Bard Wallace stood at the door of his estate and waited for his niece to appear. He looked at William. "You'll watch out for her, I'm sure."

"Of course, sir." William was dressed in his family's plaid of dark red and dark green. "We'll return for our things once we've settled."

Bard sighed. "If you settle. I have a feeling I know why you're going back."

"Everyone should have freedom, Uncle."

Bard turned.

Katie came down the stairs.

"You scandalous girl. Your mother would kill over and die of shock and humiliation if she saw you in that."

Katie was wearing the same colors as her brother but her plaid reached up to her knees, as was the fashion for highland men. "I cannot go about freeing people in my fine dresses, Uncle." Her red hair was tied back in a black strip of leather. "But I have kept the necklace you gave me. And the ring." She pulled the ruby and emerald necklace out from where she had hidden it in her plaid and showed him. "And here is the ring." She held up her right hand and on the ring finger was an ornate gold, ruby and emerald ring that matched the necklace. "They'd have to cut my finger and neck to get them."

"Ach, don't say such things, lass." Bard smiled and kissed her forehead. "Go with God. The both of you."

"Do you suppose anyone'll remember us?"

William looked over at Wallace. "Aye, I suppose. We've changed a might. Though everyone will know you on sight with that hair."

Katie smiled. "Good. That's the way I like it." She glanced over. "Are you hoping anyone special would remember you?"

William looked at her, his black eyes twinkling. "Maybe."

"And would the maybe be Marion?"

"And how would you be remembering her? You where six when we left and I was but nine."

"I remember her well. And I also remember how you kept the thistle she gave you at Father's grave."

William shook his head as he turned away from her and concentrated on the brown head of his horse. "Sometimes I wish your memory would fail you on occasion."

Katie laughed. "I doubt she's forgotten you."

They came to a crest in a hill and looked down. They reigned in their horses and looked over the land. The emerald green hills and soft, gray fog seemed to go on for miles. And suddenly, the brilliant green clashed with the colbat blue of the sky.

"We're home, William."

William nodded. "Aye, lass, we're home."