Page 60 of A Fierce Archer

Ewan straightened in his saddle. Soon, he’d be faced with familiar faces and he was admittedly happy about it. Just as they neared, three men on horseback headed toward them. Kieran turned to him with a questioning look.

“Darach, Stuart and Gideon. Duncan is missing. He lives away from the keep with our half-brother, Calean. I am sure he will turn up later.”

When they got close enough, Ewan called out greetings and his brothers returned the greetings to him, Kieran and Naill.

As a group, they rode through the gates. Introductions would be made once they were indoors.

“How is Mother?” Ewan asked Gideon, the youngest brother.

“She is in good spirits.”

In other words, his mother, who had stopped caring for the late laird, was now free of him and his various lovers. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask if Una was gone, but he refrained. There would be time for that later.

The courtyard was well kept, just like he remembered. Everything in its place. The one thing his late father had passed down that was useful was his penchant for orderliness.

They dismounted and gave instructions for the care of the horses before heading into the house.

At the top of the stairs was his mother, her arm weaved through his sister Ella’s. Both were beautiful in their own right and beamed upon his approach.

“Welcome home, Son,” his mother said before hugging him tightly. “I hope ye have returned for good.”

There it was. The one thing he feared: breaking his mother’s heart again when she learned he was to never return to live there.

“We have much to discuss,” he told her and pressed a kiss to her brow. “I have missed ye, Mother.” When Ella pressed against his side, he placed an arm around her. “And ye as well.”

Once inside the great room, he waited for everyone to be together and he began introductions.

First he named Kieran, son of their father’s first cousin. There were the expected astounded looks by his mother and sister at Kieran’s attractive looks. Then he introduced Naill, head archer for Clan Ross. Finally, he motioned to his family and introduced them in order. First Darach, who was to be the new laird, then Stuart, and Gideon. Finally, he introduced his mother and, lastly, Ella.

It was Darach that spoke next. “Our brother, Duncan, and half-brother, Caelan, live away from here in another family estate on the southern end of the isle. We have a large family home there from where we can better keep watch over the large village there.”

Kieran nodded in acknowledgement and everyone went to sit around a long table in the great room.

Servants quickly brought food and drink, which Ewan was extremely grateful for. He was quite hungry.

While they ate, his brothers filled him in on what had occurred while he was gone. It seemed that the youngest, Gideon, had won many a competition in the games and Stuart had recently become engaged. Ewan wasn’t used to being center of attention. It was nice that his family was glad to see him.

Everyone ate and continued speaking. It was curious that no one brought up his father’s death. Even his sister, who’d been utterly devoted to their father, did not bring up his name. Finally, after lingering much too long, Naill was shown to his rooms so he could rest.

Ewan asked to speak to Darach and his mother. Of course, his other siblings insisted on being present and he could not deny them.

They sat in his father’s study, which instantly brought back memories he wished to push away. When Darach stood behind the desk that his father had spent many hours at, it was instantly clear that things were to be very different now.

Unlike their father, Darach Ross would be a decisive but fair leader. Darach was first a warrior and second a man who put the needs of his family and people before anything else. Since young, he’d been raised to be laird. Thankfully, he’d been taken under their uncle’s wing, since their father showed no interest in training the young boy and later man to rule one day.

Darach was actually Ewan’s half-brother. His mother had died birthing him. He was muscular in the right places and lean where it mattered, looking every bit a laird.

“Once we found out ye were coming, I held back on taking my oath until yer arrival,” Darach informed him. “It is only right that all of us be together for this.”

Ewan nodded and let out a breath. “I am honored to be present. Ye will be a good and fair laird. I have no doubts ye will lead the people well.”

By Darach’s questioning look, Ewan knew his half-brother suspected he had more to say. “What is it?”

The room was crowded, with the four Ross siblings, Lady Ross and Kieran. Stuart and Gideon had to stand against the wall.

Despite having prepared exactly what to say, in that moment, he hesitated. Just then, there were voices and his brother, Duncan, and half-brother, Caelan, entered. They each greeted Ewan with a hug. Then seeming to sense tension in the air, they took their places and stood by the door and wall.

“I have something to tell everyone,” Ewan started. “Malcolm Ross has granted me a large parcel of land as well as a home. Part of my accepting the land is that I will be laird to the people there.”