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Ailahis lips in a kiss that was bittersweet “Not for long I will not be far behind you” She pressed her fingers to his ue “It must be done It’s the only way”

“If she is half as willful and strong as you, she will survive”

“And as brave and fearless as you I love you, Brochan, always”

He fought hat little strength he had left to raise his hand and she helped hi her hand over it She held it there tight against her, not caring that it was marred with dirt and blood She wanted to feel his touch one last time

His hand went liainst her cheek and she watched as life faded from his eyes, and she wept

“They’re aled

She nodded, kissed her husband one last time, and hurried out of the roorabbed her cloak, then went to the cradle beside the bed and picked up the small, wrapped bundle Her tears continued to streah the keep

Two days It had been barely two days since she had given birth to their daughter and two days since the Scottish crown ordered the execution of her husband and daughter so that the Clan MacWilliaht but it had been a losing battle and they both knew from the start that it would be Their only hope had been to save their precious newborn bairn fro her life before she even had a chance to start it

Aila hugged the sh the keep Many of the servants had deserted them and the fearriors that re to the enemy’s sword She had little time

She made her way out the back of the keep and around the side Her boots sunk into the snow on the ground, covering a good portion of theray sky that hovered heavily over the village added to her despair Her only way to the woods was through part of the village She watched as she waited as the last of the MacWilliaht the way clear, she ran

A shout echoed through the village “THERE SHE IS!”

Another shout followed “SHE HAS THE BAIRN!”

Her heart beat pounded against her chest and she prayed for strength to do what needed to be done She ran, reaching the edge of the woods, darting around the large pines and barren oaks The hood of her dark cloak slipped off her head, her long dark hair spilling free She hugged the bundle tightly to her chest