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When all of the MacLaren warriors returned almost two months later, they were received with both joy and apprehension. As Gwyn stood upon the top stair next to her father anxiously listening to the Highlander's report, she felt a great sense of relief.

"The Laird Iver was finally successful in taking back the Chattan lands.

For nearly the first entire month, we along with a large force from the McColl were stationed well outside of the gates and made very little progress.

Then, with the ingenuity of the Laird Iver, we were able to breech their walls and took back what was rightfully his. "

Gwyn felt the tight grasp within her own hand as she smiled at Enya who had moved to her side. Her sister spoke with a near quiver to her voice.

"And Donnan? Is he well?"

"Yes, my lady, he is standing strong by the side of the Laird Iver. Together they are a force few will most likely challenge. Once we had breeched the outer defenses, it appeared the Fraser were not really willing to lose any more than they had already lost and they deserted rather quickly."

It was the Laird MacLaren who interjected.

"And now? How do they fare now?"

"My laird, you must understand there is still so much unrest in the Highlands both in the surrounding areas and within the Chattan's own.

They felt safe enough for our clan to leave and return home, but the McColl still remain.

While we were successful on behalf of them, nothing is deemed certain.

This is not going to be an easy transition.

Both the Lady Gwyn and the Lady Enya are to remain within the MacLaren lands until it is deemed safe for them to journey northward.

This was strictly communicated and this is the new laird's command. "

When Enya's startled cry pierced the air, the warrior hastily continued.

"But you must know, the laird of the Chattan is resilient and has a loyal following who are gaining strength by the day."

'The laird of the Chattan.'

Once again, Gwyn felt a satisfied warmth permeate her insides knowing Iver had fought so hard and he was deserving of this title.

Even within this a moment of self-absorption, she realized how she missed him dearly.

Unconsciously, she moved her hands down to her distended stomach and the babe she cradled.

Sadly, she realized it could be months or even years before things were completely settled.

While this played heavily upon her own heart, she could only hope that Enya would stay strong.

It was for this very reason that Gwyn insisted yet again, that much of their routine remain the same.

Each morning immediately following the breaking of their fasts, she and Enya would take Durell along with their horses to the hill overlooking her valley.

Together, they would ride and enjoy whatever the weather would provide.

It was on one of those cool mornings when they found themselves towards the lower valley when a commotion was heard at the top of the hill. As the three sat stilled upon their beasts, an ominous feeling began to grow in the pit of Gwyn's stomach.

"What in God's green earth-"

With confusion, she watched her uncle and three other clansmen crest the hill and come thundering down towards them. Even from this distance she could tell they had anxious looks about their faces and from how they handled their steeds, it was clear something was troubling them.

"My lady!"

It was Ennis who shouted as he and the other rider's beasts drew near.

"The keep! It is under attack! They have breached the walls!"

Gwyn's eyes immediately went in the direction of the MacLaren holdings but she could see none of it for the steep hill that rose before them.

It was an ominous silence hanging in the air all around them that caused the fingers of dread to wrap themselves around her heart.

It was then when an unwavering sense of protection permeated her mind.

Her uncle shouted again.

"We must hurry and get the three of you away from here and protected! We cannot return nor go anywhere near the holdings! We must hurry before they discover us!"

When Gwyn's eyes moved from the area of the distant keep and on to Ennis, it was Kamden who sat next to his side who spoke in a rush.

"Please, my lady, it is for your safety and that of Enya and Durell! We will take no chances! There is much danger behind us and we have no time to spare!"

Gwyn's eyes widened in fear realizing there were dangers everywhere. Ennis once again, spoke.

"The Laird MacLaren begged me to take you away and to hide you. He is behind fighting and provided us with strict instructions to take you north and to the holdings of your husbands. It appears safer for you there, than here. Hurry, we must ride now!"

Gwyn wondered at this strategy but would not argue with her father's directive.

"Father must have determined our situation warrants this. Staying anywhere near here must be much more perilous than staying within the MacLaren. Or he never would have suggested this."

Quickly, she moved her eyes to Durell and then on to her sister as they each sat upon their steeds. She nodded at each as she silently gained their understanding of the grave situation that was now theirs.

"Then, my uncle, let us get moving for we dare not be seen. The stakes are simply too great and we must protect Durell at all costs."

As she looked at her uncle's face, it was as if a silent message were sent between the two.

Both she and Ennis understood their roles in this world and the protection they needed to provide.

She trusted this man as if he were her own father and knew he would give his life for them.

Even though Ennis was her mother's brother and had not always been bound to the MacLaren, for the entirety of her life he had never been anything different.

He had always shown his full devotion and his love and she never questioned his loyalty.

A vision of his face those many years ago as he stood protectively outside of her mother's chamber during the darkest times of their lives, was telling. And the secretive words that they had shared and only the two of them understood rested decisively upon her heart.

'Good morn, Ennis. How are you on this fine day?'

'I have been quite peaceful, my lady. It has been a very tranquil morn, indeed.'

It was on that very day Gwyn's world had changed. She realized her role in this life was her duty to her clan, and to protect those around her.

"Then let us be gone from here!"

Together the party of seven rode quickly down the remainder of the hillside and disappeared into the trees as they made their way from the lands of the MacLaren.

Gwyn felt the desolation of this day and the fear for Durell as the future laird of the MacLaren.

She also felt a grave dread for her sister.

Her own life had been fraught with deception and the unknown, but Enya's life?

She never had been exposed to anything like this.

She could only hope she would prove to be strong for all of their sakes.

The small party did not stop as they hurriedly made their way through the trees and to the rise of the next hill. As they crested the heightened peak, Gwyn glanced over her shoulder for one last look of the MacLaren keep, if for nothing else then to gain a final memory of its holdings.

Way far and into the distant horizon, Gwyn could just make out the high walls surrounding the properties tucked securely within it.

For that flash of an instant before her view was obstructed, what she saw brought a new and sudden dread to her heart and one she never dreamed could ever be possible.

Gwyn could see no unrest and absolutely nothing appeared out of the ordinary.