by Sherry Ewing
“Take a knife, Em,” Katherine ordered. “Remember, safety first.”
“What the heck do I need a knife for?” Emily asked shortly.
Katherine rolled her eyes. “’Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.’ Isn’t that how the saying goes?”
“Don’t know what you think I’m going to do with the stupid thing. It’s not as if I’m good at killing anything we can eat or protecting myself,” Emily muttered.
Juliana laughed out loud. “You may not know how to use it, but I’d still hate to come up against you when you’re feeling scrappy.”
“And we’ve seen you when someone’s ticked you off,” Brianna added. “Not a good place to be.”
“Fine, I’ll take the dang thing,” Emily finally relented. She went to the bag at Katherine’s feet and began rummaging around, looking for one of the knives.
“Here Em, take this one,” Juliana called out, smiling as she took the knife out of her waistband.
Emily looked at Jewels, who only gave her a sheepish smile and a shrug, as if it had been the most natural thing in the world to be keeping a weapon in such a place. Gazing at the knife, Emily looked at it as though she had never seen one before, and then she began muttering to herself about her ornery and cocky friends.
“Don’t go too far, either,” Katherine shouted in caution, when Emily trounced off into the woods, as she, too, pulled a knife from the back of her jeans.
Poor Emily, Katherine thought as her laugher resonated with the thought of her friend and the dilemma she was now facing. If Emily had her way, she’d be back sitting in the coffee shop in San Francisco with no further thoughts of having to go potty in the woods.
* * *
Emily could have sworn she heard Katherine’s laughter ringing out as she made her way deeper into the woods. The things she had been reduced to! Even a filthy, smelly, disgusting garderobe would be preferable than having to find a random place here in the woods to take care of her business. This was camping on a whole different level, and she wanted to go home! What the hell was she doing here out of her element anyway?
She continued making her way through the forest until she thought she was far enough from prying eyes. Stopping, her eyes began to adjust to the dimmer lighting found in the density of the trees. A branch snapped, and Emily quickly looked towards where the sound seemed to originate. She brandished her knife, hoping she looked menacing enough, while she continued peering into the darkness before her. She stood that way for several moments until she began to relax, feeling she had only imagined the noise.
Emily dropped her guard and lowered the knife, holding it loosely in her hand. It was a mistake. An arm snaked out from behind her, knocking the knife, which fell useless to the ground. A viselike grip wrapped itself around her waist and she was pulled up against a rock hard, muscular body. She tried to struggle, but it was no use. Captured in a steely grip, she cursed her stupidity.
“Ye shouldna’ be out in the woods by yerself, milady,” her assailant whispered huskily in her ear. “Ye never know who ye might meet that may wish ye harm.”
Emily gave no thought to her own safety as she quickly ground her heel into the man’s foot and brought back her elbow, landing it firmly in the man’s ribs. His breath left him in a loud hiss as he loosened his hold. It was enough for her to break free and make a grab for her knife. She twirled around, not knowing what she planned to do next.
Seeing the man’s body outlined in the darkness, her breathing came rapidly as her chest heaved in and out. Her panic surely shown in her eyes, but she refused to let this stranger drag her off and do whatever evil intent he had on his mind. Brandishing the knife in front of her, Emily hoped she appeared menacing enough to keep him at bay. Her eyes widened in surprise when the man, partially hidden in the shadows, held up his hands as if in surrender.
“Easy, lassie, ’tis just me.”
His voice was like a gentle whisper on the wind. Her eyes narrowed as she peered into the shadow until he at last stepped forward into the light. A pleasant gasp of surprise escaped her. “Tiernan!” she replied in excitement. Running towards him, she threw herself into his arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, and she listened to his amused chuckle, rumbling in his chest while he held her close.
“’Twas not exactly the welcome I was expecting, but I willna’ complain,” he said, with another soft laugh.
Emily disentangled herself from his arms and saw his eyes twinkle in amusement. He smiled broadly, and she just about lost her heart. She inspected him up and down for any further injuries. He was looking much better than when she had last seen him. She could only imagine he had found some river to take an icy bath in. Where he had come upon clean clothes, she didn’t want to ask. Even his plaid tartan looked freshly laundered. He cut a most dashing figure.
“Sorry,” she said blushing. “What must you think of me, throwing myself at you like that?”
His grin grew even larger, if that was at all possible. “Well, Lady Emily, I would think ye to be a most enchanting creature, coming to grace me with her presence.”
She couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her. “No one has ever called me enchanting before.”
He reached out his finger towards her and ran it gently down her cheek. “They should have, but I am glad I am the first, if this is so,” he said softly.
A shiver went through her at his touch, and she felt she was losing her grip on the reality of her situation. She did not know him, but, for whatever reason, she knew she would be safe with him. She seemed at a loss for words as she blushed again.
He laughed once more. “Aye, the shade of red becomes ye. Are ye perchance a woodland faerie coming to grant me a wish?”
She looked at him in surprise at his words. “And what would you wish for, if you were to ask?” she said so softly, he had to lean forward, straining to hear her words. When he stepped closer, she could feel the heat from his body radiate between them.
“If I were to wish for a kiss, would ye grant me such a request?”
His answer caused her to once more tremble in anticipation. A gasp escaped her, and she watched his face to see if he was mocking her. But no, she thought. There was nothing she could see within the depths of his soft brown eyes to show that he was anything but sincere. She traced the planes of his face with her eyes; from the reddish-brown hair, falling rakishly across his brow, to his square, firm jaw, to his chiseled cheek bones, and to a mouth she longed to taste. He had to be the most handsome man she had ever met, and he was gazing at her as if he could come to care for her too. She continued to watch his face and noticed a roughish grin appear.
“Perhaps the look ye just gave me said more than any words ye could speak,” he said tenderly.
She gazed at him confused. “Did I look at you wrong?”
“Assuredly not, Lady Emily!” he replied honestly and chortled. “’Tis been some time since a beautiful woman has looked on me with something akin to affection. Not that this is the place or time for me to be dallying with a woman, no matter how much I would like things to be different at the moment.”
Emily hung her head, feeling embarrassed that he could read her expressions so openly. “Yes, I suppose I should be returning to my friends.”
“Where are yer guards and attendants?” Tiernan asked as he scanned the area, wary of being captured once more.
“Guards? We’re not traveling with any guards. It’s just me and my other three girlfriends…umm…lady friends,” Emily replied, as if there was nothing wrong with four women traveling alone. In her time, it was never a problem. His look of concern overwhelmed her, and she could only wonder where his thoughts were running to. She did not have long to wait for his answer.
“Lady Emily, for the love of God, please dinnae tell me ye are alone with only three other women for protection,” he said, running his hand through his hair in frustration.
“We’re perfectly safe, I assure you,” she replied co
nfidently.
“Aye! I can see how safe ye are, and how well ye protect yerself, given as it took me all of two seconds to disarm ye,” he yelled, taking her by the arms and giving her a small shake.
“Well…you caught me unaware,” she retorted, just as hotly.
“And just what do ye think would have happened if it had been some other ruffian that had found ye? Ye wouldna’ have fared as well, I guarantee ye! Damn it woman, what be ye thinking?”
Emily tilted her head and perused him at her leisure then gave him a slight smile. Clearly, he was very irritated with her. He let go of her arms and began pacing back and forth, cursing, she assumed, in Gaelic. Geez…isn’t he just an adorable sight, or what? she thought, then out loud said, “Are we having our first argument?”
“What?” he asked breathily, as if he was trying to calm his racing heart.
“You know…are we having our first fight?”
He peered at her and softened his expression. “Aye, I suppose we are. But, anyone with enough common sense knows these are perilous times. Ye just do not go traipsing about in the woods without a proper escort, milady.”
“I can tell you’re upset, but I promise you, we are very independent women who are used to being on our own,” she said calmly, trying to defuse his anger.
Tiernan stared at her as if she spoke another language, and Emily could only assume he had never heard of such an occurrence, especially for a woman. Remember the times, Emily, she wisely thought to herself. It’s unheard of for a lady to go about unescorted, unless she isn’t a lady at all.
“I have ne’er heard of such a thing,” he said, through clenched teeth, “and I dinnae like it.”
“I’m sorry, if I have angered you, Tiernan. What do you propose?”
He thought for several minutes before he finally shook his head, coming to a decision. “I wish I could accompany ye to yer destination, milady. But I fear, if I did so, I would bring down upon yer head the wrath of the king and his men, who are certainly searching for me. I wouldna’ want ye caught with me, since I am still a wanted man. Instead, I shall send a small contingent of my men whom I trust, to watch over ye, and yer companions. They will be close at hand should ye have need of them and will be wearing a sash such as mine. Will ye be able to recognize it?”
“Yes, of course, Tiernan,” she answered. Then she turned and began to make her way through the trees. She called back to him. “Thank you for the protection.”
He caught up to her, took her arm, and turned her around when she apparently had headed in the wrong direction. Was it her imagination, or did everything in the world seem to right itself with his touch. She rethought her earlier exclamation of wondering what on earth she was doing in the twelfth century. They strolled for only a few minutes before he halted their progress and pointed through the trees.
“Yer lady friends are just on the other side of the tree’s ahead. Ye shouldna’ have a problem finding them now, milady,” Tiernan said, dropping her arm. “Where is it you go?”
“Katherine seems to know the way to where we’re going. I only know we’re heading south to Warkworth.”
He flinched at her words. “Warkworth?” he repeated.
“Yes. Katherine is trying to find Riorden de Deveraux,” she replied curiously. “Do you know him?”
“Aye, I know him…more’s the pity,” he grumbled.
Tiernan’s tense, faraway look captured Emily’s full attention until he turned his gaze once more in her direction. His demeanor was now friendly again, so she gave no voice to the anger, seemingly simmering just below the surface, she saw in his stance but seconds before.
“What about you? Will I see you again?” she inquired, hoping this would not be the last time they would meet.
Tiernan began brushing the hair from her face. She held her breath in anticipation of…well…she didn’t have a clue, but she hoped he didn’t stop what he was doing. After several moments, during which she presumed he was trying to determine his next move, he reached out his hand and tipped up her chin. Looking into his eyes, she watched in fascination when he lowered his head, placing a soft kiss upon her lips. It was over all too soon. “Aye milady, ye shall see me again. Just remember to beware whilst ye travel these woods.”
“We’ll be careful, Tiernan.”
She watched as he fumbled beneath his cloak and pulled something from within its depths. He took her hand and placed several coins in her hand. As she was about to protest, he closed her fingers around the metal.
“Take them, for ’tis all the aid I can offer ye now,” he said, brooking no disobedience to his demands. “’Tis not much, but at least I shall know I have helped ye, however much I am able.”
“Thank you Tiernan, but you’ve already helped by sending men to watch over us.”
“I can offer you one more piece of advice, Lady Emily.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“Ye stated ye and yer lady friends were headed south to Warkworth, but in truth yer going in the wrong direction.”
“No way,” she shouted out, thinking how her friends had prolonged her agony of being in the great outdoors. She stopped her tirade to look upon the confused medieval man before her. “Sorry,” she muttered and changed her tone to hopefully sound more contrite. “And just which direction are we headed in, may I ask?”
“Yer far to the north, I am afraid.”
“I’m not really sure what else to say to express my gratitude,” she said. Then he smiled that smile of his again, making her melt.
“I’m sure ye’ll think of something the next time we meet,” he said in amusement. “In the meantime, if ye continue to head north, ye’ll reach a village in a few days’ time, depending on how fast ye walk. ’Twill be closer to anything else ye’ll come upon, once yer headed in the right direction. Ye’ll find lodging there, and food. The coin should be more than enough for yer stay, and for yer next stop along your travels.”
She took her free hand and placed it upon his cheek, feeling the rough stubble of his beard gracing his face. He took her hand and placed a kiss upon its back then surprised her by leaning down again and kissing her forehead.
“We shall meet again,” he whispered and quickly left her, disappearing into the forest.
It was with a glad heart that Emily returned to her friends without any further thoughts of her original purpose of going into the woods. For the first time since they had arrived in the past, she felt lighthearted. With such a joyous feeling filling her soul, there was only one thing she could do to express such happiness. Emily began to sing.
Chapter 15
Riorden kicked the ashes from a recent fire with his boot. Then he stood motionless as he watched particles of ash float into the air and examined the remnants on the ground. The remains of some small animal, most likely a rabbit, told him much, along with the odd looking tread from someone’s footwear. He smiled. His lady was most resourceful. At least she was not starving.
Although she started out heading in the right direction, she was far off course of being anywhere near Warkworth. He had to admit, she was good at hiding and, mayhap, a little too good, considering he had lost her trail several times in the past two days. He had begun to doubt his tracking ability when they had come across the remnants of this fire. He only prayed she did not run into any miscreants or someone who would deal unfavorably with a poacher. He was determined to find her afore another day passed. He did not like to think of Katherine out in the woods alone, especially at night.
“Well?” Danior asked, clearly irritated.
“The women were here,” Riorden replied, directing a smirk towards Aiden, who still looked as if he doubted Riorden knew where his missing lady was heading. He kicked at the dirt to disguise the impressions of his lady’s futuristic footwear until they were completely erased from their campsite. “As for whom you seek, I cannot say.”
“Bloody Hell! How the devil could he have just disappeared into the forest with no trace? He did no
t have that much of a head start on us,” Danior complained loudly.
“Perchance, he had help. Mayhap, someone was waiting for him with horses,” Patrick proposed honestly. Everyone turned to look at the lad who had spoken out of turn. Obviously embarrassed that he had declared what was on his mind, Patrick clamped his mouth shut.
Riorden reached out to give his squire a reassuring pat. “Have no fear, Patrick. You are only trying to help,” he said firmly, trying to save face for the lad. “’Tis the very same assumption crossing everyone’s thoughts since we began this chase.”
“Considering the ladies are without horses, they seem to be making remarkable progress,” Gavin said, impressed, “even if they are headed in the wrong direction. I never met a lady who did not travel with at least a dozen attendants and rode in some fancy coach, though. Where did you say they were from, Riorden?”
“I do not recall saying anything about their origins,” Riorden proclaimed, evading the question posed by his brother.
“Why ever not, Riorden?” Danior asked as he continued his inspection of the ground, looking for clues.
“Aye, do not leave us guessing. Surely, where they hail is not such a big secret, or is it?” Aiden inquired offhandedly.
Patrick leaned over to his brother and tugged on his surcoat. “’Tis the ghostie come back from the dead, Aiden. I bet she brought her friends from the other side with her, too,” he said frantically.
Aiden looked over at Patrick with a look of dismay upon his visage. “Surely, you jest?”
“Nay, I saw her with my own eyes, brother,” Patrick whispered hoarsely whilst he crossed himself. “She is the ghostie he saw on the beach and on the battlements, I swear ’tis true!”
“How do you know of this?” Aiden questioned with furrowed brows.
“He sometimes talks when he sleeps,” Patrick answered quietly.
“Patrick!” Riorden roared, aghast his squire would divulge such information. “That is enough. You speak far too freely, nor will you besmirch the Lady Katherine’s good name.”
