Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (6 page)

“Aunty, I’m here, I wanted … Oh, shall I come back later?”

Aunty shook her head. The boy listened intently to her aunt. He was a tall Scot lad with light-blonde hair, and wore the woolen plaid the Highlanders favored. He didn’t seem to be more than two and ten.

“Tell him I’d be eternally in his debt, and that he’s a good lad to do me this favor. Don’t speak to him in front of others because no one must know she’s here.”

“Aye, milady,” he said, bowing. “I’ll deliver your message to my laird and return with his answer.” The boy gawked at her when he passed by. Before he closed the door, he grinned.

Julianna took a seat beside the table where Aunty placed ale, bread, chunked cheese, and a few of her special sweet buns.

“Eat, ye need your strength,” Aunty said, taking a seat. “I have news: someone came from Bentley’s manor this morn. We told him we hadn’t heard from ye and that we would send word if we did.”

Julianna stiffened. “Did he believe you? I am sorry to involve you.” Her voice faltered.

“Now, now.” Aunty patted her hand. “I can handle that rotter my sister married. I don’t see why the squire wouldn’t have believed me. He ate in the kitchens and should be convinced.”

“I should leave at once. My father sent men after me, but I escaped when they rode at us. Doris didn’t get away. Bleeth tricked them and got away.”

“I know all about Bleeth. Ye did the right thing coming here. I thought we would—”

Julianna interrupted, “I want to go to Sara’s. She said I could come if I needed to. You’ve been so good to me these many years, and I cannot risk your safety. If anything happened to you, I couldn’t bear it.”

“Such a sweet child, to be concerned for others. But ye need to worry about yourself.”

“Does that boy know someone who could take me to Scotland? I have jewels my mother left me. She said if ever I needed to get away to use them as payment. Since Father gave them to her, she found irony in that.” She frowned, disbelieving what she told Aunty.

“Aye, Joanna would. She was a wonderful sister and I miss her.” Her eyes filled with tears.

“Aunty, I didn’t mean to distress you. I shouldn’t have mentioned my mother.”

Mathilda wiped her eyes with her apron. “Thinking of my sister always makes me weepy. The lad will report back soon. I have no fear the laird won’t take you to Scotland. You’re a clever lass to think of that. Byron doesn’t know how fond of that place ye are. He deems he punished you by sending you here,” she explained. Aunty motioned for her to take a sweet bun, but Julianna shook her head.

Her aunt continued, “Your mother feared Bentley. She often told me she worried for her safety. Our father would never have allowed her to remain with him if he knew how he treated her. Joanna made me promise to take care of you and died after our last visit.” Mathilda sighed.

Julianna tried to offer some comfort. Mathilda stood and walked to the pitcher across the room. She poured water into goblets for them and returned to sit next to her.

“The laird is a good man. My husband has dealt with him for years. You’ll be safe, but he’s a fearsome laird from a large clan, a giant among men and rather brisk. You’ll get used to them, they’re all that way. I admit their arrogance amuses me.”

Julianna listened carefully. “Aunty, you are such a help. When do ye think he shall come?”

Mathilda rose and paced the floor. “Some of his men are meeting with Walden, he must be close. Simon will find him and relay my message.”

He’d take her to the Highlands and that’s all that mattered—if he ever showed up.

He showed up two days later.

On the way to the Shelmore’s keep, Colin called a halt. Situated by the border and one day’s ride into England, he often took the risk. On this sojourn he needed to inquire the news of the never-ending scuffle betwixt the Scots and English. He had agreed to relay the news to the other clans on his return. Steven should have made the trek; it was his turn. But Steven asked him to go in his place. He and Steven were comrades long before they both became lairds and Colin understood that Steven couldn’t leave Sara and his bairn. He envied his friend because his home flourished and his clan was at peace, except for few skirmishes. Colin aspired to have his clan in the midst of peace someday. Until each and every one of the McFies were dead, that wouldn’t be possible.

He still hadn’t brought the McFies to justice. The war was becoming tiresome. Leaning against a tree, he watched the men around the camp. His brothers tested their swords for exercise, both combating as if they fought to the death. He’d turned them into fine MacKinnon warriors. Brendan worked his sword in a frenzied attack and his brother, Robin, landed at his brother’s feet.

“You fight tirelessly, Brendan. Someday I’ll best ye.” Robin jumped to his feet.

Colin knew that would never happen, because Brendan trained without any other activity to distract him. When they finished their clash, they joined him beside the tree, both winded from their exercise.

“Colin, what goes?” Robin asked.

“Nothing, sitting here contemplating.”

“About what?”

“The McFies, amongst other things.”

“Aye? After we reach the Shelmore’s, where are we headed?”

“Home, Robin, I believe we’ll go home. It has been a long time, and I long for the smell of peat and mist.” Colin took Brendan’s sword and studied the handle.

“Aye, I can smell the stinking English even this afar from them,” Brendan said.

Simon, the lad he’d sent to forewarn of their coming, returned and stood before Colin. “Laird, I have a message from Milady Shelmore.”

“What is it, Simon? Is it not safe to go there?”

“’Tis safe, but milady asked if ye would escort a lady to the Highlands.”

“A lady? Why’d she ask me?”

“I know not, Laird, I wasn’t supposed to speak of it in front of others because she doesn’t want anyone to know she’s there. Milady said to tell you she would be eternally in your debt.”

“That’s telling. The lady must be in trouble,” Colin said.

“Far be it for us not to help a lass in distress,” Robin said.

“She told me to return with your reply. What should I reply, Laird?”

“No bother, Simon, we’re on our way. I’ll give Mathilda my reply.”

“That’s a strange request from Mathilda. Why do ye think the lass is in trouble?” Brendan asked, taking his sword back from Colin.

“She told Simon not to speak of it in front of others. Mathilda wants the lady escorted to the Highlands by us—warriors.” Robin took Brendan’s sword and cast it into the grass.

“Aye, very telling. Will ye do it, Colin?” Brendan asked, and shoved Robin so he could retrieve his sword.

“Depends on how fair the lass is. Is she comely, Simon?” Colin grinned, but it wasn’t his question to Simon that made him do so, it was Brendan’s reaction to his sword being cast aside.

“Aye, Laird, she is bonny.” The men laughed. “But someone beat the poor lady. Even so, she was sweet on the eyes.” Simon’s face reddened in embarrassment at making that admission to his laird.

“Beaten, ye say?” Robin again took Brendan’s sword and threw it back into the high grass.

“Aye,” Simon replied.

Colin grew somber. Why would someone beat the lass? He didn’t have time to travel with such a woman, but he was beholden to Mathilda and Walden.

“Give me my damned sword. Why do ye keep taking it?” Brendan snatched it back from the grass and gave Robin a confused look.

Robin snickered. “Best give it a proper burial. That scrap of metal is a piece of cosh.”

He thought his brother would explode, seeing Brendan’s face grow fierce. He might as well enlighten him. “See the smithy at the Shelmore’s, the handle’s loosened.” Colin laughed when his brother cursed.

“I knew that. I did it when I returned the blow to Robin’s sword.” Brendan sheathed it. “I’m not a priss-arsed squire, ye know.”

As the MacKinnon men rode to the Shelmore holding, Colin thought about the duty requested. Mathilda always coddled him whenever he stopped for a visit; he loathed admitting that he liked her treatment. Her husband, Walden, was a good man and devoted to the Scot’s cause. Colin always enjoyed the Shelmore’s company. They’d head home after receiving news anyhow. It shouldn’t take long to drop the lass off and be on their way.

In the deep woods, adjacent to the Shelmore’s keep, voices echoed through the trees. Colin held up his hand, and pulled his horse a length away from the intruders. He wasn’t sure if they were intruders, but he would consider them to be so until he found out. His warriors stalked through the woods with stealth, and the men they tracked stopped unexpectedly. The MacKinnons forged toward their camp, unbeknownst to them. Ten men, seemingly knights, stood in a semi-circle. Colin and his men heard their arguing. A man said to another that he wasn’t risking his life for a runaway girl.

Listening intently to their heated words, Colin reckoned a clash with a few English was exactly what he needed to work off his frustration. He and his men pulled their swords from their scabbards. The knights saw them enter the camp. They threw their weapons on the ground. Damn it, they weren’t going to be accommodating. Colin stood in his fighting stance, ready and waiting. All English were cokenays as far as he was concerned, these men more so.

“What do ye here?”

“Our lord sent us to retrieve a lady at the Shelmore’s keep,” a man said.

It must be the lass Mathilda sent the message about
. He’d find out what was going on. Colin looked to the man who had spoken and decided he must be in charge. Directing his sword at him, he asked, “Who are ye retrieving?”

“Lady Bentley. We were told to bring her back. Is she there?”

Colin glanced at his brothers. Robin shook his head, and Brendan’s sword moved side to side in anticipation of the fight. Both wanted to slay the foes, but he didn’t know if he should let them. After assessing the soldiers, he decided that Walden wouldn’t want them at his holding. He might as well send them on their way.

Grasping the leader’s tunic, he said, “Retrieve your weapons. Get on your damned horses and return from where ye came. Tell your lord there’s no lady here.”

“There’s n-not?”

“Ye have ten seconds to remove yourselves from our presence or suffer our displeasure.” Colin began counting before he released the poor excuse of a soldier. His warriors bellowed with laughter at their cowardice. The Englishmen picked up their swords and ran off before Colin reached ten. Robin laughed and Brendan scowled.

“Cosh, I looked forward to having me fun, Colin. Ye ruined my day,” Brendan said, lowering his sword.

“Let us be on our way. I want to find out what this is about—they are after her.” Colin remounted his warhorse and led the way to the wall.

The watch allowed them entrance, and as soon as they dismounted, Lady Mathilda greeted them.

“Colin, you’re here at last.” Mathilda kissed his cheek. “Look at ye. Have you been warring? Ye best wash before you dirty my hall.” She laughed heartily, motioning for the servants.

“Mathilda, you are a sight for tired eyes. I received your message from Simon. Ye needs me to escort someone? Who is she?”

“My niece is going for a visit and Walden doesn’t have men to spare at the moment. There’s been some skirmishes along the border. She’ll be safe enough with ye. Do ye mind taking her?”

“Not at all. When do ye want us to leave? I must have some of your bread before I go,” he teased.

Mathilda smacked his arm. “You are demanding as ever. Eat your fill—you’re always welcome. I would like ye to leave soon. I’d best warn the servants. You lads always eat out my stores. Walden is waiting to tell ye the news.”

Colin entered the hall and found Walden sitting at the table, a small feast set before him. Without asking, he helped himself to a trencher and looked around. He thought he might see the niece, but she wasn’t there. He set about eating while Walden filled him in on the latest happenings.

“I don’t care if he is an ogre.”

Julianna couldn’t believe the things aunty told her about her escort, but she would go along with him as long as she reached Sara.

“He’s not as bad as that, but Bleeth might be intimidated by his size. He’s a handsome man. Were I a younger maiden, he might concern Walden.” Mathilda laughed.

“Aunty, are ye blushing?” She noticed Aunty’s glow.

“The man is a warrior.” Mathilda fanned her face and paced the chamber. “He might be stern, but that’s because of his upbringing.”

Julianna sighed and changed the conversation, “Aunt, I know who my real father is. If he learns who I am … I’ve heard such horrid things. I would go from one monster to another.”

“’Tis a good thing you’re leaving England then. Bentley won’t get to ye, not when ye depart with the warrior. Be prepared. I’ll tell Bleeth come say goodbye.” Mathilda hugged her. Julianna started to say something, but Aunty stopped her. “Nay, get rest. Ye won’t get much once you’re traveling.”

Julianna went to her chamber, lay on the bed, and thought of Sara. Her dear friend would help her escape the horrible situation. She hadn’t been able to rest because of the uncertainly of the escort, but now that he’d arrived, she felt secure in knowing she’d soon leave. Laila also concerned her and she hoped her sister was safe. Then she wondered if she’d be safe traveling with a warrior. She fell into an exhausted sleep with worry.

The next morning, Julianna awoke with a start at a knock. She rushed out of bed and shook the wrinkles from her skirts. Her nightclothes lay unused. Pulling her fingers through her hair, she tried to make herself presentable. Aunty said she’d let her know when she would depart, mayhap this was the day. Expecting her aunt, she was surprised to find Bleeth standing outside her door.

“I came to wake ye because the Scots will soon leave.”

“Bleeth, have ye met him … them?”

His frown didn’t calm her trepidation. “I saw them from afar, but didn’t want to interrupt their supper.”

“Are they barbarians?”

He hunched his shoulder. “They’re a mean-looking bunch, I’m glad I’m going along.”

“I cannot ask that of ye, Bleeth. I won’t put you in any more danger.”

He smiled. “Julianna, I’m going with ye. I cannot let you travel alone with the Scots. Besides, I have nowhere to go. I belong by your side. The Scots do appear strong enough to protect ye, but I don’t need such strength. I have magic—”

“Please, Bleeth, don’t say anything more. I’d gladly take ye with me, but I’m not sure the Highlanders would allow it. And Bleeth, your magic doesn’t always work.”

“I am getting better and—”

She cut him off again. “I cannot chance it, Bleeth. Ye must understand. My father will send more men. The journey will be dangerous and I need the protection of those soldiers.”

“Nothing will keep me from your side. I won’t hear any argument, my lady.”

A knock at the door saved her from having to soothe his hurt feelings. She went to answer it expecting once again to find Aunty. This time, she found the warrior standing outside her door.

Her chin dropped. Somehow she remembered to close her mouth after a few seconds. He stood with his arms folded over his chest, ankles crossed, leaning against the doorframe, looking at her with amusement.

“Lady Julianna?”

Her mouth went dry and no words would form. Julianna decided she wouldn’t let on that she recognized him. His vivid green eyes were as beautiful as she remembered, and his voice as deep and appealing. He stood barely a breath away and she wanted to wrap her arms around him, kiss him, and tell him that she had missed him.

Instead, she cleared her throat. “Aye, I am Lady Julianna.”

“Colin, of the clan MacKinnon. Lady Shelmore told me I could find the woman I’m to escort in this chamber. I need to find out the location of the—”

“You’re the man she contacted to escort me?”

“You’re the lass she wants me to escort?” the warrior asked at the same time.

She almost laughed at the bizarre turn of events. “Aye.”

“I’m to take ye to the Highlands?”

Julianna couldn’t stop thinking about the kisses they shared. She hadn’t realized the man asked her a question until Bleeth nudged her.

“I do need to leave England. In fact, I’m prepared to leave this minute. This is my companion, Bleeth, he shall accompany us.” She waved a hand at her friend, standing behind her.

“I see.”

He didn’t look pleased at hearing Bleeth would travel with them. She had to make sure he would escort her and decided an incentive might help. “I have payment for your trouble. I will be visiting the KirkConnell clan.”

“Their land borders mine, but I cannot accept payment. Steven would never forgive me for accepting it from ye.”

His large body seemed to fill the small chamber. She stepped back, becoming somewhat intimidated. Yet, he had kissed her in the woods and had been gentle. She was sure he wouldn’t harm her. Still, she stepped beside Bleeth. Julianna wanted to offer him something for his inconvenience, so she retrieved her satchel and took out a pouch. Returning to him, she took his hand and thrust the sack into it. She reveled in his warm touch for a moment. His hand waned with the pouch’s weight and he whistled loudly after peering inside.

“There must be a fortune in jewels here.”

“Forgive me, but I needs be away and hastily. I have no time to haggle over payment. The jewels should be enough to cover the arrangement. I won’t have need of them.”

“My lady, they’re your mother’s jewels. Ye cannot mean to give them to him.”

“I do, Bleeth.” She turned back to him and smiled. “My lord, MacKinnon, I want to reach my friend, Sara. She married the KirkConnell laird, and she’s the only one who can help me. Please accept the jewels with my gratitude.”

Her tone stressed desperation. She thought she’d fall at his feet and beg if necessary. Reaching out, the man lifted her face, eying her suspiciously. She hoped he didn’t see the faint bruises, but he must have, given the way his nose flared.

“I will gladly take ye to the Highlands, but I have no need of jewels. If it makes ye feel better, I’ll keep them safe until we reach the KirkConnell’s land. Sara will be glad to see ye, milady.”

“Have ye seen her? Is she well?” She wasn’t sure why, but the man acted insulted by her questions.

“Aye, she’s happy being married to the KirkConnell. Meet me in the stable in an hour.”

“You won’t regret it, Laird MacKinnon. We shan’t cause trouble on the journey.”

The man didn’t reply, but closed the door on his way out.

“Oh, lord above, Bleeth.” Had she conjured him in her dreams? Pinching herself, she realized she wasn’t dreaming. He was real enough and was taking her to the Highlands.

“I take it, my lady, that ye know the Scot?”

She turned and ceased her wide smile. “I met him as Sara’s wedding.”

“Is he the man ye danced with?”

“Nay, another.” A giddy feeling washed over her, and she wanted to laugh at the change in her circumstance.

“Ye never mentioned him.” Bleeth frowned intently, perhaps disapprovingly.

“I wouldn’t speak to you of matters of the heart.” Julianna realized she’d insulted him. She hadn’t meant to, but his face turned dour. “I met him is all, but there really wasn’t anything to tell. Don’t be surly.” So she lied, but she didn’t want to crush his feelings.

Bleeth strode to the door. “Ye always tell me everything. I have known ye since you were a tiny cherub. You’re changing, Julianna.”

“I don’t meant to, Bleeth.” She sighed after he closed the door.

Alone, she gathered her belongings and couldn’t believe she’d met the warrior again. He was as handsome as ever, but seemed taller and broader than she remembered. Colin of the clan MacKinnon would protect her until she reached Sara of that she was certain. Her pulse quickened, remembering how it felt to be held by him. Unconsciously, she fanned herself. All she could think of for the next hour was his smile, lips, eyes, and strong hands.

“He probably doesn’t recall kissing me. Even now he’s likely thinking about the delay I will cause. I mustn’t be a burden, nor make a single complaint.”

Aunty entered the chamber shortly after the laird left, looking sadly dismal.

“I shall miss ye terribly, but I must go,” Julianna said, tears forming in her eyes.

Mathilda grimaced. “You are doing right by leaving England.”

“I must go now, they’re waiting.” Julianna kissed her aunt’s tear-dampened cheek. She picked up the satchel and walked to the stable where she was sure the stern warrior waited.

Her life was veering in a new direction, one that would hopefully lead to the right path. Julianna entered the stable and heard the voices of men inside. Standing besides the opening, she waited for them to notice her. They spoke Gaelic and she understood most of it. She and Sara had studied the language when a priest tutored them at Sara’s father’s insistence. She had joined the lessons for lack of anything better to do and many an afternoon they’d spent giggling at their follies. Father Timmons reproached them for their naughtiness. Sara lacked the pronunciation, but now that she lived in the Highlands, Julianna didn’t doubt she’d learned it quickly.

She laughed when she heard one man say, “I wish I were the mighty laird then the wee lass could ride with me. Can we not switch places for one day, Colin?”

She’d never make it to the KirkConnell’s alive. Taking in their height, her eyes widened. They would kill her before she even got to her horse. Most of them stood as tall as the MacKinnon laird, and all wore their customary plaids. Hardened warriors bulged with muscle and radiated self-assurance. Looking somewhat bemused, she thought perhaps they hadn’t ever seen a lady before. Had she forgotten to dress? Glancing downward, she checked. Aye, she remembered to dress.