Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  “Before I give you the news, there’s something I want to know?”

  “Which is?”

  Colin wrapped his arms around his daughter, holding her against his chest. “I take it you approve of Lady Kaitlin?”

  His brother’s frown intensified. “What does that have to do with anything? Will you get on with it? I don’t have time for this cosh. Does this news have anything to do with me? If not, I should get back to training.”

  “I’d say the news might be of interest if you have fondness for Lady Kaitlin?” Colin almost laughed at his brother’s expression. His frown disappeared and he actually mellowed.

  “What do ye mean by fondness? Do I think she’s beautiful? Hell, aye. Do I think she’s courageous? She saved Bonnie, so that’s an aye. What man wouldn’t be fond of her? What else can I say? Aye, I’m fond of her.” Brendan placed his hands on the table and leaned forward in his most threatening manner, but Colin didn’t take it as seriously as others might have. “Now, give me the damned news from Henry so I can go to the barracks.”

  “Walt, will you retrieve the missive he wrote to Julianna? It’s in my saddle bag. It’s a rolled parchment with the king’s seal on it.”

  Walt left to run the errand. In the meantime, Colin continued to bait his brother.

  “So you think she’s beautiful, aye.”

  “Didn’t I just say so? I don’t want to talk about Katie. I want to know what Henry’s news is. You know what it is, so why don’t you just tell me? Why keep me waiting?”

  “I believe it is best you wait to read his missive for yourself. I’ll say this though, Henry doesn’t know what just slipped through his hands, and neither does the Barclay.” Colin grinned at his brother’s impatience.

  “Hurry the hell up, Walt.” Brendan’s bellow caused Bonnie to wince.

  Walt returned and threw the parchment on the table, then took his seat. “Here, lad.”

  Colin knew Walt had read it, because he wore a telling smile. “Well, open it.” He couldn’t refrain from grinning widely as well. He knew the news would cause his brother’s reaction, and he just wanted to see what that reaction would be.

  Brendan hastily unrolled the parchment and quickly scanned the scrolled writing. His eyes didn’t change at all during the reading, they remained focused. If anyone watched for a sign of his surprise, they couldn’t tell the missive affected him. Colin knew his brother better than anyone, and recognized the shift in his arms. Brendan gripped the parchment tightly.

  He looked up from the missive. “Why would he do this to the poor lass?”

  “He said he owed Barclay the favor and because his father had caused their clan such hardship, he wanted to repay the debt. He also wants the Barclay to cease their raids on the borderlands.”

  “So he’s betrothed the poor woman to that swine? I don’t know why he would subject any woman to that. I should never have saved Henry’s arse down by the loch.”

  Colin laughed, taking the parchment from him. “Well, her fate is settled and she will wed the Barclay. Now what’s this about you saving Henry?”

  “When he was visiting, some of the men took his garments whilst he bathed, and left him there to dry in the breeze. I happened to walk by and saw the poor lad shivering, and when he asked me to give him my plaid, I did. This is how he repays me by betrothing Katie to another man?”

  “Aye, but he wouldn’t know your interest, now would he? I’d say you might want to send Henry a missive of your own.”

  “To hell with that, this has nothing to do with me, Colin. What do I care if she’s betrothed to the Barclay? I found Bonnie, now I can go about my business.” Brendan’s look was as cross as he’d ever seen.

  “Aye, you’re aright, this doesn’t have anything to do with ye. I cannot believe my men took the king’s garments. I wonder why Henry didn’t say anything.” Colin wanted to laugh at his brother’s dour look. Brendan had never told him what happened at the loch, neither had Henry.

  “Why would he do such an atrocious thing to Katie? I cannot see her with a man such as Barclay, even if he is a wee brave.” Brendan’s incredulous tone attested to his ire. He threw the missive on the table as if it commanded his beheading. Nay, he didn’t much like what the message entailed.

  “He’s her king.”

  “I don’t give a damn if he’s her king. Well, he’s not my king. I can’t let her marry him.”

  Colin kept his voice from rising. “Why the hell not? The king decreed it, she must obey him. She’s fortunate in his choice. At least it wasn’t you he selected. She’s beautiful, courageous, and deserves … We should escort her to Londontown for her wedding. ‘Tis the least we can do.”

  “Aye, return her to England. That’s what she wants. I don’t know her well, but I do think she’s a bit absentminded.” Brendan took his cup with a quick swipe and chugged it.

  Colin laughed at his brother’s discontent. One minute he wouldn’t let the woman marry the king’s chosen groom, the next he told him to send her back. He had really misjudged his brother, not believing for a second that he would let the woman out of his sight. He’d thought his brother would do the right thing, but there was no getting Brendan to do something he didn’t want to. In time, he’d come around and until then, Colin would do everything in his power to keep her there.

  “But before I send her back, I want the name of the man who took my daughter. Who will befriend the lass and find out for me?” Colin sensed his brother’s attraction to the lass, and knew Brendan would not let anyone else near her. Besides, Brendan had a thirst for blood and vengeance. He wouldn’t let anyone else take on the chore of obtaining their enemy’s name. Before Brendan could reason it out in his mind, Gil gave him a look.

  “I’ll do it, Laird MacKinnon. She’s too bonny by far, mayhap she’ll succumb to my charms, since Brendan doesn’t want her.” Gil laughed and slapped Brendan on the shoulder.

  Colin glanced at his brother and waited. He would give Brendan a chance to interject before allowing Gil to woo her. Only, Brendan sat there scowling at him and didn’t show interest in the conversation. Yet Colin caught the little signs that indicated his brother was knocked on his arse by Henry’s news. If his brother was standing, surely he would be pacing the room—a habit which drove Colin crazy.

  “Well, Colin, what say ye?”

  “You’ll have to woo the lass and get her to trust you, Gil. You’ll have to spend a lot of time with her. Do you deem you can handle it?”

  “Aye, I can handle it. It’ll be my pleasure wooing that lass, to be sure. I vow to be a gentleman, Colin, and only steal a few kisses from her.” Gil snickered jokingly.

  “Wait.” Brendan stood.

  Colin, Walt, and Gil looked at him. Brendan’s look was as cross as they’d ever seen it. “What?” they asked in unison.

  “You’ll not do it, Gil, it’s my niece that beastie-swine took and I’m her uncle. I should make the sacrifice.” Brendan’s eyes glared at them when he spoke.

  “Sacrifice?” Colin and Gil asked at the same time.

  Colin laughed and couldn’t stop. His brother had a strange look on his face, one that he’d never seen before. His brother’s betrothal was on as far as Colin was concerned, even if his Brendan wouldn’t admit it.

  “Are ye certain, Brendan? It would mean you’ll have to put away your scowl.”

  Brendan glowered at him. He picked up his cup, drank the remaining ale in it, and set it down with a bang. “Cosh, I won’t have to do anything. I’ll get the swine’s name from her. You’ll see, it won’t take long at all.” With that, Brendan marched from the hall.

  Chapter Nine

  Her plan to be elusive wouldn’t be easy.

  Kate walked beside Julianna along the trail to the cottages that dotted the slope below the main keep. She felt awkward and unsure how to act around the strangers. It seemed they had lived a peaceful life until Lord Richard ruined it. Julianna showed her to a cottage with a thatched roof and dirt floors. The two room
ed cottage had an extensive area for eating and such, and one small sleeping area. It was fairly clean and certainly large enough for her.

  “I’ll come help you clean it on the morrow.”

  “Thank you, Jennifer, I appreciate your kindness. The cottage is lovely.”

  “Nay, it’s Julianna,” she reminded her, then smiled. “There’s clean bedding on the table. I’ll get you some things to fix it up a wee bit nicer.”

  “That’s kind of ye. I hope I haven’t put anyone out of their home.”

  “Nay, the cottage has been empty for a while. Do you want to come to the keep with me? You can take your meals with us, we’ll have the evening meal soon. Then you can get rest. You must be exhausted.”

  When they left the cottage, Julianna showed her how to find her way back to the keep. Kate noticed the trees surrounding the stone castle, because the saplings didn’t appear to be very old.

  “Did you plant the trees?”

  “Aye, there were no trees when I came, the landscape was barren. I had Colin dig these trees up and replant them here.” She laughed. “I don’t deem he enjoyed the task though. I like to work outside often. Mayhap you would like to help?”

  “I’d be glad to help in anyway. I tended my father’s grounds for many years, before he died.” The mention of her father saddened Kate.

  “I’m sorry. Has it been long, since he passed?”

  “He died warring in the holy land. He was a wonderful father and I shall miss him.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss. You will consider our clan your family. I never thought to see Bonnie again and if it wasn’t for you … I can imagine how you felt, losing him. Let’s talk about something else. Would you like to help with the celebration? It will give you something to do.”

  “Of course, I’d be glad to.”

  “I really shouldn’t be asking you for help, because you’ll be our guest of honor.”

  “I’d be pleased to help. There’s no need to honor me.” Kate walked beside her, memorizing the way back.

  They returned to the great hall and the evening meal was served. Colin sat at the head of the table awaiting his wife. When she reached his side, she whispered in his ear.

  Kate couldn’t hear what she said, nor understand her, because she had spoken in the other language. She noticed the room filled with many MacKinnon warriors. She met Bonnie’s uncle, Robin, and his wife, Tess. Their bairn was being cared for by a young girl at the other end of the hall.

  Everyone joyously greeted Bonnie, as well as Emma, her nurse, who blubbered and carried on for several minutes about Bonnie’s return. Emma had been caring for Bonnie when she disappeared, and she held much guilt for not being more attentive. Kate thought her a kindly woman.

  The clan’s people kissed and hugged Bonnie, and she loved all the attention. Kate watched their show of affection with a heavy heart, and gave the Goddess a silent blessing of thankfulness. She had done the right thing; the child was back where she belonged. After she finished eating, Kate sat back, listening to the gaiety of the people around her, though she couldn’t understand much of anything. Brendan watched her, and she blushed at the way his eyes fixed on her. Luckily, Tess sat beside her, distracting her from the cursed warrior.

  “We are so thankful you brought Bonnie back. Would you like to meet my Robbie?”

  “Aye, that would be nice, Tara.” Kate tried not to laugh at her guise.

  Tess continued to smile and handed the baby to her. Kate looked at the sweet babe. “He’s adorable.” Robbie cooed, and she felt her heart skip a beat. She handed the babe back to his mother.

  “You’re from England?”

  “I am.” Kate reached for the baby’s hand and touched it gently.

  “Julianna was from there.”

  “You would never know she was. She sounds like she was born here.” Relieved at hearing someone from England lived there, Kate smiled.

  “Nay, but she’s always been a Scot in her heart.”

  “I’m going to retire, it was nice meeting ye.” She stood and went to bid Colin and Julianna a good night. Bonnie, hearing her say goodbye, jumped from her mother’s lap, and ran toward her. Kate wrapped her arms around her shoulders, and Bonnie held onto her legs.

  “Kate, you’re leaving me? Are you going home?”

  “Nay, lovey, I’ve been given my very own cottage. I’ll go and rest there. Don’t cry.” She knelt to whisper her explanation, and her head touched Bonnie’s.

  “I’ll miss ye. I love you, Kate.”

  Kate felt a tear trying to sneak out the corner of her eye. “I love you, too. I’m only going to bed. I’ll come back in the morning and we’ll eat our meal together. Will you show me what you do for fun?”

  “Aye, I know what we’ll do,” Bonnie told her in a whisper.

  “I’ll see you on the morrow then.”

  Bonnie hugged her tightly around her neck and wouldn’t let go. She placed a kiss on her head, set Bonnie away from her, and turned to leave the hall.

  Kate stepped outside and stood under the expanse of the star flecked sky. She sobbed at the heartbreak of leaving the child. How would she bear to leave Bonnie when the time came? She would miss her terribly and had become attached to her. Someone called her name, and she turned to see Brendan approaching. She quickly turned away, swiping the tears from her eyes.

  “Katie, I’ll walk you to your cottage.”

  “I’m sure I can find my own way, Bryan.”

  He grabbed her hand, giving her a hard look. She tried to pull it away, but he tightened his grip and tugged her along. They reached her cottage after a few minutes, and she opened the door. He told her to wait. Brendan went inside and lit a few candles, while she stood with her back against the door jam, waiting for him to leave. He strode to her, placed his hand against the doorframe next to her head, looking down at her, scowling.

  “Thanks for walking me—” Before she could finish, he lowered his head and kissed her. Her back pressed against the door with nowhere to go. His other hand pulled at her chin until she opened her mouth. He slipped in his tongue, lightly caressing hers. She started to kiss him back and liked the sudden warmth that overcame her.

  Brendan pulled back and stared into her eyes. The man made her feel like he could read her thoughts, and she blushed. Her stomach fluttered madly and she took a deep breath. All she could smell was his manly scent and the earthly essence from outside. She’d been stunned by his kiss, and hadn’t known people kissed in such a way. She longed to wrap her arms around him and kiss him again. He grinned boyishly, and set her back on the ground. She hadn’t known that he lifted her.

  “Good night, fair Katie.”

  “Good night, Boyd.”

  Brendan seemed to blanch when she misused his name. Trixie appeared out of nowhere and meowed. He looked down and saw her cat wrapped around his boot. Kate picked Trixie up and watched him turn. As he walked away, she couldn’t help noticing his bare muscled calves. She waited until he disappeared before she closed the door.

  “Trixie, how did you get here? Did you see him?”

  “Meow.”

  Kate laughed, then took a small bowl from her satchel and filled it with the meat she’d taken from the table in the hall. Trixie purred loudly, content to eat her food. She saw the pitcher of water on the table and wondered where it had come from. Then she noticed the cottage. She walked to the table which was now covered with a beautiful linen cloth that matched the fabric that covered the window. Logs were stacked neatly beside the hearth and two chairs flanked the table. Someone had placed linens on the bed and two pillows at the top.

  She felt humbled by their kindness. Everything looked nice, and there was even an arrangement of flowers on the small table beside the bed. She found several garments of clothing lying on the bed: long and short sleeved gowns, nightrails, and even slippers. She picked up a nightdress and set it on the table, then she undressed and readied for bed. She put two logs in the hearth and set the kindling.

>   After such a grueling journey, all she wanted was a good night’s sleep. She pulled back the covers on the bed and slipped inside, snuggling into the warmth. Trixie jumped up and made herself comfortable by kneading her paws on the covers. The medallion dangled at her cat’s chest and she touched it, sighing at the thought of what it meant. She didn’t want to think such sorrowful thoughts this night, not when she’d returned Bonnie to her loving family.

  Kate thought about Brendan’s kiss. She found the warrior of her vision at last—her own gentle warrior. But he wasn’t gentle—far from it. It was her last thought as her mind shut down to sleep.

  *****

  He was a rogue and that was that. Kate came to that realization by the end of the next day.

  She awoke to the sunshine and dressed quickly. With her promise in mind, she ran to the hall to meet Bonnie. The cool air chilled her, but she knew it would warm once the sun rose higher. She entered the castle, and was almost knocked over by Bonnie, who stood waiting for her just inside the doorway.

  “You didn’t leave me.”

  “Nay, lovey, I told you that I wouldn’t.”

  “Come and sit with me. Papa said I can’t leave the table until I finish my food.”

  “That’s good, you need to fatten up.” Kate tickled her tummy, and Bonnie’s smile made her feel carefree. She missed being near her, and she supposed she would feel that way since she hadn’t let the child from her sight in many weeks.

  “Good morning, Laird MacKinnon.” Kate greeted Colin when she entered the hall.

  “Nay, it’s Colin. Please, call me Colin.”

  “I’m sorry, I forgot.” Kate smiled at his chafed tone. “Is Lady Josephine about yet?”