As they walked into the section of the abbey reserved for overnight travelers, Davina considered feigning an illness and requesting that she be brought home in the morning.
Yet as quickly as the thought appeared, Davina dismissed it, clenching her fingers into tight fists, angry with herself for having such cowardly thoughts. Nay, she would not flee. She would see this through and fight for her independence.
But not this evening.
“We are grateful fer yer kind hospitality,” Davina said as the abbot showed her the simple chamber that she and Colleen would share. “We shall partake of our meal in here and then go directly to sleep.”
The abbot looked momentarily stunned, but recovered quickly. “We are not a restricted order. Women are welcome to join us in the hall for the evening meal.”
Davina felt herself blushing and she turned her head away. Sir Malcolm’s eyes were practically boring a hole into her, making her even more determined to avoid him.
“Thank ye, but I fear we are too tired to be good company. I bid ye all good night,” she said hastily, before fleeing to the safety of her chamber, Colleen following obediently behind her.
Davina awoke the next morning groaning at the soreness and stiffness of her body. Hunched over like an old woman, she hobbled to the washbasin. Colleen clucked her tongue like a mother hen as she helped Davina dress.
“Ye are in no condition to ride again today, milady.”
“I’ll be fine once I loosen my muscles,” Davina replied with a grimace. Perhaps if she told herself that enough times, she would believe it.
“I doubt Sir Malcolm would agree,” Colleen countered.
Aye, he most likely would not agree, but Davina was not about to say anything. The sooner they arrived at McKenna Castle, the sooner she would be away from his constant scrutiny.
“Ye shall say nothing to Sir Malcolm,” Davina insisted, in a stern voice that she hoped brooked no argument.
Colleen merely clucked her tongue a second time and shook her head. But she loyally kept silent when they gathered to depart.
Tucking a windblown strand of hair back behind her ear, Davina settled her aching muscles atop her mount and said a silent prayer that she would be able to stay there without being in total agony. The path curved sharply as they left the abbey courtyard and Davina was grateful it required a slower pace. Yet all too soon they reached an open stretch of road.
After two hours of hard riding, they finally slowed. Breathless and aching, Davina nudged her mount forward across a small stream. The wind rustled the few leaves that clung to the trees that crowded the path. Forced to ride in single file, as the trees grew thicker, Davina cautiously watched her horse’s footing, since large tree roots and stumps lined the road.
Soft light filtered through the canopy of branches over their heads. If her muscles had not been aching so fiercely, Davina knew she would have enjoyed this rare taste of freedom. She sighed, then stilled as she felt an odd tingling sensation down the back of her neck. She turned to gaze through the sparse winter foliage, thinking she saw a movement of something.
She opened her mouth to ask Colleen if she had seen anything when a tree crashed in front of them and a battle cry mingled with the thundering sound of approaching horses suddenly filled the air. Time seemed to hang suspended as Davina watched a contingent of men break through the woods from both sides of the narrow road. Swords raised, they attacked with precision and force.
Riding in the lead, Sir Malcolm turned, his face contorting into a surprised frown and then his voice rang out loud and clear, “’Tis an ambush! McKenna to me!”
Though taken by surprise, the McKenna retainers quickly organized. They somehow formed a protective ring around Davina and Colleen in the small space and bravely faced this unknown enemy. The air soon filled with the ringing of clashing steel, the shouts of men, the screams of horses.
Their attackers wore no clan colors, yet they fought with training and skill. As the battle raged, they drew close enough that Davina could see the cold, bloodthirsty expressions on their faces. Her heart missed several beats and started to pound erratically. She swayed as a wave of nausea overtook her, nearly causing her to fall from her mount. But Colleen’s scream of fright as a McKenna warrior fell pulled Davina from her fear.
She grasped the reins of the widow’s horse and tugged insistently, hoping to lead them both farther into the center of the circle. A part of her wished she could shut her eyes to the sights around her, but Davina feared being caught unawares. If somehow their side lost, she would not go blindly to her death—she would look upon the face of the man who dared to plunge a dirk into her heart.
Despair ravaged through her as the memories of another time, another attack, clouded her thoughts. But today it was different. Though outnumbered, the odds were not as lopsided. Though she almost dared not to believe it, Davina could see that the tide was turning.
The McKenna retainers had beaten back several of the attackers, while sustaining only a few injuries of their own. Her breath began to slow and then suddenly a deep-throated scream from one of the men startled her horse. The animal reared. Davina clung tightly to the reins, but her balance was compromised.
She hit the ground hard, pain shooting through her entire body. Terrified, she curled into a ball, trying to protect herself from being stomped by the horses’ hooves. A dozen thoughts and fears flitted through her mind, but she had little time to think. All she could do was keep her body as small and still as possible—and pray.
A hazy blur surrounded her as the ringing in her ears put her in a confused fog. Gradually, the sounds of battle eased. After what felt like an eternity, a shadow fell across her. Nearly hysterical with fear, Davina nevertheless managed to keep her eyes open as she lifted her head.
A frowning Sir Malcolm gazed down at her, concern lining his face. He gently cupped her cheek to look into her eyes. “Are ye hurt, Lady Davina?”
“I dinnae think so,” she whispered through trembling lips.
With infinite care, Sir Malcolm slowly ran his hands over her body, searching for injuries. Davina’s mind was still so filled with shock and fear she didn’t even flinch at the intimate gesture.
“Ye appear fine.” Gently, he helped her to her feet.
Davina leaned heavily on him, averting her eyes from the prone bodies that lay unmoving upon the ground. “Colleen? Where is Colleen?”
“I’m safe, milady.”
The sound of the other woman’s voice brought a rush of relief to her heart. Davina stumbled forward and the two women embraced, clinging tightly to each other. Try as she might, Davina was unable to cease her shivering. Odd how blue the sky was, with nary a cloud to be seen, yet in her mind’s eye all she could see was darkness, all she could feel was terror.
“How fare the men?” she heard Sir Malcolm ask.
“Young Edgar has a gash on his arm and a nasty cut over his eye that willnae stop bleeding. And Harold’s shoulder has been cut clear through to the bone,” one of the retainers replied.
Sir Malcolm cursed beneath his breath, the sound drawing Davina away from her own fears. “Colleen and I will tend to them,” she announced.
Her hands shook slightly as she pulled a clean linen from under gown and the small vial of medicine from the trunk strapped to the back of her horse. She and Colleen made their way over to the men, who had been propped up against a tree trunk.
Davina’s belly heaved at the sight of so much blood and mangled flesh, but she swallowed it down. These men had become injured while trying to protect her; the least she could do was see to their comfort.
Fresh water was brought so the wounds could be cleansed. Davina’s healing skills were limited, but thankfully Colleen had experience with stitching deep wounds. She assisted the widow with the gory task and following her instructions carefully bound the wounds with strips of cloth she had torn from her gown.
“No need to ruin such a fine garment on my account, milady,” young Edgar said, sh
y gratitude in his voice.
Davina smiled at the lad, judging him to be no more than fifteen or sixteen years old. “I am honored to make such a small sacrifice in light of all that ye and yer brave comrades have done to protect me and Colleen,” Davina answered.
“Och, ye had me worried fer a minute, lad,” Sir Malcolm interrupted. “I thought yer injuries severe, but if ye have the strength to flirt with a pretty lass, then I know ye’ll be fine.”
The lad blushed and lowered his chin, but Davina could see the taut lines of pain pulling at his mouth. Hoping she was judging the dose accurately, she bade Edgar to drink the medicine she held to his lips, knowing its numbing effects. After giving Harold an even larger dose—as he was nearly twice the size of Edgar—she returned what was left of her torn shift and the medicine to her trunk.
Sir Malcolm followed her to her horse. “I’ll not feel safe until I’ve put ye behind the walls of McKenna Castle,” he explained. “Unless ye’d rather return home?”
His question surprised her. She was used to being told what to do for so long, it felt strange to have her opinion considered. “I’d like to continue to McKenna Castle, unless ye advise against it.”
Briefly, he looked pleased, then he grew solemn. “There is a less traveled, more direct route to get there, through the jagged mountain range. The terrain is difficult to negotiate, with steep cliffs and rugged ledges. Do ye think ye’ll be able to cross it?”
“I’m not afraid of heights,” Davina answered, almost embarrassed to admit that was one of the few things that didn’t cause her fits. “What about the wounded? Will they be able to manage such an arduous journey?”
“We will make certain to rest as often as they need and watch them closely to see if they take a fever. Beyond that,’tis in God’s hands.”
Davina nodded and prepared to mount her horse. Sir Malcolm turned away, but not before she caught the worried look in his eyes he tried to conceal.
Sir Malcolm kept his word. Though the pace was harsh, he stopped frequently to rest the horses and check on his wounded men. They made camp each evening just as darkness was setting and rode out at first light. Davina and Colleen tended the men’s wounds as best they could, pleased that no fever had claimed them, relieved the wounds had not opened.
The final day of their journey, the weather turned bitterly cold. Teetering on exhaustion, Davina’s spirits were lifted when one of the men announced they had crossed over to McKenna land. The pounding sound of the horse’s hooves mingled with the relieved sighs of the men, jubilant at returning home.
It took several hours before they climbed the final ridge and at last the castle came into view. For a moment, Davina was speechless. McKenna Castle was truly a sight to behold.
The square towers and turrets were massive in size. Elegant in design, they spiraled toward the heavens, with pennants snapping in the wind above them. There were walkways connecting the numerous towers and armed guards patrolling the parapets. The pale gray stone curtain wall that protected the castle was the tallest Davina had ever seen, surrounding the entire structure, making it a nearly impenetrable fortress.
At the base of the wall stood a large village, the cottages and shops a labyrinth of winding paths. Though the hour was late and dusk was fast approaching, the clan came out of their homes to greet them. They waved and shouted words of welcome, cheering raucously as they rode past.
Sir Malcolm smiled and waved back, calling to several men and women by name. There was little doubt that he was the McKenna heir, destined to one day lead and protect these people. ’Twas also clear that he had already earned their loyalty and affection.
They passed through the large gate and into the bailey, which was a hive of activity. Servants scrambled forward to take charge of the horses, while maidens greeted their men and boisterous soldiers called out to their comrades.
For a moment, Davina wondered about Sir Malcolm’s wife, but then remembered that Lady Aileen had written that her older son was a widower, having lost his young wife to a harsh illness two years ago.
As Davina contemplated how she was going to dismount from her horse without her tired legs collapsing beneath her, she spied an older couple standing at the entrance to the great hall. Clearly they were awaiting their arrival, welcoming smiles upon their faces.
“My parents,” Sir Malcolm whispered, though Davina had already surmised their identity.
Sir Malcolm had the same commanding demeanor as his father, his body tall and full of strength. The protective way he hovered over the lady at his side made it obvious that she was Sir Malcolm’s mother. James’s mother.
Davina’s heart began to race and her hands felt cold and sweaty beneath her gloves. She was so distracted by her nerves at meeting Laird and Lady McKenna that she barely took notice of Sir Malcolm when he grasped her around the waist and hauled her off her horse.
Feet unsteady, muscles tingling, Davina held on to him and allowed herself to be led to his parents. Still clinging to Sir Malcolm’s arm for support, she dipped into a low curtsy.
When she rose, Lady Aileen took her hand and squeezed it affectionately, then embraced her like a long-lost relative. “I’m so happy that ye are finally here.”
Davina felt her emotions rise to the surface. Unable to find her voice through her constricting throat, she smiled broadly and answered by returning the hug.
Her smile faded, though, under Laird McKenna’s appraising scrutiny. His sharp eyes took in every aspect of her appearance, eventually forming an opinion that Davina feared was not nearly as favorable as his wife’s. The tight grin he finally bestowed upon her did little more than bare his teeth. Then he turned to his son. “I see that young Edgar and Harold are wrapped in bandages. What happened?”
“Nothing we could not manage,” Sir Malcolm answered, bending down to kiss his mother on the cheek.
“Come inside out of the cold,” Lady Aileen admonished, ushering everyone through the thick oak door.
The pleasant scent of beeswax mingled with the aromas of freshly baked bread and roasting meats assaulted Davina’s nose. Her belly rumbled and she realized she had eaten very little for the past few days.
“I’m afraid there’s barely enough time fer ye to wash away the travel dust before the evening meal is served,” Lady Aileen said. “But I can have a warm bath prepared fer ye to enjoy in yer chamber later tonight.”
“A bath sounds like pure heaven,” Davina replied.
“Good. Megan will show ye to yer chamber, but please hurry back. The McKenna men dinnae like to be kept from their food.”
Her chamber was lovely. A woven rug covered the stone floor, a pair of colorful tapestries hung on the walls. A welcoming fire blazed in the hearth and the fragrant dried herbs and flowers sprinkled in the bed linens perfumed the room. ’Twas too dark to admire the view, but Davina suspected it would be as spectacular as everything else.
Davina washed her hands and face in the warm water that was provided and quickly changed into a fresh gown of green wool with embroidered trim. The round neckline showcased her long neck and the tight fit along her waist and hips gave her an illusion of height and elegance. Colleen braided her hair, then placed a gauzy veil over her head, securing it with a gold circlet.
“Ye look lovely, milady,” Colleen said approvingly.
The compliment gave Davina’s confidence a much-needed boost. It lasted only until she reached the great hall, where she found a large, boisterous crowd gathering in the cavernous space, talking, shouting, and laughing.
Davina felt a pang of trepidation slide through her as she moved forward. So many unknown faces made her stomach tighten with nerves. It only worsened when she was noticed. Davina saw several men nudge each other before looking her way and one woman whispered something in another woman’s ear.
Her discomfort under their pointed stares grew as she wound her way around the many trestle tables toward the dais. Her eyes searched fruitlessly for a familiar face and she felt herself flu
shing when she was unable to find one.
Davina was considering returning to her chamber and waiting there until summoned, when a young child dressed in a pale blue gown came running toward her at full speed. Yelping with astonishment, Davina tried to step out of the lass’s way, but the child adjusted her course, skidding to a stop only inches in front of her.
Davina glanced down at the little girl, wondering who she was and why she was in such a hurry. She was just about to ask the child when her gaze caught Sir Malcolm and Lady Aileen approaching.
“Och, Papa, have ye brought me a new mother?” the little girl asked, peering at Davina with hopeful eyes. Then before anyone could reply, the child threw her arms around Davina’s waist and loudly proclaimed, “She is just perfect. I love her already. Thank ye, Papa!”
Chapter Six
The sweet sound of his four-year-old daughter’s voice thundered in Malcolm’s ears. She was clinging to Lady Davina like a climbing vine, her small arms tightly locked around the older woman’s waist. Malcolm fixed his gaze on Lady Davina. Her eyebrows were arched in surprise, but they slowly lowered as the child snuggled into her.
“Let go of Lady Davina at once, Lileas,” his mother admonished. “That is not the way a proper young lady greets a guest.”
“Nay!” Lileas shouted, visibly tightening her grasp.
“Come now, Poppet, show yer good manners and do as yer grandmother commands,” Malcolm cajoled. “Or else Lady Davina will think ye’ve been raised by wolves.”
“She willnae!” Lileas insisted.
“Aye, she will and she’d be right,” Malcolm proclaimed, his patience ebbing.
The eyes of his parents weighed heavy as they watched him. Though he deferred to them in most things, out of respect and regard, he disagreed when it came to the raising of his daughter. They felt he indulged Lileas, and her whims, far too often, to compensate for the time he spent away from her on clan business. Witnessing her unruly behavior now, he worried they were right.
The Highlander Who Loved Me Page 7
