Katie stood dressed in a dress as red as hair and watched, her face beaming with pride as her brother was knighted before the Scottish elders.

William stood to his feet and grinned as the hall cheered his name. Suddenly, he froze. At the back of the hall, there was a balcony, backed by a beautiful stained glass window. And there…he saw Marion. She was so real to him…he saw her there, glowing like angel. But then he blinked…and she was gone.

Katie looked up and met Robert's eyes as he clapped for her brother. The Earl smiled at her and she returned the smile.

Robert looked at his friend, Craig. "What about his politics?"

Craig watched William as he spoke with his friends. "Don't know. But his weight with the commoners could unbalance everything."

"Robert."

Robert looked down. "Katie! You look beautiful."

"Robert, this is my brother, William Wallace." Katie looked up at her brother. "William, this is Robert the Bruce."

William looked over Robert and instantly recognized his leadership.

A Scottish noble by the name of Balliol stood. "Sir William! Inasmuch as you, your sister the Lady Katie and your captains hail from a region long known to support to Balloil clan, may we invite you to join us?"

William continued holding Robert's gaze. "My father fought in support of yours."

The Balliols quieted and the nobles from Robert's side grinned. Instantly arguing broke out between both sides.

Katie looked at Robert and his face flushed, ashamed of all the bickering.

William turned and walked toward the door.

"Sir William," called Craig. "Where are you going?"

William turned. He glanced at Katie who was still standing by Robert. "We have beaten the English! But they'll come back, because you won't stand together.""But…what will you do?" asked Craig.

"I will invade England and defeat the English on their own ground."

"Invade! But that's impossible!"

"There is a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide these people with freedom. And since you will not do that, I will." He left the room.

Robert looked at Katie for a long moment, then pushed his way through the crowd and hurried after him.

"Wait!"

William, Hamish and Stephen turned.

"I respect what you said,' said Robert.

Katie appeared behind him.

"But remember, these men have lands. Much to risk," said Robert.

"And the common man who bleeds on the battlefield, does he risk less?"

"No. But of you make enemies on both sides of the border, you'll end up dead."

"We all end up dead, Robert," said Katie quietly. "It's only a question of how and why."

Robert stepped closer to William. "I am no coward. I want what you want but we need the nobles."

"Your title gives you claim to the throne of our country. But men don't follow titles, they follow courage. Our people know and respect you. If you would lead them toward freedom, they would follow you. And so would I." William held Robert's gaze for a long moment, then turned and strode outside.

Robert looked down at Katie. "And you'll go with him, I suppose?"

"Of course." Katie looked at him for a long moment. "Death doesn't frighten me. But the thought of never seeing you again does."

Robert grabbed her and kissed her fiercely. He stroked her cheek and pressed his forehead to hers for a long moment, then he let her go. "Go. Free Scotland."

"William! William!"

William turned. They where in the courtyard and getting ready to mount. "What is it, Katie?"

"I'm ready to go now."

"With me?"

"With ye."

William swung up onto his horse and pulled his sister up in front of him.

As they galloped out of the courtyard, Robert came out on the porch and watched.

Katie watched him until he was gone from her sight. "Where are we going?"

"We're going to York."