Braden: A Seventh Son Novel (McClains Book 3) Read online

  Back at camp, Robert had killed two large hares, and Mary was putting them over the fire to roast. They would feast that night!

  After supper, they sat around their fire, aware that they received many strange looks from the clansmen, but they did not care. Their journey seemed to be at its end, and they were all very pleased with the turn out.

  As soon as it was dark, Braden and his father went into the fields, dumping the dirt they had mixed together along the way. Braden squatted down and put his hand on the earth. “Will you grow the barley and oats for me?”

  The land seemed to be startled at being spoken to, but it agreed, sending him visions of tall plants. He was not certain why the crops had not grown that year. He knew there was plenty of rain, and the land did not seem weary. Perhaps there had been a late frost, preventing the plants from growing as early as they should have.

  They walked back to camp a few minutes later with empty pails. “I do believe there will be a very noticeable difference in the crops on the morrow,” Braden said softly.

  They all went to their separate blankets then, but Katerina could not sleep. She was too busy thinking about how much her life was set to change. In just a few hours, they would know if this clan had been lying or serious. Either way, she was sure this would be their new home. The only question was whether she would be a lady or a peasant. Truthfully, she was not certain how much it mattered anymore. If she could make the kind of journey they had just made from England, she was sure she could do anything.

  She fell asleep with a smile on her face, knowing she was much stronger than she had ever dreamed she was.

  They woke at sunrise the following morning, and one glance at the fields told Katerina everything she needed to know. If they did not offer to let their family stay with the clan, she would be very surprised. She wondered for a moment if Braden also had the ability to kill the crops off, but she did not ask. Hopefully it would never be something that would be necessary for him to do.

  As they were eating their oat cakes for breakfast, the man who had spoken with Alex the previous day came to the camp, waving his arms as he spoke in rapid Gaelic. He was obviously very excited.

  Alex smiled and nodded. He turned to Braden. “You have been asked to become their laird. There has been much illness and many people in the clan have died in the past year. They are excited to have new people here.”

  Braden got to his feet. He could not help but wonder how he was going to learn to fashion a kilt, but he figured there would be someone to teach him. The kilts of this clan seemed to be fashioned of a green plaid, and he wondered where he would get some for his family to wear.

  The man, who introduced himself as Callum, led them into the keep, showing them through the house. The housekeeper came out to meet them, and Katerina was thrilled to realize she spoke some English. “I am Katerina,” she said softly, leaving out her title. “This is my mother-in-law, Matilda, and my husband’s grandmother, Lina.”

  The housekeeper nodded her head. “I am Andrina.” The woman’s voice was very deep, and if Katerina had not been looking at her, she would have assumed she was a man.

  “Are you willing to stay on and help us with our transition?”

  Andrina nodded. “Callum is running around like a fool claiming you made the crops grow twice as tall overnight. We all know that is not possible, so what did you do to excite him so?”

  “I did not make the crops grow overnight. My husband did. He has an affinity with the plants and the earth.” Katerina could not admit to the powers her husband had, but she could phrase it in the same way he had first phrased it to her. “Will you tell me about the clan?”

  Andrina frowned. “It is really just a bunch of misfits who have come together. Many have left their own lands because of a disagreement. Some are outcasts. It is not a real clan, I am afraid. We had a man who was our leader, but he was killed in battle, and we have no one to replace him. The truth is we have been looking for a new leader.”

  “That is very interesting. Does the clan have a name?”

  “The last laird was a MacDougal, but as we are not all MacDougals we did not take on his name. What is your last name, Katerina?”

  Katerina was startled for a moment when the other woman used her first name. Things were obviously done very differently here than back in England, but Katerina liked the idea of things being a bit more casual. “Lain.”

  “That will not do. It sounds like an English name. Add a Mac or a Mc in front if you want to have a good Scottish name.”

  Katerina frowned. “I suppose we could call ourselves the McClains. Would that be better?”

  “Aye, it would.” Andrina led Katerina into the kitchen. “I was planning to serve a good brown bread and mutton for supper. Will that be suiting you and your family?”

  “That sounds wonderful. Will you eat with us?”

  “Aye, I will.” Andrina turned to her work, and Katerina could tell she had been dismissed. She turned around and left the kitchen, going back to her family.

  “It seems we have a new name, Braden.”

  “We do?” he asked, surprised.

  “Andrina insisted we needed a Scottish name. How would you feel about being a McClain?”

  He grinned. “Aye, that works. I am Braden McClain.”

  Chapter Six

  By the end of the day, they had met a majority of the clan. Some spoke English, but most did not. Katerina sought out Andrina just before supper that evening. “I need to learn to speak Gaelic as quickly as I can. Will you teach me?”

  Andrina gave her a look as if she was taking her measure. “How many languages do you speak?”

  “Three. English, French, and Latin.”

  “Aye, I will teach you. You will have to come into the kitchen and work with me.”

  Katerina nodded. “I would be happy to do that. I want to learn about the village and the people who live here anyway. You will explain the people as well as the language?”

  “I will teach you anything you want to know about our clan.”

  “Good. Could we start lessons on the morrow? I feel like as the new laird’s wife, I should be able to communicate with the women of the clan.”

  “Aye, you should. It is essential to be able to be a good leader—or a good leader’s wife. You will find the women come to you with questions.”

  “I would like to be able to answer them without an interpreter. Thank you for being willing to teach me.” Katerina could feel that the woman did not totally approve of her, but she decided she would not let it bother her too much. She was not sure that she would have approved of a Highlander living in England either. “May I help in any way with supper?”

  “No, thank you. I have it just about finished. It will be on the table in a short while.”

  Katerina left the kitchen, going in search of Braden. She had barely seen him since they had gotten to the keep earlier. Already she had unpacked their things and settled in the best she could. The keep was large enough for his parents and grandparents to live there with them, but she knew that his parents and grandparents were looking for cottages in the village to live in.

  She found Braden above the stairs with one of the men of the clan, wearing a kilt. At first, she was startled to see him dressed in such a way, and she tried to keep her eyes averted. Her gaze should not be on any man’s legs. Then she realized that as his wife, she was free to look at any part of him she chose. She had to quit thinking like a nun and remember to be a wife.

  “It is almost time for supper,” she said softly, not wanting to intrude on Braden’s discussion with the man beside him.

  “Katerina, this is Mungo. He has been leading the army, but that duty will fall to my father and I after today.” Braden took a step back and held his arms out to both sides. “Do I look like a Scot?”

  Katerina put a finger on her lip and tapped it a few times, considering. “You look like an Englishman with your legs bare!”

  He laughed. “Well, I guess th
at is what I am, is it not?”

  She grinned at him. “It is time for supper. Are you hungry?”

  “Starving. It has been a busy day. Busy but good.” Over his plaid he wore a sword at his side, and he walked to her, offering her his arm. “On the morrow, we will have to get you into a Scottish dress. Then we will always match.”

  “Just what I have dreamed of since the day we married,” she said with a grin. She noticed that Mungo was following them down the stairs. “Will you eat with us?”

  The man nodded. “Aye. I will be your husband’s advisor until he learns our way of things.” The man looked like he distrusted the entire situation, but he did not say another word about it.

  “That is wonderful. We thank you for it.” Katerina wanted to tell Braden what she had learned about the clan from Andrina, but she did not want to be overheard for that discussion.”

  “Happy to do it,” Mungo replied in a very heavy Scots accent. Katerina hoped Braden would be able to understand whatever he was being advised.

  When they reached the table in the hall, his parents and grandparents both sat there waiting for them. Katerina looked at Matilda first. “Did you find a place to stay?”

  Matilda nodded. “There are two small cottages right together that are empty. We have been told we may take possession of them.”

  “That is wonderful!” Katerina said. “Though I really would not mind if you lived in the keep with us.”

  “When the babies start coming, you will need all the space you have.” Matilda smiled at her gently, knowing she still was not comfortable discussing the babies that would come.

  “Mayhap,” was all Katerina would say. She was struggling about how she would tell Braden that she was ready to start the physical side of their marriage. Her mind had been fighting it all day. Now that they were settled, it was definitely time for them to start making babies.

  Lina smiled at Katerina. “You will be much more comfortable alone in your house. You have had very little time to just be newly married and enjoy each other. There is no reason for your home to be crowded with family.”

  Andrina came from the kitchen carrying two large platters. She set them in the middle of the table, and then sat down herself. There were pitchers with drink on the table and trenchers enough for all to share. “Eat,” she commanded.

  Katerina exchanged a look with Matilda, but she did as she was told. “Where will Mary stay? There is plenty of room for her here.”

  Matilda seemed to debate the matter before finally nodding. “The cottages are only one room. I am sure it would be best for all if she stayed here.”

  Katerina grinned at Mary. “I will be thrilled to have you here.”

  “I am sure we will all be in and out during the day and will most likely take the evening meal together.” Matilda frowned at her friend. “It will be strange not to live under the same roof as you. It has been thirty-five years.”

  Mary nodded. “I know, but you and I will still have time to spend together when we would like. And Katerina is a new wife. She will need help.”

  Katerina nodded emphatically. She would definitely need help!

  “Would you like me to schedule the challenges for dawn two days hence?” Mungo asked Braden.

  “Challenges?” Robert asked, looking back and forth between his son and the new advisor. “What kind of challenges?”

  “The other men who think they are strong enough to be leader of the clan will challenge Braden in hand-to-hand combat. Now that a laird has been chosen, they have the right to challenge him, and whomever is the strongest will get to take the title.”

  Katerina wanted to yell, but she could see that Robert felt the same, so she let him voice her own frustrations. “How is that fair? My son was offered leadership if he grew the crops quickly. He did, and now he is going to be challenged?”

  Mungo shrugged. “It is the way of our group. We are not a normal clan. There is no formal way anything is done here. We do not subscribe to any certain way of thinking. We do things as we want when we want. At this time, we want to challenge the Englishman who thinks to lead us, so we will do so.”

  “How many challengers?” Braden asked. “Could I face one challenger per day?”

  “I think I could talk the challengers into one per day. Only you will face them.”

  Katerina was slightly relieved because that at least sounded like it would result in a fair fight. “We may watch? And be ready to deal with any injuries?”

  “Aye, the entire clan will watch.”

  Robert exchanged a glance with his mother. They would be on hand and using their powers if necessary. Katerina could see it in their faces. “It does not sound like this is a fair practice, but if we can watch, we will agree.”

  Mungo smiled. “It does not matter if you agree. It will happen regardless. An Englishman cannot rule a Scot without a fight.”

  Katerina was pleased Braden would have a day or two to prepare at least. They would all discuss strategy for the fights, she was certain. “What would happen if we chose to leave instead of fighting?” Katerina asked, knowing the others would be angry, but she was worried about her husband.

  “You are free to go, but you will leave the crops you grew for us and be forced to find another clan to become part of.” Mungo took a bite of the brown bread in front of him, seeming not to care what their answer was. “Will you leave?”

  Braden shook his head. “Nay, I am no coward. I will fight for the right to lead you.”

  Katerina hated that Braden would not back down, but she was not sure she would think of him in the same way if he had done things differently. “We will all be there to support you.”

  After supper, the entire group from England met in Katerina and Braden’s chamber there in the keep. “I am not sure how I feel about this, Braden,” his mother said. “I do not want you hurt.”

  “He will not be hurt,” Robert said softly. “I will be there as well as my mother, and Braden is pretty good at taking care of himself. He has always been strong in hand-to-hand combat, even without his powers.”

  Katerina frowned. “If he is seriously injured or loses, do we have to leave the clan? Or can we continue to live here as peasants?”

  “I do not know,” Braden said with a frown. “I will ask Mungo on the morrow.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “When he explained the right to challenge to me, I was not thrilled, but I figured I could handle it. It sounds like the men in the clan are lining up to see who can best me. They do not want me as their laird.”

  “Maybe it is time to show them our powers,” Robert suggested, glancing between his mother and son. “I think that if they see how very powerful we are, they will be afraid to fight us.”

  Lina shook her head. “I do not know. Mayhap we should save that for after the fights if Braden loses.”

  “Why is everyone assuming I will lose? I am a good fighter. I have never lost in hand-to-hand combat.” Braden seemed almost offended the others were talking as if he would lose. “I can handle this.”

  Lina shook her head. “Not with several of them day after day. You are going to wear out, and that is what they are counting on. I do not think this is going to work.”

  “You will give me potions every day to help me rejuvenate. I will fight with everything inside me.” Braden shrugged. “You can see to my injuries in between. Father can help me with the fights—but only if it is necessary. And I am not above growing grass to curl around their ankles either. I will do what it takes to keep our place in this clan.” He frowned. “I need to find out from Mungo if there is a limit on when the challenges have to stop.”

  “I should hope there would be,” Matilda said with a frown. “This is ridiculous. They gave you the title, and then they want to take it away. I think you should shrivel their crops and only fix them if they do not challenge.”

  “That is an option. And honestly, if they tell us we have to leave, I will do just that. I can always regrow them. Our powers should have us in a
place of power here. If they try to take away what they have given, I will do it.”

  “That definitely sounds like our best option,” Alex said. “We will make it work one way or another.” He got to his feet and held his hand out for Lina. “Let us go to our cottage, my beautiful bride.”

  Katerina loved watching the older couple. She knew they had been married for seventy years, and yet they still acted as if they had just married. It was a beautiful thing to her, and she hoped that she and Braden would act the same way in seventy years. “Have a good night.”

  After all the goodnights were said, it was just Katerina and Braden alone in their bedchamber. “I am worried about you taking on the challengers, Braden. I do not want to see you hurt.”

  “I know.” He sat beside her on the edge of the bed, stroking her cheek. “I will do my utmost to be careful and not get injured. Father and Grandmother will help if they need to.”

  Katerina scooted closer to her husband and brushed her lips across his. “Do not leave me a widow.”

  He grinned. “That would be the end of our line. Of course, I will not leave you a widow. Not yet anyway.”

  “Yet? Do not ever leave me a widow, Braden Lain!”

  “That is Braden McClain to you, and I will not leave you a widow. Not until we have been married for longer than my grandparents.”

  She smiled at that. “I want to be as happy in my marriage after seventy years as your grandparents. Can you make that happen for me?”

  “No, I cannot. But I think we could do it together.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately. “I want you to be my wife in every way, Kat. I do not like the invisible walls you have put up between us. Help me remove them!”

  Katerina nodded, and put her arms around his neck, bringing his head down for another kiss. “I am ready to be your wife, Braden. No more secrets.”

  “No more secrets.” He kissed her again, his hands smoothing over her body. She still wore English garb, but he would help her to change within the next day or so. To fit in with the Highlanders, they had to dress like them.