By God's Grace Read Online Free Page A

this tournament, whether he wishes to or not.”
    â€œThis sounds too easy. You can send Tavis or Tavish in to win the tournament, and then they can pick me to wed Duncan.”
    â€œNay, I have another idea.”
    â€œYou do?”
    â€œAye, I do. Duncan will hardly be impressed with a woman if she wins with a man of Tavis and Tavish’s stature. We need to impress him. If ye used Tavis or Tavish, it would be like Saul from the Bible slaying his thousands, whereas Duncan is like David slaying his ten thousands. We need a way ye can impress him on yer own, so he will truly want ye for a wife.”
    â€œAnd?”
    Jamus’s lips twitched at the corners as he revealed his plan. “We will enter ye into the games.”

 
Chapter Four
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    The elders were conversing when they noticed Duncan’s presence. It took the group of five several moments to respond. Although Lyall informed them of Duncan’s arrival, some of the elders could scarcely believe it. The lad had left five years ago to start his own life. Rumor was he’d told his brother he had better things to do than to rot in some Highland castle. Now he had returned. The question was what kind of attitude would he take toward his new responsibilities? The laird held ultimate say as far as the clan went, but the elders were there to steer the young in the correct direction.
    A study of Duncan proved the man to be massive in stature, broad of shoulder, and tall in height. A reputation for being a fierce warrior preceded him, even this far north. The label of hired mercenary floated from lips on more than one occasion. It was said he would work for whoever offered the most gold. The elders believed it. After their first hard look at the boy, it was an obvious choice for a man such as he. They would be fortunate to have one as their laird, if he would take the post of leading the clan in a serious manner.
    ****
    Duncan left Grant and headed to the main hall to face his future. The crooked door was lifted. Once on the opposite side, the rickety barrier was laid back in place. It took a few tries. When satisfied with the door’s location, a shiver raced down his spine. People were gazing at him. Pivoting, the council of elders came into focus.
    Duncan was intimidated by the old warriors. These five men had seen many battles and survived to tell the tale. They had witnessed more than one laird leading the Sinclair clan. Shoulders rigid, he was determined to be the best laird the clan ever had.
    His feet scooted along the uneven floor. During this meeting, what would be expected? The position of laird was thrust upon him by chance. As far as some in the clan were concerned, the title was undeserved. Duncan had deserted them as soon as the opportunity arose. While Cainneach was serious, he was flippant. Most of the clan believed he always looked out for only himself. Therefore the council was sure to be hesitant about the change in leadership.
    Not wishing to express fear, Duncan strode into the middle of the room, spread his legs hip width apart, placed his hands on his hips, and faced the group. The tremor was barely held from his voice. “I am here. What do ye need to say to me before I take my rightful place?”
    â€œNow what makes ye think we have anything to say?”
    â€œLyall hinted at it, as well as Grant. I know something is amiss. Ye might as well tell me now so it will be out in the open, and we can move past it.”
    â€œVerra well, we will get right to it then.”
    The men settled themselves in the huge chairs surrounding the table in the great hall. Duncan’s stance relaxed. His hands lay down at his side, playing with a pleat in his kilt. A deep conversation ensued.
    The leader spoke first. “Perhaps ye should be seated.”
    Duncan started to refuse but refrained. It wouldn’t do for him to start the meeting off in a bad light. “Aye, perhaps I should. This feels as if it is to be one