Clan McCallister.

[Mistress Silver]

Those eyes and that hard glint to them . . . I turn, quickly, to face the kelpie, facing away from Gavin and Brianna so the two of them could not see the haunted look in her eyes. The ground has shifted, leaving me off balance . . . am I fighting him or my sister? If he were my cursed sister I would simply kill him, giving my family, my parents the justice that they have been denied for years!

My eyes tear, I am not fighting just my sister. I am having to fight her through a man that is as hurt as I was, maybe still am. All I ever wanted then was someone to hold me . . . but . . . I am too small for any hug to lend him comfort.

"If ye see . . . 'no other way' I will freely go with ye and face me death," I tell him bitterly. "Beware tha dreams," I warn him softly. "If tha do na kill ye, tha will drive ye mad."

The kelpie stomps protestingly and moves to attack Gavin, but I place my hand upon its chest and calm it. "Go ta tha man and deliever 'em safely ta 'is proper keep, do na allow any ta follow ye, an' do na stop for na a soul."

With a final stomp that chips the stone floor the horse turns and flees. The kelpie's image fading like a brief existence of mist.

I raise my hood, once more hiding my face, and turn to face Gavin.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Hearing the Enter I open the door quietly, "M'Lady tis Beth Lady Brianna has sent me to you. Please we must hurry there is no time to explain within the keep, gather your items and your guards. I shall meet you down in the Bailey, please I bid you speak to no one unless it is to myself or to Lady Brianna herself. I will explain everything once we are without the keep."

Keeping my voice quiet and to a low whisper as I say such, "I have your signed missive and it askes for peace as well. It will be given to you soon, there is something foul in the keep and we do not wish a war with you or yours. Please do not tary and please do not.. I beg of thee do not speak with anyone else until you have come to the Bailey. I shall have some trusted guards there waiting to help you get home safely by orders of the Lady Brianna."

Pleading this woman to trust in me, I know she has no reason to but I could not see another evil deed placed upon this keep or the people within it. Giving a nod to the Lady before turning to her guards, "watch your Lady do not leave her alone at any time."Turning on my heel I make my exit just as quiet as I have come, hurrying down to the Bailey looking for Ian.

Stepping outside I see Lord Gavin facing the Lady Fearcharia, he looks so angry and confused as if he is doing things that he doesn't understand. What is happened is evil and foul and I fear for the M'Lady Brianna. But I also fear for the Lady Fearcharia, tho I know both can protect themselves very well. Catching the eye of Ian I quietly speak to him informing him that we would need three men, ones who were married and trustworthy to ride with the English Lady and her guards to safety. Seeing him nod and rush away to get the men in question, I knew Ian would know which we could send.

 

[LadyFairy]

Seeing the tension building in the Baliy between the McNeil Clan and her own, Brianna raised her hand for silence, and waited for the two to face her. Motioning for them both to follow her into the keep and to a more privet room.

Raising her hand once again as they entered the room to keep them from arguing further. “Nay sister ye shall no be put to tha death, For ye had no hand in Liard Duncan's death.” Brianna said keeping eye contact with Gavin

She continued. “She speaks the truth, of his death, and I myself will tell ye again how ye’r cousin died. He died defending me, and saved my life. I know not yet who sent those men, I understand ye’r grief so I will excuse some o ye’r accusations as such but, doona push me to far I have no wish fer war between our clan’s. Since ye doona seem ta believe ether myself or me sister I shall summon Gen ta speak with ye.”

Pulling out a small flute Brianna placed it against her lips and remembering that Gen had told her one quick tone for an assignment and one long tone if she was in danger. Brianna quickly gave one quick tone. Hoping that Gen had heard the call, seeing that Gavin was about to speak she held up her hand to stop him and begin speaking again.

“ Nay I doona agree that my sister took the man from the dungeon, for it showed that she has little faith in our clan and myself, but I will decide what is ta be done about it. No you. For she has na harmed anyone. Save ta make things more difficult.” Brianna said moving her gaze from Gavin to Farcharia she said. “Sister I would ask ye if ye received any information that may help us discover who sent those men, before, or after ye freed the prisoner?

 

[RoneLith]

Her call came almost on cue, he did not want to paralyze Gavin and had just about thrown his dart when the note hit his ears. His speed was unbeliveable he lept from his vantage point in the tree to the wall of the keep up to the lower roof and crossing the distence in a matter of seconds he stayed hidden from sight. His mistress had called him but there were to many people to see, he did not want that. He was a shadow one that only Brianna should be able to see. However hearing was something that he could allow others to know of his presence. His hand was still on the dart and ready to stick it into Gavin's neck should he need to.
He spoke his voice once again holding the same ethearal quality to it. "You have need of me my Mistress?'

 

[Mistress Silver]

My lack of faith? What lack of faith? I turn coldly toward Brianna, "Little faith?" I question, my voice laced with veins of ice. "I do na protect tha prisoner from ye, Brianna. I protect 'is life from needless violence."

I shrug lightly in answer to her last question, "That will depend upon tha attitude 'o tha listeners. I 'ave answers, when do I na?" I tell her stiffly.

I turn my shadowed face toward Gavin and ask him neutrally, "Do ye want tha truth? Or do ye want accusations?"

"You have need of me my Mistress?" Though the voice surrounds all of us and cannot be pinpointed by the others, I have no such problem. I turn directly toward the shadows that hides the man and though I cannot see him, I know I am staring directly into his eyes.

 

[RoneLith]

His eyes shine back at the his Mistress's sister letting her know that though she sees him he finds her as no threat and while she is still apart of this clan she has nothing to fear from him either. She is under his protection though she may not want or need it, it is there all the same. Her skill of detection may prove very usefull in tracking down other would be assassins, perhaps the two of them could work together. However, that could only be a possibility if she can work things out between herself and his Mistress. His hand still lay over the dart ready to fly at Gavin's neck at a moments notice, Gavin is being decived and is quite delusional. He is not a bad man just a little upset at the moment.

 

[LadyFairy]

Aye Gen i have need of ye'r aid in this matter. Will ye speek with liard Gavin? For it seems he'll no listen nor trust the word of a woman. Brinna said she couldnt see Gen but she could hear him, and from the looks on Gavin's and her sisters face they had heard him as well. Brinna closed her eyes a moment immagining that Gen was in the room and by her side, and it helped her relax some giving her the strenght she needed to continue.

Holding up her hand as her sister ignored Gen, and begain arguing again. Brinna stated Sister if ye would please i would speak with ye in privet about these matters. I know that ye ment no harm, and that ye truly ment ta help, but ye have also placed me in a very difficult situation. I love ye lass, and i am asking fer yer help, no more arguments did ye get any information that may be of use?

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine

"Thank you. I will indeed do as you suggest."

When Beth left, she glanced meaningfully to her guards.

They gathered their goods together, and left the room they had been given. Several of the Scotch were leaving, including Beth. With her knights close behind her, she dashed to the stairwell. Down to the Baily, and she found Lady Brianna and several other Scotch, she motioned to her knights to remain hidden. She glanced around the corner, watching events closely. She began to feel panic, sensing that before her, a conflict was brewing. And she, technically an enemy, in the midst of the trouble.

She had all her knights with her, though they were still without their arms.

"Lady, I fear this is a trap. I recommend that we escape, quick as our horses will carry us. We must inform your father of what has transpired here. It may put new light on his plan to make peace."

This was whispered into her ear, but Lady Elaine chose to ignore this advice.

 

[Mistress Silver]

I bite my tongue to silence myself. I am beginning to hate every moment of this, it is consuming time that I could be doing more important things. Such as talking to the man held within the safe confines of my grove.

Do na do as ye were told, Kelpie. I 'ave further need ta talk with tha man. Though the horse is no longer here and has probably reached the grove by now, it is child's play to send my thoughts to people or animals or intelligent beings.

"Ye'r cousin is tha culprit," I answer tightly to Brianna. "A confession from tha very mouth 'o tha lad involved. Tha lads were sent ta kill ye and an na Gavin's cousin." For a long silent moment I merely watch my sister before asking her sharply, "An ye would speak ta me privately about what matters?"

 

[poohlive]

His eyes were frozen, glass spheres revealing nothing of the inner turmoil. It seemed as if his whole demeanor had changed, from anguish and frustration, not dead calm. He was morning mist hovering over the low lands, enveloping all.

"I can't... he was my only friend growing up. We lived each other's lives. I..."

That is why they must pay

"They did not conspire against them? Not all of them, that is ludicrious. It's-"

The truth. And you know it. Even now there are assasins in the shadows, waiting. Your cousin was first, but you are next, Gavin. You are next

Gavin heard it, the voice in the shadows, refusing to come out and show himself. Why would someone do that? Someone called to answer questions hiding himself, his face. Hidden in the shadows, lurking. Yes, that was the word, he was lurking. Gavin's hand went to his sword, his eyes darting.

A simple trick of shadows.... look at my sister. She sees him

Gavin did notice Fearchera stare at one wall, and Gain followed her stare. He could see nothing, though. She seemed certain it was there. Something was there, at least.

Let me show you

His eyes grew bright, sparks of a spell, and suddenly he could see. The shadows came out, revealing the man, hands on a weapon, ready to release it at him. Gavin stepped back, his hand weak. She put her hand over his, steadied it, and brought out the sword. It came with a sickening slip of the sheath, aimed at the man

Careful, I will protect you. There are many enemies now

He looked at them all, drawing back. Is that what this was, an excuse to bring him here along, and take him out like they had done his cousin. God, he had been so blind. Peace, harmony. These people knew nothing of those values. They would smile and shake your hand, putting a dagger in your back the moment you turned around.

"I will not be made a fool, not like my cousin. You can trick him, but not me."

She purred in his ear, whispering lies that he wanted to believe, that he needed to believe. The talisman grew hot around his neck.

"I have heard enough, and I have definitely seen enough."

If they wanted a war, they would have one. He moved to leave the room, not daring to turn his back on any of them.

 

[Mistress Silver]

I hear the hiss of Gavin's sword as he unsheathes it and turn to face him slowly. I gather my power, focusing it incase I must use it to save Gavin from the shadow hidden assassin. Or the others from Gavin's foolishness.

I see my sister's influence within his eyes and my hands clench into fists. I probe at Gavin, searching for weakness. I find many, but one that grates on my nerves.

"Take tha necklace off, Gavin." I tell him icily. I have had enough of dealing with simple human emotions. I am a druidess and will see that balance is returned, even if I have to kill for it to do so. "Ye fear what is hidden within tha shadows? Than fear me sister, me sister by blood."

I advance on him even as he retreats. I have never been hostile to anyone, but to a man who is under my sister's power I have no precaution. Power rages visibly around me in a multitude of colorful ribbons of light.

"Me sister may protect ye from me mind, but what is ta prevent me from commanding tha earth ta swallow ye forever?" I snap heatedly.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Seeing the English Lady in the shadows I move forward to her side as quickly as I can. "Here M'Lady your weapons, these men are trusted highly and hand chosen by myself to help you reach safety. Follow me there is a hidden door to lead us out of here."

Motioning for the three men I have endicated to move before us clearing the way before us so that no one hinders the English Lady or their escape. "Please be quick M'Lady their will be war soon you must not be here when it comes to us. These men will go with you as far as the borders to return to us then, they have families and are very trustworthy."

Stepping before the Lady and her guards pressing a stone within the wall, then stepping back as a small sound of grinding is heard then the wall swings outwards to reveal the outside of the keep and safety. Stepping back to open the space for the guards to step through, turning to make sure that everyone else is busy before sending the Lady and the remaining guards through. Following behind to tag the wall again effectively closing off the exit with no one the wiser but those of us that has past this way. Outside there were horses tethered for the group, along with a pack horse that I had taken the time to place dried meat and various other supplies. Knowing they would need what was in the packie, the nights would get cold soon, so the extra blankets I had included I knew would keep them warm.

"This is the missive, M'Lady has signed it for your father as well as sent a message to him. I wish you the best, and we are truly sorry that we have not been able to show you the hosiptality that we should have. But with things going as they are, this is the safest way we know to make sure that no harm comes to you and yours. These horses are to carry you on your journey the packy carries food stuffs as well as blankets. I also talked cook into a few of the tarts for you M'Lady so that you might enjoy them on your way home. I am sorry it is not much but should be enough to make your journey. May the gods watch over thee, blessings."

Giving her and the guards one last smile, before moving away from them to wave them off. Hoping they would return home safely with their written words of peace from M'Lady Brianna. Turning to move silently along the wall to the main gates, preying no one would notice them leaving or me entering. Looking back only once to lift a hand in farewell. Before ducking inside the keep trying to stay unnoticed as I head for the room I know M'Lady to be in.

Upon reaching the room I gasp loudly as I see Lord Gavin with his back to me, proceeding the room with sword drawn on M'Lady. Stepping back quickly as I notice the look in Fearcharia's eyes. Feeling a chill of pity for the man who hath upset the Lady Fearcharia to no end. My eyes fly towards M'Lady Brianna hoping that she is unharmed in this mess.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna didnt have a chance to awncer her sister, before Gavin unshethed his sword and begain backing twords the door. She didnt know what had prompted his reaction.

Hearing his words Brinna was going to try reasoning with him yet again, but stopped seeing the look in his eye's she new that nothing any of them could say would change his mind, and it had come down to the war she had been trying to avoid.

Felling her sister's power level rise to the point where she needed to sit down.. or be knocked down. Sitting in the chair behind her listining to Farchaira's heated words. It took all Brinna had to form the words that came from her mouth next. Can ye remove the neclace with out hurting him?, and Can ye use the necklace ta trace her?

 

[RoneLith]

Gin lowered himself next to his Mistress and crouched beside her. "This is quickly getting out of hand my Mistress." His voice was barely a whisper, and spoken into her ear. "Gavin is being deceived somehow, I am afraid words will no longer be sufficent. Your sister means well but she is young and impulsive should this be allowed to continue I fear that one of them would end up dead, then we would have major trouble on our hands." He began to speak again and ask his question but the look in her eyes told him his answer, stop this by any means. He had already determined not to kill Gavin, he was not afterall in the correct state of mind. He had let himself become blind from his rage, forgetting his people back home or the friends that he had made here. He knew him to be a much calmer man than this, was it the necklace.

Quickly before his Mistress could speak any words he ran at Gavin the dart in one hand a forgien dagger in the other. Ran straight past Farchaira and held his dagger ready, looking as if for the killing blow on Gavin.

Time seemed to slow around him he heard his Mistress gasp and her sister begin to send her power at him, it was then he realized that even though Farchaira was strong in power she was still a novice her power was too slow for the state that Gavin was in deciet was always quicker than brute force. The same held true for himself as her power flew from her he seemed to dissappear from sight in that breif moment he feigned a strike at Gavin who moved to gaurd against it with his sword bracing for the clash, he was well trained and would have been able to counter if Gin had allowed the strike to fall. Instead he leapt to the air with a flip and as he was above Gavin upside down in the air he released the paralytic dart into Gavin's neck. He landed behind Gavin and caught him before his fall. He layed him down on the stone and whispered in his ear. "You have let Rage fill your mind and cloud your judgement, the same as you cousin. Calm you rage and look at the facts. I apologize for having to stun you like this but it was nessacary to protect my Mistress. Why would you belive a complete stranger? You knew of me from your cousin, you should have come to me first. I work in the shadows and I know what goes on there. I will speak more to you later."

He stood and looked at Ferchaira then to his Mistress. "A word of advice Farchaira, you are too strong for your skill. Too truly live up to your strength you must seek knowledge." He bowed to his Mistress and lept back into the shadows ever her protector albeit unseen.

 

[poohlive]

Ooc: The more I read this, the easier it gets to interpret whatever you do into an act of war and deception. Ha ha, this is getting a little too easy.



Gavin stood at the ready, more so. She was with him, steadying him, holding him against whatever attack. It came, fast, lightning quick, but he was ready for it. He bloacked, moved, but could not handle an assasin's tricks.

He felt the cold steel hit his neck, and instantly its effects.

"Poison," she whispered in his ear, and his heart grew cold. No, poison, like his cousin. They were to kill him like his cousin. God, no. How could he have been so stupid. To ask questions, to determine right from wrong. He should have just taken his troops out, prepared for war. Why did he...

Gin's voice was deceptive and quiet against his ear. Gavin tried to move, but could not.

"I can cancel its effects. Take the dagger, quickly."

He felt the talisman once more warm around him. The cold that spread through his body lessened. It did not go away, not by a longshot, but it lessened. He felt along his back for his dagger held there. He didn't want to do it. To attack someone like this was not honorable, not in the least. His mind protested.

"My love... please. He tried to kill you. The poison is held at bay. Kill the man who assasinated your cousin, who tried to kill you."

He felt that string pull inside his heart, and the moment before Gin disappeared back into the shadows, Gavin stuck the dagger deep into his side. He let it go, standing up. It was an awkward and elongated stand, he had to stop once on his knees before he tried again.

He roared with orders, two of the McNeil clan came in by his side, their swords already drawn.

Gavin grabbed his sword on the ground, holding onto both of them for support. His body felt as if it would crumble at any minute. The poison, it was still spreading.

"You must come to me. Deep in the woods, I can heal you. I can protect you from my sister's charms. Quick. We can regroup."

"His death will not be in vain," Gavin said, weak, they were taking him out of the keep, their swords drawn, ready for any assasinator's trick this time. It would not be as easy as that, not by a longshot.

"You hear me? You will remember my cousin. I will make you all remember him."

He needed to go find the druidess. He needed her help. No one else could help him now, no one else was on his side. Tehri horses were ready as he climbed on and sprinted out of the keep.

 

[Mistress Silver]

The assassin's interference only further infuriates me. What does he know of druid magic? He is an assassin! I am more powerful than the fool gives me credit.

"Ye should na worry about tha sliver in me eye as much as tha rafter in yer's!" I hiss at the shadows. "Ye interfere in business tha does na concern ye! Cross me again, assassin, and I will send ye back ta yer native home by sheer force 'o will!" I angrily rip off my cloak and my clothing, before anyone has a chance to see my flesh my body shifts into that of a peregrine falcon.

With a sharp cry directed at the assassin I take to the air to follow after Gavin. The stupid man! He should have taken the amulet from Gavin instead of sticking such a useless dart into his neck! He is not qualified to be giving advice.

The silence of the air above is shattered by another shriek as I scream to release some of my building anger.

I follow Gavin from above, too high up to be seen, but not high enough that I cannot see him. Within the air I can fly at a leisurely pace while the horses below must labor to move at the delegated pace their masters demand of them.

Take me ta me sister, Gavin. So tha I may 'ave me revenge an' restore ye ta ye'r foolish state 'o mind.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Gasping as I watch Lord Gavin pass me by, not even seeing me nor the fact that his men had almost trampled me in their need to help Lord Gavin. The man that had once commented on my swords, was no longer here. In his place was a shell of a man that didn't seem to be in his right mind.

It was hard not to follow but I was more worried about M'Lady, there was blood and I wasn't sure where it had come from but she looked stricken. "M'Lady are you well, were you hurt in anyway, shall I call the healer in?" I couldn't see any reason for the blood but still my eyes continue to search for any signs of where M'Lady might be hurt.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine Leaves ... Or Does She?

"Here M'Lady your weapons, these men are trusted highly and hand chosen by myself to help you reach safety. Follow me there is a hidden door to lead us out of here."

. "Please be quick M'Lady their will be war soon you must not be here when it comes to us. These men will go with you as far as the borders to return to us then, they have families and are very trustworthy."

"This is the missive, M'Lady has signed it for your father as well as sent a message to him. I wish you the best, and we are truly sorry that we have not been able to show you the hosiptality that we should have. But with things going as they are, this is the safest way we know to make sure that no harm comes to you and yours. These horses are to carry you on your journey the packy carries food stuffs as well as blankets. I also talked cook into a few of the tarts for you M'Lady so that you might enjoy them on your way home. I am sorry it is not much but should be enough to make your journey. May the gods watch over thee, blessings."

Lady Elaine, her three knights, and the three Scotch soldiers rode hard and fast, leaving the keep behind. Elaine had the treaty her father had desired, and she had made it away from the keep alive, despite a clear crisis, that had threatened to draw her into a growing war.

They rode on for some time, as the day drew on, and died its slow, painful death. Dusk began to fall. Elaine felt, somehow, that they needed to ride on, to reach the safety of her father's lands as quickly as possible.

Ahead, there was a glimmer of hope. Her face broke into a smile. Elaine rode ahead. Her father's banners. But ... what were they doing this far north?

She suddenly realized something was wrong. The keep suddenly felt more secure. Her knights, and the Scotch soldiers sensed it too, and everyone drew arms.

"Lady, in the middle of us. Now!"

Flanked by English on one side, Scotch on the other.

A loud cry that Lady Elaine recognized as a Highland Clan warcry. Her father's banners were flung aside, and from all sides, warriors. Dozens of warriors.

The knights and Scotch fought valiantly, but numbers pressed down, first a knight fell under a sharp and precise swordblow. Then a Scotch warrior.

Elaine felt a sharp burning pain in her side, eyes wide she saw an arrow, and felt blood flow from where it penetrated.

She screamed, until the world turned red, then faded to black.

 

[Mistress Silver]

During my pursuit of Gavin my eye catches a battle in progress. As a falcon my sharp eyes single out the image of the English Lady. The one who I believed to be visiting the keep. What was she doing out of its protective walls?

Suddenly she screams and I see an arrow protruding from her side. Instantly, my course changes as I angel toward the earth. As I dive toward the battle my speed quickly mounts.

As I near the ground I shift myself back into my form and summon the air around me to shroud my naked body from the prying eyes of men. The spectacle I have made with my magic has caught the attention of all. Ignoring them for the moment I move quickly to the injured woman's side. I gently, but very firmly yank the arrow from her flesh and place my hands against the gushing wound.

With a deep breath I invoke the white magic of healing, the magic that most easily drains me of all my energy. I can cast multiple spells of destruction, alterations, enchantments, and illusions and not feel drained in any manner what so ever. But a single spell of healing makes me dizzy and light headed.

The wound in the woman's side closes as flawlessly as if it never existed. For a long moment I have to rest and draw energy from the earth beneath me before I can stand and face the warriors on the field. I recognize the Scottish warriors, laying dead about the newly healed lady. Anger readily blazes to life and my small body is wracked with tears unshed.

"Because 'o ye!" I scream at the English knights, "they will na see their wives or children! Their wives will be destroyed an' their children will be raised without their father's presence!"

I step forward and the men nearest me are shoved backward by a shimmering barrier of air. "What if I take all 'o yer lives? Would ye 'ave a wife back home ta miss ye an' cry over ye'r corpse?"

Again I step forward and more men are pushed backward, "Watch an' fear ye'r turn!" My eyes snap toward the nearest group of men and they fall to the earth in a crumpled heap. Though I could rob them of their lives I do not, but instead will put them into a deep sleep that they will not soon awaken from.

One by one, they all fall to the ground. Men scatter and those on horse attempt a hasty retreat, but they too fall from their mounts to the awaiting earth below.

A place of an unfair battle has now become the slumber place of a small army. I return my gaze to the fallen warriors and the English woman. The air envelopes them and we fade from the area.

We reappear in the courtyard of the keep and the air surrounding me solidifies into a pure white cloak to hide my face in shadows and my nakedness.

"Beth, fetch the local healer. I have saved her from death, but I will not further deplete my energy wells to replace her energy level when sleep will do that naturally."

I pause shortly before adding, "Also bring the wives of the dead before me so that I may speak with them. I may be able to help them . . . for a price . . . Do not burry the bodies, clean them and dress the wounds so that I may examine them later."

Feeling defeated I stumble into the inner keep and up to my room. I collapse on my bed, the door to my chambers open wide. I'm asleep even before I hit the bed.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Poole castle, England.

"My lord, our spies indicate your daughter arrived at McCallister keep, and delivered your missive. They further indicate, that on the route home, she was ambushed, brutally, cowardly attack by Scotch Clansmen. We do not know what clan, but we know that your daughter barely survived the attack. They would give no believable details."

Sir Edward Poole adapted a mask of shock, of horror, of hope that his daughter survived. Inwardly, his emotions were almost the reverse of his mask. His plan worked. By now, the "missive" from clan McCallister would be in the hands of King James of Scotland. How would he react to one of his clans making peace with the English in the midst of his war?
His batallion had trained carefully in Scottish techniques, warcrys, and using their weapons. With luck,any observer would believe the English peace mission were brutally attacked en route back to England.

His daughter's survival was a true wrinkle. Her mother was an Irish lady, heir to significant power and land in her homeland. She "died tragically," how sad. Now, her daughter, dead from a Scotch arrow. And all too soon, her grandfather would meet his death, and it all would revert to him. So was his plan. Perhaps, it might still work. If the old man died, he might perhaps be able to force his will and take the land, and power.

He would need to act quickly. If she lived, there was the chance his daughter could recognize the "Scottish" warriors that fell in the battle, as his own men.

Still, as long as one of his men survived the plan could progress: delivering the missive to James, and divide the Scottish against themselves.

(OOC: as the "Scottish" (English) soldiers have all been incapacitated, this part of his plan has also failed, as the missive is somewhere at the battle site. But Sir Poole is not aware of this.)

 

[LadyFairy]

Hearing Beth's voice snapped Brinna out of her slight daze. The only thing she could think of that she hadnt tryed to prevent war had been to let him walk out the door.

Standing she could see the blood and wanted to know if Gen was alright... How badly was he hurt?? Did he need help?? For once Brinna felt very much like the human she was... Yes Beth i am here, and i am unhurt thank ye. Have Ian Summon the Clan i would make an anouncement. Let me know when my sister returns.

Leaving the room after Beth Brinna heard the doors open and her sister yell for Beth to summon the village healer. Seeing the English Lass in her arms Brinna new that this was a day strate from her nightmares, but before she could ask Farcharia who had attacked the english her sister had gone upstairs.

After seeing the english lass settled in a room and the healer had arrived Brinna asked Beth to stay with her, and come get her when the Lady awoke so that they may know who attacked her, and killed not only her men but her clan members as well. Brinna found Ian her self, and asked him to gather the clan, and made her way up to talk with her sister, only to find her pass out on the bed.

Moving into the room Brinna moved her sister's hair back from her face, and said. I am sorry that there are times i must be more liard than sister. Just as there are times that ye must be Druid before anything else. Tis that we understood that about eachother that we got along so well. Ye shall not be punnished for trying ta help the responsability is mine alone. For tis the Liard who awncers for her clan. i ha done everything i can think of save letting them go ta prevent war. Save fer putting yer head on the block and that i'll no do.

Brinna had no idea if her sister had heard anything that she had said, but felt a little better for at least getting it out. That was what she had wanted to talk to her about in privet.. The things she would normaly have said she couldnt say and still maintain control of the situation, and it had still spiraled out of control.

Brinna truned and left the room closing the door behind her. Moving back down the stairs to speek with the clan. She had decided to prevent anyone from going after the McNeil Clan.. If they wanted war it would be one sided, but they would prepare for an attack on the keep and double the patrol along McCallister lands.

 

[RoneLith]

Gin smiled to himself his plan had succeded almost perfectly. The only thing he had not counted on was Gavin's reluctance to be paralized. The talisman around his neck had cured him and if not for his own power the dagger in the side would have killed him, a simple illusion gave Gavin the belife that he had stabbed him in the side when in fact he had hit air. He cursed himself for not being prepared. He had wanted to force Farchaira's hand but again his advice proved true, she was too slow and Gavin had escaped. It was not his job to remove the talisman, druid problems should be solved by druids. He watched Gavin leave astonished to find that he would not listen to him. He had always spoken true when he was with Gavin's cousin, he had been decived so far and no could no longer see when someone was trying to help him. He returned to the shadows and followed his Mistress he had a plan but he needed her blessing to do so. Quickly a caught up with her using a bit of charcoal and a peice of Partchment he sqribbled a note and dropped it in front of her.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna read the massvie that Gen had dropped down infront of her and smiled agreeing with his plan whole heartedly. Bringing the wistle to her lips once more she gave one quick wistle letting him know that she agreed. Tucking the massive in the belt at her waist Brinna continued down the stairs.

After making her anouncment to the clan she called Ian to her. Telling him to bring forth his best messangers to take her massives to their Allies, The McIllioch's known for their berserker blood, As well as the Douglas's, and the St. Clair's, informing them of our situation, and begin working on the defences for the keep, not only to protect them from Lord Gavin, but from her cousin as well.

Donna let anyone we donna know into tha keep, I want the villagers informed ta be preapaired as well.. Have the wemon and children brought to the keep for protection, and have the village men trian with arms as well they have the right ta defend their homes. Brinna said as she finnished talking with Ian, and turned to find her stuard. So that they could begin stalking up on supplies incase of a sege.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

I sat next to the English Lady and cried, I cried for her, for the guards she had lost and for the men that I had sent with her. Those men I had grown up with and known most of my life. They trusted me with their lives and I had failed them all, M'Lady, this Lady, as well as the wives and children. Guilt was a hard burden to bare, but that I would since it had been my advice and I had picked the men.

"I am truly sorry M'Lady for this downfall, twas not our plan for you to be hurt or the men to be lost. But you are safe now and I shall watch over ye until such time that I am not needed anymore. Sleep well for now M'Lady and regain your strength, so that we might get you home safe to your lands."

Checking on the sleeping form making sure, to keep her as comfortable as I could so that she would sleep a healing sleep. Before pulling a chair infront of the door and sitting down upon it. This was not to keep her in, but to keep others out, if they wanted in to her then they would have to go through me. Sitting there I begin to wonder if the Lord Gavin was ok, if he truly brought war to our lands then I was sure that both sides would lose. Everything had blown so far out of control, though M'Lady had tried everything she could to stop it, someone wanted war and it looked as if they would get it.

 

[Screech]

Angus had not been idle these past few days. He knew his role during times of war as well as he did in times of peace. He had been hidden away in his smithy, hastily producing as many blades as he could in what time had allowed. Alas, it was not many. Oh how he could really use an apprentice!

War. So it had come once more to the McCallister lands. A shame. He would have prefered it not to have come, but the inevitable is the inevitable, and Angus McCallister could do nothing to halt it. Just produce weapons for the clansmen so they are better suited to survive it.

He spat on the ground and cursed the names of all those who had entered the keep recently. That pompous dead Laird, those English, that Gavin fellow...

Life was so much easier when the keep held naught but McCallisters and their exended families...

And Feacharia. What was her part in all of this? She was Druid and, as such, was meant to serve the balance of nature. Something Angus did not truly understand. And yet, this 'balance' nearly had her dead...