“Makenna, when I said I took her home I meant to her home … to the MacDoughalls. My cousin wanted her gone and as a last condition to regain my lands, he bid me to take her there. I was gladdened to see the last of her especially after what she did to Darcy. I could never love a woman such as she. I thought I loved her when I was young, but it was the lark of stupidity for she could never win my heart as you have.”
“That is a great relief, Liam. I despise the woman.”
“As do I.” He raised her chin with his fingers. “I will only love one woman in my life, Makenna, and that woman is you. There is but one request I have of you …”
He looked into her eyes and with the most serious tone he could evoke, he said, “I wish to see you smile more oft. Mayhap laugh occasionally?”
Her smile dazzled him. “I find it easy to smile now.”
She set her lips lightly against his. Liam felt whole again. How he missed her. The wrappings on his arm prevented him from enclosing her in his arms. He pressed her back until her body lay against his. Liam used the kiss the tell her how much he missed her, how much he wanted her, but more than that, how much he needed her.
Their kiss was interrupted when Darcy ran into the cave with Annag following.
“Liam, I had to see for myself that you lived and I couldn’t keep Darcy away for she wanted to see her da.” Annag smiled and gave him a motherly look.
He held out his arms to his daughter. She cried as she put her arms around his neck. Her wee body barely weighed much, and he pressed a hand on the long locks of her hair.
“Da, you woke.”
“I did and I’m happy to see you, lass. Why are you weeping?”
She glanced at Makenna and then back to him. “Is Momma leaving again? Don’t let her leave us, Da. Tell her God won’t be angry.”
He chuckled at the strange musings of his daughter. “I won’t let her leave, lass. She won’t leave us ever again. She’ll stay here with us where she belongs. We’re blessed with God’s grace and he won’t be angry with her.” For his speech, his daughter hugged him tighter and smeared her tear dampened cheek against his neck. Liam grasped Makenna’s hand. “Aye, you belong to us.”
She smiled and nodded. “I won’t leave you again, Darcy. I promise. Now let us leave your father to rest. We shall go and make him a delicious meal. Would you like to help?”
Darcy nodded vehemently. “Do I gots to stir the pot? I don’t like to stir the pot.”
Liam’s chest hurt as he gazed at his family. He never dreamed such happiness was possible.
Graeme entered with Gwenol. The healer was displeased to find him being entertained with all his company.
“All are to leave at once. You need to rest, sweet man.” Her order was given with vehemence, but her eyes shone with merriment.
Makenna laughed and picked his daughter up. “Darcy is staying in the main cave until you recover. I’ll get her settled and return later. Do get some rest.”
He gave her a look of his own intension, of a promise he’d be sure to keep.
Annag left with them and only Graeme and Gwenol remained.
“I shall fix a brew. Does your arm hurt?” She crossed the chamber and began mixing herbs on the table littered with various jars. After, she put all the jars and objects inside a large satchel and closed it.
Liam thought it strange but didn’t remark on it. He turned his attention to Graeme who stood silent next to the bed. “Graeme, have you news? You’re delaying speaking it, are you not?”
“You ken me well, Liam. Aye, I do have news.”
Gwenol returned and gave him the cup. “Drink this down.”
He did so without question because Gwenol wasn’t one to refute. The brew tasted vile, but he wasn’t about to rebuke her for it. She took the cup from him and picked up the large satchel.
“Graeme, best speak hastily for he’ll be under the effects within minutes. Be well, my sweet man.” She rushed from the chamber.
“That woman is sneaky. God Almighty, what has she given me?”
His comrade chuckled. “We’re all thankful she came. You were quite ill with ramped infection, and Annag couldn’t get it to subside. I do have news. Gilroy is missing again. I’ve asked Heath and Brodin to go in search of him. Makenna said he mentioned attending the king’s harvest celebration.”
Liam groaned. “Why would he go to the harvest celebration?”
“I know not, but if the king sees him, he could end up in the same situation you found yourself in. The lad will be tortured for our whereabouts.”
He nodded and clenched his jaw. “Robert was intent to find out where we hide. He spoke to me and seemed to be remorseful for having to punish us, but he said he had to. We were right to hide away.”
Graeme paced the side of the bed in thought.
Liam smiled when his pet jumped onto the bed and purred loudly when he patted his head. The beast kneaded the covers before turning a few times and settled down.
Graeme moved closer and started to say something when the cat hissed at him. “That feline is a pain in the arse, but I’m loathed to admit he does his duty.” He stepped backward until he put enough distance between them. “James sent me a message to meet him at Rohan’s and you will not believe what he told me.”
“How is James?”
“He was concerned for you. He says he felt guilt for not going to Stirling sooner to warn us the king was coming.”
Liam rubbed his shoulder, uncertain why it ached. “He had no way of knowing we were there. I went inside alone.”
“Aye, which was foolhardy. I shouldn’t have let you go in by yourself. Don’t ever go off again, Liam, without one of us protecting your back. Lest ye forget what we pledged to each other.”
“I remember, Graeme, and won’t do something as foolish again. What did James tell you?”
“After we found you with Makenna in the woods, he left me and went to find out what the king knew and what he’d do after he realized you escaped.”
Liam bellowed. “What? You found me with Makenna in the woods. How did she rescue me?” He groaned. “Mayhap I don’t want to know.”
“Perhaps not. But she was able to get inside Stirling because most of the guards were celebrating King Edward’s death.”
He sat up and shouted, “King Edward is dead? Oh, I remember now. I vow that drink is muddling my mind. He died, Friar Hemm told us.” Liam lay back and tried to make sense of what transpired before he awoke at the cave.
Graeme laughed. “Indeed he did. When James met with Robert, he said the king confided in him about us.”
Liam shook the grogginess that overtook him away. “What did Robert say?”
“That he was pleased you escaped. He didn’t want to execute you, but we gave him no choice when we directly defied his command. Robert insists he won’t search for us and he has declared the price on our heads nil. He apparently appreciates the tales of the guard and the inspiration it lends to his cause. James suggested he pardon us and Robert said he will consider it.”
“Did James speak of our activities, how we aid him in battle?”
“Nay, he didn’t want to do so unless we gave him permission.”
Liam’s head swam, but he wanted to be alert to hear what else Graeme had to tell him. He tried to focus and concentrate on his words. “That is good news. I didn’t speak of it either with Robert.”
“James is awaiting Gwenol.”
He rubbed his face but didn’t feel it. Strange. “Has James started using medicinals again?” He hoped not because the mushrooms Gwenol gave James nearly maddened him.
“Nay, Robert fell ill at Slicch during a skirmish. The king asked for her. Apparently she’s aided him from time to time.”
He rubbed his eyes and filled his chest with breath before releasing it. “I just recalled … I lost my sword, Graeme. I paid handsomely for it and must have left it at Stirling.”
“Worry not, my friend. We’ll get you another.”
He
was irked about it. “But it was a fine sword.” Liam’s eyes grew heavy. He resisted closing them and suspected he wouldn’t be awake much longer. “Tell my wife I wish to bed her.”
Graeme laughed. “I will not tell her that. Besides, you’ll be out cold before I leave this chamber. Liam. Liam?” He chuckled and realized his friend was in the thorough of Gwenol’s medicinal.
Makenna returned and laughed outright when she saw the condition her husband was in. “I heard what he said about his sword. I kept the sword I stole from the smithy. I’ll give it to him for he’s certainly worthy of such a remarkable sword.”
“He’ll demand we send payment for it. But that is one hell of a sword and he would be honored to have it.” Graeme chuckled. “You were wise to take it.”
She glanced back at Liam sleeping soundly. “I hoped he would still be awake. Perhaps it is good that he gets more sleep.”
“I never did thank you properly for saving Liam, did I?”
Her brows rose in shock because Graeme wasn’t one to thank anyone. He more or less commanded, but rarely gave gratitude for anything. “Of course I would save him. I love him.”
“It’s about time ye both admitted that.”
“We have and I’ve never been happier.” She waved to him as he left the cave and smiled to herself, wishing her husband was awake. Makenna tucked the covers around her husband’s large body. “I’m grateful my father agreed to the betrothal even if you never came to claim me.” She thought back to her conversation with Olivia on the hill on that dreadful day.
Liam groaned and shifted his body. Makenna set a light kiss on his lips. “You definitely don’t look like a goat.”
*Author’s Note*
Dear Readers,
The 1300’s and 1400’s was such a turbulent time in Scotland. King Robert (the Bruce) faced many challenges. Liam and Makenna’s story is filled with history, mainly the battles and scuffles Liam takes part in. In February 1307, many Scots awaited King Robert’s return from his winter retreat. As with many wars back then, most sought refuge during the colder months and revamped their armies in the Spring. King Robert arrived at Turnberry and readied to meet the English forces.
Woven into Unbreakable Heart are a few battles/skirmishes in which I tried to make as accurate as I could, weaving in the fictional presence of my characters. There are accounts of the Bruce’s forces loosening the granite and sending the massive stones to crush their enemy. Some accounts of the skirmish are said to be embellished. But that’s what we love about the Scots, right? A little embellishment!
In May of the same year, the Bruce’s forces met with the English again, but they knew they could not defeat the English on open ground. The English were rich in weaponry and men. The only way the Scots could defeat the English at the battle of Loudoun Hill, was to ambush them or lure them into a situation where they’d have to fight hand to hand as opposed to facing each other in an open field. It is true, too, to note that many an army lit their farmed fields on fire in order to prevent the enemy from taking their food.
In July of that same year, King Edward died. I imagine the Scots would have celebrated this news with great relish, and in the story the Stirling soldiers and sentry are in full revelry. Thank goodness or Makenna wouldn’t have been able to rescue Liam!
Join me in the next adventure of the Legend of the King’s Guard and we shall find out how Heath fares with a lass who matches his FEARLESS HEART.
Happy historical reading.
Fondly,
Kara Griffin
Coming Soon
FEARLESS HEART
The Legend of the King’s Guard
Book Three
Here’s a sneak peek:
Heath Fraser is sent in service to the passionate king, Robert the Bruce. His past transgression against his clan cannot be undone, but he aims to prove his courage. Not only does he hope his clan forgives his lack of valor, but he doesn’t take death lightly. To keep account of those he’s killed, he keeps a tally ensuring his entrance into Heaven when his days end.
Lillia Hunter has been infatuated with Heath since she was wee. When he was sent away, she despaired that she’d ever see him again. Now she is in dire trouble. Her father plans to wed her to a man who lives afar from her home. That wouldn’t bother her except the reasoning behind it. She’s the bastard child of King Alexander and those that can, plan to use her to oust King Robert. Lillia has no desire to rule Scotland and is pleased with the current king.
Old feelings return when Lillia runs into Heath. She cannot help but be ensnared by his handsomeness and chivalry. Only Heath can keep her from the hands of her enemies. She must maintain a FEARLESS HEART, one that will hopefully lead to a love she always dreamed of.
Excerpt to follow…
~ Exclusive Advanced Reader Copy Excerpt ~
Excerpt may differ from published version
Prologue
Neidpath Castle
Peebleshire, Scotland
Fortification of Clan Fraser
July, 1303
He would not give his life. Judgment would be passed, but Heath Fraser wouldn’t balk at his punishment for he’d committed a transgression so great his father would probably never forgive him. His father, Simon, the laird of their clan, swore fealty to King Edward and for his oath he had to aid the ruthless English king in his pursuits in Aquitaine.
Heath was not of like mind and did everything he could to sway his father from journeying to a war that bore little to their existence, and yet they went to retake the lands the English king lost. During the fray, Heath was captured along with his comrades and subjected to torture. After his escape, he tried to seek a way to aid his clan, but his recapture most definite and all he could do was flee with his life.
His cowardice was now called into question, and he reasoned what he’d done wasn’t due to fearfulness. He would’ve gone into the stronghold with his sword raised high if there was any possibility of saving his brethren. Standing before his father and the clan elders, Heath explained his situation, but it didn’t seem to be accepted.
“You say you tried to rescue your clansmen. If ye did, where are they? I see them not.”
He took a breath before reiterating his position, “I searched for someone to help me, but the Flemish well patrolled the area. I was unable to get close to the fortification to rescue them. I didn’t want to leave them behind. I escaped with my life.”
His father raised both bushy eyebrows, aghast at his words. “Your life. You’re standing before us whole and sound. Do ye realize what you did, lad?”
He nodded, but wouldn’t speak the treasonous words.
“Did ye even kill one man during the battle?”
Unfortunately he had, and Heath disheartened at that because he detested killing a man for purposes which would affect none. “I did what I had to do.”
“Aye? And so do I, so does your clan. You cannot go unpunished for leaving your comrades to their peril, Heath, and I’m sorry to say—”
His uncle, Andrew approached. “Ye should banish him, Simon. Aye, send the coward away. We shouldn’t have to look upon the treasonous swine.” He spat upon the ground, adding insolence to his view.
Heath lowered his head. He never expected such a harsh punishment. If that’s what they wanted, then he would have no choice but to abscond and never to set foot upon his ancestral land again.
When his father remained quiet, he heard the rushed murmurs of his clansmen taking sides. All was not lost. He waited for the sentence and would abide by whatever punishment they decided upon if even he disagreed. Heath wasn’t a coward and if there was a way to prove it, let it be with his acceptance of his chastisement.
His father held up his hand. “Heath, you are my son. I will not banish ye, but must make ye understand that you cannot leave our men behind in battle especially when you are only intent on saving your own hide. We are expected to set the example and lead, not flee. I will send ye off to do service with the Bruce. Aye
, for Robert is looking for men to attend him and there you shall learn what it means to protect and defend. I bid ye to discover what loyalty means, lad.”
Heath bowed his head in acceptance. “I will attend mass before I go.”
His father shook his head. “If ye wish to attend mass, you should do so on your journey for you will not spend another minute on this land. I will call ye home when your service is up, but I doubt that will be for many a year. I shall keep communication with the Bruce and when he gives ye leave, we will accept your return.”
His uncle stood beside his father, arms set across his chest, asserting his view. “Be it for five years at least. I deem that’ll be a good amount of time for the lad to learn his way.”
Heath tensed. Much could happen in such a vast amount of time, and what with the scuffles with the English by the borders and Scotland’s turmoil now with the English king, there was little he could do to aid his clan.
He inclined his head and walked away, for there was nothing left to say. Heath went to the great keep and collected his belongings. Absolution for his sins during the battles would not be granted this day, but he hoped to gain such during his travel to the Bruce.
There was a way for him to account for his sins. Killing a man went against everything he believed in, and yet he’d had no choice. War did that to a man, forced him to go against his beliefs and enact heinous debaucheries. As he walked along to the garrison, he thought about how many men’s lives he’d taken. Since he’d taken to arms he had killed but ten men, the rest he’d inflicted with non-life-threatening injuries.
He reached his bunk and grabbed the sack he kept his belongings in. With haste, he tossed in his garments and smaller weapons. He noticed a rolled ball of wool that unraveled from his tartan and used his dagger to make ten strings from it. Before leaving the garrison and collecting his steed, he tied the strings to his boot.
Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2) Page 24
