Highland Chieftain (Book 5)

Chapter 22

AN - So sorry I had taken so long, real life got in the way again. Hope this makes up for it and thanks for waiting so patiently! Az x

Chapter 22

It had been a full winter, one full of misery and heartache. Fever had swept through the clan and decimated the fit and healthy. In the hardest times of the year, the fever had taken away some of their heartiest of brethren. Yet, just when they had started to come out of winter, when those who had survived were coming out of a deep state of shock and morning whilst the earth was still sprinkled with snow over his hard packed dirt, Kendrick's father had taken ill. Camdyn had invited him, as delegation to his father, to renew the trade treaty between their clans, it had been even more lucrative than they had seen possible the previous year and so it seemed to be a promising future for both clans.

Kendrick had had to send word of the delay to his friend that an emergency had overcome his clan. But what he did not want to leak was the state of his father. The clan had pulled together to hide his state, until they knew how he would fare. Having collapsed in the main hall, he had not woken for hours and even so he had changed somehow. Kendrick could not put his finger on it, but his strong, reliable father seemed somewhat weaker than he had before. The clan could not be seen as weak, especially not when they had such an enemy as theirs just one small clan over from them. Wiping his hands down his face as he had had his father's steward pen the reply to Cam in carefully worded script. Cam was to be trusted, it was whoever may intercept the message he was fearful of. He wished to add some message for Larena but he could think of nothing that would be tame enough but convey his true meaning to her. Not without putting her at risk if the message was intercepted.

Still worrying over his father's health, he had practically been forced onto his horse by the man who told him in no uncertain terms to stop mithering and go and secure the clan the wealth it deserved. He had set off with his men whilst the ground was still going through the thaw as spring was coming upon them. Only cold and weary by the time he and his men were to enter the needed pass to gain entry to Camdyn's land, they came upon a blockage of the pass by the thawing land. Forcing them to dismount and spend days they had not counted on moving piles of earth out of their way. Finally reaching MacKay land cold, bedraggled and in good need of a clean as the moon had just started to make its way over the mountain range. Even as weary as they all were, Kendrick had to admit that the silvery glow the moon cast upon the Keep was indeed magical, as if the fae had been out to pain the stonework themselves. It caused the seed of hope in his chest to crack and grow as he hoped to see the one face he had dreamt off throughout the cold winter nights and the harsh nights on the way these last weeks.

His ragtag group finally managed to dismount and limp their way forward to greet the welcome party. The weariness lifting a moment at the joy of the reunion. All knowing the deal could work for the betterment of both parties here. Yet, Kendrick had to admit it may be a few days before he could sit down and think suitably enough to hammer out the details of the joint campaign. Clasping forearms with Cam he and Aislinn both bid him welcome with recited words and genuine warmth. Aislinn playfully mentioning the need for warm water to be made ready for he and his men, much to the delight of the welcoming party and the consternation of his men.

Abruptly Aislinn moved from her spot at Cam's side, Kendrick's brow furrowing in concern as she saw where he headed. Cam turning at the same moment in that direction also, but both of the men were frozen in shock as they realised the same thing at the same time. "Artair?" Aislinn's question bypassed the male altogether and Kendrick was trying to think of any other explanation for his old friend's strange behaviour. He had only seen Aonghus like this once before and that was because something had happened to the male before him. That could only mean one thing...and it was not a good thought to have.