Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  “Uncle Brendan taught me,” Bonnie said proudly.

  “You mean the one with a heart?”

  “Aye, don’t tell him I told you. He will be angry at me.”

  Kate laughed. At least, the poor man’s niece thought kindly of him and she sensed no one else did. So he didn’t want anyone to know he had a kind heart, did he? “I won’t tell, I promise.”

  She then noticed the fire. It was small with perhaps four logs caught with flame. “Now I really am amazed. How old did you say you were? Are you certain it wasn’t ten?”

  Bonnie giggled. “Nay, I’m this many.” She held up both hands, indicating seven.

  Kate pulled the dagger from the satchel, thinking she’d better keep it close. She used it to skin the hare and once that was done, she placed the hare on the fire. Hunger overrode her guilt for eating the animal.

  “Bonnie, where does Honey live?”

  “In the castle—”

  Kate grabbed her shoulders, turning the girl toward her. “Who is Honey, Bonnie?”

  “Mama’s cousin, King Henry.”

  “Oh, Goddess above, you’re the king’s cousin? Why didn’t I realize that before?” Kate placed her hands on her head. “What to do, what to do?”

  “Aye, Mama, Papa, and me, were visiting. Cousin Honey was happy we came. He was happy, I know he was. He had a festival just for us. What if they went home without me? What if mama and papa aren’t looking for me?” Bonnie’s eyes lowered, her lips turned and she wept.

  “They wouldn’t do that, Bonnie. We’re a long way from London. I don’t know if we—“

  “We were at Honey’s summer castle, that’s was what Mama said.”

  “Do you know where the summer castle is?”

  “Nay.” She shook her head. “Somewhere in Londontown.”

  “All right, then. Think … think … I can’t chance taking you to Londontown, we would have to pass right by … we’d risk being caught. Nay, I’ll have to take you to Scotland.”

  “Yah.” Bonnie let out a shout.

  “Shhh, be quiet.”

  “You can come home with me, Kate. You can meet Mama and Papa.”

  “It’s not going to be easy. We’ll keep going north until you recognize the land. The distance is greater and will be a longer journey and it could very well be dangerous.”

  Bonnie set her head on Kate’s lap. “Don’t worry so, Kate. When we get to Scotland, we can get someone to take us home.”

  “No wonder you’re such a cleaver girl, you’re related to the king.”

  After eating the hare, they put out the fire, and mounted Ralph. Kate tugged on the reins and headed in the direction she thought was north.

  “Kate, are we on our way to the Highlands?”

  “Aye, lovey, we are. I just hope we’re not being followed, and we make it to the border before he catches up with us.”

  “The mean man?”

  Kate nodded. The night grew dark, but she needed to keep going through the night. Not enough distance was put behind them and she became more vigilant during the darkest part of the night. She couldn’t let her guard down, at least until they were farther away.

  Their second day went by uneventfully and the quiet forest and gentle breeze calmed Kate. She only had about six hours of sleep in two days and was exhausted, but she pushed onward. Ralph continued on, as she drifted off to sleep on his back. Bonnie nudged her.

  “Kate, wake up, you’re falling asleep again.”

  “We better stop. I’m too tired to continue.”

  “Do ye want me to build a fire again?”

  “Nay, not tonight, something doesn’t feel right. I’ll hide Ralph.” She took him to a closed off spot, tied his reins loosely to a bush, and then returned to Bonnie.

  “I don’t feel safe, let’s move under that thicket. Be careful of the thorns.”

  She laid a cover on the ground. The spot was tight and they squeezed together. Bonnie curled up against her and they fell asleep minutes later.

  Kate awoke to the sound of horses pounding the ground, and by the sound of it, there were many. Was it men from Lord Richard’s keep? She put her hand over Bonnie’s mouth, and prayed they didn’t find Ralph. As the horses flew by, Kate held her breath until she could no longer hear them. She and Bonnie continued to rest until morning, and set out as soon as it was light enough to see.

  *****

  For the next five days, they rode over the dusty roads and through the forests. They were tired and dirty. Kate had several coins tucked in the seam of her gown, and she hoped to find a village or an inn. Instead, they settled for a stream and slept on the soft high grass. They stopped early that day because they both needed rest. After bathing in the stream, they finished off the remains of their foodstuff. Kate refilled the flask with water. She gave Ralph a well-deserved rest, and rubbed him down. Trixie stalked away, searching for her own meal. Kate rested beside Bonnie on the ground, her back was sore, and her muscles ached because she’d never ridden so long before. She groaned, rubbing her lower aching back.

  “You know what, Kate?”

  “Nay, what, Bonnie?”

  “I can’t wait to see Papa and Mama,” she said sadly.

  “I know, lovey, we’ll get there soon. I just hope we can find someone who will direct us, because I don’t know if we’re headed the right way.”

  “Papa will make me sit in his chair.”

  “If he does, Bonnie, I’ll sit with you.” Kate hugged her.

  “Uncle Brendan won’t let Papa punish me.”

  “Why not?”

  “He always gets me out of it. He says that I’m just a wee fairy that just likes venturing.”

  “My father used to call me fairy,” Kate said sadly. “You’re Uncle Brendan sounds like a very nice man.” She wished her betrothed was just as kind as Bonnie’s uncle sounded.

  Bonnie rolled on the ground holding her tummy, giggling.

  “What’s so funny?” Kate smiled at the delightful sound of her gaiety.

  “He’s not nice—he’s mean. Mama says ladies don’t like ‘em cause he frowns too much, but he only frowns at me when I do something to ‘em.”

  Kate didn’t like that he frowned. “What have you done to him?”

  “Once, a longed time ago, when I was wee, I stoled into his bed.”

  “Stole,” Kate corrected her.

  Bonnie continued. “It was late when he came to bed, and I scairt ‘em, and he swore loudly.”

  “Scared,” Kate corrected her again.

  Bonnie nodded then resumed her story, “Mama came running, och when she got there, she just standed there staring at Uncle. That’s when Papa came and yelled at Uncle Brendan. He swore, too. Then he said that I had to contemplate and sit in his chair the whole next day. I didn’t know what contemplate meant so I just played with George.”

  “Why was your papa so mad?”

  “Oh, ‘cause Uncle didn’t have clothes on and Mama sawed him. Papa pulled her out of the room. Every time mama saw uncle after that she got a red face.”

  Kate laughed. “I can’t wait to meet your family, sweeten. They sound like fun.”

  “Aye, Uncle Brendan’s going to like ye.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “‘Cause you’re bonny, but ye’ll be scairt of him.”

  “Scared,” Kate correct her again. “Nay, I won’t be afraid of him, I promise. Let’s get some sleep now, we’ve a lot more riding to do, I think.”

  They fell asleep and it grew chilly during the night, but at least it was dry. It hadn’t rained much since they began their trek. When they awoke in the morning, Kate’s stomach growled.

  “I’m hungry,” Bonnie complained, as she scooped up the cover they had lain on.

  “I know, lovey, me, too. I’ll think of someway to get food. We could catch another hare.”

  “I can fish. Mama’s uncle teached me how when he was alive.”

  “Taught,” Kate corrected her. “What do you need?”
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  “A big stick. Can you make a point on the end? That’s what Uncle Walden used.”

  Kate found a narrow branch that had fallen from a birch tree, lying on the ground. She whittled the end until it was sharpened into a point. “Now what?”

  Bonnie laughed. “Now ye have to stand in the water until a fish swims by. Then drop the spear fast and try to catch ‘em. ‘Tis hard, Uncle Walden used to swear and shout.”

  Kate removed her slippers, lifted her hem, and wadded in the stream. Her gown floated atop the water’s surface, billowing. She stood waiting knee-deep in the water, the soggy stream’s bottom felt slimy on her feet, but thankfully, the water wasn’t too cold.

  “Bonnie, did your uncle say how long this takes?”

  “Shhh, Kate, you’re going to scairt away the fish. It takes a longed time. I used to sit for hours and wait for ‘em.”

  Kate watched a fish swim by and she tried to spear it, but it got away. She felt its scales brush against the skin of her leg. “Damn.”

  Bonnie chuckled at her curse.

  Another large speckled-trout came toward her and she tried not to move. She positioned the spear just right—she would get this one. Slamming the spear downward, it went right through its middle. The caught fish wiggled on the spike when she lifted it from the water.

  Kate jumped up and shouted. “I got it, I got it.”

  “Yah, I knowed ye could do it, Kate.”

  “I’m going to get another one. Here, put this on the bank.” She handed the fish to her. Bonnie used both hands to carry it. The fish wiggled, trying to jerk from her hold. Bonnie flipped the fish onto the grass, where it lay still. The child was so resourceful.

  After a few tries, Kate caught another fish, and a good sized one, at that. They would be full for the rest of the day. She felt terrible about eating animals and fish. She normally wouldn’t do so, given that she only ate vegetables. The fish tasted bland, but it would suffice as a meal.

  “Who is your Uncle Walden? Does he live within your clan?” Kate used a leaf to wipe her hands.

  “Mama’s uncle. Mama was sad when he died and Aunt Mathilda cried.”

  “That’s sad, I’m sorry he died.”

  “Aye, me too. Mama said he had a good life.”

  “He’s with the Gods now, probably showing them how to use the spear. Thanks for the idea.” After cleaning up the campfire, and collecting Trixie, they moved on, going farther north.

  “Kate, how long do ye think it will take now?”

  “I don’t know, Bonnie. I hope not too long.”

  “I can’t wait to get home. Papa will be angry and Mama will cry.”

  “Lovey, your papa will be so happy to see ye, it won’t matter. You’ll see.” Kate hugged her.

  Kate couldn’t sleep that night. The image of the warrior floated in the recess of her mind. She had no idea how he was connected to Bonnie or if she would ever meet him. Try as she might, the image wouldn’t go away. She didn’t fall asleep until the middle of the night, but Bonnie slept soundly.

  In the morning, she realized they were past the border. The terrain hadn’t changed much, but Bonnie insisted they were closer to home. How could a seven-year-old know that? Kate felt safer knowing they had traveled a good distance, and had left England behind. Richard couldn’t find them in the deep woods of Scotland. She grew tired from sitting on the horse and decided it would do them good to stretch their legs.

  Kate dismounted and helped Bonnie down then she released Trixie from the satchel.

  “Do ye deem we’re in the Highlands?” Bonnie skipped beside her.

  “Mayhap, ‘tis eerily quiet and the birds aren’t making any noise. Why do ye suppose that is?” Kate searched ahead for danger, but didn’t see anything amiss.

  “I’m scairt, Kate.” Bonnie moved closer, taking her hand.

  “I’m certain it’s only my imagination running wild. Trixie seems to have run off.”

  She searched along the trees for her. They continued walking and after a few minutes, Trixie returned, carrying a small creature in her mouth. Kate found a trail a half-hour later. The forest still remained eerily quiet, but they walked along silently.

  A man jumped out from a bush and stood with his sword aimed at her. Not just any man—but a daemon. Kate shoved Bonnie behind her in an attempt to protect her. She stood mesmerized, biting her lower lip so she wouldn’t yell out. She became afraid—terrified, was more like it.

  “Good Goddess above.” The man was a barbarian, painted like a heathen. He would kill her and make off with Bonnie. How would she ever get Bonnie home now?

  The warrior stood in a foreboding manner, holding the largest sword she’d ever seen. Several men strode from the thick forest surrounding them, seeming to magically appear. All of them, including the warrior, wore blue painted symbols on every part of their bodies, except for the parts covered by their tartans. Kate swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. Bonnie pressed against her back, holding her up. She was thankful for that. If not, she’d probably be lying on the ground at the heathen’s mercy. Swooning seemed a reasonable reaction to the horrifying situation, but she wouldn’t dare.

  His eyes, made even colder by the dark paint that covered his face, pierced hers. Kate turned slightly to see if there was a way to bypass him, when she noticed the man motioned to the others to stay back. They obeyed.

  “Lass, don’t be afraid, I mean no harm.”

  “I’m n-not a-afraid.”

  The warrior laughed.

  “Aye, ye are, don’t be. What are you doing traveling alone in the darkened forest? Are you by chance, a damsel in distress or a fairy?”

  The warrior’s laughter drew an odd look from his men.

  “I’m Lady Kaitlin Stanhope, and I’m on my way to the MacKinnon clan’s holding.” She couldn’t believe she actually spoke to the man. Was she still standing? Nay, she hadn’t swooned, as she thought she might have. Bonnie continued to press against her legs, trying to get around her, but Kate held her back.

  “You are?” He sounded surprised. The warrior turned and gave a look at the others, but they remained quiet.

  “Aye, and if you would be good enough to point me in the right direction, I’d be grateful.”

  “Why, lass? Are ye a friend of Julianna’s?”

  “Julianna, um … nay. Do you know the way?” She hoped the warrior would accommodate her, and at the very least, give a direction, but he wasn’t compliant. He stood there scowling, shaking his head.

  Bonnie peeked around Kate’s skirts then screeched loudly. She ran full force at the warrior. Kate became dizzy, an overwhelming sense of faintness struck her, and she wavered on her feet.

  “Bonnie, don’t.” Kate tried to pull her back, but she was all ready out of her reach.

  “Bonnie?” The warrior stepped forward.

  “Aye, Uncle, ‘tis me.”

  “Oh, Bonnie, lass!” He lifted her high in the air, hugging her close then kissed her face. “Oh, fairy, I missed ye. Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

  “I’m s-sorry, Uncle. I j-just …” Bonnie’s lip trembled and she cried.

  “Where have ye been? Your Mama and Papa are worried sick.” The warrior continued to hold her close, petting her hair. He couldn’t seem to believe that he held his sweet niece in his arms.

  “I been with Kate.”

  “It’s a long story.” Kate stood by watching their reunion, still reeling with dizziness.

  He turned back to the men and spoke in a stern voice. “Make camp.”

  The men turned reluctantly and went about making a fire and laying their bedrolls. Kate stood shocked to the ground, not wanting to move for anything. This was Bonnie’s uncle? Good Goddess, the man was quite intimidating. She hoped she wasn’t showing signs of fear, and tried to calm her racing heartbeat. Please, please, Goddess, get me out of here.

  “Lass, who’s the lady?” He spoke in Gaelic to Bonnie.

  Bonnie turned to look at her. “That’s Ka
te, she saved me.”

  “She did?”

  “Aye, and ye know what?”

  “Nay, what, fairy?”

  “She brung me home.”

  “Aye, she certainly did.”

  The warrior looked at her, and stared intently as if judging her. Kate felt awkward under his scrutiny, but she also felt the sudden urge to run.

  He scowled, motioning to her. “Lady, join us.”

  She walked slowly to where he stood with Bonnie.

  “How did ye come to have Bonnie in your care?”

  Kate couldn’t find her voice, robbed of all her senses. The man was a huge warrior covered in paint for the sake of the Goddess. She couldn’t even tell what he looked like. His hair matted down with paint, and she couldn’t see any skin showing on his face, arms or legs. He wore a tartan around his waist, and had a huge sword in a scabbard by his side. The man made Kate feel uncomfortable standing so close to him. She could feel her blood creeping up her neck and she grew heated.

  “Lady, I asked ye, how did you come to have Bonnie?” His voice hardened.

  “I-I uh …” Kate couldn’t get a word out, her throat went dry, and her heart beat madly.

  “Uncle, I’ll tell ye.” Bonnie turned his face toward her.

  “All right, lass, I wish someone would explain.”

  “Papa’s going to make me sit in his chair ‘cause I was supposed to be resting, giving poor Emma a wee break, but I couldn’t. I left the tent and a mean man picked me up. He took me to his home and I was there a longed time before Kate came. She promised to bring me home and you know what?”

  The warrior silently listened to his niece and tried to understand her babbling.

  “Nay, what?”

  “She did. She’s bonny, too.” Bonnie spoke in Gaelic, and Kate didn’t understand a word she said. She barely paid attention, because her body stiffened and she couldn’t control the heat which had overtaken her.

  The warrior stood rigidly, watching them both as if he tried to make sense of what his niece just told him. Kate watched the two of them in return. The warrior didn’t introduce himself, which she thought was rude, but he certainly was daunting. She wanted to ask what Bonnie had told him, but she kept quiet. Besides, Bonnie must not have finished, because she took a breath and began speaking again.