Page 11 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
The sun was low on the horizon when Lady Seona, her animals and cook rode into the camp Rhuad and his men had made in a grassy field near a stream.
“Where are Laird MacFearann and Sir Dougal Aitken?”She asked one of the men standing guard on the near side of the clearing.
“They and the other men have gone to scout our route forward.’Tis rumored that MacTavish raiders are in the area.”
“Laird MacTavish is my brother-in-law, and we are still on land belonging to Earl Marr who is also my brother-in-law.These lairds signed a peace accord along with my brother, Laird MacKai.None will be happy to learn that reivers are breaking the peace between these clans.”
The man shrugged.“Not all men are as loyal as they swear to be.”
“True,” she agreed, as she dismounted.“Would you please see to our horses then assist my cook with her preparations for our supper.”
“I should not leave my post, my lady.”
“I will stand your post for you.My brother taught me how.”
“I’m not sure...”
“You have been in MacKai service for some years.Do you recall how my sisters and I defeated the King of England’s army when my brother was away?”
He smiled.“Aye my lady.’Twas a grand sight to see all those Sassenachs in chains.Your brother generously shared the ransom for the captives with each of the MacKai guards.”
“And do you think six women could defeat an army without knowing how to stand guard?”
“No, Lady Seona.You have reminded me that you are more than capable of taking my post.I will tend the horses then assist your cook as you ask.”
“Excellent.Mistress Auchmuty will tell you what she needs.”
The man took charge of the horses and handed over his spear to Seona.Confident that he knew how to do his work, she marched off to a small hillock about ten yards distance from the tree line.The hillock would give her better vantage over the perimeter of the camp.The distance from the trees was sufficient to give her time to call out a warning if any attackers appeared.
***
THE SHADOWS LENGTHENED, and dusk loomed as Rhuad, Dougal and their men made their way back to camp.
“I’m almost sorry we did not find the reivers,” Dougal said.
Like the other men, he kept his mount to a walk.The day had been long, and the horses were tired.
“I’m not.We may still encounter them as we travel.We’ll be more than a week on our journey and will have God’s own luck if we make it all the way to Castle MacFearann without a fight.The longer we can avoid such an encounter the better, especially with two women to escort.”
“Don’t let Lady Seona hear you imply that she cannot defend herself or her cook.All of the MacKai sisters are well trained in most weaponry.Laird MacKai made sure of that,” Dougal cautioned.
“Why would he do such a thing?Everyone knows women are not strong enough to do battle, nor have they the stomach to kill an opponent when necessary.”
“Laird MacKai made his sisters train with weapons because their parents were murdered.He knew he could not guard all seven of them all of the time.Not unless he locked them in the keep tower.”
“That makes some sense.I pity the man being burdened with that many women to protect.However, you said seven.I thought Raeb MacKai had only six sisters.”
“His oldest sister, Sorcha, is wife to Earl Marr.The story of that match is a fascinating one.I believe you became involved in the final events because of your brother’s treason.”
“Ah yes, I recall now.I saw very little of Countess Marr while I was there.They say she is as beautiful as her sisters.”
“There is a reason why the seven of them are called the MacKai jewels.The surprising thing is that they are all more intelligent than any woman has a right to be.Even my beloved Maeve can dream up plots so complex that I have to explain the various parts of her plans to those intended to carry them out.’Twas she and Artis, the youngest of the sisters, who devised the plan that defeated the army Edward of England sent to Dungarob.Lady Seona played her part as well.”
“I thought that was a false story put about to embarrass the English.’Tis difficult to believe that six women succeeded in defeating an army without raising a single blade.”
“Almost.Lord Simon Du Grace...”
That would be Lady Jessamyn MacKai’s brother, yes?”
