"If this one is an example I can see why." He glanced at her and could tell he made Kenna blush. "Is she your wife?"
Kevin liked this man. He was courteous, respectful and not like his brother at all. There was a time when he was friends with Shaw Ferguson's father and perhaps this son was more like him. It would be a good alliance and Kevin wanted to know more about Shaw Ferguson before he agreed to call a truce. "She is not my wife. Kenna you may leave now."
She got up and walked to Kevin. Kevin did not demand that his followers curtsy to him, but when in the presence of others, they always did out of respect for him. She curtsied to Kevin, then to Laird Ferguson and went to the door, but she wasn't completely gone before she heard Laird Ferguson say, "Kenna is a fine name." She ran down the steps and headed up the path. "Wait until Julie hears this!"
Inside the Keep, Kevin offered Shaw a goblet of wine and the two men sat down at the table. "At the beginning of our war, your lads killed a MacGreagor, his wife and one of his sons. At the end of the battle, I demanded the Fergusons bring me the lads who committed the murders, but they brought only one lad. I suspect there were more."
"There were two more; your lads killed them in the battle."
"I see. Why did your brother want a war with us?"
"He lusted after your land, your clan and your wife. I have heard she is a bonnie lass as well."
So far, Kevin felt the man was being honest. "Where were you in the battle?"
"He left me to protect our land. You could easily have taken the rest of us had you attacked. Why did you not?"
"The MacGreagors do not enjoy killing. Your lads were poorly trained and it was not a worthy fight."
"That is true, we are not well trained. I have much to do now that I am the Ferguson laird. The people feared my brother and because he was so unworthy, they do not yet trust me. I am hoping an alliance with you will ease their fears. What must I do to convince you the Fergusons want peace?"
Kevin looked down. The MacGreagors would like to see their Ferguson relatives again, that was true enough. It was also true the Fergusons lost their best men in the war and those who were left posed little danger to the MacGreagors. It would be beneficial to have a friend both to his west and to his east. Kevin stood up. "Tell your people they may meet with their MacGreagor relatives on your side of the loch tomorrow after the noon meal."