Uncle Mac hesitated at the top of the steps, stepping one way toward a Maclean, then pivoting. Tavish sprinted after him. He’d wondered if he’d have the courage to confront the man he thought loved him and his father but after seeing Leana’s blood spilled not once but twice at the tip of his dagger, he wanted to spill some blood of his own now.
His breaths came hard and fast through his teeth, and he gripped the pommel of his sword until the pulse pounded through his fingers.
His uncle twisted, backing toward the wall with his sword ready. Tavish knew his uncle’s manner of fighting well, having trained against him, but he approached slowly. A good warrior never assumed, and it seemed his uncle was not the man he thought he was.
“Ye’ll no’ kill yer uncle will ye, Tavish?” He took another step back.
“Ye were quite ready to kill my da’ and no doubt me after,” Tavish spat.
“Nay, I wouldnae have harmed ye. I’ve loved ye as if ye were my own flesh.”
“I am yer own flesh.”
Kam took a step forward, one hand held aloft. Tavish kept his attention on his sword hand. “Come now…” He swiped at the last second and Tavish felt the swish of the sword blow past him as he jumped back.
In response, Tavish swept forward. Steel met steel. The impact vibrated through his arm, but he felt weakness behind his uncle’s response. The man didn’t have the strength he used to.
He lunged forward several more times, each time his blows blocked and parried. Movement behind his uncle caught his eye and he spotted Leana hurrying along the battlements. Her gaze locked onto his and he forgot where he was, the wails of fallen men melting into the background. With a sudden lurch, he was back into reality as a sword hissed past his nose.
Teeth gritted, he sliced again. A sudden burst of pain registered in his mind and he realized the thrust of steel had penetrated, digging into his side. A scream sounded and Tavish hazily identified it as belonging to Leana.
He twisted to bring his sword down upon the Campbell man who had struck him from behind, hitting him upon his shoulder. When he pivoted again, his uncle slashed forward. Tavish prepared himself for the blow, knowing he’d been too distracted and moved too late.
But the swing went wide and his uncle hissed out a curse, clutching his side. Behind him, Leana held her dagger out, ready to slice at him again.
“Ye damn heathen witch,” Uncle Mac spluttered, turning upon her.
Tavish rushed forward, head low. He struck Kam in the back with his shoulder and his uncle twisted, losing his balance. His legs hit the low wall and he flailed his arms, grasping for purchase.
His hands met air.
He spilled over the side in a sudden rush, vanishing into the darkness with a scream. Tavish held his breath for a few moments, staring at the spot where his uncle had been. Finally, his stiff limbs gave him permission to move and he peered over the edge. All that greeted him was the dark swell of sea.
“Is he gone?” Leana asked.
“Aye,” he said grimly. “He’s gone.”
She clasped his arm. “I’m sorry, Tavish.”
“I am too. He had all our love and didnae want it.”
She smiled. “Yer clan has a lot of love to give.”
He turned. “I know someone I’d like to give it to.” Cupping her face, he tilted it toward the light. “Are ye well? Did he harm ye?”
“A few scrapes.” She pushed his hands aside and tugged at his shirt. “I’m more worried about ye.”
He waved a hand. “A scratch.” He turned to view the bailey and caught the attention of one of his cousin’s, who was checking the bodies. “The Campbells?”
“Gone,” Bram said. “They retreated once ye took down the large one. We’ve secured the gate. I dinnae think they’ll be trying again.”
Tavish rubbed a hand across his sweaty brow and blew out a breath. “I should check on my father.”
“Ye need to be seen to first,” Leana ordered.
“Och, yer a demanding lass.”
“Aye, that I am.” She took his hand and led him down the steps.
He paused at the bottom of them, turning her to face him so he could cradle her face. “Ye saved my father’s life.”
She shrugged. “Barely. It almost cost ye yers.”
“Ye saved mine too.”
“It wasnae quite the revenge I pictured, I’ll admit.”
“The man who set the fire is gone now. I hope ye’ can feel at peace now.”
She glanced toward the wall and a small smile slipped across her lips. “I was starting to feel at peace the moment I stepped foot here.” Her smile widened. “Well, the moment I met ye I suppose, but, aye, I’m glad he is gone. I’m only sorry it turned out to be yer uncle.”
“I am too. He caused a lot of pain and that death was too easy for him.”
“My da’ will be gladdened to know the truth.”
“What of ye? Will ye live yer truth now?”
She shook her head. “I’ve been Leana for so long. Longer than I was Nessa. How can I go back?”
“Ye dinnae have to pretend with me.”
She curled her arms around his neck. “Aye, and that will do well enough for me.”
Ignoring the pain in his side, he pushed a hand under her hair, gripping the back of her neck, and pressed his lips to hers.
She kissed him back forcefully before breaking away. “I love ye, Tavish.”
He pressed his forehead to hers and kept his voice low. “I love ye...Nessa.”
Epilogue
Wood and blaze came together to fight off the hostile gusts of coastal wind that swept in through the Great Hall. A few moments later, calmness prevailed again. Having won yet another bout against the cold enemy, the fires crackled afresh, glimmering and gamboling in victory.
The dramatic scenes of the fireplace were reflective of the mood in the rest
