Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“I am pleased to hear the, Brack, though loyal friend sounds better than servant to me,” Ryland said and held out his hand.
Brack took it. “I am honored to be your friend and will do whatever you ask of me.”
Ryland shook his head. “I am not Torrance. I don’t want you to agree with everything I say. I need you to share your opinions with me. No man is infallible. We all make mistakes sooner or later. Different opinions can help a leader make wise decisions.”
“Aye, my lord. It will be a pleasant change of pace to speak my piece.”
“Good now there are some things I need you to do. First, I need you to choose the clans most trusted warriors and ones skilled enough to avoid Roland’s men.”
“I know the perfect ones, my lord,” Brack said and listened as Ryland detailed what needed to be done.
Wind swept through the village, tugging at cloaks and hair, and rattling shutters. Gray clouds hovered above, low and heavy, as if they also bore witness to what was about to unfold. Unease rippled through the crowd that began to gather in front of the keep. They came hesitantly, husbands holding firm to their wife’s hand. Mothers with bairns braced on hips, the elderly slow, some leaning heavily on walking sticks, and warriors with swords sheathed but close to hand.
They all shared one thing… uncertainty glaring in their eyes.
Ryland stood tall on the top step of the keep, Esme at his side.
“Roland and his warriors approach,” Ryland said, seeing the young chieftain and his men keep to the back of the crowd. “Three days now he’s been here, insisting he will remain as long as necessary. Is it loyalty or does he have something planned?”
“And will your announcement today make a difference?” Esme said, keeping firm hold of his hand, intending to remain by his side and show everyone that she not only supported him but also believed in him.
“We shall see.” He turned his head, his eyes coming to rest on hers. “You give me strength Esme.”
A soft smile graced her lips. “Nay, Ryland. It is you who gave me the strength to dig deep, to gain confidence, and find my strength that gave me the courage to love and be loved. And to stand by your side no matter the consequences.”
He squeezed her hand. “Together—”
“Always,” she finished with a whisper.
“My lord,” Brack called out, climbing the steps.
Ryland turned.
“Everyone is here,” Brack said and stepped to the side.
Ryland stood tall looking over the men and women who had suffered under Torrance’s cruel rule. People who had bent under the weight of fear for far too long. They deserved the truth.
Ryland’s voice cut through the murmurs like a blade. “Listen well.”
The crowd instantly turned silent.
He kept his voice strong, confident. “I stand before you not as Lord Torrance, but my true self… Chieftain Ryland of Clan MacLeish.”
Gasps and startled cries spread through the crowd, then whispers, mumbles, and several people shook their heads in disbelief.
“Lord Torrance died in the battle with Clan MacLeish. I did not kill him. One of his own warriors delivered the blows that claimed his life, though not before Lord Torrance swung a final blow that took the traitor’s life. He told me to take his place, to be him, to revenge his death, to find out the truth if we were related so that Glencairn’s bloodline could continue.
A few heads lifted. Others frowned.
“I recently discovered that Torrance and I are twins. Why we were separated at birth, I don’t know but I intend to find out. With Torrance and I being twins… that leaves me to rule Clan Glencairn.”
Glances darted at one another, tongues wagged softly, and people stared at Ryland, some shaking their heads.
An elderly woman called out, sharp with suspicion. “A lie, is it? A test to see who speaks out and who stays loyal?”
More murmurs followed.
A voice was raised. “He plays games with us.”
An angry growl was heard. “To draw out dissent.”
Ryland raised his hand, and silence followed. “I will never rule you with fear. That ended the day Torrance drew his last breath. I want proof as well as you do, and I will find it. But know this, I didn’t come here to demand your loyalty. I came to earn it.”
Eyes widened, some with hope, some uncertain, but most still fearful.
Ryland kept his voice strong as he spoke. “You’ve lived too long in silence. You’ve lost sons to Torrance’s ambition. Dignity to the never-ending demands he made and the cruel games he played. No more. If you fight, let it be for your future. Not to please a ghost.”
He saw them falter. Hopes surfacing like fragile shoots in frostbitten soil. And yet... fear ran deep, and doubt clung hard.
Then it was like a voice calling out in the dark.