Page 12 of My Scarred Laird

Some people just died sooner than others.

Islay hated that she had to learn that lesson, but it was the most important one.

It was the hardest thing to learn.

Daracha didn’t understand her need to learn how to heal, or why, but she at least didn’t give her grief about it.

She wished she could be more like her sister. Daracha could run free, to go riding on her horse and didn’t have a care in the world.

She didn’t want to be cooped up in the castle like Islay chose to be.

She wanted to run free and live the life she chose. But Islay wanted to do what her father wanted from her.

Her father had been grateful that she went along with his wishes when her sister wouldn't and Islay knew her father didn't want to give his precious daughters up, but that he had no choice in the matter if he wanted their clan to thrive.

It was a hard decision, and Islay knew he agonized over it. Knew that he didn’t want to put their fates in someone else’s hands.

She loved that he wanted to protect them. But she knew it wasn’t meant to be.

She had accepted her fate a long time ago.

Knew that she would do her best to find happiness with whomever her dad chose.

She told Daracha that one night, and her sister scoffed. “I doona want anyone father chooses. I want ta choose my own life. My own man.”

Islay lay back on her bed, “Why? Why are ye so against father’s wishes? He only wants what is best for us.”

Daracha shook her head, “He wants what is best for the clan. No’ us.”

“Daracha! Ye canna believe that.”

“I do though Islay. He doesna care who we go to, only if he gets paid enough.”

Islay shook her head, “That isna true.”

“I saw his ledger book. I already ken who we are goin’ ta marry.”

“Who?”

“Have ye heard of the Scarred Laird? The one who everyone says is cursed?”

Islay rolled her eyes, “The Stewart Laird? I doona believe he is the devil.”

Daracha scoffed again, “I’m no’ about ta find out.”

That was the last conversation they had about it before everything changed.

One night, Islay was awakened by their housekeeper, Mae, to let her know that an older woman needed her help.

She seemed harmless, but she started coughing and struggling to breathe, and with daybreak, she seemed to get worse and worse.

Her sickness seemed to encompass her body and within three days of being in the castle, she succumbed to her illness.

Her illness caught on, and no matter what Islay did, nothing helped.

People got sick left and right, and after a fortnight went by, a lot of people died or were quickly on their way.

She and Daracha struggled in vain to keep death from coming, but it didn't work and soon, all the people in the castle were sick, and a lot of people in their small village had it too.