Courage of a Highlander

by Katy Baker

“What’s with the weather?” Kara asked, huddling under the meager protection. “Did somebody turn on a tap?”

  Aiden raised an eyebrow. “It’s only a Highland shower.”

  “Shower? Then I’d hate to see what you call a deluge!”

  He smiled. “Come then, we’d better get inside before we are soaked to our skin.”

  As they hurried across the bailey, the rain thickened into a downpour so strong the water bounced up when it hit the hard cobbles, making Kara doubly grateful for the stout pair of boots she wore.

  They dived through a doorway and into the shelter of the castle. Aiden swung the door shut, cutting out the sound of the hissing rain. He shook out his cloak, making a puddle on the floor, before rolling it up and tucking it under his arm.

  Kara squeezed out the hem of her dress, adding a few more drops to the puddle, then straightened, letting out a sigh. “So much for a tour of the castle. Seems like the weather has other ideas.”

  Aiden shook his head. “Nay, lass. If we Highlanders let the weather dictate our actions, we’d never do aught. There’s still plenty more to show ye. I’ve just thought of a place ye will like.”

  Without waiting for an answer Aiden took her hand and led her down the corridor. It was such an unconscious gesture that Kara doubted Aiden was even aware that he’d done it, but his touch sent a thrill right through her body. She stiffened for a moment but then forced herself to relax. She curled her fingers around his and was rewarded when he gave her a surprised smile.

  At the end of the corridor they reached a flight of steps that spiraled upwards. The steps had been worn smooth by the passage of many feet and had a beautiful gold and red runner down the middle. As they climbed they passed several landings and Kara soon realized they were climbing up the inside of one of Dun Arnwick’s many towers. Through the narrow windows Kara could see the ground getting farther and farther away.

  By the time they finally came to a halt Kara was puffing like a bellows. Damn it, she thought. I never realized I was this unfit!

  “Don’t say a word!” she warned Aiden when they reached the top and she bent over with her hands on her knees, breathing deeply. “I’ll be fine in a minute, you’ll see.”

  “Are ye sure, lass?” Aiden asked, who wasn’t even breathing any quicker. “I could carry ye if ye would rather.”

  Kara gave him a flat look and didn’t deign to answer. She followed Aiden over to a stout wooden door. It was closed but from the way the brass handle had been worn smooth, Kara guessed this room got a lot of use.

  “It would be best if ye closed yer eyes, before I open the door, lass.”

  Kara eyed him suspiciously. “How do I know you’re not going to lead me into a cupboard? Or a privy? Or a dungeon?”

  “We dinna have any dungeons in Dun Arnwick,” Aiden replied. “Although I do know a few good cupboards.” He smiled mischievously. “Ye will just have to trust me, willnae ye?”

  Kara held her frown for a long moment but then closed her eyes. A moment later she heard the door creak open. Aiden took her hands and slowly led her inside. Kara resisted the urge to peek.

  “All right,” Aiden said. “Ye can look now.”

  Kara opened her eyes and gasped. Four enormous windows illuminated a large, circular room stacked floor to ceiling with shelves. The shelves brimmed with books. Hundreds, if not thousands, of books.

  “A library,” Kara breathed. “It’s a library.”

  She turned in a slow circle, taking it all in. The shelves were made from a dark wood and had been polished until they gleamed. Ladders on runners were attached to the shelves to give easy access to the higher levels and many of the books’ spines bore gold lettering that glittered in the sunlight.

  Considering she was in sixteenth century Scotland rather than the downtown municipal library, the number of books here was staggering.

  “This is amazing,” she murmured.

  “Ye like it?” Aiden asked.

  “Like it? I love it! Where did all these books come from?”

  “My mother’s labor of love. She’s collected works from all over Europe. There are books and scrolls here on everything from theology and philosophy, right down to folk tales gathered from the four corners of Scotland.”

  Kara walked over to one of the shelves and lovingly ran her fingers along the spines. So much knowledge. What hidden gems were contained within these pages? What secrets did they contain? A thrill of excitement passed through her. Lord, what might she learn given access to this place for a few hours? Historians the world over would be green with envy!

  She gently pulled out a small, fat book with a faded leather cover. Carefully opening the cover she discovered it was written in Latin, each letter painstakingly drawn by hand in sweeping calligraphy. Brilliantly colored illumination marched up the pages and from her very rusty schoolgirl Latin, she was able to deduce it was a text on Christianity. She put the book back and took out another one. This was bigger and was written in Middle English that she could just about decipher. It had garish pictures of strange beasts and seemed to be a collection of folk tales.

  She returned the book to the shelf and turned to gaze around the room. Under one of the windows sat a large desk on top of which a few books were lying open. A crumb-strewn plate and a goblet indicated that somebody had recently eaten their lunch here.

  Just then the door swung open and Bhradain walked in. He was munching on an apple and had a big, leather-bound tome tucked under one arm. He froze when he spotted Aiden and Kara, apple raised for another bite. He raised an eyebrow and smiled.

  “My apologies. I didnae expect to find anyone here. The library is usually deserted this time of day.” He glanced at Aiden and the corners of his mouth quirked up. “Dinna tell me ye have become a student of literature whilst ye have been away? I thought drinking ale and shouting orders were more to yer tastes.”

  Aiden’s mouth pressed into a line. “I was giving the Lady Kara a tour of the castle, not that it’s any of yer business.”

  “Were ye now?” Bhradain turned to Kara. “And how does the Lady Kara find the library?”

  “She finds it very impressive,” Kara replied. “Just like the rest of Dun Arnwick.”

  “Ha!” Bhradain replied. “Dinna go around saying that too loudly. The compliments will make Aiden’s head bigger than it already is!” Although he said it lightly, his dark eyes flicked to Aiden and there was no mirth in them.

  Aiden’s eyes flashed with irritation and Kara could see he was struggling to keep his temper. She didn’t know what was going on between these two but there was clearly history here.

  “What are ye reading, Bhradain?” Aiden asked through gritted teeth, nodding at the book tucked under Bhradain’s arm.

  Quick as lightning Aiden grabbed it and opened the cover. Kara caught a glimpse of diagrams and labels inside.

  “Genealogies?” Aiden asked. “Why are ye looking at the bloodlines of the clans? Ye are nay a student of history.”

  Bhradain’s eyes flicked briefly to Kara and a strange expression flashed across his face before his usual sardonic smile returned. “Well that’s another thing ye didnae know about then, isnae it?” He held out his hand and Aiden placed the book in it.

  Bhradain bowed. “Good day to ye both. I’ll leave ye to yerselves.” He took another bite of his apple, the crunching noise sounding strangely loud in the stillness, then with a wave to Aiden, he turned and left.

  Aiden stared at the door for a long moment after he left. “What is he up to?” he muttered under his breath.

  “He didn’t seem very pleased to see you,” Kara observed.

  Aiden shook his head. “He never is. Bhradain is my father’s ward. He’s a Garrick, not a Harris, and never seems able to forget it even though he’s treated the same as the rest of us. His father was Laird Callum Garrick and when his father died, Bhradain’s mother sent him to foster with us.” He shook himself and turned to Kara. “So, what do you think of my ‘surprise’?”
>
  “I think it’s just about damned perfect,” Kara said honestly. “There are so many books in here you’ll have to prize me out of this place with a crowbar.”

  Aiden laughed suddenly, a deep, clear sound that echoed around the room. The sound of it sent a flash of joy right through Kara. “Well, it’s a good job I have quite the collection of crow bars isnae it? Now, I dinna know about ye but I reckon I could eat a horse. How about we go get some breakfast?”

  Kara rolled her eyes. “Finally! I thought you’d never ask!”

  Chapter 10

  Three days later Aiden found himself striding through the corridors of Dun Arnwick with Jamie by his side. They’d been up since dawn training the garrison and sweat still clung to Aiden’s skin from the workout. He’d not had time to go to his chamber and wash as a runner had brought a message that Aiden’s father wanted to see them both in the Great Hall right away. Coupled with the snow flurries that were falling outside, the sweat made Aiden’s hair and clothes stick to him uncomfortably. Still, there was nothing for it. His father wouldn’t have sent for them if it wasn’t important.

  The heat from the fire in the Great Hall soon warmed Aiden’s chilled skin and water began dripping off his clothes. Annis, who was busy serving breakfast at the high table, fixed him and Jamie with a withering stare for dripping all over a floor she’d obviously already cleaned. Aiden gave her an apologetic smile.

  He and Jamie approached the high table where Andrew sat alone, perusing a set of documents, ignoring the breakfast of porridge and ale Annis had set out for him.

  As Aiden took a seat, he found himself scanning the hall, looking for Kara, but there was no sign of her. He felt the bench shift and looked up to see Bhradain taking a seat next to his father. Bhradain inclined his head to Aiden and grinned. They’d not spoken since their altercation in the library three days ago but Aiden had often found Bhradain watching him when he thought he wasn’t looking.

  His father looked up from reading the parchment and, seeing they were all present, placed the parchment on the table between them. “A report has just come in of raiders attacking St. Margaret’s Bay.”

  “Raiders?” Aiden asked, a shot of alarm going through him. “From where?”

  “Details are sketchy but from the description of the boats, I’d guess they were Irish.”

  “Irish? At this time of year? Surely crossing the sea would be too dangerous?”

  “Not if they’re already hiding out somewhere on Skye,” Andrew replied. “Ye know they’ve always seen us as easy pickings. They probably landed earlier in the season and have been biding their time, choosing their target. Nay doubt they’re holed up somewhere, waiting out the weather before they return to Ireland.”

  Aiden swore under his breath. “Damn them,” he growled. “Cowards, the lot of them. They willnae face us in honest battle and instead prey on those that canna defend themselves. We canna let this go unpunished, Father! I’ll ride out. I’ll take some of the garrison and we’ll make these curs regret ever setting eyes on our island.”

  Andrew sighed, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand. He looked tired. “Aye, I dinna doubt ye would, son. But they’ll be long gone by now. They aren’t stupid and willnae hang around long enough for us to catch them.”

  “Then we should build defenses,” Aiden said. “I’ve seen how effective coastal defenses can be. Build a watchtower near to St. Margaret’s Bay, one that can give early warning of any approaching fleet. If we station a small garrison there and fresh horses for messengers, we can have a force there ready to repel anyone that tries to land.”

  Bhradain raised an eyebrow. “A plan fit for a king!” he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. “But ye aren’t lording it at the king’s court now, Aiden. Ye are back in the Highlands and here we canna just snap our fingers and make coin appear out of our arses. How would we pay for such a thing?”

  “We’d find the coin somehow,” Aiden growled, glaring at Bhradain. “Or would ye abandon our people?”

  “Me, abandon our people?” Bhradain snapped. “That’s rich coming from ye! Ye rode off to seek fame and fortune without a second thought for yer people!”

  Aiden rocked back in his seat, taken aback by the vehemence in Bhradain’s tone. Then anger exploded through him. “Now listen here ye little—”

  “Enough!” Andrew snapped, slamming his hand down on the table.

  Aiden bit his lip to keep silent and Bhradain bowed his head. “My apologies, my laird. Worry for our people makes me speak out of turn.”

  Andrew waved the apology away. “For now, I want patrols doubled and scouts sent out, searching for any sign of these invaders. Aiden, Jamie, I want ye to drill the war band and have them ready to ride out the minute we get word of where the raiders might be holed up. Bhradain, examine our ledgers and see if we can squeeze out enough coin for Aiden’s defenses. If not, I may have to petition the king.”

  “I’ll see to it right away, my lord,” Bhradain said. He hurried from the hall.

  Aiden bid Andrew and Jamie farewell and quickly followed his foster-brother. He caught up with Bhradain in the corridor outside the Great Hall and grabbed him by the arm, spinning him around.

  “What was that all about?” he demanded.

  Bhradain quirked his eyebrow, a smirk curling the corners of his mouth. “What? Ye didnae like that I disagreed with ye? My apologies, my lord, I forgot that nobody is allowed to say aught ye might not like.”

  Aiden stepped back, looking Bhradain over. “What is wrong with ye, Bhradain? Ye have been hostile since the moment I returned.”

  Bhradain bared his teeth, his mask of cocky indifference slipping. “Ye really dinna ken? Then let me make it plain. Ye come swaggering back in here after all these years and everyone treats ye like a hero! The prodigal son returned, bringing honor to his clan. And I? I who have toiled by yer father’s side these last years? I who have worked to make this clan stronger, to fill the gap ye left when ye went riding off to war? Not a word for me. Until ye returned yer father looked to me for advice, for words of counsel. Now all he does is listen to ye! Ye, who doesnae care about the future of this clan at all! Do ye think I dinna see it in yer eyes? Yer disdain? Yer yearning to be elsewhere? And yet, ye will be laird if ye so choose. Where is the fairness in that? Until ye returned there was a chance yer father would adopt me, name me the next laird!”

  “So that’s what this is all about?” Aiden growled. “Jealousy? Power? Ye think just because ye have proven yerself an able administrator ye deserve to be named laird after my father?”

  Bhradain stepped close, so close his face was almost touching Aiden’s. “We both know I’d make a better laird than ye ever could. Ye have no stomach for it, Aiden Harris. Ye never did. Glory is all ye care about. So why stay? Why not return to the king’s household where yer heart truly lies? Ye would be doing us both a favor.”

  Then, before Aiden could utter a word, he spun on his heel and strode away, leaving Aiden staring after.

  ***

  Kara stifled a yawn. It was barely past dawn. If she’d been at home, she’d have pressed the snooze button on her alarm clock and then gone back to sleep. As it was, she’d been up for over an hour and eaten a quick breakfast in the Great Hall with Beth and Lucy. It had been so early that nobody else had been in sight. No sign of Aiden and Kara had envied him the chance to sleep in. Now herself, Lucy and Beth were standing in a small room in a quiet part of the castle.

  Lucy laughed. “You’ll get used to it. Eventually.”

  Kara jumped, startled out of her thoughts. “Used to it?”

  “The early mornings. When I first came here, it drove me crazy. Everyone seemed to get up at the crack of dawn and then go to bed just as the night was starting to get interesting. Our body clocks have shifted in the twenty-first century—we get up late and stay up late. Here it’s the other way around. Don’t worry, you’ll soon adjust.”

  “I hope so,” Kara admitted. “I feel like a zombie. I don’t
even have my caffeine kick to wake me up.”

  Lucy’s face took on a wistful expression. “Ah, coffee. What I wouldn’t give for an espresso! Or a mocha. Oh hell, even a cup of instant would do!”

  Kara laughed. “So there are some things you miss from the future?”

  “Of course! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to not having chocolate. Or hair straighteners.” Lucy sighed dramatically. “The sacrifices we make for love.”

  Beth rolled her eyes at her mother. “Honestly, mother, anyone would think chocolate is the most amazing thing in the world the way ye go on about it.”

  Kara and Lucy shared a look then said at the same time. “It is!”

  They all burst out laughing. Kara was amazed and delighted at how quickly Lucy, Beth and the rest of Aiden’s family had accepted her. They were friendly and easy-going people who seemed content to accept people as they were, no matter their differences or where they might have come from. It was oddly refreshing. They weren’t interested in where she’d gone to school, which newspapers she’d written for, which awards she’d won. They were more interested in her ability to tell a good tale in the Great Hall of an evening, or her ability to write letters for Andrew, small things that kept the clan running.

  In return for their hospitality Kara was determined to help out as much as she could. Which is why she was standing in this small room with Lucy and Beth while the sun had barely risen above the horizon. It was a storeroom set in the northeast corner of the keep. It had no windows but was kept ventilated by grilles in the walls.

  This was where the keep’s medical supplies were kept. Bunches of dried herbs hung from the ceiling, giving the room a delicious aroma, and wooden shelves filled the space along the walls. Glass and pottery bottles sat on the shelves, each stoppered with a piece of cork.

  Beth was busy picking up the bottles, checking the labels and putting what she needed into a leather satchel. Lucy and Kara were folding bandages and putting them in a second satchel.

  When they’d got what they needed they left the storeroom, locked it behind them, and made their way down the winding staircase to the castle infirmary. It was a large rectangular room not much smaller than the Great Hall that had been divided into individual alcoves by wooden screens. A fire burned at one end, chasing away the chill, and bunches of dried lavender sat in vases, filling the room with its soothing, pungent scent. Three large windows let in sunlight, giving a sweeping view of the snow-covered landscape beyond.