Page 2 of Never Marry a Highlander

Chapter One

September,1661

Craig, his cousin Giles MacKay and the six guards he brought with him approached Clyth Castle, the MacKay banner flapping in the wind as they rode.It was a typical Highland late summer day, but this one without rain.They'd had a dry trip from Dun Ugadale.

Giles looked around the area, taking in the hills and the brooch itself, and turned toward Craig."Looks safe enough.I can think of a few things I would change."

Craig laughed.His cousin, who was as close to him as his two brothers, was always looking for problems and issues before they arose.It made him an excellent guardsman and someone Craig always wanted to go with him on trips.

"Who goes there?"A guard above them called down as they grew close to the castle wall.

Craig looked up, wanting to roll his eyes at the man's question since they obviously flew their banner."Craig MacKay, brother to Laird Robin MacKay and Giles MacKay, cousin to The MacKay."

The guardsman waved him on, and they entered the outer bailey.The area was filled with vendors and crofters, along with clansfolk who moved from vendor to vendor, examining their goods.

Knox Gunn, the laird's son strode toward them, as tall and rigid as always.Craig couldn't actually say he liked the man, since he really hadn’t spent much time with him, but he looked like someone he would want to be on his side of a battle."We were expecting yer laird."He looked around Craig as if Robin hid behind him.Craig slapped Knox on his back and moved him forward."I understand that.However, I need to speak with yer da."

Knox drew away."I hope ye're not planning on causing problems.The wedding is in two days, yer brother should be here verra soon."

Craig placed his hands on his hips."About that…"

"Did I just see The MacKay ride in?"Laird David Gunn walked to where the men stood.and frowned "Where is yer brother?"

Craig glanced at his cousin and decided that he was probably looking for trouble.Nevertheless, his playful side came out that charmed the lasses so much."I would say right about now Robin is in the middle of his wedding to Miss Helena Ross."

Knox growled, and Craig remembered that when the Gunns had visited the MacKay clan a few weeks before, Knox seemed to have feelings for Helena.Laird Gunn withdrew his sword as did Knox and the five guards standing behind him.Craig heard the sound of his men drawing their swords.Craig raised his hands."I doona come to just give ye bad news."He paused for a minute, then said, "I am here to take my brother's place."

Gunn stared at him, and if he was surprised, it didn't show on the man's face.As a good laird and warrior, The Gunn kept his thoughts to himself, and likewise from his face.He waved toward the keep."We shall discuss this in my study."The men all returned their swords to their scabbards and followed Gunn and his men.

Craig realized he could be headed to the dungeon, but considering how adamant Gunn appeared when he'd requested a match between his sister and Robin, he was almost certain the laird was interested in hearing what Craig had to say.

At least he hoped his instinct was correct.He had no problem with him and his men fighting their way out of the keep if it was only Gunn, Knox and the guardsmen surrounding their laird, since the MacKay warriors were well-known for their success in battle, but taking on all the warriors at the Gunn fortress, getting away would be challenging.

They all trooped up the stairs and down another corridor to a large room at the end.Comfortable chairs surrounded a hearth with a small fire burning.Even though it was near the end of the summer, the older castles were cold even then.

Gunn's men and Craig's guard stood along the wall.Craig, Giles, The Gunn, and Knox sat in wooden chairs surrounding a well-worn table."Now what is this about ye taking the place of the laird in the agreement we made."

Craig leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest."I am no' one to e'er expect to have this issue, but it seems Laird MacKay is in love with another woman.I ken, as does he, that his duty is to his clan, but seeing the misery of my brother, I offered to take his place."

The Gunn stared at him, and then shook his head."I doona understand foregoing yer responsibility for something as foolish as love.He could have made this lass his leman and carried forward on our agreement."

Giles stepped in."Miss Ross is no' the leman type.She is currently residing at Dornoch Castle, under the protection of the Sutherland Laird.She spent almost her entire life there, being raised by her aunt.If The MacKay made the lass his leman—which I ken he was no’ likely to do—it would have brought down the rath of the entire Sutherland Clan."

Silence reigned for a few minutes while Gunn sat and stared at his fingers splayed on the table in front of him.He looked up and said, "Why should I agree to this?"

"Do ye want to find a husband for yer sister?"

The Gunn nodded.

"Do ye want an alliance with the MacKays?"

The laird folded his hands and leaned forward."Aye.I ken all that, but breaking a betrothal agreement is an insult.How do ye plan to make up for that?"

Craig shrugged."I am no' authorized to offer any recompense except to marry yer sister."

The Gunn was not stupid.He had to know if he sent Craig away with threats of a coming battle, it would be a foolish move.He might feel slighted, but he also wanted an alliance with the MacKays and turning down this offer was no' the best idea for him or his clan.

"This turn of events must be given time for me to consider it."