Page 86 of Sins of a Scot

“There are other ways tae control ye, boy,” he snarled.

Though the pain was no longer there, Iseabail still panted, trying to catch her breath.

“Iseabail?” Owen exclaimed.

“I’m fine,” she said. “I’m fine.”

“Tell me where the crystal is,” the laird demanded.

Owen, clearly in fear of what he might do to Iseabail, told the laird where they had hidden it.”

“’Tis by the huge oak in the middle o’ the glen,” he blurted.

Not trusting that Laird Sutherland would keep his word, they had dug a small hole and buried the crystal after wrapping it in a little sackcloth. Of course, they hadn’t quite realized how bad things would go, but now, Owen evidently felt like he had little choice. He was doing it to save her, Iseabail knew that. A part of her wished he wouldn’t. After this day was over, her life would hardly be worth living.

“Take them tae the dungeons,” Laird Sutherland yelled. “And get me horse ready.”

Once the four were shoved into the dull cell, and the huge wooden door slammed closed behind them, Iseabail ran to her father and Keane. The three hugged each other, her father even shedding a tear.

“I failed ye, Faither,” Iseabail said. “I’m so sorry.”

“Ye did naething o’ the sort,” he croaked. “In fact, what ye have accomplished is nay less than a miracle.”

“Aye,” Keane nodded as he kissed her hair, “fer sure, we didnae think we would ever see ye again.”

Iseabail turned to Owen. “Well, I cannae take all the credit. I couldnae have done it without Owen,” she said, waving him over to join them.

“Owen, I would like ye tae meet me faither, Laird Hamilton Mackay, and me braither, Keane. He is the finest warrior in our clan.”

“I am honored, me laird,” he nodded to her father, and then her brother, “Keane.”

“And this is Owen Sinclair,” she continued. “Son o’ Laird Madigan Sinclair o’ Clan Sinclair.”

Hamilton looked at Owen keenly. “I cannae thank ye fer all ye have done tae help Iseabail. I dinnae ken how ye managed tae get involved in this, but I am eternally grateful fer ye being there fer me daughter.”

Owen lifted the corner of his mouth and smirked a little. “Well, let’s just say, yer daughter is very resourceful, me laird.”

Iseabail smiled then. She could not imagine what had been going through Owen’s mind since her disclosure, but clearly, he did not hate her completely, as she thought he might.

“Please, call me Hamilton. Under the circumstances, I hardly think such niceties are necessary.”

“Howdidye two meet?” Keane asked, clearly wanting to know more.

“As it happens,” Owen said, “yer sister blackmailed me tae help her.”

This remark shocked Keane and Hamilton, and with wide-eyed glances at Iseabail, they then turned back to Owen with curious faces.

He gave a tortured smile then. “But I’m nay longer here against me will. In fact, me choice tae help her was made some time ago.”

“I was actually in search o’ the crystal when I discovered the very same thing hanging around Owen’s neck,” Iseabail clarified.

Owen lifted the necklace that had been, until then, hidden beneath his tunic.

“I’m nae proud tae say that in me desperation,” Iseabail continued, “I tried tae steal it.”

“Iseabail!” Hamilton exclaimed.

She shrugged her shoulders and looked bashful.