JACOBITE
"What will you change," Mhairi asked, brushing away the smooth pebbles that had been employed as mock soldiers in their strategic meetings. Since becoming a traitor to the south, she had thrown herself into work. Jacob, while a stranger to her still, was not elitist in the way that her father's parliament had been. Without calling her qualifications or interest into question, Jacob had granted her access to every meeting. He had listened to her ideas, given her a voice.
Now, with his plans to strike the Maiden's Braid in the coming weeks, Mhairi found herself getting cold feet. How many of the soldiers—the ones that she knew and dined with—would die? Of the wives that she had met, which would be widowed? What children would grow up orphans?
It was all in the name of righting past wrongs, yes, but Mhairi could not help but question if making new wrongs would undo their self-righteousness.
"Everything," Jacob answered as he stepped inside, freshly back from the rookery. "No parliament of wealthy fools, better separation between the army and local authorities. Freedom for towns to elect representatives, clan chiefs, to vote for their town's interests." His golden eyes glowed with the future that he believed in so strongly.
"They call us rebels—but we are freedom fighters. We fight for the freedom of all—the freedom to learn, fight, rest, divorce..." He rattled them off so quickly, the fur along his spine ruffling from the sheer excitement coursing through his veins.
"If that is not worth dying for, then I do not know what is, cousin."
Mhairi flinched slightly, suddenly feeling transparent.
"... That is true," she murmured then, nodding her head.
"No wolf fights in this army without their full consent," Jacob added then, joining her at her side. "And they would not be risking their lives if they did not believe in me—in you."
Gently, he pressed his forehead to hers.
Mhairi closed her eyes and allowed his confidence to blanket her. When her blue eyes opened again, there was a renewed zeal.
"Then we must fight with them."
JACOBITE
no posting here — vignette IV of IV
