Page 6 of The Iron Highlander
Reuben nodded, “To make sure I become a great Laird. One who takes notice of his sheep and protects them, no matter the consequences and no matter the danger.”
“Exactly, and I was proud of what ye did today. Stepping up to the gates like that. Yer faither would be proud too, because that is what makes a good Laird.”
Rueben sat up, shocked that he was not getting a grilling. Instead, it turned out to be a commendation and he would take it. “Thank ye, I only do what ye taught me, and I want to be the best for all of our lands.”
“As I’m sure ye want to be. But ye need to understand something, Reuben. Yer a great warrior, someone who is feared by hundreds of people all around the highlands. Everyone is scared of ye, and they know the great desolation that comes when they try attacking the McDonalds. But this is not all weshould be known for. These girls who came to yer doorstep, they came seeking hospitality and help, and we gave it to them. Not because society calls for it, but because that is what good people do. They offer help, and that is what we did. We offer help.”
“But, Ma, there’s a chance that they are spies. I mean, she said it herself, they were sent by the McGowan, and they could be spying on us, looking to steal whatever information they can find to drag us down when their armies attack.”
“What better way to watch the spies than to keep them under yer own roof? Ye get to watch their every move, and make sure they can only see the things which ye want them to see. If ye don’t trust them, that’s fine, Reuben. But these are our guests, and they are not a threat to us. If ye choose not to trust them, ye shame our home and make people see us as savages who cannae keep a home.”
Reuben parted his lips to speak, but Grear shook her head. “These girls were abused and hurt by that mad man Sweeney, and ye would be no better than him if ye were to send them right back into his arms. I know what it is like to be forced into a union which ye wouldnae like, and I would never wish that on anyone, even my worst enemy. If it turns out that they’re spies, then we fight to defend what we have and keep our home until the last man.”
Grear turned around, walked towards her son and touched his hair gently, “Because if they aren’t spies and we treat them that way, then we would have lost their trust, and the trust of anyone else who would look to the McDonald castle and think,I can besafe there. We are already known as fearful warriors; I believe it is time we changed that narrative.”
Reuben nodded at his mother, “Thank ye, Maither, yer wisdom means more to me than ye know.”
Grear smiled, “Check on the sheep one last time.”
“Ma!” Reuben argued.
“I hear Matilda will soon give birth; she’s going to need some extra attention!”
Reuben left his mother’s chambers and began walking down the halls. He looked up at the horn of a wildebeest which hung along the walls. He smiled to himself as he remembered the day his father had returned from the wilderness, dragging the beast behind him. McDonald was the bravest man Reuben had ever known, and he would spend his entire life doing his best to make sure he lived up to the expectations which had been set by his father. He would not just be any Laird; he would be better.
Being better had to start with smaller gestures, and so, Reuben made his way down to the room which had been given to the visitors. As he got there, he found a servant walking the halls and he called to him. The servant walked over, bowing as he got close enough.
“I daenae want ye leaving this hallway for the rest of the time they are in here, alright? Daenae make it obvious, but Iwant ye watchin’ them the entire time, and if they do anything suspicious, let me ken, ye got it?”
“Right away, ye’ll be the first,” the servant replied and walked down to the end of the corridor and took a seat there, watching the door.
Reuben nodded at him and turned to the door. For a moment, the sheer weight of being a Laird seemed to fall on his shoulders. Unlike his father, Reuben was not good at managing an estate. It was the reason his mother was his most valued member of his court. His father had been excellent at defending their home from invaders, so much so that he had made sure that everyone feared the McDonalds.
But at the same time, he was an effortless Laird. He was able to balance both parts of it. He could effortlessly offer advice and aid to the people, and they loved him for it. Reuben knew he could not do that. He was good with a sword and that was about it. That was all he was able to do. Yet he was supposed to measure up to his father and be better. As much as he wanted to, Reuben knew that he would not be able to get much done if not for the advice and guidance of his mother. It was why he had come down there, as it was what she would want, even if she hadn’t said it.
The Laird walked towards the door of the room where the ladies waited and knocked on it. He waited a few moments before knocking again, waiting for the sounds of scurrying feet to reach his ears. Once he was certain someone was coming, he held his hand and allowed the door to be opened in his face. Hefound himself face to face with her again, Katherine McGowan. She stared up at him for a moment, and just as he saw the recognition in her glance, her expression turned sour.
Even with a frown on her face, she was effortlessly beautiful. Reuben now understood why her uncle wanted such beauty beside him. He cleared his throat and raised a hand. “Sorry for coming at such a late hour.”
Katherine flashed a fake smile, and Reuben caught the water dripping from her hair to the hollow of her chest. Turning his eyes away at the last moment, he continued. “I believe ye and I have gotten off on the wrong foot, or at least, ye have the wrong impression of me. I was just tryin’ to protect my home.”
“And I was just tryin’ to protect my sisters. I hope that is something ye can understand too, aye?”
Reuben bit his lip, almost taken back by the snappy comment. “Well, I do, and that was why I came to apologize. I understand yer struggle, and at first, I did nae, and so I have come to make peace.”
“I would like to retire for the night, as we are not at war. My sisters and I have traveled for a long time, and we are quite exhausted and like some sleep to relieve us from our weary, so if ye would not mind,” said Kate.
“Katherine, is it nae?” Reuben asked.
“Kate, just call me Kate.” Kate quickly replied.
“Why nae Katherine? It is a beautiful na…”
“Kate, Laird McGowan. That is all I will take or respond to. Kate. Is there anything else ye would like to discuss?”
Reuben stared at her in shock. His shock, however, gave way to excitement as her beauty dazzled him once again. He shook his head, “I…no, ye have a good night, ye and yer sisters. If ye need anything, just head up to the halls and ask any of the servants, anything at all.”
“Thank ye, I doubt we will.”
