Niall was one of the few people in the world she counted as friend.
As they walked away, Talorc must have said something because Guaire stopped and looked back at his laird. Abigail swiveled her head so she could read her husbands lips as well.
You will give her your arm on the stairs and assure her safety.
Aye, my laird.
Im no bumbler, Talorc. She was deaf, not lacking in grace. Im not about to go tumbling down the stairs.
Nevertheless you will allow a soldier to aid you whenever you use them.
She gave him one of his famous shrugs, refusing to agree to such a ridiculous instruction and unwilling to lie either.
As she and Guaire left, Abigail was actually grateful for her inability to hear the many whispers and comments that had to be going on behind them.
They stepped into the hall and Abigail sucked in a breath.
The interior was every bit as imposing as the exterior and far more austere. No colorful silks adorned the stone walls to give the hall a more cheerful aspect. No chairs surrounded the huge fireplace, conspicuously unlit despite the late-afternoon chill in the cavernous room. The sun might shine
outside, but it had not penetrated the thick stone walls of Talorcs tower home. The only furnishings in the great hall were two long tables with backless benches down each side.
How many of the soldiers dine in the hall? she asked Guaire, rather than commenting on the cheerless aspect of the huge room.
Ten of the elite soldiers live here in the hall as well as Talorcs advisor, Osgard, and myself. Another ten to fifteen of the unmarried soldiers will join us for the midday or evening meal.
The married soldiers never share a meal with their laird? That surprised her. Talorc struck her as a leader who would prefer to stay connected to all his people.
It would be considered rude to leave their wives and families for such. Is it not the same in England?
Well, I know that all Sir Hamiltons soldiers were on rotation to eat in the great hall once a month. It was considered an honor.
As it should be.
Of course, their families were welcome to join them. Some did and some preferred not to. My mother liked to lord her position over the other women living in my stepfathers barony.
Interesting. Guaire did not appear as if the comment was merely a polite one. He looked intrigued. I do not think we have had a child at the lairds table since Talorc and Caitriona themselves were children.
Perhaps it is time to change that.
Guaire smiled at her, his expression saying he was amused but approved. Perhaps it is.
How long have you lived in the lairds tower? she asked as Guaire guided her up the stairs.
The stone steps curved in a gentle spiral along the wall up to the first story, which was a good fifteen feet above the great hall. She understood Talorcs insistence on her having an escort a little better. The stairs were not wide enough for two people to walk abreast and they had nothing between them and a sheer drop to the main floor.
Guaire led her one step ahead, while her hand was held firmly in the crook of his arm. Since the lairds sister left to live with the Balmoral clan. I had been seneschal for two years already then, but not afforded the privilege of living within my lairds home.
Well, Im glad you do now. The stairs are very narrow, she observed.
Guaire led her across the small landing at the top of the stairs and through a doorway there. It is a tactical advantage.
Talorc seems very concerned with the safety of his fortress.
Not the safety of the fortress. Guaire stopped and gave her a look that conveyed his desire for her to understand. Our laird cares greatly for the security of the people that live within it.
Because of what happened to his father?
More like because of what his fathers actions allowed to happen to the rest of the clan. Our former laird was only one of many that died when his bitch of a wife betrayed the clan to her English friends.
I cant imagine an English force coming this far north to wage war on a Scottish clan. What could they possibly hope to gain?
Guaire shrugged and she was sure it did not mean that he did not have an answer, but that it was one he didnt wished to share. Does it matter? They came and they killed.
Yes. At the behest of a woman who should have been loyal to the old laird and his people. And Abigails husband still called her his mate. It was a miracle to her way of thinking. I must be grateful Talorc accepted me so readily.
He did not have a choice. You are his mate, a true one if he willingly acknowledged so to the Chrechte warriors.
I didnt even realize he saw me as his friend. It is an honor I plan to live up to.
Guaire gave her a puzzled look. Friend?
His mate.
The redheads leaf green eyes widened. He did not tell you what it meant to be his mate?
We discussed it last night. Sort of. In a roundabout way. We both feel it is a blessing for a husband and wife to be true friends.
Guaire seemed to be choking on something, but he just shook his head and led her down the hallway that bisected the first story. He pushed open the first door on the right. This is Talorcs chamber, now yours as well.