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Finn rose, brushed an auburn strand behind her ear, eased the collar of her shirt, and began. “Since ye two escaped from Dunrobin, Sutherland has been a crazed man. His only thought is tae capture ye both. He wishes torture and death upon ye. He thought Aileen was taken against her will but nae fer long.”

At this there was a hush in the room, the sound of indrawn breath followed by slow exhales. Finn’s matter-of-fact-words sent a chill through Maxwell’s heart. “He kens ye are here, and now his vengeance has expanded to the entire MacNeil clan, women and bairns as well as yer farmers and crofters. His men have been instructed tae spare nay one.” She looked around as her terrible words sank in. This was indeed even more dire than Maxwell had been prepared for.

Finn continued. “Word has come tae him that his old enemies, the MacLeods, are planning tae assist the MacNeils with reinforcements of men and ships and he will sail as soon as the tides are favorable tae besiege the castle afore ye can be reinforced.”

Arne bristled at this. “And what of me Clan’s reinforcements?” He gave an indignant huff.

“Sutherland has enough men to meet the MacLeods at sea. His is arrogant and confident he will be yer master.” She glanced at Maxwell. “When ye’re ready, I’ll make ye a map.”

Everard thanked both Finn and Seamus for their words. “Our housekeeper has been instructed tae find ye a bedchamber.” He glanced at them both. “I cannae offer ye two chambers, this is a small castle as ye can see.” A grin passed between the two lovers, which made Maxwell give Aileen a knowing glance and he felt warmth seeping into his bones, replacing the chill, remembering the Flying Fish tavern.

“One chamber will dae us fine,” Seamus, nodded, getting to his feet and joining Finn at the door. He bowed as Finn curtseyed low and they left the study.

Raven was trembling and could scarcely hold her mug. Aileen reached over and clasped Raven’s hand. “Dinnae be afraid. Yer braither Maxwell is a fearsome warrior and a canny war chief. He, the laird and yer husband will nae be defeated by a coward such as Sutherland.”

Raven turned her pale face to Aileen. “I pray ye are right and we will prevail against this evil man.”

Everard, seemingly aware of Raven’s distress addressed her. “Sister, it seems we will be in great need of yer skills. Are the preparations well in hand fer a possible siege of Kiessimul Castle?”

“Orders have been given. I will go now if ye will excuse me and discover what preparations have been made and make sure we are ready if Sutherland should attack and besiege Kiessimul and attack the Clan lands on Barra.”

Once she had left there was further discussion. Maxwell wished to talk further with both Finn and Seamus once they had settled in. They had a great deal of information concerning where on the island Sutherland had set up his camp, where the different vessels were moored, and where the men were camped.

The day wore on as plans were mooted and discarded, each of them adding to the strategies and tactics Maxwell was considering.

“One thing is certain, we mustnae waste any time in choosing our path of action. While the castle can withstand a siege as it has in the past, our people have little protection. Sutherland’s men would be able to hunt them down in the hills. We ken the MacLeods willnae be here fer many days and we cannae wait fer them. We must act now.” Maxwell turned to Ranald Dunbar. “The tides?”

Dunbar shook his head. “There’s nay joy there. The moon is almost full and the tide will be at its highest in less than two days.”

There was a groan from Maxwell. “If Sutherland plans to ride on the tide, we must act quickly before he has the chance to sail. Once he is at sea with his fleet, we have only faint hope we can prevail. I say we sail before midnight this night.”

All of them, including Aileen, nodded gravely.

Throughout the afternoon a bold plan took shape. Arne, Aileen, Everard and Maxwell would sail a fisherman’s wee boat to the Isle of Canna. Counting on surprise to aid them, they would seize Sutherland and take him prisoner.

After a brief rest, Finn and Séamus rejoined the group. With guidance provided by Séamus, they worked out the place they would land. This was some distance from the ship moorings,where they were unlikely to be discovered. From there they would make their way stealthily to Sutherland’s camp. Finn was able to advise on the least guarded pathway and Séamus was able to give details of exactly how many men were encamped and the number they would find along the track.

The familiar sensations crawled through Maxwell’s body. The inner preparation for a battle that was looming. His senses sharpened and at once he smelled smoke from the fire, the faint aroma of mice in the corners, the mead in the pewter vessels, and the sweaty, musty, scent of men mixed with the delicate feminine scent of wildflowers. His ears pricked at the sound of the crackling fire and, outside, the cawing of gulls and crows, the gentle waves lapping at the castle walls.

The blood pounded in his ears and he felt his heart lifting at the prospect of dealing with Andrew Sutherland at last. His fingers tingled to hold his claymore, dirk and axe.

They were served a hearty supper in the great hall. While the men ate heartily, Raven and Aileen could hardly stomach the meal of roast fowl, parsnips and beets, followed by almond custard and jellies.

Arne offered comforting words to Raven, “Dinnae fear lass, we’ll be silent as the night, nae body will track our sail and we’ll overcome Sutherland in a trice, bound and gag him and set him on our wee boat. We’ll be back tae ye by morning, safe and sound.”

He could not fool Raven, however. “Ye talk nonsense, Arne. I wish wi’ all me heart it was so, but even tae sail tae Canna is nae without its perils. Fer all ye ken, the Sutherlands are lining the waves across.”

Maxwell intervened. “Sister, yer man wishes tae set yer mind at ease. We’re all fine soldiers who can be light of foot when the situation calls fer it. We’re warriors, we will win as we have all of ye in our hearts tae strengthen us. We will return.” He glanced at Arne. “Mayhap nae before dawn.”

Raven nodded her head, dashing away a tear with the back of her hand. “Of course,” she managed a watery smile. “Ye will triumph. I have nay doubt.”

Aileen, who knew too well the perils they faced, pasted on a brave smile and nodded her agreement. It was not long before both she and Raven took their leave.

They parted company in the passageway outside Aileen and Maxwell’s bedchamber. Raven leaned over and planted a kiss on Aileen’s cheek. “Me and me wean-tae-come wish ye and the others god’s speed.” She sniffed, and the tears rolled down her cheeks.

Aileen patted her arm. “We’ll take good care of yer husband.”

Raven shook her head. “’Tis all of ye I care fer. Ye, me braithers and me husband. Me heart will be travelling wi’ ye.”