It seemed he had saved her twice today, once from Peter and once from herself.
Sorrell found her two sisters sitting at one of the tables closest to the large hearth when she entered the Great Hall. It saddened her to see how the once Great Hall that so proudly had held splendid banquets, entertained visiting chieftains, and celebrated clan achievements now sat barely used. The many trestle tables and benches had seen little use in this last year and she couldn’t recall the last time minstrels had performed here.
She missed those days of friendly chatter, laughter, and fun with family and friends. They seemed to have disappeared overnight and her heart ached at the memories.
“Who is the strange man Dorrit says you sent to her to feed,” Willow asked when Sorrell joined her and Snow at the table.
“Someone of no importance. He is just passing through,” Sorrell said. “Besides, I have a more important matter to discuss.” She paused not believing herself what she was about to tell her sisters and kept her voice low when she spoke. “James has arranged a marriage for me to Seth MacCannish.”
Snow was quick to object. “You cannot marry him. He will not suit you.”
That Snow knew how wrong the match was, made Sorrell grateful to have a sister who understood her so well.
“My thoughts as well,” Willow said. “I am not one to decide or judge quickly, but in this situation there is no question about it. Seth MacCannish is all wrong for you. You would kill him before your wedding day is done.”
Sorrell had to laugh. “I voiced the same to James.”
She was pleased her sisters agreed, but she hadn’t doubted they would. She could count on them… always.
“You informed James you would not agree to the marriage,” Snow said, certain Sorrell had done just that.
“I did, but he said it was done and could not be undone.”
“Nonsense. We must think on it and find a way to get you out of it,” Snow said, Willow squeezing her wrist too late to alert her to hold her tongue.
“There is nothing you can do,” James said, hearing their conversation as he approached the table where they sat. “This marriage will benefit the clan and with the documents already signed by both parties, it would take something drastic to void the agreement. I truly am sorry, but I had little choice in the matter.”
“Seth MacCannish is not a suitable husband for Sorrell,” Snow said. “Why didn’t you discuss this matter with her before making a decision? And will you do the same to us? Marry us off to whoever you please?”
“I take no pleasure in this decision or ones to come,” James said.
“Ones to come?” Sorrell snapped. “What ones to come?”
“Sit and talk with us, James,” Willow offered, ignoring the scowl Sorrell shot her.
“Talk about what?” Sorrell turned a deeper scowl on James. “He’s already made his decisions. So, who will be the man you sacrifice Willow to? Or will the Lord of Fire decide that?”
“The Lord of Fire is trying to keep peace in the area. It is more complicated than first thought. Walsh MacLoon remains adamant about the land dispute. He has even gone as far as to request help from a distant relative, lord of a powerful clan.
“That won’t sit well with the Lord of Fire,” Sorrell said, then gave a short chuckle. “Now I understand and it is a good strategy to strengthen his power and increase his warriors.”
“What are you talking about?” Willow asked.
“Think about it, Willow,” Sorrell encouraged. “The Clan MacCannish is a good size and their warriors are a hardy bunch and skilled in battle. The Lord of Fire is building his forces, but why?” Sorrell turned to James. “Who is the distant relative that Walsh MacLoon reached out to?”
“No one knows.”
“Perhaps it is all a ruse,” Snow said, “Walsh MacLoon has been known to tell tall tales.”
“I hope this is one of those tall tales,” James said, “but in the meantime it is wise to be prepared and wise to see that neighboring clans stay friendly and loyal to one another.”
“Through forced marriages?” Sorrell questioned with distaste.
“Through duty,” James corrected and stood. “Seth MacCannish will visit with you sometime next week, at least give him a chance.”
Sorrell made no effort to respond to James and said not a word until he left the Great Hall.
“I’ll not wed him,” Sorrell said and no doubt she would reiterate those words often, though she feared they would do little good. The trap had been laid and sprung and she didn’t know how she’d escape it.
Snow reached out in search of Willow’s hand and Willow took hold of it. “There must be something that can be done.”
“The document is signed. It would take something drastic for the agreement to be broken,” Willow said, then looked to Sorrell. “Don’t get angry with me, but you should consider the benefits of this union along with the downside.”