LETTERS OF FIRE AND SWORD: A Medieval Highlander Historical Romance by Dorothy Wiley

Author:Dorothy Wiley [Wiley, Dorothy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independently published
Published: 2023-04-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Saying Goodbye to a Knight

As he came awake the next morning, Alexander could not decide which of the announcements made by the king last night came as the greater shock.

He was to be married! Completely unprepared for that news, a thunderous storm of doubts suddenly assailed him. He and Erca had only just been reunited, and they needed time to get to know one another. He did not even know for sure that he loved her. Although none of that mattered in the world of lairds and nobles. Marriages were more often business negotiations between family or political representatives. Romance just was not a consideration, and lairds, nobles, and noblewomen were often wed to perfect strangers. He found that disgraceful. He always wanted his marriage someday to be founded on love. Only love can truly bind two souls together.

At least he already had tender feelings for Erca and found her beautiful, even alluring. And her courage and intelligence were undeniable. She would make a fine mother to his future sons and daughters. To be sure, she was a woman worth courting.

But married! Him?

He was a warrior, his heart hardened by battles filled with rage and killing. Many deep scars blemished his soul. As a sworn knight, he had taken the life of more foes than he could count. What kind of husband and father would he be? Marriage required a unity of two souls. A oneness of spirit. Was he even capable of committing his life to another? Was he worthy of Erca?

And the king’s other decree would be equally life-changing. His entire clan would be moving to Castle Sween. It was not unusual for clans to be relocated by Scotland’s kings. It was often done to strengthen regions of the country or to create new alliances. Land was now held by the king and awarded in exchange for loyalty and forms of service that were usually military. And the people on that land were expected to fill one of three roles. Those that pray, those that fight, and those that work.

But he worried that this shock would be too much for his elderly parents. The MacMillans had lived at the foot of Ben Lawers for generations. They all loved that mountain, the highest in the southern Scottish Highlands. And his Da did not take orders from anyone except God. But Lachlan MacMillan highly esteemed Robert the Bruce, and perhaps that would bend him toward following the king’s orders.

Shocking too, was the knowledge that he would now be laird of her clan, and he did not know any of the MacNeills except Erca, and he barely knew her. Hopefully though, out of respect for her father and Lady Erca, they would accept him. Even if they did accept him, could he lead them? And one day, he would have the responsibility of leading the MacMillans too.

With alarms and questions thrashing through his head, he hadn’t slept well and was late rising. He hastily finished washing and dressing and made his way to the great hall.

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