“’Tis not that bad.” Darach squeezed her hand. “Just move along.” His eyes held hers. “I willnae let you go over, lass.”
God, she hated heights. But she hated seeming like a wimp more, so she ignored her tingling skin and allowed him to help her shimmy over.
Once safe, she waited as Darach held out his hand to William. “Come on, lad.”
Incredulous, the boy eyed the long drop. “Nay!”
“If you are set to be a warrior then be one,” Heidrek grunted from behind. “Go now.”
William’s eyes shot to the Viking. “I dinnae need to listen to ye. I saw what ye did earlier. Yer no Scotsman but an unnatural beast.”
“Am I then?” Heidrek grinned, dark promise in his eyes. “Then you are no longer in a position you wish to be in.” The Viking moved fast and flung William over his shoulder.
Darach joined Jackie as William cursed the whole way. By the time Heidrek set the boy down, he was in a state…of pure embarrassment, she’d say.
“Bloody hell,” William declared, scowling as he frowned at the Viking.
“If you meant to protect Jackie, you should have thought nothing of your own fears,” Heidrek informed him before he strode after the others.
“Bloody hell,” William repeated, still scowling as he eyed Jackie. “I would have followed ye readily if given half a chance.” He glared at Heidrek’s back. “But I was made to look the fool instead.”
“I would say ye made yerself look the fool,” Robert said.
Jackie bit back a grin, not surprised in the least that the little King watched William closely.
Incredulous, William’s eyes rounded on Robert, who stood a few inches shorter. “Who are ye to say such a thing, ye wee piece of…”
Robert straightened and looked down his nose at William as he interrupted him. “I am Robert the Bruce, son to Sir Robert VI de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale and Marjorie, Countess of Carrick.” He puffed up a bit more. “I am none other than the Earl of Carrick and the future King of Scotland.”
“Is that so?” William appeared less than impressed as he looked Robert over. “I dinnae care in the least who ye are. Show me ye can use a blade then mayhap all yer fancy titles will be worth something.”
Robert’s hand went to his waist where no blade could be found. Pride and frustration crossed his face.
“Aye, that is what I thought.” William rolled his eyes and strode into the cave after the others, throwing over his shoulder. “Yer all bluster, lad.”
“Am not,” Robert started but stopped. He might be young, but a new wisdom lit his eyes. One born of the adventures he’d had since meeting Jackie and her friends. “I’m learning to use a blade and am always willing to learn from those who know how to wield one better.”
William stopped. He didn’t turn but tilted his head sideways. “Aye?”
“Aye,” Robert said.
“Do ye mean ye’d be willing to learn from me then, High-and-Mighty?”
Robert nodded. “Aye.”
William paused for a long moment and contemplated. Jackie bit her tongue when Robert appeared torn and eager at the same time. The boys needed to work this out on their own.
“Then I will teach ye more when we’ve the chance,” William said at last.
“Aye, many thanks,” Robert said. “Have ye a full name then?”
“Nay, ‘tis just William.” But they all heard his soft words as he walked away. “At least till ye’ve earned my respect. Then ye might get the rest.”
Robert waited until William was out of earshot before he released a hefty sigh and frowned. “I handled that all wrong, aye?”
“Nay, ye did just fine,” Darach said.
“I agree.” Jackie smiled and crouched in front of him. She had spent quite a bit of time with Robert at the Viking fortress when Erin was in her unnatural slumber. “It’s good to see you again, Little King. That was pretty scary at MacLomain Castle when Erin almost died, and I vanished. How are you doing?”
Her chest tightened when he blinked back moisture and gave her a wobbly smile. “I am well.” His eyes trailed to where William had been. “Well enough I suppose.”
“Hey.” Jackie squeezed his shoulders. “Look at me.”
When he did, she said, “You’ve done really well. William’s just been through a lot, okay?” She held his gaze. “Just like you have, Robert. You dealt with him perfectly and it’s going to be okay.”
“I dinnae think I dealt with him well at all.” His frown deepened. “’Tis clear he’s but a few winter’s older and already a fierce warrior. What does that say about me? What does that say of how well I will someday lead Scotland?”
Jackie cupped his chin. “Do you remember what we talked about at the Viking fortress when you joined me at Erin’s bedside that last time? When you were struggling to understand why that Viking boy wouldn't play with you?”
“Aye,” he murmured. “Ye said I must remember that there's a reason behind everyone's actions. That I should search out that reason before judging them. It turned out he was just shy.”
“It’s good you discovered that rather than continue to think he was mean,” she said softly. “Because nobody is what they seem when you first meet them. More than that, it sometimes takes a while to figure out who they really are.”
“Aye,” Robert whispered. “And ‘twas your advice that helped me just now with William.”
Jackie smiled. “Good.”
“We should go,” Darach said. “The further into the cave we get the better.”
She gave Robert a quick hug then gestured at Darach. “Looks like you need to lead the way again.”
“Aye, then.” His eyes met Robert’s. “It can get a wee bit treacherous. Watch my footing closely, lad.”
Robert nodded.
Darach's eyes met hers. “Stay close to us, aye?”
“Of course.”
Darach wasn’t kidding. Though sunlight streamed from multiple crevices overhead, the path downward grew steeper and the rocks slicker with a fine sheen of sea spray. The wind whistling through cracks and the ocean crashing against the rock created a haunting echo that well-suited the eerie cave. She stayed close behind Robert, ready to grab the back of his tunic if he started to slip. By the time they made it to the bottom, it was so dark she could barely make out Darach’s silhouette.
“I’m surprised one of you wizards doesn’t use magic to light the way,” she mentioned.
“Nay.” Darach moved slower and made sure they stayed behind him. “’Tis not a good idea to use magic around here. Not right now.”
They didn’t go that much further before light increased, the cave widened and they came to an exit that overlooked a good sized area. It appeared to be a lightly forested meadow completely surrounded by cliffs. A valley lush with greenery and colorful wildflowers. Though the echo of crashing waves could still be heard, it only added a mystical feel to the place as spray twisted with sunlight far overhead but never touched the ground.
“Oh, wow,” she whispered. “This is astounding.”
“Aye,” Robert agreed, his eyes as wide as hers.
Jackie took his hand, and they followed the others to a group of pine trees that offered ample protection.
Grant gestured to the women. “Please gather wood. We can burn a fire here. The smoke will remain unseen.” Then he looked to the men. “There are inlets and small caves throughout this area. Hunt, so we can eat. Then I will explain where we are.”
“With all due respect, I hunt not gather,” Erin informed, eyes intent on Rònan. “Let’s go make some spears from sticks and catch lunch, dragon.”
Nicole snorted. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s all you two will be doing.”
“You should talk, preggie,” Erin shot back before she grinned and left with Rònan.
Meanwhile, Niall continued muttering under his breath about Nicole being in yet another unsafe situation. Jackie didn’t blame him considering her pregnancy.
“I’ll
be fine,” Nicole assured and kissed him before she said, “Go hunt with the guys. I’ll pick up sticks with Jackie.”
Jackie got a distinct feeling that was the last thing Nicole wanted to do. Her friend knew how to use a weapon and wanted to join the hunters. She bit back yet another surge of irritation. She didn’t want to be so dependent on others to protect her. It stunk, and she was just about over it.
Heidrek looked at Darach. “Go hunt. I will stay with Jackie.”
“I can protect Jackie and the bairns just fine,” Grant said. “Both of you go.”
“Well, I am no bairn,” William announced and started striding after Erin and Rònan.
“Nay.” Grant shook his head. “Ye’ll stay here and help gather wood, lad.”
When William kept walking, Grant’s voice deepened. “Ye dinnae want to test me. Ye willnae like the results.”
Grant’s tone of voice stopped William in his tracks. She didn’t miss his reddened cheeks when he glanced at the men walking by to go hunting. Poor kid. Pre-teen years sucked…especially in this day and age.
“I know Grant is mighty, but I could use the extra protection,” Jackie piped up. “Besides, I think you and Robert have a much more important job making sure Nicole and I stay safe.”
“I’m with Jackie,” Nicole agreed. “We need you two to protect us.”
“Aye, then, I will defend ye both,” Robert declared and tucked a stick into the side of his pants as though it were a sword.
William looked at him as though he was daft. “Did ye not hear the other lass? Ye need to sharpen a stick before it can be any sort of weapon.”
Robert eyed his stick. “Do ye know how to sharpen one, then?”
“Aye, who doesnae?”
Nicole frowned. “Hey, be nice.” Her eyes narrowed. “Who are you again?”
“His name is William.” Jackie gave him a pointed look. “And I’m sure you didn’t mean to sound condescending, right?”
“Condescending?”
“As though you were better than Robert.”
“No more than he did when we first met,” William said. When Jackie frowned, he sighed and looked at Robert. “Do ye want me to show ye how ‘tis done then?”
“Aye.” Robert nodded. “Please.”
“Everyone does their fair share,” Grant interjected. “First ye lads help gather wood then William can show ye how to whittle a stick.”
“Aye, then,” the boys said and got to it.
Nicole eyed Jackie. “How are you doing, Sweetie? Rough stuff back there at MacLomain Castle. We were all super worried about you.”
“I’m all right.” Jackie felt bad for wishing Erin had stayed, and Nicole had gone hunting. She loved them both but could have used some time alone with her best friend. “How are you feeling? Any queasiness yet?”
“Naw, I’m fine.” Nicole’s eyes met hers. “Seriously, Jackie. You seem a little off. Not to say this whole adventure hasn’t done that to all of us but…” She shook her head. “I dunno. What’s going on with you and Heidrek? You spent a lot of time with him at the fortress. Then Darach pretty much vanished…anyway, are you and Heidrek hooking up or what?”
“I’m not sure.” Jackie shook her head and wished to hell they weren’t having this conversation. “I don’t think I’m hooking up with anybody.”
“Uh huh. I get the denial thing,” Nicole said. “The same thing happened with Niall and me.”
Jackie had heard about their adventure in great detail, and though she was thrilled Nicole was happy, she wasn’t particularly up for hearing it yet again. Therefore, she redirected the conversation. “So do you think you two will get married?”
“Maybe.” Nicole shrugged. “I suppose you think we should seeing how I’m pregnant.”
Jackie sighed. “I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to,” Nicole said. “I can hear it in your voice.”
“You didn’t hear anything in my voice.” Jackie picked up more sticks. “I just know your ring shines for him so that evidently makes him your true love.”
“It does,” Nicole agreed. Then she surprised Jackie. “So yeah, though I think marriage is overrated, I’ll probably tie the knot with my brute.”
Jackie looked at her. “Yeah?”
A small smile hovered on Nicole’s lips. “Yeah.”
“Good.” Jackie smiled. “I’m happy for you.”
“You are?”
“Very. I like Niall.”
“Aw.” Nicole scuffed her boot and grinned. “I’d give you a hug if I didn’t have an armful of sticks.”
Jackie kept smiling. “Me too.” She nodded toward the pines. “Come on. It’s getting chilly. Let’s go get a fire started.”
Not long after they got a fire going, Nicole pulled one of Niall’s tunics out of a satchel, put it on, sat against a tree stump and dozed off. The boys were wandering around looking for the perfect rocks to whittle with. So, that left her and Grant.
And Grant, it seemed, had an agenda.
“How do you fare, lass?” While he appeared genuinely concerned, she sensed something else in his demeanor as their eyes met across the flames. Though she knew he was unsettled that they had traveled here, there was more to it.
“I’m okay.” Though Grant had spent very little time getting to know her at the Viking fortress, his wife Sheila had. She only stayed for a few weeks, but it was more than enough time for them to connect.
Jackie liked her. A lot. But then Sheila was easy to get along with…much like her son when he wasn’t avoiding her. As far as she could tell, Darach definitely inherited his mother's personality. They were easy-going with a likable nature. At least that’s how Darach seemed in New Hampshire. She didn’t have much to go on after that.
Then again, there had been rumors at the Viking fortress that hinted at another nature entirely. Rumors that spoke of him getting together with a girl there before Jackie showed up.
So after their kiss.
Grant’s eyes fell to her ring, his words soft. “It has changed, has it not?”
She looked at her ring. “Apparently so.”
“Perplexing.” Grant threw a few more sticks on the fire.
Something about his tone set her on edge.
While her upbringing demanded that she respect her elders, Jackie was in no mood for unfair judgment. Not after the past few months not only dealing with a shitty prognosis at home but here with all of its confusion and unrest. “No disrespect, but have you got a problem with me?”
Grant wasted no time getting to the point. “How do you feel about Heidrek?”
Heidrek? What did he have to do with her wearing the real ring and...then it occurred to her. The ring was supposed to bring her and Darach together, yet Heidrek was here too.
Grant was protecting his son.
Well, that was fine and good, but she wasn’t having it, especially after the way Darach had treated her. So she looked him dead in the eyes. “Considering your son kissed me then ditched me, I’m fairly certain how I feel about Heidrek is none of your business.”
Grant’s brows perked. “Darach kissed you?”
“Don’t look so surprised.” She frowned. “Yes, he kissed me in New Hampshire then made himself scarce.”
“So you didnae start something with Heidrek at the fortress despite knowing your ring likely meant Darach was your true love?” Grant said. “An attraction betwixt you and the Viking that would have caused my son to give you to Heidrek because he thought ‘twas the right thing to do?”
Jackie kept frowning, just as perplexed as Grant. “No, Heidrek and I are friends…good friends. I like him a lot. And just to be clear, no man gives me to another. I take offense to that statement.”
“Aye.” Grant twisted a blade of grass, his eyes a little lost as he stared at her. “My apologies…on several fronts it seems.”
Emotions turbulent, she tried to ignore her numb skin. Forgive, forgive.
Grant focused more intently on her. “
Och, lass.”
He knew. But then she figured everyone suspected something after Adlin’s reaction to her.
When Grant started to head her way, she shook her head sharply. “Please don’t. I’m fine.”
He sat slowly, his eyes never more intent, his words far softer. “You’re unwell.”
“No,” she denied. “Just overwhelmed. It’ll pass.”
“Adlin sensed it,” he murmured, studying her face. “Tell me, lass. What disability do you face?”
Jackie was relieved that they weren’t using magic here. That way Grant couldn’t figure it out. Because if anyone outside of Adlin had the power to do it, Grant would be the guy.
But she knew she had to give him an answer. “It’s a sensory thing. Mostly I’m losing my ability to smell.”
God, that sounded weak.
“Smell?” Brows furrowed, his pale grayish blue eyes grew especially intent. It was disconcerting how much Darach looked like his father. Jackie strongly suspected he would be able to pass for Grant’s twin when he was older.
“Yes,” She shrugged. “I know it’s minor compared to what everyone else is going through, but you’d be amazed how much you miss the smell of maple bacon frying. Or turkey at Thanksgiving.” She twisted her lips. “If you lived in the twenty-first century that is.”
Now Grant eyed her with that look of wisdom she was getting used to. He didn’t believe she was telling the whole truth, but he wouldn’t press it.
So though tempted to say, “Really, it’s true, just my sense of smell,” she kept her mouth shut.
Thankfully, Erin and Rònan reappeared and the conversation ended. Her friend had several dead rabbits tossed over her shoulder and a dewy, content sheen on her face that told Jackie she’d been doing far more than hunting. Erin no sooner tossed down the carcasses when everyone else returned.
Darach and Heidrek had small bucks over their shoulders.
Niall had a handful of birds.
Erin snorted. “Wow, Niall. Way to hunt.”
“Their meat is bland,” Niall said, not riled in the least by the taunt as his eyes fell on a still slumbering Nicole with affection. “My lass’s stomach will be able to handle it better.”
Jackie’s eyes shot to Nicole. So she had lied about being sick. Wasn’t that something. The friend she once knew would have made sure everyone knew she had morning sickness and how awful it was.
Passion of a Scottish Warrior (The MacLomain Series: Later Years Book 4) Page 7
