Culross Abbey

Culross abbey,

Culross,

Scotland.

1805.

.......

In the chamber of Lord Ewan McDonald, the air was thick with tension. The Lord sat at his desk, his eyes fixed on a map of the realm. Across from him, his head of the army, Lord Pike, paced the floor, his face drawn and worried.

"The Bruce family has ruled for generations," Lord Ewan McDonald said, his voice low and menacing. "But they have grown complacent and weak. It is time for a new ruler, one who will not let the realm fall into chaos and ruin."

"You speak of treason," Lord Pike said, his voice trembling. "

"The Bruce family is beloved by the people. You cannot possibly hope to overthrow them without their support."

"The people are fickle," Lord Ewan McDonald said, his eyes burning with ambition. "They will follow whoever they believe will bring them prosperity and security. And I can offer them both."

"But at what cost?" Lord Pike asked, his voice trembling. "How many lives will be lost in your quest for power? How many families will be torn apart? Is that the kind of ruler you want to be?"

"I will do whatever it takes to secure the future of the realm," Lord Ewan McDonald said, his tone brooking no argument. "If the Bruce family will not step aside, then I will have no choice but to force them out. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to secure my place on the throne."

Lord Pike looked at his Lord, his expression a mixture of fear and disbelief. He had known Lord Ewan McDonald for years, and he had never seen him like this. He had always been a man of honor and integrity, but now he seemed to have been consumed by greed and ambition.

"Please," Lord Pike said, his voice breaking. "Don't do this. There must be another way."