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“Watch out for yer mother,” he said, with an intent look “She couldna ask for a better son”

And then they were gone, and the kitchen seemed empty without them

Meg ran after theor mounted his horse and called so behind He was not taking all of his special troop, she realized, only about half of them She opened herof her safety asof his And then, with a last, quick look in her direction, he was gone, leading his , dawn shadows

Meg stood watching until he was gone froo back inside and becoain the practical, dependable Lady of Glen Dhui That her people would be relying upon her and looking to her But she could not seem to make that final move, to turn away…

“Yer father is calling for ye”

Shona was there, her kind eyes full of understanding

Gregor had spoken to the general last night and cos hidden deep inside hi did not ask, but she feared that, after the old or had told hiood-bye…

Shona touched her aro to the herb garden, and I will show ye how to make a poultice for boils”

Meg laughed, close to tears “I would do better with a poultice for a broken heart, Shona”

Shona s, I dinna kno to cure a broken heart I dinna think it is possible”

Probably not, thought Meg, as she turned away into the house A heart, once broken, stayed that way And the cruel thing was that, even with one’s heart split asunder, one lived on And on

Gregor set his sights on the South, and the Duke of Abercauldy’s lands He dared not think about what he had left behind He must think clearly, so that he could do what had to be done Not only did he need to find and take care of Barbara Campbell, but he had tocould live their lives without fear of reprisals

And there was nothing he wanted

He had told the general that, when he said his farewells The old man had understood, and told hior returned “But she needs you, lad,” he had said “We all do Coain to Glen Dhui”

Come home safe