by K. E. Saxon
“All right, you may have another carrot, but this is the last one. You must learn some restraint, my fine lass.” She gave the mare another treat and kissed her on the line of her nose, giggling when Fia snorted.
“What have we here? The Macleans actually allow you in the stables after the horse thieving adventure?” she heard Callum say, his voice teasing, as he walked up behind her. She tensed when she felt him lean into her as he lifted his hand to stroke Fia’s nose. “Good morn, my beauty.”
She jabbed her elbow into his ribs.
“Ouch! I see you’re still as untamed as ever.” He rubbed his bruised ribs and gave her a sullen glare, but stepped away from her.
“You’ll get more of the same, or worse, if you do not keep a proper distance from me. Do you forget that I have a husband now?”
“Nay, I do not forget.” There was an underlying sadness in his voice that plucked at her compassion. “Pray, pardon me,” he continued, his gaze sincere, “‘twas not my intent to offend you so.” He leaned against the stall, casually crossing one foot over the other. “I’m in the mood for a ride across the glen—will you join me? I’m sure Fia would like a good run.”
The mare whinnied, nodding her head.
Maryn laughed. “It seems she is in full agreement with you.” She hesitated, wondering if Daniel would be chafed should he discover that she’d ridden out with his cousin. But, in the end, the lure of the glen became too great, so she said, “Aye. But, we must make haste, as I think it may rain soon.”
*
The two old friends rode hard and fast for an hour, enjoying the crisp, early morning air, until the clouds at last burst open and released a torrent of rain. It poured in great, stinging sheets down upon them as they hurriedly slowed their mounts.
Soaked instantly, Maryn signaled to Callum, who was quite a distance behind her, that she was returning to the keep before turning her mare in that direction. Though anxious to get out of the downpour, she kept Fia to a slow trot, careful of the slippery, muddy terrain.
In a matter of moments, Callum rode up beside her and pulled on Fia’s reins. “I’ve a better idea,” he said loud enough for her to hear over the storm. “There’s a small cave just to the left of that rise”—he pointed to an area approximately 40 yards away—“which I use sometimes when I’ve been hunting. We shall find some dry kindling and peat still in there, I trow, as well as a flint, striker, and tinder box.”
Because they’d roamed further out than Maryn had at first realized, and because she was beginning to tremble from the cold, damp wool of her gown as well, she relented with a quick nod of her head.
A few moments later, they dismounted and walked their horses just inside the mouth of the cave, in an effort to shelter them a bit from the rain. After retrieving the flint and striker from its resting place in a nook high on the wall, and with only a small amount of pressure from his hand on the small of her back, Callum led her further into the dark, dank haven.
Once they were settled and Callum began building the fire, Maryn asked, “How have I traversed this area so many times with you, yet remained unaware of this place?” Though he was a few summers older than she, the two of them had spent many hours together as they grew—most of them spent riding over this very glen.
He shrugged. “I only discovered the cave one very bitter winter a couple of years past, after much of the thicket had died back. And ‘tis rather a small cave, after all, with an entrance on the slope of the knoll and covered by brush—as I’m sure you saw when we approached—so ‘tis no wonder that you never found it yourself.”
“Hmmm,” she said, nodding as she gazed toward the cave’s entrance. Sitting with her legs folded under her, Maryn listened to the hard patter of rain hitting the ground outside, wondering how long they would be forced to wait out the storm. For, if she did not return by the time of the nooning meal, her husband was sure to worry. Which would be her bad fortune, for he’d then, no doubt, learn she’d left the keep without telling him—and with the cousin he could barely tolerate. The same cousin to whom he’d only grudgingly given his approval to wed Jesslyn.
She turned and regarded her childhood friend for a moment while he was occupied with the fire. She was rather curious, and worried as well, about Callum’s hasty wooing of her friend. Was it an act, or did he truly desire the lady so greatly that he would give up the much-vaunted freedom that he, and most young warriors she knew, held so highly? “I must say I was quite surprised when, after only one meeting, you asked Jesslyn to wed you. Although I can certainly see the attraction, you were never one to fall so quickly.”
Callum was not proud of the fact, but he wanted to make her jealous. “Ah, my sweet, beautiful Jesslyn,” he said, his voice reverent as he gazed off in the distance. “I was stunned by her the moment we met.” He turned his gaze back to Maryn, shrugging. “When I learned that she was in need of a husband, I had no choice but to eagerly pledge my troth. For, you see, to lose such a jewel as she, would have been a fatal blow to my heart.”
Maryn smiled happily. “‘Tis glad I am to hear of your devotion, for she is a fine lady, and will be a good wife to you.”
“Mmm,” Callum said, nodding his head, a jovial smile plastered on his lips as he tossed another log on the fire.
An awkward silence ensued.
Maryn made a show of straightening the folds of her gown.
Once her eyes were turned away from him, Callum frowned. Not even a flicker of jealousy had he ignited in her with his impassioned speech. ‘Twas further proof that he had been a fool to pine for her for all these years. His heart cracked in a new place as he at last began to accept the brutal truth: She would never have loved him, even if he had been successful in wedding her.
Sighing, he lay down then, resting on his side at an angle to Maryn, with his head propped in his hand. “I enjoyed the ride today; I find I miss our outings,” he said honestly after another silent moment had passed, hoping he might at least mend their strained friendship and end this uneasiness that had developed between them these past few years since he’d discovered his passion for her. “Your mare seemed happy to be out on the glen again as well—have you not been riding her often?”
“Nay, in truth, I have neglected her a bit. There has been little time for such things since we came to the Maclean holding.” Maryn picked at a loose thread on her gown. “And I stopped riding with you when you disregarded my concern at the horrid way your horses were being treated,” she reminded him.
Not ready to seriously speak of that time, he made light of the subject. “Ah, yes. Thus leading to the horse rescue, which began my plummet into infamy.” Callum tossed a few stray shards of wood on the fire, causing the flame to crackle.
“Nay, you began your ‘plummet into infamy’ with your lazy disregard of your duties,” Maryn rejoined, a bit insulted by his quip.
The barb struck home. Pangs of guilt and remorse shot through Callum, but his feelings were too raw to discuss with her, at least not yet, so he hid his reaction behind his charmer’s facade once more. A slow smile formed on his face as his eyes rested warmly on hers. She was so lovely, he thought achingly. Why could she not have loved him? “Let’s not argue. What’s done is done. I noticed you have a new marshal in any case, so my cousin’s obviously corrected my error.” He stretched his foot, accidentally brushing the side of her thigh before quickly moving it back in place.
“I believe ‘twas your grandmother that did the correcting. The stables were in good order when Daniel and I arrived.” Maryn rose and walked toward the entrance of the cave.
There was only a slight misting of rain now and her gown had dried somewhat from the heat of the fire. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable being alone with Callum in this private bower. There was a keenness in his regard that made her wary.
They’d had a somewhat strained relationship these past few years as it was. She supposed ‘twas due to his flirtatious nature, which she’d never really appreciated. But, she remi
nded herself, he was clearly quite enamored of his betrothed now, and that eased her mind greatly.
“The rain’s stopped. Let’s ride back to the keep, I’m afraid Daniel will worry if I’m not at the nooning meal,” she said.
Callum rose to his feet. “Pray, let us not worry my cousin; he’d no doubt string me up by my testi—um—toes,” he replied.
Maryn hid her smile, bowing her head and dusting off her gown, while Callum doused the fire and put away his tools.
*
“Where have you been?” Daniel stood in the portal of the keep a bit over an hour later, one hand grasping the door frame and the other fisted on his hip. “Tell me you did not go to the forest alone, when I have yet to discover if a threat abides there.”
“Nay, I’ve been out riding the glen with Fia,” Maryn ducked under his arm “…and Callum,” she mumbled under her breath.
He brought his arm around the front of her waist, efficiently halting her flight. “Pardon? Did you say you went riding with my cousin? Callum?” His jaw dropped open. “You’re soaked through!” Grasping her near-frozen hand, he pulled her along behind him as he hauled her to their bedchamber. “You may explain while you change into a dry gown.”
Maryn had hoped that Daniel would not notice her absence—after all, she had returned before dinner. But now, it seemed, she was about to come face-to-face with a very irritable husband—and his irrational expectations.
While he stoked the fire, Maryn changed into a new set of clothing. Walking up to stand behind him as he knelt by the hearth, she stretched out her palms to the heat. “My thanks for building up the fire. I suppose I was more chilled than I realized.”
He rose to his feet and turned to face her. After scrutinizing her for a long, uncomfortable moment, he took her hand in his and led her to one of the stools by the fire, pressing down on her shoulder in a silent bid for her to sit.
After she was settled, he took the stool opposite and leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “Now, tell me how you came to go riding with my annoying cousin.”
Maryn waved her hand in the air. “Oh, he came by the stables this morn when I was visiting Fia and asked if I’d like to ride out on the glen.” She gave her husband a beseeching look. “You know how much I’ve neglected Fia since she came back from my Papa’s. Even tho’ the stablemen take her out each day, I could see that she was fidgety and needed to have a good run. Callum can be vexing, I’ll admit, but he is a trained warrior, and therefore, a good escort. Besides, I’ve known him my entire life—he was even fostered at my family’s keep.”
“Aye, that may be. But I trust him not. There’s something fickle in his manner. ‘Tis the reason I’ve insisted on a longer betrothal than he desires.” He leaned further toward her, a menacing look darkening his countenance. “Did he touch you?”
Not believing the incident in the stables was of import, Maryn decided to blur the lines of truth a bit. The last thing she wanted was to deal with a raging husband—after all, Callum had not actually done anything. “Nay, he never laid hands on me, husband.” She was pleased that her gaze never wavered from his when she told that half-truth.
His eyes drilled into hers another moment, as if he could read her thoughts. Then, with a curt nod of his head, he relaxed back on his stool.
Maryn gave a mental sigh of relief.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he said, “I know I told you I would not demand that you have an escort when you leave the safety of the keep, but I’ve changed my mind, as there now may be someone with violent intent dwelling in the wood. Until I’ve either discovered him or concluded there is no threat, you are not to leave the keep alone.”
Maryn had already come to the same conclusion, having no desire to encounter the man, had he the wicked intent Daniel had told her of. “Aye, husband,” she readily agreed.
Her stomach gave a vociferous growl. “May we go down to have our meal now?”
Daniel found his first grin since discovering his wife’s absence. “Aye,” he said, taking her hand, he kissed her palm before leading her down to the great hall.
CHAPTER 13
Alleck and Niall stood under their favorite tree in the village. “They will not let me go near the forest and the magic giant may be really hungry. Take this to the boulder where we left the other bag…please?” Alleck held out the satchel.
Niall kicked the toe of his shoe against the ground, his head bent. He shrugged. “I do not think my mama will let me go there, either. Your mama told her that she was afraid the giant might be a foul man wantin’ to hurt us.”
“But your mama is not going to notice if you take the food early, like we did the last time—and you know the giant’s not bad. My mama and everybody have been watching me to make sure I do not sneak out. I do not think they’ve been watching you.” His voice turned pleading. “Do you not want to make sure the giant does not starve to death?”
“I…I have been worryin’ about the Giant. And since the Boabhan Sith does not seem to be around to drink my blood, surely I can make it there and back without anyone catching me.” He threw his shoulders back. “Aye, I’ll do it.”
The food was delivered the next morn, but the coin was not found until the day after—inside Niall’s shoe. Neither lad told their elders about the discovery for fear of revealing that they’d disobeyed their parents’ wishes.
*
The next morn, Maryn followed a distance behind Callum as he rode toward the forest. She’d seen him leaving through the gate and, thinking he was riding the glen, had thought to join him. She’d quickly saddled Fia and rode out at a pace to catch up with him, but when she saw the direction in which he was headed, had decided to find out his purpose before making him aware of her presence. There was a certain stealth in his manner that pricked her curiosity. Could he be hunting the “magic giant”?
A sennight had passed since Daniel’s decree that she not leave the keep unescorted and Maryn had complied. Until this morn. Of course, she would eventually catch up with Callum, but for now she felt safe enough. After all, she had her slingshot and her dirk, and Callum was close enough to her to hear her if she screamed.
As he went deeper into the forest, she realized that he was not searching for the giant, but purposely making his way toward a destination. He picked his way over some fallen logs and a small flowing burn before stopping in front of the mouth of a cave in the side of a limestone knoll covered in moss and heath.
Keeping far enough back to stay hidden, she tethered Fia and silently made her way closer. He dismounted and she hid behind a tree. She’d visited these woods almost as often as Callum had. How had she never noticed this cave before? Of course, she mused, this area of the wood was not the best hunting ground for rabbits, and that was most often her goal for coming here.
After lighting the lamp that he’d brought with him, Callum disappeared into the cave. She debated whether to follow him and was just about to do so, when he reappeared with a leather pouch in his hand. He sat on the trunk of a fallen tree, then opened the pouch and drew out two smaller ones. Arranging the larger pouch over his thighs and placing one of the smaller ones on top of it, he opened the other and brought out a beautiful black silk cloth with large red symbols woven throughout.
Her brows lifted in interest. The symbols looked similar to the ones she’d seen on Alleck’s coins. Where on earth had Callum gotten such a piece—and why had he hidden it in the cave? A suspicion entered her mind, but she immediately quelled it, deciding to wait for further proof.
He continued to regard the silk a moment more, running the soft material through his fingers. After a moment, he folded the cloth and tucked it back in its pouch. Opening the second pouch, he lifted it and poured out the contents into his palm.
Her eyes bugged in surprise and she only just managed to keep from gasping aloud. For there in his hand, sparkling in the dappled sunlight, were dozens of the small coins like the ones that Alleck had been given, In the next instant,
he dropped them back through the open neck of the bag.
Maryn shot out from behind the tree. “’Tis you!”
He started and half rose to his feet, but then settled back with a lazy smile when he saw ‘twas her. “G’day, lovely Maryn. You are the height of slyness, as always.”
“You are Alleck’s magic giant!” Why have you not confessed? Surely ‘twould only help your cause with the lad if he knew from whom he’d been receiving the coins.”
The look he gave her was piercing. “You followed me?”
Maryn nodded, but stood her ground.
“Nay, I am not the ‘magic giant’ of Alleck’s tales. These coins and the piece of silk were given to me by my uncle, Jamison Maclean, prior to his rampage. I hid them in the cave as a lad after I heard of his deed, not wanting my parents to find out from whom I’d received the coins. I had forgotten of their existence until Alleck’s pieces reminded me of them.” Looking down at the items, he shrugged and placed both of the smaller pouches back into the larger one. “I simply wondered if this ‘giant’ had found my hiding place and the coins, but there were none missing.” Rising to his feet, he said, “The cave is the best place for these, as they’ve clearly not been found in all these years.” He turned and walked back into the cave.
It was all Maryn could do not to follow him and find out where he hid the gift from his devil uncle, but her conscience won out as ‘twas not her secret to know.
When Callum returned a few moments later, he had the lamp with him. He strolled over to his stallion, and after attaching the light to his saddle, mounted and turned back toward her. “We should leave, I wish not to be on the wrong side of my cousin’s wrath.”
With a nod, Maryn turned and made her way towards Fia. After mounting and coming up beside him, she said, “I should have known you were not Alleck’s ‘magic giant,’ I’d forgotten that Alleck described him as having black hair and upturned eyes. You look naught like that, of course.”
