Page 71 of The Highlander's Pirate Bride

And with that the two men and Aileen dashed down the stairs.

By now the leading ship was close enough for Raven to make out its flag.

“Those are indeed our Clan colors and the ship bears every resemblance to Everard’s birlinn.”

Raven and Muriel held their breath as the big birlinn drew closer to the entrance to the bay. As they watched, they saw the second MacNeil ship bearing Maxwell and Arne move into the bay. Within minutes its sail was full and the oarsmen were taking it toward the open sea.

As appeared, the two pursuing birlinns fell back and began tacking in a southerly direction.

“Ha.” Raven exclaimed. “Those were Sutherland’s ships fer sure “They’re much too cowardly to face two birlinns.”

Once their two ships had entered the bay, Raven hurried downstairs and along the jetty to meet them. There was already great excitement among the assembled sailors, fisher-folk and castle servants.

Ranald Dunbar was waiting at the dock when they arrived, hardly able to contain his excitement. “

“’Tis our Laird’s birlinn. ‘Tis here.”

Both birlinns had entered the bay and were lowering their sails, leaving it to the oarsmen to bring them alongside. A mighty cheer went up as they reached the dock. Within moments their anchors were lowered and their ropes attached to their moorings.

Raven, holding Thorsten in her arms was waving, her eyes alight with joy. “I cannae believe it. There’s me braither Everard, safe and sound.”

After having disembarked, Aileen looked on, gripped by conflicting emotions. On one hand she was overjoyed that Maxwell and Raven’s beloved brother had evaded Sutherland and, of course, she was greatly relieved there had been no skirmish between the MacNeils’ boats and the pursuing birlinns. But, on the other hand, it was now clear that Sutherland’s ships were prowling, ready to pursue or attack.

As Everard and Maxwell embraced each other, Aileen smiled. The men were so similar in their height, the breadth of their shoulders, their shoulder-length soot-dark hair, it was no wonder she’d made her mistake in tracking the wrong brother.

Yet, alike as the brothers were, there was something more imposing about Maxwell. Was it the lift of his chin, his confident stride, or the inked feathers coiling at his throat? No matter. Of the two men, it was Maxwell who had captured her, heart and soul.

As they made their way through the throng, Maxwell sought out Aileen.

“We’re tae meet in the Laird’s study. There is much tae discuss and I wish ye tae attend wi’ us. The talk will be of Sutherland and war, and yer knowledge will be welcomed.”

She nodded, her heart sinking at the very mention of war.

When she entered the study just a few minutes later, Everard was seated at a large table, flanked on his right and left hands by Maxwell and Arne. Several other men she did not recognize were also seated alongside.

The men stood as she walked in and Maxwell crossed over to take her by the arm. “This is Aileen MacAlpin.” He slid a small smile her way. “She… er… escorted me tae Dunrobin Castle and, shall we say,introducedme tae Laird Andrew Sutherland. He is, by the way, somewhat lacking in the good manners of hospitality.”

A rumbling chuckle greeted this comment and Aileen took a seat beside Maxwell.

As he’d said, the talk was of war.

First, they heard from Everard, who spoke of evading Sutherland’s men.

“We sailed in pursuit of the birlinn that had taken me braither. But we were fortunate. We received word he’d escaped and we turned back. I give thanks that me braither escaped the clutches of that pesky knave. And now, we will prepare tae end his audacity once and fer all.”

Arne then spoke briefly about messages sent to Dunvegan. “Me braither, the Laird Haldor, is assembling what men and boats he can spare to assist the MacNeils should Sutherland attack.”

Maxwell shifted uneasily in his chair, shaking his head. “I’ve nae doubt Sutherland plans an attack. The only question remaining is when will it come?’”

It was at this point that Everard turned to Aileen. “What say ye, lass? Daes yer knowledge of Sutherland help tae throw light on what his plans may be?”

Aileen stood, straightening her spine, striving for an authority she was far from feeling.

“I believe milord Maxwell is correct. Sutherland will never accept defiance. And our defiance is tripled now that he has escaped his clutches. He will ne’er tolerate this. He will storm the bay and the castle.”

“And when will this attack come?” Everard’s voice was steady as he coolly appraised Aileen.

“He will take nay risks. He isnae prepared tae lose. The attack will only come when he has assembled his fleet and his army and he is certain of victory. Yer spies will soon tell ye when he is ready.”

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