The Crusader's Heart

by Kate Forrest

  In battle, Alex did not question whether his enemy was a good man or a bad man. He was commanded to destroy, and he destroyed without pause. But now Alex could ask questions, and he could see that this MacDonald of Skye was not a bad man.

  Alex’s hands were stained with the blood of too many souls. He promised himself when he returned from Crusade he’d be different. He would no longer kill without justification.

  “You will not die by my hand today, MacDonald. But I will have your word that you will not try to take this case again.”

  “I cannae make that promise.”

  “What does he have on you?”

  Again, he was met with silence. His first priority was to safely deliver Isobel to Iona. Having learned of the Rood, he had the added duty of protecting what she carried. This man fully intended to take the Rood. It was simple: Alex needed to remove the threat. He frowned back at the injured man before him.

  “I can help you. I’m Alexander MacKinnon of Mull.”

  “You cannae help me.”

  “I know someone who can help.” Just then, a horse neighed nearby. “Is that yours?”

  Robbie nodded.

  “It would be painful to ride with that injury. You wouldn’t make it very far.”

  Alex waited as Robbie seemed to consider his options. After a few moments, Robbie asked, “Who is this healer you spoke of?”

  ****

  “He’s returned,” Thomas called from outside. At his words, Isobel dropped the gown she’d been folding and rushed out the door. Katherine followed.

  “Where?” she asked him, scanning the horizon.

  “There.” He pointed to the forest’s edge.

  In the distance, Alex and a man on horseback approached. The man held his side. He was the one who’d taken the Rood.

  When Alex and the man crossed into the garden in front of the cottage, Alex said, “This is Robbie MacDonald of Skye.” He helped the man down from the horse and seated him on the low stone wall surrounding the garden. Tom took the reins and tied up the horse.

  “Tom and Katy, I have a favor to ask.” Alex took them a few paces away.

  As they spoke, Isobel studied the man. He’s young. She wouldn’t put him past her by many years. When he’d fought Alex and captured her, she hadn’t assessed any of his facial features. She could barely remember what he’d looked like—it all happened so quickly. Now, in the calmness of the late afternoon, she took in his appearance. From the look of his physique, he was a warrior, like Alex. His hair was black, and he wore it short, just past his ears. What she noticed most about him were his eyes—a silvery blue. They looked cold and remote.

  The MacDonald of Skye glanced at her briefly but looked away and grasped his side. That’s where I wounded him. Before she could think more on that, Thomas and Alex returned to take the MacDonald inside the cottage, and Katherine hurried in after them. Isobel stayed behind, uncertain of what to do.

  In a few moments, Alex came back outside.

  “He’s staying?” Isobel asked.

  “Katy is going to see to his wound.”

  “We’re helping him?” Why on earth are we helping a thief?

  “Aye, we are,” Alex said. He reached into the leather bag at his side and retrieved the black case.

  “Here,” he said, handing it to her. “I’m afraid your cloak was ruined; we will buy you a new one in Inverarnan.”

  Isobel clasped the case to her chest, feeling the weight of it in her hands. She didn’t care about her cloak; she only cared that the Rood was safe. She opened the outer box to make certain the inner box that housed the relic was secure. David had sealed the Rood within the inner case for added protection. Once she was certain the Rood was as it should be, she asked, “Why did you bring him back? Why didn’t you—”

  She didn’t say it, though she felt her meaning was clear.

  “He didnae deserve it, Isobel,” Alex said. “On our way here, he told me he was tasked by the Bishop of Edinburgh to return the relic. He says, in return the bishop will help his sister. She is ill.”

  “I see,” Isobel said. “And what will become of his sister now?”

  “When we reach Iona, I plan to send a healer to treat her.”

  “And the bishop?”

  “He’ll likely send someone else, but we have some time.” Alex stepped closer to Isobel. “Do you know what the bishop plans?”

  “He and David fought about where the Rood should be kept. David feels its rightful place is in Scotland, but the bishop wants to give it to King Stephen. He claims it will be safer there, but David thinks he is scheming for a seat at the English court.”

  “Aye. I asked Robbie, and there is talk that the bishop is worried about his place when David no longer reigns. It is believed he is trying to gain favor with the English king.”

  “The King of England is deeply religious. The Rood would be important to him. If the bishop took it to him, I am certain he would gain much favor with Stephen,” Isobel said. “That’s why I had to leave Edinburgh so quickly. The night before my departure, David caught someone in Holyrood Abbey. The person was cloaked, but the trespasser was trying to break into the vault that housed the Rood. David frightened him off but was unable to catch him. He felt the person was sent by the bishop, though he had no proof.

  “David and I discussed concerns over the bishop before. He desired more power. David knew the Rood needed to be moved. We just didn’t anticipate it happening so quickly,” she explained.

  “That is why you left on your own,” Alex said.

  “We couldn’t trust anyone,” Isobel said. “That’s why he sent word to you. He trusts you. He trusts me too, and I nearly failed him.”

  Alex took her free hand and held it gently in his palm.

  It feels so natural to touch him this way.

  “He knew the Rood would be in danger on this journey,” Alex said. “It is my duty to protect you and, by extension, the Rood. I am the one that nearly failed him. Not you.”

  “You almost died,” Isobel said, squeezing his hand.

  Alex shrugged. “My ego is more bruised than my head. Both will heal.”

  Isobel smiled, though she still worried for what could have been. He’s alive. I’m alive. And the Rood is safe for now. That is all that matters. She glanced across the garden, the beautiful black horse catching her eye.

  “She’s a fine horse.”

  “Aye. She was tied up near where I found Robbie. He must have stashed her away before he approached our camp.”

  The mention of their campsite from last evening made Isobel’s stomach sour.

  “Do you think I was wrong in defending myself?” she asked. It had not occurred to her the man stealing the Rood was doing so to save his sister; now the pain of her actions was sinking in.

  “Nae, lass. You were right to defend yourself. You did not know his intent or the cause for his actions. He was a threat.”

  “I could have killed him,” Isobel said. Even though she’d likely taken the life of that man in the forest near Stirling, this felt different.

  “He was trying to take the Rood, Isobel. You were protecting it at all costs, as you should.”

  “But if he’s just trying to help his ill sister—” The situation was so muddled. She could not see a clear right or wrong, but surely someone was right and someone was wrong. Perhaps I could have used less force with the man. I could have stopped him without the knife. “I did not know.”

  “It is all right,” Alex said.

  “No. It’s not. He isn’t some evil henchman. He’s a man trying to help his sister.”

  “Did he tell you that when he was trying to steal the Rood?”

  “Of course not,” Isobel said, perplexed.

  “Nae, well, you were acting on a threat. On Crusade, I fought against countless men. Men who were husbands, sons, brothers, and fathers. Honorable men,” Alex explained. “When we do battle against the enemy all we can see is the threat. We dinnae ask questions nor do we ju
dge. We act. That’s battle, Isobel. It may not be moral or right, but that’s how it is.”

  “Is that how you justify what you’ve done? By saying that it is how things must be?”

  Alex didn’t respond. He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. “We’ve a long journey yet. Get some rest, Isobel.”

  He left her then and went back into the cottage. Isobel remained outside and looked out into the pastureland. Around her, all was calm. She envied the stillness of the grazing cows and the distant rose-purple heather blossoms that swept across the ground like a wave at sea. She wanted to feel as peaceful as the landscape around her, but inside she felt worn and confused.

  ****

  Later that night, Alex sat with Robbie outside the cottage. They shared a skin of ale and gazed up at the pink and purple sky as the sun reached for the darkness.

  “It’s the Holy Rood of Scotland,” Alex said, handing Robbie the ale.

  “Scotland’s most cherished relic.”

  “Aye, it is,” Alex agreed.

  “More men will come for it,” Robbie said. “The bishop is greedy, and his pockets are deep. You plan to take it to Iona?” Robbie took a swig of ale and handed the drink back to Alex.

  Alex nodded. “That is the plan.”

  “It won’t be safe there.”

  “I know it, but we have nowhere else to take it.”

  “He’ll come for it with more force next time,” Robbie added.

  “I expect so. We’ll do what we must to protect it.” Once Alex returned to Iona, he was certain the Lord of the Isles’s daughter, Bethoc, would know of a safe haven for the relic. Somerled was profoundly religious, as was his family, and they would find a way to protect the Rood. Then the concern would be in someone else’s hands, and he could focus on rebuilding his clan’s home. With that thought, he eyed the warrior beside him. Robbie had proved himself and Alex knew he could trust the man. He couldn’t explain the connection, but he knew to rely on his instincts.

  “We could use a warrior like you on Mull,” Alex said.

  “I don’t know that a life back in the Isles would suit me, MacKinnon.”

  “Aye, well, you’ll never know unless you try.” Alex reached out, and the men clasped hands in solidarity. “The offer stands, should you ever wish for something more permanent.”

  Robbie nodded.

  “And I’ll send a physician as soon as I return. You have my word.” Alex knew physicians remained at MacKinnon Keep, for, in his last letter from his sisters, they’d written of the healers tending to his ill father.

  “Thank you, MacKinnon. I am in your debt.”

  They walked to Robbie’s horse. Alex knew the man was eager to leave, but Robbie’s injury would make the ride painful.

  “I think you should stay on with Tom and Katy. At least until that wound heals.”

  “Nae, I must be getting back. Besides, the mistress did a fine job of stitching up my side. She also gave me some medicines she thinks will help my sister. I am anxious to return to her.”

  “Katy worked with the healers of our clan for many years. She could be a healer in her own right.”

  “I think she already is. Please thank them again for me.”

  Alex nodded. “How will you handle the bishop? When you return to Edinburgh, he will expect a meeting.”

  “I’ll tell him I was wounded and you both escaped,” Robbie said. “Unless there is another tale you care for me to spin.”

  “Nae, I won’t complicate things for you, but I fear his displeasure at your failure may have consequences.”

  “I’ve thought on that,” Robbie said. “If I must, I’ll take my family and leave Edinburgh for a time.”

  “Send word of where the healer can reach you. I should be back on Mull by week’s end.”

  Robbie agreed and mounted his horse, wincing in pain as he climbed up. He held his side for a moment but recovered.

  “Good luck, MacDonald.”

  “The same to you and Lady Isobel.” With a final nod, he cantered off into the field and disappeared into the forest.

  The moon was bright, so he’d be able to see to travel. Alex and Isobel would leave soon as well. They needed to take advantage of the clear night to get closer to Oban.

  He went back into the cottage and found Isobel asleep on the bed Katy had prepared for her. He gently shook her shoulder, trying to wake her, but Katy interrupted.

  “She needs to sleep, Alex. You both do,” she said.

  “We need to journey on.”

  “Well, you can journey on in the morning.” Her tone made it clear it wasn’t a suggestion. Instead of being upset, he just smiled. He’d missed his bossy friend.

  “Very well, Katy. One night and then we’ll be gone in the morning.”

  “And I’ll be happy to be rid of you, MacKinnon.” She turned her face and pointed a finger at her cheek. Alex obliged and gave her a quick peck.

  After saying goodnight, Alex settled in on the bed Katy had made for him in front of the hearth. Isobel was a short distance away with her feet peeking out from underneath her plaid, seeking the warmth of the burning embers in the fireplace. The fire would die soon, so Alex reached over and tucked her feet back under the plaid. A long day was finally at its end. He still couldn’t believe what he’d learned. Isobel Campbell was on a mission to protect the Holy Rood of Scotland. The woman was willing to risk so much for the safety of Scotland’s most cherished relic. She had great courage and unwavering determination. She was a wonder. Aye, she is a wonder.

  ****

  After they broke their fast, Alex and Tom went into the garden. The ladies followed. Katherine wanted to give Isobel herbs for some basic medicines, should they have need of them on the remainder of their journey. While Isobel and Katy huddled in the kitchen garden, Alex drew Tom aside.

  “I want you to take the mare, Tom.”

  “Why?”

  “I cannae take her across to Mull. There will only be room enough for me and the lass in the boat,” Alex reasoned.

  “Then you’ll sell her at market in Oban,” Tom said.

  He was a hard man to argue with, but Alex pressed on. “Tom, you know as well as I do there is little market for mares in the Isles. You’ll fetch a better price for her.”

  Earlier, while Katherine was preparing the morning meal, she’d spoken of the rough season they’d had with the crops last year. They needed the coin, but his friend was stubborn. Tom would not take charity. To be fair, nor would Alex.

  Tom glanced at Katy then back to Alex.

  “Then I’ll sell her and pay you on your next visit,” Tom offered.

  “For the trouble, you should take at least half the coin,” Alex said.

  “ ’Tis a deal.” The men reached out their hands and shook on it.

  Alex gave Katy a hug and thanked her for her kindness. Isobel said her goodbyes as well. As they approached the garden gate, Katy pulled Alex aside.

  “Have a care with her, Alex.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, she has a fragile heart, and you are sure to break it if you keep looking at her the way you do.”

  Alex nodded, but explained, “She’s safe from me, Katy. Dinnae fear. I’m not going around breaking maidens’ hearts. Especially not ones destined for the church.”

  “She may not be as resolved for the church as you think,” Katy said with a pointed look. “You need to take care.”

  He didn’t need the warning; his journey back home was reminder enough.

  Chapter 14

  The sunrise was just illuminating the sky when they departed the cottage. To the east, the pink and orange hues of morning reached out from the horizon, pushing the remnants of night away. It was enough to light the trail before them. They followed the path north, which led to Inverarnan. Without the horse, it would take longer to finish this part of journey. When they broke their fast earlier, Alex explained it would be a two-day walk from Inverarnan to Oban. Katherine assured her the trai
l wasn’t demanding; she had taken the same path when she’d come to settle near Loch Lomond many years before. Thinking back on that conversation, Isobel could no longer ignore her curiosity over Katherine’s life.

  “I wanted to ask…” she began, getting Alex’s attention.

  “Aye?” Alex glanced at her, and then focused on the path ahead.

  “Katherine was a MacKinnon, wasn’t she?”

  Alex paused a moment, but continued walking and said, “She was the daughter of the keep’s cook, and we became good friends as children.”

  “What caused her to leave?” Isobel knew full well it was none of her concern, but she had to know what could have separated this kindly woman from her clan.

  “Katy didn’t take to cooking like her father, but she had a love for the kitchen garden. She learned how to use plants for medicine at a young age. She was gifted in healing. Some felt she was too gifted, and rumors spread of witchcraft. They thought she summoned dark spirits to help her mend the ill.”

  “How on earth could anyone believe such foolishness?”

  “The foolishness of man knows no bounds. They could nae understand how such a wee thing could be so bright and gifted. Instead of thinking Katherine was skilled in her own right, they thought something evil gave her magical powers.” Alex shook his head. “I cannae think on it without feeling angry. My father, the chief, decided the best course was to send Katy away. He turned her out from the clan when she hadn’t yet seen her twelfth summer.”

  “Why would he abandon her? Why didn’t he fight to suppress the wrongful accusations against her?”

  “I pleaded with him to help her, but I was too young and my words meant nothing to him.” Alex stopped walking and Isobel came to stand in front of him.

  Alex’s eyes were filled with emotion. It still pained him. It made her chest ache, knowing how much he cared for this woman and how he’d been unable to help her when he was a boy.

  “She was cast out, along with her father, and for years I could not find a trace of them. Eventually, I learned that my mother’s family, the Grahams, had brought them into their home. I had no idea Mother had worked behind Father’s back to ensure Katy and her father’s livelihoods.”