True to the Highlander(103)
“Nay, my lord. He travels on to Stirling,” Brian told him as Malcolm guided him through the portcullis. “I travel with your father until his return, and then I’m off to spread the word throughout Scotia of your king’s return.”
Good, word of Castle Rait could not have reached them yet.
His mother’s hand on his arm, and True and Elaine beside him, Malcolm watched as the ferry carried his father, uncle, aunt and their guardsmen across the loch. Their clan lined both sides of the path leading to the keep. The day could not have been more perfect, even if he’d ordered it thus. A few fat clouds drifted in the rare blue sky, and the air held the promise of the coming summer. The ripe scent of the earth ready for tilling and sowing permeated the island.
The ferry landed, and William’s deep laughter filled the air. Malcolm went to him immediately, handing his mother into his father’s waiting arms. ’Twas the same whenever the earl returned. The first thing he always did was seek his wife’s long-missed affection. Malcolm moved forward to clasp his Uncle Robert’s forearm. “’Tis good to see you home safe, Uncle Robert. Aunt Rosemary, welcome.”
Soon the returning MacKintosh were surrounded with their clan, and Malcolm waited to take his place by his father’s side so they could proceed to the keep.
William raised his hands in greeting and raised his voice so all could hear. “’Tis good to be home. I have much to share with you this eve, and I look forward to supping once again in the comfort of my own hall with my clansmen.” A cheer rose, and the crowd parted, making a path for their laird and his family.
Taking his place by his father’s side, Malcolm spoke quietly. “Father, if I could have a moment of your time before we sup, there are things we need to discuss.”
“Can it no’ wait until morning? I want nothing more than a bath, a hot meal and time alone with my lady wife.”
“I would rather we—”
William stopped and put his hand on Malcolm’s shoulder. “Lad, if whatever you have to say is so pressing, why did you no’ send word of it before today?” He slapped his shoulder. “Come, ’twill keep one more day, aye?”
Why indeed? Mayhap it could wait. What harm, one more day? Seeking True in the crowd, he found her eyes on him, and he gave her a warm smile meant to reassure. She walked with Elaine and Mairen behind the returning members of their garrison. His mother had taken her place on his father’s other side. Perhaps his mother would think to mention his handfasting sometime before the feast. No matter. His father would learn of it soon enough.
The MacKintosh clan filled the great hall to overflowing, and more plank-and-barrel tables had been set up in the bailey to accommodate the crowd attending the feast celebrating their laird’s safe return. Malcolm reached for his wife’s hand under the table. Giving it a squeeze, he smiled into her wide eyes. “’Tis a fine night, aye? After we eat, the tables and benches will be cleared from the hall for music and dancing.”
“True,” Robley said, leaning toward her. “If you dinna feel up to playing this eve, Liam and I will do the honors without you.”
“I’m fine. I want to play.” Her gaze went to the empty spots to Robley’s right. “Where are Liam and Mairen, Robley?”
“They are with my father and mother and will be down shortly, I am certain. The feast will no’ begin until all are present upon the dais.” Robley winked at her.
Malcolm wondered how Liam fared with his parents. Movement on the stairs caught his eye, and he watched Liam and Mairen with Liam’s parents descend into the hall. His uncle’s face was grim, and he wondered which part of their tale had caused the look—the Comyn’s treachery, or their son’s union with the daughter of their enemy? True tugged on his sleeve.
“What is it? I can sense your tension.”
He nodded toward the party coming down the stairs. “My uncle does no’ look happy. I expect things will be somewhat strained this eve.” Even as he spoke, Robert stopped at the bottom of the stairs, gestured to his father to join them, and then whispered in William’s ear. Malcolm watched his father’s face suffuse with color and his expression turned grim as well. Rosemary spoke rapidly, and his father nodded and visibly forced himself to calm down. Lydia had also spoken into his ear. William took Mairen’s hand in his and bowed over it.
Malcolm did not envy his cousin. Liam had his arm protectively around Mairen, whose face looked pinched and pale.
They took their places, and the signal was given to begin the meal. Malcolm let the breath he’d been holding out slowly. All would be well. Tomorrow he’d tell his father the entire tale. For the moment, he’d enjoy a fine meal and the company of his family, who were once again safely reunited.