by Kara Griffin
“When you relate the news, don’t tell your father or mine where I am. It will only bring trouble here and I will not have the ladies and children be harmed.”
“I agree. We won’t speak of you. If asked, we’ll deny knowledge of your whereabouts. The lads will need to be told to keep it a secret. Can they be trusted to do so?”
She bit on her lower lip before agreeing. “Aye, I’ll speak with them, but they are young and for them to keep such a secret would be troublesome for them.”
“You must stress the urgency that they not speak of you to anyone. The lads can sleep on my pallet. I’ll find somewhere else to sleep this night.”
Lillia nodded and set off to settle her brothers. “Miles, Macon, we’ll go to the stream and wash.” She almost laughed because they’d made the king’s guard wash and yet their faces reflected their affront at having to do so.
“Do we have to?” Macon asked.
“You certainly do.”
“Och I’m not dirty, Lillia, honest,” Miles said.
“Nevertheless, you will wash. And you are too dirty. Your faces are covered with filth.” Outside the cave, they scampered after her.
Once they were good and clean, she led them back to the cave. “You will both lie here and rest. If you move from this spot, I’ll have Da make you muck out the stables for a fortnight.”
Macon clasped her hand. “We won’t move. Lillia …?”
“Aye?” She pulled the covers back and motioned for them to get in.
“I was scared. Ye won’t tell Da will you?”
“I was scared, too,” Miles added. “He’s going to be ireful that we were afraid. ‘Cause you know why, he says a Hunter never fears.”
She tucked them in and touched their heads. “You know what I think? You were very brave, aye fearless. It is perfectly normal to be a wee bit frightened sometimes.”
“Are you scared?” Miles asked.
“To my toes.”
The lads giggled.
“But I will try to be courageous like you. Before you sleep, I want you to promise me something … You mustn’t tell anyone you saw me. No one can know where I am not even da and ma or anyone within our clan. Those men who took you … they wanted me, not you. They will try to find me and I must stay hidden. You’ll give your pledge now not to tell a soul that you’ve seen me.”
“I promise,” they said in unison.
“It is extremely important. Those men who took you … they are not chivalrous. And if they find me … Well, I shall be frightened and in much danger.”
Macon pressed her hair. “I understand, Lillia. We shan’t tell anyone.”
“Will ye kiss me goodnight like Mama does?” Miles asked.
“Of course.” She kissed them both on the forehead, certain they had been scared beyond all sense if they insisted she kiss them. They were at an age where kissing and affection was avoided akin to the plague.
Lillia waited until her brothers were fast asleep before she joined them. Relief at having them safe overwhelmed her and tears of happiness clouded her eyes. With the little sleep she’d gotten in the past few days, she slumbered as soon as her body lay upon the comfortable bedding.
In the morning, she awoke to the lads’ whispers. Annag had them sitting at the trestle table, their belly’s filled and their mood much lightened.
“Good morn.” She took the bowl offered by the mistress and thanked her.
“The guard said we’re to leave soon.”
She nodded at Macon. “Aye, you’ll be home soon and safe.” Lillia finished her morning fare and helped Annag clean up before she took the lads outside.
Heath and his comrades awaited them. “We need to set out.”
She turned to speak her goodbyes and saddened. Who knew when next she would see her brothers if ever? “I shall miss you both. Promise to be good on the journey and remember your vow not to speak of me to anyone.”
They nodded, but their attention drew to the guard and they darted off before she could hug or kiss them farewell. Miles rode with Brodin, and Macon rode with Liam. Graeme sat unaffected by her emotional display. Tears streaked her cheeks and she hastily rubbed them away.
Heath pulled her hard against his chest. “Worry not for them.” He tilted her chin and kissed her hard.
The kiss turned sensuous and she held him tightly. When he pulled back, she heard her brother’s snickers. Macon made gagging sounds, and the king’s guard’s faces reflected they too were appalled by their overzealous display of affection.
“I shall await your return.”
He released and grinned. “I shall hurry, Sweetness. There’s something I want to discuss with you upon my return.”
She called after him, “Heath, you cannot say that and leave me wondering. Heath …” But he mounted his horse and rode to catch up with the others.
Chapter Twelve
The trek to his home was froth with frustration. Heath had his hands full keeping Lillia’s brothers from wandering when they stopped to rest, which unfortunately was too frequent for his liking. Not only was he concerned about keeping them from getting lost, he worried that the Comyns would send men after them. And when they crossed paths with James and his band of barbarians, Heath had a hard time keeping the brothers from getting too close to him. James was the last person who could know where Lillia was, and the lads were young. Who knew if they would keep her secret?
Lillia’s brothers heard of James Douglas’ battle victories. The youngsters sat in rapt as James told them of the most gruesome battles. Heath had never spent much time around children except when he was young himself. The story James related was enough to give the wee ones nightmares well past a fortnight.
“Come, lads, time to settle down. We’ll set out early on the morrow, best get rest.” Heath glared at James, but his surly comrade laughed.
“What, I was just telling them a story.”
“An improper one,” Heath said, indicating his ire with a tone that his comrade wouldn’t mistake.
Once the brothers settled, he turned and punched James square in the jaw. The blighter barely moved with the force of his strike. “Speak not of such things. Stay away from them.”
James had the gall to mock him with a laugh. “Och the lads need to ken what their future beholds. Aye, for they’ll be soldiers for their clan and country. Why ye be hostile, Heath?”
He glared. “I don’t know why you insisted you come along. We don’t need you to travel with us. We protect them and will ensure they get back to their clan.”
“I told you, the king found out about the Hunter lass. Robert’s spies tortured the Comyn follower and he spilled his guts. Aye, we learned of her. We finally know who she is and where she might be. The king sent me to speak with Laird Hunter and retrieve the lass, Lillia. Now I find you traveling in that direction … with her brothers. I’m mighty suspicious of ye.”
Graeme pulled him back and motioned for him to stand afar. “James, the king is wrong. Hunter’s daughter cannot be Alexander’s kin. Heath’s clan was there when the Hunter lass was born. We were hired to retrieve the lads and we’ve done so.”
Heath maintained an unaffected attitude; certain James would pick up his attachment to Lillia or her family. Graeme lied through his teeth and he was grateful. “Aye, you’re wrong, James.”
“I will question Laird Hunter myself and if I feel she’s the one then I shall take her to Robert as planned. You ken she’ll not be safe. The Comyns will use her to their will and discard her once they get what they want. Our king will protect her.”
But Heath knew that protection would cost Lillia her freedom. Aye, she’d be placed in the king’s most secure castle and hidden from all probably for the remainder of her days. He wouldn’t retort and neither did his comrades. There was no reasoning with James. And the fact that Lillia was safe for now back at the caves lessened his anguish.
“Tell me again how ye came to be with Laird Hunter’s sons?” James scowled and his stance inti
midated.
Liam cleared his throat and drew James’ regard, “We told ye all ready. Heath’s father is a good ally of Hunter’s. He hired the king’s guard to retrieve his sons. Which we did, and are now returning Hunter’s sons to their home.”
“And what was your payment? Surely ye didn’t take on this mission without recompense?” When none of them answered, James scoffed. “You speak falsely for you wouldn’t take the charge unless you were compensated.”
Damn him, Heath thought. James knew them well. Heath wanted to take his fists to his smug face. “I told my da we wouldn’t accept payment and neither would we. The Hunters are an ally of my clan, more than allies, akin to family. It was the least we could do to give aid. They’re just lads for God’s sake and were to be used as barter. We mean to return them to their father as a favor to my da.”
James smoothed back the locks of his black hair. “Ah, but ye mean to give the lads to your father and not Laird Hunter. I ken where you are headed.”
Heath growled low in his throat at the agitation of deal with James. “You damned well know why we can’t take them to their home. The king deems we’ve sided with the Comyns. We cannot be seen. Taking them to the Hunter clan would jeopardize our mission.”
James muttered something to which none of them could distinguish. “Ah, aye, the mission to protect the king at all costs. This favor … does little to help Robert. Och you’re all acting suspicious. I suppose I should let you ken the lad that revealed the Guardian’s plot also spoke of Comyn’s lies about you, the king’s guard.”
Graeme relaxed his stance. “So Robert knows we never went against him?”
“Aye, and he was pleased to find out you didn’t side with the Comyns. Yet he said noting of pardoning you. If you’re against him in retrieving the lass, it might be the final blow in settling Robert’s affront. He will be wrathful and decide to reaffirm the price on your heads.”
Heath scrunched his eyes in disbelief. Their comrade wasn’t being truthful either. Somehow he needed to ensure James and Robert didn’t find out about Lillia. James said no more but settled to rest with his men. He spoke low, but Heath couldn’t discern their discussion. There was nothing to do but get rest himself, and Heath settled next to the brothers with his sword at the ready.
In the morning, Heath woke to find Lillia’s brothers up and about. He grumbled and tried to abate his drowsiness by rubbing his face. The lads left their bedrolls, and he set off to locate them before they might cause trouble. As children, he and Roderick rarely caused his parent’s grief. Laird Hunter and his wife had their hands full for these lads were too rambunctious.
With tired and bleary eyes, he sought the brothers and spotted one in a nearby tree. He wasn’t sure which brother it was, but he hung from his legs and swung gleefully. Heath reached for him and helped him down.
“Where’s your brother?”
“Miles is over there.” He pointed toward the horses.
Heath turned his gaze and noticed James speaking with the lad. They spoke low and James’ face turned disagreeable as he pitched forward to listen.
“Damnation,” Heath muttered. “Miles, come. We need to leave posthaste.”
His comrades approached and stood next to him as James marched forward holding the lad by the scruff of his tunic. James flicked his wrist and tossed the youngster to the ground.
“Graeme, the lad tells me the lass we seek is at your lair. Is this true? Say it is not so.”
Heath threw a hand at the lad and helped him stand. “Go and join your brother. Make ready to leave.”
The lad scampered off obviously frightened by James’ conduct. Heath set his hands on his waist and scowled to let his comrade know of his affront. “What the hell, James. That’s no way to treat one so young. Keep your hands off them or else.”
James bellowed a laugh. “Or else what? Think ye I don’t ken what’s going on? You have their sister and I am displeased that you spoke falsely. I thought we were allies.”
Graeme gave him a dismayed glance before he answered James, “We are your ally, James. We didn’t speak an untruth. There is a lass with us, but she’s not the lass you seek. She’s Heath’s betrothed. The lads like to jest. They’re quite troublesome. He probably told ye what you wanted to hear because you terrified the mite.”
James scoffed. “So says you, but the lad said—”
Graeme raised his voice, “I care not what he told you. He’s young and he’s playing a game, one that is verily tiresome.”
James bellowed, his voice echoing in the clearing. “Think you he doesn’t ken his own sister? If you have the lass, you should tell me for I have no time to waste.”
“We have no time to discuss this. The lads await and we must get them home. My … betrothed is not their sister. Come if you wish, James, but we are leaving now.” Heath turned and left the men standing with astound. He walked to his horse with deliberate paced steps to show he wasn’t affected by James’ summation. Heath realized he’d have to convince James that the lad lied. It was the only thing he could to rectify the situation.
Back on the trail to Fraser land, Heath kept watch on Brodin who held Macon on his horse. Miles rode with him, and he wanted to find out exactly what he’d told James. But their surly comrade rode too close and seemed to watch and listen intently to every word they said. On the approach to Fraser land, Heath motioned for them to be watchful, and he slowed his horse to a trot. If the Comyns suspected the Fraser’s involvement in the recovery of the brothers, they’d be waiting to ambush them before they reached the keep. Nothing untoward happened in the short trek to the fortification, which greatly relieved Heath.
The gate was closed when he reached his home. A sentry appeared along the lane, their arms at the ready. His father wasn’t taking any chances with the safety of their clan. Heath wondered if the additional security had to with the Hunter’s situation or if the MacKintoshs raided their lands again.
Once the gate rose, he rode straight for the keep. All entered and he found his father meeting Laird Hunter. Both men rose when they marched into the great hall.
“My lads!” Aylmer drew his sons close. “You’re unharmed. Thank the God above.” He glanced at Heath, his eyes shone with his gratitude.
Heath pulled his father aside. He spoke low, “Have Laird Hunter take the lads home at the soonest. Suggest that James travel with him for their protection.” He quickly told his father about James’ suspicions and his father nodded. It was risky sending James with the Hunters, but he needed to get a head start and reach Lillia before James did. His comrade’s suspicions wouldn’t be squelched easily.
They stood by the hearth, and the lads coddled by his mother. She gave them sweetcakes and kept them busy. But Heath needed her to distract James, and he signaled to her. His mother raised a brow, but a full smile came upon her face.
“Sir Douglas, I am humbled to have you in my home. I’ve heard the most … intriguing tales of your gallantry. Come, walk with me about the hall and tell me of your relations to King Robert. Is he as handsome as they say? As fetching as you?”
The look on James’ face was priceless as his mother gave him no choice but to escort her about the hall. His voice lowered, and he answered his mother’s questions. It was the opportune time to put his plan into action, and hopefully James wasn’t too inattentive to his mother.
Heath called Laird Hunter’s attention. “There’s no word of Lillia? My da said she went missing. If you wish, the king’s guard will search for her.” The guilt of his fabrication and lies so easily spoken from his tongue would plague him, but he had to do what was necessary to keep Lillia safe.
Aylmer’s chin dipped. “I fear the lass is hiding. Och she must ken about … the Comyn’s threat by now. Either that or she truly detests the groom I chose for her. As soon as she returns, she will wed her betrothed regardless of her wonts. It is the only way I can keep her safe.”
Heath’s father took pity on the man. “Worry not, my friend. She
’s of sound mind and fares well. You should get your sons home where you can protect them. The king’s guard will search for Lillia. James, will ye escort the Hunters and make certain they reach their land safely? They could do with the added protection what with the Comyn’s threat.”
James scoffed, but he nodded. He had to agree, being put on the mark so to speak, and he wasn’t one to refuse any service. James Douglas followed the Hunters from the keep and as soon as they’d gone, Heath breathed a sigh of relief.
“We should hasten back to the caves,” Liam said.
“Aye, and hide Lillia for James is relentless in his quest to take her to Robert,” Brodin said.
“Heath, have you given thought to our discussion? She needs ye to wed her,” Graeme said.
His father stood grinning at their conversation. “Aye, son, it’ll solve one of the lass’ problems. She cannot wed the man her father chose if she’s married to you. Even if he is my good comrade, I disagree with the man he selected and so does she.”
“You know who he is?” If only the man wasn’t so deplorable. Heath hoped she’d reconsider and marry her betrothed. Then he might put behind him the troubles of late and continue on with his plan to serve God and the order.
“I do ken, but if ye had any heart at all, son, you won’t let her wed him. She’d be in as much peril being forsaken in the northern lands. You might as well give her to the king shackled. Either way, she’ll be spirited away, never to be seen again.” His father’s face turned grim. “She doesn’t deserve that.”
Heath’s chest constricted at his father’s words. He was right. Lillia didn’t deserve to be wedded to a man so far from her family. Nor did she deserve to be spirited away by Robert and held as prisoner. “Da, we must go if we’re to reach the caves before James.”
Graeme stopped at the exit on the way out of the keep, “Make sure Hunter locks down his keep and lands. This is not over. The Comyns and Robert won’t cease their plans because we thwarted them. They will both continue their search of Lillia.”
