Page 56 of Wicked Passions

“I am ready to fight,” she said fiercely. “No one shall threaten my laird’s home or lands. Especially not a wretched MacDonald. And your clan—”

“Our clan.”

“Our clan will learn to value all skills. Warrior and scholar, protector and healer.”

“That is what I needed to hear,” Callum replied. “It strengthens me no end to know I have yours and Alastair’s love. We three shall achieve great things.”

As they neared the castle gate, he and Alastair both eased their horses into a trot. Then the applauding began. And the loud cheers. Women waved ribbons and linen cloths, their faces wreathed in smiles, and men stopped work to raise a triumphant fist.

“Welcome home, laird,” called one silver-haired man as he stepped out of his hut. “’Tis a grand day to be a MacIntyre!”

“Hail our laird,” yelled a young lad from the shore of the loch as he tugged a small fishing boat behind him. “The man who defeated all comers, including the MacDonald. Cruachan!”

A small boy bounded up. “Is this the new Lady of Glennoe, laird? The one who fights with swords?”

Isla leaned down. “Aye, laddie. I am Isla MacIntyre, formerly a Sutherland. Do you like my fine clothes?”

The boy’s eyes bulged, a huge grin split his face, then he turned and called to a group of other lads behind him: “It’s true! The lady wears hose!”

Abruptly the crowd parted to reveal his mother in a deep blue gown and silver girdle, her fair hair unbound and fluttering in the wind. “My son.”

Callum dismounted from his horse, assisted Isla down onto the ground, then strode forward to take a knee for her blessing. “Mother. I am glad you are well. When I saw the gathering…”

Maude rested a hand on his head, murmuring words in a language he did not know, before tugging him to his feet. “Let me look at you.”

“Aye.” Callum stood still at the familiar command, and she clasped his face in her hands, her violet gaze searing into his soul. Then she dipped into a curtsy.

“All is well,” said his mother with a sage nod, a beaming smile lighting up her face. “And all will be well. Now, introduce me to your wife.”

Callum held out his hand, and Isla walked over to join him. His mother’s eyes softened as she looked Isla up and down, before clasping her face in the same manner.

“Ah, yes,” she murmured. “A fierce and loving heart. You are most welcome here, Lady of Glennoe. God’s blessings upon you this day and all those to come. But you require shirt and hose to fit, so visit me in the solar this night for wine and comfits and I will take your measurements. We shall have such fun, you and I. A daughter at last. My heart is full.”

“Thank you, lady,” said Isla, her voice quavering a little.

“Maude. Or Mother.”

“Thank you…Mother.”

Callum cleared his throat, before he joined the two women in gaining misty eyes. “I ask that you also bid Alastair welcome, Mother. Alastair MacIntyre.”

Maude beckoned Alastair closer, and he took a knee in front of her. She took his chin in her hand, tilting it this way and that, before placing her hand atop his head. Then she turned to Callum. “Tis long past time you claimed the son I found, Callum. Long past time. Welcome home, Alastair MacIntyre.”

Callum stilled, staring at his mother. She stared right back, one haughty eyebrow raised, all the knowledge in the world gleaming in her eyes. For they both knew she meant far more with the word claimed than Alastair having a permanent home with the clan.

“I…er…yes. Foolish,” he replied. “But that mistake has been mended, and forgiveness granted. As you said, all is well. Now we must rest, after a week’s tourney and two-day ride from Stirling.”

Maude winked. “Indeed. Rest, my dears. I shall enjoy hearing all about the tourney in time. Especially how you defeated Rory MacDonald in a swordfight.”

He nodded. “I promise you will. Almost every detail. Then perhaps you’ll tell us what debt the king owed you.”

“I promise I will. Almost every detail. Now go. Rest.”

Callum held out his left arm for Isla to take. Then he rested his right at the small of Alastair’s back, and they made their way into the castle as the trio that they were.

Home.

They were finally home to the place that would witness their family, their children and their joy in the many years to come. But best of all it would witness the powerful love between a shy and scholarly laird who had found strength, a bold lady swordfighter who had found acceptance, and a brawny orphaned squire who had found his place in the world.

All was well.

All would be well.

Love had declared it so.

THE END