Page 44 of The Seer

The laird smiled indulgently. “It will come that ye and Guiles’ will be responsible for our clan. I fear how unruly the women are.”

Alasdair couldn’t help but chuckle. “Unruly and yet beautifully perfect in the manner both connect with the people.”

Fiona had encouraged both young and older women, some highborn and others simple villages to join the dance. Dallis clutched hands with a frail elderly woman who’s wrinkled face was bright with joy as they turned in a circle.

“They will keep all of us mindful of what is truly important,” Guiles said leaning forward to look at him.

Just then Lady Fraser stood, Alasdair expected that she’d demand the music stop so that the guests could begin the meal. Instead, she held her hand out to Lady Gordon. “I say we join in.”

The day continued with celebration and laughter, the entire time, Alasdair could not help keeping guard over his bride. The meal had long ended, but the celebration continued.

Alasdair now stood next to the high board making himself accessible to those who wished to speak to him.

“Ye need to relax and allow yerself a normal existence,” his mother whispered into his ear. She’d come up without him realizing it. “I am so very happy for ye son. She will make ye a fine wife.”

There were questions in her eyes, but she did not voice them. Alasdair walked her to an empty chair. “All will work out well. I have no doubt.”

“Ye have to be with care. Do not ever allow yer guard to be down.” She cupped his jaw as was her custom whenever wishing to ensure he paid full attention. “At the same time, no matter what, let it be time that ye finally settle.”

Alasdair hugged his mother. “Come to visit often.”

Her eyes twinkled with mirth. “Ye will grow tired of me. But I must because the cook here has many talents I wish to learn.”

“I could never tire of ye.”

She laughed a sound he’d missed. “We shall see.”

By the time the festivities ended, everyone was exhausted. Along with his wife and the laird’s family, they trudged up the stairs, everyone going to their chambers.

Just as he was to guide Dallis to his, Lady Sinclair called out and hurried over.

To his utter shock, the woman hugged him tightly. “With all of this happening so quickly, I forgot to properly welcome ye to the family.” She smiled up at him. “Welcome.”

Somehow Alasdair managed to swallow past the lump in this throat and he nodded. “Thank ye.”

Dallis sniffed. “I have never been so happy.” The women hugged until Laird Sinclair came and retrieved his wife.

His lips curved when Dallis murmured softly in her sleep and snuggled deeper against him. He slid a hand across the soft skin of her arm.

The most precious of gifts had been her love for him.

Because of his gift of foresight, he not only found the love of his life, but his true destiny as well.

The descendants of the Triùir Mhòra did not normally to live long as persecutors hunted them. Alasdair imagined if his ancestry came to light his life would be cut short. That someone like him would be granted the prestigious position of being not only leader of a guard, but also married to a laird’s daughter would be considered heresy by many.

Alasdair understood this was his burden to bear, and yet he vowed to keep it a secret for the rest of his life. He prayed that his descendants did not inherit the legacy, otherwise they would have to embark on a quest of their own.

“You’re awake,” Dallis said in a soft sleepy voice. “Sleep darling.”

And he did.

Epilogue

Alasdair stood atop the walls that surrounded Keep Sinclair as the sun fell. It had been an exhausting day, as he’d been up since before dawn and had yet to rest. Other than a quick meal at mid-day, he’d been on guard that day.

Visitors were expected to come, and Laird Sinclair had been informed of a possible attack. Although the chances were low, no one was willing to take a chance. For over a year the Macpherson had been demanding a meeting with the trio of lairds.

Robertson, who remained as the head laird had forbidden anyone meet with the man until he agreed to cede land that had been stolen from Gordon farmers.