Had she decided to accept the pup? He certainly hoped so. She needed it. She needed something or someone to love, who would love her back. Torrin could do that, but he was unsure whether she would ever accept him. All he could do was try to prove to her, over and over, that he wouldn't abandon her as MacBain had. The whoreson.

Everyone seated themselves as supper began. Torrin joined Conall, Iain and several others at the high table. The men left a vacant seat beside Torrin, but the reason remained unspoken. However, as the food was served, 'twas clear to him Jessie was not going to join them this eve. Although his stomach ached with hunger, he had little appetite. Another seat further along the table also remained empty.

"Where is Aiden?" Torrin asked Conall.

"In his chamber, under heavy guard."

"Heavy guard?"

"Aye, he slipped past the single guard who was watching him last night. So, now he has two."

Torrin doubted he would try to sneak out again, anyway, considering what a disaster last night's adventure had been. "Is he not allowed to join us for supper?"

"Aye, of course. But he said he wishes to eat in his room." Conall shrugged.

Saints! Aiden was always at the high table for meals. The situation with Erskine had affected the lad more profoundly than Torrin had imagined. And he was also likely still upset about Haldane.

"How is Erskine?" Torrin asked.

"He was sleeping when last I checked in on him a quarter hour ago," Conall said.

Torrin nodded, praying that meant he was recovering. After taking a bite of venison stew, he turned to Struan, his sword-bearer, who had joined them at high table. "Tell me of your journey south. Did MacBain and his men give you trouble?"

"Nay, they were quiet and cooperative, but glared at us the entire way. 'Tis clear MacBain is angered beyond reason. I fear he will strike back. 'Haps with a larger force of men next time."

"Saints! 'Tis just what we need," Torrin grumbled.

"At the border, we told them to be on their way," Struan said. "'Twas a tense moment when we threw their weapons down at their feet. At first, we were unsure whether they would grab their swords and attack or not. But clearly, they were outnumbered, and they didn't wish to risk it. We were careful to watch our backs, especially at night when we camped."

"Good work. And I thank you for handling that risky job so well." Torrin drank a long sip of the bitter dark ale.

"'Twas an honor, m'laird. A few miles south of Durness, we came upon Sim, Luag and Gordon returning from Scourie with a pup, of all things." Struan chuckled. "I thought, what on earth is the chief up to now, sending them to fetch a wee dog? But once they told me 'twas a gift for the lady, it made perfect sense. I take it she liked the wee beastie."

"I think she did." He hoped.

"Of course she did," Iain said, leaning forward, where he sat on Struan's other side. "Did you not see the blinding smile she sent him across the great hall moments ago?"

"Nay, I did not," Struan said, then took a huge bite of stew.

Iain grinned. "'Twas a sight to behold, as if the sun shone at midday."

"This is good news, then, m'laird," Struan said.

Torrin snorted. "He exaggerates."

Aye, he thought she liked the pup, but she had not said so yet. He hoped she would search him out later and let him know. If he couldn't see her tonight, he would miss her terribly. Already, he was addicted to her. Last night had been the best night of his life, and he wanted many more of those.

As everyone was finishing the meal, they looked glum, sipping their ale. The low murmur of conversation was only a quarter of the usual volume, and where music used to fill this great hall, there was silence. 'Twas clear the clan was worried about Erskine, but also missing Aiden and his music.

"'Tis late," Torrin said. "I think I will check on Erskine and Aiden, then retire for the evening."

Iain lifted one brow and gave him a speculative look.

Torrin merely glared at him. Do not even say what you're thinking. No doubt it had something to do with Jessie. Torrin rose from the table and bid them good night.

He headed toward the stairs.

"Lad, could I have a word?"

Torrin halted. Was someone calling him lad? Only his uncles and the MacLeod clan elders did that these days. Och, 'twas Conall following him. He should've guessed.

"Aye, of course." Saints! Was the man going to berate him for defiling his niece? "Would you like to go into the library?" He sure as the devil didn't want Iain to listen in on this conversation if Conall was going to question him about where he'd slept last night.

"That would be good," the older man said.

Torrin proceeded into the room, and Conall closed the door behind them.

"I have great respect for you as a chief and laird," Conall said. "'Twas clear to me today what a great leader you are."

Torrin gave a brief nod. "I thank you for that."

"You've generously helped this clan in many ways since you've been visiting."

"I'm more than glad to help out when I can."

"But… Jessie is my niece and… well, you were in her chamber this morn. Her father is no longer with us, and her older brother is away, so I felt it my responsibility to say something."

"Aye, well, I want you to know, sir, that I want to marry Lady Jessie," Torrin said, feeling almost as if he were speaking to Jessie's father. "I've offered for her hand twice. Dirk has refused each time because he says Lady Jessie refuses. I'm simply trying to change her mind. I think once she gets to know me, she will reconsider and accept my offer."

"Um-hmm," Conall grunted his response and nodded a wee bit, thinking that over. "Well, mayhap she is the one I should be speaking to about making this right."

"'Haps." Torrin was unsure whether Conall would help the situation or damage it further if he tried to pressure Jessie into marrying him. "Does she usually take your advice?"

"Aye, of course. All the young folks do."

Naturally, he would say that, but Torrin was still unsure. "She is stubborn, is she not?"

"Indeed. Most of the MacKays are," he said heartily.

"I care about her a great deal, and I truly want her for my wife. I have since the night I met her last winter." Torrin hoped the older man could see his sincerity, and how much Jessie meant to him. "If you can put in a good word for me, I would appreciate it."

"Aye. I'll do that." With a wee smile, Conall offered his hand, and Torrin shook it. "You're a good man, and I'll look forward to having you for a nephew."

"I thank you, sir. That means a lot to me. And I hope it comes to pass."

After he and Conall left the library, Torrin headed upstairs to Erskine's chamber. Several candles lit the room and the ancient, white-haired healer, Nannag, and her two younger helpers sat watching Erskine sleep.

"How is he?" Torrin asked, keeping his voice low.

"He has no fever and his breathing is strong," Nannag said in a paper-thin whisper. "The bleeding has stopped."

"Good. Send someone after me if his condition changes."

"Aye, indeed. I will, m'laird."

"I thank you." He exited the room and headed toward Aiden's chamber on the same corridor as his own but further along and around a corner. Two burly guards stood outside the door.