Wagons from the castle rumbled into the yard. Sean steered them to the side. Laura and the other women unloaded supplies and began treating those who needed help.
All around them, a frantic pace prevailed.
A man staggered from the building and grabbed on the door frame. “A beam. Came down. Someone is pinned.”
Laura reached the man a few steps behind Jamie and grabbed him under his right arm. Jamie took the man’s left side. Propped between them they walked him away from the building.
“There’s—”
“Don’t try to talk,” Laura said.
“I couldn’t see who was under the beam.” Jamie could hardly hear the man, he spoke in a whisper. Stumbling, Jamie and Laura helped him to the ground.
“You’re in good hands with Lady Laura.” Jamie faced her. Every bone in his body said Laura was in mortal danger in the middle of this chaos.
“You go on. I’ll be fine.” She searched her sleeve and handed him a square of linen. A spout of coughing drew her attention back to the injured man.
“My boy. Have you seen my boy?” A woman pulled Jamie’s sleeve. “I told them he was too new to guard the granary. I can’t find him anywhere.” Her words tore at his heart.
“What’s your son’s name?” A burst of relief lit the woman’s face.
“Ned.”
“Go help Lady Laura, Mother. I’ll bring your Ned to you.” He gave her a warm smile. If Ned was inside, there was no telling his condition. The woman’s watering eyes were filled with trust. Jamie would bring Ned to her. He hoped the reunion would be joyful. The woman hurried off to Laura.
He put Laura’s cloth around his mouth and hurried into the building.
The dim light from the open door didn’t penetrate the dense smoke. He let his eyes adjust.
Burnt fragments of grain, thick smoke, and another odor filled the air.
“Ned,” he called out, stifling a cough. No response. The only sounds were the snapping flames overhead, pounding of water thrown against the walls, and the resulting hiss of steam.
“Ned,” he yelled louder.
He turned to the left and stepped toward a ladder that led to the upper level. He hesitated a heartbeat, not sure why.
“Here,” a gravelly voice filled with pain followed by a coughing spasm said. “By the wall.”
Jamie moved toward the wall amid ropes, slats of unfinished wood for storage barrels, and empty sacks. More fuel for the fire.
In a few steps, he was in front of a pile of smoldering wood that had once been part of the storage platform. Held up by four beams, two beams were down. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the storage platform came down.
Jamie was sure the voice came from here. He pulled the wood off piece-by-piece until a hand reached out to him. “Ned?”
“Yes,” the man said.
“Your mother sent me to find you. She told me to tell you to come home now or you’ll get no dinner.” A strained chuckle followed by coughing relieved Jamie, but only for a moment. The rest of the storage platform above them creaked.
Ned pushed Jamie’s outstretched hand away.
“Go, before everything falls on your head. My leg is pinned. I can’t move.”
“Don’t give up now.” Jamie rushed a few steps away and picked up two slats and rope. Hefting the rope in his hand, he threw it down. That wouldn’t work. The rope was too thick.
The wood above creaked again. Jamie squeezed under what was left of the platform and supported it with his back.
“You’ll have to do this yourself,” Jamie said, straining to keep the platform from falling. “Put these slats on either side of your leg. Take off your belt. Bind the slats on tight with your belt.”
He had no idea how much pain Ned was in, but the man didn’t argue or complain.
“Done,” Ned said.
“Give me your hand.” Jamie said and grabbed Ned’s forearms.
“We must move fast. On the count of three.” Ned’s grip tightened.
“One... Two... Three.” Jamie strained and pulled Ned out. Wood erupted all around them. Ned stood on wobbly legs next to him.
“Go. Toward the door,” Jamie commanded.
Ned staggered forward and disappeared into the smoke and dust.
The loud snap of wood and splatter of sparks and cinders were the only warning he had. In a deluge of fire and pieces of the roof showered down, striking the platform.
Jamie grabbed the edges of the wood on his back. A loud snap roared through the building. He heaved the wood off and dashed toward the door. Wood came down in a crash and cloud of debris.
Jamie rushed and caught Ned under his arm. They walked out of the granary as if propelled by a cloud of smoke.
“I never thought I’d get out of there,” Ned said and turned to Jamie. “Or eat my mother’s cooking.”
“What happened?” Jamie looked at the boy. Ned was on the cusp of becoming a man, tall with thickening muscles most likely from farm work. Jamie had seen grown men give up in grave situations. Not Ned.
“I guarded the granary as I was told. I was tired. I’m not used to standing idle for so long. I walked around the building to keep awake.”
“Where was the other guard?” They reached the edge of the yard. Jamie helped him to the ground.
“Other guard? I was the only one.”
Jamie struggled not to react. “Go on.”
“I got back to the front of the building. The hair on the back of my neck went up. I went inside. I thought an animal got inside. I checked under the platform and the next thing I knew everything came down on me.”
“Ned.” They both turned at his mother’s shout. She ran to her son and threw her arms around him. The woman raised her face to Jamie. “I don’t know what I would have done if...”
“He won’t be on guard duty for a while.” He knelt next to the pair. Ned was smart, asked questions and took his job seriously, all good traits for a farmer and a warrior. “Ned, when you can’t sit still any longer, find me at the castle.”
“Many thanks, Lord Jamie. I—”
“Take care of your leg and enjoy your dinner,” Jamie said. He rose and surveyed the building.
He needed to inspect the damage and find the cause. He doubted the fire started naturally. One of the villagers came up to him. The man was broad shouldered. His muscular arms were bare, smudged with ash.
“The fire is almost out. The building is too hot to go inside.” Under the man’s beard, Ned’s likeness shone through. “You have my gratitude.”
“You would do the same for me,” Jamie said. He tilted his head toward Ned. “So would he. I’m glad I was able to help.”
“I couldn’t understand why anyone made him guard the granary by himself.” Ned’s father scratched his head. “It didn’t make sense, a boy without experience. He’s big and smart, but why did they have him guarding the granary alone?”
“I agree.” Jamie said. “I told him to see me once he recovers.”
He gave Jamie a curt nod before he went to his family.
“Jamie,” Sean called. “Lord Herbert’s back. His guards took him to Caerlaverock. Everyone has been accounted for. Only scrapes, a few burns, and Ned’s twisted leg. The fire could’ve been worse.”
Soot smudged Sean’s face and clothes. The man appeared exhausted.
“Don’t look at me like that. You don’t look much better.” Sean tried to dust the soot off his clothes and gave up, throwing his hands in the air.
“Ned shouldn’t have been guarding the granary. Certainly not alone. Find out who gave him his orders.” Jamie and Sean walked through the yard. Soldiers and villagers picked up discarded buckets and placed them to side to be claimed.
“I want to examine the building as soon as it cools. I’ll go back and report to Lord Herbert. Do you need my—”
“I’ll be fine here,” Sean said. “I’ll get the wagons and our men back to Caerlaverock.”
“Jamie,” Oliver said,
approaching. “Lord Herbert is back.”
“Sean told me. I’m on my way to speak to him.”
“Tell Lord Herbert I posted guards. No one will be allowed into the building until we do a thorough search. Most of the grain was saved. We’ve moved it to the blacksmith’s barn.” Oliver started to walk toward the barn. “Guards will be posted there, too,” he shouted over his shoulder.
“This could have been a disaster. I’m not sure who to trust. Ask questions and tell me what you can find out.” Sean agreed, then went off to help the rest of Jamie’s men.
“You’re deep in thought. Oliver told me everything was under control. Has he misspoken?” Laura asked.
“No, nothing is amiss. We need to return to the castle. Herbert’s returned and we have much to tell him.”
Laura nodded.
“Now that we put Evan to rest, when do you think we can leave for Glen Kirk? I’m eager to return home.”
Jamie didn’t answer. He planned to speak to Herbert after he told him they caught the traitor. But now, he didn’t know when they would go home.
“I notice we have a new decoration on our battlements.” Herbert let out a joyless laugh, sitting with Jamie and Laura in his solar.
“I find it hard to believe Holger murdered Evan and Angel. He was shrewd, maybe even sly, but to kill two of my people and attack Laura—” Herbert’s face flashed red with anger.
“Please, don’t upset yourself. I’m fine.” Laura laid her hand on Herbert’s to calm him. He patted her hand with assurance.
“I never believed Evan killed Angel or that he turned against the family. I’m glad you solved that mystery and put Evan’s ghost to rest. Maybe now things will go back to normal.”
“I don’t think Holger acted alone. Not after what I witnessed at the granary,” Jamie said. “Ned is too inexperienced to guard the granary alone.”
“Alone. Oliver knows better than that.” Herbert slammed his hand on the arm of the chair.
“Yes. That surprised me, too. We focused on getting the fire out and saving the grain. I left Sean to find out what he could.”
“I thought Holger was the traitor.” Laura searched Herbert’s face. “I thought we were leaving for Glen Kirk.”
“No, Laura. No one’s going anywhere right now, especially you.” Herbert’s words left no room for an argument.
“But—” Her eyes pleaded with Herbert.
“Herbert’s right. The reiver and Holger came after you,” Jamie said.
“How do you know I was the target? You were on the horse, too. And Holger wanted the pin, not me.”
Her face morphed from shock to anger and finally to fury.
“The truth is we don’t know what the reiver or Holger or whoever set fire to the granary wants.” Herbert looked at Laura and said to her more gently. “I’m not willing to jeopardize your safety in any way. I will get you home as soon as it is safe.”
Laura looked from Herbert to Jamie. Both were in agreement.
“I want to inspect the granary in the morning,” Herbert said.
“Is that wise?” Jamie ran his hand through his hair. “Let me and Sean search the rubble and bring you a report. I don’t think you’re safe in the village.”
“It may not be safe, but you know I must show my strength. To cower would only make things worse. I won’t let my people suffer. My people. Most of them are family. I promised to protect them and I will. The villagers will be arriving soon with their petition for grain. Come with me to the great hall.”
Laura glanced at Jamie’s profile as they walked to the hall, the familiar lines of his face, tilt of his shoulders, he was Herbert’s man. She let out a heavy sigh. Honorable and trustworthy. Herbert would always be first. Isn’t that why he remained here instead of returning to Cumgour? She didn’t want to stay at Caerlaverock with all its intrigue. She didn’t belong here.
Flanked on each side by Maxwell standards, the ceremonial carved chair, symbol of the Maxwell clan, was centered on the dais. Shafts of sunlight came through leaded windows and made a pattern on the floor in front of the chair. Her father had told her about this room. The window placement had been intentionally designed to coordinate with the sun. The sunlight illuminated the specific spot were villagers and farmers petitioned the Maxwell for grain.
Herbert took his seat. She and Jamie sat on chairs provided. She looked from the dais to the door. The long walk was intimidating. She laughed at the drama.
Herbert nodded to the sentry. The door opened and two women entered. Laura recognized the older woman, Mara. Herbert spoke of her fondly. She had served in his nursery when he was a boy. She walked with pride and a little difficulty, her daughter Rhona by her side.
“Greetings, Mara, and to you, Rhona,” Herbert said.
“Lord Herbert. My mother has served the Maxwells for most of her life. She didn’t want to come today, but I wouldn’t have it. She cared for you, your wife, and your sons. We come to you for assistance.”
Herbert gazed kindly on the old woman. “Mara, you look well.”
“Lord Herbert, she is young. Forgive her curt—”
“Don’t make excuses for me. I ask for none.”
Startled speechless at Rhona’s rude behavior, Laura’s chest heaved as she formulated her response. Before she could give it voice, Jamie lightly touched her arm. She glanced at him. He raised his finger to his lips and signaled her to stay silent.
Herbert ignored Rhona’s outburst and kept his focus on Mara.
“I’m well.” She shuffled closer to him. The woman tilted her head toward Laura as she passed.
Mara’s fingers flashed. She made the sign of protection. Laura took in a quick breath. What or whom did Mara need to protect? Surely not her.
“I haven’t forgotten all you’ve done for us,” Herbert said, his voice soft with concern.
Mara laughed an odd dry laugh. “I taught you well.” Her daughter stepped beside her. A show of strength or protection?
A heartfelt smile spread across Herbert’s face. “Now that Caerlaverock is complete, there is no reason for you to stay in the village unless you want to. I can make good on my boyhood promise. Your room is ready, should you want it.”
Mara stepped in front of her daughter. “It is a generous offer, and perhaps when Rhona remarries and moves away, I’ll come to you.”
“Mother.” Rhona stiffened, and Mara went into peals of laughter.
“Jamie, take Rhona and make sure you load her wagon with a barrel of grain.” Herbert turned to Mara. “I wish I could give you more, but that’s all I can give you.”
“You are a generous man, Lord Herbert. May you lead us to peace.”
Jamie and Rhona went ahead. Laura led Mara down the stairs toward the castle storehouse.
“Take this.” Mara put a stone in her palm and closed her fingers around it. Before Laura looked at the stone, she grasped what it was.
“Why do you give me a charm for protection?”
“An aura surrounds you. Something is out of place. I don’t know to what degree, but I know you need the stone more than me.”
Laura touched her throat, but it was bare. The broken strand was in her room. “I appreciate your concern, but I don’t know what you mean.”
Mara’s penetrating stare held Laura’s attention. The woman’s eyes shined with a worldly wisdom.
“No, you don’t. You coming to Caerlaverock is... a journey to greatness. You will see. Your opportunity will come when least expected. Be ready. It is your destiny. But your way is not without tests. Some will be difficult, but it will be worth the fight. The stone of protection only goes so far. The rest is up to you.” Mara shuffled away. Laura was left behind staring after her.
Mara turned. “Not everyone is as they seem. Keep that in mind.”
Mara made her way to the wagon where Rhona waited with Jamie.
Destiny? Fight? Deception? Laura gazed at the stone. She looked up as Rhona drove through the gate and on into the village.
>
She didn’t want a great destiny. She wanted Jamie and she wanted to go home.
Chapter Eleven
“Are others in Parliament anticipating similar problems?” Jamie asked. He and Herbert walked through the remains of the burnt granary.
“Caerlaverock is not unique, but our troubles are greater. Our proximity to the border and the tension with the English King are all reasons why I built Caerlaverock into an impenetrable fortress. However, with the building’s defensive beauty, the castle has become a target. Whoever can take Caerlaverock will demoralize the Scots.”
Herbert inspected the damage to the granary’s interior and let out a heavy sigh. “We need a new roof and the platform is gone.” Herbert bent down and picked up a damaged sack, brunt grain lay beneath it. He threw the sack to the ground.
“I spoke to the villagers. With winter coming, they fear food will be scarce. I don’t blame them. I assured them there would be enough grain for everyone.”
Jamie grasped Holger’s brooch in his pocket. The tinker had been eager to retrieve it. Jamie needed to find out its significance. He hoped Herbert had the answer. He waited for the right time to ask the question.
“Where are you taking my grain?” a villager demanded. “Burning our food wasn’t good enough, now you’re going to take what little remains.” Men and women, who helped with the aftermath, stopped what they were doing.
Outside, villagers and soldiers took salvaged sacks and barrels of grain from the blacksmith’s barn and loaded them onto wagons.
Herbert looked out what was left of a window. “Who is the man making the accusations?”
Jamie released the pin. His questions would have to wait. He stared at the tall man, large arms and crumpled clothes, like any other highland farmer, yet something was familiar. He couldn’t place the man, but he’d remember.
“I say we take the grain back from these thieves,” the man continued. Villagers salvaging what they could inside the granary took note and came outside. The group grew larger, their grumbling louder.
The Highlander’s English Woman (The Stelton Legacy) Page 13
