Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Like joining the Gallowglass and fight endless battles to keep enemies from his doorstep, or being wed and not told about it until it was done and becoming chieftain of a clan that will benefit Clan McCabe.”
“Aye, and you have done your duty well and will continue to do so when you officially claim your allegiance to Clan McCabe. I have even generously brought two of my finest warriors with me.” Lord Philip pointed over his shoulder to the two men behind him. “One is skilled in how to assist and counsel a chieftain and will help you carry out your duties and the other a skilled warrior who will train the men here to be fine warriors and ready to fight—”
“For Clan McCabe,” Cavell said, trying to keep his annoyance at bay.
“Of course, that is what is expected of a small clan that pledges allegiance to a larger, more influential clan,” his father said.
“Father is right, Cavell,” Harcus said. “It benefits both our clans.”
“How does Clan Murdock benefit from such an arrangement? Will you rush to defend us if attacked? Will you see we are well provided for if our crops should fail? Will you expect all the men from my clan to march off and fight for you and leave my clan vulnerable?”
Lord Philip bristled at being questioned. “You will do what I tell you so you and your clan may serve Clan McCabe well.”
“My clan, my decision,” Cavell repeated. “I will let you know when I decide which clan I will pledge allegiance to.”
Lord Philip sputtered as he attempted to speak. “Wh-what do you mean decide which clan? It is part of the marriage agreement and what other clan would want such an insignificant clan?”
“A marriage agreement I was never made privy to, never given a choice in, so the allegiance I claim will be to a clan that I decide upon. And I have no use for either of the two men you brought with you.”
“You need someone with experience and good instinct to talk with and counsel you,” his father insisted.
“And someone who will keep you apprised of all that goes on here.” Cavell accused.
“Something that would be in your best interest so I can make certain to avert any unwise decisions you make,” his father said, shaking his fisted hand at him. “And how could you even think of pledging allegiance to a clan other than your own?”
“I am no longer part of Clan McCabe. Clan Murdock is now my clan and as a wise chieftain I would be a fool not to choose the most powerful clan.”
“Which is Clan—” His father did not finish, his eyes turning wide as if realizing what his son had said. “Lord Slayer of Clan Ravinsher has asked for your allegiance.”
“And promised me more than you could ever give me,” Cavell said.
His father took a step forward and tried to keep the tremor out of his voice. “Slayer is insane. His father, Lord Bannaty, was relieved when his son joined the Gallowglass and not surprised when in only a short time, he was leader of a Gallowglass troop. He is a madman, and the other clans fear him, and he is even more so now with the deaths of his father and brother.
“They should fear him for he is a brilliant and fearless man, a dangerous combination, even more so that he now seeks revenge for the senseless deaths of his father and brother,” Cavell said.
“You cannot do this to your clan,” his father demanded. “You must honor the marriage arrangement as agreed upon. Why do you think I wed you to such an ugly woman?”
Elsie felt the rush of her husband’s rapid movement rather than see him move. His hand was at his father’s throat, his fingers digging into the flesh, leaving the man gasping for air while clawing at his son’s hand.
Harcus rushed to help his father, but Melvin stepped forward, his long-handled battle axe gripped in his hand in such a way that advised he was ready to use it, and Harcus retreated.
“Let him go, Cavell,” Harcus called out with anger.
“First, you will apologize to my wife for your rude tongue and if you ever refer to her as ugly again, the scars on my face will be nothing compared to the ones I leave on yours,” Cavell threatened and released his father with a forceful shove.
Lord Philip stumbled and fell to his knees, Harcus rushing to his aid. Though there was nothing his son could do as he desperately struggled for breath.
“Leave him or you will suffer the same,” Cavell warned, his brother sending him a scathing look, but not touching his father.
Elsie had never seen her husband so angry, nor had she seen him so quick to inflict harm or hear him issue such a vicious threat left no doubt he would not hesitate to carry out. Fear sent a shiver through her, realizing she had just witnessed the Gallowglass warrior in her husband.