20
Drew was relieved to see his brother, and his brother was relieved to see him.
“I thought ye were dead, hidden under a pile of bodies!” Blair exclaimed.
“It was nae my time, although it would hae been had this wee lass nae saved my life.”
Blair walked over to Sarah.
“Then I owe ye a debt. Thank ye,” he said. Sarah nodded. Drew was pleased that she wasn't entirely overwhelmed by the situation.
“Blair, Sarah was my handmaiden. I expect her to be treated in the same way as I have been,” Rosemary said.
“And she is more than that tae me, brother,” Drew admitted. He took Sarah's hand and kissed her on the head.
Blair threw his head back and laughed. “I knew that one day ye would understand! Oh brother, I am never going tae let ye forget all the times ye lectured me.”
Drew muttered something under his breath. Still, it was worth it if that was the only price he had to pay for being with Sarah.
“I must speak with ye, brother,” Drew said, and gestured for Blair to leave the tent. Before he left Blair kissed Rosemary, and then the two of them walked outside where they could talk alone.
“What is on yer mind?” Blair asked.
“First I want tae know how the battle is going?”
“Fine brother, better than we hoped. We hae managed tae drive the English back. They run scared, like the wee cowards they are. I hae nae been able tae corner their leader. He is a slippery one, running from battle, hiding behind his own men. They fight bravely. Are ye fit for battle? I can use another fierce warrior.”
“I am ready, brother. I have been ready tae get back tae the war. I have only had a brief taste, and I have tae slake my thirst for English blood.”
“Then we should return with haste!”
“But before we dae go, brother, I hae some doubt. I fear that we are putting the clan in danger by our actions.”
“Ye mean Rosemary and Sarah?”
“Aye. There was already discontent about Rosemary. It disnae look good now that I am wi’ Sarah.”
“They are always going to find someone tae complain about, Drew. Ye should not worry yerself about them tae much. We are winning the war. Our loyalty is nae in question.”
“Hae ye spoken tae Declan recently?”
“Briefly, before battle, but otherwise nae. I hae nae spoken to many of our kin. The McClair clan hae done us proud though.”
“He hae been having his mind twisted by Deirdre. She hae been scorned Drew, and she will nae stop until she has hurt you.”
“That woman,” Blair said, scowling. “If it would nae cause more trouble I would hae her head. I will hae words with Declan. He is young, he will learn as ye hae. How are ye finding love?” he asked.
“It is...strange. I did nae know it would be this powerful. I feel...stronger than ever before.”
“She seems like a good lass.”
“She could have run, Blair. She could have left me for dead, but she didnae. She stayed with me and nursed me back tae health. I owe her my life.”
“Then I owe her tae,” Blair said, putting a firm hand on Drew's shoulder. “I know we hae nae always seen eye tae eye on things, Drew, but I am glad ye are still with us. Let us return tae the field of battle and drive the English cowards back where they belong. Let us end this, if yer leg can handle it,” Blair said, glancing down at Drew's wound.
“Nothing could keep me from battle,” Drew said, gritting his teeth, “but there is one favor I would ask of ye. Let me hae the duel with their leader, Flynn. He hae treated Sarah cruelly, and I would see his blood on my blade before this is over.”
“Consider it done, brother.”