James smiled. “Milady, he would never harm you. We’re protectors by nature. Our duty since the day we entered training was to guard and protect. Nay, I know Sean well and I say he’ll be incensed that someone threatened his lady. Sean is tolerant by nature, but this will cause him concern.”
Frances became intrigued, and couldn’t imagine Sean ireful. From what she’d seen, his typical expression was one of tolerance or sureness. “Have you ever seen him angry?”
“Of course, milady. We’ve been in many skirmishes together. He saves his aggression for when it’s needed, during war or when a situation calls for fighting.”
She shook her head. “He’ll need such skill here by the border. We never know who will try to besiege us, especially if the lords are provoked about anything.”
James laughed boisterously. “Aye? I deem that’s the only reason he came when Lord William called. Our lands are mostly peaceful and there was calm about the region. We aren’t even at war with another clan. I suspect Sean knew there’d be turmoil here and he looked forward to it.”
“Oh? I hope he knows how to use a sword.” For the first time since she started this conversation with James, she smiled. The absurdity of her words made her want to laugh. Sean obviously reveled in using his sword, according to James, and the fact that he wore his survival trophies on his chest.
“I’d say he’s fairly proficient, he’d say he’s an expert,” James said, and then chuckled.
“I promise to speak of the message to him, James. Thank you for your protection.”
“Nay, no thanks are necessary, milady. It is what I do.”
Frances conceded and would speak of her fears to Sean when he returned. For now, she’d be confined and that bothered her. She longed for the days when she had freedom to roam at will. For the foreseeable future, she was destined to the solitude and silence.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Noise and crowds met him when Sean reached the outlying village of Selkirkshire. Sean rode through and decided to stop at one of the merchant’s huts before he went to the main keep. He led his horse to an equerry and tossed the reins to the lad, Angus, he’d brought along.
He’d felt solaced knowing James was at the keep protecting Frances. This was the worse time to attend a meeting and he didn’t want to leave her. There’d been fear in her tone when she’d told him about her friend, and he was touched that she was more concerned for him. He couldn’t shirk his duties though and was at least assured to know his friend protected his interests.
“He can use water and a ration. Stay with him, Angus, and trust none other to his care. I’ll return as soon as I can.” Sean left the lad to see to his horse and meandered through the busy main thoroughfare.
Being in the village unsettled him. He wasn’t used to the uncleanliness or rude people. The Highlands had pristine air, unclouded streams, hills that reached the sky, and open fields. He’d never get used to this place. Yet it was where his business would take him, so he’d better get used to it.
Sean stepped over a dog lying in his path and reverted around a woman, carrying a large basket. Ahead was the merchant hut he sought. At least, he hoped the merchant still occupied the same location. He remembered Gregor from his visit years before.
“Gregor,” he called in greeting. He clasped his hand and waited for recognition.
“Och if it isn’t Sean Gunn. What brings you back to these parts? If I recall, you said I wouldn’t have to worry about seeing you again, that you’d never darken my door. Should I hide my coin?” Gregor laughed while stepping back to let another pass.
Sean grinned at his banter. He’d said those things mainly because Gregor had been angry at him winning his day’s wage in their fair game of dice.
“I’m in need of fabric. I wish to gift it to my lady.”
Gregor tugged his graying beard. “Ah, ye have a lady? God Almighty himself must have blessed you since I last saw ye. Come, I have fine cloth inside. My son just returned from the east with a good stock.”
Sean followed him inside the hut. Gregor rummaged through bolts of wound fabric and showed him various woven pieces, but they were woolen, coarse, and not fine enough.
“Do you have anything softer? I wish her to make a gown of it.”
“I have just what you’re looking for, but ‘tis costly. And there’s not much of it, mayhap enough to make a gown of.” He pulled a folded length of green silk from a pile, the shade bright and vibrant.
“I’ll take it, all of it.”
“There’s a woven floral that matches. Ye want it? She can make a mantle or an overdress of it. Besides ye owe me.” His friend’s salesmanship was being played well.
He laughed. “I owe you? It wasn’t my fault the dice didn’t go in your favor that day. Och, alright, give me both and then we’ll call it even.”
Sean was pleased. He paid Gregor the excessive price, not really minding since he’d taken about the same amount of coin in their game. “I’ll pick it up on my way back. I’m headed to the keep.”
“Aye? I saw a good many lords riding through this morn. Fare ye well, my friend. Keep your arse out of trouble.”
“I’ll try, but trouble always seems to find me.” Sean gave a wave and left the hut, and made his way to the drawbridge of the keep. Many men assembled and appeared to be greeting one another. He wasn’t sure where to find Baron de Percy. In Lord William’s lists, he was instructed to only trust a handful of lords, some of whom were present at the signing of the charter by King John, years before.
This was dangerous business and if caught, he’d be beheaded for treason by England’s delegates. Mayhap he should have worn breeches and left his tartan home. He didn’t blend in as he was wont. Lord William pretended to be a supporter of England’s when necessary, along with many of the border barons. His insight into the politics was vitally crucial to Alexander.
Most of the border barons protected their interest and weren’t really concerned with Scotland’s plight. That caused Sean to admire Lord William even more.
Sean listened to the men’s greetings, hoping to hear de Percy’s name mentioned. In Lord William’s instructions, he’d given de Percy as his contact and trusted ally. He also mentioned him in their last conversation. He didn’t like the looks coming from the men he passed. As he reached the keep’s doors, he heard someone call out.
“Gunn, over here.”
Sean stepped aside and noticed the tall, resonant man dressed in his finery. “My lord?”
“Richard, och I’m de Percy. I’ve been awaiting you. Lord William wrote and explained the doings. I presume he passed?”
“Aye, he has. I’m here in his stead.” Sean stepped back out of the way of other going inside. Most of the men now entered the keep for the meeting which was about to begin.
“He was a good man, we’ll suffer his loss. My condolences, lad. I assume all went according to plan, the wedding and such?”
Sean nodded. “Aye, I wed his ward as was the agreement and am pleased.” More than pleased. Sean thought of Frances and what she was doing at that moment. He hoped she thought of him as well.
“Good, good. I’m fond of Lady Frances. Now come, stay with me, and I’ll give you the rundown of who is who.” de Percy took up a wide space in the doorway with his large body, along with the two lads that followed him.
Sean shadowed the aged lord inside. The man looked to be ancient with white hair and a scraggly beard. When the lord stopped by the buttery and poured them both a cup of ale, he took it from him and stood silent, awaiting word. He raised the cup to take a swig.
“Don’t drink that, Gunn, just hold it.”
Sean lowered the cup and just as he suspected, dangerous dealings were afoot here. It was easy to thwart and rid enemies when all were in attendance. Especially if poison were used, no one would know who the assailant was. The taste of treachery sat foul in his mouth.
Baron de Percy turned to addressed the two lads who trailed him. “Lads, take your positions.
Be discrete.” To him, he said, “Let us move there by the window casement. My lads will lend their ears to the discussions. We’ll know soon enough who has taken sides. There are only a few here that you can trust. See there,” he said pointing across the room. “The man wearing the blue tunic … That is Roger de Montbegon, lord of Hornby castle, and the man standing with him is William Malet, Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset shires.”
Sean gave a slight nod to indicate he knew who Baron de Percy spoke of.
“And next to him is Eustace de Vesci, Lord Alnwick. They are comrades of Lord William. Appears they’ll be starting the meeting soon. Have ye read the material?”
Sean nodded. “Aye, I understand King Henry wants to restate some of the clauses. None of them seem to undo any of the previous articles. King Alexander may be concerned about the mention of the land entitlements.”
“They don’t cause too much concern, the entitlements are miniscule compared to the land rights William is interested in and wants returned. The entitlements are in the hands of Scotsmen and likely will stay there. We will not trust that Henry will try to slip in something that will go against what we fought for against his father. Come, let us listen in. The arguments are about to begin.”
Sean stood next to de Percy, concentrating and focusing on the droned words of the moderator. A feeling of being watched came. Sean was used to being scrutinized, but this feeling was that of tenseness and mayhap loathing. He spied a man wearing lurid colors, various furs, and who appeared to be well full of himself. He chuckled to himself at the way the man stood against the wall, as if he was on display.
“Who is that?” he said low to de Percy, giving a slight nod of his head in the man’s direction.
“Ah, that is Adam Armstrong. An insignificant bugger, he is. Deems he’s lord of the ladies, but he’s not lord of shit. And won’t be until he succeeds his brother, the man standing next to him. The ladies do seem to flock to him. He can usually be found in the company of the sheriff of Berwickshire. Ah, speak of the devil. There is Sir John now.”
Sean didn’t like the look of the two of them. But he would keep his assessment to himself for now.
Richard moved closer and spoke low, “Aye Armstrong was convicted of killing a man in Liddesdale, but he was pardoned by his comrade there. I’d trust neither of them. He’s in line for lordship if he can succeed his brother. Too bad his brother is in good health.”
The man didn’t look capable of killing anyone, garbed in his fine attire and the way he carried himself. Sean returned his attention the fervent speech at the end of the hall, and after a few minutes of arguments, the meeting was called to an end.
After the meeting, many of the lords left hastily. Lord de Percy signaled his lads to meet him outside. Sean wanted to be on his way as well, but before he could exit the hall, the ostentatious man stopped him.
“Lord de Percy, will you introduce me to your friend there?” Adam raised his hand, allowing the gleam from his jeweled ring to flash in the strobe of sunlight filtering the chamber.
Sean kept his expression aloof and disinterested in the fellow, but he couldn’t be rude and leave without allowing Lord de Percy the introduction.
“This is Lord William the Hume’s heir, Lord Hume, Sean Gunn.”
The other gentleman with him turned hastily now drawing himself into the conversation. “Lord William … Hume?”
“Aye, the same,” Lord de Percy said. “Gunn, this is Sir John, a friend of King Alexander’s and Queen Joan’s. He is also the sheriff of the shire and ensures the laws are being followed.”
“I was at Lord William’s keep early this morn and was told of his death. I was sorry to learn of it.” The man stood erect, but not as tall as he. His face lined and he appeared angered, even though he’d said he was aggrieved.
Sean didn’t like hearing that he’d been to his keep. If he were there, someone obviously told him of the news. Sir John was at the top of Lord William’s list of those who not to trust. By the look of him, his uncle’s assessment of the man was astute.
de Percy glanced at him before retorting. “Aye we are all saddened by Lord William’s death. Gunn here was named his successor and it had been in the works since he was a lad, for he’s the son of Lord William’s sister.”
“Were you? I am gladdened to meet you for I am interested in my pursuit of Lady Frances and stopped there to discuss it with Lord William this morn.” The man bowed his head and paid him a respectable greeting.
Sean set his hand on the hilt of his sword at the mention of Frances, braced his legs, and scowled at the man. He wanted to impose an intimidating mien and suspected he’d achieved that goal when the man stepped back. It helped that Sean was a least a foot taller and brawnier than the fellow.
“I’m afraid your pursuit of the lady is contrived. For she is recently wed,” Lord de Percy said.
Sir John huffed and flailed his arms. “That cannot be, my lord. I waited a long time for her mourning period to end …”
A piqued interest brightened Sir John’s face and Sean thought he might be angry by the assessment. Indeed he was. “Aye, she is wed to me. Our betrothal was set many years ago.” It wasn’t the quite a falsehood since William mentioned that he had wanted him to wed Frances for some time.
“She was wed to Robert and if she were betrothed to you, I would have known.” Sir John flustered at the news.
Sean didn’t want to get into a debate about it or discuss such a private matter. “It is family business and of no concern of yours. I must be leaving.” His dismissal was blatant. Sean didn’t answer to these men and he wanted it known.
Sir John grabbed his arm, stopping him from leaving.
Sean gave a disapproving glare, and the man got his intended message, releasing him instantly. It was a good thing, because all he had to do was grab the man by his neck, squeeze a wee bit, and end his life.
“Why didn’t she say such to me when I saw her?”
“I know not. ‘Tis likely because it is none of your affair.” Lord de Percy stood next to him, glaring at the man’s gall.
“Stay away from my wife.” Sean wasn’t about to say anything more. His words spoken harshly were enough to get the message across. “Lord de Percy, shall we?” Sean gestured the way to his newfound friend and left the two ornery gentlemen to themselves. He felt their eyes on him as he exited, stabbing him in the back.
When he reached the outside, Sean pulled Richard aside. “Do you deem he might be a bit peeved?”
Richard laughed. “Mayhap, my lord. Seems you have made an enemy in Sir John. Likely two enemies, as I heard tell Armstrong tried to court your lady at the queen’s castle whilst she was in the queen’s service.”
“I don’t know whether I am blessed or not in this marriage. Hell, I always enjoy a good fight and those two look intent in amusing me. I wonder if my lady is aware of her suitors? Well, I will ask her when I see her.”
de Percy turned when his two lads approached. They spoke hastily and so quiet, Sean couldn’t make out what they said. “Go and ready the horses. I’ll meet you,” Richard told them. The two lads took off. “Seems the lords are tightlipped this day. The lads didn’t find out much. I don’t like how this meeting proceeded. Not much accomplished. I wonder if this meeting was arranged to keep us at bay.”
“I’m going to a mead hall, for I’m thirsty,” Sean said, and turned toward the exit of the keep.
“Best one in the village is Philbert’s. He doesn’t allow anyone near his ale and you can rest assured ‘tis safe to drink. I shall see ye soon, lad.” de Percy strolled off.
Sean walked hastily back to Gregor’s hut and picked up his purchase. He found Angus sleeping near his horse and kicked his shin lightly to awaken him.
“We’re off, lad, get the horses ready. Put this in my satchel. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Sean trekked off to find Philbert’s mead hall and entered the dark domain.
It was crowded inside, but he found an open spot at the high
table at the back. He threw a ha’-penny on the table before Philbert dunked his cup in the ale barrel. The man set it before him with a bang. He found himself thirsty and wanted a drink before he set off, and chugged the entire cup. When he handed his cup back, it was returned filled to the top.
The ride would take hours and he’d not reach home until nightfall. Sean was anxious to return to Frances and wouldn’t stay the night.
Inside the hall, many of the lords who attended the meeting stopped in before their return home, too. Sean drank his second cup of ale slowly, assessing those around him.
Sir John stood with various other lords and discussed a riff one of the lords had with a crofter. Being the sheriff, Sir John was obligated to take care of the matter. Sean watched his demeanor with interest. The man seemed well placed and comfortable around those within the alehouse. He appeared likened by the others.
Armstrong on the other hand stood by himself, until a serving woman walked by. He grasped her around the waist and pulled her to him for a kiss. With quick hands, Armstrong pulled the woman’s bodice down and revealed her breasts. The woman giggled, but then the man must have hurt her because she yelled out and shoved him before stalking off.
Sean was about to rescue the woman, but was glad she made it to the safety of the hall’s keeper. The burly man appeared to be able to protect his servants.
He finished off his ale and set the cup on the table. As he walked back to retrieve his horse, he considered the meeting and whether it had been a waste of time. He’d learned little, but at least he was able to meet de Percy and the others. The next meeting wouldn’t be as formidable, an unsettling feeling, that. He normally wouldn’t allow anything or anyone to intimidate him.
Angus had his horse ready and he was finally ready to head home. Riding through the village, Sean felt eyes on him. Likewise, conversation was probably rife with his name spoken and not is a positive manner. He grinned to himself. These men had no knowledge of who they were dealing with, and for now, he was content to leave them to their curiosity.
A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) Page 12
