Part 26 (1/2)
Adam watched Leod, waiting for the man to join in the discussion taking place among the others. He didn't have to wait long for soon Leod's voice rose above the rest. ”But what of the recent raids? Our neighbors, the Camerons, have threatened us. They believe Adam cannot protect us, and they see what they can take.”
Leod's voice was neutral, reasoned, and in control. Adam trusted him even less in this mood.
William appeared thoughtful. ”Aye, that is something to consider. We may believe in Adam, but what do others think of him?”
If he was to prove his worth as a leader, he would have to speak up and defend himself, so Adam responded, ”I have spoken to Lochiel Cameron. And though he's not overfond of me, he denied the raids.”
”Well, of course he'd deny them. What did you expect?” Leod asked.
”I didn't expect him to admit a thing. But he has his own problems just now and doesn't need more by antagonizing me. So he gave me leave to inspect his herd for our kine.”
”And?”
”And I didn't insult the man by doing so.”
Many heads nodded in approval.
Leod moved to a different attack, reminding them of Adam's inability to fight and thus to protect what was his.
But someone said, ”He said himself he's getting stronger. And if it comes to that he has others to fight for him.”
Leod had an answering argument. ”That's fine when we're talking about minor cattle raids. But what happens when the Frasers and the Grants or the Campbells figure out that our laird is not a warrior? These raids will continue until finally those others band together to overtake us.”
Adam stroked his chin, fighting to maintain his calm. ”Do you have proof or reason to believe they are doing so?”
”Nay, but it takes no imagination to conjure up such a possibility.”
”Leod's right, there,” Douglas Macphail said. ”Perhaps we should give thought to having Adam as chief and appointing a warlord to train and lead the warriors.”
Adam could see where this was leading, and Leod was crouched and ready to strike at the opportunity to be appointed to the position. ”You have only Leod's word that I can't fight. Indeed, he makes it sound as if I'm mortally crippled, or worse, a coward. Neither is true. I am willing to fight, and I have been training with my warriors.”
He paused, careful of his words. ”I can lead the men, and they will follow me, their rightful laird. How well I wield the sword is of less consequence than their trust in me to lead them well. But the idea of having someone else train the warriors has merit, and I would name Seamus to serve as warlord.”
”An excellent choice,” Ian said.
Others agreed. Since that tactic seemed doomed, Leod returned to his only real threat. ”And what of your handfast to our enemy?”
”Her clan may be our enemy, but she is not, and that is the end of it, Leod.”
”So you say. But you must find a more suitable wife once the handfast is over.”
Adam wanted to throttle Leod, to fight him here and now. But his father's counsel came to mind. Use your head, not your arm, to beat this maggot.
”And if I choose not to put her aside?”
”You would bring Bruce's wrath upon us as it fell upon the Comyns.”
Adam couldn't help but smile at the knowledge that he'd obeyed his king in this regard. But he changed his mind about announcing the binding vows he'd taken with Gwenyth. ”The question today is not about whom I do or do not marry. The question is whether or not I am a fit leader. If you trust my judgment to lead you, then you must trust my selection of a wife, when the time comes.”
Macqueen's voice rose above the others. ”Ye've shown me nothing but wisdom and courage, lad. Ye've got my vote.”
Ian said, ”Adam is the rightful heir. I see no cause to deny it to him.”
But Leod wasn't ready to give up. He stared pointedly at Daron, who stood against the wall behind Adam. ”What of Daron Comyn? It is dangerous to harbor the old king's supporter within your walls.”
”Daron has sworn allegiance to me.”
There was a gasp from the men at the table.
”You heard right. Daron Comyn and his men are now loyal to me, and to Bruce and Scotland. Furthermore I have named him as captain of my personal guard.” He gazed about the room, making eye contact with each man there. Now was the time to a.s.sert his right to stand before them, to lead them.
When no one spoke against him, he continued, ”Clearly, Leod believes someone else should be chosen. But I am the rightful captain of Clan Chattan, by virtue of heredity, and by the strength of my one good arm, if need be. But I would prefer you to choose me because you believe me to be a fair judge and an honorable man.” Adam looked directly at Leod with those words.
Leod must know he wouldn't have another chance. ”I challenge you. Prove you can fight by right of arms.”
”Would you have warfare, Leod? Would you see our clansmen die over such foolishness?”
”Nay, cousin. This is just between you and me.”
Adam remembered their conversation the day he'd met Daron. He'd known then that only a confrontation would satisfy Leod. His father had been both right and wronga”some men would follow only if you proved you could fight.
”All right then, Leod. If that is the only way you will accept me, I will fight you. One on one.”
”Nay,” Shaw bellowed. ”You will not fight to see who is laird. This council will make that decision. Today. Now.”
With that, Ian polled each of the men, and Adam lounged against the wall with Daron.
”You don't seem too concerned, my laird.”
Adam watched as Ian polled each man privately. ”What good would it do to fash myself? I didn't see any support for Leoda”he doesn't know when he's beaten. And if I allowed myself to act on my feelings, I'd have my hands around Leod's throat.”
Daron glowered at Leod. ”And mine too. He won't take defeat well, you can count on it.”
Adam grinned. ”And that, good man, is why you will be watching my back as well as your own.”
Ian finished and banged his tankard on the table to get their attention. Without fanfare he announced, ”Adam is the captain.”
Leod masked his emotions, and Adam feared the anger being stifled within the man. Leod stalked toward the door, but Ian Shaw stopped him. ”Stay, Leod.” Shaw turned, then spoke to Adam. ”I a.s.sume that you will hold a compet.i.tion to choose your household guards?”
”Aye.”
”It is traditional for the laird to engage in the sports with his clansmen.” Shaw glared at each of them in turn. ”Confine your rivalry to the hammer throw.”
A feral glint lit Leod's eyes. ”We shall meet in the contests, then, my laird.”
TWENTY-ONE.