Page 16 of A Flawed Scotsman

Ruari Ross was a formidable man. Young, handsome and muscular. From what he’d learned, the man trained horses admirably. Cousin to Laird Ross, no doubt he enjoyed many benefits from it. There was a menacing presence about him, probably a family trait.

When the hazel, flat gaze met his for a moment, Calum felt a trickle of apprehension. It was as if the man could see through his façade. That he was there to impede Clans Ross and Fraser from an alliance.

Although as village constable, he did have certain privileges in exchange for his duties, it was a pittance compared to what Calum felt he deserved.

He was afforded a large cottage, free grain from the mill and other conveniences and was exempt from paying taxes. On top of that, when collecting from the villagers, he kept a tidy sum for himself.

However, the Mackenzie’s offer was truly generous. A large home, a wife and a large sum that would ensure he lived comfortably for the rest of his life.

A wife added to the offer proved most enticing. His wife had died just the year before during childbirth. Now the bairn was being raised by a village woman, not that he ever saw it or wished to.

“My laird sends his regards,” Ruari started, bringing Calum out of his musings.

Everyone, including him, waited for what the man would say next.

“He has agreed to an alliance by marriage between our clans. I, myself, will be who will marry. However, he stipulates and wishes ye to understand that we will not go to battle against the Mackenzie but will send a large contingency as a show of force and alliance with yer clan.”

“What good is this joining of our clans then?” Calum spat. “Tis only ye taking the lass away that will happen.”

When his laird gave him a pointed look, Calum quieted. But he was satisfied to have planted the seed of doubt.

Ruari nodded. “He’s decreed that I, along with a small force of men, will come here to live.”

This was a development he was not prepared for. Calum looked to the other men who listened intently, waiting to see what else Ruari would say.

“Our clan will be asking for volunteers who wish to come here. We are hoping for a group of at least fifty.”

Calum waved his hand dismissively. “What good are fifty against five hundred?”

“True,” Ruari said. “As I said, we are not to go to battle, but to be here to help defend and to show a willingness to protect. The Mackenzie has no way of knowing what is said in this room, correct?”

Once again, the hazel gaze drilled his and Calum narrowed his gaze. “Of course not. It is only that our clan is entrusting a great deal to show and not action.”

“What do ye propose then, Calum?” Keithen asked with uplifted brows. “Other than going and speaking to the Mackenzie, which we plan to do, is there another alternative ye wish to enlighten us with?”

He got to his feet. “I am not the enemy here. I have lived here most of my life and worked tirelessly to ensure yer interests are protected. Tis only that I have seen what happens to small clans when they oppose the Mackenzie. Even now, there are several new families newly arrived in the village because their clan refused…”

“That is precisely why we are not bending,” Laird Fraser said. “I refuse to fall under a man I do not respect.” The laird looked to him for a moment. “Yer concerns are understandable, and I thank ye for feeling free with yer opinion. There is still much to consider. We must come to a decision as I cannot ask Ruari to remain here indefinitely if we decide against allying with Clan Ross.”

The entire structure of what he’d been building was crumbling under his feet. If only the damned lass had died.

As soon as the laird called their conversation over, he’d have to find a way to meet with the Mackenzie. The man had forbidden him from traveling there, but there were ways for Calum to get the laird’s ear.

He scanned the faces of those present as they discussed how to proceed. It seemed they were all in favor of the marriage. He was not family, not a Fraser, and therefore felt left out, especially when they sought Ruari’s opinion on several things.

What did the newcomer know about life there? He’d not been around through the years and stood alongside the clan’s people year after year.

Just because the interloper came from a larger, more powerful clan did not mean he had any wisdom to impart.

“Tell me,” Calum started, getting Ruari’s attention. “What exactly is it that ye do for yer laird?”

“I serve as the horse handler, stable master and…”

“So ye are not normally part of any negotiations, nor have ye done this before?”

Ruari Ross’ lips pressed together in obvious displeasure. Laird Fraser gave Calum a direct look, no doubt displeased at his lack of manners.

Calum attempted a nonchalant expression but was sure he failed. “I am curious as ye seem to expect him to have answers for things most horsemen would not have experience in.”