Page 53 of Highland Sky

“Us?” asked Nash. “Whatever would he want to talk to me for?”

“I dinna ken,” Fergus answered. “He told me to hurry. He said that if he died before he could talk to ye two, then there would never be peace between the MacKenzies and the MacKeefes.”

“That’s an odd thing to say,” commented Spring. “After all, there should already be peace since Kellina and Nash married to form an alliance.”

“I have a suspicion that there is more behind this alliance than the chieftain led ye two to believe,” said Fergus.

“What does that mean?” asked Kellina.

“I think it has to do with the deaths of yer parents, but I’m no’ certain.”

“Our parents?” asked Kellina. “I’m confused.”

Fergus’ eyes roamed over to Nash. “Doesna she ken?”

“Ken what?” asked Kellina.

“I tried to tell her, but it isna easy to get a word in edgewise with her,” said Nash.

“Tell me what?” asked Kellina. “Nash, what is goin’ on?”

“I’m no’ sure exactly what the chieftain wants with us, lass,” answered Nash. “However, I have to guess that this all has somethin’ to do with the fact that my parents were killed in the same battle that took yer parents’ lives.”

“They were?” asked Kellina, looking shocked.

“Aye. My parents were killed on the same day as yers,” Nash continued.

“I didna ken this,” said Kellina. “Then ye are sayin’ that –”

“That’s right,” said Nash with a slight nod. “Yer parents were killed by MacKeefes, but my parents were killed by the MacKenzies. Now, ye see that I ken exactly how ye feel.”