Page 63 of Highland Sky

“I have an idea,” said Tomas.

“What’s that?” asked Nash.

“I ken how to thatch roofs. I will no’ only help, but will also teach the rest of the clan to do so. I want to be a guid leader now, as clan chieftain. This will also bring everyone together. North, if ye’ll work with me, it’ll allow Kellina and Nash time to get away for a few days. Nash, take her to the marketplace, and stay the night at an inn. Celebrate yer marriage, since ye havena had time to really do that yet. Ye two need to get away from here and relax. Mayhap it would help, after everythin’ ye’ve been through lately.”

“I like the sound of that,” said Nash, thinking it sounded like heaven. “What do ye say, Brathair?”

“I’ve been through just as much as ye – regardin’ our parents.” North didn’t look at all happy with this proposal.

“That’s true,” said Nash. “I suppose it wouldna be fair of me to ask this of ye. Ye have already helped me out so much, and I thank ye.”

“I also think this sounds like I’ll be doin’ yer punishment while ye’re out havin’ a guid time,” North continued. “I dinna like it at all.”

“Well, what if I promise to go with ye and help out when ye get yer sentence?” asked Nash. “Then would ye do it? Please?”

North took a big swig of whisky, then sighed loudly, looking over to Nash. “Sure,” he said with a snort. “Even if I dinna believe for one minute that ye’re goin’ to leave yer new wife to come with me when I get my sentence.”

“I’ve never broken a promise to ye before, have I, Brathair?”

North thought for a moment and then shrugged. “I guess no’.”

“I’ll bring ye somethin’ back from the market as well,” Nash promised.

“I’ll do even better than that,” said Tomas with a chuckle. “Nash, as soon as the roofs are all thatched, I’ll write a missive personally to that old bat, Callum MacKeefe. I’ll tell him yer punishment is completed and that ye are no longer needed here. After all, ye will have done everythin’ he wanted, now that ye’re married to Kellina as well.”

“I’d like that,” said Nash with a nod, looking over at his brother. “Well? Is it settled then?”

“Will ye bring me back somethin’ made of silver?” asked North, always wanting nice things that others had and he couldn’t afford. “I like silver, ye ken.”

“I’ll do my best,” Nash promised.

“Then ye’ve got a deal.” North raised his tankard in the air and the three of them drank together. “This way, I’ll get my punishment quicker. God kens, I’ve waited long enough, and had to feel the wrath of each of yer punishments so far. It’s about time that things are just about me.”

“Ye’re the best, Brathair.” Nash laughed, starting to feel more and more relaxed with each sip of Mountain Magic he took. “The best part is, all our worries are behind us now, and the worst is over.”

“Somethin’ tells me, it’s never over,” said North, burying his nose in his tankard.

No one knew how true North’s assumption was going to prove to be.