“There’s only one person powerful enough to grant or take land away from chieftains and grant titles,” Royden said, not quite believing his own thought.
“King David,” Fergus confirmed and rested his arms on the table, his hand gripping his tankard as he leaned in closer toward Royden sitting across from him. “The King had no choice. He was wise in making this man his friend rather than his enemy.”
“You’re talking about the leader of the mercenaries,” Royden said.
“I am. He’s not a man you want to cross. He’s wrath himself and only a fool would go up against him. You got a taste of the savagery he puts his men through. It’s nothing compared to his personal troop of warriors. When he wants something, he doesn’t stop until he gets it.”
“How did you come to fight for him?”
“I had nothing. He offered me something. Anything is better than nothing,” Fergus said, defending his decision. “And I’m not sorry I accepted his offer. I have a beautiful wife and two wonderful bairns and I’m a chieftain with land and influence.”
“That you stole from someone else,” Royden accused.
“And who did he take it from?” Fergus argued. “Battle, bargain, or marriage are the only ways to gain land and power.”
“Is that what this man wants, land and power?”
“I don’t know what he wants. I’m not privy to his private circle. I only know what he gave me—”
“You mean what you battled endlessly for,” Royden said.
Fergus brought his fist down hard on the table. “And I’d do it again to have what I have.”
“What is this man’s name?”
“I don’t know. Those that have seen him in battle call him the Beast. If you saw him in battle you’d know why—he’s ferocious like a wild animal that needs caging.”
“What does he want with this area?”
“I don’t know. It’s none of my business.” Fergus jabbed a finger toward him. “And it’s none of yours.”
“He made it my business when he attacked my home, took me and my brother, and endless clansmen captive, killed my father, God only knows what happened to my sister and,” —Royden kept tight rein on his anger as he raised his arm to rest his elbow on the table— “he took my hand.”
Fergus had the decency to cringe at the horror that had been done to Royden. “I know it doesn’t help, but it wasn’t done on purpose and believe me when I tell you I have seen worse things cut off a man. I’m warning you as a friend—”
“I’m not your friend.”
“Then as a fellow chieftain. What’s done is done. Nothing will change that. He doesn’t fail, Royden. Whatever it is he wants with this area, he will get. And when that day comes, you better be prepared to at least tolerate him or you won’t be long for this life.”
It wasn’t long after that that Royden watched Fergus ride off. He had learned a lot from Fergus’s short visit. This man Fergus spoke about, with a mix of fear and gratitude, had no intention of leaving this area without getting what he wanted. The question was, what did he want? He had laid claim to the Clan MacDonnegal through marriage. And while Fergus might be chieftain, he was answerable to this unknown man. Royden got the sense that the person who had somehow inherited the Clan Learmonth, along with its title was somehow connected to this man as well. That left the Clan MacGlennen, his wife’s clan, that supposedly was also promised to someone, and then there was the Clan Macara, yet to learn its fate. He wouldn’t be surprised if that hadn’t already been fated for someone as well.
But why? What did this man want from this particular area? And why would the King negotiate with him? He would have to benefit from it somehow. Perhaps a guarantee that this area of the Highlands would be faithful to the King.
When Fergus finally disappeared from sight, Royden turned to enter the keep and caught sight of his wife. She looked to be coming from Mildred’s cottage and when she spotted him, she smiled, waved, and rushed toward him. She didn’t appear at all upset and his guard went up. Maybe it wasn’t going to be as easy to talk with her about last night as he had thought.
Oria stretched her hand out to him as she got near. “Who knows how long this beautiful day will last. Come walk with me.”
Habit or need, had him reaching out and taking hold, closing his hand snugly around hers. He caught a smile that almost slipped from his lips when her hand latched around his with a strength that warned she wouldn’t let him go.
They walked slowly through the village. Many smiling generously as they called out greetings. Seeing the chieftain and his wife brought back some normalcy to the clan and promise of the future just as Bethany had remarked. It definitely was what they all needed.