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I n a dimly lit chamber in the territory of Clan Gordon, Clyde Stewart addressed the circle of lairds he had come to trust. He spoke quietly of the failed alliance with the Sinclairs and Ailis’s feelings for Lachlan McClain.

“We must reassess and weave new alliances,” he declared.

“The Sinclair clan has been defeated and we must find another way to keep the McAfees and the McClains from strengthening their alliance. I want us allied with the McAfees.”

Laird Gordon nodded. “Me clan is allied with the McAfees. Perhaps it would be good if me son, Lucas, courted Ailis. He is a much better warrior than any McClain and a true gentleman.”

The other lairds listened intently, their eyes betraying the strategy forming within. Laird MacKenzie suggested his own son Bearnard, while Laird Cameron offered his son Horas. Laird Sutherland, however, had only daughters to pledge.

Clyde contemplated each offer, calculating the potential gains and setbacks.

“Yer loyalty does ye honor. We shall present these fine young warriors as suitors for the McAfee maidens. Ailis may yet be swayed from her ill-advised affection. Laird Sutherland, mayhap ye should send yer daughters to flirt with Lachlan and Brodie McClain.”

“Laird Gordon, yer ties with the McAfees are strong. I propose a grand ceilidh to entice the two younger sisters and the McClains who court them. We can make certain they are separated and spend time with the people we want them to spend time with.”

Laird Gordon was intrigued. “Aye, that can be arranged.”

“Invite the McAfees courteously,” Clyde instructed. “Present yer sons—Lucas, Bearnard, and Horas—as suitors for Ailis, distracting her from Lachlan McClain.”

The lairds leaned forward, envisioning the courtship they would orchestrate.

“I believe ye should host Highland Games. The McAfee lasses were raised as warriors, and they will not be able to reject an invitation like that. Each son will challenge Lachlan McClain with honor and skill,” Clyde continued.

The ideas flew through the room, each man suggesting ways to separate the McClains and McAfees. “Perhaps even a rumor that the McClains think they are better than the McAfees would help,” Laird Gordon suggested.

As the meeting concluded, the lairds exchanged firm handshakes. Clyde watched them leave, satisfaction hidden behind stoic leadership.

“Let the games begin,” he murmured. The Stewarts’ fate and the Highlands’ future hinged on this grand ceilidh’s outcome.

*

The Great Hall of McAfee hummed with anticipation as Laird Duncan informed his son-in-law and the other McClain men of their summons to the Highland Games in Clan Gordon’s territory.

“Fiona, Ailis, and Moira will compete—a rare opportunity. They specifically asked for them, and they will be allowed to compete against the men.”

Lachlan’s eyes met those of Alisdair and Brodie before he spoke. “We’ll accompany yer daughters to ensure their safety. I worry this is another plan to force yer daughters into unwanted marriages.”

“Aye,” Duncan agreed. “I must stay to protect our home and make sure no one tries to rescue our captives. I trust that ye three will be able to keep me daughters out of trouble.” His gaze lingered on each of the brothers, making sure they understood the importance of their task.

Lachlan chuckled. “Yer daughters dinnae get themselves into trouble. They are all well-behaved.”

*

Soon the three sisters gathered. The honor of competition was evident, as were its political implications. They had only ever been allowed to compete in the games held on McAfee land. Now they could compete and show their prowess to many more people.

“We will go not only to prove ourselves but to uphold our clan’s dignity. I’m certain there will be much talk about our clan destroying the Sinclairs. The truth must be told to help the reputation of the McAfees.”

Moira’s eyes gleamed with excitement even as Ailis sensed the gravity of what lay ahead. To compete meant vulnerability before potential enemies. Retreat, however, wasn’t an option for the McAfees.

“Let’s embrace this challenge,” Ailis murmured. “Through uncertainty, we carry our ancestors’ strength and spirit.”

“Are ye certain about the tartan?” Moira asked, pleating the fabric around Ailis’s waist.

Ailis glanced at her reflection. “We shall wear it proudly, as is our right.”

Fiona added, “Let our colors fly high. Let McAfee be synonymous with honor.”

As they donned their clan’s hues, each sister bore not only cloth but duty—to showcase their skills and navigate alliances and rivalries.

This was the perfect opportunity for them to share their side of the story about the defeat of the Sinclairs.

It was time the entire Highlands knew of the treachery they had faced.

*

“Stay vigilant, Ailis,” Lachlan cautioned, scanning the horizon beyond fluttering banners.

She stared up at him, noting his tense jaw and stormy eyes. “Is there cause for concern?” She scanned the area and found no immediate dangers, but she didn’t know what he was seeing. He was a seasoned warrior, and he knew more about the dangers that lurked than she did.

“This event might well be a ruse,” he admitted.

He had thought about the circumstances over and over.

The Sinclairs’ allies should’ve been fighting with the McAfees.

Instead, no one uttered a word, and they were invited to participate in Highland Games.

It wasn’t what was expected. “Why have the Sinclairs’ allies not attacked?

The timing of these games is odd to me.”

“We cannot cower from shadows,” Ailis replied. “We shall face what comes with heads held high. I will be careful, but I will not hide.” But she would always carry her knife close. Never would she allow herself to be taken prisoner again.

Lachlan agreed and promised to guard her when possible, with Kevin in his absence. Ailis nodded. She would gladly accept the help, having no desire to be taken prisoner ever again.

*

The clamor of hooves against the path signaled their departure toward Gordon Territory. Ailis, atop her chestnut mare, sensed excitement coursing through both McAfee and McClain ranks. The rhythmic march stirred anticipation within her.

The first day of their journey was full of merriment. They all looked forward to the games and the ceilidh. Songs and stories filled the air. Laughter united them all. Ailis hummed an airy tune that mingled effortlessly with the surrounding cheer.

Under a star-studded night sky, they made camp in the middle of towering pines.

Lachlan approached Ailis with feline grace, exchanges limited to shared glances and faint smiles rather than words.

His constant presence offered assistance during tasks or meals, hinting at a deeper affection beyond duty.

“On the morn of the third day, we shall reach Gordon territory,” Lachlan remarked with a mix of determination and caution.

Ailis nodded, focused on the distant horizon. “I sense tension in the air, Lachlan. Do ye think the Gordons will welcome us as allies or view us with suspicion?”

Lachlan’s brow furrowed. “It is hard to say, Ailis. Our presence may unsettle them, especially given the recent unrest among the clans.”

Fiona joined their conversation. “We must tread carefully and show respect to keep their trust. Our clan’s honor depends on it.”

Lachlan invited Ailis for a walk away from the camp, and Fiona smiled and nodded at her sister. Ailis readily accepted as she’d had little alone time with Lachlan since she’d been rescued.

As they walked through the rugged terrain, Ailis and Lachlan found a secluded spot by a babbling brook. The serene sound of the water flowing soothed their souls as they sat down on a patch of soft grass. Ailis glanced up at Lachlan’s warm eyes.

“I’ve missed this, just being able to enjoy yer company without any interruptions,” Lachlan began softly and sincerely.

Ailis smiled. “I feel the same way. It’s been a whirlwind of events lately, but I’m grateful for this moment with ye.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply basking in each other’s presence.

Ailis reached out and took Lachlan’s hand in hers, relishing the familiar feel of his touch.

At that moment, surrounded by nature’s beauty and each other’s love, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. With a soft smile playing on her lips, Ailis turned to Lachlan.

“Have I thanked ye yet for rescuing me from that dreadful tower?” she whispered.

Lachlan’s gaze met hers, his blue eyes reflecting the fading light. “Aye, ye have. I’m not certain why ye are thanking me. I should have been with ye to keep ye from getting taken in the first place.”

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, as if nature itself was whispering words of encouragement to the couple. Ailis leaned in closer to Lachlan, resting her head on his shoulder. She wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life close to him.

“As long as I draw breath, I will always stand by yer side, Ailis,” Lachlan vowed. “I am so sorry that I let ye be taken that way.”

Ailis was overwhelmed by the depth of Lachlan’s devotion. She turned to gaze into his eyes, perceiving not just the playful companion but a man who would protect her with every fiber of his being.

“I have never blamed ye,” she whispered.

He leaned down and kissed her softly.

*

As they continued their journey the following day, Moira rode up alongside Ailis, her face filled with curiosity. “Do ye think we can win the favor of the Gordons, sister? Our skills are unmatched, but alliances are delicate matters.”

Ailis smiled at her sister’s enthusiasm. “We will do our best, Moira. Father trusts us to act in a way that benefits the clan.”

As they neared Gordon Territory, Ailis was gripped by a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The challenge ahead was not just about showcasing their skills but also about navigating the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that defined clan relationships.

She hoped no one would question them about the Sinclairs, but she had a feeling it would happen and happen often.

Under the watchful eyes of the three McClain brothers, the three sisters rode on, ready to face whatever lay ahead on this journey of competition and honor.

Gordon Territory finally welcomed them, and they were met by enthusiastic cheers from the people gathered.

Laird Gordon’s booming voice announced a celebratory feast and dance for that very night.

Ailis reciprocated his smile. The dance would give her an opportunity to spend the evening in Lachlan’s arms, something she never wanted to stop doing.

*

The stone walls of the keep loomed as Lachlan watched his brothers and kinsmen pitch their tents on the surrounding fields.

His heart weighed heavy with the burden of parting from Ailis.

He did not trust that she would be safe, so he spoke with Kevin.

“I need ye to guard Ailis through the night. She is staying in the keep, and we’re out here in tents.

I worry that something will happen to her and her sisters. ”

“Ye’ll guard her with yer life,” Lachlan told Kevin firmly. The young man stood outside Ailis’s door, entrusted with a duty Lachlan wished he could bear himself. “No harm will come to Lady Ailis on me watch,” Kevin assured him.

Lachlan paced the hallway unhappily, since he couldn’t be inside the keep with her. The night air whispered through narrow windows, offering little comfort. He paused, letting the cool breeze touch his face before murmuring into the darkness, “Keep her safe.”

He walked back out to the tent he would be sharing with Brodie and shook his head. “I dinnae think we should have let them separate us. As soon as we heard the women would sleep inside, and we would sleep outside, we should have turned and gone straight back. This doesn’t feel right.”

Brodie shook his head. “I dinnae like it either. Together we will watch over the lasses. Kevin will help, and Alisdair is in the next chamber. Surely we can make it through the few days of the games before we head back.”

Lachlan sighed. “Yes, we can. But I dinna like the idea of her being unprotected.”

“They are not unprotected,” Brodie reminded him. “And we must make certain that the reputation of both the McClains and McAfees remains untarnished.”