"Lass, there is no city of Argyll.  Argyll is a bishopric and a region under the sway of the Earl of Argyll!  It's one of the lands of the Campbell Clan, who are frequently in conflict with my clan, the Maclean's."  Robert was trying to keep his voice low so that Stephen wouldn't hear the conversation, but he heard the name Argyll nonetheless.<br/><br/>"Argyll!  What has the Earl of Argyll have to do with this wench?"  Stephen exclaimed, grabbing Emma by the arm.  "Are you a spy for the Campbells?"  He was squeezing her arm so tight, Robert had to pry the hand from her arm.<br/><br/>"Don't be silly, Stephen.  Would a spy dress in such a strange outfit?" Robert scoffed.<br/><br/>"Maybe she's wearing trousers so that she can pass as a man and spy on our preparations for defense," Stephen argued.<br/><br/>"A spy would try to blend in with the rest of us.  Wearing that strange cloak and trousers of a design even men don't wear means the lass had no chance of moving amongst us unnoticed.  I'm not sure where she comes from, but I'm certain it's not from the lands of the Campbells or the Earl of Argyll."  Stephen looked less than convinced by his brother's argument.<br/><br/>"Coming from the loch, maybe she's a mermaid," said the wizard Morlan, joining the group, a smirk on his face.  That brought some snickers from the washer women.<br/><br/>"<b>ENOUGH ALREADY</b>," Doctor Fraser yelled.  Everyone looked at him, surprised.  The good doctor had never been known to raise his voice before.  "This poor lass needs to be in front of a warm fire with a mug of hot toddy in her hands to warm her insides."<br/><br/>Robert once again nodded in agreement.  Then mounted Stephen's horse.  Leaning forward, he swept the less-than-pleased Emma up into the saddle in front of him, saying, "If you don't know how to ride . . . . . . . Emma, now's the time to learn."