“You arrived in time to aid us and for that I’m most grateful.” Gently, Duncan rubbed Ella’s back as he held her, his very soul demanding further retribution against the warrior who’d tried to hurt her, only the man had already paid with his life.
“We need to see to the burial of all those who’ve perished here this day.” Ethan touched Ella on the back and she slid out of Duncan’s hold and hugged her brother. Ethan whispered in her ear, “Tend to Ivor’s wound while Duncan and I dig a pit.”
“Of course.” Shaking, she stepped across to Ivor and the two left.
Duncan watched her as she walked across the meadow and disappeared inside the cottage. Once assured she remained safe within her grandparents’ home, he turned to Ethan. “I truly thank you for your timely arrival and aid in the battle.”
“I never wished for this fight. Certainly when the MacDonald learns of this battle and his nephew’s death, he’ll come after you.”
“I’ve no doubt the war between our clans is about to get a hell of a lot bloodier.” He gripped Ethan’s shoulder. “I’ll make things right. Never will I allow you, your sister or your grandparents to suffer any injustice because of what’s happened here this day.”
The reek of death now pervaded this place, as well as cast a heavy pall of darkness over them all. Aye, Gavin had paid with his life for his misdeeds, but so too would Duncan pay for the danger he’d brought down upon his wife’s head.
A danger he could never permit.
Above all else, Ella’s safety came first, no matter the cost to him.
Chapter 11
Inside the cottage, Ella tended to Ivor, cleaned and stitched his wound then burst into tears when her grandparents walked in the door and looked so stricken. She rushed across to them and Grandma bundled her up in her arms, a warm haven of strength within the storm of her emotions. She sobbed at the loss of life, babbled her distress at having brought such a battle to their doorstep, right here where she’d experienced only wonderful times. “I’m so sorry.”
“Duncan and Ethan met us in the meadow, told us all that had happened.” Grandma held her close.
“Gavin and his men’s deaths were inevitable from what we’ve been told.” Grandpa kissed the top of Ella’s head then nodded at Grandma. “I’ll go and aid Duncan and Ethan with the burials.”
“I’ll come with you.” Ivor rose from the seat where she’d tended him, his gaze on Grandpa. “The MacDonald will never allow his men’s deaths to pass without seeking retribution against those who had a hand in it.”
“Aye, I agree. Duncan also mentioned the same to my wife and I. He’s come up with a plan to deal with it.” Grandpa grasped Ivor’s shoulder. “Come, we’ll join the others now.”
“Stay right here.” Ivor cast her a look and when she nodded, he followed Grandpa out the door.
“Ivor is right. The MacDonald will certainly wish to seek his retribution against us all, and since we cannae change what has happened here this day, then we must prepare for what is to come.” Grandma rubbed her back, her words a soft murmur in her ear.
“I fear that retribution.”
“As do I. Come and sit.” Grandma urged her down into Grandpa’s rocking chair then knelt at the hearth, added another block of peat and once it had caught alight, dusted her hands against her kirtle’s blue skirts and rose. Frowning, Grandma pulled the three-legged stool from the corner closer and squeezed her knee. “A burden shared is a burden halved. Speak to me.”
“So many lives have been lost here this day and all because I chose to come and seek shelter with you.” Knees pulled to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them and rocked. Her heart ached, so bad. “All I ever wished to do was prevent such blood from being shed, no’ to have been the cause of it. I’ve dishonored Papa’s memory this day.”
“You’ve done no such thing, and I willnae have you think otherwise.”
“This is all such a mess.”
“The battle that occurred this day, and the deaths that came from it, were both unfortunate and unnecessary, but Duncan and Ivor did naught more than defend themselves, Ethan too in his need to halt the men seeking to attack you and your mate so underhandedly.” Grandma clasped her chilled hands, such sadness crossing her face. “While outside, Duncan spoke to your grandpa and I. He believes there is only one line of defense now open to us.”
“We cannae tell the MacDonald of Duncan’s involvement in this battle. He’ll come after him.”
“Duncan intends to take full responsibility for all that’s happened, and to ensure the rest of us remain clear of any involvement.” Grandma’s gaze softened. “You must allow him to do so. There’s no other way we can move forward if we all wish to survive the Chief of MacDonald’s coming wrath.”