The Angel and the Highlander (6 page)

She yawned and rubbed the back of her neck. “I should be able to sleep now.” She turned to him. “Thank you for the company and the conversation.”

“You are most welcome,” he said standing and reaching out his hand to help her up.

She hesitated briefly before accepting, and once she stood she walked away without saying another word.

It was just as well for in that brief moment when her hand rested in his, he was overwhelmed with the desire to kiss her.

The flames of hell are waiting for you, Lachlan Sinclare. You’re going to burn, burn, burn!

“Shut up!” he yelled at himself and stomped off, knowing that sleep would not come easily tonight.

P
iper woke Terese about an hour before sunrise. She knelt next to Terese’s bed and whispered, “There is something you must see.”

Rowena was already up busy making honey bread.

“Keep our absence secret from our guests as long as possible,” Terese instructed Rowena and with quick, silent steps followed Piper over the convent grounds and into the woods.

The sun was a bright, half orange ball on the horizon when they reached their destination, Terese knowing she had slowed Piper down. It amazed her how familiar the young woman was with every inch of the woods, and it was that way with any forest. Once in it, Piper was as comfortable with it as with an old, dear friend.

Piper dropped to the ground and carefully brushed leaves out of the way to reveal tracks. “There were two of them, one heavy-footed and one nimble. They’re scouting.”

A chill ran through Terese as she bent down alongside Piper to take a look. “Do you know who?”

“Look here,” Piper said, pointing to one hardy imprint in the ground. “This was made by a sandal. Mercenaries mostly wear boots.”

Terese frowned, leaning back on her haunches. “This confirms a fear I had. At first when Henry mentioned the mercenaries, I wondered if perhaps the gossip we perpetuated about our little group had grown out of hand. Then I wondered what if…What if it had nothing to do with us at all?”

“It doesn’t bode well,” Piper agreed, then added proudly, “but we are warriors. You have seen to that.”

Perhaps so, but Terese worried regardless.

“I would guess that the warring clans sent scouts to see if a surprise attack against the mercenaries was feasible,” Piper continued.

“And if they’re successful, they may just keep going, claiming everything in their path.”

“A very good chance that’s exactly what they’ll do,” Piper said.

“Is this as far as the scouts have gone?”

“They circle for the moment, concerned with their plan of attack,” Piper explained. “They will probably continue to scout the remaining area afterward.”

“And come upon the thriving farms,” Terese said shaking her head. “Once they discover the farmers don’t belong to any liege lord, their lands will be confiscated and they’ll be free no more.”

“And the convent?”

“They will not hurt us, but we will find our activities restricted.”

“What can we do?” Piper asked anxiously.

Terese paced, the dried leaves swirling around her scuffling feet. She stopped suddenly and one or two leaves attached themselves to the hem of her brown skirt. “There’s only one solution to this problem.”

Piper waited expectantly.

“I go see the mercenaries.”

Lachlan woke just after sunrise and following a hurried stretch he made his way to where he was certain he’d find Sister Terese enjoying the morning sunrise. He stopped when he saw that she wasn’t there. He grew concerned that perhaps something happened to one of the children, or possibly Henry or Frances.

With quick steps he made his way to the common shelter. He almost collided with Sister Hester when she hurried out the door, a basket on her arm.

“Good morning, sir,” she said with a nod.

He had given up on trying to convince the nuns to call him Lachlan.

“I’m taking fresh honey bread to the men.” Hester pulled back the cloth for him to see.

The delicious aroma had his stomach crying out.

Hester smiled and handed him a slice, which he gratefully accepted.

“I’m looking for Sister Terese,” Lachlan said before popping a piece into his mouth and relishing the sweet taste.

“I’m not sure where she is, though I believe Sister Megan knows.”

“Where can I find her?” he asked.

“She’s left for one of the farms. A babe needs delivering.”

“What farm? Where?” Lachlan asked.

“Sister Piper would know that,” Hester said, slipping him another slice before walking away.

“Where’s Piper?” he called out.

Hester turned and shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

He stood eating the bread and wondering over his next move. “Evan!” he said aloud.

“He’s off in the woods,” Andrew said, causing Lachlan to swerve around at his unexpected arrival. “He’s holding the work up again.”

Lachlan cringed. “What this time?”

“Fresh nests. Evan says the trees with the nests we can’t disturb. He’s marking the trees we can use. So, what are you going to do about it?” Andrew challenged.

“You’re
going to do as he says,” Lachlan ordered.

Andrew shook his head. “Why do you allow him such fancies?”

Lachlan raised a brow. “You question my command?”

“Never,” Andrew assured him. “I will get the men to work as soon as Evan finishes.”

Lachlan placed a sturdy hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “Evan tracks like none I have ever seen.”

“True,” Andrew nodded. “Very true. The men even talk about his exceptional skills.”

“Now tell me, have you seen Sister Megan this morning?”

Andrew shook his head vehemently. “I keep my distance when at all possible.”

Lachlan grinned. “I am not accusing you of anything. I need to know if you’ve seen her today.”

Andrew answered reluctantly. “I saw her for only a moment. She was in a hurry, clutching her basket, telling me she had to be on her way. She smelled like freshly blossomed flowers and her cheeks were flushed pink and—”

“Enough!” Lachlan ordered. “How many times am I going to have to remind you that she is a nun?”

“She does not look nor does she act as a woman who has avowed herself to God, and you can’t tell me you haven’t thought the same watching the women.”

“I can understand your apprehension. The women do not dress in the proscribed robes or act as piously as we would expect, but their reasoning makes sense. How could they possibly do the required work in such cumbersome garments or be lax in their chores?”

“Now you sound like your brother Artair,” Andrew argued with a grin.

Lachlan shook his head and laughed. “Never will I be that practical.”

“Thank the heavens,” Andrew said with a smirk and playfully folded his hands in gratitude to the heavens.

“Back to more important matters,” Lachlan instructed, anxious over Sister Terese’s absence. “You’ve seen nothing of Sister Terese this morning?”

Andrew rubbed at the back of his neck. “Come to think of it, I don’t recall seeing her at all.”

A shout from one of the men had Andrew running off to get the shelter work started, leaving Lachlan
to stew in worry. If sisters Megan and Hester were accounted for, all that was left was for him to see if Rowena or Piper knew anything.

He assumed Rowena to be in the common house tending the recent arrivals, but a quick peek inside found the room empty. A squeal of laughter had him smiling. Beatrice evidently was feeling safe enough to laugh.

He walked around the side and saw Beatrice running in circles, her brother Harry chasing her with a worm that looked to have been plucked fresh from the garden. He was glad to see their pale cheeks colored pink and while sadness remained in their young eyes, they had found the resiliency to play as carefree children once again.

When Beatrice spotted him, she reached her arms out to him and called out with a smile, “Save me, brave warrior, save me.”

Lachlan understood her actions were more than simple play. She was testing him to see if she truly could depend on him. He immediately went to her rescue; scooping her up then playfully grabbing hold of Harry and ordering him drop his weapon. Harry giggled and dropped the worm to the ground.

“You are my hero, brave warrior,” she sighed and wrapped her small arms tightly around his neck.

She stole his heart right there and then, and he hugged her, wanting her to know that she was safe. She looked so much better than yesterday, all cleaned up and with fresh clothes, a little too large, but tucked and tied in places that made them fit reasonably well.
She was actually very pretty with a spattering of freckles across her small nose and bright red hair that curled nicely with all the grime gone.

Lachlan noticed how good the rest of the recent arrivals looked. Frances even appeared to have less wrinkles than yesterday. But then, he knew from experience, being half starved and fearful undeniably marred not only the soul, but the body as well. He had become all too familiar with the ravage and results of battle.

The sisters should be proud. They had taken hungry and battered souls and tirelessly tended them, nourishing their every need. Guilt stabbed at him again for having alluded in his message to the church that the sisters should be returned home. They did good work here and were truly needed.

“Sister Terese, my hero saved me!”

Beatrice screeched near his ear and made him cringe, though he did it without disturbing his smile and quickly looked around for the woman who had eluded him since morning. He saw the strain of worry on her face as soon as their eyes met. It pinched at the bridge of her slender nose and forced a wrinkle or two at the corners of her blue eyes.

“How wonderful for you, Beatrice,” Sister Terese said, her smile genuine, though worry remained evident as she stopped beside him.

“He can be your hero too,” Beatrice said and leaned close to whisper to Terese. “We’ll share him.”

Lachlan heard and his heart melted even more for the little girl.

“You are most kind,” Terese said and kissed Beatrice on the forehead.

“Beatrice, Harry, would you like to help me with the garden?” Rowena called out.

Beatrice kissed his cheek before she wiggled out of his arms and ran after her brother eager to help.

“I have been looking for you,” Lachlan said.

“A nearby farmer has been ill for near a week now, and he feared his time had come and wished spiritual comforting,” she said, walking over to sit beneath a tall pine, its fallen needles cushioning the ground.

He joined her. “His death leaves you troubled?”

She casually placed her hand over his. “What doesn’t trouble me? I worry over the fate of those who arrived here in need and wonder if more will seek refuge. I worry that this senseless battle will spread and consume the farm families. So, yes, much troubles me. But that is the very reason I am here…to offer help and comfort.”

Suddenly his guilt over wanting the sisters returned home vanished. Now he simply wanted Sister Terese safe and free from worry.

“You cannot possibly care for everyone,” he assured her.

“I can try,” she said emphatically.

“You are but one person.”

“If not one than how many,” she snapped. “How many will it take to help those in need, those suffering, those children that wander alone, hungry and frightened.”

She certainly made him feel the selfish fool.

“You are good with children,” she said more calmly. “You will make a good father.”

“When the time is right,” Lachlan said.

“There is a right time for children?” she asked curiously and answered her own question. “I always thought a babe chose his time.”

“I will wed and have children in my time,” Lachlan confirmed with a nod.

“You are so sure.”

“I know what I want, and I will have it all in good time.”

“How nice for you,” she said with a gentle smile. “To be so sure of what your life will bring.”

“I am confident I will find the perfect woman to wed,” he said with a teasing glint and was surprised when she scrambled to her feet, a sudden scowl on her face, and he worried that he somehow upset her.

“I must go. I will be gone for a few days.”

He jumped to his feet, intending to stop her from running from him, while wondering why she felt the need. “I will go with you.”

“No, I will go myself.”

“No, you will not,” he argued.

“You have no right to dictate to me. I obey the church, not a Sinclare. Where I go you will not be welcome.”

“Then you will not go,” he ordered, thinking her too stubborn for her own good.

Her hands went to her round hips and the smirk on her face dared him to challenge her again. “I go where I please.”

“I am here to protect—”

“We protect ourselves! You remain here out of
our
generosity!
Do not
for once think you can command me!”

Lachlan stood staring at Sister Terese, the force of her voice and her commanding stance made him look twice to be sure he spoke with the same woman.

“Sister Terese,” Piper said appearing out of nowhere. “I need to speak with you.”

The two were gone in a flash, Sister Terese acknowledging her departure with nothing more than a bare nod.

He wasn’t sure of what had just happened, but he knew one thing. Sister Terese wouldn’t be going anywhere without him.

T
erese took a deep breath and walked around the back of the common shelter with Piper. Once out of Lachlan’s sight she took another deep breath, squeezed her eyes shut, and dropped back against the rough-hewn wall.

“You nearly lost your temper,” Piper said, though not accusingly.

Terese’s eyes popped open and she sighed with a nod. “He got me so mad, dictating to me.”

Megan approached having seen the whole exchange and followed the two sisters. “We have gotten too used to being on our own, with no one to give us orders, no one to command our lives. We live as we please.”

“I like it,” Piper said.

“As do we all,” Megan agreed, “which is another good reason we should find a new home.”

“Unfortunately, the search must wait,” Terese said. “We have more important matters.”

She shared the news about the mercenaries with Megan and the woman paled.

“What are we to do?” Megan asked anxiously.

Terese motioned for the two to follow her. They made their way a few feet into the woods where the dense trees and thick foliage concealed them from prying eyes and ears.

“I am going to speak with the mercenaries,” Terese said.

Megan objected with a firm shake of her head. “That’s much too dangerous. You take a serious chance of being harmed.”

“Not if I arrive wearing my nun garments and with news that would benefit them,” Terese suggested. “This would surely put me in their good graces and in turn benefit us. Besides, I must learn their intentions here.”

Megan stopped shaking her head. “It is an idea that could work, but it still remains dangerous.”

“I thought the same,” Piper added. “Though what other way is there?”

Megan nodded and asked, “Piper will go with you?”

“Yes, I need her. And it is wise that we take our leave as soon as possible and have done with this matter,” Terese said, “though I will need your help in distracting Lachlan. He thinks to come with me.”

A scream interrupted any response and excited, though unintelligible shouts followed. All three women hurried to see what the commotion was about. In the end it was the unexpected fuss that gave Terese and Piper the cover they needed to sneak away.

The three women were startled to see Beatrice and Harry fling themselves into the arms of a tired and
ragtag couple who would have dropped if it had not been for the children’s hardy embrace.

That Beatrice and Harry should be reunited with their mother and father, everyone agreed, was nothing short of a miracle. Some chaos pursued since everyone seemed to be talking at once, while the children, teary-eyed, clung to their parents. Neither children nor parents expected ever to see each other again. They had been separated in the mayhem of a battle that had spilled onto their farm. The children witnessed the carnage and believed their parents dead. The frightened brother and sister left thinking they had no one but each other. Ever since that day the parents, George and Gelda, had searched tirelessly for them.

All were caught up in the joyous reunion; it was Megan who saw opportunity in the moment and urged Terese and Piper to take their leave before anyone noticed.

They did. The last thing Terese saw of Lachlan was his charming smile as he spoke to the happy parents about their daughter and son’s bravery. She bid him a silent good-bye, and oddly enough, realized that she would miss him.

A crazy thought, that should never have entered her head. And she suddenly felt guilty for having snapped at him. It was nonsense to be angry with him simply because he knew what he wanted and more than likely would get it.

She had been foolish to ever think her father would actually let her live her life the way she chose. He had
reminded her often enough of her duty to him and the clan. And while he had encouraged her boldness, her need to be herself, when the time came, she was expected to reign in her independent nature and be a dutiful daughter.

Unfortunately, she could never accept that, so she had no other choice but to die. And she had better remain dead if she wanted to live free, which was why she had to remember she was the understanding, patient Sister Terese, not the snappish, shrewish Alyce Bunnock.

Terese and Piper made their way through the forest, their nun attire tucked in the cloth sacks that hung on their arms, along with other essentials. Terese would do what was necessary and then return to the convent, hopefully with this ordeal laid to rest.

Lachlan couldn’t believe that Sister Terese had left when he had ordered her not to go alone. He hadn’t learned of her absence until hours after she had been gone. He had been so caught up in the children’s happiness and too intent on finding out more, if possible, about the warring clans from the parents, that he had forgotten about Sister Terese.

No, that wasn’t completely true. He had assumed she would listen to him, follow his orders and wait for him to accompany her to wherever it was she wanted to go. When he discovered from a reluctant Sister Rowena that Sister Terese had gone deep into pagan territory, he grew even more annoyed.

She was placing herself in danger, though no one else seemed to agree with his assessment of the situation. The other sisters assured him that Sister Terese would be fine; she had been there many times before without incident. His men even seemed unconcerned, Boyd suggesting that Sister Terese could look after herself.

Nothing anyone said mattered and he planned on following her with Evan’s help. Evan had gone into the forest just a few moments ago to see if he could pick up their tracks. Lachlan waited impatiently, Andrew joining him.

“Sister Megan assured you that Sister Terese would be gone two, maybe three days at the most,” Andrew reminded.

“And much can happen to her in that time,” Lachlan said.

“She’s a resourceful and determined woman.”

“And a beautiful one,” Lachlan snapped and cringed at his words.

Andrew pursed his lips to prevent a grin.

“Don’t say a word,” Lachlan warned.

Andrew obeyed, though he couldn’t keep a grin from bursting clear across his face.

He was doomed to damnation for even allowing himself the thought that he would miss her. He found he enjoyed conversing with her, or simply spending time with her. Her smile was always pleasant and her tongue thoughtful, though he could see that a spark of temper lay beneath her agreeable nature.

Lachlan saw Evan before he heard him, his steps too light to make a sound.

“I’ve never known anyone with Piper’s skills,” Evan said as if in awe.

“Which means you can’t pick up their tracks,” Lachlan said annoyed.

“Not a sign.” Evan smiled broadly.

“And why does this make you happy?” Lachlan asked, growing more annoyed.

Evan wiped the smile from his face. “I’m not happy, not happy at all. It’s just that…” He ran his hand through his tousled brown hair. “She’s amazing. I’ve never seen anyone cover tracks with such skill. Not a footprint or scent. Nothing.”

“Are you telling me that she covered her tracks on purpose?” Lachlan asked, now angry.

“That she did,” Evan confirmed.

Lachlan began to pace. “She made certain no one could follow. She paid no heed to my order at all.”

Andrew and Evan nodded, both knowing it was their safest response.

Lachlan stopped and glanced at the woods as though it waited to swallow him up if he should enter. He tempered his anger and instead asked himself why. Why did she feel the need to purposely leave him behind?

Lachlan turned suddenly and asked Evan, “Have you noticed how much time Sister Piper spends in the woods?”

Evan smiled and nodded. “Much more than I do.”

“Which means she practically lives there,” Andrew said.

“And what of Megan?” Lachlan asked turning to Andrew. “How often is she gone from here?”

Andrew rubbed his square chin. “Come to think of it she’s always taking off with that basket of hers on her arm.”

“Sisters Rowena and Hester are always about,” Evan remarked.

“Are they?” Lachlan asked. “We assume Sister Rowena is always in the common room cooking, but we don’t know for sure. And as for Sister Hester, she’s here and about, but if we think on it, how much do we really see her?”

The three men grew silent.

Lachlan spoke first. “I think it would be wise to keep an extra watch on the sisters.”

“What are you thinking?” Andrew asked.

“I’m not sure,” Lachlan admitted. “But something doesn’t seem right. Why wouldn’t Sister Terese want me to go with her? With news of clans battling and confirmation that a band of mercenaries have claimed land here, wouldn’t she be eager for protection?”

Evan offered another explanation. “But Piper knows these woods and could probably get Sister Terese more safely to her destination than you could.”

“That’s true too,” Andrew agreed.

“It’s questionable,” Lachlan said, “therefore we keep an eye on the sisters’ activities. I’ll instruct Boyd to help, no others need to know.”

The other two men nodded and then the three walked off, Lachlan certain he’d find answers soon enough.

Terese wore the nun garb proudly. After all, it had allowed her freedom. She and Piper arrived as night cast deep shadows over the landscape. They were escorted into the mercenary camp by a giant of a man, in height and width, though his girth was all muscle. His steps were confident as was his manner and she noticed that men quickly cleared a path for him if they should happen to be in his way.

His name was Hagen. He had made it clear that they were to follow him after Piper had surprised him at his sentry position in the woods. He had been so startled that he stood staring down at Piper as if he hadn’t been certain she was really there. He had scratched his bald head and rubbed his chin taking time to determine how the wisp of a woman suddenly materialized.

Terese at first thought to explain to the large man that they needed to speak with his leader, but it didn’t seem necessary since Hagen seemed to know what they wanted.

The camp grew eerily silent the further they ventured into it. Piper took hold of her hand and Terese squeezed it to let her know all would be fine, though she wondered over the wisdom of her actions. There were many more men than she had imagined and with each campfire they passed, the faces became less and less friendly. You could see from the heavily scarred
faces and broken noses that never properly mended that these men were battle worn. They probably had stared down death on so many occasions that they didn’t fear it anymore. And that made for a dangerous man.

At that moment, she couldn’t help but wonder if her decision had truly been a wise one.

Hagen stopped at a campfire where two men sat and neither got up or acknowledged them once Hagen sat beside the smaller and stouter of the two.

Piper moved closer to her, and Terese felt a tremble ripple through her thin body that left the young woman shivering.

“I would like to speak with the leader,” Terese said softly.

No one looked her way.

“I have important information,” she tried again and the stout one snorted. She kept calm, though her heart beat madly. “It would serve you well to listen.”

After one said something in a foreign tongue, the three men laughed.

That they simply ignored her out of arrogance sparked her temper. She had experienced the same in her own family and could never stomach it, which was why her mouth had turned bold. It was a weapon that always worked well for her and she thought gave her courage.

“Since the three of you are so stupid, I guess you all deserve what awaits you!”

Piper stiffened beside her, not a ripple of a shiver remained.

The three men’s heads shot up and their eyes glared like the fires of hell at her.

“Your attention at last,” she said sarcastically. “Do you now want to hear what goes on in the woods around you while all of you sit here chatting like empty-headed women?”

Terese didn’t need to look at Piper to see that she had paled as if death’s cold hand had touched her; she felt it in the defeated slump of her body. But Terese had no time to deal with Piper’s fear. She was too enraged by the situation and determined enough to see it through.

The man in the middle stood slowly and Terese had to stretch her head up to look at him once he reached his full height. Dirt marred his face, but not his handsome features, add to that long dark hair and black eyes that impaled with a shiver.

“Speak,” he ordered.

“I am not an animal,” Terese said.

His head reared back as if feeling the sting of her sharp tongue. “Then why do you bark and bite?”

The other two laughed.

“How else do I communicate with you, but to speak your language,” she retaliated and was surprised to hear a tiny chuckle from Piper.

“Watch your tongue, woman,” the tall man warned.

“I am Sister Terese,” she said with a proud toss of her head. “And this is Sister Piper. We have come to offer help and to ask for it.”

He laughed. “Do we look like we need help?”

“In more ways than one,” Terese snapped.

He growled like an angry animal. “It is a good thing you wear those robes, or I would teach you your place.”

“Just like a man, needing to suppress a woman so that he can feel courageous.”

“I should cut your tongue from your mouth,” he sneered at her.

Terese lifted her chin. “I’ve been threatened with worse. Now do we talk, or do Piper and I leave you to await your deaths?”

“Tell me,” he ordered sharply.

“Are you the leader?” she asked, wanting to know as much about these men as she could. She supposed it had always been in the back of her mind that perhaps she could find out if Lachlan’s brother or the woman he searched for was in anyway connected to this group.

“That’s none of your concern.”

“I will speak to the leader,” she demanded.

“Tell me!” he repeated with a shout.

“You are not the leader,” she accused.

“How do you know?”

“You would have confirmed it immediately,” she said.

This time he smiled, and Terese was struck by just how handsome this man was, even covered with dirt and dust.