by Kara Griffin
“I must go.”
Kerrigan rubbed her eyes and noticed all vacated the main chamber of the cave. The prior days exhausted her. She’d gotten little sleep during the night before last, amongst all her worries and what with the bairn’s cries, and listening for the men’s return. Early in the morn she rousted with the men’s training. They weren’t quiet and the clang of their swords and their shouts intrigued her enough to get her out of bed. It was worse than lying in the same chamber as a snoring man. Then the remembrance of their kiss kept her from falling back to sleep.
“Be off with you then,” she grumbled. She bunched the covers she slept on and rose. When she reached the table, she turned and bumped into Graeme who stood directly behind her. “I thought you were leaving?”
“Aye. I wanted to let you ken I have someone searching for news of Andrew Moray. We should learn something soon.”
“I am pleased. Thank you, Graeme. Where are you off to?” She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and tried to clear her mind from the drowsy fog.
“I travel today and won’t be back for a few days, mayhap three. Will you be well?” He moved closer.
Kerrigan didn’t understand her reaction to him. She’d never been attracted to a man before and found none of them appealing. But for some reason, react to Graeme she did. His face exuded strength with his lightly whiskered jaw, his neck thicker than most men she’d seen, and his shoulders wide, and set with pride. His hands and forearms were thick and strong. He could verily crush her with his bare hands. But Graeme carried himself with honor and reverence.
She daren’t gaze lower to his midsection, certain she’d blush as crimson as the flowers that grew by the village gate. He made her anxious and she couldn’t keep her gaze on him. Yet she wanted to smile broadly because he was near. It made no sense to her, this strange and aloof response.
“Kerrigan?”
“Oh aye, I shall be fine. I am going to go to the village later to see what I can do about locating the mother of the bairn.”
He took her arm and held her. “I don’t think you should go to the village. It may be dangerous. I bid ye to stay here. When I return, we can go to the village so you can inquire.”
“The English are not there yet, and whilst I have time, I should look. The mother might have fled with all the others. Nay, I must go. I promise not to linger.”
“You will do as you are wont, so I won’t stop ye. If you need help or need us, send word to Friar Hemm. He can reach me.”
“I shall be well. Worry not.”
He dawdled and didn’t have a care to leave. Kerrigan pretended to gather foodstuff to break her morning fast. She took a quick bite of a sliced apple. He continued to hold her arm, but she didn’t pull away. Content to be near him, she waited for him to say something. When he remained quiet and continued to stand there, she decided to make his presence less awkward.
“What news about the war? Has anyone heard anything from Laird Bruce?”
Graeme released her and stepped back. “Aye, he’s returned from exile and was crowned. Robert the Bruce is now king of Scotland. He’s taking arms against his enemies.”
“I am not certain that is good news, is it?” She finished the apple slice and took another.
“It may be good. We shall see. He aims to war against the MacDoughalls this summer because they allied with the Comyn clan.”
Kerrigan jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. She grew excited at the news and didn’t realize how forward she’d been. Her cheeks heated when she felt her breasts firmly against his chest, and slowly she released him. “I do apologize, ‘tis just this news … I have been hoping, praying, the MacDoughalls would pay.”
“What of the MacDoughall’s? What do you ken of them? I thought ye were of Morays?”
She didn’t deem the information secret and it wouldn’t have any bearing on her safety. Why not tell Graeme? “I was taken in by Laird Moray and made his ward after our home was attacked by the MacDoughalls. I’m of the Campbell clan. They killed many of my clansmen, likely my mother, and chased us all from our lands in the battle of the Red Ford.”
Graeme firmed his lips. “Our king is determined they pay for siding with the Comyns. The Bruce will stop at nothing to see them defeated.”
“If they are conquered will I be able to return home?” Kerrigan could only hope. How she longed to return to the place where she’d had much happiness. So long she awaited such joyous news.
“I’m sorry, lass, but ‘tis unlikely. The Campbells scattered to the north. The king aims to meet them and ask for their support. Once we find the wee lord, you’ll go with him to our king. He shall see to your safety.”
“Why would I go with the wee lord?” Kerrigan bit her lower lip and considered what that meant. She wasn’t sure she wanted to go with the little lord to meet the king. If she did so, she’d have to leave Graeme, her friends, and verily put herself in more danger. Not only that, but she’d have to accept the betrothal the Bruce would surely mention. She wouldn’t voice her concern about this yet to him, at least until she gave it more thought. Taking another apple slice, she popped it into her mouth.
“The Bruce will see to his safety as well as yours.”
“Perhaps. Still, I am pleased to hear the MacDoughalls will pay. I do hope the king thwarts them. They deserve nothing less.”
“Brodin won’t be pleased you’re from the Campbells. His clan, the Grants, are sworn enemies of your clan. Och at least both the Campbells and the Grants are now allied with the Bruce. Robert will protect you.”
“I know naught of the Grants or of the hostility between our clans. I don’t want Brodin to be angry with me. Will you tell him so?”
“I shall. Worry not. Do you ken what I’ve been thinking?”
Her heart raced and her breath quickened at the sultry tone of his voice. She hastily swallowed the apple before answering, “Nay.”
“About our kiss, lass. Aye, it was over too quick for my liking.” He lowered his mouth and touched his lips to hers.
Kerrigan softened her body against him when his arms encircled her and brought her closer. She relished the fact he kissed her again. When his tongue slipped between her lips and surrounded hers, she moaned at the pleasurable heat that began in her stomach and spiraled to her chest. He pulled back, his breath as pitched as hers.
“And are ye still thinking about the kiss?” Kerrigan didn’t know why she teased him.
“Aye, and I’ll think about it the rest of the day and likely this night. That and the sweet taste of apples.” He turned and left the cave.
Kerrigan flushed at the implication and watched the entrance for a few minutes. She hurried and finished eating, cleaning up the sleeping area, checking on the bairn, and helping Annag sort through the foodstuff they’d brought. By the time she finished with her chores, early afternoon came, and she set off to continue her search for the bairn’s mother.
The sun rose high and the road empty save for a hare that crossed her path. It was eerie on the way to the village. She walked as fast as she could and made the two hour jaunt in less than an hour and half.
Not many walked the main throughway of the village. There were still people who occupied the cottages and stalls. She stopped by the tailor’s cottage again and Master Dooley, who bowed to her, bade her to enter.
“Good day, sir. I’ve come to ask if you have made a cloak of light blue. I saw someone wearing one and am trying to find her to ask where she got it.”
“Light blue, ye say?”
“Aye. It was long, almost to her feet with a hood. I couldn’t see the front, but it was thin material and appeared to be an expensive garment. I’ve always wanted one and thought to suggest it to my husband.” Kerrigan had to speak the falsehoods to get answers. She hoped the tailor knew who owned such a cloak.
“I only made one cloak similar. The man said it was for a special lady.”
“Do you know his name? Her name?”
“Can’t say I do.
I never met the woman, and he didn’t give her name or his. Can’t ask ‘em as he hasn’t been by since he picked up the garment. I’m sorry, milady, I can’t help you.”
“Thank you, kindly, sir.” Kerrigan dallied for a few minutes and looked at the fabrics set upon the table. One of the bolts matched the fabric of the cloak she’d seen the lady wear. If he’d made the garment, he wasn’t of much help of its wearer.
She left the main lane and went to visit Galyn. The cottage was closed, and the shutters locked from the outside. She knocked at the door and her friend opened it.
“Kerrigan, I didn’t deem you’d be here. I thought you left the village.”
“I did, but returned briefly … Have you been weeping? I see that you have. What ails you?” She knelt next to her friend who sat in a chair by the table in the small cottage. “I pray that you would trust me, Galyn, and tell me what is causing your woe. We have been friends a long time and you know how much I care for you. What can I do to help?”
“My ma and da never returned. I fear something happened to them. They must’ve gotten frightened and left. Oh, dear God, I’m left alone.” Galyn wept into her hands.
“They wouldn’t have left you, would they?”
“Aye, they would. They were angry with me and likely deserted me. I’m alone, Kerrigan, with nowhere to go. Glory be, when the English come, I’ll be ravished, tortured …”
“Be calm, my friend. Why were they angry? Did you do something to incur their ire? I cannot imagine that. You work yourself to death providing for them.” Kerrigan considered her friend’s plight and reasoned that could’ve been the cause of her odd behavior of late. Had her angst and woe been caused by her parents’ abandonment?
“I cannot speak of it, Kerrigan, pray don’t make me tell you … You would deem me the lowest person. Please, take me with you. I cannot stay here. I shan’t be any trouble.”
Kerrigan paced the small area and deliberated whether to take her to the caves. Graeme would be angry with another guest. But what was she to do? She couldn’t leave her friend there to perish alone. That settled, she turned and caressed her friend’s long locks.
“Fear not. Of course you can come with me. You will be safe. But you must promise not to divulge where we are going to no one. Promise me.”
“I do. I won’t speak a word to anyone, Kerrigan. Where are you staying?”
“In a cave well away from the castle and village. It’s about a two-hour walk from here. The location is hidden well and passersby won’t see it. We should be safe. There are men there, the king’s guard. The ones we spoke of.”
Galyn’s eyes widened with incredulity. “You found them? Is that where you went when I’d seen you at the mead hall?”
Kerrigan took a chair and pulled it closer to her friend’s. “Aye. I was able to get them to help me. Their leader, Graeme, will help search for Laird Moray’s son. In return, I’ve given my vow to help him find a bairn’s mother.”
“A bairn?”
“Aye, on the night we met, we stopped by the abbey to rest before continuing our journey and there we found a bairn on the stoop. I’m trying to locate the mother and help her if I can.”
“Oh, what troublesome news. ‘Tis such a daunting task.”
Kerrigan rose and stretched her back. She took a cover from a nearby chair and folded it, thinking to take it with them when they left. They would need more covers and other items to keep them until they were able to get back to the village.
“Come, we should gather as much as we can. I fear this is the last time I will be able to visit the village and we have many now at the cave. Bring as much foodstuff as you can.”
“I made several loaves of bread. I shall bring them.” Galyn stood and shoved the loaves in a basket. She added other items while Kerrigan moved to the clothing.
“You’ll need garments. I’ll see what we can bring along for you.” Kerrigan was about to approach her friend’s trunk, but she stopped her.
“Oh, here, take this,” she said, and handed her the basket. “I’ll take care of the garments.”
As Galyn rummaged through her property, Kerrigan reorganized the items in the basket to ensure nothing fell out. “We should leave before it gets dark. Have you everything?”
“I do.” Galyn picked up a stuffed satchel and opened the door.
Kerrigan took the basket. It was heavy now and filled with a good amount of items. It would be wearisome carrying it all the way to the cave.
They walked along and spoke of their times at Bothwell when her family would visit. Cherished memories came, most of them as young lasses running amok through the castle, and they often got in trouble for playful torture of the lads. Galyn said little and didn’t seem to want to reminisce about their childhood.
Kerrigan’s thoughts drifted to Graeme. He was like no other man she’d ever met and as formidable as he appeared, within he had a kind soul. At least he’d treated with compassion. As much as she’d avoided men when she reached womanhood, it had been easy since those visiting Bothwell were restricted to the great hall. There didn’t seem to be away to avoid Graeme though. Not that she wanted to evade him. She wondered if this strange aura she felt for him was love or adoration. A smile tugged at her lips for she realized her heart surely was affected.
Chapter TEN
Their second encounter with James Douglas took longer than expected. Graeme, though content and solaced by the serenity of the abbey, was eager to get back to the cave. His concern for Kerrigan creased his brow and troubled his heart. He hoped she’d made it back from the village unscathed. No word on the English king’s army advancement came, and it seemed they still had time before they’d be inundated. That relieved him since he knew she visited the village.
“Damn ye, Graeme, how can you allow that woman to occupy our cave?”
Graeme was unable to soothe Brodin’s outrage after being told Kerrigan was a Campbell. He insisted she be tossed from the cave and handed over to the English or better yet, the MacDoughalls.
“Are ye that unfeeling, Brodin, to wish that upon the woman? She has naught to do with your clan’s clash with the Campbells. Will you hold her accountable, a helpless lass?”
He scoffed, but said nothing.
“Besides, Brodin,” Heath said, after a brief silence, “she is Graeme’s concern, not yours or ours, and we will leave her care to him.”
Graeme had enough of his bristle and glared at him to keep his silence. After waiting two days, James finally arrived. The man entered with force, and pushed a young monk out of his way, shouting his name to all those who could hear.
He looked nonplussed by his objection at being kept waiting. Graeme didn’t have to speak, for his affront clear. His scowl alone would bespeak his displeasure.
“Ye shouldn’t look so cross, Graeme, aye me own ma oft told me my face would stay that way if I kept such a look.”
He chuckled low, but was still vexed at the time he’d wasted. “Aye, mayhap my face is this way all the time especially when someone keeps me waiting.”
“Och then ye have no worry. You’re still ugly as sin. Listen, all of you …” James motioned them closer.
He and his comrades pulled their chairs nearer to him. “What say you?”
James waited for the three monks to make themselves scarce before he spoke. “I saw Robert. He means to war with the MacDoughalls come early summer and is already headed westward toward Argyll. We’re to take the Tyndrum trail. You should prepare and meet us toward the end of June. I’ve word about where Moray’s son was taken as well.”
“We’ll be ready, James. Be sure to send word to Friar Hemm and we’ll meet ye on the road. What of Moray’s son?”
“Not fair news I fear. The lad was taken aye, and he’s being held by English supporters, the Comyns at Inverlochy. Be difficult to retrieve the lad from their fortress, och I’m up for fighting if ye have it in your heart to rescue him.”
Graeme felt waylaid as if he’d been pierced in th
e gut. “Damn the inconvenience. We must think on this, James, and somehow get him back. Do we have anything with which to barter?”
“Nay, short of Comyns own blood kin, they’d accept nothing. Might be best to forgo the notion and let him be.” James dipped his chin. “Sorry my friend, for there’s nothing of it for now. I will send one of me lads to Inverlochy. He’ll gain employ as a stable lad or such and see if he can find out how the Moray’s son fares. It may be too late, for he might not even live.”
“Aye, aye. We’ll find out when we meet ye on the road to the MacDoughalls. Be well, James, and thank ye for the news.”
James stopped to speak with Friar Hemm before he exited the abbey as boisterous as he’d come.
After the discouraged news, Graeme was apprehensive about telling Kerrigan of the wee lord’s fate. Would she accept he was inaccessible or possibly killed by their foes? The last thing he wanted was to cause her distress. Yet, he was given the task, and he promised the favor to her.
His comrades hastened outside and took to their horses. They were as anxious to return to the caves as he was. On the way, they discussed the tarry that was to come. The MacDoughalls would be difficult to defeat and had many followers. Their men-at-arms well outnumbered theirs and if Robert had any chance at victory, he’d need to gain a bigger army. One to rival the English king’s army.
With their king barely escaping with his life at Methven, Graeme was daunted by the impended battle. It could end all they’ve accomplished even if it was little in their hope to win their freedom from the English sovereign.
Graeme was determined to make it back to the caves by nightfall. He’d traveled hard and fast from the abbey after meeting with the Douglas. Along the trail toward the trees before the hillocks where the cave was located, he stopped. Something wasn’t right. An odd sense infused him with danger and his neck hairs prickled.
They weren’t garbed for battle and that made Graeme uneasy. If they wore their war garb, they wouldn’t be recognized and fear would be on their side. Hopefully it wasn’t the Bruce’s men-at-arms or the English king’s, because both would apprehend them and their fate would be comparable.
