Page 52

The Lady Gwyn stood on the high landing overlooking the crowded bailey with her family by to her side.

She gazed through her lowered lashes to Enya who stood stoically next to her and could see the pain within her eyes as she obviously followed Donnan's every movement.

Her heart was breaking for her sister. While she was now married to the man she loved, she had but one night with him and promises of no more.

As Gwyn could understand more than anyone, that was not nearly enough time.

She understood so much was left unsaid between the two and for this, Gwyn was saddened. She could only hope and pray they would some day be blessed with the time to truly come to know one another and further share the love she knew they both held inside.

It was her father, her mother and Durell who stood reservedly on the other side of her.

As Gwyn moved her eyes to them, she noticed immediately how each stood silently watching the activity below.

Her father was so tall and strong and her mother…

there was no other woman in this world who had endured so much pain, yet appeared so steadfast.

Together the family of the MacLaren stood unwavering with their heads held high.

If someone were to gaze upon them from the distance, they would understand they exemplified the epitome of strength as they watched those in the bailey prepare to leave.

Only one with a discerning eye could see the tumultuous emotions plaguing each one of them inside.

When all was prepared and the two clansmen of the Chattan along with the nearly two-hundred of the MacLaren were ready to leave, it was Iver and Donnan who returned to the stair.

Slowly, they ascended to stand two treads directly below the Laird MacLaren.

After a few moments of silence, it was Iver who spoke.

"Laird, I can not thank you enough for the support you are extending. You have already sacrificed so much and I am humbled by your generosity."

"Ah, my son. You must know by now there are many reasons for which I am providing you my backing and support.

Even though he is gone, I must honor the one who provided my daughter and my son with his protection for the last decade.

It is first in Errol's name that I do this.

It is also for you and Donnan. I truly believe in you and know that you are worthy of such a title as laird.

But you also must understand it is mostly for Gwyn that I do this.

She has done everything for the MacLaren and has sacrificed much over these years.

She understood her duty and never wavered in her directives even once. There are few who can compare."

Iver could not help but feel pride at the laird's words as he responded immediately and loudly for all those of the MacLaren family to hear.

"Yes, laird, I more than anyone recognize her strengths and I feel truly blessed she is my wife."

Iver paused briefly as his eyes moved to those of the Lady Gwyn's where he captured and held her gaze. He nodded to openly acknowledge her, then moved his eyes back to the Laird MacLaren as he spoke once again.

"I fear it is now time and I bid you farewell and only until we can meet once again."

The laird of the MacLaren nodded his head in respect as the two men moved from before him.

As Donnan walked towards his new wife, before he reached the place on the steps before her, he stopped before Gwyn. With a smile upon his lips, he reached forward and pulled his new sister by marriage into his tight embrace. He whispered almost desperately and for her ears only.

"My dearest Gwyn. I will miss your company and beg only one thing of you. Will you please watch over and protect my Enya? Please make her understand I will come back for her. Nothing will prevent me from returning. Of this, I promise."

As he pulled back slightly to gaze into her face, he realized no words could come from her lips. When she nodded her head in concession, he knew his wife would be cared for and protected. As he held Gwyn within his arms, he heard the ominous words spoken quietly, yet threateningly beside him.

"You had best unhand my wife, dearest cousin, or you will not live long enough to descend these very stairs."

Gwyn heard the words and a smile graced her lips as she moved her eyes quickly to those of her husband's.

His words brought a tenderness to her heart for both of these men.

Donnan, who had provided his support through the most difficult times of her life thus far, and Iver…

how her heart warmed for him and the love they shared. It had nearly taken her breath away.

It was in that very moment when Donnan moved on to his own wife when Gwyn found herself held fiercely in a tight embrace.

As she grasped of her Iver and he held her with equal intensity as she was holding him, a desperation began to fill her heart.

As he pulled back slightly and cupped her face with his powerful hands, he gazed deeply into her eyes as he attempted a slight smile.

Slowly, he brought his lips to hers in a tender kiss.

Then he was gone from her side and moving out of the bailey and beyond the distant hills.

As Gwyn stood stoically upon the stair fighting desperately to maintain control of her raging emotions, she could hear the whisper of tears that came from the one who stood beside her. Slowly she turned to Enya and grasped her within an embrace as she whispered the words tenderly.

"They will be back very soon, you just wait and see.

They will be successful. They are strong and have not only the backing of our fine warriors but Iver tells me they are expecting a large showing from the McColl.

Together, they will battle for what is rightfully theirs and it will all be over very soon.

Trust me, it will be resolved very quickly and before we know it we will be reunited with our husbands. "

Unfortunately, nothing worth having is ever gained so quickly or so easily. And Gwyn should have realized this by now.