"Oh, God! No one's going to humiliate you!" Callan laughed again and leaning down to kiss her still half dressed. "If we win, you'll stay here and you'll be glad you've happily gotten rid of Sir Engus."
"Then don't go into battle either!" Janet snapped, throwing off the covers and scrambling out of bed. She wrapped her arms around Callan in a fierce embrace. "Sir Engus will probably defeat Sir Malcolm and take Danvegen, but then I promise that my husband will not live a day longer than his enemy and together we will become the greatest rulers in Scotland!"
Callan pulled back, his playfulness fading. "It's impossible, Janet. I have to be with my clan in the decisive battle!" He put his coat on.
"Okay," Janet rolled her eyes and a light smile crept into her lips, "you at least promise you'll come here again the day after tomorrow."
Callan faced Janet and smiled. The day after tomorrow, Campbell planned a treacherous attack. Janet did not divulge this secret to him, because, apparently, she held the thought of destroying Sir Malcolm very close to her heart, because even love for his son did not extinguish the hatred and resentment in the heart of this extraordinary woman.
"I can't," he said, his voice low and filled with false regret. "I have to go to the Elf Bridge with the druids and listen to the rustle of the forest, learn to understand the languages of the stars. I'll come to you on the evening of the third day." He was ready to leave.
"Yes, Conan," Janet's smile widened, a knowing glint in her eyes. "I think I'll be able to give you a pleasant surprise in the meantime."
"I'm looking forward to it!" Callan waved a farewell to Janet, carefully opened the door, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. He closed the door behind him and breathed a sigh of relief. He wished to get to Danvegen.
Malcolm stood in the same place where Callan had left it, heading to Kingsdale. "I was waiting for you, my boy," he hugged Callan.
Callan blushed, with Janet he had temporarily forgotten about both Malcolm and the McLaughlins. "True, I am late, but I'm carrying good news."
And Callan told him everything that had happened in Kingsdale, also mentioning that he had been late because he had been talking to lady Janet all night, who was actually a very nice and unhappy girl.
"Hey, Malcolm," Callan finished in a particularly slick voice he usually used when he wanted to beg for something from his mother. "Now I know what I want for my help. Make sure she doesn't get any scratches in the upcoming battle."
"That's my promise to you, my kin," Sir Malcolm chuckled with a glint of understanding in his eyes. "She's going to be taken captive, as soon as she will walk through the gate. If that's all that's bothering you, then you can be at ease."
"No, frankly, it's not," Callan sighed, his expression turning grave . "It's still about Daiermed."
"You want me to spare him too," Sir MaIcolm frowned, his brow furrowing. His voice tinged with disapproval. "It goes without saying. He is still almost a child, and far more inept in the art of war than the Kingsdale Castle Lady. Besides, ever since his mother asked for my help, I've been holding myself accountable for this boy. I think he'll rule Kingsdale after our win over the Campbells."
"But what about Lady Janet?" Callan exclaimed, ready to defend the interests of his girlfriend. There was no doubt about the fate of Sir Engus. "She will stay in Danvegen and rule here," Sir Malcolm smiled.
"And Conan?"
"I think all three of you will get along just well. Conan, too, will soon bring his wife over and love and joy will return to our castle."
"But I can't stay in here!" Callan groaned. "It was only about two weeks! I want to go back, you promised me!"