After two nights of little sleep, morning came far too quickly for Kevin, yet he was up early. Thomas, once a MacGreagor and Kevin's first in command, was married to Kevin's sister, Katie. When the Cameron laird died, the Cameron clan needed a wise, strong man to lead them and since his mother had been a Cameron, Thomas was the natural choice.
For years, Kevin and Thomas remained good friends and were happy to spend time with each other. It was their habit to meet early on the third morning of the week at the top of the hill beyond the meadow. On this day, when Kevin didn't show up or send someone to explain, Thomas knew something was wrong.
In the company of his usual guards, Laird Cameron sat on his horse on the rise of the hill and watched the window of Kevin's bedchamber. Finally, Kevin appeared and Thomas was relieved to see him. Still, when Kevin raised both arms high above his head as though he were stretching, Thomas' fears were confirmed -- something was wrong.
Thomas reached an arm out to the south to ask if it was the English. Kevin only lowered his arms. Then Thomas pointed North and Kevin did nothing. Thomas held the land to the west so he knew it was the Fergusons east of the MacGreagors. "I am not surprised," Thomas muttered.
Thomas put his right arm out, bent at the elbow to ask if they had enough food and water. When Kevin bent forward four times, the answer was 'yes,' they had enough food and water for four more days. Thomas waited, but when Kevin left the window, he had the final answer. Kevin didn't think they needed his help -- not yet anyway.
His anger was beginning to build. "Prepare for war," Thomas commanded. He told two of his men to stay out of sight and watch the MacGreagors. Then he led the rest of them toward home. There was much to do and little time to do it. After dark, he would be back and he would use Catherin's secret to find out what the devil was going on.
*
Rachel didn't mean to sleep so late, but it was nearly noon before her eyes opened. Her mother and stepfather weren't home, probably so they wouldn't wake her and it was very thoughtful of them. She took her time dressing and made a noon meal of bread and honey.
Then she opened the door and stepped out only to find Connor sitting on a log across the path from her cottage. "What could you possibly want?"
"I am waiting for an apology."