The Highlands were alive with the sounds of preparation. The once-quiet glens now buzzed with activity as clansmen sharpened their weapons, repaired their gear, and exchanged stories of past glories. The arrival of Sir William Fenton and the promise of gold had sparked a fire among the people, one that seemed unstoppable.
But within the shadows of this newfound unity, doubts lingered. Not every face in the gathering radiated trust, and not every ally was without ulterior motives.
A Rising Unease
David Barnet stood at the edge of the camp, watching the clansmen train. Their movements were swift and purposeful, yet he couldn't help but feel a gnawing sense of unease. Beside him, Moira leaned against a tree, her arms crossed.
"You're quiet," Moira observed, breaking the silence.
David shrugged. "Just thinking. There's so much at stake here. One wrong step, and everything could fall apart."
Moira studied him for a moment before speaking. "You're right to be cautious. These men are fierce warriors, but desperation can drive even the most loyal to betrayal. You'd do well to keep your eyes open."
David nodded, her words aligning with his own instincts. "And what about you?" he asked. "Why are you helping us?"
Moira's gaze hardened. "Because I hate what the king's men have done to my home. My family… they're gone because of them. If this alliance means striking back, then I'll do whatever it takes."
Her words carried a weight that silenced David's questions.
Plans in Motion
In the heart of the camp, Sir William and Angus MacLeod stood over a makeshift map spread across a wooden table. The map detailed the surrounding area, highlighting key locations and potential routes for their next move.
"We need to strike quickly," Sir William said, his finger tracing a path toward a nearby garrison. "The king's forces are stretched thin, but they won't remain that way for long. If we can take this garrison, we'll cut off their supply lines and gain a foothold."
Angus nodded, his brow furrowed. "Aye, but it'll be no easy task. They'll be well-fortified."
"That's why we need the element of surprise," Sir William replied. "A night raid, under the cover of darkness. We'll move in swiftly, neutralize the guards, and secure the supplies."
As they discussed their strategy, Duncan entered the tent, his face grave. "There's something you should know," he said. "Word of our gathering has spread. I've seen strangers in the village—men who don't belong."
Sir William's jaw tightened. "Spies?"
Duncan nodded. "It's likely. We need to move quickly before they report back to their masters."
A Betrayer Among Them
That night, as the clansmen prepared for the raid, David couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He noticed a figure slipping away from the camp, moving with deliberate caution. Curious and suspicious, he decided to follow.
The figure led him through the woods, away from the camp and toward the village below. David kept his distance, careful not to make a sound. When the figure finally stopped, David's suspicions were confirmed. The man was speaking with a red-coated soldier, his gestures animated and desperate.
David crept closer, straining to hear their conversation.
"…gold," the man was saying. "They've got a chest full of it, enough to arm an army."
The soldier's response was muffled, but his posture suggested he was listening intently.
Fury surged through David as he realized the betrayal. Without thinking, he stepped forward, his dagger drawn. The sound of a snapping twig alerted the pair, and the traitor turned, his eyes wide with fear.
"David?" the man stammered.
"Thomas," David spat, recognizing the clansman. "How could you?"
Thomas took a step back, his hands raised. "It's not what you think. I was—"
"Enough!" David interrupted. "You're selling us out to the enemy!"
The soldier reached for his weapon, but David acted swiftly, knocking him unconscious with the hilt of his dagger. He turned to Thomas, his expression dark.
"You're coming back with me," David said.
Confrontation
Back at the camp, David dragged Thomas before Sir William and the others. The clansmen gathered, their expressions a mix of shock and anger.
"This man was caught speaking with the enemy," David announced, his voice steady despite the chaos around him.
Sir William's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward. "Is this true, Thomas?"
Thomas fell to his knees, trembling. "I didn't mean to betray you, sir. They threatened my family! I had no choice!"
The crowd erupted into angry murmurs, but Sir William raised a hand for silence. He looked down at Thomas, his expression unreadable.
"You've endangered us all," Sir William said. "But I understand the power of fear. If what you say is true, then we'll ensure your family's safety. But know this: betrayal will not be tolerated."
Turning to the crowd, he addressed them. "Let this be a warning to all. We stand together, or we fall together. There is no room for treachery in our ranks."
The clansmen nodded, their loyalty reaffirmed.
The Raid
With the traitor dealt with, the group turned its focus to the raid. Under the cover of darkness, they moved toward the garrison, their footsteps silent on the forest floor.
Sir William led the charge, his movements precise and confident. David followed closely, his heart pounding with adrenaline.
The garrison loomed ahead, its walls imposing but not impenetrable. The guards were few, their vigilance dulled by complacency.
At Sir William's signal, the clansmen struck. Arrows flew, swords clashed, and the element of surprise worked in their favor. Within minutes, they had overtaken the garrison, securing the supplies and freeing several prisoners.
A Hard-Won Victory
As dawn broke, the group returned to the camp, their spirits lifted by their success. The captured supplies would sustain them for weeks, and the freed prisoners brought valuable information about the enemy's movements.
But Sir William knew their victory was only the beginning. The road ahead was long and fraught with peril.
"Tonight, we've taken a step toward freedom," he said, addressing the clansmen. "But our fight is far from over. Stay vigilant, stay united, and together, we will reclaim what is ours."
The cheers of the clansmen echoed through the glen, a defiant cry against the oppression that sought to crush them.
And in the midst of it all, David felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Highlands were alive with hope, and for the first time, he believed they could