The Highlander's Lass; Arran's Story

Chapter 17 Arran

The sun blazed down on the courtyard. It was midday, when the heat of the day was the worst when we would duel for Maisie's hand. Maisie and I walked down the stone steps. Edmund was already standing in the center of a circle formed by both Wallace and Hamilton men. But I saw a man standing next to Edmund. He was flexing his sword and muscles on his arm. Gavin made me a promise that if something were to happen to me, that nothing would happen to Maisie. That she would stay on Wallace lands, far away from her father. That Maisie could very well be carrying my bairn inside of her now. Gavin would protect and care for Maisie and her mother, protecting them from Laird Hamilton. We came to stand in front of Edmund and the man, Laird Hamilton appeared beside Edmund. A sly smile on his face.

"What is this? Arran is to duel Edmund," Gavin demanded. Pointing at the man who just glared over at me with a malicious smile.

"Dougal volunteered to fight in Edmund's place. Making this duel a fair fight," Laird Hamilton said. I heard Maisie's intake of breath.

"Ye must be a coward Edmund, allowing another man to fight the woman ye claim ye want as your wife," I taunted. I knew that Edmund valued his honor above all. And if I could use that to my advantage I would.

"I am no coward Wallace," Edmund challenged. I looked down at the man who wanted my wife. Who thought himself worthy of her. When he was anything but.

"Then fight for her yourself, Boyd, if ye have the stones to do it," I continued to taunt. Edmund looked at Douglas and took the sword from his hand.Much to Laird Hamilton's shock.

"Let us get this over with Wallace," Boyd snapped. Douglas looked at Hamilton who had a look of pure shock on his face. I turned to Maisie and kissed her in front of Boyd. I looked at Gavin who knew what I was doing. Gavin wrapped his arm around both Davina and Maisie and pulled them toward Maisie's mother at the edge of the circle. Hamilton and his man retreated back leaving only Boyd and myself. I pulled my sword from my scabbard and threw the empty vessel in the dirt. We circled one another. I could tell he was nervous, his outburst cost him a good fighter. And now he had to put his own life at risk. I could see the sword shaking in his hand. This fight would be over long before it began. I knew men like Edmund my whole life. Thinking they could get away with anything. Take what they wanted from anyone. But he was not going to take Maisie away. Maisie and I belonged together. We would survive this together. I was growing frustrated, and I could sense the frustration of the crowd.

"Come on Boyd, ATTACK," I yelled at the cowardly man standing in front of me. He weakly charged at me, thrusting his sword at my ribs. I parried it and punched him hard in the face. He stumbled back, blood pouring from his nose. I attacked and he blocked me from piercing his stomach. He came out at me again this time less surprised. He swiped low at my legs, I parried and he got a jab in. It landed on my stomach, I groaned falling back. But quickly recovered, I lunged, slashing him directly on his thigh. He howled in pain and lunged at me on his good leg. Getting me on my sword arm. I hissed in pain, and heard Maisie calling for me. I turned and saw Maisie trying to get to me but was being held back. I saw the shadow of Boyd's sword, and caught it. I elbowed him in the ribs, causing him to fall to the ground. His sword inches away in the dirt. I aimed my sword at his chest.

"Pick it up sir, let us finish this," I snapped. I could feel blood sweeping through the sleeve of my shirt. I could not hope to understand why Robert Hamilton wished to marry his beautiful daughter to this fat cowardly bastard. He did not try to pick up his sword, but continued to stare up at me, fear in his eyes. I moved my sword up to his neck. The tip came to rest just under his chin. His eyes went wide with even more fear.

"I yield sir, I yield," Edmund whimpered. I could not hide my disgust for this man. I pulled my sword away and turned toward Robert Hamilton who was purple with rage.