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Everyone

Logan scanned the area. It was finally done.

Connor approached the head of his guards and gave them instructions to bury the dead and then head back.

“Where is he?” Logan asked Connor.

Connor smirked and said, “Just inside those trees, waiting for you. I’ll send a few more men with you.”

Logan sent his horse into the woods, smiling when he came upon the man he’d been meeting as an informant for so long. “Och, Samuel. Still think I’m a daft old man?”

“How did you know my name?” Samuel fidgeted with the ropes that bound his hands.

“I know more than you wish to give me credit for. So, you operated as Kelvan’s second, meeting me secretly in the forest, took my information directly to him, and have no guilt over hurting bairns.”

Samuel shrugged. “I did what I was told. Naught more, naught less. I care not about bairns. They don’t belong to me.”

“You did all that just for the coin?”

“Aye. I wanted the coin so I could …”

Logan arched a brow. “And the truth comes out at the end. Because I wish to make sure you will not assume Kelvan’s place and continue to bother the inhabitants of Mull, I’ve arranged for you and a few of your men to be taken into the Highlands.”

“This is the Highlands.”

Logan chuckled. “Clearly, you’ve not been deep in the Highlands, or you wouldn’t make such a foolish mistake. I tire of you, Samuel. Connor Grant and his guardsmen will see you to the Highlands near Inverness. Leave my people alone.”

Logan turned around and headed out.

“You’re a mean son of a bitch, you are,” Samuel called after him. “I’ll work for you for less.”

Logan laughed, a chilling sound that carried through the wind of the forest.

“Nay, you won’t.” He turned back to the area where everyone was taking their leave, finding Gwynie to ride back with him. As soon as she was settled in front of him, he whispered, “It’s finally over, wife.”

“Thank the Lord above, Logan. Enough is enough.”

Maeve and Maitland mounted their horse, Maeve silently crying with Grant now tied to her chest, sound asleep.

Lennox and Meg mounted up on two horses, the rescued lad seated behind Lennox, holding on tightly. They departed straight for Lochaline.

Alasdair approached Broc, Merryn, Alaric, and Eli, John behind him. “Many thanks for coming for us. It wasn’t easy. John and I are grateful.”

Alaric said, “You need to tie up that wound, cousin.” He helped him get an extra plaid around the wound in his thigh. “You fought like a wild man. Great job.”

Finlay approached, Kyla in front of him, exhausted but smiling. “Son, you were a sight to see fighting. You fight like your grandsire.”

Kyla teared up and nodded. “My thanks to you and Alaric and Alasdair. It was a group effort, and we are finally done with the fools. But I don’t think John was ever in trouble. Not with his sword and Lia nearby.”

“I didn’t like being tied up,” John declared. “I wish to return to Duart, Da. I’m sure Mama is verra worried.”

And another group departed.

Dyna rode next to them and said, “I’m going home to hug my bairns.

Derric will be so pleased to hear they are done now.

What a couple of fools. And one man caused so much trauma and devastation that it’s nearly unbelievable.

Good riddance to all of them.” She rubbed her hand where she’d punched the fool.

Alasdair chuckled. “Derric will know exactly what that’s from.”

Dyna snorted. “He’d be disappointed if I didn’t come back with ragged knuckles.”

Broc and Merryn climbed on Midnight Majesty and rode back together, following the long line of horses leading the way out of Drimnin and back to Lochaline where the ships awaited them. They’d borrowed many MacKinnis horses, but Majesty had been one that they insisted come along.

It was a quiet ride, so many exhausted yet grateful. When they reached Lochaline, Lennox and Meg headed toward Aoineadh Mò r .

Errol asked Lennox, “Do you think they’ll take me back, Chief?”

Meg overheard his question and said, “We heard about you from your mother, Errol. She misses you verra much.”

The lad began to cry and said, “Those men were so mean. I was just picking apples when they grabbed me.”

“We’re almost there, lad,” Lennox said over his shoulder.

As soon as they headed down the path toward the inn, two others noticed Errol and took off toward the building. “Clara! Clara! It’s Errol!” one shouted as they raced toward the tavern at the end of the street.

Clara came out the door at the same time they arrived. “Errol? Is it you? Oh, my wee bairn! Thank the Lord up above. Donnall! Donnall! He’s home.”

Lennox dismounted and helped Errol down. His mother rushed to his side and crushed the lad in a hug. “I thought we’d lost you forever, Errol.”

A man came out of the inn and shouted so loud that everyone ran to see what it was about. He strode slowly over to his son, stared into his eyes, and pulled his wife back so he could grasp the boy and hold him close. “Who do we thank for this?” Donnall asked.

Meg said, “Many people helped achieve this. We ended a big operation that has been selling bairns for a while. It took nearly all of us on Mull to discover who controlled it. The man in charge was buried in Drimnin along with many others. His name was Kelvan Mortimer, and he won’t be stealing any more bairns. ”

Clara began to sob, her hand on her son’s neck.

Meg took Clara’s other hand and whispered, “We found him in an underground holding. A sweet couple who’d also been taken captive watched over him.

The only information we had was that Errol became violently sick when they sailed away with the intent of selling him overseas, so he was brought back.

We know little else other than he was poorly fed and sickly.

Welcome him back with care. He’s been confused but couldn’t wait to get here. ”

“He’s home. Come, lad. I’ll take care of you. We’ll fix you up.” His mother led him to a cottage across from the inn. “Many thanks to you all. We are grateful.”

His father barked at two of his workers who ran inside and came out with two wrapped parcels. “We’re closing for the rest of the day. I give you what we have. A nicely smoked pheasant and a hunk of lamb. And a small barrel of our finest brew.”

“Not necessary,” Lennox said.

“Please,” Donnall said. “The meat will be wasted because I’m closing to celebrate his return. Take the barrel to Duart Castle for those returning from battle. They probably could use it.”

Lennox nodded. “Connor Grant and Logan Ramsay will appreciate it.”

Lennox and Meg mounted and started back toward Lochaline. They hadn’t gone far when she reached for Lennox. “Stop, please.”

A sound caught her coming from the woods.

It was a horse, and it was running straight toward them.

“My mare!” Meg hadn’t seen her beloved horse since she was locked up at the kirk not far from Oban. She’d been forced to leave her pet behind in order to save the bairns held captive. It had to be done, but her heart had missed the sweet girl so much.

She took off, but Lennox grabbed her. “Meg, she’s been running wild for a bit. Let her come to you. I can’t protect you if she’s unhinged.”

Tears ran down Meg’s cheeks as she waited for the small horse to approach, but the familiar neigh greeted her. The horse approached and nuzzled her, putting her head next to Meg’s.

Meg was so happy, she couldn’t stop smiling.

***

Later that night, the group had gathered in the great hall, a celebratory evening meal behind them, including many draws from the brew brought from Errol’s father.

The younger ones had decided to take a late dip in the cool loch, but the elders remained, now gathered around the hearth, reminiscing, the wee ones playing nearby.

Connor and Sela, Logan and Gwyneth, Kyla and Finlay, Alasdair and Emmalin, Maitland and Maeve, Brenna, Avelina and Drew, and Dyna and Derric sat while the bairns played quietly.

Thane, Simone, and Artan had returned to Clan MacQuarie with Magni and his parents going with them.

Lennox and Meg had dropped off some gifts and were now in the loch with the other young ones.

It was a much calmer atmosphere than they’d seen as of late.

Grant was sound asleep on his sire’s chest.

Maeve whispered, “Now that most are gone, I have a question for you, Alasdair. While you were held captive, did anything odd happen?”

Alasdair sat up, looking at his son. “What do you mean by odd?”

Maitland said, “Oh, I think there was verra much odd about that holding.”

Alasdair peered over at Maitland. “Why do you say that?”

“Besides Grant knowing where you all were, I have to ask you about the strength that came out of nowhere. You were weakening, Alasdair, and for good reason. You probably were hardly fed. A sudden surge of strength sent you swinging like you were twenty summers again, taking down two men that I saw. Then, all of a sudden, the blue light appeared from the sword, and you all fought like you were possessed of some unknown power.” Maitland paused for a moment, then squeezed Maeve’s hand.

“I felt it too. Maeve said Tora told her Alex warmed their cell on Ulva when they were taken. Did you see anything like that?”

Alasdair cleared his throat for a few moments.

Then he said, “I know exactly what you are asking, and the answer is aye. Lia spoke to me.” His gaze went to Uncle Connor and Aunt Kyla, knowing what it would mean to them.

“She said my father was there and told me not to worry about John. She told me that another man named Alex was there with a message for me.”

All had quieted to listen to his tale.

“And?” Kyla asked.

“I asked him why we were there. Grandda said I was there to save his daughter,” Alasdair explained as his gaze locked on Kyla’s. “I was there for you.”

Kyla gasped. “Da said that?” Then she looked to her brother. “Didn’t Tora tell you the same?”

Connor nodded.

“So Lia and Tora both said the same,” Kyla whispered. “How can you not believe something like that?”

“I believe it. How would she know a man named Alex unless he was truly there?” Emmalin asked. “I think he was there to watch over you. I believe in angels.” She squeezed Alasdair’s hand. “I believe you.”

Logan drawled, “I think we all do at this point after watching Lia.”

Connor said, “I wish I could see them again.”

Kyla added, “I miss them so much.”

Alasdair sighed. “Maitland, you’re right about the surge of power too.

I could feel my father with me when we were battling in the passageways.

I thought I was about to drop when I could smell the mint leaves, and then a sudden surge of power came over me.

It felt as though someone was using my arms. I know how daft that sounds, but it’s how I felt. ”

Maeve asked, “Do you all think there’s some special link between Grant and John?”

Four voices replied in unison, “Aye.”

Avelina said, “I don’t know what the connection is, Maeve, but there is definitely something there. They will be close all their lives, I think.”

Maitland laughed. “Anyone who was there surely agrees. I don’t understand it, but I accept it. I just pray that …” He stopped and shook his head. “I can’t even say the words.”

“What?” Connor asked.

“I know what he’s thinking,” Maeve said.

“I do too,” Dyna added. “Are they done? Is there another fool to take their place?”

Tora jumped up and ran over to her grandfather’s lap, leaning into him. They all followed her every move. “Gwandda says no mowe bad men.” Then she ran off.

Sandor jumped up with a squeal and ran in a circle, shoving at something as he giggled.

Alasdair immediately followed him. “Sandor, who is it?”

“Unca Shakie chaseen me aden.”

“What does he say, Sandor?”

“He say no mowe bad men.”

Sandor ran and giggled again. “’Top, Unca Shakie. What?” Then he stopped to stare up at something. “He say Shon an Gwant awe safe.”

***

The next morning, Broc and Merryn found Tristan in the stables, brushing down his horse. “Merryn, I assume you are staying a wee bit longer?”

“Aye, for now. Until I … I …”

Tristan came over and took Merryn’s hand in his.

“I understand. You’ve been through quite an ordeal.

Take your time. I’m returning so we can finish the tower.

The stable is done, and I’m hoping the men have most of the roof on the tower finished.

As for the wall? Not yet, but we’ll continue to work on it. ”

Broc glanced from Merryn to Tristan. “My lord, I wish to ask your permission to court your sister. And I have every intention of making her my wife when she’s ready.”

“Court?” Tristan grinned.

“I have asked Merryn to marry me, and she said aye, but she said she is not ready yet. We have agreed to wait until things settle down a bit.”

Tristan looked at his sister, then clasped her shoulder.

“It has been difficult for you both. Broc, what you went through was more difficult than anything I’ve ever done.

Your relationship has grown, but in a chaotic time.

I think it’s wise to wait. But when the time comes, I welcome you to Clan MacLean.

After speaking with my uncle, I’ve agreed to call the holding Clan MacLean.

Our sire would accept that. I won’t even discuss where you would like to live, but I pray that you will be willing to remain on Mull.

I don’t mind traveling to Duart to visit you and Shealee, Merryn, but across the water would not please me. ”

“I love Mull,” Merryn said. “But everything has happened so quickly.”

“Get to know each other. Broc, I thank you for guarding my sister so well. I think you will make a wonderful couple. I’m going home for a bit, but I’ll be back in a few days to update you.”

“And I’d be happy to come back and help wherever I can.”

Tristan said, “I will accept any help you can give.” Then he hugged Merryn. “I love you and Shealee, Merryn. Take care.”

Merryn’s tears ran down her cheeks, but they were finally the one thing she’d hoped for.

Happy tears.