Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  A tear slipped down Kate’s cheek. “Oh, father, I’m so happy to hear you say that.”

  “I imagine that young man needs you just about now. Why don’t you go to him?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “He just killed Richard, and then left abruptly. His brother said he went to settle down, after the fight. I don’t know where he went off to.”

  “He wasn’t harmed, was he?”

  “I don’t imagine anyone could inflict harm on that hardheaded Scot.”

  Kate leaned up, kissed her father on his cheek, and ran out of the chamber.

  Hawk laughed. He did well by his daughter, and could now go home to resume his life.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Kate ran most of the way to the exit of the palace, stopping a few times to catch her breath. She held her skirts in hand and ran through the trees that edged the walls. She reached a clearing, and saw Colin sitting beside Brendan on the top of the wall. Colin rose and climbed down the ladder, and as he passed by, he winked. She smiled at him.

  Kate watched him walk away, then grabbed hold of a rung and stepped up. When she reached the top of the wall, she sat next to Brendan and took his hand. “My father just told me what happened. Are you all right?”

  “Aye, I am now that you’re here.” He squeezed her hand.

  “I heard you killed Lord Richard?”

  He nodded, and a tranquil silence fell between them. Kate knew the end of the vendetta released him from his vow. His shoulders relaxed and he kept his gaze in the distance.

  “You’re a brave lass, you know that? I know you were terrified to sit close to the edge of the cliffs at home, because I had to coax you to look at the view. We’re up mighty high.”

  She peered at the steep drop in front of them, though it wasn’t as tremendous as his cliff.

  “You’re not afraid anymore, are you?”

  Kate smiled. “Nay,” then she admitted, “Mayhap a little.”

  “Why are you not afraid anymore?”

  “Because I know that you will never let me fall.”

  Brendan smiled at her sincerity and faith in him. “You are the most valiant lady.”

  “I’m glad you think so highly of me, husband.”

  Brendan brushed his shoulder against hers then kissed her. “I do.”

  “My father has given his approval of our marriage.”

  “I knew he would. When is he leaving?”

  Kate laughed at the grumpy tone of his voice. “I don’t know, probably soon. Why?”

  “I want to go home and start begetting my sons. You won’t see anyone for weeks.”

  Kate laughed harder. “I don’t want to see anyone—only you.”

  Brendan lowered her back onto the wall. “Why don’t we start right now?”

  “Here atop the wall, in the rain?”

  “Aye, it will feel good. It’s dark enough, no one can see us.”

  Kate responded by pulling him to her and kissing him. She felt the rain hit her face and roll between their faces. His hard mouth covers hers, and turned over hers. He held her neck, with his thumb positioned in the center, and sweeping gently over her throat.

  Brendan lifted his head and looked above them. She heard the sound of a hawk’s shrill shriek overhead, but she couldn’t see it in the rainy sky.

  Kate saw her father standing in the courtyard a good distance from them. He must have looked for the Hawk too, because he looked upward. He smiled then walked way.

  She placed her hand on Brendan’s chest. “I dreamt about you for the longest time, you came to me in a vision when I was four and ten.”

  “What was I doing in this vision?”

  “You were scowling at me. I gave up ever finding you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because my father left for the excursion and I didn’t believe I would ever meet you and …”

  “Did I kiss you in your vision?” He grinned at her, cupping her face in a loving caress.

  “Nay, you didn’t,” Kate admitted.

  “Then it couldn’t have been me.”

  “Oh, it was you. I memorized every inch of you. Your eyes haunted me, and your hair was slightly shorter, but it was you.”

  “You dreamed of me all those years?”

  Kate nodded. She trailed her hand along his chest, up his arm to his bulged biceps. “Aye, and I wasn’t sure why you came to me. I’ve loved you for the longest time, I’ll always love you.” She closed her eyes and sighed.

  “I love you, too, Katie.” He caressed her bottom and lowered his mouth again. After kissing her for a spell, he raised his head and grinned. “I can’t wait to go home. Shall we leave on the morrow?”

  “I’m so happy to be returning to your clan, Brendan, it’s where I belong.”

  “Aye, with me.”

  Brendan finally took her inside the king’s palace, after he had his way with her of course, and then he continued to show her how much he loved her. Kate slept so soundly, she hadn’t heard him rise and when she awoke, he was gone.

  She frowned at the room.

  The door burst open and Brendan came strolling in. His eyes no longer looked cold and foreboding, but light and somewhat adoring.

  He took her hand, pulling her from the bed, and kissed her. “I’m glad you’re awake. It’s time to leave. You might want to say your goodbyes to Henry and your father. They’re waiting for you.”

  Kate nodded, scrambled off the bedding and dressed. When she entered the king’s hall, all was silent. Her footsteps sounded loud, but she kept walking until she reached Henry and her father, who stood next to the dais.

  “Sire, thank you for everything. I shall always remember your kindness.”

  “Be well, Lady MacKinnon. Take care of my friend.” Henry had whispered the last so only she could hear. She smiled and nodded.

  Her father took her in his arms, smiling, and hugging her tightly. “I am leaving this day as well, and long to go home. My men long to return, it has been years since they have seen their families. I promise to visit you, fairy.”

  “I look forward to seeing you again, Father.”

  Brendan tugged her hand and she turned and left the palace. She smiled at Colin and Julianna who awaited on their horses, their men waiting ahead of them, all looking anxious to depart. Kate was assisted onto her horse by Brendan. She was finally on her way home. Throughout the day, Kate didn’t feel well. She noticed the scenery blur, but didn’t mention anything to Brendan. He would have fussed over her. Nevertheless, travel to the highlands had been easier this journey than when she’d traveled with Bonnie.

  *****

  Brendan brushed his lips over hers, stroking her face, and awaking her. Kate slept the last two hours of the ride, and he helped her from his horse. They arrived home, and his wife wore a smile on her lovely face. Life would be vastly different for him, he wasn’t as soldier any more, but a husband, and one day would be a father, and have a family. He looked forward to the changes, and the quiet nights alone in their cottage.

  He smiled, recalling her promise to Henry before they had left. He had vowed to let her father visit in the future, and her happiness made him glad he’d agreed.

  Kate clasped his hand and they walked inside the keep. He released her hand and walked to the steps. “I’m going to change.”

  “I wonder where Bonnie is?” Kate walked to where Julianna stood and she called Emma forward.

  Brendan took the steps and went to his room, the one he used when he stayed at the keep. He stood by the opened door, watching his niece and trying not to laugh.

  The lass peeked out the window, holding a large tankard positioned over the edge. What in the name of God was she up to? He approached slowly, hoping to get a look. He saw her head lean against the iron grill, when she released the contents, dumping the liquid out the window.

  “Lass, what are you doing?”

  Bonnie jumped back from the window and gasped. “Uncle Brendan, I was dumping my cup out
the window.”

  “I could see that, but who did you dump it on?” He laughed when he lifted her in his arms, but then he glared at her when he saw the lad Shawn looking up at him.

  “You must apologize, lass.” He set her down and gave her a push toward the window.

  Bonnie peeked down. “Sorry, Shawn.”

  “That’s all?”

  She nodded.

  He laughed heartily. “You know you’re going to have to tell your papa about this.”

  She nodded again. “All right, Uncle, I’ll tell him later.”

  He shook his head. “Nay, you’ll tell him now.” Brendan lifted her and carried her back to the hall where her father had just come inside. Bonnie’s expression turned grim and she went and sat in her father’s chair.

  When his niece looked about the room, she noticed Katie, and she immediately ran from the chair to her. She hugged his wife, crying and bawling about her cat. “I missed you, and knowed you would come back.”

  “I missed you too, lovey. Have you been a good girl?” Kate looked down and saw Trixie rubbing against her leg.

  “Aye, I been a good girl and took care of Trixie.”

  Kate laughed and hugged his niece. “Thank you.”

  Brendan gave Bonnie a get-on-with-it look, and she walked to her father’s chair and sat again. Colin approached and stood rigidly looking from him to his daughter.

  “Papa,” she said softly.

  “Aye, Button, I think you had better confess your wrongdoing, your uncle doesn’t look happy. I assume you did something wrong?”

  “I … dumped water on Shawn’s head.”

  Colin laughed, but then stifled it. “Why did you do that?”

  “I don’t like ‘em. Do I gots to sit in your chair?”

  His brother sobered. “Aye, for the rest of the day.” Dusk dimmed the sky, and the evening meal would soon be served, she would only have a few hours of punishment.

  Brendan smiled when he saw Kate approach her ally.

  “Colin, may I sit with her?”

  His brother nodded. “Don’t make it too pleasurable for her, Kate.”

  “I won’t I promise.”

  At that moment, Burk entered the hall and walked directly to Colin. Brendan noticed the grim expression on his face.

  “Laird, your attendance is needed, there is a grave matter.”

  Colin shook his head at his solder, but he pointed to the door and started to follow.

  Brendan wondered what was going on, and he gave Kate a quick kiss before following his brother outside. As he exited the hall, he noticed several MacKinnon soldiers standing by the gate, looking ready for battle.

  “What’s amiss?”

  Colin turned to him. “It’s not good, Brendan. Barclay has come to claim his wife and he says he will go to war if need be to obtain the king’s gift.”

  “Cosh, I knew it would eventually come to this. Well, let’s not keep him waiting.” Brendan walked to the stable where his horse hadn’t even been settled. He mounted up and rode through the walls. His brothers rode beside him and Brendan couldn’t bring himself to speak about what was to come. The situation should prove humorous. He wasn’t concerned that Barclay would war with them. The cosh he was about to pull should settle the matter.

  They reached the hill where the Barclay waited with his men. Brendan noticed their hostility, and almost laughed, but he kept himself circumspect.

  “Looks like they want war, Brendan.”

  Robin rode to his other side, and Brendan looked from one brother to the other.

  “We stand with you and will not let Barclay get his hands on Kate.”

  Brendan grunted. “Aye, I say we go greet them then.” He nudged his horse forward and heard his brother’s following. When he reached Angus Barclay, he stopped and circled him and the few men brave enough to set themselves apart with their laird.

  “Angus,” Colin said. “What do you here on our land?”

  Angus grumbled and took his sword from his scabbard. Brendan almost smiled.

  “I don’t think you want to be doing that. Best put away your sword before my clan deems it a threat. You don’t want to cause their ire.” Colin nodded, but the man’s eyes bulged.

  Brendan sat idly on his horse, waiting for Angus to address him. It didn’t take him long to get to the heart of the matter.

  “Brendan MacKinnon, I heard tell you stole a gift King Henry intended for me, my own wife. Because of you, I have lost her and the lands he granted me. What say you to these charges?”

  He rounded Angus again, keeping a stern face. “Oh, aye, I did steal the woman, but you wouldn’t have wanted her. I saved your arse a good deal of trouble, Barclay, and you should be thanking me.”

  Colin frowned at him, as did many of the MacKinnon men.

  Angus’ face reddened. “Thanking you, why should I be thanking you? You admit to stealing my intended wife?”

  He nodded adamantly. “Aye, I surely do.”

  His foe’s eyes bulged with anger. “Ye be paying for that this day. You are insulting the woman. Why wouldn’t I want her?”

  Brendan scowled and he turned his expression to a serious nature to better affect the Barclay. “Well now, because she’s been nothing but trouble since I found her. She’s a downright obstinate woman, carping like a lass day and night. Aye, she’s demanding too. I suspect she’s even a witch. She’s a mite cowardly, and is afraid of her own shadow. Now that I think on it, Colin, mayhap we should turn her over to Barclay. Hell, we don’t need that kind of woman within our clan.”

  Colin caught on to his ploy. “Aye, you’re right, Brendan. We should fetch her. I’ll not have the woman influencing my wife or the rest of the women in our clan. Besides, her voice annoys me.” His brother scowled, affirming his statement with a nod.

  Angus’ horse lifted its legs, stepping backwards. “The hell you say! She’s a witch? We don’t wish to take such a woman into our clan. I have changed my mind.”

  Brendan hunched his shoulder. “You can’t change your mind. You came here today for her, and I say we send her back with you. Colin, make him take her.”

  Angus’s face reddened and he frowned. Brendan held in the urge to grin.

  “You’ll not tell me what I should do, lad. MacKinnon, you should learn how to control your brother. I won’t be taking the woman, not if she’s as ye say. Do ye speak the truth?”

  Colin, at last, spoke up. “What my brother says is true.”

  Brendan rounded Angus again, bumping his horse into the Laird’s. “I suppose we have no choice but to keep her then. Are you sure you won’t change your mind? She is beautiful.”

  Angus sheathed his sword, shaking his head in defeat. “Nay, beauty or not, I don’t need a carping woman, Brendan. I relinquish my claim of her. She’s all yours.”

  “We won’t have any trouble with your clan, Barclay. Don’t think to be traipsing through with a change of mind. If you walk away, you forfeit the gift.” Colin turned his horse and hid his smile.

  “Gift? Sounds like the woman is not worthy of such a bestowment. Nay, we are leaving and won’t trouble you further. Don’t be thinking to drop her off on our land either. Do I have your word, MacKinnon.”

  “Aye, you’ll never see her.” Brendan leaned forward, jerking his body as if he would strike out at Barclay and the man moved back. He almost laughed then, but instead he turned his horse and rode to catch up with his brothers.

  Colin chuckled at what had happened. “That was quite risky, Brendan.”

  Brendan grunted. “Barclay is a stupid man, but I know him well and knew he wouldn’t want Katie if I … lied.”

  “Aye, you lie rather well, brother. Still, you’re fortunate he fell for it.”

  Brendan grinned. “Remind me to tell you about the fight I got into with his men once. They told me that all his sisters are shrews, harping madly at him, and how superstitious he is.”

  “Sounds like someone I know.” Colin kicked at his horse.

/>   Brendan moved his horse to ride beside his brother. He was happy to return to his sweet wife, who was a contradiction to all he’d said to the Barclay. As he rode through the portcullis, he dismounted and left his horse for the stable lad to care for. He and his brothers went inside the hall, and they stood there amazed at the view. Somehow, his wife, Julianna, and Tess ended up on the floor by the hearth; an empty jug of brew lay on its side in the center of their triangle.

  Kate played with a decorative ruffle on her gown, giggling. Julianna’s legs crossed at the knees, and her foot waved in the air, her slipper dangling from her foot. Tess threw her son’s ball that Julianna had made for him in the air and caught it. Their laughter made him raise a brow.

  “Julianna, you must do something about the cobwebs on your ceiling,” Katie said, giggling.

  “You’re so right, Kate,” Julianna said, “If I can get my husband out of bed at a decent hour, mayhap I will put him to the task.”

  “I’d like to give Robin a task, but it’s not doing anything of that sort,” Tess chimed in.

  Kate laughed. “If they ever come home … they should be here pleasuring their wives and seeing to our needs, but instead they head off to do training or some other manly pursuit.”

  Brendan kept himself from laughing outright at their conversation.

  “We shouldn’t forgive them so easily when they return,” Tess said stringently.

  Brendan and his brothers stood transfixed, shocked more like it, at the sight of their wives. The ladies didn’t know they were being observed because they were too busy laughing.

  Colin smiled then whispered, “They’re foxed.”

  “Seems they are,” Brendan agreed. “I do believe I didn’t lie about everything I said to Barclay. My woman is a bit of trouble. Should we give them assistance?”

  “I say we let them suffer,” Robin put in.

  “Nay, I believe I will enjoy myself this night,” Brendan said, happily.

  “Hah, they’ll be in a sodden slumber before we can get ‘em to their beds,” Robin said.

  Colin shook his head, his arms folded over his chest. “Seems they found the brew I hid in the buttery. I was saving it for a celebration and it was the last jug.”