Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy

by Warrior's Pledge

  “Please, don’t …”

  “Ahhh, lass, do ye know what you do to me? You’ll kill me if ye don’t kiss me again.” He lowered his mouth again.

  Colin’s tongue rubbed hers in a sensual motion, luring her from thoughts of stopping. Giving into the pleasurable desire, she met him wholeheartedly. Her hands caressed his chest, feeling the hardness of his bared skin.

  Julianna was so caught up in the kiss that she didn’t hear anyone approach, nor did she know anyone stood watching.

  “Well, ye do make a handsome couple. Colin, have ye lost all your sense? The lass needs protection, not what you are about to do. The lads are waiting, we must be off.” He whistled then continued, “’Tis not as early as we would like.”

  Colin opened his eyes, pulling away. “Robin, I will kill ye. Get the hell out of here.”

  Julianna wanted to pummel Colin, but she tucked her head by his shoulder, hoping to hide her embarrassment.

  “You don’t want the lads to think ye have no control. Do ye?” Robin asked, laughing, now kneeling beside them.

  Colin scowled, but didn’t release his hold. “I have no control—not with this lass.” He pulled her to a sitting position and motioned for his brother to leave.

  “Go on without us, we’ll catch up.”

  Robin laughed harder. “You’ll catch up? How long will ye be?”

  Colin glared. “Aye, get your arse moving, we’ll meet you ahead.”

  Robin sauntered away, whistling. The men hooted with laughter when he shouted Colin’s command. Julianna wasn’t sure what was happening, but she did notice Colin’s men coerce Bleeth into going with them.

  She pulled away from Colin. “Do ye not feel any shame? Laird, I cannot believe you would do …” She tugged on the plaid, and when he wouldn’t move, she pushed his shoulder. “I cannot be anything but angry and if ye think …”

  “Nay, don’t say another word, lass. I cannot endure the pain and can barely speak.”

  She shoved him harder, releasing the plaid, which she wrapped around herself. “You’re in pain? Where, so I can kick it and make it worse. How dare ye do that in front of others? I won’t let you kiss me again.” Storming off toward the horses, she shouted an unladylike expletive.

  “Ever you would harm me, lass, you’ll feel the backside of my hand.” he yelled. “What in the name of God am I saying? I would never harm ye.”

  She stomped her foot and turned away. Julianna was mortified by her behavior and that the men had seen them kissing. She was a gently bred lady, a woman who upheld morality, not a wanton, but his kisses didn’t make her feel so virginal. If anything, she wanted more of his hot kisses and torrid touches.

  He called, “Refresh yourself whilst I ready our horses. I didn’t mean to embarrass ye.”

  His attempt at an apology softened her and she turned back around. Her eyes widened and she screamed.

  “Cosh, I forgot I wasn’t clad.”

  Julianna was certain her crimson face implied she’d never seen a naked man before. She humphed and quickly escaped beyond the trees. She stood beside the stream, but could see him through the thin trunks.

  “To hell with it, I might as well cool off,” she heard him say.

  She knelt beside the water, scooping handfuls of water, and screamed again, knowing he was about to come near. He ran through the trees, unsheathing his sword, racing to the stream. Yanking off his tartan, he threw it and his sword, on the bank next to her. When he reached the stream, he jumped in as if he was on fire.

  “Why did ye scream? Did you see a snake?”

  Nothing could make her look away. “W-what?” she muttered, her eyes widening at the view.

  “Ye screamed. Why?”

  “I … was releasing my frustration.”

  “Do you always scream when you are frustrated?”

  She sat back and stared. “I believe I do.”

  “Why do you do it?”

  Colin stood in the water with his back to her, scooping handfuls of water over his legs. He chatted with her as though he wasn’t naked; her eyes roamed his bare backside. Julianna didn’t answer, and he turned and caught her looking. She wanted to run her hands over the muscled crevices of his back. His skin darkened everywhere. Did he ever wear clothing? His back narrowed as it curved its way to his buttocks. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her racing heart. Muscles of hardened flesh met her gaze. Was he made of stone?

  “Do ye always go about unclad?”

  He laughed, throwing her words back. “I believe I do.”

  After taking a good long look, she turned, not being able to sit by idly watching. Hotness crept up her neck. Certain her face had to be crimson, she needed to get away. Pulling herself from her musings, she went to the horses and took out their morning fare.

  The sun rose beyond the trees and she let it warm her face. Think about anything, anything other than the man standing naked beyond those trees.

  When he finally came through the trees, he had redressed, if you could call putting a tartan around your waist, dressed.

  “I believe it shall be a glorious day, my lord. The sky is lighting and the weather has warmed.” She handed him a piece of bread and they ate their morning meal silently. He grabbed the flask that held his water and offered her a drink, but she refused it.

  “Ye cannot kiss me again, my lord.”

  “Why not, lass? Don’t ye like my kisses?”

  “Whether I like your kisses or not, has no bearing on this matter. ‘Tis not proper, and secondly, you are Scots and I am English. Have ye forgotten that?”

  “I do what I want, and nay, I haven’t forgotten that you are English. ‘Tis the truth, it is the only trait I don’t like about ye.”

  She ignored him. “You must stay away from me.”

  “How do ye propose I do that?”

  “I know not, but I won’t allow such liberties. Keep your hands to yourself, Laird MacKinnon.”

  Colin shook his head, likely not having heard a word she said. He was beginning to drive her daft. She felt herself being flung upon her horse, and she settled herself for a long ride. As they rode along, Colin didn’t speak. They rode a long way before they caught up with his men and Bleeth. The men whistled a Highland tune and smiled oddly. Embarrassed at what they must be thinking, she kept her gaze ahead and tried not to let them see her blush.

  Mountains came into sight after riding for hours; they stopped to rest and take care of personal matters. Sitting on a flattened crag, she tried to work the knot from her behind. Colin noticed it and grinned, the oaf. Didn’t he have any compassion?

  “I feel like I’ve been dropped on this rock. I fear I won’t be able to ride much longer.” Groaning, she rose and hobbled through the brush.

  He laughed at her disgruntlement.

  “No compassion at all,” she muttered to herself.

  Later that day, they passed summits and steep hills. She glimpsed a deer standing in an opening of trees covered with mosses and lichen. The roebuck ran from the glen, crossing their path. It was a sight to behold because the buck had immense antlers and was an elder. The men stopped abruptly.

  Colin flanked her horse, taking hold of her reins. He motioned to the men and told her to be quiet by touching her lips.

  “What’s happening?” she whispered.

  He shook his head. A MacKinnon warrior, Benjamin, notched an arrow in a bow, swiftly releasing it. The deer fell instantly, causing the underbrush to wade out from beneath it. She gasped when the animal fell to the forest floor, tears formed in her eyes and she hastily swiped them away.

  Her voice shook. “Why did he kill it?”

  “’Tis our way. If an animal crosses our path during a jaunt, we must kill it or evil will befall our mission. We take no chances.”

  “I never thought you would be superstitious, my lord.”

  “I’m not, but some of my men are and we follow our ancestor’s beliefs.”

  “That is verily absurd. Are ye going to
leave it?”

  “Aye, some animal will be happy for the meal. We have no time to carve it. And it is not absurd, my clan is careful to adhere to the old ways.”

  “Is this perchance a pagan ritual? I have never heard of such a thing.”

  He kept his gaze on hers, saying nothing. Julianna turned away and she was glad he didn’t see the uncertainty in her face.

  “Our customs might seem strange, but our convictions are important.”

  The MacKinnons rode away with their heads bowed in respect for the animal’s sacrifice. Julianna looked sadly at Bleeth, wishing for once that his magic would work. Turning on his horse, Bleeth raised his hands and said a few words. After a few motions, and a few chants, the animal moved. It rose then scampered off into the woods. In awe of the power he’d been able to muster, Bleeth proudly rode to catch up with the riders.

  Maybe there was such a thing as magic, she thought. Nay, it had to be trickery. Benjamin’s bow likely grazed the animal.

  Travel was taking its toll on Julianna. Her legs trembled from squeezing so tightly against the horse and she could barely walk. She wasn’t used to riding as he and his men were accustomed. They stopped hours later and Colin stood by his men, waiting for them to leave for a hunt. Soon, they’d have a substantial meal.

  “Are ye unwell?” Colin’s concern showed in his expression, but she didn’t want his concern.

  “I am well, truly. I need to walk the stiffness from of my legs.” She smiled and sat on a rock.

  He crouched beside her. “There’s a place a few miles from here where we can leave your mare. It’s a farm maintained by people I know. She’ll be well cared for. I will have one of the men take her.”

  “Presently? Chestnut, my sweet mare is the only possession that I truly care for. Can I not ride her a bit longer?” Her lower lip trembled.

  He leaned forward and brushed her cheek with his thumb. “I know ye care for your mare, Jules, but if you don’t leave her, she’ll die. Ye don’t want that, do you?”

  She couldn’t fight the tears. “Leave her at the farm then. Go away so I can weep in privacy. I feel foolish for showing such feelings, not that you barbarians would notice.”

  Colin moved away, not knowing how to offer comfort. No one could placate her, not with the absolute heartbreak she was feeling.

  Bleeth took pity. “The Scot is aright, my lady. Your mare won’t make it up the incline.”

  “I know, it is just … I love her.”

  Bleeth embraced her and let her cry on his shoulder. “If it makes ye feel better, I saved the deer.”

  “What trickery did ye use? The deer was probably grazed by the arrow.”

  “Nay, I tell ye, my magic worked. Now dry your eyes, everything will be well.”

  She nodded, and noticed Colin giving instructions to a man. As he removed her bag, he dropped it and it fell to the ground. Juliann hurried to retrieve it. She wouldn’t let anyone see her letters, not even Bleeth.

  “Take Lady Julianna’s mare to the Turner’s. We will meet at the pass by the black bracken and make camp. Don’t delay for any reason. If we aren’t there, continue on.”

  Daniel took the reins, nodded his agreement and left. Colin clutched her bag, and thankfully, the secure bundle gave no hint of what was inside. He lifted her satchel, indicating he had it.

  “Whose horse will I ride?” she asked politely, but her voice cracked with emotion, she still felt torn up about her horse.

  He handed her the bag, giving her a concerned glance. “You will ride with me.”

  He pulled her along, but she dug her heels in the grass. “Nay, I cannot.”

  “Why the hell not?”

  “You know why. I won’t ride with ye, sitting before you so … so …” She frowned.

  “So what? Lord, you’re an innocent.”

  “So intimately,” she said hotly. “I shall ride with Bleeth.”

  “Nay, you will not.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to his horse.

  Julianna had no choice but to follow. After raising her onto the horse’s back, he took her bag and secured it. With him seated behind her, she resisted leaning against him. He gave her no choice when he pulled her back. His chin rested on her head.

  “Robin, did ye find anyone?” Colin asked his brother when he approached.

  “No one was there when I backtracked, but they’ve gained ground. I’m uneasy knowing they follow.”

  She listened as they spoke in Gaelic. They sensed the followers as well. She’d felt the presence of others all day but was hesitant to say so. She hoped they weren’t men from her father’s manor, but travelers going in the same direction.

  Colin kept his gaze ahead. “Mayhap I should turn her over to you and search again, and not wait until tonight as I planned.”

  Julianna stiffened more so with the thought of riding with his brother.

  “I will be glad to take the lass off your hands.”

  For that remark, Colin pushed his horse to take the lead. When they had gotten ahead of the men, he touched her shoulder.

  “I wish ye would trust me enough to tell me of your troubles.”

  “Laird MacKinnon, you’re my escort. I have no troubles that concern you other than getting me to Sara.”

  “I don’t have time for evasive answers, lass, and truth be told, I would rather be off warring with my enemies than attending this task.”

  “Is that so, my lord?”

  “Aye that is so. You’re addling me and I don’t like it.”

  “I do apologize. I had no intention of addling ye, my lord.”

  He didn’t seem to believe that given his laughter. His breath tickled her ear, and she sighed. Somehow, he had weaseled inside her heart, and she wasn’t sure how to handle that. She shouldn’t expect his affection, not that he knew how to be affectionate.

  The terrain improved and the heather grew thicker. Brush of thistles spotted the land. They had reached the foothills of the Highlands. The KirkConnell lands were still a good distance, or so she’d heard the men saying.

  She grew pensive, her imagination seared with visions. With every movement of his horse, their bodies touched. She was certain her face was crimson again, but she might as well get over the embarrassment. It wasn’t her fault the laird made her ride with him.

  Riding toward his brother, Colin lifted her from his horse and set her behind Brendan. After giving his brother a stern look, he galloped off. Julianna didn’t know why he’d placed her on another’s horse because he said nothing. Taking hold of Brendan’s tunic, she held on for dear life. Frustration at having to ride with the cantankerous brother made her bite her lip to stifle a scream. How dare Colin throw her on his brother’s horse and ride off? When he returned, she would tell him so.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Brendan MacKinnon wasn’t an easy man to get along with. Julianna held on tight, knowing if she lessened her hold, she would end up on the ground with a broken neck. Did he have to ride so fast? Pinching his side, she hoped to get him to slow, but he didn’t even acknowledge her. As soon as Colin returned, she’d demand that she ride with Bleeth. His brother was the very devil and she’d end up killed.

  Finally, the men slowed their pace. Robin lifted his arm, calling a silent halt.

  “I saw glints ahead from swords. There’s about thirty. Brendan, take her to safety. Colin wouldn’t like it were something to happen to her. Bleeth, go and protect her with your life.”

  Julianna didn’t like the sound of that. Someone had been following. She looked at Bleeth, then back at the men.

  “You don’t have to direct me. I always protect my lady with my life,” Bleeth said.

  Brendan nodded, and galloped to a group of trees with Bleeth following. He motioned for her to be quiet and lifted her down. “Stay here.” He returned to the men.

  When Brendan reached the others, Julianna saw horses converge through the trees. The knights indeed seemed ready for battle; many held their drawn swords, indicating an at
tack. Robin’s voice shook the woods when he sounded the battle cry. The men took to arms, and the battle began.

  The fighting became rigorous with the fifteen MacKinnon warriors out numbered by thirty or more knights. Bleeth raised his arms, canted a spell, and waved his hands.

  “Bleeth, please, none of that nonsense. Ye should go and aid them.”

  “That’s what I am doing. I’m helping Brendan. Look.”

  She searched the fighting men and found Brendan under attack from two soldiers. Gasping, she felt disheartened that she couldn’t help him. A knight’s shield suddenly jerked from his grip and floated in the air, moving around, protecting Brendan from attack. Brendan lagged off the fight, watching in wonder as the shield floated around him. Her breath hitched, disbelieving what she was seeing.

  “’Tis amazing, Bleeth, I cannot believe … You are becoming quite skilled.”

  “Thank ye, my lady.”

  The shield was struck by a heavy-handed soldier and fell to the ground. Brendan retrieved it, and came up swinging. His sword pierced a man’s chest, blood flowed from the wound, and the man fell to the ground. The gaping hole could be seen from where she stood beside the pines. She slouched to the base of a tree, becoming sickened by what she’d seen.

  Several men fought with broadswords and axes. A knight swung his mace at Benjamin and, thankfully missed. Her breath hitched and had gone completely dry. Benjamin grabbed the handle, throwing the man to the ground, seemingly with little effort. She released her breath when she saw he’d survived. The clashes of steel battle gear rang in her ears. The fighting continued on, and she covered her ears, trying to quiet the deafening sounds. Her eyes closed against the flashes from the glittering swords. The battle became bloody and made her stomach twitch painfully. The smell of blood reached her and she opened her eyes, searching the scene for Colin’s warriors. Her hands shook when she pulled out her dagger.

  She moved to stand in front of Bleeth. “Step back, my lady, ye will be hurt,” he said.

  Her focus moved to an English soldier who jumped from his mount and waved to her. She shook her head in response. He pulled an arrow from behind his back and set it in his bow. Frozen to the spot, she was unable to fathom that he’d use it against her. Gripping her dagger, she pulled herself from her trance and moved forward.