Page 55 of The Bells of Triumph
Connor was so thrilled as he spoke, clearly proud of Seamus.
“I dinnae think that is a good idea,” Flora told him over the noise in the hall.
“Och, nonsense. I ken that Seamus does nae like the attention, but as the new leader of this clan, he should be the one to make the announcement. He should stand in front of his people and be proud of all he has done.”
“Connor,” Liam hissed in warning.
“What? I dinnae ken what everyone is so up in arms about. A little public speaking never killed anyone. Och! Here they are now!”
The rest of the village had made their way into the castle, settling into the Great Hall. Seamus wouldn't meet Flora's eyes, so she studied the crowd. They were all looking at him, at all the rebel soldiers, as if they were gods. Connor gave Seamus a shove, making him stumble towards the front of the room. Everyone waited to hear what he would say, waited for the news they so desperately wanted to hear, but Flora knew they wouldn't come.
He walked through the crowd, ignoring all the pats on his back and offers of thanks, and then cleared his throat.
“I ken that ye all were brought here to hear the retelling of our victory against Campbell and his army.”
They all cheered, clearly unable to see the heaviness on his shoulders.
“But,” he continued, speaking over them, “I am afraid I am going to have to let you down.”
Connor looked at Flora in bewilderment. She could only sigh.
“While it is true that we prevailed upon Campbell's guards stationed here and have officially reclaimed Murray Castle as our own, I am ashamed to admit that Campbell is still alive.”
The air of the room shifted from joy to confusion and sadness, as though someone left the door open on a cold winter's night, letting all the warmth from the fire to dissipate.
“He kent of our plans to attack and managed to leave the castle, along with most of his army, long before we arrived. I dinnae ken where he has gone or what his plans are. But I can promise ye that I will nae stop, I will nae give up searching for him until I find him and bring him to justice.”
“How did he get away without anyone seeing?” an elderly woman called from the middle of the crowd.
“I dinnae ken.”
“Will he attack us again?”
“I dinnae ken.”
“What are we to do next?”
Seamus sighed heavily before repeating for a third time:
“I dinnae ken.”
