Page 64 of Awakened By Time

Chapter 19

The evening mealwas shrouded with tension, but the MacKenzie clan did their best to keep the mood of their guests at least one rung below breaking out into a brawl.

“I ken the lass is here, Robert,” Nevil said. “Ye’d be doing me a great service by simply handing her over to me. I would be forever indebted to ye.”

“It would nae be in me best interest to do so,” Robert said. “Paddraig MacRae is a strong ally and I’ll nae ruin our alliance. Forget about the lass and go to MacRae with your complaint.”

Helene listened carefully as she served the family and their guests at the main table. Zeke spirited Brenna back home to keep her out of harm’s way, so on that count Helene could relax a bit, but she was worried about Dougall. Robert spread his men out around the room to keep the peace, so he was sitting right in the midst of Munro’s men. From the look of them they were enjoying their meal and there was no need for worry. That could change at Nevil Munro’s discretion.

“Ye cannae possibly side with him on this one. The wedding was about to take place when this Laird San Francisco arrived and Paddraig thought he would get a better deal with him for his daughter. Have ye ever heard of this San Francisco?”

“Aye. I have.”

“I know he’s here now, so his wife cannae be far. What do ye ken of the man?”

“I dinnae ken much. He’s here because his sister is here. He’s been practicing with me men and he’s quite a good swordsman. I dinnae believe I’d give him reason for a fight if I were ye.”

“I’ve seen the man fight. He could be beaten,” Nevil said. His arrogance apparently knew no bounds.

“I dinnae want any trouble while yer here, Nevil. Keep that in mind. Ye dinnae want to make an enemy of the MacKenzie clan.”

“Aye. Of course not.” Nevil continued enjoying his meal. “Perhaps yer right. I’ll pay a visit to Paddraig. I will have that land and I will get me cows back.”

Helene finished serving and left the table. She stood in the doorway to the hall and waited for Dougall to look her way. When he did she waved him over.

“He says he’s going to call on yer Da. Says he wants some land and the cows that were reived the night ye rescued Brenna.”

“I’ll send one of me men to warn him.”

“What about Brenna?”

“We’ll have to keep her safely at home until he leaves.” Dougall kissed her cheek. “Wait for me. We’ll walk home together. I dinnae want you off on yer own with these men about.”

* * *

Robert sentword the following morning that Munro and his men would be leaving by the noon hour.

“He didn’t get what he came for,” Zeke observed. “That makes me worry about what he’s up to.”

“Keep Brenna close,” Dougall said. “I don’t trust him either. I’ve asked Logan to join us here this morning.”

“Is he bringing Sara?”

“Aye. She’ll be safer here with all of us than alone in their cottage.”

Zeke relaxed somewhat. This was not something he ever had to worry about in San Francisco. Hopefully the day would pass without incident.

“Robert’s men will be on alert for a few days now. He doesnae believe Munro would be foolish enough to hurt his alliance with the MacKenzies, but Munro’s nae a man to be trusted, especially where his own interests are concerned.

The door opened and Sara entered, followed by Logan.

“Are we really going to be in the middle of a real medieval battle?” she asked, excitement in her voice.

“This is exactly why I don’t want you staying in this time,” Zeke said.

“Stop being so over protective. Logan will take care of me.”

Zeke watched as Logan put his hand on Sara’s shoulder. “Dinnae fear fer yer sister, Zeke. I promise to protect her with me life.”