Knight of the Highlander (23 page)

****

When the battle began, it was as if time stood still. Each thrust Rian made toward Colin had Arywnn gasping for breath, and every attack Colin made to best Rian had her reeling with joy. When Rian slashed Colin's leg, one of the men with Colin had to restrain her from running into the field to Colin's side. And now, as the men of the clan, warriors all surrounded Colin, her heart beat wildly.

After what seemed like days, years even, Colin spoke, his voice clear even from across the meadow.

"I have won the challenge."

No one moved.

Arywnn held her breath.

"On what authority do you issue such a challenge?" one of the older men asked, Donal, a member of the council. His question earned a few grunts of approval.

"On my wife's birthright."

"And who might yer wife be, laddie?"

"Arywnn, daughter of Maol, The late Laird of yer clan."

"I dinnae' see Arywnn, laddie." Donal took a step forward. The rest of the group began to shift as if restless, itching to fight. Arywnn's heart began to race. She recognized every face in the group, knew their wives and children. To think they would shed the blood of her husband appalled her, yet she knew it was a very real possibility. A tear trickled down her face, leaving a warm salty path as she watched, wide eyed.

"What kind of husband would I be tae put my wife in danger?" Colin replied coolly.

"Yer not in danger now." His voice was more curious than menacing.

"Aye?"

"Back up, lads. Let's see what this man has tae say for himself." The men backed away, but not too far, Arywnn noticed.

"Arywnn." Colin called.

She struggled for a moment against the man restraining her before she was released. Straightening her plaid and smoothing her hair quickly, she walked into the clearing and toward the gate, toward her home. With each step her anger built, her protective nature roaring to life as she watched her husband, surrounded by the men of her clan, men that should be thanking him for saving them from a man such as Rian. Unable to control her temper, she fumed, addressing the eldest first.

"Donal, fer shame, all of ye! Surroundin' a man with naught but a single sword tae defend himself! And saving ye all from the likes of Rian. Dinnae' tell me ye couldn't smell the liar than he was." Arywnn marched into the circle, moving to stand protectively in front of Colin. She heard him chuckle as he gently moved her behind him, all traces of laughter quickly disappearing however.

"Why did ye run off with the traitor, lass? Did he take ye against yer will?" Nods of affirmation surrounded them.

"Nay, I left so that I might escape Rian. There is much you dinnae' ken. There is much to make right," she implored.

The men surrounding them began to glance at their comrades waiting for someone to make the first move to accept or attack.

"We'll hear ye out." Donal nodded, and gestured to the gate. The men filed in, some ahead and others behind Colin and Arywnn.

"Wait, what of yer men?" Donal paused and regarded Colin.

"They are instructed not tae attack."

"Verra well."

Donal eyed the torches that continued to burn brightly. "Still, we'll be posting guards tae watch 'em. Donna think ye'll ambush us." He huffed.

They entered into the main room reserved for meals. A large fire warmed the room and cast a cheery glow, belying the tension that was dominantly thick.

"I'll have yer information." Donal sat at the head table, gesturing for the other men to sit. Women and children began to file into the room as well, all waiting to hear.

Colin began to explain the conspiracy, the plan to attack the English by supporting the Jacobite cause. Murmurs arose through the assembly. Colin continued to describe his mission both previous when he was working as the blacksmith, and now. To his credit, the whole explanation took less than a few minutes, leaving an air of a million unanswered questions.

Donal was the first to speak aloud. "Tis quite the tale you tell." He spoke thoughtfully, stroking his long white beard.

"Tis the truth," Colin affirmed.

"One question. If ye are English, why do ye wish tae be Laird? Why would we want tae make ye Laird?" Shouts of approval met his question. Arywnn glanced to Colin.

"Because I love my wife, and my wife love's her Highland home. I'll not see it destroyed by men who lust for power and war. If, by my hand, I can offer her people peace, then I gladly will do it. I will risk my life to that end. Even as I have, and continue tae do this night. I came here tae report what I found. I stay here because while here, Scotland became my home. I'll not forsake her when I can be of service."

Mumbles of agreement and grudging acceptance resounded through the hall.

"Any challenger to the Laird, or in this case, previous Laird, must be approved by the council. Yer claim, 'tis legitimate through yer marriage tae Arywnn. However ye English."

"I am."

"Tis a difficult answer ye seek. We must convene. Leave us." Donal nodded, and Arywnn and Colin rose from the table exiting the great hall, and walking out into the moonlight.

"Tis difficult when your life depends on something," Arywnn murmured.

"Yes. It is," Colin spoke in his crisp accent, causing a weak smile to tip Arywnn's lips.

"Ye use the brogue when conversin' with them," she stated.

"Yes. The last thing they need is tae be reminded I'm English right now. They bloody well know it. I'll not remind them."

"Wise."

"I thought as such."

They carried on in silence as they walked aimlessly, finding themselves in the stable.

"Remember when ye put flowers in Garten's mane for me?" Arywnn asked, feeling her expression soften at the memory.

Colin chuckled. "Yes, he's a very long suffering horse. It's hard for a blacksmith to braid."

"You did a well enough job of it." Arywnn shook her head and reached up to caress her husband's face. "I'm afraid."

Without delay, Colin captured her lips with his own, melting the fear away from Arywnn's body like a warm breeze over snow. Her body responded to his with exhilarating passion, heightened by the already humming tension that existed. His hands caressed and kneaded her back.

She reached up and wound her fingers through his chestnut hair, letting go of all thoughts save her husband, and the million pleasurable sensations he was creating through his masterful kiss.

All too soon, Colin gentled the kiss till he broke away completely. His blue-black gaze caressed her, displaying the depth of his love.

"It's time, love."

"Aye."

"Whatever happens, I'm here," he whispered into her hair as he pulled her into a tight, intimate embrace.

"As am I, as am I," she whispered.

****

Colin's heart beat rapidly as they walked to the grand hall. Donal stood up, awaiting their entrance. He held tightly to Arywnn's hand, hopefully offering comfort to his brave wife. He resisted the urge to chuckle at her earlier display in scolding the warriors of the clan. She had to be half daft to attempt such a thing, yet he knew it was love that provoked her. Love for him, and nothing could have pleased him more.

"The council accepts yer words, Colin. Tis no secret that Maol and Rian had deceived the clan, secreting plots and dishonorin' the council by not speaking of those plans. Our clan has suffered much loss through their lies. So, after speaking together we have decided tae honor yer challenge. Yer marriage tae our Arywnn has given ye the right tae Laird and as such, we honor it. However, the council has made a provision."

"Aye?" Colin nodded, his heart hammering with relief yet trepidation.

"Ye will sever ties with the English. Scotland must be yer first love."

Colin swallowed. Indeed he expected as much. "Aye. Ye have my pledge of loyalty."

"Verra well. Yer honor bound tae keep that pledge."

Donal addressed the assembly. "Clansmen, women I give ye the new chief of Clan Chattan. Come, Colin of Chattan."

Colin walked toward Donal, his chest bursting with relief and pride. Yet also, he felt the weight of each person's gaze, knowing they now looked to him for aid, wisdom, and protection. It was no small undertaking. He'd not take it lightly.

"Through the lineage of Chattan's chief Maol by marriage tae his daughter, Arywnn, yer right tae the chiefdom is made known. Take yer place." Donal gestured tae the large wooden chair at the head of the table. Colin nodded to the elderly man, then turned to the rest of the council nodding in respect to them as well. Gareth, his dear friend, had a grin that threatened to split his face, his eyes shining with hope.

Colin addressed the assembly as he stood before the Laird's chair. "Tis no small thing, tae be chief. I'll not take this lightly, rather give you my pledge to serve, honor and protect ye tae the best of my ability."

A shout of approval echoed through the hall. He gazed over the assembly, his eyes finally resting on Arywnn. Her hands were clasped before her as tears streamed down her face though she wore the grandest smile he'd seen. His heart swelled and beat mightily. It was all for her. Never would he have ever imagined his life would take such a dramatic turn of events. In his wildest dreams, he would have never suspected such a love as Arywnn's.

He was thankful that life was indeed, far better than the stuff of dreams. For though he knew the road ahead would be difficult, it wouldn't be alone.

Arywnn laughed as she chased wee Fia down the path toward the large gate. So many things had changed in the past five years. It was almost staggering to consider. It had been difficult, that first year and half when the Clan had made her beloved Colin the chief. Both the clan and Colin had much to learn, especially about trust. The council was wary and understandably so. But through time, and Colin's deep patience, trust began to grow. A scant year after taking the position as Laird, Fia was born, lending to their joy.

The ominous gate that had once signified her prison now was a symbol of hope, of peace. Children ran through the streets, and the heavy cloud of oppression was lifted and replaced by a spirit of joy.

Arywnn chased her daughter up the stairs of the keep and into the main hall, where the little sprite ran into her father's study.

"Hello little Fia." Colin's soothing voice brought a smile to Arywnn's lips. How dearly she loved that man! It was few men who would give up all they knew for the sake of a woman's heart. He had done all that and more. Many men, lesser men, would have used her position as heir to further their own agenda. Colin had used his position as one of service, both to his clan but more importantly, to his family.

"Hey sprite, why don't ye go and ask cook for something tae eat?" Arywnn spoke as she leaned against the doorframe.

"Aye. Bye Da!" She waved and ran off, her little footsteps echoing like fairy music in the hall.

"How's my beautiful wife?" Colin asked, rising from his desk. His shoulders were every bit as broad as they were when he pretended to be the blacksmith. His gaze was hooded as he took in Arywnn, causing her own heart to flutter with anticipation. He strode toward her, kissing her nose, then hovering above her lips. "Sweet Arywnn, what finds you in here with me… alone?" He brushed his lips across hers, but didn't kiss her fully. Teasing, tempting, but not giving.

'Tis a handsome Knight I seek," she whispered, grinning at her husband and raking her fingers through his air.

"Ah, you found him indeed." He kissed her soundly. "And why do you seek him?" he whispered between kisses.

"I've news fer him."

"And what is your news, Sweet Arywnn. I've always kept your secrets." He grinned then kissed her once more.

"Ye see…"Arywnn pulled away from his kiss, leaning back to get a full view of his handsome face. "I find that we have plans for this fall that will prevent you from seeing Silas."

"Oh, and what might those plans be?" His brow furrowed slightly.

"Dinnae' worry, ye'll still see your beloved friend. But ye need tae see him earlier than planned."

"And why?"

"Because I'll not have my husband away when his new bairn is born," she whispered slowly, watching the wonder, joy, and delight spread across his handsome face.

"Truly?" he asked, glancing down to her belly.

"Truly," she affirmed, smiling when he bent down on one knee, and placed a kiss to her belly.

"I love you," he murmured softly to the growing babe inside of her.

He stood and swept his wife up in his arms. Arywnn squealed, but was silence by his kiss. A few women darted out from rooms they were cleaning at the sound of her squeal, and shook their heads grinning, and then returned to their work. It was often rumored that the Laird and mistress were always lovin' in one way or another. As Colin strode purposefully toward their chamber, he affirmed every one of those rumors as truth.

Over and over again.