Foes

In a sun‑lit Scottish glen, the steady rhythm of Mother Binning’s spinning wheel is interrupted by the curious English tutor, Strickland, who seeks a glimpse of “second sight.” Over the calm river and beneath an ancient ash, the pair trade stories of past battles and whispered omens, while the land itself seems to pulse with hidden histories. Their conversation hints at a deeper conflict that has long tangled the lives of the local laird, the neighboring lord, and the families that serve them.

As the day unfolds, the quiet of Glenfernie is pierced by rumors of a restless lad named Alexander, whose many “lives” suggest tangled alliances and old grudges. Strickland’s fascination with the surrounding hills and his longing to see beyond the present draw the listener toward a looming rivalry that threatens to upend the peaceful routine. The stage is set for love, loyalty, and the lingering echo of ancient wars that will shape the characters’ fates.