by Kara Griffin
She patted his boot and felt an object within. It was strange putting her hand down someone’s boot, but it couldn’t be helped. She retrieved a dagger and quickly set about cutting his bindings. The lad stretched his legs and rubbed his ankles.
The man on the bedroll rolled over and his snoring ceased. Lillia held her breath for she was certain they’d be caught. But he, thankfully, rolled back and resumed his snore.
She motioned to the lad and led him away. When they reached the large crag, she retrieved her satchel. “Come, we need to get as far away from here before they notice you’re gone. I meant to take a horse, but there’s no time to retrieve one.”
“M’lady, thank you.”
“Let us quiet for now. Are you well enough to walk? We’ll not rest for some time.”
He nodded.
Lillia knew her father’s lands well. Instead of heading north toward Fraser land as she’d intended, she headed south. With the lad in tow, she wouldn’t take Laird Fraser up on his offer of sanctuary, and she wasn’t about to leave him behind.
When they made enough progress, a new day dawned. She was tired and hungry, but kept on. They needed to put more distance between them and the two men that would hurt them. They stopped a small stream. It was so trifling they could step over it, but at least it afforded a drink and they washed themselves.
“Let us take a short rest here. I should tend to your wounds. They’ve cut your face and you’re bleeding. Oh, you poor lad. It must pain you.”
“It hurts not, m’lady. I’m grateful for your rescue, but truly I don’t need you to tend to me.”
“We’re not out of the woods yet. You’re a mite young to be traipsing about the lands by yourself. How many years are you?”
“I am unsure, but my comrades deem I’m more than ten.”
Lillia supposed he was older than ten for he appeared to be at least twelve as tall and lanky as he was. Yet there was a youthfulness to his face which reminded her of her brothers. She pulled the wimple from her hair and tore a piece of fabric. After dunking it into the water, she gently pressed the lad’s cuts. “I fear those men will come after us. You see … they followed me earlier and were intent to capture me. A friend killed their cohort.”
“Why are they after you?” The lad flinched when she touched his face.
She smiled and gently patted the damned cloth against his cuts. “I shouldn’t speak of my concerns. Where do you hail from? We should get you home.”
“Are you in danger, m’lady? Of course ye are if those men are out to abduct you. I ken a place where you would be safe.”
“I will only bring more peril to you. Once I get you home, I shall find a place to hide.” Eventually, she’d make it to Laird Fraser’s lands. There, she’d be safe enough until she could reason how to proceed.
“My lords will protect you. They’re the king’s guard.” He flinched again when she wiped the gash that seeped.
Lillia didn’t mean to gasp or show her surprise, but he’d shocked her. “Do you refer to the king’s guard renowned for aiding those who need it? The men who are legendary in their pursuit of honor? That guard?”
He smiled widely. “Aye, m’lady, that guard. When we reach home, you must tell them why those men are after you. But be assured, they will protect you.”
“I shall consider it. My name is Lillia.” She wiped the rest of his face tenderly so not to cause any discomfort.
“My name’s Gilroy, m’lady. We have a long trek if we’re to walk all the way to Dumfries.”
Lillia sighed. “I was afraid you were going to say that.” It would take days to make their way to Dumfries. And the most daunting of her thoughts: What would she find there when they arrived?
Chapter Five
Heath sat in the confessional in the small chapel of Sweetheart Abbey and crossed himself. He’d often made his confession to Friar Hemm. The friar was the only clergyman he’d trust with his secrets and sins. There wasn’t anything he’d hold back. He reiterated his sins, but didn’t ask for forgiveness and wouldn’t until the tassel strings of his boot was completely removed.
“The most heinous and affecting of my misgivings was leaving my brother behind in France. Not a day goes by I don’t think of Roderick or what befell him. I should’ve been able to save him. I should’ve gone back inside and—”
“Your brother was elder and should’ve ensured you were safe. Not the other way around, Heath. He was charged with leading your father’s men and the fight. I understand your guilt, because he is of your blood, but there was nothing you could’ve done.”
“I’ve thought of returning many times for him, but I know there is nothing I could do to gain his freedom. My thanks, Friar, for listing.”
“You ask not for penance. The tassel, even if you’re able to atone for the lives you’ve taken or lost, will not give you salvation. Your heart is too heavy, lad. Sometimes it is best to let the heartache go and move on.”
He sighed warily. “What will give me salvation? Serving the Templars as I am wont?”
“No one can answer that but you.” Hemm opened the slot betwixt them. “Heath, the Templar order is no more. All those in France and elsewhere have either fled or were murdered at the behest of France’s King Phillip. Those that escaped and made it to Scotland have laid their arms. They serve God with a different purpose now.”
He didn’t understand. What purpose was more important than fighting for the Trinity? “To what purpose, Friar?”
“Keeping Christianity’s secrets guarded. They preserve the knowledge and true story of Christ in their hearts. Some have been able to abscond with relics held dear by our faith. There is a way for you to receive God’s grace.”
“And that is?”
“All you need to do is ask for it.”
“You make it sound so guileless, Friar. And you tell me to give up what I have given myself to … to the order and now relent and … just ask for God’s forgiveness? That I should not suffer for my sins? I am not as pious to receive such forgiveness.”
“Aye, lad, you’ve suffered enough. But if it makes your heart lighter, finish your quest. Remove the strings of your tassel if you’re able. With each life you save, mayhap it will give you solace as you are wont.” Friar Hemm blessed him and left the confessional.
Heath stood outside the stall and bowed. “I am consoled by your words, Friar, even if I disbelieve gaining God’s grace will be easy.”
“Nothing is ever easy, except God’s grace. Have ye made progress in finding the king’s heir?” Hemm asked as he walked with him to the stable.
“We haven’t heard from James and await word on where the Comyns set out to. If we can figure out where they hide, we can hopefully find the king’s kin.”
“I worry for the king’s bairn. The peril that child is in astounds me. I pray continually that you and the guard find him before the Comyns do. Go in peace, my friend.” Hemm waved farewell.
Heath rode toward the fields and the caves he and his comrades made home, taking the now worn path. The caves were remote enough that passersby wouldn’t know they existed. High pines thickened the surrounding area. A few willows added seasonal greenery and offered added protection. With the cold season approaching, the trees would bare and offer less security.
He eased as he neared the ossuary where they’d made a stable of sorts for their warhorses. He was pleased to be at the caves and part of the brotherhood he’d come to count on. As he removed the harness from his horse, he realized how tethered it had become. He needed a new one and soon. Once he settled his horse, he trekked to the second cave where they lived.
Inside, he found Graeme, Liam and Brodin in deep discussion. “What goes? I just came from the abbey. There’s no new news. No word from James yet either.” He surveyed the mood amongst his friends and discerned something daunting must have happened.
Graeme scowled and sat back, close-mouthed which was unusual. His comrade never held back when giving his view, advice, or repri
mand. Perhaps Brodin and Liam had done something to warrant a harsh lecture.
Liam’s face lightened and wasn’t as bothered as their leader. “Gilroy returned. He brought a lass with him.”
Heath had a good laugh over that. “Our Gilroy with a lass? He’s barely old enough to know what to do with the fairer sex. Did ye find out why he went to the festival?”
“Nay, we haven’t questioned him yet,” Graeme said.
“Why the hell not?”
Brodin touched his arm, drawing his attention. “The lass he brought … he says she’s here to seek the guard’s aid.”
“Aye? That’s well and good since we could use the coin. Our coffers are waning.” Heath poured himself a drink and kept his opinion to himself. But he verily wanted to retrieve the lad and make him confess why he’d taken off and what happened while he was at the festival.
Brodin shook his head. “We cannot expect payment from the lass. Gilroy insisted for she rescued him. Graeme wants us to take the lass to the village. He maintains she cannot stay here.”
Liam joined in, “Gilroy was hurt, beaten by the knaves that ambushed him, and the lass needed rest. I took them to Makenna and she’s tending them.”
“Serves him right. He never should’ve left the caves.” Heath poured more ale into his cup. “Is that all that’s bothering you?” He purposely glanced at Graeme who continued to scowl.
“Our caves are getting a mite crowded. Hell, the trail we take here is so worn it will lead anyone searching for us here. We need to take greater care and perhaps use a different trail.”
Heath raised a brow. “And you’re ireful about that? There’s nothing we can do about the trail. When the rains come, the grass will grow again.”
“The more people who reside here, the more danger we bring to ourselves,” Brodin nodded, and agreed with Graeme.
Graeme grunted. “I want to send Kerrigan and William to my lands at the soonest. I mean to command it after I speak with Gilroy. Liam should send his family to his lands as well.”
Heath almost choked on the sip of warm ale he’d taken. He quickly swallowed and set his cup on the table. Certain his face reflected his astound, he took a resigned breath. Sending his wife and son away would only cause his friend’s grief. Likewise, Liam was newly wed to Makenna and recently found his young daughter.
“That’s mighty drastic, sending your family away. Neither lady will be pleased to hear this.” Heath could see their disgruntled faces now. He was about to suggest they delay the decision for a time, but before he could voice his opinion, Graeme banged the table with his fist.
“Once we question Gilroy, the lass need be on her way. She cannot stay here. I expect your agreement on this issue.” Without another word, he rose and marched off to the antechamber he and his wife occupied.
Heath dismissed him and turned back to his comrades. “Brodin, Gilroy said nothing of what happened to him? Who beat him? Why he went there?”
“Nay, only that the lass saved him and that she needs the guard’s help.”
He fingered the sparse hair that grew on his cheeks and considered the situation. “Regardless of payment, we should assist her.”
Liam chuckled. “You would say that, you being the most chivalrous of us. But you’re right. My wife would burn my ears were we to send the lass off without offering our help, especially if she’s in danger. And especially if she aided Gilroy. You ken how Makenna feels about the lad.”
Kerrigan came from the antechamber and flopped into the seat vacated by her husband. She pressed her hands over the curly tresses of her blonde hair. “He’s in a foul mood this day. Which one of you irked my husband?” She glared at each of them and snatched his drink from him.
Heath laughed and shrugged his shoulder. “Wasn’t me.”
Brodin caved and hastily told her of Graeme’s intent to send her away. He never could refrain from telling Kerrigan anything she wanted to know. Indeed, none of them would ever deny the sweet woman. They each considered her likened as a sister and protected her as well.
She sat silent for several seconds and then flapped her hand. “Pour me more ale. I disbelieve what you’ve told me, Brodin. He cannot send me away.” After she took a sip of the ale, she stood and placed her hands on her stomach. A large bulge curved the fabric of her overdress. “I’m to have a bairn when winter comes. Glory be, I must speak with him. He cannot send me away.” She hastily left the main chamber.
Heath shared a look with his comrades before he lost his composure. He laughed outright and suspected Graeme would change his mind once his wife told him the news. That got him to thinking about the coin they wagered. “Graeme was more vexed than I’ve ever seen him. I say he will still send her to his lands. What say you, Brodin? Is it worth a wager?”
Brodin nodded. “Aye, a worthy one at that. I doubt he’ll send her way now. She’ll sway him to her will as she usually does.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll continue to hold the coin.” He laughed, but then sobered. “Let us question the lad and see about this lass. We’ll give Kerrigan and Graeme privacy in case he wants to shout his objections.”
“I doubt he’d give a shit if anyone hears him. Graeme’s always been a wee bit temperamental.” Liam grinned as he followed them from the cave.
They sauntered to Liam and Makenna’s home, a smaller cave that rose upon the border of the hills. Night crept forward and lent gloominess to the air. He suspected rain may come soon, but withheld the notion. That trail might be covered yet if the weather persisted in staying warm. His comrades entered the cave and he followed.
Inside, he neared Makenna and assessed Gilroy’s injuries. She lathered salve on his face, tenderly ministering his cuts with her delicate fingers. The lad flinched and kept his eyes closed.
When he realized they were there, Gilroy’s eyes shot open and widened. “M’lords …”
“Tell us what befell you,” Brodin said directly.
“I had to go to the festival.” He retreated from Makenna. “My thanks, m’lady, but I am well enough.”
Makenna backed off and sat on the edge of the bed pallet, watching them suspiciously. “Don’t be too hard on him. He’s been through hell and is bruised and cut. I won’t have you upsetting him.”
Gilroy gave a quick glance at her before turning his attention. “I was in the village when another lad approached and handed me a message. M’lady Makenna taught me to read and I understood …”
Heath grew impatient. “And what did the message say?”
“It bid me to journey to the king’s festival. That I was to be pardoned for returning to the mainland, but not in those words only that all would be forgiven if I came. The king bid me to come and I thought I should go.”
“Do you still have the missive?” Liam asked. “I can discern if it’s the king’s hand that wrote the words.”
“Nay, I destroyed it so no one could read it. But I had to find out if the king forgave me … us. I thought he might have a message for you or that he might have finally forgiven our disobedience.”
Heath sighed at the youngster’s innocence. “It was a trap, Gilroy. The king would never send such a missive. He would send someone to fetch us and bring us to him. Robert would never trust we’d come on our own regardless of his intent. The message was sent to you to draw us out. Obviously someone knew you were with us on the night the Bruce killed Comyn.”
“I never thought of that, m’lords, until … the two men who seized me … They used their fists and knives to get me to reveal your whereabouts. But, honest, m’lords, I didn’t bespeak of you or of our caves. One man named Lyell said he’d seen me on the night the Bruce killed Comyn at Greyfriars. I told him he hadn’t and that I knew not of what he spoke.”
“How did you get away?” Heath asked, now leaning on his knees, listening intently to every word. He was somewhat impressed by the lad’s bravery.
“Lyell left the camp and the other man, Raef sought his slumber. The lady came when the ma
n slept. She cut my bindings and helped me escape.”
“You’re fortunate, lad, that she rescued you.” Heath was even more impressed by the lass’ fearlessness.
“I am fortunate, for m’lady is kind. That is the reason I promised we would help her. The two men who ambushed me … they were searching for a lass. When the other man left on his search, the other slept. There was another man, but I saw him not. They were looking for the lady who helped me for she said as much.”
“Where is the lady?” Heath asked, not seeing her within the cave.
“She sleeps here,” Makenna said. “Let her rest for they walked all the way from Ayrshire.”
Heath finally glanced at the bed where two bodies lay. One was wee and had to be Darcy, Liam’s daughter. The other evidently was the lady. “Wake her. We will question her now.”
Makenna stood and defiantly set her arms over her stomach. “I will now allow you to disturb her rest. She’s exhausted. You will await the morn before you question her.”
Heath grinned because Makenna took to motherhood as ferociously as a hawk guarding her eyas. She’d taken to the lass and he was gladdened. Most didn’t win an argument with Makenna, and if Graeme thought to send the lass away, he’d have to get through Liam’s wife to do so.
“Very well. Gilroy, did you learn who the men are?”
He shook his head. “Nay, m’lord, only that they would take me to a man called John. They would leave it to him to decide what to do with me. I thought they might be Comyns since they were at Greyfriars on the night that the king …”
“Killed their lord? Aye, I suspect as well.” Heath glanced again at the unmoving form upon the bed. His curiosity would have to wait.
Brodin stood. “Let us get supper in us and rest the night. We’ll speak more on the morn about this.”
Heath left the cave with his comrades. He hoped the lady could give them more answers for Gilroy didn’t offer much information. The main cave permeated with the smell of supper and he hoped there was enough for more than one helping.
Annag, the sweet aged woman who looked after them and cooked their meals, giggled low while she stirred the steaming pot of stew.
