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and Angus MacDonald are chiefs and brothers by marriage, but things have been so on edge between them for years. The chasm of hatred between the clans is too wide to mend, and whatever means the MacLeans have at hand to gain an advantage in this feud, they use. Certainly abducting you would be a loss I could never withstand.”
    “The fae have asked me to bring about peace.”
    “’Tis an impossible task and one I’ll never condone.”
    “I’m here for a reason, whether you condone that or not.” She slid one finger between his laces and traced over his heart. “If I’m to see to my mission, I need more knowledge on the MacLeans. Tell me how the feud began.”
    “You’re no’ aware?”
    “Most of the history I’ve read has come from stories told down through the generations. I’d rather hear it directly from the source.” She frowned, so adoringly. “Please, don’t make me go elsewhere for my information. I wish to hear how you believe this war has escalated to the point it’s gotten to today.”
    “Mayhap if I explain the depth of it, and for how many years we’ve been plagued by the MacLeans then you might see just how futile the fae’s request truly is.”
    “Maybe,” she taunted. “Come on, John. What could it hurt to give me some more information?”
    “Aye, I’ll explain.” ’Twould be best she learnt the details directly from him. “Five years past, Donald MacDonald sailed here to visit Angus. They’re brothers and very close. But afore Donald and his men arrived, they were forced to take shelter on the Isle of Jura north of here as a storm passed through. That’s when our troubles began. The northern half of Jura is held by Lachlan MacLean, but the southern half is Angus’s. Donald landed on Lachlan’s portion of the isle, yet thought himself on his brother’s land. They made camp, and then in the dead of night while he and his men rested, they were viciously attacked by Lachlan and his warriors.”
    “For doing no more than seeking shelter?”
    “It wasnae shelter Lachlan believed to be all they sought. Terreagh MacDonald, one of Donald’s own men, had a grudge against Donald, and that night he used Donald’s arrival on Lachlan’s land to his advantage. He betrayed his chief, and to a MacLean no less.”
    “How did he betray him?”
    “He carried off with some of Lachlan’s cattle, then turned coat and informed Lachlan it had been Donald’s doing. Lachlan’s attack was swift. Lachlan and his warriors snuck into Donald’s camp while his warriors slept. Sixty men lost their lives that night. ’Twas a terrible slaughter, one that can never be forgiven.”
    “A man’s life is worth far more than a few stolen cattle. What a brutal feud.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Although Donald clearly survived since he’s now imprisoned in Edinburgh.”
    “Donald remained aboard his galley. He’d taken the sea watch so his men could get their rest. Sadly, he never saw the inland attack and had no knowledge of the battle until ’twas done.”
    “What happened next?”
    “Angus heard about what had happened and visited Donald at Dunscaith Castle where he’d returned to lay his slain warriors to rest. Angus hoped to intervene, but Donald intended his revenge. So, to try to settle the issue, Angus detoured on his way home and paid a call on Lachlan at Duart Castle on Mull, hoping he could make his brother-in-law see reason. Lachlan though wouldnae be swayed, no’ when things had always been so on edge between them. Instead Lachlan threw Angus into his dungeons then demanded he handover his lands in the Rhinns. Tensions exploded.”
    “The Rhinns is one place I’d love to explore. It’s a wildlife sanctuary in the future and well protected.” She slid her thumbs under his waistband, her fingers smoothing over his skin. “I think I understand Lachlan MacLean a little better.”
    “He’s a warrior who’ll use whatever unlawful means he can to get his way.”
    “Yet his clan