Highland Archer

by Hildie McQueen

  For days, she’d practiced what she’d tell him upon having this opportunity. Instead, she let out breath and cocked her head to the side. It didn’t matter. “There is no need to speak of it. Although I find the choice of the location for your assignation in poor taste, your actions helped me accept my marriage to the McKenzie.”

  By his flinch, the words affected him and a small part of her was glad for it. He’d played with her feelings. Yes, he was older and more experienced and she barely a nineteen-year-old virgin, but that did not give him the right to toy with her emotions.

  “You are well then?” He lifted his hand as if to touch hers but then lowered it.

  Fiona lifted her chin and met his gaze. “Move aside and let me pass, please.”

  “If you ever need anything.”

  Why did some people not know when to stop speaking? Fiona’s head snapped up to him. “If I need anything, I will ask my husband. Now please, step aside.”

  He moved, but only enough for her to slip by. When she passed, he touched the side of her face. “I do care for ye, fair lady.”

  Fiona didn’t respond. Instead, she hurried to find the solace of her father’s study. She needed peace and quiet away from the women in the keep. All the talk of her marriage and what she’d take when she moved to Claddaugh, how she’d act around her new husband, and what she planned to do first in her new home, was driving her mad.

  Her husband had yet to come for her. From what she was told, he was going to battle, which meant there was a chance she’d be a widow before getting to know the man. So all this drivel about the move could all be a colossal waste of time. For some reason, the thought of her new husband perishing did not sit well with her. He was much too young to die. Yes, that was it, what bothered her.

  She huffed in aggravation. The situation of remaining there in Mudduch did not do. It did not suit her in the least. Yet at the thought of leaving her home, sadness threatened to envelope her. It was all so aggravating.

  “Ah, there you are, darling.” Her mother stood in the middle of the great room with cook. Both looking to her with expectation, so she had to change course and go to them.

  Her mother smiled brightly and motioned to the high board. “What a perfect opportunity, it’s time we discuss proper hosting. Your husband is laird, therefore, you must be prepared and know exactly where everyone should sit in the case of another laird visiting…”

  Fiona sighed and looked towards her father’s study. Her opportunity was past.

  “…Munro is coming.” She heard the name and realized visitors came. The Munros of all people. Fiona groaned at knowing the horrible little man would, once again, visit. At least this time she was married and the visiting laird would not bring up the unpleasant topic of her and his son, who resembled a toad, perhaps marrying.

  “Mother, why is the Munro visiting? I thought he was ill and not able to travel.”

  “It appears he has made a full recovery and wants to hunt with your father.”

  Fiona frowned. “Now? There is the threat of battle. Would it not be dangerous?”

  “Your father plans to keep it very small. It was too late to send word to him not to come.” Her mother motioned to two long tables and then looked to the maids. “Join those two together. I would like the Munro’s men to sit there.”

  Finally, after a long while, Fiona sat at a table drinking tea while her mother continued talking about what she needed to know.

  “Mother, I have lived here, with you, my entire life. There is no need to go over the minor details of running a household. You have taught me well all these years.”

  A tear spilled down her mother’s cheek and Fiona immediately felt horrible at realizing it was her mother’s way of dealing with her impending departure. Fiona rounded the table and hugged her. “I will miss you, too, Mother.”

  “What happens here?” Her father and his guard entered the room. The younger man avoiding looking at them since both were crying now.

  “Just aware that soon our little girl is leaving,” her mother replied wiping her face. Nothing to fret about, dear.”

  It was touching to see her father blink rapidly at seeing them both cry. He cleared his throat. “Yes…well, is everything prepared for the Munro’s visit?”

  Her mother nodded and began to tell him when a messenger entered.

  “Come forward,” her father ordered the young man who seemed more cocky than nervous. No doubt, his first time as messenger. “Sire, my laird, Laird McKenzie sends word that he will come for Lady Fiona five days hence.”

  Her stomach flipped and Fiona grumbled under her breath. Her mother nudged her. The brute was coming for her, was he? Well, she’d not go. Make him wait until she was good and ready. “Tell your laird, I will come to him, instead, in a fortnight.”

  The messenger’s eyes widened and looked to her father who went to the side board and poured himself some mead. “Go on, lad, get some rest. Eat and sleep here tonight and return with the message tomorrow.”

  Once the messenger left, her father looked to Fiona. “A man like Steaphan McKenzie does not like to be told what to do by his wife. I will not be surprised if he comes regardless and takes you back.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Fiona turned on her heel and headed for the stairs. Perhaps in her chamber she could find some peace.

  “Lady Fiona. Do you require anything?” Her maid was placing linens by her washing basin. “I can bring you tea, if you wish.”

  “Mairi, does your husband boss you about?” The young woman was not long married to one of her father’s guardsmen. “Does he become cross if you tell him what to do?”

  “Sometimes, milady. But my Firth is so slow about making up ’is mind I have to push ’im along sometimes.”

  “I can see that,” Fiona replied. “What if he wanted you to go somewhere and you said no?”

  Mairi thought for a moment. “He would make me do it anyway. Men are that way, milady, not much for allowing us to have our way. Of course, there are certain things we can do to keep them from doing so, but we canna let them know it.”

  Fiona’s eyes went wide and she went to sit, pulling her maid to the opposite chair. “Tell me.”

  “I’m not so sure it’s proper…” the maid looked to the door. “Yer mother may not agree.”

  “Oh poo. Just tell me.” Fiona motioned with her hands for the maid to speak.

  “Verra well then, milady. This is what my own mother told me and I find it to be true. Ye see, men are simple creatures. They only want to be strong and brave. They dunna understand feelings or notions and such. But most will do anything and agree to much if they are…well, you know…excited.”

  “Excited about what?” Fiona asked leaning forward. “Tell me.”

  “Bedding a woman.”

  “Oh.” Fiona frowned. That would not help her keep Steaphan from coming so soon for her. “What about if said man is far away?”

  “Not much ye can do then.” Mairi smiled at her. “Yer husband will come for ye soon. He is quite bonnie, is he not? Ye willna have a problem when tryin’ to divert ’is attention.” Mairi giggled and covered her mouth. “Forgive me for speaking so freely, milady.”

  “Yes, quite bonnie the devil is.” Fiona smiled and then huffed. What was she saying? “But he is a McKenzie.”

  Still smiling, the maid stood and gathered her basket. “I will see about your tea then.”

  “No, please, Mairi. I wish to just rest for a bit. I will be down for the evening meal and do not require assistance tonight. Go spend time with Firth.”

  “Thank you, milady.” Mairi hurried out the door closing it softly behind her.

  “Bonnie, indeed,” Fiona huffed and began to pace. “A pretty devil, he is.” A long sigh escaped. Her husband was a very handsome man.

  Chapter Fourteen

  From atop the keep, Ariana could see the large contingent of McLeods. Although not possible to see individual faces, she searched the lines of horsemen for her brot
her. “I cannot see Ceardac, can you?” She narrowed her eyes in an attempt to see better.

  Lily stood next to her, her hand over her eyes to shade them from the sun. “No, I am trying, we should be able to see him soon, milady. Just wait a few moments.” The young woman trembled and, once again, Ariana wondered if Lily cared more for Ceardac than she let on.

  Ariana ventured to ask, thinking it would catch her off guard. “What do you feel for my brother?”

  It was easy to see the question affected Lily by the blanching of her face. When she exhaled slowly, Ariana knew she prepared to lie. “I care for him, of course. I have known him since we were children. You cannot question my loyalty to your family?”

  Somehow, she managed to keep from smiling at Lily’s attempt to distract her by the last comment. “Of course, I do not. I would never. It is just that it would be nice to have something exciting, such as a romance in this house, after all the devastation.”

  Lily’s widened eyes met hers. “Ro…romance? That is not possible. Not between him and me.”

  “Of course, it is. Oh look, they are closer.” Ariana watched with a smirk when an expression of anticipation came over Lily as she turned to look. “I would love it if we became family,” she told Lily, who pretended not to hear her.

  The distraction was gone when the guardsmen appeared on the level beneath her. Valent and nine other archers formed a line, bows held up. Although it was evident the men approaching were friend and not foe, it was best to be safe.

  It had been two days since he’d left her bed and had avoided her since. It was understandable to a point. After all, with the rest of the clan coming, Valent would not risk their relationship being found out.

  Yet, her heart was broken. His lack of coming to her with a plan meant that, in all probability, he’d not take her when leaving. That he still remained puzzled her. Yet he had affirmed he’d not go until assuring she was well defended. His oath to the McLeod was what kept him here yet.

  As if sensing her regard, he turned to look up at her. His face without expression, they locked gazes for a long moment before he turned away. He left the line of archers when a guard came for him and, together, they went to the courtyard.

  She let out a long breath of frustration. Social standing kept so many from finding happiness. Unaware Ariana watched, Lily leaned forward from the waist, her right hand over her breast as her gaze scanned the approaching McLeods. There was no doubt. Her friend was in love with Ceardac.

  Ariana made an oath. If she and Valent were not to be, then she’d do what she could to ensure Ceardac and Lily were able to live out their romance. Of course, first she had to find out how her brother felt.

  She’d try one last time to speak to Valent and give him the opportunity to fight for their love. Yes, perhaps an unflattering, desperate move, but not trying would be as terrible in her opinion.

  Finally, the men came to a stop. A line of three men approached; Ceardac, the McLeod of Skye and another younger man whom she recognized as the younger McLeod. Just behind them, a line of six warriors maintained vigil.

  Murray and Valent rode to meet them. The men spoke for a few moments before Ceardac looked up to Ariana and Lily. He lifted a hand up in greeting. Immediately, tears fell from her eyes at the news he was receiving. One brother dead and the other captured and, in all probability, dead as well.

  It was comforting to know her mother was well and had remained behind. Although Ariana missed her, it was best not to have her here. It would be one more thing to worry about if the McKenzies returned.

  “They speak for a long time,” Lily said frowning. “Why are they not coming into the courtyard?”

  “I am not sure,” Ariana replied stretching forward. “Come, let us go down to meet them once they do enter.” The women hurried down the many stairs.

  Finally, Ceardac and several McLeods entered the courtyard leaving the rest of the men to set up camp. The guards were immediately dispatched to settle the horses, while Ceardac and two men dismounted. Ariana flew into her brother’s arms, thankful for his strong embrace. “You are well. Thank God.” She cupped his face with both hands and looked up at him, unable to stop the tears.

  Affected as well, by the welling of his eyes, he kissed her forehead. “Aye. I am well enough. Our mother sends her love and insists I send you to her immediately.”

  The statement set her aback. She’d not considered leaving. “There is much we need to discuss.”

  “I need to speak with the guardsmen,” he replied looking to Murray and Valent. “We must discuss the best way to deal with the current situation. Once all is settled, then we can talk.” He was already moving away.

  Ariana wanted to kick him. Of course, he’d consider the opinion of men above hers. Instead of arguing as everyone watched them, even Lily who stood near her, Ariana said, “Lily and I have been worried about you.”

  Her statement affected Ceardac. He stiffened slightly and looked to Lily. “Lily. I am grateful you and my sister are well.”

  “And she is no longer my maid,” Ariana announced, noting his puzzles expression. “Lily is my dearest friend and after all we’ve been through, she is now a friend of the family and no longer in servitude to me.”

  Ceardac nodded, his somber gaze flitting between she and Lily. “I agree, sister.”

  * * *

  It wasn’t until the evening meal that Ceardac and all the men were finally gathered indoors. Ariana had grown tired of waiting to speak to her brother and her mood edged more toward anger than gladness at having one of her brother home safe. They needed to speak. She had to ensure they left immediately to rescue Beathan. The longer they dallied, the more likely her youngest brother was killed. It was of utmost importance she get across to him not to go to battle.

  Ceardac settled next to her, his large frame at once making her feel secure. “I am glad to see you faring well, sister.” He smiled at her, taking some of the annoyance away. “Be assured that we will leave soon for the McKenzie lands. We need the men to rest. It won’t do to show up tired from travel and lose the fight before it begins.”

  “Each moment that we wait is another moment Beathan could be dead.” Tears sprung to her eyes. “If he isn’t already.”

  His arm encircled her shoulders. “I fear we go to avenge his death, sister. Although I mourn for him already, I cannot help but feel angry that he brought all this upon our people.”

  It was the truth, yet she wondered how much more tragedy would be brought on them if they went at this juncture if Beathan was already dead. Too entwined in her emotions for Valent, she’d pushed any thoughts of what Beathan went through away. It was the only way she could sustain and not crumble at all the loss. “If Beathan is dead, then do not go. It will not do for more men to die because of all this.” She looked across the room at the men’s faces, some familiar, some not. “Perhaps it is time to let it rest. It is madness to continue to risk the lives of our people for all of this. Please, Ceardac, reconsider going to battle.”

  The McLeod of Skye sat on the opposite side of Ceardac, his son next to him. He looked to her. “Lass, ye’ve grown since I last saw you about fifteen years past.” His keen green eyes met hers. “Have you met me son, Ross?”

  “Welcome to you both,” Ariana replied making eye contact with the men. Ross’s clear green eyes scanned her face for a moment before he gave her a brief nod. He looked back to his plate and continued eating. The handsome man had dismissed her.

  Ceardac spoke to the McLeod. “My sister advises we do not more forward, but to leave things as they are. What do you think?”

  It was surprising to her the men actually discussed her suggestion. Ariana leaned forward to hear what the McLeod would say.

  “And not retaliate for what they did? They’ve killed forty of your men. They’ve taken your brother. I am sure it will be taken as a sign of weakness to not attempt to rescue your brother.”

  “To what end?” Ariana could not help but interrupt. “As soo
n as you appear, they will kill Beathan. If he isn’t already dead.”

  The McLeod leaned forward on his elbow, his gaze now hard meeting hers. “Lass, yer brother is dead or will be soon, in that you are correct. They will not allow him to live for what he did. That is not what matters at this point.”

  She knew it, of course. Yet hearing it sent a searing pain into her chest. All the days of pushing the thought away came back tenfold. Ariana got to her feet. “I bid you goodnight. I do not feel well.” Her legs wobbled as she allowed Lily to assist her away from the great room. Just before leaving the room, she scanned the warriors’ table and found the gray gaze on her. Valent’s eyes were flat upon locking with hers. Yet it gave her strength to continue on.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The call to the laird’s high board did not surprise Valent. He’d wondered why it had taken so long for Ceardac to ask to speak to him about the McKenzie. Murray stood before the new laird as well as another archer. The men from the tables looked on with interest.

  “You are the McKenzie’s twin brother, I am told.” Ceardac’s words were more a statement than a question, so Valent remained silent. “Were you aware?”

  “Nay.” Valent looked to the new laird feeling a fleeting camaraderie. He’d grown up with Ceardac. That he asked the question was more for the sake of the others present. “I did not know until I came face to face with him.”

  The McLeod of Skye pinned him with a glare. “And you did not go with him? Did he not offer you an opportunity to go with them? To rejoin your clan?”

  Valent inhaled deeply to keep from snapping. “They are not my clan.”

  Murray interrupted. “If I may intercede. The McKenzie did offer Valent to go with them and he refused.”

  “How—” the McLeod of Skye started but was interrupted by Ceardac.

  “Valent was a foundling. He came to be with us since about three years of age. No one ever came searching for him, that I am aware.”