Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  Brendan noticed her cat on the way out the door, and he picked up the furry creature. He carried it to her cottage and set it beside her on the bed. The animal purred instantly, settling itself next to Kate. He knew Kate adored the animal, and that it would soothe her when she awoke.

  The medallion still lay on the table. He picked it up, checked on her progress, and then went back to the keep. Colin had remained at the table, and he handed the medallion to him.

  “Here, ‘tis a strange object. She said it was from Egypt. I saw it earlier.”

  Colin assessed it, turning it over then turned it over again. “Why do you deem he wants it? Do you believe it’s valuable?”

  “I don’t know, Colin. I don’t think she has any idea either. She said she hasn’t figured it out yet. Her father was killed in Egypt, mayhap over this. She hasn’t said such, but I get the feeling that she might suspect the guardian. There was a message with it, beware the friend with the black heart. She said she didn’t know what it meant.”

  Colin flipped it over again and saw the tiny hole. “Look, there’s a clasp.” He removed his dagger and pressed the point into the hole. The medallion clicked, and Colin opened the ends. A piece of parchment fell out.

  “What is it?” Brendan leaned forward.

  “It looks to be some kind of map. I cannot understand the writing. Do you deem the man is after her for this?” Colin held the parchment up. “Mayhap he killed her father for it, but her father had all ready sent it to Kate. Seems likely to me.”

  “It’s the only conclusion we can draw. Why else would he chase her here? How does he even know about it? I don’t like this one bit, Colin. Aye, he’s after the map. I cannot leave her right now, else I’d chase the man down and kill him.”

  “We should go after him, but we don’t even know who he is or where he’d run to. You have to get your wife to tell you.”

  “I will, and then we’ll go. Vengeance will be mine.”

  Colin nodded in agreement.

  *****

  Kate lay in a semi-sleep state, her mind blank and devoid of pain. How was that possible? Why did the cold of night not penetrate her? She didn’t feel the cold, nor did she want to wake, but she heard someone calling her. The lids of her eyes seemed too heavy, she couldn’t open them. Katie, wake up, lass. She tried to move, but felt weighted down, as if something pressed on her. Was she still in the forest? She managed to open her eyes a slit. It wasn’t too bright, so she opened them more.

  Brendan’s voice gentled. “That’s right, Katie, wake up. Come on, sweetheart, open your eyes and look at me.”

  She focused her eyes, and saw him sitting next to her, and then she glanced around the room. He was alone. How had she gotten there? The last thing she remembered was Richard and he had stabbed her. Her eyes widened. Brendan caressed her cheek, the one not swollen and blackened.

  “Brendan,” she whispered.

  “Aye, you’re safe in your own cottage.” He lifted a cup of water to her mouth, and she tried to drink deeply, but he pulled the cup away.

  “Thirsty,” she groaned the word out.

  “You’ve been ill for two days, lass. If you drink too much, your stomach won’t handle it. How do you feel?”

  “Tired.” She closed her eyes.

  When Kate opened her eyes again, she sat up and adjusted to the darkness. She noticed Brendan sleeping peacefully in the chair next to the bedding with his legs propped on the bedside. How could she miss him when he overwhelmed the room? She pushed her legs aside and tried to stand. Her left side stitched when she moved. She noticed the chamber pot on the floor. With shaky legs, she made her way to it. She picked it up and went to the other room. After taking care of that business, she returned back to bed.

  “What are you doing?”

  Kate jumped at his hard voice, stumbling. “I’m … I had to …”

  Brendan lifted her in his arms and carried her back to bed. “You’ve been injured. You cannot get out of bed and go traipsing about. Are you hungry?”

  “Starving,” she uttered.

  He laughed at her, then walked to the door of the cottage, and shouted for Gil. Brendan gave him instructions, and returned to her side. “Gil will bring you food.”

  “What happened?”

  “You were beaten and stabbed. You don’t recall?”

  “Aye, I do. I never should have gone off into the forest, but I was so angry with you. I needed to be alone and think.”

  “I know, Katie, I didn’t mean to be hurtful that day. You practically killed me with pleasure, but you left before I could regain my wits.”

  “Well, I was on my way back when—”

  Gil’s knock interrupted her. Brendan went to the door, took the food from him, then closed the door. He brought the food into her sleeping area, placing the contents on the table. He tore pieces of bread and handed them to her. She felt strange chewing the food. Her appetite appeased, she wanted to continue explaining and get it over with.

  “I suppose we should talk about what happened at the cliff.”

  Brendan stopped her with a finger to her lips. “Katie, I didn’t mean to anger you that day. When my heart slowed, I went to find you, but I couldn’t. I panicked, that’s when I got Colin to send out the sentries, they found you stabbed and beaten. Was it your guardian?” He went from calm to enraged.

  She nodded. “After I left you, I rode around, and then found a small pool. I sat beside it, thinking about … you and what we did. He grabbed me and told me that he wanted the medallion. He said that I must bring it to him, otherwise …”

  Brendan moved to sit beside her. “Otherwise what?”

  “He’ll invade my father’s home and kill all my people. Then he’ll track me down and kill me. I refused him and I told him that I didn’t have it. He struck me then, and said he knew I had it. That Manik had told him that I had it. He killed him … Manik died trying to protect me.” The thought of that young soldier dying, caused tears to come to her eyes.

  “Who was Manik?”

  “My father’s squire. He brought the medallion to me after my father’s death. I don’t know why my guardian wants the medallion, but if he wants it, it must be important. I think I should just give it to him.”

  “Damned right he wants it. Nay, you’ll not do anything. The only thing I want you to do is tell me his name.” Brendan cupped her cheek.

  “Nay.”

  “Nay?” He sounded shocked that she would disobey him.

  “I won’t involve the MacKinnons.”

  “I all ready told ye, we are involved.”

  “I’m sorry, Brendan, if you are angry. I’ll not tell ye.”

  “I’m married to the most stubborn lass alive. I will not give up, Katie. I’ll keep asking. Now, do you need anything?”

  “You. Will you hold me?” Kate didn’t want to think about the mess before her. She just wanted him to hold her, and to pretend all of her problems had been nightmares shaken away with morning’s light. He stretched out in the bed and cuddled beside her. She smiled as he held her lovingly. He kissed her cheek and leaned his face against hers.

  “Katie, what am I to do with ye? You’re making this too hard. It can be very easy, you know. As your husband, it is my duty to protect you and see to your problems.”

  “I’ll not speak of it further. I just want you to hold me, Brendan.” Kate knew it was only a matter of time before he would realize that being married to her would cause him heartache. She had to return to her people, and she was certain he wouldn’t leave his. When that time came, her problems wouldn’t concern him. She was sure of it. She’d have to see to her own difficulties, without the aid of her so-called husband.

  “Are you a witch?”

  Kate gasped at his question. “What did you just ask me?”

  “I asked if you were a witch. You are a witch, like Jinny. I saw you mixing the herbs, and heard you speak of a goddess.”

  She sat up and turned toward him. “I fear to admit such to y
ou or anyone, but I suppose you could say I am a witch. My mother was, and my grandmother, too.”

  “Katie, never fear to speak of anything with me. A wife should tell her husband all. I’m glad you’re a witch. Aye, you have bewitched me. Do you know how to cast hexes? Jinny doesn’t. Or at least, she won’t do so.”

  “It is against my belief to cast hexes, Brendan. I only use my skills for good or for healing.”

  “Ah, so you won’t cast a curse on your guardian then?” She shook her head. “What are the candles and rope for?” Brendan pulled her back against him, and she cuddled beside him.

  “I use them to pray to the Goddess. She is supreme, the giver of all life, all that is good in the vastness of life. I find praying to her soothing, and she guides and protects me.”

  Brendan chuckled. “Well, your goddess hasn’t done such a good job at protecting you lately. But you have me now, I’ll protect ye.” He kissed her tenderly, sealing his vow and melting her heart. “Katie, mayhap if I told you something about me, you could begin trusting me.”

  “I want to trust you, Brendan. What is it?”

  “I’m as superstitious as you. Aye, we Highlanders are most serious about these things. I live by my ancestors’ creed, especially when I go into battle which is why I painted those symbols.” He laughed at her expression, which showed her surprise.

  “So I’m supposed to trust you, now knowing that you’re a superstitious man? Have you any other secrets that you’re willing to reveal?” She laughed.

  “One secret at a time, lass.”

  Kate sighed and closed her eyes. Perhaps the arrogant warrior did have a heart.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Being married to Brendan had to be the worst of all fates.

  Each morning, Kate awoke to find Brendan gone, but he’d return each evening, and would badger her for Richard’s name. She refused to speak to him about it. Not that it mattered, because he would just stare at her with that icy stone-faced look. Once again, she found him gone when she awakened. After applying a salve that Jinny left on her wound, Kate dressed and prepared her morning fare.

  She went about her morning ritual and lifted her hands, praying to the Goddess for solace. Once she felt relaxed enough, she pulled her satchel toward her and opened it. Inside, she rummaged for the packet of old spells Madam Serena had given her. There were spells to heal, spells to bring good fortune, but not one single spell to change a man to a more softhearted spirit. Although, the spell to cast evil spirits away might work in turning Brendan into a more docile husband. She laughed when she came to the love spell.

  A knock came at her door, and she hastily put the parchments back in her satchel. She didn’t answer right away, and Julianna entered. Kate rose from the floor, and hurriedly gathered her meditation tools. Another woman stood with her.

  “Good day, Julianna.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t think you were here.” Julianna took her hand and led her to the woman. “Kate, this is my sister, Laila. She’s been at the KirkConnell’s keep, and only just returned this morning. I wanted to introduce you. Garrick, that’s Steven KirkConnell’s brother, has finally asked her to marry him. They’re going to wed in two days.”

  “It is nice to finally meet ye, Kate. Bonnie hasn’t stopped singing your praises since I came home this morn. Thank you for all you’ve done for her.”

  “How could I not help her? It’s nice to meet you also. Are you excited about your marriage?” Kate smiled at the lovely young lady. The sisters didn’t look much alike, because Laila’s dark hair gleamed, while Julianna’s was much lighter.

  Laila smiled. “Oh, aye, I fell in love with him when I was five and ten. It has taken me a long time to get him to propose. I had faith though, and used every wile to snare him.”

  She laughed at Laila’s lightheartedness. “What’s your intended like?”

  “He’s splendid. When I was younger, I would sit and watch him all day. He’s very handsome. Finally, he took notice of me.”

  “I’m glad you succeeded, if it’s what you really want,” Kate said.

  “He has the gentlest nature. I’ve never heard him yell once, but he’s a warrior like the others.”

  “Well, Brendan yells all the time and always scowls.”

  “Oh my, I had heard that you wed Brendan, you poor lady.”

  Kate laughed at her concerned look. “Aye, but I really don’t want to be. Ah, be wed to him that is, and he used trickery to gain my hand.”

  Laila giggled. “I’ve known him for a long time, and can certainly understand why. Who wants to be married to a man with a permanent frown?”

  “Oh, will you two cease, he’s not that bad.” Julianna pushed her sister’s shoulder and for that, she received a grin. “All right, I admit, he is rather hard to get along with.”

  They moved to the table and sat down. Kate poured them each a drink, and saw Trixie reenter the cottage. “Brendan doesn’t deserve the problems I’ll bring to him.”

  “Oh, dear, it sounds like Kate is in dire need to talk. Come, tell us, Kate, what’s wrong. We are your friends. We shall hold your confidence.” Laila set her cup down and nodded.

  For some reason, Kate saddened at that. They were her friends, and she felt so connected to them. Julianna took her hand, and Laila moved closer to her. Suddenly, the wall she’d built up came crumbling down.

  “My guardian wants a medallion that my father sent me from his excursion to Egypt. I’ve been given a month to return with it. If not, he’ll send his soldiers to my father’s keep and will kill all our tenants. He also said he would find me.”

  “He sounds evil.” Laila took her other hand, and they each tried to comfort her.

  Julianna squeezed her hand. “He is evil, Laila. He took my baby.”

  “I’m going to have to take it to him. I cannot chance him besieging my home. I’m not sure how many soldiers he has, but it’s likely many. His forces are second in number, under Lord de Guylet’s. I believe he killed my father for the medallion.”

  “That’s ghastly. Why does he want the medallion? What is it? It must be worth a fortune for him to be so interested in it.” Laila leaned back and looked to ponder it.

  Kate reached for the wrapped medallion in the center of the table. Funny, she’d left it wrapped lying on the table, but it was uncovered. She handed it to Laila. “There’s a map inside.”

  Laila studied it for several moments. “It looks ancient, and the locations are probably not even there any longer. It’s in all likelihood useless.”

  “What do you mean useless?”

  “I read all sorts of historical literature. Colin often brings me tombs and pamphlets back from Edinburgh. Men have found ruins of temples in the holy land during the crusades. If this is a map of such a place, it’s likely covered by hundreds of years of sand or already pillaged or sacked.”

  Kate laughed so hard, tears came to her eyes. “Then I’d gladly hand over the map to Richard, but it makes me feel saddened to know my father might have died for this scrap of a map. My father’s squire told me that he was killed shortly after showing the medallion to Richard.”

  Julianna rose and moved around the table to face her. “Kate, don’t make the same mistake I made. When I first met Colin, I too had a situation that I needed to resolve. I would have faired better had I just told Colin about it from the start.”

  “I have told Brendan about it, but there is nothing he can do to help me. I must find out what happened to my father, and if indeed Richard truly killed him. Only then can I think of my future.”

  “Don’t be so sure, Kate. Brendan is an intelligent man.”

  Kate didn’t want to admit that she couldn’t get herself to trust him. No one could help her with this situation. Richard wanted the medallion, and she had the means to stop him from hurting many others. She had to remember that, and do what she could. If she couldn’t find a way to gain an audience with King Henry, then she had to confront the devil himself.

 
She changed the topic. “I haven’t met George yet. Bonnie told me that you had a pet goat. Mayhap I should ask Bonnie to introduce me to him.”

  Julianna’s face saddened. “Oh, don’t do that, Kate.”

  “Why ever not?”

  “George died when Bonnie was missing, he was old. I haven’t had the heart to tell her yet. She will be very upset when she hears and I’m hoping she doesn’t realize it for a long time.”

  “Oh, how horrible. Bonnie said he liked to eat your tablecloths and that you smacked him. I looked forward to meeting the animal.”

  “Aye, I miss him. He became endeared to me. When I first came here, I couldn’t stand him. He kept entering the keep, and I kept ousting him. We were good friends in the end.” Julianna dabbed the corner of her eye.

  “I’m sorry, Julianna.”

  As if they conjured up the little minx, Bonnie came running through the doorway. They stopped talking and watched her hug Kate. Her eyes shined with mischief, and Kate wondered what she’d been up to.

  “Kate, I saw Sean on the corral fence, his feet hung over the side, so I snucked up on him and tied his boots together.” Bonnie grinned at her fete.

  “You did? What did he do?”

  “He didn’t know ‘cause I was real quiet-like. Then when they were knotted good, I shoved him off the fence.” She giggled.

  Kate and Laila laughed.

  Bonnie smiled wickedly. “He tried to chase me, but he couldn’t run ‘cause you know why?”

  Kate grinned. “Nay, why?”

  “‘Cause his boots were tied together.”

  “You’re such a clever girl.” Kate ruffled her hair, laughing again.

  “I’d watch your back if I was you,” Laila chimed in.

  “Aye, he’ll want to pay me back for that.” Bonnie’s smile disappeared when she noticed that her mother frowned.

  Julianna gave her that motherly look. The kind that meant, she was indeed in trouble. “You know what you need to do.”

  Bonnie nodded solemnly. “How long do I gots to sit there, Mama?”

  “For the rest of the day and you’ll apologize to Sean later.”