At Mercy's Will

Part 30

11 months had passed since Brenin came into the world and already Andrew was complaining. he wasn't the only one for Nicolas hated how Brenin took all the attention away. Calum trained with his Grandfather and everyone could see his talent for swordsmanship, Nicolas loved to write and read and would often spend hours perfecting his letters and reading thick books. Andrew loved shoot arrows and seemed to hit every target. as a gift from their grandfather each boy received a pony to ride and practice. Nicolas hated riding almost at the beginning but soon grew to like it. Andrew and Calum would often fight trying to prove which one was stronger. while Brenin slept most of the day, Andrew and Nicolas took turns glaring at the baby who followed them all around the room. 

"MA, Brenin won't stop following me!" Andrew exclaimed angrily. 

"He just wants to play with you." she said with a laugh.

"Ma, when will Kathrine come and visit us?" Calum asked.

"i don't know, perhaps soon." she said with a smile. 

secretly she was worried for Eileen and Edward, she had been told that she would receive a letter saying they were alright, but still none came. through the talk of the village she heard that the king and Queen had made it back to the castle safely. she thought back to the date and recalled that later the day she would have to travel back to Scotland, to visit her father's grave. 

"you know you don't have to go alone, the boys can come along too. and with Brenin, he will want his mother." Senior Andrew said as she got into the carriage. 

"I know, i will only be there for a max of a day, before i travel back. i am no longer welcome into my old home, so it will be quick." she said closing the carriage door. 

"And Tristan?"

"He knows, now i better be off, good luck." she said before the carriage started off. 

after days of travel she finally made it to her old land. she walked to her father's grave a sad smile on her lips. she knelt in front of the stone and read over the familiar words. 

"Hello da,"

Tristan looked out the window from where he sat, Lisa was meant to arrive back any day now instead some other clan came. the Laird was sitting at his table eating, his father didn't like the man and glared at him. Calum caught on to what his Grandfather felt and glared at the guest Andrew and Nicolas chatted away, while Brenin was asleep in the nursery. 

"My lord, has something out side caught your attention?" he asked. 

"Hmm? no, it is nothing. tell me again what your name is?" Tristan said looking back to their guest. 

"Laird Simon O'Neal." he said with a smile. 

Tristan nodded and continued to eat. he looked out the window to see a carriage pulling into the court, Tristan jumped up. His son's watching his movements.

"If you excuse me, my wife has just returned." he said with a grin. 

Andrew and Nicolas ran out of the room, already calling for their ma. Calum came up behind them with Andrew Senior at his tale. Tristan sprinted down the halls and stairs to the carriage, Lisa stepped out grinning. she threw her bag down and raced up to Tristan. 

"MA!" the boys yelled. 

Tristan hugged her tightly as his sons came hugging their mother's legs. she laughed and let him go to hug each of the boys. Tristan grinned, she stood back up and kissed him. 

"EWWW!" all the boys exclaimed. 

Lisa laughed pulling away and they walked her in, she greeted the other servants that were glad to have her back. his father walked up to her hugging her and patting her back. the boys told her that they had kept their promise and watched Brenin. she walked into the hall and froze in her tracks, a look of horror flashed through her eyes as she stared at their guest. 

"Love this is Laird-" Tristan said

"Laird Simon O'Neal, how are you Lady Lisa McLean?" he asked standing.

"It is Lady Marus." she stuttered.

"Of course, your brother told us about your marriage." he said with a sly smile. 

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Ma, what's wrong?"Nicolas said tugging on her gown.

"Go with your brother's upstairs." she whispered to him. 

he nodded and Calum took both his brother's out of the room. 

"Laird McLean, still hasn't forgiven you for the marriage that he didn't approve of, last i was told you were to marry me. funny how i stumbled across your home, on my journey South, don't worry my dear, i won't be staying for much longer only two more days." he said. 

"I will greet you since you are in my home, but you are not to talk to my family or me." she snapped. 

"I can agree to those terms."

"I didn't ask if you would agree, i am demanding it. i hope you leave soon, good bye."she hissed.

Laird O'Neal walked to her and gave her a small smile before he walked past and out of the door. 

"if i had known-" Tristan started.

"But you didn't, it is fine. he will be gone soon." she said with a nod. 

"I told you i didn't like him." Senior Andrew stated. 

the next two days Laird O'Neal was not allowed by the boys rooms. Lisa would pretend he wasn't there and went about her business. Tristan now hated the man.

"My lady, your needle work is grand and by the way you raised these fine lads you are a good mother. " Laird O'Neal said to Lisa.

"thank you."

"Aye, but these lads need better nuritment, they look like sticks, see to it they get fed right." he added.

Tristan stood up, not being able to handle the insults the man was saying to his wife.

"Laird O'Neal, you have outstayed your welcome. Take your men and get out of my land."Tristan demanded. 

O'Neal stood and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Lisa broke down crying, Brenin looked up at the commotion. Tristan walked over to her and put his arms around her. 

"It is alright love, he is going." He whispered. 

she nodded and whipped her eyes. after she calmed down she went to tuck in Brenin and the other boys. Tristan went to the window and watched the other soldiers pulling out of the Court. he sighed in relief and turned to see his father at the door.

"Tristan, i want to tell you that you can't put your longing in front of everything. both Calum and i knew that Laird O'Neal wasn't a good man." his father said.

"At least he is leaving." Tristan said. 

"At least, now, one of our farm lands needs to be checked to see if they are producing what they need to be producing." His father added.

"We'll go tomorrow." Tristan said. 

his father nodded before leaving for his bed. Tristan watched the last of O'Neil's troops all out. he turned and left to his own room.