Highlander’s Rightful Claim – Extended Epilogue
After the defeat of Murdoch Mackintosh and the marriage of Andrew to Nairne, the glen was at peace. Andrew Cameron was a benevolent Laird, and he devoted much time and energy to ensuring that the Cameron’s and the Mackintosh’s lived harmoniously together.
No longer did the Cameron’s live in the crofts high on the mountainside, but instead they brought their animals down to the pastures of the glen and farmed around the castle. There was great prosperity amongst the people, and it was said that nowhere else in Scotland did folks live so peacefully together.
The forest dwellers too came out of hiding and under Andrew’s wise leadership there was much happiness, for the Laird of the Cameron’s was not only as brave as his father, but he was also just as kind. He welcomed Rhona and Stewart to live with him and Nairne at the castle. Alongside Una and Duncan, who themselves later found a romantic attraction, the family lived together happily for many years.
Andrew and Nairne were blessed with three bonnie bairns, two boys and a girl. The eldest they named Stewart, in honor of Andrew’s stepfather, and the second they named Rory, each had a second name too, Iain, after Andrew’s father and the memory of the old Laird was always upheld, so that his grandchildren often spoke of him. The girl was a bonnie lassie, just like her mother, and even at a tender age, all who saw her commented upon her beauty. Her name was Lorna, and she was the apple of her mother’s eye and that of her grandmother’s who doted upon her, often spoiling her with gifts.
With peace having come upon the glen and the two clans united, Andrew passed his days happily with Nairne. They would often take walks out into the forest, visiting Cairstine and Alistair at their cottage in the woods, or swimming in the pools. Andrew’s Godmother had remained in the forest, but she often made the walk to the castle to see Rhona or to sell her herbs at the market.
It was to that same pool where they had first met that they often returned, walking together through the forest hand in hand. The cares of the past were long forgotten, and the hardships of their early days now long gone. The glen was at peace, and though Andrew still wore his sword at his side, he never had cause to draw it in defence. Instead, it was a symbol of his authority and one which all looked up to and respected.
It was a bright summer day, the sky blue and clear, as together Andrew and Nairne made their way through the forest towards the pool. They were accompanied by their children, the three bairns running ahead with the dogs and not a happier scene could be imagined in all the glens of Scotland.
“I wonder how many times ye and I have walked this way, Andrew?” Nairne ran her hands through a bank of wildflowers growing along the side of the path, their scent perfuming the air, and plucked a bunch from the ground and brought it close to her face.
“Many, many times,” Andrew laughed, as he turned to kiss her.
“And every time I see something new, something more beautiful than before,” and looking up at the canopy above, she twirled around in a little dance, “see up there, the way the trees enfold us, tis’ like walking through an archway in some grand castle, nature is a far better architect than man.”
“And now we can show the bairns the beauty of this place tae,” Andrew looked ahead to where Stewart, Rory and Lorna were playing together up ahead.
“Aye, and they tae delight in this place, just like their mother and father.”
“Except they never have tae sneak off here as we used tae,” Andrew shook his head in good humor, as they emerged hand in hand into the glade where the waterfall gushed into the pool from high above on the mountainside.
“May we swim, mother?” Rory called out to Nairne, as the three children stood upon the bank by the pool.
“Aye, ye may swim, see who can be the first tae reach the waterfall and then challenge yer father tae follow y.” Nairne settled herself down on the rock upon which she used to wait for Andrew all those years ago.
“If I am swimming, then so are ye,” Andrew called back to her, wading into the water.
“I shall watch, but the sun is warm, and so I may be persuaded tae join ye,” Nairne watched as her husband swam after the children who had already struck out strongly across the water towards the waterfall.
They remained there for much of the day, and it was a scene often repeated in the years to come. Andrew, Nairne and the bairns would make their way into the forest and swim in the pool. As the three youngsters grew older, they would often go there alone, taking the same paths and ways that their parents had done in their youth. The forest was as much their home as the castle, and they would often visit Cairstine and Alistair, who had been appointed Godparents of the children, continuing the family tradition.
As the years went by, Nairne and Andrew lived a happy life together, though at times it was, like any life, tinged with sadness. Twenty-one years of marriage to Murdoch Mackintosh had taken its toll upon Nairne’s mother, Una. As time went by, she grew weaker and less able to manage without her daughter’s help. It was five years after Nairne and Andrew’s marriage that she passed away laid to rest in the village Kirk where Nairne would often go and visit her, sitting by her mother’s tomb and speaking with her as if still alive.
It had been her mother and her mother alone that had made life bearable for Nairne before she met Andrew and she never forgot the gentle kindness of the woman who had so long protected her against her father’s wicked ways. His name was all but forgotten, and it was only in idle moments that Nairne’s thoughts turned to her father. She had no wish to hold his memory and did her best to forget him, the evils of the past long gone as she looked forward to a happy future ahead.
Rhona and Stewart also grew old, the years of hardship on the crofts taking their toll, but Rhona was hardy, and she lived for many years. Outliving both Stewart and Duncan to reach a ripe old age. Her twenty-one years of exile on the crofts had given her a determination unmatched by others, and now that she had returned home to the castle, had every intention of living life to the full. She delighted in her grandchildren and would often accompany them into the forest to swim at the pool. Indeed, so often did she take them there, that Andrew had to remind her of her own words about duties and chores when the bairns were once again missing from their lessons.
Young Stewart grew into a fine figure of a man, and since his earliest years, was told that it was his destiny to become Laird. A fate which, unlike his father, he relished. Raised in the castle, with all its pomp and grandeur, he grew into a natural successor to his father, one who would surely inherit Andrew’s kindness and benevolence, not to mention his strength and nobility.
“Ye have a fine inheritance before ye,” Andrew said one afternoon, as he and Stewart rode out of the forest and up onto the mountainside.
Stewart was now eighteen, and his father had brought him up to the crofts to show him where the Cameron’s once lived in exile and make him see just how hard-fought their lives had once been.
“And this is where ye lived, father?” the boy surveyed the scene, the crofts lying in some disrepair, abandoned by the Cameron’s who now lived around the castle.
He was a good-looking boy, with his mother’s eyes and his father’s stature, and he rode proudly upon his horse, following his father, the man he looked up to and respected more than any another.
“Aye, as a laddie, and it is from here that we launched our attack upon the castle. Marching down intae the forest and routing Murdoch on the battlefield.”
He rarely had cause to come here anymore, but the sight of the crofts always brought back a flood of memories as he recalled both the happy and sad times of life up in the hills.
“And from here ye used tae run down intae the forest tae meet mother by the pool?” Stewart smiled at his father, who still blushed a little after all these years.
“Aye, and when ye meet a lassie who so captures yer heart as yer mother did mine then I expect ye shall do the same, laddie,” Andrew dismounted his horse and led it towards the crofts.
“It is a lonely place,” Stewart followed his father to the ruined croft which had once been home to Rhona, Stewart, Duncan and Andrew.
“Aye, it had tae be, else we would have felt the wrath of the Mackintosh’s on more occasions than we did.”
“I cannae believe that we were once at war with them. Now they are our closest friends, there is no distinction between us, the Mackintosh’s are our kin, just as the forest folk are,” Stewart shook his head in disbelief.
“Aye, but it was not always so, laddie, look behind ye.” Andrew pointed out over the glen where the forest lay thick and vast before them. “The forest was a hiding place for all those who felt Murdoch’s wrath, and here at the crofts, we were only able tae defend ourselves because of the mountainside which made an attack difficult. We were a scattered people, and many doubted that we could ever achieve victory over Murdoch and his men, but we prevailed, and now the glen is at peace.”
The two stood together for some time, looking out over the forest and towards the far-off castle in the distance.
“I hope there shall never see such conflict again,” Stewart said, “and I shall pledge to keep this glen a place of peace for all who come under the protection of the Cameron banner.”
Andrew smiled and placed his hand onto his son’s shoulder.
“Ye are a good laddie, and I hope that like yer father ye shall find happiness with a good lassie, yer mother is the love of my life, and she has given me ye three bairns as a further blessing. Ye have a Cameron’s heart, Stewart , but ye also have that of a Mackintosh tae. I have no doubt that ye will make a fine Laird, though I hope for many more years more myself before that day comes.”
“Many more years, father, for ye and for mother.” Together they set off back down the mountainside, riding sided by side as father and son, Laird and heir, Cameron and Cameron.
Andrew and Nairne did have many more years together, and even in their old age, they still walked out to the pool and swam, remembering their youth and ever rekindling their passion for one another. Theirs was a love that ran even deeper than the pool in the glade where first they had met, a love so profound that it had united two peoples together as one. Neither Nairne nor Andrew could imagine life without the other, and together they spent the rest of their lives as one, delighting in all that life had to offer them. A happier union could not be imagined, and each day, they spoke of their love for each other, a love once forbidden and now realised for eternity.
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Wow. What a beautiful story. Fantastic. Very well written. I could see myself in the glen. Feel the happiness and despair of the Camerons. Love how it ended. Extended epilogue was great.
Wow I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Marisu! ?
Enjoy the book and follow up ostory between these two clans and really liked your detailed epilogue
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Carol ?
It was a beautiful story of love! I enjoyed the book very much.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Mary! ?
A beautiful love story! Enjoyed this story very much!
I’m so glad to hear this my dear Helen! ?
I was a little confused with the extended epilogue. I thought Stewart was the oldest son and heir not Rory the second . What happened to Stewart?
Thank you so much for letting me know this, my beloved Diann! I hope you enjoyed the story and this mix-up didn’t ruin all the pleasure at the end. I have no idea how this escaped my sight, however it is now fixed and it is as it should have been – with Stewart as the eldest son and heir. This is why I appreciate feedback so much – two pairs of eyes always see better than one! ❤️
Great story. Kept me on the edge of my seat.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Marge! ? ?
A sweet and suspenseful love story! I really enjoyed it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Anita! ?
I lived this book the characters were so well described that you could imagine them in your mind. The storyline I loved and couldn’t believe how many chapters there were. Excellent value for money but a great read as well. I was intrigued from start to finish.
This means the world to me my dear Wilma! ? Thank you ?
Loved it. Another winner as it is absolutely a great read.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Elouise! ? ?
A great story with evil conquered and love United. A great read!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Cathy! ?
How could Tory be the heir when Stewart was the oldest?
You must be thinking of another book
I’m not what you mean my dear Linda ☺
Loved the love story and the good winning over evil. Thanks for the extended epilogue, lovely.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Jan! ?
I loved it.
I’m so glad to hear this my dear Dianna! ?
A good read of Love winning over hatred. The extension was short and felt hastily written. Some grammatical errors here and there throughout, but overall a good read. Thank you for the chance to be an ARC member.
Thank you for your review my dear Beth ?
I really enjoyed the story – good finally overcoming evil – true love for sure! Loved it!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it my dear Mary ?
I enjoyed the characters and the story line, but I felt it was a little bit too long and could have been shortened a bit.
Thank you for your feedback my dear Debbie ?
Enjoyed it, but why the the first son, Stewart not the heir
Thank you for your comment my dear friend! ?
A great love story where evil loses. I love all the characters for the Cameron clan.
I’m so glad to hear that my dear Beth! ?
Loved this book! Hopefully there will be more! Maybe more about the children!
I don’t know yet my dear Elaine but that is definitely a possibility ☺
I enjoyed the book. Good story line
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Carolyn??
Wonderful, sweet
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Brennan??
Why was Rory the heir when Stewart was the oldest son? I liked that Andrew showed emotion but he was a bit too weepy for my taste. Overall I liked the story and the characters.
Thank you so much for your honest feedback my dear Paula! ??
Needs better proof reading.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Yet again you bring forth a book that is extremely hard to put down
I’m so humbled by your kind words my dear Marie??
Great book
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Bernadette??
A wonderful story, so well written. I enjoyed it very much.
I’m so humbled by your kind words my dear Vilma??
i loved the story
I’m so humbled by your kind words my dear friend ??
Great story. Very romantic. Loved it.
Thank you, my dear! 🙂
Refreshing storyline.
Young love and no sex ha ha.
Great storyline and of course a happy romantic ending .
I am glad you enjoyed my story! Thank you, my dear! 🙂
Love conquers all. Good storyline and I love the characters. Evil vs good.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! <3
Lovely read. Great characters. Happy ending.
Thank you, my dear Jean! 🙂
I enjoyed this book ,well written and a wonderful suspenseful love story. Thank you so much .
I am so happy you enjoyed my story! Thank you, my dear! 🙂
Awesome story of how good over came evil! Wonderful love story!
I am glad you liked it! Thank you, my dear! 🙂
Love the story enjoyed reading it
Thank you.
I am glad enjoyed my story! Thank you, my dear! 🙂
Well written story, with convincing characters. Proof reader needs to work harder!
Thank you for your suggestions! I am glad you enjoyed my story, my dear!
A sweet love story that keeps you guessing till the end. Refreshing and page turning!
Great story!!!
Thank you, my dear! Glad you liked it! 🙂
Suspense with a great story and ending
Thank you, my dear! 🙂
A great love story! I really liked the chapter headings!!
Thank you, my dear! 🙂
Bravo, enjoyed every page❤️ Feel sad that it’s over. However I am sure I will find another of your books to take me away to another adventure?
So happy to hear that! Thank you, my dear! <3
Utter perfection. Loved every page.
Thank you so much! <3
Lovely story, wish and hope for more to come
Thank you, my dear! 🙂
Wonderful story.
Thank you, my dear! <3
Great love story. Would have been nice if there was better proof reading. But I did enjoy it!
Thank you for your honest feedback! Glad you enjoyed it! <3
I was disappointed in this book. I usually can not put down one of this author’s books but I had a hard time finishing this one. The male lead character was characterized as young, uncertain, and afraid to embrace his leadership. The storyline drug out for 2/3 of the book about encounters in the forest. The first part of the book and the last chapters were the only part that lived up to my expectations from this author.
Thank you for sharing your honest opinion with me my dear Myra. I hope that my other books will be more enjoyable to you.
The joy of young love and the courage each demonstrated even when scared was alive in this book.
Thank you for this wonderfully insightful comment my dear Terru! <3
A wonderful story, if ever there was one.It’s one of these stories you don’t want to end.
It makes me so happy to read such wonderful words my dear Deborah! Thank you <3
I so enjoyed this book. Very realistic. I was so afraid Nairne would be injured when she donned the armor and joined the others in battle. Very happy ending.
I’m glad that you enjoyed it my dear Carolyn <3
A beautiful love story. Against all odds Nairne and Andrew were able to be together.
Love always wins my dear Eileen! <3
Very good read. Enjoyed the story
Thank you.
I’m so happy to hear that it was an enjoyable read for you, my dear Margo! 🙂
Great love story!
Thank you so much my dear Linda! 😀
Very good story. I loved it
Thank you my sweet Bonita! <3
I loved this story. I have never been to Scotland but I imagine it by your books.
I’m glad that I can transport you there my dear Guadalupe! <3
a very enjoyable book
Thank you my dear Helen <3
Sweet characters. Good conquers evil. This was a little slow for me. I prefer the action stories but I enjoyed the book.
Thank you my dear Gaetana 🙂
Very good read
Thank you so much my dear Rosalee! <3
Loved this book! I liked how different it was. It was well written with well developed characters. I really enjoyed all the chapters.
Thank you my dear Cherie! <3
An enjoyable and fun adventure. These are stressful times and l wanted a happy ending which you made happen beautifully. Thank you.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it my dear Nanci! <3
A beautiful ending to a adventurous story that had all the emotions within it among its twists and turns. It was full of anger, laughter and sometimes tears and was very hard to put down when necessary. A great read.
Thank you Elaine 😀
I love all your books. Such a delight to read a wonderful sweet story!
I’m so thankful my dear Deb! <3
Really good story and characters to root for or not(Murdock)! I like the extended epilogue and that you chose the second son Rory to be heir but wondered about Stewart and what happened to him? I had hoped Una would have had a longer life with Duncan a good man to be married to after the other tyrant. Thanks for your stories and sharing your imagination with us!
Thank you for honoring me by reading my stories! 😉
I had the same question as Stewart was born 1st, and named for his stepfather, yet Rory was to be Laird!
Enjoyed very much.
I am so happy that you enjoyed it, my dear Catherine!
This is one of the best stories that I read in a while.
Loved the book it was great story
Thank you, my lovely Mary!
Thank you, my lovely Mary <3
Great story if endurance and love!
Thank you, my lovely Faye! ?
Arrrrgh yet another fantastc read, i keep thinking they will run out and yet another book arruves and I dive right in. AMAZEBALLS thanks Kenna
I’m so incedibly honored to hear you say that Marianne! <3
Great story. Like how the clans finally lived in peace.
Love always wins 😉
I so enjoyed this story! Thank you. Great characters, suspense, surprises, and true love. A happy ending for all!
Thank you very much, my dear Julie! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it <3.
Wharton a delightful story
Thank you my dear Anne <3
I enjoyed the story very much but if Stewart was the firstborn why is Rory destined to be laird?
My dear Barbara thank you for the question 🙂 Stewart’s path in life is different. His story will be told soon. Stay tuned.
A very good story. I enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you my dear Tommy! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
What a great story,I enjoyed it very much. I loved the way it ended,keep up the great writing.
Thank you my dear Robert! I am very happy that you are enjoying the stories 🙂
I REALLY INJOYED THIS BOOK. NAIRNE & ANDREW were great.
Thank you so much my dear Linda. I am really glad that you liked it 🙂
A great love story I very much enjoyed it
Thank you so much my dear Joan. I am delighted that you liked it 🙂
I have enjoyed this story more than any others I have read. I like the complexities of the plot. Grammar still requires editing properly. However a very good read.
Thank you my dear Marilyn. We always try to improve our editing and writing. Glad that you liked it 🙂
It is a good book that gives me hope and awareness of life
You just made me so happy! Thank you Ronald for your support!
I loved this story. So many trials and yet a beautiful endjing.
Thank you so much for your positive words, dear Charlotte! I’m glad you enjoyed this!?❤
I loved this story!! I had to keep reading to find out if Andrew and Nairne would be together forever or would Murdoch win? The characters were so well written just a wonderful story.
My dear Lizbeth? I am so happy you loved this story and for following them along their journey❤️
Kenna never fails to deliver a good story. Loved it.
Oh, my dear Shari. Thank you for your words! ❤️❤️
Extended epilogue nice to include all family members and how their life evolved until death .
Thank you so much for your honest feedback, my beloved Dawn! I really try to give a glimpse on the other characters’ lives in the extended epilogue, yet I can’t help but focus a bit more on my main heroes. I always get so involved with their stories that it’s hard to let go… ❤️
I really enjoyed this story, though I shed tears now and then. Thank you so very much!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear V Chang! It means the world! ❤️
Very nice story. Good conquered evil and we can see that goodness and love conquers all. Enjoyed the story very much and the extended epilog was great. Seeing how their love and the love of the family endured.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Maria! It means the world! ❤️