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He sounded as if the pain were althe or felt sick with compassion for his friend and companion

“Alison is a proud lassie,” he said at last, trying to comfort

“Pigheaded, ye mean!”

“Mabbe A little” There was an understateor bit his lip Dear God, ould happen next? Malcolor had a son he hadn’t known about for twelve years, a son Alison had kept from him—aye, hidden from him He had abandoned her for the sake of duty, but she had had her revenge

“Leave it for a hile, Malcol an answer froives under pressure will be hasty and full of anger Leave this matter for now, let it bide At least until after the banquet”

Malcol him look evenabout, Gregor Grant? What banquet?”

“The banquet to feast” A smile kicked up the corner of his mouth, as he realized Malcol about Here was a way to turn hisand I are to be wed”

Malcol? Ye and Lady Meg?”

“That’s it I’ain, and she my lady What do you say to that, Malcolm?”

“I should congratulate ye, I suppose,” he replied gloomily

Gregor gave a crack of laughter “You dinna sound too sure about it,and have back what I lost twelve years ago I have a duke to fight and lands to protect, and I aue like a sword And I dinna care I’m happy Now say your piece, Malcolm Bain”

Malcolor’s shoulder, fingers squeezing painfully “Are ye sure about this, Gregor? Ye knoe can ride away now, go back to Clashennic? We can even go to France, if ye wish it! Just say the word, one from here before the deed is done”

Gregor senuine smile “Och, Malcolm, you’re a loyal friend to me But no, I dinna want to ride away froht Dinna askto do As you know, I havena been listening to my heart of late, and mabbe it’s time I did”

Malcol more than a little beht Dinna do what I did, Gregor, and ride aithout a backward glance I have a son,” he added bitterly, “and I never even knew it!”

Gregor patted his back in a gesture of couiltily towards the door that led into the Great Hall “Should we return then?” Gregor asked