But the past was gone, and there was no returning. He must look to the future. He must live free or die.
The lad looked back at him, startled by the change. “Master,” he said plainly. “Who are you?” The Highlander breathed deep the sea air, then replied.
“I am Michael James Scott, a proud veteran of the war against tyranny, and a man who will hide no more.” With that he gave rein to his fretting animal, and rode openly to the fisherman’s cottage.
The old man had seen him coming, but remained smoking placidly as before. There was much here that he did not understand, and he had many questions. But he knew enough not to worry himself, or to act in haste. Life, in the form of young ‘Jamie’, was coming straight toward him, and would no doubt make itself clear.
Drawing up to the low stone shelter, Michael dismounted and tethered his horse, then strode quickly up the steps. The eyes of the two men met, and though everything had changed, nothing had changed between them. Michael was still in need, and the fisherman was still willing to help.
“Can we go inside and talk?” he said. The old man nodded.
Again they sat before the fire, grateful for its warmth, and for the strong walls around them. Michael had laid out the facts as he understood them, told his friend all that he knew. And now he waited on his judgment, seeking aid and counsel alike.
“Well,” said the other, after mulling over all that he had heard. “I’d say it’s more than clear we’ve got to get them out. . .and I’d have to say you’re right, not trusting their fate to the English. There’s good men among ‘em, it’s true. But when there’s a struggle for power between adamant men, innocents are going to be hurt, and conscience swept aside.
“On one thing you can rest assured,” he went on. “I’ll be at the cove with a skiff, if and when you need me, with my boat anchored not far off. I’ll move in at nightfall tomorrow, prepared to stay till dawn, then do the same the next night if need be. I know the place well enough, as I know most every coast from Skye to Inverness. It’ll be a tricky sail coming out---with the wind against us. But I’ll warrant the wind’s been against us some years now, eh?”
“Thank you,” said Michael. “It means a lot.”