Highlander’s Honorable Oath (Scottish Medieval Highlander Romance)

by Fiona Faris

  “Come in,” Callum called, turning to face the door.

  “My laird, the envoys from the MacKenzie clan are here. The gate guard has seen them and has announced them tae us,” the guard said and waited for any further instructions.

  “Is their laird with them? He has written tae us that he will be here, too,” Callum said, dropping the scrolls he was reading.

  “I have been informed it seemed he’d be here soon. The guards have seen his wagons and convoys.”

  “Summon the Council Elders fer an emergency meeting. Dae help me send fer Sir Gregory. Tell tae him I request his immediate appearance tae my office,” Callum ordered and walked over the chest of drawers where bottles of drink stood and took for himself a small bottle of ale.

  Callum, the Laird of the keep, glanced up from his work with a scowl that drew his tawny brows together over his ale and flung his gaze to the window. He watched the envoys climbing down from their horses with the MacKenzie’s clan flag firmly grasped in their hands. The sight reminded him of occurrences of some week’s past that had almost cost him his life. He had seen the same dress and the same flag, even the horse he was now seeing was so similar to the one the decoy envoy rode. As he was about to leave, a knock sounded on his door, stopping him.

  “Sir Gregory?” Callum said, his eyes lifting to the door.

  “Yes, my laird, I received yer request fer my immediate appearance tae yer office,” Sir Gregory said as he marched in with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

  “Yes! I did send fer ye. Have ye seen th’ envoys from the MacKenzie clan? Does it bring any memory?” Callum said and glanced at Sir Gregory, who now had a faint smile touching the corners of his lips.

  “Yes, my laird. It does bring memories, loathsome memories and beautiful ones. We could have all been dead if ye have nae seen the horse’s tracks. It was an ambush by the enemies of our clan,” Sir Gregory replied still on his feet.

  “Dae sit down, Sir Gregory,” Callum said and poured ale into two cups, handing one to Sir Gregory. “This one was made just this morning, and delivered some moments ago from the tavern,” Callum said proudly as he lifted his cup to his mouth.

  “Ye are right, my laird. The ale tastes fresh and well-produced. This kind should be served at the Harvest Gathering. I learned the Laird of Clan MacKenzie, the Laird of Clan Donald, the Laird of Clan MacGregor, the laird of Clan Campbell, and the Laird of Clan Eliot would soon be arriving. I have received a scroll from my uncle about the numbers of soldiers that will be marching with the Laird of the MacKenzie clan tae our keep, and I wonder if the others bring the same numbers, how we will feed them all?” Sir Gregory said with a bit of anger wrapped in his voice.

  “Daenae worry. We both know the MacKenzie clan laird has always loved tae flaunt his military strength and riches. I am sure he will have many wagons filled with fruit and drinks.” Callum said and smiled.

  “Ah! My laird! I forgot. He really would have many wagons,” Sir Gregory said and smiled too. Callum was about to say something else when the guard manning his door announced again.

  “My laird, the Council of Elders dae humble request me tae inform ye that they have been seated at the council court and await yer presence.”

  Callum and Sir Gregory, hearing the announcement quickly emptied their cups and walked to the court to meet with the elders.

  Gretchen was sweating profusely as she supervised the maids cleaning the keep from top to bottom and making the tarts Callum had requested. She moved from station to station, overseeing the food preparation and cleaning.

  She knew in some hours’ time, she would be unavoidably absent as she would be walking with Callum and the other members of the family, Merriam, and Ava, to welcome guests to the keep. Her eyes narrowed to Callum’s office as her thoughts thinly flashed to what had happened some days ago. They had almost kissed. She brushed her fingers through her hair and headed to the kitchen. She was teaching Cook and the kitchen maids how to apply the ingredients to make a brilliant tart. She stared at the bowls of butter, salt, lemon zest, and clotted cream.

  “You should add eggs now,” Grethen instructed the line of women, each with her own mixing bowl in front of her. “You can add flour and salt sae slowly sae that ye daenae over mix. Ye know the rest of the process. The Laird will be sae crossed if we daenae give tae him the perfect tart.”

  “Yes, my lady. We will surely make it’s tasty and wonderful,” one of the maids replied while she worked the dough. Gretchen took a snappy glance at the batter and explored it thinly with her fingers.

  “A job well done; this is becoming a tart. Ye can roll the dough out on the table over there. I will be back tae have a glance,” she said before she left the kitchen.

  The Council members, who had been waiting for Callum’s presence, stood as he walked with Sir Gregory into the court. The door had been left open, and Callum had given the guards at the entrance a single dismissing look before he traced his way into the room. As he entered, he met the waiting smiles of the Council members and perceived the scents of leather, vellum and freshly waxed wood, which made the air richly pungent. He wondered if he had entered the right place because the room seemed to be so finely reshaped and modified, not that it wasn’t a sight to see before, but the look was new and fit for royalty.

  “My Elders I apologize fer my lateness. The preparations fer the gatherin’ has slipped my time away,” Callum said and walked to the big chair where he was to sit among the Elders. His official seat, he had also noticed had been changed into an elegant carved chair. He smiled to himself and sat down.

  “My laird, we daenae anticipate the privilege of meeting with ye. We know how tied yer hands are. But when we received yer summons, we couldnae resist” Elder Gilbert acknowledged in a low, croaky, yet cheerful voice

  “Gratitude Elder Gilbert and all Elders seated here honorin’ my summoning announcement. As we all know, the harvest gathering feast is here. We have long anticipated the feast, and now that is upon us, we shall greatly embrace it. We have received many scrolls from our brother clans. And as I speak tae ye now, I have been informed of the arrival of the envoys of the MacKenzie tribe. Perhaps they have come tae us tae announce the coming of their Laird. Elder Alistair, we will need more crops, beef, and bacon. The gathering will gae larger than what we planned,” Callum said and flashed his gaze at Elder Alistair, who furrowed his brow.

  “Yes, my laird. I will see tae that immediately. If ye will excuse me now, I will gae prepare for the wagons loading,” Elder Alistair said slowly as he flashed a somewhat sharp gaze at Callum. He was not happy with the fact that they had to request for another full load of wagons with crops, beef, and other foodstuffs which he had planned to keep, restricting him to smuggle some of the crops into another town to sell.

  “Oh, we will all first meet with the Lairds and other visitors, then ye can have all the time tae oversee the wagon loading. Better still, ye can give orders tae the men in charge of the crops if ye dae not doubt their abilities tae deliver the crops perfectly,” Callum said and paused, glancing at Elder Alistair who had just murmured a thank you and had settled back in his seat.

  “Elder Patrick, we will be glad tae have a hundred more wagons of chickens and pigeons. It seems the Lairds would prefer more meats tae fish,” he said.

  “Yes, my laird. I will see tae that delivered before the moon comes out,” Elder Patrick said with a bow and settled back in his chair.

  “Elder Gilbert, is there anything more tae say, or anything ye have observed?” Callum said, glancing at the oldest of the elders.

  “Nae, my laird. I’d implore we gae stand by the gates and welcome the envoys and the Laird of the MacKenzie tribe, lest he accuse us of treatin’ him with the utmost disdain,” he said and laughed.

  “So rightly spoken. If there is nothing more tae discuss, I bring th’ meeting tae a close, and I implore every one of us tae treat visitors with the utmost respect. Come, let us gae welcome the envoys. The Laird should na
e be too far from here,” Callum said and stood. As he stood, other members of the council stood, also, and followed him out to welcome the visitors.

  Those who were accustomed to Laird Hamilton, Laird of Clan MacKenzie’s, usual purposeful stride would have been much surprised to see the bright smile on his face as he climbed down from his golden wagon and strode toward Callum and his other waiting clan members. He was accompanied by a hefty looking man who was the commander of his guards and two envoys in tartan trews with the clan’s flag grasped in their hands. A scroll was held lightly in his fingers, the contents of which he would love the Laird Callum to read to himself and to the council members. But as significant as the contents could be, it was not entirely responsible for his delighted look.

  Much as Laird Hamilton, a man with a full head of gray hair, was keenly interested in how the Laird of Clan Glenbogle has managed to make the keep a beautiful one more so than the last time he had visited, and how he had managed to keep most of his people happy, well-fed, and satisfied. He knew within him that it was a brilliant achievement which he could not have achieved. All this he thought with a twinkle of an eye and moved closer toward Callum and the entire council of elders. He flashed him a bright smile and suddenly enveloped he younger laird in a tight embrace.

  “I’m most glad when yer scroll was delivered tae my court by yer envoys. And I saw the invitation. I knew at once that I have tae prepare fer a journey, and I trust it would worth my while.” Laird Hamilton said. “The entire clan and I send greetings and happily felicitate with ye. This scroll reveals their messages, and the list of gifts they have fer ye. If ye sae wish, ye can read tae yer council members.”

  Callum fumbled with the scroll after a few murmured thanks as he rolled it open and started to read it. He knew the Laird who had just told him “if he so wished” had mainly used those words as formalities and protocols. He knew within him that what the Laird had just done was make a humble demand and not a request. Although he had an innate distrust of sentiment, particularly his own, and a profound aversion to anyone or anything that threatened his dignity, he had invited Laird Hamilton, the proudful Laird who, at any chance given, would not slack to show forth the hugeness of his keep and flaunt his military strength. And had been obligated to endure any act of pride and ostentatious flaunting of which he was sure there would be many more as he had had so many tidings in stock for him too.

  “The clan of the MacKenzie dae greatly felicitate with the Laird and the people of clan Glenbogle as they celebrate their harvest gathering, the first of its kind. We the MacKenzie tribe do know how huge and magnificent the harvest gathering would have been planned, so out of our generosity and brotherly concern, we have deemed it fit to support the gathering with gifts the most excellent crops, meats, and liquor our clan produces. This little we think can make a difference in the gathering, thereby providing endless satisfaction for the people witnessing the harvest gathering. Once again, do accept our profound felicitations.

  From the Laird of MacKenzie clan and the entirety of the clan.

  Laird Hamilton”

  Callum read out in front of the council members and people who were present and were witnessing the welcoming. He smiled as he finished and glanced at everyone present. Seeing the delight on their faces, he smiled again.

  “Oh, Laird Hamilton! We are sae grateful fer yer profound felicitations and the costly gifts, we, the Clan Glenbogle, are so delighted tae have ye present in this gathering, and we welcome ye and yer clan members who had chosen tae accompany ye here. However, we on our own part do pledge tae make yer stay a worthwhile kind, as we will provide a gladding atmosphere fer ye and yer people and a beautiful court tae rest yer heads. We are sae glad tae have everyone here again. If ye would allow me, I would be glad tae show ye some places in the keep yer eyes will find a beauty to behold.” Callum said, offering a hand to Laird Hamilton and made to gently pull him with him from the gate to wherever he intended showing him.

  “Oh, before we head tae the beautiful scenes ye have planned tae show me, may I humbly introduce the beautiful Lady of the MacKenzie tribe tae ye?” he asked. Without waiting for an answer Laird Hamilton signaled to a beautiful lady with bright hazel eyes, long, curly hair, and who was dressed in a sparkling lavender silk gown, trimmed with spills of white lace at the bodice and short puffed sleeves. As Callum saw her, within him, he admitted she was a beauty to behold.

  “Here I present tae ye, the beautiful Lady of MacKenzie tribe, Lady Bella!” Laird Hamilton announced, holding her hand and tugging her close to himself and Callum.

  “Greetings tae ye, my laird,” Lady Bella crooned in her soft, sweet voice and bowed slightly.

  “Greetings tae ye, too, my lady, it’s a huge honor tae receive such a graceful lady in our keep,” Callum said in a soft tone while he planted a soft kiss on her right hand with a faint smile on his face. “May I show ye all around how wonderful keep now?” Callum said, flashing a big smile across to the Laird and his envoys.

  “Yes, please, I should see. If ye sae wish, ye can keep Lady Bella company as ye show us around, and I will walk in the company of my envoys,” Laird Hamilton said, arching his eyebrows.

  “Well then,” Callum said and indicated with his hands the beautiful buildings and gatherings he had planned on showing them.

  His eyes glittered with slight amusement as he well knew what the Laird must have planned for him. He well knew that the Laird must have heard about him being unmarried and must have tried arranging a wedding for himself and his daughter. He knew the intent was not borne out of goodwill, but for political benefits. Callum had always known that if he didn’t act fast on his feelings for Gretchen, he might end up married to one of the countless young women who came out each season, all of them so similar that he would have difficulties picking one.

  Although Lady Bella was a beautiful lady, he admitted immediately that she was not a young woman whom he would ever consider courting. He could not imagine himself and Bella living happily in the confines of the Clan Glenbogle government without her father posing troubles with his interference in the affairs of the keep. Her irreverence and individuality, coupled with her father’s pride, would restrict her ability to blend smoothly into Callum’s world.

  Moreover, he had come to love Gretchen so much, and not even Bella could banish the feelings from his mind and soul.

  “If Gretchen had stayed closer, perhaps I wouldn’t have been obliged tae walk in the company of this lady?” he murmured to himself, as Bella’s hands gripped his fist and they walked toward a beautiful garden where bushes of roses stood. His eyes narrowed, searching for Gretchen’s figure, then it dawned on him that she might be busy working with the maids. Whatsoever she was doing, she would be closer to him tonight at the dinner and at the dance.

  Chapter Twelve

  The atmosphere in the sitting room was silent but volatile as Gretchen lifted her gaze to Callum who was outside flashing his brightest smile at the lady who clung to him like a snail to its shell. Her frown deepened, and with a spark of insight, she well understood that a wedding was being arranged for him by the Laird of MacKenzie. Swallowing hard, she stared directly into Lady Bella’s hazel eyes and saw the smile flashed on her face. Was she jealous? At least Laird Callum had not proposed to her yet, although they had shared long stares and they had almost shared a kiss. But that was not enough reason. The Laird might just be in the mood for a lady’s company, and he might have just found her the closest enough to give him the company. She continued to gaze at Callum and Lady Bella until they left her sight. Glumly preoccupied with her thoughts, Gretchen took little notice of her surroundings. She felt the urge to cry, but what if someone walked in, or what if Merriam heard her, what would she say? She slumped on the fluffy foamy leather chair with a sniffle, her heart aching.

  After a few hours, the keep was brightened by torchlight and candles. The people were already in the feasting mood as they gathered in the great hall. Gretchen was still in the sitting
room, glancing out from the window, still downtrodden and silent. At that moment, she became fully aware that she has developed feelings for Laird Callum, and she wasn’t sure of how she could shove them away and put them back in the box she’d stuffed them in since her betrothal to Fraser. It seemed that he must have found company with Lady Bella and must have developed feelings for her at first sight.

  She resolved to join the other maids in serving food to the guests and would bring herself never to think of Callum. As she turned to walk to the tavern, who should she run into but the man himself, gazing at her for what seemed like a long time. She almost tripped as she staggered in shock into his arms.

  Callum steadied her, gripping her shoulders gently. Their eyes were locked, and sparks of burning desire to strip and make love right in the sitting room enveloped the couple.

  “What were ye doing? Staring silently at the merry people while ye are alone here in this secluded atmosphere?” Callum said and paused, releasing her shoulders. “I have been searching the nooks and corners of the keep fer ye? If ye had been with me, I wouldnae have been politely forced tae take company with the lady.”