"We could go back in through the doors and force them out."
Justin smiled. "Aye, but it will be an easier battle out here where they cannot hide in our homes."
"Perhaps we will have a feast and let them watch."
"Perhaps we will."
A rider came to tell them the rest of the Fergusons had run away. Kevin nodded. "When this is over, we will warn them not to set foot on MacGreagor land again. If they do, we will attack and kill the few lads they will have left."
A Ferguson appeared atop the western wall with a loaded bow. A MacGreagor archer shot him and the man fell backwards to his death. It was so quiet, that when he cried out and landed with a thud, everyone could hear.
Kevin said, "We left the ladders up. They will use them when the time comes just as we planned."
Justin agreed. "Ferguson made a mistake when he drove us inside the wall."
"Aye, but his lads are not well trained and he did not want any of our men outside able to kill his one at a time. It is an error he will die regretting." Kevin could see no more movement on top of the wall and Ferguson disappeared from the window. "It may be a long wait before they come out."
"Aye, it may."
She was in his arms again and when she looked up at him in the early dawn, Connor could see how tired she was. There were dark circles under her eyes and she looked like she would fall asleep on her feet. So he bent down and lifted her into his arms. She laid her head against his chest and went sound asleep. He took a relieved breath. She was back and she was finally his.
*
It wasn't long until Thomas walked into the meadow to stand beside Kevin. "We found your traitor, he is dead."
"Who?"
"Angus. He knew you would make Connor your third and he thought he deserved it."
"I never would have guessed. Does every laird have his traitor? My father did."
"Aye, it would seem so. I wonder who mine is."
Kevin playfully slapped his old friend on the back. "I will find him for you."
"I am happy to hear that."
"We are thinking of having a feast. Would your lads care to join us?"
"Some will join you, but my unmarried lads want to go home. They have never seen so many pleasing lasses as the ones you sent to us."
"Then I insist they stay!"
Thomas laughed. "You cannot keep them all to yourself, Kevin."