I didn't like these chapters as much as I've been enjoying the other ones -- it's still good, but there's no Keith, lol -- but also I feel like Broster does like her tropes, and there's all kinds of tropes spelling impending doom about the whole Alison and Ewen thing, which worries me. (Don't spoil me :) ) As opposed to Culloden, which I do know is impending doom and which I enjoyed more, in a sense, because I do know what's coming. (The kettledrums of Cumberland's advance, as you say! And "the young man for whom the flower of the North stood here to be slain," :(((((( )

I would love to hear more about your issues regarding the significance of Alison's role in the book and in Ewen's life, but... later :)

Ewen and Lochiel is of course lovely, and I'm looking forward to seeing that hiding place :P (With all the caring description given to that cave on the mantel...)