushed through the door of the adjoining room he used as a council chamber. His face was contorted in puzzlement but not outrage. Pulling at his beard , he strode back and forth before the fire, muttering beneath his breath.
Her heart went out to him , for she realized the responsibility he bore, to govern the clan territory for the benefit of the clan. He administered justice in times of peace and led the warriors in time of war. As chief he was responsible for the good of his people who on their part gave every assistance to him for the mutual good of all members of the clan.
Pridefully , Brianna looked at this tall, big boned giant of a man with flaming red hair. Despite his forty five years he was ruggedly handsome. Only one scar along the right side of his face marred his facial features. Now that scar twitched as he furled his craggy brows. She gazed upon her father's face trying to discern his thoughts.
"What is it, Father?" Only Brianna dared ask the question that all within the room wondered.
"I've just received a message from Black Duncan. He calls for a truce between the clans. I dinna ken what to make of it!"
"A truce?" A ripple of uneasiness swept throughout the hall. It had long been proved that the Campbells were not to be trusted. What wickedness had they planned this time? The mood of the assembled men changed swiftly from apprehension to suspicion.
"The lookouts warned of approaching horsemen but when I rode out with Malcolm and Erskin to see wi' me own eyes, I found it to be but a lone rider. A messenger with a most surprising missive. 'Tis a most unusual proposition and one that I canna think upon lightly." Lachlan paused and in that moment he met Brianna eye to eye. "The Campbell has suggested that his heir, Robbie, should marry one of my daughters!"
"Och!" All watching eyes widened in startled surprise.
"Nae!" The men were unanimous in their shout.
"Ye musna even think of it!" The women echoed each other.
Anger buzzed around from man to man like an enraged bee as the clansmen savored this bit of information. "The Campbell heir. Ha! He isna good enough for a MacQuarie! We are descended from kings, not English vassals."
"For all we ken, its a trick and they be plannin' to attack us again. I lost two sons seventeen years ago and a nephew last December." The boldest of the men stood up as he spoke, venting hi s anger.
"The word of a Campbell is worthless!" Another followed,
"What is it? What can hav e happened?" Glenna voiced her fear. She could not help but wonder if another clash of shields and swords was about to ensue. How many men would be killed or wounded this time? It was a sobbering thought and one which filled her with apprehension for Alaistair. During any battle he walked bedside the pipers and there was always the danger of a wayward dirk or sword harming him. "Oh, Brianna!" Glenna clutched at her sister's hand.
"It willna do us any good to be afraid." Putting her arm protectively about her sister's shoulder, Brianna pretended to a bravery she did not really feel. She was just as worried by the sound as Glenna only she would not allow herself to show it. Instead , she whispered sternly, "Come back with me to the hall!" Pulling Glenna by the hand, she led the way over the well-worn pathway.
Total pandemonium greeted the twins as they pushed through the heavy wooden door of the large stone hall. Ominously , the MacQuarie clan were preparing themselves for the imminent danger they thought was to come. Brandishing their weapons, which reflected the flames ablaze in the hearth, they grumbled in anger as they waited for their chief, Lachlan MacQuarie, to enter the hall.
Brianna's eyes darted back and forth, searching for the familiar form of her father. Where was he? As if her anxiety conjured him up, he soon pushed through the door of the adjoining room he used as a council chamber. His face was contorted in puzzlement but not outrage. Pulling at his beard , he strode back and forth before the fire, muttering beneath his breath.
Her heart went out to him , for she realized the responsibility he bore, to govern the clan territory for the benefit of the clan. He administered justice in times of peace and led the warriors in time of war. As chief he was responsible for the good of his people who on their part gave every assistance to him for the mutual good of all members of the clan.
Pridefully , Brianna looked at this tall, big boned giant of a man with flaming red hair. Despite his forty five years he was ruggedly handsome. Only one scar along the right side of his face marred his facial features. Now that scar twitched as he furled his craggy brows. She gazed upon her father's face trying to discern his thoughts.
"What is it, Father?" Only Brianna dared ask the question that all within the room wondered.
"I've just received a message from Black Duncan. He calls for a truce between the clans. I dinna ken what to make of it!"
"A truce?" A ripple of uneasiness swept throughout the hall. It had long been proved that the Campbells were not to be trusted. What wickedness had they planned this time? The mood of the assembled men changed swiftly from apprehension to suspicion.
"The lookouts warned of approaching horsemen but when I rode out with Malcolm and Erskin to see wi' me own eyes, I found it to be but a lone rider. A messenger with a most surprising missive. 'Tis a most unusual proposition and one that I canna think upon lightly." Lachlan paused and in that moment he met Brianna eye to eye. "The Campbell has suggested that his heir, Robbie, should marry one of my daughters!"
"Och!" All watching eyes widened in startled surprise.
"Nae!" The men were unanimous in their shout.
"Ye musna even think of it!" The women echoed each other.
Anger buzzed around from man to man like an enraged bee as the clansmen savored this bit of information. "The Campbell heir. Ha! He isna good enough for a MacQuarie! We are descended from kings, not English vassals."
"For all we ken, its a trick and they be plannin' to attack us again. I lost two sons seventeen years ago and a nephew last December." The boldest of the men stood up as he spoke, venting hi s anger.
"The word of a Campbell is worthless!" Another followed,
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