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A ilis and the clan’s women gathered at the forest’s edge, bows in hand. Lachlan led the men in drills and sparring across the open field, their shouts and clashing swords faded sounds off in the distance.

“Keep yer wits about ye,” Ailis reminded her companions, aware of their duty to feed the growing number of people visiting their clan. As they advanced into the woods, she moved gracefully, scanning for game.

A sudden rustle signaled potential prey. Ailis raised her bow, aiming at a thicket where shadows danced. But as she loosed her arrow toward a darting rabbit, fate intervened. The arrow struck not the rabbit but a pheasant mid-flight. Feathers cascaded as it plummeted to the ground.

Despite their important task, the group broke out into laughter. “Seems our hands are guided to what we truly need,” Ailis bubbled, mischief glinting in her eyes.

“Perhaps ’tis a sign that our endeavors will be fruitful,” replied one of the women with a wide smile.

Collecting their unexpected prize, gratitude swelled within Ailis—moments like these fueled her spirit for future challenges.

*

Ailis sat on a stool by the hearth. The door creaked open, revealing a breathless messenger.

“News from Laird Gordon.” He offered her a scroll.

Ailis read the message—terse words about their absence being noted and drunken confessions holding no weight. And a demand they return. Worried, she found Lachlan in the training yard, sword in hand.

“Our absence has been noticed,” she informed him. “Laird Gordon says drunken words mean nothing.” She shook her head. “I know Lucas was telling the truth while drunk though, and he wasn’t before then. Laird Gordon wants us to return.”

“I believe Lucas did tell the truth. We’re not returning. We were not treated well there. We must be vigilant,” Lachlan replied, his eyes like stormy seas.

Ailis nodded. “We’ll navigate this situation with care.”

As days melded into weeks, clans gathered and alliances formed. Ailis became central to whispered strategies and critical conversations. Their numbers swelled to a formidable force. Power and determination resonated within her.

Despite the burgeoning strength around her, Ailis bore responsibility’s heavy mantle. She knew on one level that the whole thing was not her fault, but as she was the one to uncover the plot, she bore some blame.

*

Ailis entered the castle kitchen, greeted by the aroma of stewing herbs and root vegetables. Granny stirred a large pot near the hearth.

“Granny, how fair our provisions?” Ailis asked with concern. “Do we need to have more women fishing?”

“We are managing,” Granny replied. “But we must seek additional sustenance soon. We want to have meat tucked away for when the siege occurs. It may only last a few hours, but it’s more likely to take longer. We’ll have to feed all the women and children staying in the keep as well as the soldiers.”

“Then we shall hunt and harvest within Sinclair lands,” Ailis resolved. “I dinnae know how many of the Sinclairs came here when we offered sanctuary or how many are left, but there should be enough hunting to help us.”

The following day, Ailis and Moira led a procession beyond the castle walls. As men dispersed into the woods, women and children worked in the fields. Laughter filled the air, momentarily displacing thoughts of conflict.

A group of dirty children presented oddly shaped roots and stones to Ailis. One beamed as he held up a misshapen rock, exclaiming, “We’ve found dragon’s eggs!”

Moira chuckled beside her sister. “Indeed, but let’s hope they dinnae hatch before supper.” She winked at Ailis.

“We dinnae want to have to share our meal with the dragons!” Ailis smiled and played along. “Ye’ve done most wonderfully, me young dragon hunters. But today, let us gather nature’s bounty to fill our bellies instead of finding pets who could cook us and eat us.”

For a moment she felt badly, asking the children to help with the harvest instead of “treasure hunting,” but there were too many to feed for her to dwell on that. The work must be done, and it must be done quickly. There were so many things that must happen before they were ready for battle.

The children nodded enthusiastically and resumed their tasks, leaving Ailis and Moira sharing a knowing glance—a silent acknowledgment of small joys in the worst circumstances.

*

As dawn broke over the moors, Ailis stood on the ramparts, her hair whipped by the wind. Below, soldiers from various clans moved in unison, their drills reflecting newfound unity. The sounds of steel and exertion filled the air.

“Father,” Ailis called. Her father surveyed the men, his expression weighed down with responsibility.

“I’ve seen these soldiers and observed their ways.

Might I stand with them in battle?” She was a formidable warrior after all.

Ailis believed she and her sisters could possibly turn the tide of the battle, as no one would expect women.

Her father’s face softened as he turned to her. “Nay, me child. Yer duty lies elsewhere.” He gave her an understanding look, but she could tell there was no arguing with him.

Later, Ailis sought solace with Lachlan as he sharpened his blade. “Lachlan,” she began, frustration clear in her voice, “me father refuses to see me worth beyond domestic duties. Should not I stand with ye all when the time comes? I am ready for the fight!”

Lachlan paused, his eyes meeting hers. “Ailis, I understand yer desire to fight, but I agree with yer father—it’s about safety.”

“Safety?” Ailis echoed angrily. “Am I to be shielded while others risk their lives? I thought ye would understand. I’m strong enough to help!”

“Understanding does not eliminate danger,” Lachlan replied firmly. “Ye are vital to our future. Yer place is here. Ye and the other women must keep hunting and harvesting for as long as ye can.”

“Then perhaps I was mistaken about us,” Ailis whispered as she turned away, leaving Lachlan conflicted. She could not believe he was taking her father’s side over her own. It made absolutely no sense to her.

Their first disagreement as a married couple lingered as Ailis retreated to their quarters.

Alone with her thoughts, she gazed at the landscape before her.

The Highlands were beautiful, and the idea of losing their unique gifts was unpalatable.

She hoped the soldiers who would fight to help the Stewart understood that their entire lives would change if he won.

Their beautiful Highlands would never be the same.

*

Ailis sought her sisters out, sharing her grievance with Lachlan. Fiona and Moira listened, features etched with concern.

“Ye cannae be serious,” Fiona cried. “To take up arms when yer talents must be used elsewhere? What if someone we love is injured, and ye arena able to help?”

“Indeed,” Moira added. “Yer wisdom and care are needed more than ever.”

Frustration flickered in Ailis, but she recognized the truth in their words. “Perhaps yer right.” Her voice was tinged with melancholy. It would be wasteful not to use her abilities in the battle, but she needed to be healthy to heal others.

At nightfall, Ailis whispered an apology to Lachlan.

“I spoke in haste, clouded by pride. I see now that me duty lies in safeguarding our future. There must be someone who can heal the wounded, and that person canna be hurt as well.” She sighed.

“I just wish I could help with the battle as well. I want to do it all, but it makes no sense.”

Lachlan pulled her close, his gaze softening like the twilight sky. “There is naught to forgive. We each have our battles to fight.”

Their lips met in a fervent union, their mouths melding together.

Their bodies pressed tightly against one another, the heat of their passion igniting and spreading like wildfire.

With each touch and caress, a silent language was spoken between them—a language of desire and longing, of love and need.

They found solace in each other’s arms, seeking comfort and strength despite the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Duty and affection intertwined seamlessly, creating a powerful bond that could weather any storm.

And in that moment, nothing else mattered except the fire burning within them, consuming everything else in its path.

Ailis’s hands slid up Lachlan’s broad chest, savoring the feel of his muscular form beneath her palms. She sighed into their kiss, losing herself in his intoxicating taste and scent.

The world fell away until there was only Lachlan—his strong arms encircling her, his fingers threading through her hair, his tongue dancing with hers in an ancient rhythm of give and take.

When they finally broke apart breathlessly, Lachlan rested his forehead against hers. “I cannae bear to be at odds with ye,” he groaned.

“Nor I with you,” Ailis whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Promise me, Lachlan. Promise we’ll never let anything come between us again.”

“I promise. And speaking of that, there are clothes between us, and that must change quickly.”

She giggled, happy to oblige. In this moment, Ailis knew she would forever stand beside Lachlan—their courage reflected in each other’s eyes, their purpose intertwined.

*

As Ailis lay against Lachlan’s chest, feeling its steady rise and fall, she traced his jawline with a light touch. “Why do ye object to me joining the battle? Isn’t it me right to stand for our clans? And for all the Highlands?” she asked quietly in the darkness.

Lachlan brushed her hair from his chest, sighing wearily.

“It’s not about rights, Ailis. I fear for ye on the battlefield—it’s no place for someone like ye.

Ye felt badly for killing two men in battle during yer rescue from the Sinclairs.

Imagine how ye’d feel if it had been more than that?

We canna risk ye being unable to heal or yer heart being burdened by taking the lives of others.

” His voice conveyed deep concern as he met her gaze.

“I cannae bear the thought of losing ye. Yer presence is me solace during troubled times.”

Taking a deep breath, Ailis nestled closer to him and agreed to stay behind, moved by his sincerity.

“I will stay in the keep during the battle then. But I want it known if yer injured, I want ye brought to me immediately.” The idea of him being hurt or worse…

it scared her more than she cared to admit.

“I will tell the men,” he assured her.

As sleep approached, Ailis listened to Lachlan’s heartbeat. His protective embrace comforted her despite the impending war. In that moment, she was at peace knowing they faced an uncertain future together.