Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  He rose in the morning and found Colin lingering in the great hall. Julianna attended Kevin, with Bonnie pestering her by her side. Robin and Tess sat with her, and Tess tended to their son. His family all congregated, seemingly waiting for him.

  “Colin, I want to take care of Walt’s sword. Do you know where it is?”

  “Aye, it’s in the scullery. That’s where Jules has my weapons stored now-a-days.” Colin grinned.

  Brendan grunted at that.

  “Why did she put them there of all places?” Brendan enjoyed hearing about the cat and mouse game between his brother and Julianna. She would move his weapons to an inconspicuous place, and Colin would have to find them. His brother smiled before answering.

  “You know how she feels about weapons hanging in the hall. Remember when she put them upstairs? I promised her that I wouldn’t put them back in the hall again, and she suggested the scullery. I couldn’t deny her. I think Jules does this to irk me, or maybe take my mind off things.”

  “Nay, you couldn’t deny her. She’s a sweet lass, Colin.”

  “You have a sweet lass too, Brendan.”

  “Nay,” Brendan shook his head. “I’ve decided against it. I don’t want to talk about Katie. Right now, I want to throw Walt’s sword in the loch. Do you wish to come?”

  “Aye, and I’m certain Robin will want to come, too.” Colin backed off the topic of Kate, at least for now.

  Brendan waited while Colin explained to Robin what they were going to do. The three of them rode to the loch, and on the way his brothers didn’t harass him regarding Kate. Relieved, Brendan put his mind to the task at hand.

  He dismounted and walked to the water. Not a ripple floated atop the water’s surface, even the wind became still as the men approached the edge of the bank. They stood beside each other. Brendan placed his foot on an aquifer and held Walt’s sword above his head with both hands.

  “I’ll miss you, Walt, you were a good man,” he said low.

  “Here, here, one of the greatest warriors of our time,” Robin agreed.

  “Colin, here, you do the honors. You are our laird.” Brendan handed Walt’s sword to him, but Colin returned it.

  “Nay, ‘tis your right. He was your father.”

  “He was father to us all. It is an honor.” Brendan grasped it with his strong hands, and held it in the air with its tip facing the heavens. You lived a good decent life, Walt, and died a warrior’s death. Your sword will always remain here for you, whenever ye need it.

  He flung the sword in the air, and it tumbled into the blue of the sky. The sound of its movement thought the air made a swoosh then a splash when it hit the water’s surface. The ripple of the splash circled where the weapon sunk to the bottom.

  “Walter Ross’ sword will be encased by the spirits of our ancestors for all time. All its victims’ blood will be washed away, and will secure his spirit entrance into heaven,” Colin assured them. Their custom was complete.

  They stood silent, watching the ripples fade and lightly lapping the bank of the water’s edge. Brendan felt comforted by performing the ritual. Pride filled him with Walt’s spirit.

  *****

  Brendan spent his days on the training field working off his frustration, and tried his best to vanquish thoughts of Kate. He barely concentrated on using his skills. Not that his opponents knew that was the case, they were bested anyway. Nay, while he crossed his sword with the other men, his mind wasn’t on the task at hand, he shoved Benjamin’s face in the mud and his mind wandered.

  Nighttime was the worst. He would go to the cottage Kate had used, would sit in the chair and recall her form lying on the bed, see her face while she slept. The woman haunted him and kept intruding on his existence. Damn it all, he thought as he continued to push Benjamin’s face into the ground. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, even now he was agitated at the thought that she was most likely at Henry’s court being seduced by some fop. Someone else would love her, kiss her, and touch her. She would cook for him and smile sweetly at him. She would bear a deserving man strong sons and sweet daughters.

  “Brendan, your suffocating, Benjamin, you might want to ease up a wee bit.” Colin laughed, but didn’t make a move to assist his expended soldier.

  Brendan swallowed his indignation and released Benjamin. Faigh mein, he couldn’t take it. He knocked another adversary to the ground and stalked off.

  Colin watched from the wall. Brendan neared insanity, he thought. He smiled when Robin approached and knocked his shoulder.

  “Is he there yet?” Robin asked.

  “Almost.”

  “Let me know.”

  “Aye,” Colin agreed.

  Colin walked up to the keep to enact his plan, and found Gil and Brendan fighting on the ground. Brendan drove his fist at Gil’s mouth, splitting his bottom lip. Gil licked it and laughed, which made Brendan even more irate. Colin had to stop it before he killed him.

  “What the hell is going on here?”

  “Nothing, Laird,” Gil said honestly.

  “Nothing? Gil, move away from Brendan, he’s not in the mood to entertain you this day. What did you do to rile him?”

  “I just asked him a question and he pummeled me. It’s not my fault he’s so hot-tempered lately,” Gil said, then spit a good amount of blood on the ground.

  “What did you ask him?”

  “I just asked him when he was leaving for England. I told him that if he didn’t want her, that I did and that I didn’t mind living in England as long as the lady was mine.”

  “Well, hell. Brendan, what did you reply?”

  “His lip bears my reply, Colin,” Brendan said testily.

  “Gil, stop taunting him. Brendan, I want to see you in the hall now.” Colin strode inside.

  “Brendan.”

  “Aye, Gil.”

  Gil shoved him. “I didn’t mean it. I know she’s your wife and I’m trying to get you to realize that you love her. Och, why don’t you go to her? You’re miserable, I’ve never seen you like this.”

  “I’m a fool, that’s why. I shouldn’t have taken my ire out on you, Gil.” Brendan irritably ran his hands through his hair.

  “I can take it. I’m going hunting with the men and probably won’t see you for a while. Think about it, Brendan, the lass is awaiting ye. You did not see her face when the king told her you left. I saw her riding with Bonnie that day, and it nearly broke my heart to see her so forlorn.” Gil walked away, leaving Brendan staring after him.

  Brendan entered the hall and sat next to Colin. The hall was empty save for the two of them, until Robin strode in a few minutes later. Brendan poured himself ale and sat back, waiting for Colin to begin.

  “Is this an official meeting?”

  Colin grunted and gave him a heated look. “Damned right it is. We are going to take a journey. Once we meet with King Henry, I’m going after Richard. The knave has to be somewhere and Henry might know where we can find him.”

  “You’re saying you want to go to England to look for him?” Brendan waited for his brother’s acknowledgement, which came with a nod of his head.

  “Whilst we are there, I believe you have some arse kissing to do, Brendan. You married Kate. Have you forgotten that? Do you take the vow so lightly? I would never believe someone as superstitious as you would go against fate. Bonnie brought you two together, it is your destiny.”

  “Destiny or not, I am not worthy of her.” Brendan slumped in his seat, and couldn’t bring himself to look at them.

  “What the hell does that mean, Brendan? Of course you’re worthy. She’s probably devastated that you haven’t come for her and is likely feeling rejected by you.”

  “I am a bastard.”

  “Aye, you are, you crushed that poor lass’ heart.”

  “Nay, I was born a bastard, Colin. She doesn’t deserve my stigma and I have nothing to offer her. I’m just a soldier with no future. You heard her, she has land and is wealthy. What could I ever offer her?”


  “That’s a load of cosh and …” Colin punched his jaw before Brendan knew what was coming. Then Colin realized it had hurt him more than his blockhead of a brother. Brendan didn’t even flinch at his punch.

  “Are you going to go with us, or do we have to drag your arse to England?”

  Brendan frowned at his brother’s bluntness. “Aye, of course I will go with you, but I will return after we kill that son-of-a-bitch.”

  Robin scoffed, banging the table. “You cannot return, Brendan.”

  “How can I leave here, this is where I belong, my home. Who will protect the clan?”

  “You belong with your wife. Is that why you won’t leave? Because you feel you must protect the clan? Brendan, we have many soldiers and allies. The clan’s protection takes many men, not just one.”

  “Are you saying you don’t need me?” Brendan ire made him shout, but the words struck him as though he’d been hit over the head with a mace.

  Colin sighed a waspish breath. “Brendan, I will always need you, you’re my brother for god’s sake. But you’re also one hell of a soldier, and of course, we would want you to stay and protect us, but your wife doesn’t have anyone, save for Henry, and he must return to his court. She’s alone with no family to protect her, and she must run her father’s holding. Her husband should be there, protecting her, helping her, and God forbid, loving her.”

  “Brendan, remember what you told Colin when he wasn’t sure if he wanted Julianna? You said to leave him alone and if he loves her he will go. That’s what we’re doing. Come, Colin, let him stew in his own stupidity.” Robin pulled Colin’s arm, leaving him sitting alone.

  Brendan leaned his head back against the chair and closed his eyes. A smile came to his face and he almost laughed aloud at his brother’s strategy. He’d pulled a similar ruse years ago when Julianna had left Colin, and his brother wouldn’t acknowledge his feelings for her. Well, whatever they’d planned had worked. It suddenly occurred to him that he couldn’t live without Katie. He envisioned her sitting on the floor inside her rope, the way she spoke when she was angry, and the devilry in her eyes when she was up to something sneaky. He didn’t want to be without her, didn’t want to be lonely anymore.

  “Uncle, look what I made.”

  He opened his eyes and saw Bonnie holding a bowl, standing a foot away from him. Whatever she’d placed in the bowl stank to high heavens. He frowned, looking inside the bowl, and saw an insect’s leg floating on top of the crushed up gruel. He grinned.

  “What do you have there?” He reached for her and placed her on his lap, but set the bowl away from them, as far on the table as he could place it.

  “I made a potion, like Kate does. Do you know what it’s for?”

  “Nay, what?”

  “It’s going to bring Kate back.” She grinned at her accomplishment.

  “What did you put in it? It smells … ah, not too good, lass.”

  “I put a crushed up insect, some of papa’s water from his flask, you know the one he won’t let mama touch, and Dame Hester gaved me some leeks too.”

  Brendan burst with laughter. He couldn’t imagine her crushing up a cricket, and if Colin found out his daughter touched his flask of brew, she’d be punished for a week. No wonder it smelled bad, with leeks too? He ceased laughing when he noticed her hurtful look.

  “Well now, fairy, do you know what?” He put the question to her, because it was always what she’d say to him.

  “Nay, what, Uncle?”

  “Katie would be proud of your success. Your potion must have worked, because I believe Katie will return.” He caressed her hair and couldn’t help thinking his niece would make one hell of a witch when she got older.

  Bonnie shouted gleefully. “Are you going to get ‘er, Uncle Brendan?”

  “Aye, but I will have to live in England now, not here, but I promise to bring Kate back for a visit in the spring. Will that make you happy?”

  Her answer was to turn on his lap and hug him. He smiled, knowing how happy he’d made her. If his niece would go to such lengths to bring back Katie, he could at least be amiable and assist her.

  *****

  Brendan rode beside Julianna and Colin on his way to his new home. He wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of living in England. Fortunately, neither his brothers, nor Colin’s soldiers had teased him about it on their journey, for if they had, he would have pounded them to the ground.

  They neared Parkville Convent, and Julianna asked Colin if they could stop to pay their respects to Mother Superior, a nun whom Julianna had an ongoing relationship with. She hadn’t seen her in two years, and wanted to thank her for helping Douglas’ wife, Isabel, with her problem earlier that summer. Julianna also needed a break from riding and Colin wouldn’t deny her. He let her have her way, insisting that they would only stay a few hours, which would give them a bit of rest from travel.

  Julianna rang the bell by the gate to summon the nuns. “Please, be gentlemen.” She gave him and Colin that look that meant they’d better do as she said. “Oh, here comes Sister Margarite, she’s taking her old sweet time. How I remember that from when I lived here, she’d take forever answering the gate.” The sister finally arrived and smiled. “I’ve come to see Mother Superior, Sister Margarite.”

  “Aye, child, come this way.”

  Brendan followed Julianna, and he breathed in the scent of old stone building. They were led to Mother’s office, and Colin went to a small bench that sat beside the wall.

  Julianna laughed. “This is it, Colin, the punishment chair, you know, the one I told you about.”

  “Ah, so that’s the infamous chair. Bonnie is spoiled, having to sit in my chair.” He chuckled, seeing his wife’s smile.

  “Mother used to make me sit in it, just like you make Bonnie sit in your chair. That’s why I always smile when you threaten her with that punishment.”

  “It’s no wonder I like your Mother Superior,” Colin said as he settled himself on the bench. “It’s horrible, lass, no wonder you disliked it so much.”

  Mother Superior, at that moment, stalked in the room. She had no idea who had called on her. She went and flopped in her chair and looked up.

  “Mother Superior, we were passing by and I thought I’d check on you. I wanted to thank you—”

  “Julianna, it’s good to see you. I’m so glad you’re here. I need your assistance, dear child.”

  “Anything, Mother. What’s wrong?”

  “There’s a young lady here, who can’t seem to stop crying. She hasn’t stopped since she arrived. You know how much I abhor a crying girl. You never cried when you were here.”

  “What’s wrong with her?”

  “She has a broken heart, and she won’t listen to me. I pray every day, and I’m certain God is listening and yet … Even Eloise hasn’t been able to help her over her distress.”

  “I’ll try to help, but I don’t know what I can do,” Julianna said.

  “Just try, that’s all I ask. Laird MacKinnon, you’re looking … healthy. Are you treating my girl well?”

  “I try to keep her happy, Mother.”

  “That’s all she could hope for, Laird.” Mother gave him a pat on his shoulder as she walked by, following Julianna through the doorway.

  “Julianna, come, I’ll show you where the girl is. She’s one of the girls who came with Isabel and decided to stay on. MacKinnon, make yourself comfortable. You may be here a while,” she confided in a whisper.

  Brendan sat in “the chair” and grunted. “This chair makes you wonder if someone put thistles on it. I better not sit on it too long, it’s libel to break in half.”

  Colin snorted. “Not likely, Mother Superior would only use the hardest wood she could find.”

  “I believe I’ll have just such a chair made, when I reach Kate’s holding.” Brendan grinned.

  “Why would you do that?”

  “For my own wee lass, who is surely going to cause me problems. With my wife’s influen
ce, I’m probably going to be waylaid by the two of them.”

  Colin laughed. “It’s good to hear you speak so, Brendan. I look forward to seeing your children. So, have you decided what you’re going to say to her when you arrive?”

  “Aye, I’m going to tell her the truth. That she can’t deny our marriage, not when she’s going to have my bairn.” Brendan let his smile forth.

  “She’s carrying your bairn?”

  He laughed at his brother’s surprised look. “Not yet, och soon enough, I’ll see to it.”

  Colin closed his eyes, but he spoke. “My wife better not keep us waiting long. I want to be quick about our travel and find out where that clootie is hiding.”

  Brendan grunted. “Aye, we’ll find him soon enough.”

  Colin opened his eyes. “You’re sounding awful patient, Brendan. I would say you are happy at the delay. I suppose you’re not anxious to face Kate.”

  “Damned right I’m not. I still haven’t figured out exactly what I’m going to say.”

  Julianna returned a few minutes later and they immediate set out for the final leg of their journey. Brendan felt apprehensive about being in England and kept his guard up. He didn’t believe he would ever be content living there. When they reached the holding Henry had left directions to in Cheshire, later that afternoon, the sun had dissipated. Brendan assessed his future home from the distance. Even though the land was cast in the shadows of dusk, the property looked welcoming.

  “Looks to be a small fief, but there are plenty of fields.”

  “Dammit, she’s going to turn me into a farmer.” He couldn’t keep the touch of irony out of his tone, and Colin laughed at him.

  “Mayhap a farmer who knows how to war with the best of them.”