“You’re still here?”
He laughed. “Where else would I be?”
“I don’t know, perhaps at the caves, tending to your horse, sharpening your sword? Don’t you have anything to occupy you?”
Liam grinned. “Aye, I do … you. I could be doing all those things, but I’d rather be here kissing you.” He set his lips on hers and within nary of seconds passing, lust wove its way to his sex, hardening him further.
Makenna was the first to pull away. She set her palm on his face. “I don’t know the words to say …”
She was being coy. That innocent trait lightened him. “You need not saying anything.”
“But what we shared was …” her words hung in the air.
“Pleasurable? Satisfying? Intimate? Sexy as hell?” He chuckled when her eyes widened.
“I was going to say beautiful.”
He pressed his body against hers. “We can share another beautiful moment right now. Feel,” he said and placed her hand on his hard length.
Makenna gasped and snatched her hand away. “Will it be the same as last eve?”
He flashed another grin and found himself in a merry mood. “Aye, but there won’t be any pain this time, mayhap a sting since you’re still tender.”
She tugged at his shoulders and he obliged her silent plea by joining their bodies. Liam kept kissing her, even after they attained their pleasure. He couldn’t cease holding her either. They lay in quiet reflection.
He leaned on his elbow and watched her. “Are you hungry?”
“No. I do want to talk about my training. Can we begin this day?”
Liam fell back upon the bedding and peered at the cavern ceiling, certain his pleasant day had just gone to hell. “If you want to begin this day, then we shall. But you won’t be touching a sword.”
“But that is the whole purpose of my training.” She sounded affronted.
Liam needed to ensure he kept his word and not allow her near a sword. What could he say to appease her? He thought for a moment … “Think you a lad is given a sword when he first enters training? He must earn it, just as you shall.”
“I don’t have time for such nonsense, Liam. The longer that miscreant goes unpunished, the more innocents he’ll harm.”
He took her hand. “I heard what happened at your home. Did he harm you? Do you want to tell me what happened? What did this villain do to earn your loathing?”
“I don’t wish to discuss it. What I want is to hold a sword and learn how to put it in that miscreant’s heart.”
Liam’s breath stilled at the harshness of her words. He understood vengeance, lived it, earned his living by it, but to hear such coming from the mouth of his sweet wife … unsettled him.
“Makenna, I can’t let you go against him. You’d be risking your life—”
“It is my life to risk. My life shall end eventually but not before I claim his wicked heart. Only his death will be my salvation.”
He wasn’t upset with Makenna for her wrath. Nay, he was more furious at the knave who caused it. He sat up and pulled her to sit next to him. He grasped her arms and held her so he could look into her eyes.
“You’ll martyr yourself? For what? Do you ken what you’ll lose?”
“I’ve already lost what matters to me,” she countered.
He wanted to tell her she’d lose him, but firmed his lips. Why those words crushed his heart, he didn’t know. Of course he didn’t matter to her yet. Did he want to? He supposed he did. He’d married her and they were just beginning their life together. If she had her way, their joining would be short-lived.
“Liam, we made an agreement. You said you needed to marry me and in return you would help me with the sword. You didn’t really want a wife, did you? A man in your position must covet his freedom, especially given you never came for me. Teach me to use the sword and I shan’t bother you again.”
Ire infused him with heat. “I had to honor the betrothal.” He’d spoken hastily, and the words left his mouth before he could stop himself.
“Why? Are you so honorable? What do you gain from this marriage?”
He took a quick breath before answering, “My uncle paid a handsome bride price. If I negated you, I would’ve dishonored both our clans.”
“Somehow I don’t think that would sway you. What is the real reason?” She moved away and sat on the side of the bed. “I will always be honest with you, Liam. You should try it. Start now.”
He flinched. Damnation. Women were too smart for their own good. “Very well, Makenna, I had to marry you in order to regain my family lands.” He quickly explained his uncle’s demands. “Since my uncle’s passing, his son says he will return the lands, but only if I offer proof that I wed you. We will need to visit the earl soon.”
“You expect me to go with you?”
“He won’t believe me otherwise. You will need to go with me, meet him, prove that you wed me of free heart, who you are, and he will be appeased.” Now that he thought about all that he wasn’t certain his spineless twit of a cousin would be appeased.
When she didn’t respond to his request, he sighed. He was about to make a regretful statement, one of which would surely come back to hurt him. “I need you to do this for me. As soon as my cousin concedes and once your training is complete, you can go on your way. I won’t stop you if that’s what you really want.” Liam detested lying to her, for he would never allow her to go on her way regardless of any promises he made.
Her voice was little more than a whisper when she finally spoke, “Very well. I shall travel with you and confirm our marriage. We’ll return quickly and you will let me take the sword so I can learn enough skill to go after Haw… him.”
She almost said his name. His rage increased when she stopped herself from revealing it. “Him who? Who hurt you, Makenna? I need you to tell me. Let me help you.”
“Nay.” She lowered her chin, her voice morose. “What he did … What I saw … No one can help me, Liam. I shan’t ever forget. Won’t.”
He shuffled close to her and set his arms around her and leaned his head on the back of her shoulder. “Did you see your mother die?”
She shook her head and said nothing.
“You’ll get over it quicker if you talk about it.”
She leaned stiffly against him. “Nothing will ever help me get over it. When do you want to leave?”
Liam sighed with frustration. “I need to speak with Graeme first. If my comrade James comes with word of the king, all must be put aside. My obligation is foremost to the king and he must come first.”
“I understand.” Makenna pulled a tartan around her.
“Lass, I wish you would trust me.”
“I cannot trust anyone right now. My heart rend to pieces that day and there is nothing to be done but to kill the miscreant.”
Little did she know, but his wife just gave him the most damnable task–mending her broken heart. He squeezed her and offered unspoken comfort. Liam decided to dress and give her a few moments of privacy.
As soon as he dressed, he left her. On his walk to the cave, he considered all she’d said. By all that was holy, there had to be a way to get her to trust him. He wanted to be the one to enact her vengeance. He wanted to prove to her what she came to mean to him. For God’s sake, she was now his wife. Didn’t she understand that he didn’t take that duty lightly?
His bonny wife held such contention and there wasn’t a damned thing he could do about it. He’d hurt her and cause her more pain, especially when she found out that he wasn’t about to let her hold a sword. Oh, sure he’d train her, but it wouldn’t be what she expected.
When he neared the cave, he saw Graeme standing with James near the ossuary. He approached and when he reached them, he grunted a greeting.
Graeme shoved his shoulder. “Enjoy your wedding night, there lad?”
He grinned in answer. “What do you think?” Liam glanced at James who paced in front of the cave entrance. “What’s w
rong with him?”
Graeme opened his mouth to answer, but James struck his jaw. Liam would’ve laughed at his surliness, for James always was a hothead.
The force of the blow caused his comrade to step back.
James glowered. “I’ll bloody well answer for myself. The king needs our aid and is in danger.”
Chapter Eight
The strife he expected was about to become intense. With the weather warming, Robert was sure to return. They’d expected it and the king’s rebel army did as well. All supporters to the cause and the crown would come together. Liam reasoned Robert would have a sound attack plan by the time he returned, but then James contradicted him.
“We must make haste and get to Robert. He’s out there like a buck in the muck, just waiting to be slaughtered. He is surrounded by his enemies and his life, and all that we have worked toward, is in jeopardy.” James paced in front of the table, discontent to sit and discuss the matter.
Liam shot a glance at Graeme, knowing how much he dreaded leaving his wife and child. But he’d do what was right. His comrade continuously nodded at James.
“Have you heard from Robert?”
“I received a missive from him. He was traveling south when one of his scouts reported seeing a regiment of English soldiers headed in their direction. The king ceased his advance and awaits me at the crossing near Glen Trool. I have about two hundred followers now encamped outside of Dumfries, ready to join in support of Robert.”
Liam tensed for the king was in jeopardy. If they could get to him before the English did, they might be able to thwart his capture.
“The rebel army raided Valenci’s camp and alerted the English they are there. Damned imbeciles. Robert’s followers are young and inept.” James looked like he wanted to rip his hair out and ran his hands through the thick mass of black strands, tugging with agitation.
Graeme groaned low in his throat. “Our king is foolhardy for there are many English supporters near Carrick, more than those willing to risk their necks for Scotland.”
“Aye and Valenci being the earl, will do all he can to defeat Robert. He wants to be the one to send Robert’s head to King Edward.” Heath banged his hand on the table, becoming as frustrated as James.
“We leave now,” James said, more like bellowed.
They were well prepared for the call to arms, and put in place a plan should they need to journey to protect the king. Liam, Brodin, and Heath collected the saddle bags they kept at the ready. Liam opened his trunk, the one he’d left in the main cave, and removed all his weapons. He double-checked the scabbard he placed over his shoulder and ensured it was secure. When he’d finished placing five daggers about his attire: four in his boots, one in the strap on his arm, he handed a tied bunch of arrows to Heath. His comrade was the best archer amongst them.
Heath added the arrows to his stash, and Brodin knelt checking the contents of his saddle bag. They neared the exit.
The farewell between Graeme and Kerrigan drew their attention when she wept in his arms. They spoke quietly on the far side of the cave. Liam needed to do the same and tell his wife of his departure, only there wouldn’t be tears from his woman. He could well see her angry glare now.
Heath grinned at them until Brodin elbowed his side. “What? I wish I had a woman to bid me farewell. Alas, I’m a lonely man.”
Liam laughed for his friend was the most chivalrous amongst them. When in the village, Heath was never without the company of a fair lass and often didn’t rejoin them until the next morn when the light of day had covered the land for hours.
Heath tilted his head toward Makenna when she entered the cave. “What say you, Brodin? Do you deem Liam will give the lass a proper farewell kiss? I say he doesn’t have the ballocks.”
Brodin chortled. “I’ll take ye up on the wager. I say he will. Besides, you’ve held the coin far longer than you should. Liam, we need to remedy this.”
Liam picked up his saddle bag and walked hastily to Makenna. He dropped the bag and took her in his arms. Before she could protest, he kissed her. The kiss deepened, and he didn’t draw away. It was the kind of kiss that led to intimate pleasure. Makenna held him, and he sensed she too hadn’t the wherewithal to pull away.
He heard the oooh’s and snickers from his comrades, and his lips formed a grin. He hastily released her. “I must leave, for we’ve been called to protect the king.” She nodded, but said nothing. “Farewell, sweet Makenna. You will be here when I return.” He’d said it as a command, because he knew she wanted to be on her way. Yet he hadn’t begun her training, so she’d have to await him. At least he hoped she would.
“I will be here. Be safe and well, Liam,” she said and hurried to help Annag who held a heavy basket of launder.
Heath grumbled that he was taken and flipped the coin into the air to Brodin. Liam chuckled to himself for they’d waited long to have the coin in someone else’s hand. Brodin would make a worthy wager, for he always came up with the best suggestions.
Outside, they readied their horses. Graeme gave instructions to Gilroy. The lad definitely needed a guiding hand especially given he’d gone off on his own last winter.
“I should go with ye, m’lord, and see to your backs. It’s about time I learned to protect the king.”
“The king has enough protection. Besides, you’re needed here. Be vigilant, lad. See to the ladies and my son. Take guard at night.”
Gilroy pushed the hair on his forehead, looking nonplussed about being told what to do. “I will, m’lord, worry not.” His crestfallen gaze lowered.
Liam suspected the lad wanted to join their efforts, and yet he was still too young to be trained in arms. It was best they leave him behind.
“Ye won’t be leaving the caves or land. There is enough stores to last for months so there be no need to go to the village. You may seek the friar’s help if ye need aid. I want your word, lad.” Graeme asserted his position with a stern look.
“You have it, m’lord. I shan’t leave the ladies unless I must and only then to go to Friar Hemm.”
Liam approached and ruffled his locks. “If ye get bored, Gilroy, you can always spar with Makenna for she wants to learn to wield the sword.” He reasoned as long as he wasn’t around to see her hold the sword, he’d be appeased. Besides, Gilroy wouldn’t harm Makenna and he decided it might placate his wife for the time being.
“Spar with a lass?” He scoffed with aghast and shot a glance toward the cave. “If that’s what ye bid me to do.”
Graeme took a step toward him, his glare enough to split a tree trunk. “Are ye forgetting your punishment? You will spar with her. And if I hear you gave her any difficulty, it’ll be worse for you, lad.”
Gilroy’s chin firmed and he nodded.
Liam laughed for the lad seemed disgruntled. He was as disgruntled leaving Makenna, but he had no choice. The king’s life rested in their hands and they had to keep their vow to him and to each other. “Aye, if you can. And see to it she doesn’t leave.”
“How am I supposed to do that?” Gilroy scowled when Makenna exited the cave and watched them.
“Use your wits, Gilroy. Aye, you’re a clever lad.” He laughed as the lad’s face reddened at his flattery. Liam wasn’t worried that Makenna would actually use the sword, for Gilroy hadn’t begun to train at arms yet. He was unskilled and obviously affronted at the prospect of fighting with a lass. Besides, she looked far too lovely even as she stood there with a disappointed gaze. He narrowed his eyes and decided he’d deal with her problem when he returned.
As they departed, Liam tried to focus on the oncoming dilemma before them. Robert was in a precarious position situated on Carrick land with enemies practically surrounding him. Certain the English would do all to apprehend their king, they needed to refute their advance.
Brodin sidled next to him and James followed suite, with Graeme and Heath just ahead of them. James kept his eyes ahead as he spoke, “We’ll meet my men ahead. They’re trained for this
kind of tarry for most attended me when I ambushed the English through the winter. We shall take to the bogs and hills. You’ve taught me something.”
Liam raised a brow for James was most skilled at taking the enemy by surprise. “What’s that?” he asked when James didn’t continue.
“When you camouflage yourselves with the soot and wear dark garments … You take your foes unawares. The English deem that with Wallace gone, we will revert back to orderly combat he was renowned for. We need to keep our attacks disordered and advance from every direction. Better to keep them on the run than to face them head on.”
“Ye speak of ambush. Graeme taught us the tactics his grandda learned in the crusades. We will need to be covert and unseen for our safety. Och it does lend a bit of intimidation to our adversaries. They ken not what to think when we confront them.”
“Aye so I’ve heard. See to Robert’s protection and I will lead the men on the ambush. Perhaps we can draw the English into a trap.”
Liam considered James’ suggestion and mused a few ideas as they rode along. Hundreds of James’ followers joined them when they reached the pass near midday. They rode through the night and didn’t stop to rest. The journey was too pressing and they made haste through rough terrain. They stopped in the morning to eat a quick meal, with only a few fires lit.
Since they’d trained together in the early days of their service to Robert, they followed Graeme’s lead. He’d taught them ancient methods of warfare, some tactics that were indeed ancient. One of which was using soot with oil to cover their skin. That enabled them to hide amongst the rebel army without being recognized. It was vital to be unseen and yet still aid in the protection of the king. Even if said king would likely execute them for treason.
He and his comrades stood next to a bog and mixed the soot and oil and mixture. They proceeded to cover themselves, their swords, their shields until they were as dark as night. When James’ followers saw what they were doing, they asked if they could have some of the mixture. After their camp fires were put out, Graeme gave them the container of oil and explained how much to use.
Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2) Page 10
