Chapter four

"Lanclan lad y' hae ane more chance. Denounce the dark side and return to the path o' righteousness. The side o' the light, the way o' truth. Aye, a love y' lad, gabhaibh lad." O Cleirigh tried convincing Lanclan but as expected went in vain for the man held resentment and loathe in his eyes. He held a grudge within him which is what held him back. He's been blinded by his hatred for Lyall, a deep intense hatred did he hold towards him.

"Light side y' say, path of righteousness m' foot. I am well aware lad of how righteous y' could be. Aye lad, aye, y' re indeed righteous which is why i'aed been kept by y' side without a name and identity. A followed y' around like a wee dog, obeying and observing every order given by y' and where did that get m' so far? A hae gone nae where under yer rule but on Cromwell's team, A haed got power and authority over all. Dinnae y' see? A found joy under the rule of Cromwell, more than I ever felt under yer rule." Lanclan replied with a dreamy look in his eyes.

***

He'd known for being an ally of Lyall O Cleirigh has gotten no where over the years. At least that's what he thinks, little did he know that being an ally of O Cleirigh was the best thing that ever happened to him. He believes that O Cleirigh has kept him by his side all these years for the sole purpose of making him a lap dog, little did he know that O Cleirigh had actually been planning on something great as appreciation for his loyalty. If only... If only he had exercised a bit of patience he would have gotten his reward. Alas, it's human nature to feel cheated as that was what he felt. He felt O Cleirigh had cheated him by not crowning him more power.

Lyall O Cleirigh, as powerful as the man could be, he had a heart of gold. Lyall has never been cruel to anyone, always portrayed kindness to all but most people so thirsty and hungry for the power he held didn't see that. A typical example was Lanclan. Lyall has conquered many kingdoms during his rain as so was the four generations of the O Cleirighs. They were known to be people of victory as not once has an O Cleirigh lost any battle. The same went for their ladies, as the lasses of the O Cleirighs were known for their courage in the face of danger. The women of the O Cleirigh family has never known to be weak as such was the pride and legacy of the O Cleirigh.

***

"Aye lad, if only y'd been patient enough then we won't be here. If only y'd continued with that facade of yours then maybe y' would hae gotten what y' so desired." O Cleirigh said remorsefully.

"Whatever it is old chap, it sure dinnae matter noo." Lanclan retorted.

They had been in that position for quite a while since Lyall had disarmed Lanclan. O Cleirigh had placed a sword on Lanclan's throat and he knew better than putting up a fight whilst his head being separated from his body.

"Well Lanclan lad, y' would be taken as prisoner noo, as yer lass wishes tae see y'. A simply could hae just slit yet throat but a can not do that as a hae a responsibility towards Mairi."

"Prisoner eh, a dinnae think so lad." And with that he blew a whistle.

O Cleirigh who was no ordinary soilder had dodged the flying sword in time.

Metal clashed against metal as he fought hard to put up with the two great mean before him. The two men who had gone through battle under his guidance, the two men who he'd trained with his very own hands and the two men who he'd trusted the most.

He simply couldn't believe what he was facing now as these two men who he faced off where his closest allies. How could he not have seen it before? These two men have conspired against him and for what?

Was he so bad that everyone who he trusted and cared for has now turned against him.

Douglan why? O Cleirigh couldn't help but question himself. So this was the plan all along. They'd both trapped him by luring him to the battlefield. They had both betrayed him.