His Highland Pledge (The Clan Sinclair Book 4)

by Celeste Barclay

  "What are ye going to do?"

  "What is there for me to do? Speak out against the king? I canna vera well do that if I want ma clan to weather the storm. I will be left behind once again if I dinna leave first."

  "Leave? Ye're nae going to fight for her?" Hamish looked at his nephew shrewdly. He had already deduced the pretext that Magnus was creating, but this stunned him.

  "Fight for someone who doesnae want me. Someone who is playing me for a fool. Cuckholding me? Nae. This is too painful," he finished on a loud whisper. Magnus looked out of the corner of his eye and saw that the other lairds were not trying very hard to disguise their eavesdropping.

  Good. Let them gossip like fish wives. The sooner it goes around that I left in a fit of temper, the greater chances they willnae think I nabbed her and made off with her. At least nae right away.

  "Uncle Hamish, I wanted to let ye ken I'm leaving. I didna want to just take off without saying thank ye for yer support of our claims and for yer help while ye've been here."

  "Och lad, ye ken I love ye and yer family. We are kin." Hamish pulled Magnus in for a bone-cracking embrace and pounded him on the back. The noise hid his whisper.

  "Dinna go straight home. Weave as much as ye can to confuse them. Go to Sutherland if ye must but nae home until I can get word to yer da. Ye ken every mon in here kens what ye're doing, but they willna have to lie on yer behalf. They will stand behind ye if even from a distance. God keep ye."

  "And God protect any mon who tries to stop me. Thank ye, Uncle."

  They stepped apart, and Magnus once again bowed to the other lairds. He did not dally in leaving as he was not in the mood to linger long enough for questions. He made his way to his chamber and gathered his few belongings which were only his saddlebag and sword.

  He made his way to the stables and readied Sealgair. There had been enough time to have his saddle repaired, and he double checked it now to be sure it was safe enough to ride with Deirdre mounted too.

  He did not look back when he rode through the portcullis or the path that led down to the town below.

  Dinna dilly dally, eun beag. Fly soon before the bells for vespers ring.

  Magnus rode through town not attempting to hide. He wanted as many people as possible to say he rode out alone. When he reached the outskirts. He circled back around, and it did not take long to locate the blacksmith. The smithy was set away from the other shops because of the noise and constant heat. Magnus gave thanks when he saw that the man's home was attached to his workshop and hung on a line were a pair of very long breeks. Magnus dismounted and left his horse a fair distance away before creeping to the hanging laundry. He strained to hear any voices coming from a direction where anyone might see him. When nothing came, he darted out, grabbed the breeches, and made a beeline back to his horse, mounting within only minutes of leaving Sealgair.

  Magnus rode towards the treeline and once he entered the dark arbor, he hopped down and pulled the breeches on before unwrapping his plaid. He folded it and tucked it into his saddlebag.

  I may as well be standing here with ma arse hanging out. These damn breeks may be the right length, but the mon must have legs like spindly twigs. They are so tight they dinna leave much to the imagination. Magnus adjusted himself uncomfortably. And they call our plaids indiscreet and improper. How will I hide the cockstand I'm sure to get the moment I touch, bah who am I kidding, see Deirdre. She'll be with Elizabeth too.

  Magnus groaned, and it sounded nothing like pleasure.

  He emerged from the trees and walked Sealgair to a discreet spot where he could watch anyone coming from the town. He settled in to wait and tried not to tap his feet.

  Deirdre heard a soft scraping sound coming from behind the tapestry by her bed. There was a creak and then a blast of stale air wafted in. She pulled a dirk from her boot before rolling onto her side. With nothing else to do but wait for Magnus or nightfall, she laid down on the bed. Normally the thought of shoes on the bed would disgust her, but she refused to waste a moment when the time came to make her getaway. Now she lay still as she saw the tapestry sway. She changed her grip, so she could easily throw the dirk if needed or could stab. Her heart lurched when she saw Elizabeth's head peek out from around the wall hanging. Deirdre scrambled off the bed and rushed to her cousin.

  "How did ye get here?" Deirdre strained to see around Elizabeth. "Passages? Ye never told me!"

  "Other than now, they are only used by a few of the ladies-in-waiting and their lovers."

  Deirdre stared blankly before shaking her head. Elizabeth tossed her the pile of servants clothing, and Deirdre immediately knew what she needed to do. She turned her back to Elizabeth who yanked her laces free. She pulled her kirtle off and began pulling the plain clothes on.

  "That explains much. But what're ye doing using them? Where's Magnus?"

  Elizabeth quickly stuffed the gown onto a hook in the armoire before once again returning to Deirdre's side.

  "I will explain everything on the way, but we must go. Now."

  Elizabeth reached for her, but Deirdre turned back to the bed. She scooped up the sword, bow, and quiver which she had wrapped in the plaid. It made it easier to carry. When she saw her cousin's surprised face, she shrugged.

  "Ye didna think I would just stay here to do ma parents' bidding. But why are we leaving in broad daylight? It's too risky."

  Elizabeth grabbed her arm and pulled her into the tunnel. After ensuring the tapestry hung flat and the door was closed, she took Deirdre's hand to lead her.

  "Magnus and I were already planning to sneak you out through these hidden passageways, but we overheard Lady Arabella and her brother discussing your wedding that's planned for tonight."

  Deirdre gasped and stumbled nearly dropping her bundle.

  "Exactly. Your parents are forgoing an official betrothal announcement and arranging for you to be wedded and bedded this eve, so Archibald can send you away as soon as tomorrow morning."

  "How convenient for them all. My father gets the stewardship, Hay gets ma dowry and a broodmare in me, my parents’ hands are clean of me once I'm gone, and Hay can continue his affair with Mary. I don't see the queen dismissing the little bitch anytime soon."

  Deirdre surprised herself with both her language and how calm she felt discussing her plight.

  All the sooner I can be with Magnus. I need out of this castle.

  "Where is Magnus? He hasnae confronted ma parents, has he?"

  "No, he's already left to make it appear as if you’ve pushed him away. He's waiting outside the town for you. We will exit the postern gate. I made sure there is someone there who can get through town without too much notice."

  It did not take long for the two young women to make their way to the outer wall of the castle. Elizabeth pressed Deirdre behind her as she eased open the door. It creaked and groaned from not being used often. There were small bushes that grew around the base, and vines strangled the hinges making it hard to open the door wide. Both women could squeeze through, but it was tight. Deirdre looked back into the tunnel one last time before pushing the door closed. Elizabeth was talking to a young man who gestured for them to hurry. There was something that seemed familiar about him, but it was not until Deirdre was standing next to him that she noticed a certain resemblance to Elizabeth. She looked questioningly at her cousin.

  “Dee, this is my brother Thomas.”

  “Brother?”

  “Aye, ma lady. But Beth means half-brother. I’m her father’s bastard.”

  “I am not getting into this with you again Thomas, but that is absolutely ridiculous. Neither you nor I are a half a person, so you cannot be half my brother.” Elizabeth gave him a quelling look. “Thomas will get us through the city to meet Magnus.”

  “Beth, ye canna come. Ye will stick out with yer finery.”

  Deirdre saw a willfulness she rarely witnessed in her cousin when Elizabeth set her jaw and put her hands on her hips.

  “For all anyone knows, y
ou are both my servants following me as I shop. If more attention is drawn to me, then less will be on Dee.”

  Thomas gave her a skeptical look but nodded. Elizabeth had found a bob cap in among her maid’s belongings, and Deirdre was grateful for it as she tucked her telltale blond curls underneath. She could never go unnoticed if her hair was visible. For the umpteenth time in her life, she cursed her unruly hair.

  They weaved and wandered through the town, appearing to be in no hurry, but each of them was surveilling everyone who passed them or seemed to notice their little trio. Deirdre was chomping at the bit to move faster and reach Magnus, but she understood the necessity of being inconspicuous. She did her best to remain patient, but when they walked past the last row of buildings and she could see Magnus move away from a rock, all she wanted was to sprint to him. Thomas grasped her arm and held her back with frown. He angled his chin to point over his shoulder. A group of women had just emerged and headed to the nearby stream. Deirdre nodded and walked as sedately as she could manage until she reached Magnus.

  Magnus, on the other hand, had no compunction about being overt. He pulled Deirdre into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. He intended only a taste at first as they took in the feel of each other’s body pressed together. When her lips parted for him, he swept his tongue within her velvety mouth. Deirdre gave a quick, sharp tug on his tongue before they both stepped back.

  Deirdre turned back to face her cousins and embraced Elizabeth.

  “Ye have been much like a sister all these years. Ye made ma arrival at court bearable. I dinna ken what I would have done without ye. Thank ye.” Deirdre could not say more around the lump in her throat.

  The two women hugged, an implicit understanding that this might be the last time they ever see each other. Even though Deirdre knew she had kept things from Elizabeth over the years and had been more reserved in sharing than Elizabeth had been with her, she felt her cousin was her best friend. The knowledge that they may never again laugh or speak with one another was painful.

  “You are doing the right thing, Dee. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. I will be sure to keep your parents guessing for as long as I can. I wish you both Godspeed.”

  Magnus lifted Deirdre into the saddle and climbed on behind her. He spurred Sealgair as he wrapped his arms snuggly around her and the plaid bundle she carried.

  “I’m sorry we couldnae bring Freya. Mayhap we can have her sent to us.”

  Deirdre just nodded. She loved her horse, but she knew it was unrealistic to think her horse would ever join her in the northern Highlands. She squeezed Magnus’s arm and settled back against his chest.

  They rode in silence for over an hour, but Deirdre could feel the tension radiating from Magnus as he kept his head on a swivel, alert to any threats or danger. He stopped them periodically to cover their tracks or to lead Sealgair of the main path onto ground covered with leaves that would better hide his hoofprints. They were two hours into their ride before Magnus relaxed enough to tickle her ribs.

  “Is that ma plaid ye have all knotted up?”

  “Aye, it is.”

  “The one from the Campbell gathering?”

  “When could I have gotten another? Are ye wanting it back of a sudden? Do ye need some real clothing to wear?”

  Magnus’s chest rumbled as he guffawed.

  “That plaid wouldnae fit me now anyway. Ma arse would catch a chill. I’d rather see it wrapped around ye,” he nuzzled her temple, “but it seems to carry yer spare clothes.”

  “It isnae. I didna pack any other clothes.”

  Magnus slowed his horse as Deirdre unraveled the plaid, and she felt Magnus’s breath catch when he caught sight of her sword and then the bow.

  “Ye were able to keep that?” he whispered.

  “Just barely. I smuggled it with me. Yer plaid was easier to hide, but there was nae chance I would leave this behind. Nae then and nae now.”

  “It looks to be in excellent condition after so long.”

  “I had it wrapped in an oilcloth within ma chest. I admit it hasnae seen the light of day in seven summers, but it’s still as sharp as when ye gave it to me.”

  “And ye brought yer bow?” Deirdre heard Magnus’s skepticism since he knew who had given it to her.

  “Only for practical reasons. I was not sure if you would have yours, and we will need to eat. Once we are home, I will happily to toss it in the fire.”

  Home.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Magnus and Deirdre traveled several more hours the first day, well past the sun setting. She fell asleep in Magnus’s arms more than once, and he luxuriated in holding her as he breathed in the scent of her hair. He coiled it around his finger as he teased her and gave it a gentle yank until she was laughing at his jokes. He did everything he could think of to ease her fears during that first long day and evening.

  They made camp below the stars that night. It was too clear for them to have a fire since Magnus worried that the smoke would be visible even at a great distance. They were silent while they ate the dried beef that was ever present in his saddlebag. Deirdre laid out the extra plaid from Magnus’s bag and wore his old one as an arisaid. Magnus propped his head against his saddle and opened his arms in invitation. She snuggled next to him as he wrapped the extra length of material from over his shoulder around them.

  “Deir, we canna go straight to Sinclair land. We will surely be followed if the trackers arenae already on our heels. I do believe we can be home in ten days, but it will be a windy route we travel. We canna risk staying at any inns either, mo ghaol. I am sorry that I canna provide ye more comfort, but we must be as invisible as possible.”

  Deirdre stroked her hand over his chest and then down his hip while he ran his hand up and down her back. She lifted her chin and gave him a tender kiss that heated.

  “I would say I am comfy now, but I can think of one thing that would make me even more comfortable.” She flipped his plaid up and rolled on top to straddle him. “Ye make a vera fine pillow indeed. And I’m glad ye took those ridiculous breeks off. Dinna get me wrong. I quite liked seeing that ye were pleased to have me near, but I dinna like anyone else getting such a view of ye. That is for ma eyes only.” She deepened her voice in an attempt to sound manly.

  “It is all yers. Do what ye will but be merciful.” He pulled her down for a searing kiss that moved them both to fumble, pushing clothing out of the way. The fear and panic of the day still weighed heavily upon both of them, and neither was in the mood to go slowly.

  When they both relaxed, Magnus wrapped Deirdre in his arms and rolled them back over. He tucked her into his side and kissed her forehead.

  “I love ye, Deir.”

  “I love ye,” she yawned, “too.”

  “Rest, mo leannan. I will hold ye.”

  “Will ye sleep, too? Do ye,” she yawned again, “want me to take watch for a while? After I sleep mite.”

  “Sshh. All is well. Sleep, mo eun beag.” Magnus looked down to see she was already deeply asleep. He lay looking up at the stars as his hand drew lazy circles on her shoulder and his other hand kept her pressed against his side.

  Keep her safe, Lord. Nay matter what, just keep her safe.

  Magnus did not sleep more than a few minutes at a time as his mind would not quiet, and his senses were on alert for any hint of danger. He was exhausted when Deirdre awoke, but he refused to let her know he had not slept.

  After two more days of travel and sleepless nights, Magnus knew he could not continue as they were. He had to admit to Deirdre that he needed sleep, so he suggested that they sleep during the day and travel at night. The possibility of encountering highwaymen did not thrill him, but he knew if he and Deirdre did not find them, there was always the possibility that the lawless men would find them. He would rather be on his horse than flat on his back with Deirdre less protected.

  “If we travel at night, we can make camp in the early morning and build a fire that willna be visib
le. We eat and sleep, then just before dusk, we eat again. I dinna like suggesting it, but there may be times when climbing into a tree will be the safest place to rest. I ken of numerous caves all over this area, but I worry that the king’s men or yer father’s men will ken of them too.”

  Deirdre looked around at where they stopped to water the horse.

  “I have traveled a great deal, but I ken I have never been to this area before. Where are we? I dinna think ma father’s men would ken this area either.”

  “Buchannan territory. We rode straight east and should be close to the border with the MacFarlanes. I’m hoping we can make it to the coast and the MacDougalls. If we do, then we go to Ardchattan Priory and pray that the abbot will marry us.”

  “East? That is the opposite direction we need to go. Hopefully, that will keep them from guessing where we’ve gone, but Magnus, what then? Do ye think they’ve found our trail?”

  “I dinna ken. We havenae heard aught in two days, but that doesnae mean they willna. As long as we can keep a few steps ahead. After Ardchattan, we make for the coast and try to catch a boat up to the MacLeods of Lewis. Callum’s wife is a MacLeod, and mayhap we can rest there before sailing for the MacLeods on the Minch. That’s Siùsan’s grandfather. He would see us the rest of the way to Dunbeath.”

  “Ye think any sailor would take me on board as a woman?”

  “For the right price, many a captain will overlook superstition.”

  Deirdre drew out a small drawstring pouch from a slit on the side of her kirtle. She was thankful to have had the forethought to grab the collection. She opened the sack wide enough for Magnus to look in.

  “I dinna think ye’ve noticed this at night, but I gathered these when I was preparing to leave. I wasna entirely sure if I would have to set out on ma own, and I kenned at the vera least we would need them.”

  Magnus looked from the bag to Deirdre and back again.

  “There must be a king’s ransom in here, lass.”

  “There is since much of it came from the king and queen. This should book us passage on any number of boats then.”