10
Arriving at Ballinderry at dusk, Anne was sure they would be sent to the dungeon or the stockades. She was surprised there was no more than the usual flurry of activity around the homestead of a clan the size of O’Connor. A few stable hands came out to meet them, taking their horses to be rubbed down and turned out to graze. There was a small group of maids by the well retrieving water for morning ministrations and cooking. Anne guessed that was a gathering place where gossip was shared and news was carried. As the remaining members of Clan McCleary dismounted, those in the vicinity stopped their chores to stare. Whispers started behind hands and raised aprons.
Duncan was giving instructions to the lads that the McCleary mounts were to be turned out in the north pasture, and that the
