“Isobel, I want to show you something my brother taught me at a very early age, much like you. For such a wee lass, you have amazing skill my love, I am very proud of you! Come sit next to me, I want to tell you the story so you understand why this is important to learn,” nodding to the wooden bench, she sat down and watched Isobel scramble up next to her.
Smiling down at the blonde angel, she told the story just like Duncan had, “Years ago there was a mighty hunter who found himself out of arrows in the midst of a formidable enemy, far behind him, his loyal squire stood with one lone arrow in his quiver. They had trained many years; the shot was perfected over time. The squire raised his bow and gave the call of a hawk, alerting the hunter. The trusty squire pulled back his string sending the arrow flying towards the hunters back. As the enemy came down in his final blow, the hunter spun around and snatched the soaring arrow out of the air and slayed the enemy in one swift motion!”
“I cannae slay a beast Aunt!” Isobel looked concerned. Chuckling at her, Elisabeth explained, “Nae my love, I do not want you to slay the beast, I want you to be able to shoot an arrow towards me so I may slay the beast!” Elisabeth watched as Isobel shook her head and furrowed her brows.
“What if I hurt you?”
“I will teach you Isobel, there is no rush to learn this my pet, I learned with my brother slowly before we mastered it. We use blunted arrows without tips to prevent injury, you have incredible accuracy with your targets love, it will nae take you long to learn.” Standing up, Elisabeth grabbed Isobel’s hand and pulled her onto her feet, “Come on, let me show you.” She smiled warmly at the young lass, giving her confidence in her reassurance of her extraordinary skills.
Elisabeth walked over to the targets and lifted one up resting it upon another creating a target as tall as a human. Pointing to her shoulder height, “Aim here Isobel, the shot isn’t powerful as the person has to catch the arrow in flight, concentrate on your speed and aim, block out everything around you. I had a few arrows blunted just for this exercise.” Walking back over to Isobel, Elisabeth pulled several blunted arrows from her quiver and handed them to Isobel as she looked down to instruct her.
Pulling out her own arrow, Elisabeth showed Isobel exactly what she wanted her to do, “Exhale before you let your string go, take aim and shoot.” Standing before Isobel, she notched her arrow and pulled her string back. “As the shooter must be true to aim, one must have complete faith in the person standing yonder my love, the shot will only work if the two trust each other, there is no room for error when in battle.” Exhaling Elisabeth looked down the line at the target and released her string sending the arrow directly to the spot she wanted Isobel to aim for. It landed directly in the middle of the target with a thick thud.
“Your turn Isobel, do not rush, controlled movements my dear, ye shall do just splendid.” Stepping out of the way, she motioned for her niece to stand where she had been. Watching her prodigy get into her stance and pull an arrow from her small quiver. She observed with a watchful eye as Isobel did just as requested. Graceful, slow movements she notched her arrow and took aim. Releasing her string, Isobel’s arrow hit a few hands lower than Elisabeth’s arrow.
Behind them, they heard clapping, followed by Broderick’s deep voice. “Well done Isobel! Your lovely Aunt Elisabeth is a fine teacher I see, your technique is outstanding for your age my dear!” He had been watching them from behind the stables for a while now; he had come in search of Elisabeth. He needed to talk to her. He couldn’t resist watching in secret as his radiant wife taught his niece, the sight was endearing to him. He was far enough away he couldn’t hear their words, but he could spot a lesson being taught.
Seeing Isobel turn at the sound of his voice, he opened his arms and knelt down as was normal, awaiting her to run into his arms for a hug.
“Uncle Broderick!” She smiled, running towards him with her arms open.
Catching the lass as she crashed into his chest, he chuckled as he picked her up and walked her back over to her teacher.
“Aunt Elisabeth is teaching me something her brother taught her, one day I’ll be able to shoot an arrow at her and have her catch it! Do you think that is possible Uncle Broderick?”
Looking over at Elisabeth and then back to Isobel, “Aye my dear, it tis possible indeed. Duncan Drummond and myself perfected it years ago, I’m sure he taught your Aunt Elisabeth exactly how to execute the move, would you like to see?”
“Oh yes! Can you show me?” Isobel pleaded, clapping her hands as he sat her back down.
“Elisabeth, would you do the honor of shooting at me so our sweet little niece knows it can indeed be done?”
In all the time she had been at Broderick’s castle, never once had he asked her to prove herself, to test her skills on him, or demonstrate her mastery of anything. Shooting an arrow at her husband made her nervous, not that she would miss her shot, but that he might falter and miss the catch. She had always practiced with Duncan since she was a child. She had never attempted this trick with anyone else.
Shaking off the worry, she refused to let Isobel see her concern, “Aye, please walk down by the target.” She motioned for her husband with a flourished hand. Pulling a blunted arrow from her quiver, she notched her bow as Broderick took his position at the end of the stable.
“Use a normal arrow Elisabeth.”
“Nae!” her reply immediate and stern, she locked eyes with Broderick and saw him simply smile warmly at her.
“Elisabeth, I trust you, use a normal arrow my love. Aim at my chest,” he countered with growing amusement as he winked at her.
Watching him set his feet, he stood at the end of the stable facing her and Isobel, his eyes were focused on her as she dropped the blunted arrow at her feet and reached back into her quiver to draw an arrow.
Blocking out the world around her, she notched her arrow and brought the bow up, pulling back her string past her ear she exhaled as she took aim at Broderick’s broad chest. Seeing him nod, she released the string, sending the arrow soaring towards his unprotected chest. Like lightning, he snatched the arrow out of the air and smiled devilishly back at her in his triumph.
Beside her Isobel squealed in delight as she ran down to join her victorious uncle.
Throwing her bow over her shoulder, she allowed her heart to clam down as she slung the bow diagonal across her breast. Looking up she saw Broderick and Isobel walking back to her.
“Great shot Elisabeth, Duncan taught you well!”
“Thank you,” she whispered looking into her husband’s eyes. Turning her gaze back to the delighted child, “see, it can be done my pet.” She smiled down at Isobel who was glowing with excitement.
Clearing his throat Broderick explained why he had come to find them, “Isobel, your Da was looking for you, he is in the keep. Run along and find him dear, I need to talk to your Aunt for a little bit.”
As Isobel did as requested, Broderick entwined his fingers with Elisabeth as they watched Isobel skip towards the keep. The rare winter sun peeked out of the clouds, the snow covered castle glittered in the sunlight. Squeezing her hand, he tugged her towards the castle. “Come with me Elisabeth, we need to talk. Lets go to the north tower.”
Walking together, the couple crossed the bailey and entered the keep, turning down the north corridor; they walked in silence as they moved up the spiral stairs to the Laird’s room.
Elisabeth could tell something was wrong, she could sense it in his posture, in his silence. Something was very wrong. Choosing to remain silent as they walked into his vast room, she waited for him to speak first; it didn’t take long for him to get to the point. Safely behind the closed doors of his tower room, he quickly explained what had happened.
“The messenger was from the King, I’m being summoned to Inverness, he is not happy.” He stood in the middle of the room and crossed his arms. The worry in his face was evident.
“But it will take you weeks to travel there and back, in this weathe
r it would be treacherous!” Her heart slammed into her chest, this could not be happening.
“Aye, he cares not for the weather, only answers. Answers he wants in person apparently, I will have to leave immediately.”
“I will go with you.” She stated.
“Nae Elisabeth, I want you to remain here, safe behind these walls. I will be leaving Kendrix behind as well.”
Shocked, she knew there had to be more to the story, he never traveled without his brother. “Why?” she knew she only had to ask, he wouldn’t lie to her.
“Kincaid lodged a formal complaint to the King over our marriage, stating he was betrothed to you. Our King is irritated we did not gain his approval before marrying. He is demanding us to both appear before him to explain, I refuse to allow you to be taken from me, thus the reason why I want you to stay here. I want Kendrix to stay behind with you in the event that Kincaid attacks in my absence.”
“If he is demanding us both to go, I should go.” She did not want to displease the already agitated King.
“I forbid it Elisabeth. He could declare our marriage invalid and hand you over to Kincaid; I will not take that chance. The King is moody and volatile, with you safe behind these walls where he cannae take you from me.” She could hear the conviction and passion in her husband’s voice.
“He could take you from me Broderick, did you think of that? He could have you executed for disobeying him, we know he’s had men killed for far less!”
Closing the distance between them, Broderick wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her close, she knew of the irrational behavior of the King, the stories were horrifying.
“He needs me Elisabeth, I am far more valuable to him alive, trust me. He will yell at me for not formally requesting your hand. Yes, he will be irritated you are not with me, but he will nae kill me lass. Kincaid has been a thorn in his side for years, he’s only entertaining Kincaid’s appeal out of obligation, his anger has been pricked because he’s had to become involved. In the grand scheme of events, the King has no time for trivial matters such as Highland Laird’s marriages.”
“How long do you think it will take?” She knew King Richard would be concerned with her marriage, the reason why, she could not divulge to her husband at this time. She knew he had to go, and he had good reason to leave her behind. She could not argue his logic.
“Less than a month, given the weather doesn’t slow us down,” rubbing her back he added, “When I return, we will prepare to descend on Kincaid and repay him for every life he took. Take this time while I am gone prepare, ready our warriors with Kendrix. While I’m gone, I will count on you two to draw up our battle strategy and prepare the men for war, once I return from my meeting with the King, we will go south.”
Closing her eyes she knew he was right, the King needed him, she knew first hand how much the King hated Kincaid. Staying back at Castle MacMillan would keep her from having to face the King, it also meant she wouldn’t see her husband for a very long time. The ride to Inverness was long and daunting, the weather had yet to break.
“When will you leave? How many men will you take? Have you talked to Kendrix yet?” She had so many questions.
“I spoke with him before I came to find you, he is not pleased I’m leaving him behind, but he understands. I plan to leave at first light tomorrow morning, I’ll take ten men with me.”
His voice was calming and reassuring as he held her, she felt something in the pit of her stomach that made her uneasy about the summons from the King, “Are ye sure it was a true summons? That this wasn’t a ploy to separate you away from your warriors?”
“Aye, it was a royal messenger who had delivered the letter personally into my hand, I have seen him before. The letter was sealed with the King’s signet ring, there is no mistake Elisabeth. However, we would be fools to think that Kincaid will not be notified of my departure from the castle. He is well informed by someone here, Kendrix and you will have to stay alert at all times. I have asked Kendrix to become your shadow, I know you do not need protection, but while I’m away I will not be able to focus not knowing if you are okay. Until we have found the enemy in our midst, you are to trust only Kendrix and Rhona with vital information. I will give you the key to this room while I’m away, use it as yours, no one will dare bother you up here, not even Kendrix.”
“I don’t want you to leave.” Emotions began to surface faster than she could control them. The thought of not seeing him for so long made her tear up as she stood before him.
“Neither do I want to go my love, but we both know I must, I will return swiftly to your side. There is nothing in this world that can keep me from your side, I will do all I can to return as quickly as possible”
Sitting in his lap, she held tight and tried to memorize his smell, his touch, his presence, she knew in the coming weeks his absence would affect her greatly. Sighing she snuggled closer as she changed the subject, “I cannae believe you had me shoot an arrow at your chest, in front of your niece no less!”
She could feel his chest rumble with a chuckle as he ran his hand up her back, and into her hair, “Elisabeth, you are by far and away the best archer I’ve ever seen in my life. If there is anyone I want shooting that shot at me, tis you lass.”
“Duncan and I practiced that shot for years, I have never shot a tipped arrow at someone who has not practiced the catch, tis too dangerous,” she admitted, thinking back at how nervous she had been only a short time ago.
“You had faith I would catch it, or else you would have never loosed your arrow my dear, you love me too much to kill me.”
She could hear the humor in his voice as he teased her, yet he was right yet again, if she had any doubt of his skill, she would have turned the arrow to either side of him to miss. As he trusted her, she trusted him.
Sitting up straight in his lap she cocked her head and smiled at the gloriously handsome man before her, there time was limited together, yet they had duties to preform today, and tonight before she could have him all to herself for the night. Even now she could hear the children gathering in the bailey for their archery lessons, “I do love you, now, come help me corral these youngsters while I teach them not to shoot each other.”
Feeling his strong hands run down her back and over her butt, she bit her lip as he pulled her close and captured her mouth in a sensual kiss that left her wet and yearning for more.
“Come my Warrior Queen, your pupils await. You are doing an excellent job Elisabeth, the children all love you. Tonight you and I will have dinner alone, up here.”
Chapter 13
After her lessons with the children, Elisabeth snuck away to her solar to prepare for her final night with Broderick before he left to Inverness. She was tired and morose, trudging up the stairs her wolfhounds followed her closely as she made her way into the solar.
Throwing the door open, she let the dogs in and shut it quietly behind her. The fire was burning brightly, and the warmth was welcome. Today’s lesson outside had been bitter cold, even Broderick’s warm sable fur couldn’t fight off the chill.
Drawn to the fire, she crossed the room and stood before the blaze, allowing the heat to penetrate her layers of frozen clothing. Rubbing her hands together she held them up to the fire seeking the heat as she watched the flames dance before her.
Since Broderick had told her of his summons from the King, she had thought of little else today. Unchaining the fur from her shoulders, she tossed it across the bed and walked to the wardrobe to find a gown for tonight. She wanted to please her husband; she wanted their last night together to stay branded on their souls for the weeks to come. When her husband closed his eyes, she wanted him to remember her touch, her smell. She wanted Broderick to long for her, as she would long for him.
Taking her hair out of the long braid she let her fingers run though her silken locks as she looked through her clothing, finding a lovely silk gown she smiled to herself.
An hour later, a strong knock sounded on
her door, waking her from her nap before the fireplace. Rubbing her eyes, she yawned as she stood up and fluffed the wrinkles from her green gown.
Fighting another yawn, she faced the door, “Come in Broderick.” As soon as she spoke, the door slowly opened. She watched as he stepped inside, he had changed too. Dressed in a new linen shirt and fresh kilt, his weapons lined his waist as he walked into the room to collect her. He looked irresistible, she wanted to eat him alive.
“Are you hungry lass? I’m told dinner is waiting for us in the north tower, shall we go?”
Elisabeth’s senses awoke as soon as he was near, smiling she crossed the room and wrapped her arm around his extended arm and leaned her head against his strong shoulder, “Aye, I am famished Husband.”
Closing the solar door behind them, they took the stairs slowly as the hounds past them and chased each other down the stone stairs. The torches along the wall illuminated the winding staircase as they entered the keep.
Finding it hard not to burst into tears at the thought of him being gone, let alone traveling to the King, she had chosen to stay silent as they walked the familiar path to the north tower. Holding onto his muscular arm, she clung for strength to not fall apart in front of him.
Slowly ascending the stairs to the north tower, the smell of delicious food captured her senses as they walked into Broderick’s study.
Hearing her stomach growl, Broderick looked down at her, “When was the last time you ate Elisabeth?”
“I dinnae eat much at lunch after you left,” she replied, knowing she was going to get scolded, she smiled prettily at Broderick hoping he’d go easy on her. She had been out of sorts today. After their talk about the King’s summons, she had lost her appetite completely.
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