"We are discussing our next move," Melcorka explained, as they entered the castle. "I proposed asking the Lord of the Isles and the Picts of Fidach for help."
"They would be powerful allies and formidable enemies," Douglas said. He glanced back at his men. "As I have already said, I have twenty-two riders here, and I can raise more along the southern frontier. Without our swords to stop them, the Saxons will increase their raiding, but we can deal with them once we have defeated the Norse."
"You used an old sword at the battle," Melcorka said.
"My grandfather"s sword," Douglas told her. "And his father"s before him."
"You used it well."
"Until it broke," Douglas said. His smile lightened his eyes.
With Douglas backing her, Melcorka found it easier to stir up support for her ideas. Ba
