Page 37 of The Seer

Niven did not reply.

The laird slammed a flat hand on the wood in front of him. “Weren’t they?”

Letting out a long breath, Niven nodded. “Yes laird.”

The laird was pleased with the honest statement. “Do they know ye came to speak to me about this?” The laird looked between Alasdair and Niven.

Alasdair nodded. “Dallis asked that I not. However...” Laird Sinclair interrupted him with a slash of his right hand.

“And ye Niven, did ye really think that yerself and a group of idiots could overthrow the strongest laird in the region?”

Niven maintained a proud stance. “We had a good plan.”

“Thank God ye didn’t get to test it.”

Alasdair expected that the laird to dissolve any agreements between them.

“I am tired of secrets. I do not know what to think of ye doing this Niven,” Laird Sinclair looked to Niven. “However, being ye and my two children were in this together, it is something we will deal with once Guiles recovers. Perhaps ye can tell me about yer foolish plans.”

The laird looked past Niven and frowned. “The so-called resistance ends today.”

“Aye Laird,” Niven replied. “On my word.”

“As far as ye,” the man studied Alasdair for a long moment. “I am forced to reconsider your betrothal to my daughter.”

“Laird, we wish to marry. My fealty remains yours.”

The laird let out a breath. “I must ponder on it.”

Alasdair hated that he could not see his future. This would have been a time he wanted to know what would happen.

Once everything was over and the true killer was divulged, it could come to be that Laird Sinclair would have him escorted off the lands.

* * *

Alasdair could tell that Laird Sinclair grew weary, but the time of the truth was at hand.

The laird sat back with a cup in hand, the ale becoming too warm to drink, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Some days I grow tired what has to be done to protect others,” Laird Sinclair admitted.

Looking to the doorway, Alasdair allowed for time to pass before replying.

“Once this is over, I sense a long time of peace.”

The Laird looked to the doorway where guards remained not allowing anyone into his study. No one would think it odd since an assault had been made on his son. Of course, most thought Guiles to be dead. That he was exhausted played into the role of grieving father, so for that he was thankful.

No one had come as yet and several days had passed since Guiles’ attack. Alasdair had no doubt whoever was responsible for the attack would appear soon.

Guiles grew restless but did not complain.

His betrothed was not doing well. Fiona had grown despondent. It was best she not knew that truth yet. Just earlier, Fiona had rushed from his study wailing with despair at being turned away again. For that Alasdair felt guilty.

The less people that knew Guiles was alive, the easier it would be for their plan to work..

“Laird. Donall Muir is here to speak to ye,” a guard announced.

“Allow him in.” The laird motioned for Alasdair to come sit to his right.