A Hardened Warrior

by McQueen, Hildie

  “Come with me,” Tristan said. He would not allow the Mackenzie to bring him into a room without at least one guard. His clan was at war, the truce only tentative, so he knew better than to take any kind of chance.

  Upon entering, the first thing that took Tristan’s attention was the huge table at the center of the room. Around the long table were chairs, three on each side. On one wall was a huge fireplace in which a fire burned, the heat emanating from it enough to dispel the chill from the well-sized room. On one side of the table sat the McLeod, at his side a man he didn’t recognize. On the other side were two men, one he recognized as brother to Laird Robertson, a smallish clan nearby. With the Mackenzie sat Caylen, who motioned for him and Ruari to empty chairs opposite the McLeods. No one seemed to be particularly wary, which made Tristan wonder if perhaps some conversation had already taken place before his arrival.

  “Welcome, Tristan. How fares yer brother?” the Mackenzie asked without preamble.

  “Well,” Tristan replied. “He sends his regards.”

  The Mackenzie nodded. “And the reason for his absence?”

  This was a delicate subject that Tristan knew would affect relations between the clans. “He remains behind as burdens of our clanspeople are heavy at the moment. As ye are well aware, the end of winter brings many a problem.”

  The Mackenzie nodded, seeming, at least on the outside, appeased. “And ye Ruari? I have not seen ye in many years.”

  Ruari’s clear voice seemed to boom in the room. “I come as a representative of Clan Ross to provide any assistance necessary.”

  It wasn’t clear who his cousin meant, exactly. But the fact was that, together, the Ross cousins presented a formidable pair, in stature, physique and reputation as fierce warriors. It was enough of a warning to most: they were not to be toyed with.

  “Very well,” the Mackenzie began. “I called ye,” he looked to the McLeod and then to Tristan, “because I am concerned about the ongoing war between yer clans. The Robertsons as well as Clan Burns, who have nothing to do with this, have been affected. Many of their people have been killed or injured. There are other neighboring villages that have also suffered from this war of yers. Neither of yer clans has taken care to maintain the conflict within yer borders.”

  Tristan was surprised at the Mackenzie’s concerns. Surely, this had more to do than just the clans that came to seek help.

  Across the table, the McLeod met his gaze for a moment. There was neither animosity nor friendship, more of an acknowledgement.

  The McLeod looked to the Mackenzie. “I can only speak for my men when I say that they were ordered to remain within the boundaries of our territory. Most battles have been fought on our lands, as the Ross are the aggressors.”

  Since it was true, Tristan let it go. Instead, he focused on a different tactic. “It makes little sense that our warriors would trespass either Robertson or Burns land. They are both north of our lands. Battles have been primarily on the central borders.”

  “That is not true,” the man sitting beside the McLeod replied. “The last attack, led by yer younger brother, was indeed on the north.” The man gave him a triumphant lift of his chin. “I would venture to guess on Burns’ land.”

  Tristan leaned forward. “How would we attack if yer men were not there already?”

  The Mackenzie cleared his throat and blew out an exaggerated breath. “Ye will come to a truce and end this senseless battling.”

  “Ethan McLeod killed my father. I doubt yer son would sit idly by if it happened to ye.” Tristan speared Caylen with a pointed look. “Would ye?”

  Caylen shook his head. “I would not.”

  “Vengeance has been served, there have been many deaths on both sides.” The Mackenzie sat back as if things were settled.

  It was laughable that one of the most ruthless men he knew would intervene in this because of two small clans’ complaints. However, he knew both the smaller Robertson and the Burns fell under his protection.

  The Mackenzie no doubt hoped to maintain a good relationship with the larger Robertson Clan on the eastern region. It was as powerful as the Mackenzie Clan.

  Tristan had been instructed what to say and he would not go against Malcolm’s and Uncle Gregor’s dictates. “I represent Laird Ross, my brother, and his position is that we will not rest until Ethan McLeod pays for what he did. We will not seek out a battle, but we will continue in our quest to find him.”

  The McLeod stiffened at this and his lips pressed together in a tight line before he spoke. “Ye will not kill my son. Expect us to protect not just him, but all of our people.”

  The debate would not end for hours, so Tristan looked to a servant who stood nearby. “Ale.”

  Chapter Six

  Merida, her mother and Paige, her brother’s wife, were invited to Lady Mackenzie’s sitting room. Six women were already seated when they walked in. Some of the women Merida knew, others were strangers. Everyone was animated, excited at the first gathering since the thaw of winter.

  Her mother pulled her and Paige through the room, introducing Paige as Alec’s wife and managing to drop hints about Merida’s need for a husband.

  Finally, they were seated in a conversation area with several chairs and tables. Servants brought mead and sweet cakes and the women continued conversing.

  Paige seemed content, her eager expression endearing, and Merida couldn’t help but take her new sister’s hand and squeeze it between her own. “Ye are a dear. Ye make this entire thing bearable.”

  “Tis something I have yet to believe is happening to me,” Paige replied, her eyes bright. “That yer family has accepted me so easily.”

  Paige was fair, with blonde hair that cooperated much better than Merida’s own. She was slender and graceful, seeming more regal than the village girl she’d been raised.

  Lady Mackenzie studied Merida for a moment. “I find it surprising that ye have no suitors.”

  “Tis not for lack of interest,” her mother interjected. “Our Merida has been ensconced in our keep for most of the last two years. Her search for a match has been interrupted by the terrifying events of late.”

  “Yes, of course,” Lady Mackenzie replied. “The battles of men affect everyone.” She smiled sweetly at Merida, “I am sure we will find ye a suitable husband.”

  “I do not…” Merida began, but her mother interrupted.

  “What my daughter means to say is that we do not wish to be too forward but would be delighted if ye intervened on her behalf to yer husband.”

  Paige gave Merida a supportive look. Of course, neither would contradict her mother, especially as the nearest group of women, which included Lady Robertson, made no pretense they were not listening in on the conversation.

  “My daughter, Lilith, seeks a husband as well,” Lady Robertson said, dismissing Merida.

  “There ye see, Mother. There are other women seeking help in finding a husband. We cannot expect Lady Mackenzie to make an exception for us.”

  Lady Mackenzie, who’d stood to speak to a servant, returned to her seat, alight with expectation. “I have the most brilliant idea. Once I speak to my husband, I foresee wonderful news for both Merida McLeod and Lilith Robertson tomorrow. Please know that ye are invited to remain here for at least a few more days.” She gave Merida a pointed look, scanning over her hair.

  Hopefully, the woman disapproved of her disheveled look enough not to speak on her behalf.

  The fact her single status was announced so openly was already bothersome. If the woman planned some sort of celebration, it could mean prolonging their departure for another week. The longer they remained, the higher the chances were that her father would secure a husband for her.

  “Mother, I do not want to remain here longer than necessary,” Merida mumbled under her breath.

  Unfortunately, her mother seemed delighted at Lady Mackenzie’s idea. “Are ye not tired of remaining cloistered all winter? This is a good opportunity for ye to find a husband a
nd for making new acquaintances.” She then looked to Paige. “Ye as well. Alec will be laird one day and tis good for ye to be friends with other lairds’ wives.”

  Paige paled. The poor young woman was out of her element, unsure of every word she uttered and every action. Although she and her mother had spent the bulk of the winter training with Paige, instructing her on the role she was about to take, it was nothing like the real thing. Now, both she and Paige found themselves on display at the home of the Mackenzies, the largest clan in the region.

  Taking pity on Paige, Merida took her arm. “Mother, I think Paige and I will go for a short walk in the garden. I need fresh air.”

  Before her mother, or anyone for that matter, could protest, they hurried out of the room, practically sprinting to the door and down the stairwell.

  The night air was colder than they expected and it took both their breaths away. But that did not deter them from pulling their shawls tightly around their shoulders as they made their way to a small walled side garden where the women had congregated earlier.

  “As a child, I remember thinking this garden was huge and magical,” Merida said, smiling up at the night sky. “Now it’s like any other garden.”

  Paige came alongside her and also peered up. “I am not sure this is where I should be. I prefer to return home.”

  “I do as well,” Merida said.

  “Ye have to accept that this is yer life now.” She pointed to the keep. Noting Paige studying the structure, she rubbed the woman’s shoulder. “Alongside my brother, ye will make a wonderful laird’s wife one day.”

  When Paige didn’t look convinced, Merida touched shoulders with her. “Could ye give up my brother that easily?” Knowing the answer, she hid a smile when Paige sighed.

  “Nay, I love him more than life itself,” Paige whispered.

  “Well, then ye must stop being silly and enjoy this time. For when ye return home, both of ye will be anxious to be alone.”

  Paige gasped and both of them giggled.

  As if he had been beckoned, her brother appeared from around the corner and called for his wife. No doubt, he looked for some time alone, so Merida didn’t follow. The sun was low on the horizon, shadows growing longer and larger over the landscape. It was a perfect time for lovers to steal away and get privacy within the gardens or the loch shore nearby.

  The coo of a lone bird sounded and Merida listened to the lonely sound and wondered why the wee creature was alone. There was rustling nearby and she decided it was best to go inside and not accidently happen upon a couple intent on spending time alone and not being discovered.

  “Surely ye come with a desire to be with me, else ye would not be here,” a young woman said in a tone that left no room to wonder what she hoped would happen.

  “I do find ye alluring, lass, but I do not seek entanglements,” the familiar voice replied.

  Merida’s eyes widened at hearing Tristan Ross’ voice. Somehow, she had to figure out a way to sneak past them.

  “Entanglement?” the girl asked, seeming to be taken aback. “Tis that what ye think I wish for?”

  Of course it’s what she wanted, Merida thought, rolling her eyes.

  “I wish ye a good night,” Tristan replied and Merida waited to hear what the woman would say next.

  There were silence and Merida looked around a young sapling to see what was happening.

  By the outlines, it was easy to tell who was who. A young woman leaned forward, her hands on Tristan’s chest. She looked up at him, her chin hitched.

  “Do not toy with me, Tristan Ross, I can inform my father ye made advancements and he will insist ye marry me.” The girl’s tone was becoming harsh. “Why else are ye out here?”

  Merida took several steps backward and let out a loud sigh. “Tristan,” she hissed out as if attempting to whisper. “Are ye here?”

  Pretending not to notice the couple that’d now stepped apart, she made a soft sound as if calling a dog. “Tristan?”

  “I am here,” he replied in a confused tone. “Merida?”

  “This is insulting!” His young pursuant huffed and walked a short distance away.

  “Ah, there ye are.” Merida made a play of hurrying toward him as the young woman had stopped to see what would happen next. She took his rough hand and tugged him back to where she and Paige had been. There was a bench that would hide them from the young woman’s view. “Sit.”

  Although he frowned down at her once Merida sat, he lowered next to her and let out a breath as if relieved. “Had we agreed to meet here?”

  “Mother says men are simple beings. I am beginning to understand what she means.”

  He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “Why are ye out here?”

  “I am on a rescue mission it seems. First Paige, who needed desperately to leave the women’s sitting room. Now I rescued ye from an overly zealous, pampered girl.”

  His gaze flattened. “I did not require rescuing.” When he looked in the direction where the girl had gone, Merida fought not to grin.

  “I am so very sorry for the intrusion. I see now. It was a game between ye.” She jumped to her feet. “I will retrieve her and explain my actions were one sided.”

  His hand shot out and took her by the wrist, yanking her none-so-gently to sit again. “Nay, tis not necessary. I have no desire to bed a lass that is barely out of nappies.”

  “Very well,” Merida said, suddenly fully aware she was alone with a warrior, in the middle of the garden, hidden from view. Unsure what to do, she decided it was best to discuss his health. “Have yer wounds fully healed?”

  “Aye.”

  “Good.” She fiddled with her skirt. “Perhaps it is safe to leave the garden now.”

  “Why are ye here at the Mackenzies’?” Tristan asked, once again taking her wrist to ensure she didn’t flee. “Tis a talk between lairds about war. Tis no place for a lass like yerself.”

  She wondered how much to reveal and decided it didn’t matter. The reason for her being there would be exposed sooner or later and she preferred to tell Tristan like this, one-on-one.

  “My parents hope to marry me to a Mackenzie.”

  He nodded. “I am surprised to find ye not betrothed as yet. Ye are a beautiful woman.”

  His compliment took her aback. Tristan Ross did not seem the type to pay compliments. He appeared to be a man used to women approaching him. Merida was willing to bet he rarely had to pursue a woman. Yet she smiled, liking that he did compliment her.

  “Thank ye. My parents have been rather patient with me, allowing me freedom for as long as possible.”

  Tristan nodded. She studied his face for a moment. He was handsome, however not in a classic sense. His nose had been broken before, probably in battle. With cropped hair and a light feathering of a beard, the warrior was alluring. She knew his body, it was formidable although scarred.

  It occurred to Merida that she’d yet to reveal her identity and, at the realization, she shivered. “I remember ye, from when yer father visited mine.”

  “Ye must be cold.” For the moment, Tristan seemed to have his mind elsewhere and didn’t ask about her clan and she was thankful for it. Suddenly, she needed to get away. First, he was a warrior. At the knowledge that she was sister to the man who’d killed his father, there was no way to know his reaction.

  “I best go.” She tugged her hand free from his grasp and stood. “I expect we will see each other at morning fast.”

  He nodded and stood as well. “Where do I know ye from? Ye do look familiar now that I think about it.” He studied her. “I am curious…” he began, but she interrupted, pointing at the sky.

  “There, did ye see it?”

  Following her line of vision, he watched as several stars fell from the sky, leaving a trail of light as they moved.

  “Tis magical, are they not?” Suddenly forgetting her plan to escape, Merida continued to watch the sky in case another star would do the same.

  “Ye are more
interesting to me than the stars.” Tristan took her chin and turned her face toward his. Then without warning, he kissed her fully and firmly on the mouth.

  A more perfect kiss, Merida would have never imagined. His lips remained atop hers, not demanding but, at the same time, tasting her mouth in a way that made her want to press against him.

  Just as she was about to make a fool of herself by allowing her body to fall toward him, Tristan lifted his head and motioned with one arm toward the keep.

  “Shall we?”

  Although Tristan was not interested in pursuing a woman at that particular time, he considered who, exactly, Merida was. He went through the clans his family had visited with regularly and tried to remember all the daughters.

  For the most part, he attended the meals and then either hunted or competed with other men. Most times, the lairds’ wives and daughters were inside during the day. In the evenings, he and the other young men would go about flirting and dancing with the younger lasses if possible.

  There were a number of redheads, but he did not recall one as beautiful as Merida.

  Perhaps she’d blossomed late.

  Chapter Seven

  The next day, Tristan, Ruari and the McLeod were the only ones present in the Mackenzie’s study. The air was tense. Without the buffer of the other two clans, they had no choice but to acknowledge each other.

  Additionally, it went without saying that Tristan would be the one to decide on the terms of their truce. That was because his clan was stronger and also the aggressors.

  “What say ye?” the Mackenzie asked without preamble, his keen gaze trained on Tristan.

  Tristan studied the powerful laird. Although he maintained the air of a warrior, by his girth, it was obvious it had been a long time since he’d last seen battle.

  “We stand by the temporary truce and will not engage in battle unless provoked.” Tristan pinpointed the McLeod with a steady look. “Know that yer son will not be able to hide forever.” He then looked back to the Mackenzie. “Our father’s death is not fully avenged until Ethan McLeod is dead.”