by Kara Griffin
How handsome Graeme looked holding the bairn in such a protective way. In her mind’s eye, he looked akin to a husband that cradled his child. Such longing dismayed her, knowing she would in all likelihood never have a husband or children. At least not during these uncertain times.
Kerrigan sighed and turned back to peer at her friends. “Shhh, they’re asleep.”
“I am not sleeping and heard you enter. You dare bring others here? You promised …”
The bairn made his presence known and bawled loud enough to alert any passersby of their location. Kerrigan was about to take the babe from him when Philippa ran forward and took the bairn into her arms.
Everyone spoke at once, and with the babe’s wails, his shouts, Finley’s grumbles, and Annag’s shrieks, the cave’s roof would surely fall upon them. Kerrigan held up her hand for silence, but no one paid her any heed.
Graeme grabbed her wrist and pulled her outside. He sauntered until they were a good distance from the entrance. When he stopped, running more like, she was out of breath. She waited for him to begin his tirade, certain he was about to yell at her. There had to be a way to soothe his hostility, and she did the only thing that came to mind … What she usually did when she angered Laird Moray.
“My lord,” she said, and set a hand on his bicep. She gentled her hand and gave her most sorrowful expression, but she couldn’t help thinking how strong he was. His muscle bulged beneath her fingers. “I can explain. Will you not give me a moment?”
He gripped her upper arms and brought her toward him. Kerrigan thought he was going to harm her, perhaps shake or thrash her, but as her body collided with his, his lips pressed hers. He kissed her. Kissed her well and good.
Glory be.
She’d never been kissed as ardently before, and even as she thought that, his manly lips moved over hers and caused her to open her mouth. The coolness of his tongue glided over hers and caused her to groan at the sensuality of it. Kerrigan held tightly to his arms, confident she’d fall when he released her.
It ended too soon for her liking and he pulled his mouth away. Yet he didn’t release her. She held still and wished for a few more moments of being held by him. His hard body pressed against her, and he didn’t seem to want to let her go.
“I didn’t think you would return.” His words, whispered against her lips, caused a tremble through her body.
“I promised I would. Is this the cause of such a welcome?” Kerrigan’s heart sank when he released her and he turned abruptly. He motioned to the trees, and his comrades jumped down and made obtrusive calls.
“Ah, I enjoyed the performance, Graeme,” Liam said.
“You make a handsome couple,” Heath said.
Brodin shoved Graeme’s shoulder. “I thought ye said no one would know of our location. I told ye, you shouldn’t trust her. All lassies are the same, aye, deceitful.” He wasn’t as jovial as his comrades.
She stepped back and was about to walk way, but Graeme sidled next to her and took her hand. He gazed at her, then back to his comrades.
“I do trust her.”
Brodin bellowed with a harsh laugh. “You only say that because ye like kissing her.”
“I’d say more than like,” Liam said, with a wide grin. “Besotted. Aye, completely and rightly so.”
“I say that because it is the truth. I’m sure there is a goodly reason why she would bring others. Explain, Kerrigan, why you risked our wrath by bringing those people here.” Graeme began with a mollified voice, but by the time he finished, his words hardened. He folded his arms over his chest and frowned.
She took a moment to gaze at them, standing around her in similar positions. They towered around her akin to tall unbent pines, making her feel as small and defenseless as a field mouse. Somehow she regained her composure and frowned back.
“I had to bring them. Finley, the old man, was Laird Moray’s trusted manservant. He risked his own safety to help me when Moray died. The old lady is his wife. I could not leave them in the village what with the English king’s army threat.” She took a step toward Graeme and pointed at his chest. “You,” she said, and jabbed Graeme with her pointy finger, “told me to find a means to take care of the bairn. The woman is a wet-nurse. How else are we to feed the babe? You can trust Finley and Annag. They shan’t tell anyone of the cave. I doubt they even know where they are. Have no worry of that.” By the time she finished, her breath hitched.
“Damn me, the lass is downright ornery when she gets her arse in a hitch,” Liam said.
“Aye, we’ll leave ye to deal with her, Graeme,” Heath said, and motioned to the others to follow.
Brodin gave a dark look to her as he passed.
She stood next to Graeme, afraid to look at his face. So she looked at her feet and barely saw them as night pitched the sky. It was dark this night with scarcely a sliver of moon to show any light and as black as their mood.
“I shouldn’t have done that.”
She chanced to look at his face. “Aye, next time you wish to know something, don’t yell at me. All you need to do is ask.”
He shook his head. “Nay, I meant kiss you in front of the others.” Graeme turned and moved the branches aside and stepped inside the cave.
Kerrigan took a disgruntled breath. The man was a knave. How dare he say such without explaining? Yet he was right, he shouldn’t have kissed her, especially knowing his men watched. Her face brightened at that thought.
She entered the cave and sat at the trestle table, defeated. Graeme spoke to Philippa, but she couldn’t understand what they said. The woman spoke rapidly to him, and he back to her.
Annag set a cup in front her. “Drink, Mistress, and ye shall feel better. There’s a boar roasting on the spit. Finley is tending it and we’ll eat soon.”
“My thanks. I will ask Graeme where we shall sleep. The cave is large and there appears to be antechambers. Perhaps you and Finley can occupy one of them. I will stay out here with the wee one.” She glanced at Graeme and back to Annag. “What do you think they are saying?”
“I know not, Mistress, but it appears the man is enthralled with her words. The man told her the bairn was a boy, but he has no name. Is this true?”
“Aye, it is. We found him at the abbey. Poor babe was left there.” Kerrigan noticed the babe suckling at the woman’s breast. What with Graeme’s enthrallment and the woman’s skill at handling the babe, she was vulnerable. Not that she had any claims on the man. Still, he kissed her, and he seemed taken with her. Should she be angry at his inattention now? Kerrigan shook her head. He owed her no explanation, and yet, she wished Philippa was gone. Then she scoffed at herself for thinking such because the bairn needed her.
They ate the meat and bread Finley served. The guardsman’s squire came inside and took a small trencher with him when he left. Conversation went round and round with everyone in quiet discussion. Kerrigan finished off the meal with a small cup of ale, which tasted good and not watered down as what Rohan served in his mead hall.
After a long day and with no sleep the night before, exhaustion tugged at her. Kerrigan pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. She laid her cheek on her knee and closed her eyes. She listened to Annag and Finley speaking to Graeme. He directed them to the adjacent chamber where they could stay while they were there. All sound quieted and she couldn’t hear Graeme and Philippa any longer.
As much as she wanted to know what was happening, she kept her eyes closed. Several minutes went by, and Kerrigan thought to find a place to sleep. Someone lifted her. Her eyes shot open, and she found herself in Graeme’s arms.
“You’re tired.”
“I am weary. It’s been a long day.” She set her cheek on his shoulder, content to be held by him. The strength of his arms astounded her. Her weight didn’t seem to exert him and she was no spring goose.
He stood in the center of the large chamber, held her, and didn’t seem to know what to do with her. Kerrigan sighed.
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��Shall I go and stay with Annag and Finley? Where did they go?”
“Nay, you’ll stay here … with me.”
She shook her head. “Your comrades seem to have dislike for me. I don’t wish to cause their displeasure. Won’t they have a thing or two to say about that?”
“Nay, they won’t. They’ll come in during the night, when they’re ready to sleep after we train.”
Kerrigan frowned. “Train? You mean at arms? Why would you train now at this time of night in the dark? Won’t it be difficult to see?”
“It is what we do.” He offered no further explanation. “We sleep there,” he said, and pointed at the hearth. “I’ll make ye a warm bed by the fire.” He set her on her feet and took a cover from a bench nearby.
“I can make my own bed. I do thank you.” She took the cover from him and placed it on the floor. He handed her two more and when she finished setting them, it appeared comfortable. She felt foolish when a shy mien overcame her. Alone with him, she wasn’t sure if she should remove her cloak or not.
“I must go and meet my comrades. You’ll be well until I return?”
Relief overwhelmed her. “Aye, go, please. I will see you on the morrow? Will you go in search of the wee lord?” She untied her cloak and set it over her arm.
“We are headed to the village. I want to learn news of the latest battle. I need to consider the whereabouts of wee Andrew. It may take time to find him.”
“I understand. When will you return?”
He stepped forward. “We’ll be back before the sun rises, and you’ll probably hear us when we return. We’ll get sleep after we train. I’ll try to keep them quiet.”
She nodded. But Kerrigan wasn’t about to lie on the covers until he left. Why she felt awkward in his presence, she wasn’t sure. Mayhap her body and mind still reeled from their kiss. Even so, she berated herself for be nonsensical.
Graeme touched her face. “Sleep well.”
She closed her eyes against the warmth of his hand touching her skin. When she opened her eyes, he was gone.
Chapter EIGHT
“Have ye gone mad, man?” Brodin sidled his horse next to Heath’s, and his glare evident with displeasure. “You’ve never been this foolhardy before, especially over a woman.”
The trek to the village riddled with tension. None spoke to him as they rode along until Brodin was forthright enough to break the silence. The night grew late and none traveled the trail to the village. The lane widened enough for them to ride side by side in pairs.
“How could ye promise the lass you would help find Moray’s son and take him to Robert? Why don’t we turn ourselves over to the king with nooses around our necks when we find him and save him the trouble?” Brodin scoffed and turned to peer at him from the front of their procession.
“When we find the lad, she will take him to Robert. I gave my vow to find him and I won’t rescind it.” Graeme hadn’t thought the whole matter through, but no matter how much his comrades cajoled him to rescind his promise, he wasn’t going back on his word.
“Ballocks, Graeme. I see the way you look at Kerrigan. You’re a besotted arse. Will you let her go when the time comes?” Brodin slowed and watched him with a raised brow.
He had to let her go, besotted or not. When the little lord was found, he would have to, yet it might be easier said than done. Graeme didn’t like the turn of the conversation. But it had been a while since he felt anything for a woman. His wife had such an effect on him in the beginning. Though he’d married her because it was the will of her father’s, their relationship grew, that is until the blather began. He’d always thought he would love his wife, much like his grandda loved his wife. Had he loved Sorcha or was he in love with the idea of having a wife? Unsure, he shook the thought of her from his mind.
“You’re being swayed by a bonnie face. Aye, all of us would be. Och you didn’t consider us when ye made this promise. That is what is causing our ire. Now not only do we have our arses to protect, but an old couple and two young women, and to top it off, a bairn. Hell, she’ll have the entire village making camp outside the cave entrance.” Heath whistled. “That’d be a daunting task for any man in these times, Graeme.”
“What would you have me do? Send the woman off with a bairn she found with me? Would you demand I send the old couple back to the village? It is too late to turn back now. I will have your word to aid me.” Graeme frowned sternly at his comrades and waited impatiently for their accord.
Liam looked at Brodin and Heath, and said, “Aye, of course we’ll help you. We started this journey together, and we shall finish it together.”
Heath nodded. “Och, you’ll allow us to be cross for at least another hour?”
Graeme laughed at their surly expressions, but he was grateful to his comrades. They had been through much in the few years they trained together after being placed in the Bruce’s command and made his guard. Each of them had perils of their past which was how they ended up together. Bits of information came from each, but no one knew what happened fully and none would dare ask. It wasn’t always easy to divulge one’s transgression, especially when it might have been as foreboding to be put in the service of another.
He’d caught hint of Liam’s offense, and that he’d shirked his responsibility and wouldn’t wed the woman his uncle chose for him. Heath was several years older than they and he’d spoken of escaping after being imprisoned during the war of Aquitaine. Brodin, he’d caught, supposedly murdered his mistress when he found out she embroiled a plot to kill him. He of them all verily mistrusted women. All had their secrets.
He wasn’t about to reveal why he’d been placed in service. If they knew his past, he wasn’t certain they’d still hold him with reverence. For he’d murdered a man in cold blood and probably would’ve been executed by the elders of his clan. If not for his father, he’d undoubtedly be dead. He now understood why his father suggested he go in service to the Bruce. In time, the matter would blow over and his clansmen would welcome his return. One day he would return home and be content. That seemed to be years away, too long away to consider.
Two years, he’d been gone from his home and family. Two years, he’d survived by the faith of the brotherhood he’d come to count on and admire. Graeme would do anything for his comrades, and they for him. He knew they wouldn’t abandon him in this quest or any other.
They reached the mead hall and took up a table in the front by the door so they could see all who entered. Rohan, the hall’s owner, often sent them business as those sought the guard’s aid.
“My lord, ‘tis good to see you this eve. I shall send ye my finest mead.” Rohan, a burly, robust man, wiped his bald head with a cloth. “Be a gathering of supporters soon, for word came with a young lad earlier this day.” The tavern keeper used his business as a way to support Scotland’s cause. He was entrusted with their secrets and renowned for his confidence.
“Was it one of James Douglas’ brood? I recently sent him a message.” Graeme noted the hazed mien of their comrade’s face.
“Aye, for I was wont to close the place. The last time James visited; he caused a ruckus and ruined every single table in the place. If he comes this eve, I would that you do me the favor and try to keep him from destruction.” Rohan chortled as he walked away.
Graeme ordered food and drink. It was improbable they’d hear news this night as the village appeared vacated. He wanted to find out what happened at the battle at Methven, even though his comrades told him of it. The outcome concerned him, for if the Bruce won the battle, he might want to take up his sword sooner. That would mean they’d have to find out when and what battle would next take place. When last seen the Bruce was alive, thanks to his comrades. Protecting their king was going to be complicated.
“Do you deem Robert will continue to battle against Edward’s army? I fear it will be Scotland’s downfall. This is a damnable task, seeing to his arse.” Liam leaned back against the wall and settled his feet along the bench.
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“I was thinking the same thing.” Graeme noticed the hall empty save for a few men who drank their fill and snored. He lifted his cup and took a swig of ale. With good fortune, the man they awaited received his message and would come this night. He’d only wait for a few hours.
“Graeme, ye ken the lass is going to cause you trouble,” Liam said.
“I thought we were through discussing this?”
Liam sat back, his expression glum. “Och I wanted to marry the daughter of our clan’s enemy. Aye, she was bonnie and the most gentle-hearted lass. But my uncle wouldn’t allow it and he forbade me from pursing her. He said the thought of our children bearing their blood sickened him.”
Graeme laughed. “Your uncle is known to be overzealous in his beliefs.”
“Don’t I ken it. What is it about this lass that has ye besotted? She’s beautiful, but there are many beautiful women within the kingdom. You’re too chivalrous for your own good. Aye, love ‘em and be done with them.”
“Is that how you feel now?”
Liam shrugged his shoulder. “Might as well since I can’t wed who I wish.”
Heath pushed his head. “Why can you not? You’re a grown man. Stand up to him.”
“If I want my father’s lands, I must make sacrifices,” Liam said, the discussion bringing about a sense of woe. “There is naught else I can do.”
Graeme suspected they’d all pay dearly before they’d finish their service. “There’s goodness in Kerrigan, pure and sweet.”
Brodin chortled. “Aye? Sweet, my arse. All women are deceitful. For my own mistress tried to kill me. And to think I was going to marry the lass. I should’ve killed her when I had the chance.”
Graeme, astounded by his comrade’s confession, thought he had killed his mistress. It was speculated, but he was glad to hear his comrade hadn’t. He wondered why then how Brodin ended up in the Bruce’s service. “Would you have killed her?”
