*Rory*
The chill of dawn lingers in the air as I step onto the rough grass of the training field. Around me, the warriors of Clan MacRae and their closest allies begin to gather, stretching heavy limbs and muttering among themselves. I can feel their eyes. All seem curious, some look doubtful, many skeptical. An outsider teaching them to fight? How much can I, a stranger from another time, possibly offer?
I clear my throat and raise my voice over the murmurs. “Today, I’m not teaching you the way your fathers fought. I’m teaching you how to survive.”
A few eyebrows lift. Duncan stands at the edge, watching with a steady gaze. Cait is nearby too, quiet, arms crossed. I’m grateful for their support.
I draw a deep breath and begin. “The battlefield is chaos. It’s brutal and unpredictable.
