Conquered Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 1)

by Kara Griffin

  “I shall turn my back to give you privacy. Put your clothes here and use this to cover yourself when you are finished.” She handed him the tartan. Kerrigan faced the cave and saw Annag step from the entrance. Philippa walked with her. They foraged for herbs and mushrooms, for she remembered Annag mentioned making a stew, and she often used them to add bulk to the meal.

  “Make sure you wash behind your ears, lad. Do a thorough job.”

  “Aye, m’lady.”

  “Be sure to wash your hair, too, for you need to go over yourself at least twice.” She could hear him rinse as the splashes sounded. After a few minutes, she called, “Are you done? May I turn?” She took a peek and her breath ceased upon seeing the marks on the lad’s back, arms, and legs. Someone had either taken a switch to him or he was verily tortured. Kerrigan wanted to weep.

  He grumbled something, and she turned and found him entirely wrapped in the tartan. His long locks in tangles about his face. He was young and too thin for a lad of his tender years. She wasn’t certain how old he was, mayhap eight or perhaps ten. Gilroy was about the same age of Laird Andrew’s son give or take a year, and she knew from experience he was a troublesome lad when trying to get him to bathe.

  “I shall wash your garments and see if there is something you can wear until they dry.” That was if his clothing was salvageable. Lord knew how long he’d worn them. “What you need is a big bowl of Annag’s porridge. It’ll put meat on your bones.” She motioned for him to follow and he did so meekly.

  Kerrigan called to Annag as she passed. “Is the morn meal ready?”

  “Aye, Mistress. It sits on the fire. Might take a wee bit longer to heat, best check it.”

  She waved and entered the cave and bid the lad to sit at the table. With the ladle Annag left in the pot, she stirred it and steam wafted from the center. She scooped the porridge into the bowl and set it before him. “Eat.”

  Across the chamber sat Graeme’s trunk. “Let us see what we can do about clothing you. Graeme should have an extra tunic or two.” She was hesitant to open it because she intruded on his privacy and then she shook her head. Graeme was her husband and they shouldn’t withhold secrets. She opened it without caution. To the one side, a high pile of tunics took up the space.

  What caught her eye were the weapons to the right. Inside were several short swords, a small bow and arrows to accompany it. There were a good number of daggers of varying lengths, exactly what she needed for protection.

  Kerrigan removed them and stashed the weapons around the main chamber where she could easily access them should an intruder enter. She’d seen Moray’s men practice arms and could certainly handle such a weapon if there was a need.

  “M’lady, are you going to use them on me?” The lad’s voice deep with fear startled her.

  Kerrigan went to stand by him, but kept a few feet between them. “Of course not, Gilroy. I wanted to place them about in case we are attacked. Why would you ask if I planned to use them on you?”

  He wouldn’t respond.

  “Lad, I command you to tell me why you would ask me such a question?”

  “My mistress used to cut me. She said I deserved it, but I vow, m’lady, I never did anything to her. Sometimes she would tie me.”

  Horrified at what he’d said, Kerrigan didn’t know if she wanted to shout in disbelief, weep with sorrow, or hug him and offer comfort. But he didn’t appear to want to be coddled. “I know you didn’t. I’m sorry you went through that, Gilroy. How did you escape her?”

  “M’lord, the Bruce, saw what she was doing and bade me to be his squire even though he already had an experienced squire.”

  “That was quite gallant of him. I don’t want you to worry. Whilst you are here you will not be treated so. No one shall harm you. Now fill your stomach.”

  “Thank you, m’lady.”

  She touched his head affectionately. “I will check on the bairn. Do not leave.” Kerrigan entered the antechamber where Philippa set a pallet for her and the babe. When she reached the threshold, she gasped and rushed to the babe.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” She pushed Galyn aside and picked up the bairn. Had she killed him? The wee babe took a gasp and let out a fierce wail. Was Galyn smothering the babe? She turned a perplexed look at her friend. “Why would you harm him?”

  “I know not what you mean. I was getting him because he was crying, and the nurse was nowhere to be found.”

  Kerrigan shook her head in confusion certain of what she’d seen. There was no mistaking the way Galyn knelt next to the babe and held the cover by his face. “I shall take him to Philippa.”

  There was more she wanted to say, but the bairn wailed and likely needed a changing and nursing. She left the chamber, but before she did so, she spied Finley slumbered on his pallet. It struck her odd because he never slept so late. She went outside and signaled Annag and Philippa. As soon as they reached the cave, she handed the bairn to the nurse.

  Kerrigan wished she spoke French because she wanted to warn the nurse to be wary of Galyn. When Graeme returned, she would ask him to. The bairn now content and safe in the arms of Philippa, she returned to the table.

  She’d had enough excitement for one morning and hoped to catch her breath. Galyn sat in the farthest chair, silent and appeared unaccountable for what she’d done. Kerrigan would deal with her later.

  Annag spoke with Gilroy and gave him more porridge. Kerrigan forgot to give him a tunic and returned to Graeme’s truck and pulled one out. They were all a good size, too large for the reedy lad, and he’d likely be swimming in it. She took a small rope she’d found in the trunk for him to tie around his waist.

  “Wear this, lad, until we can wash your garments.” She handed him the items and asked Annag to collect any clothing that needed washing. The dear woman returned with an armful and she took them from her and set them in the basket. Annag’s face appeared downcast, and she seemed upset.

  Concerned, Kerrigan bid her to sit. “What is wrong, Annag? I can tell something is bothering you.”

  “Tis Finley. He’s unwell. I’ve given him a tonic to aid his breathing. ‘Tis making him sleep which is good, but I fear for him.”

  Kerrigan took Annag’s hand. “I know you do. Is there anything we can do?”

  “Nay, Mistress. ‘Tis but age that has him ensnared. Sooner or later the Good Lord calls us all home. His time is nears.”

  “Are you saying he’s dying?” Kerrigan was about to run off to be by his side.

  “Nay, perhaps not this day, or next week, or the next. I will go sit and tend him.” Annag left the main chamber.

  Kerrigan took a small helping of porridge and hastily ate. It was a busy day already and likely to be busier in the afternoon. With Graeme gone, she tried to occupy herself and the only thing that did the trick was cleaning. She’d planned to give the cave a through sweeping this day, but with all the activity of this morn, she was behind schedule.

  She had suspicions of Galyn. As she pondered why she would want to hurt the bairn, Kerrigan thought about the day she visited her at the mead hall. That was the night before she met Graeme and they found the bairn at the abbey. She hadn’t noticed any sign of pregnancy of her friend. And yet she remembered trying to take her cloak because the hall was warm, but she wouldn’t remove it.

  Galyn appeared ill then, and she’d been concerned for her. Could she have been in labor that day? And then she remembered visiting her cottage and found her friend melancholy and weeping. Her parents abandoned her. Galyn had bespoken her parents were angry with her. Had they learned she’d been with child or that she left him at the abbey?

  The most incriminating memory was when she’d tried to help Galyn pack to come to the cave. She wouldn’t allow her near her trunk or to assist with packing her garments. What was she hiding?

  “M’lady?”

  She looked up and nodded at the lad.

  “I must do my chores. My lord wants the cave cleaned out by the time he returns.
”

  “Go and don’t be long. Return hastily, as soon as you’ve finished.”

  He bowed before taking his leave.

  Now to make Galyn busy. She glanced at the basket by the entrance and turned to surmise her friend. Kerrigan realized Galyn never offered to assist, and nor had she lifted a finger to help anyone while she was there. She’d treated Finley and Annag as if they were her servants and hadn’t a care they were elderly.

  “Galyn, Finley is unwell and I must aid Annag. Would you mind washing the clothes this day?”

  Kerrigan usually took care of the chore, for Annag was too aged to be bent over at such a difficult task. This day the old woman’s place was with her husband. Kerrigan cherished the old couple and never minded helping them. They’d been kind to her, since the day she arrived at Bothwell castle and rarely let her lift a finger. It was time to repay their kindness, and she’d do all she could to ensure their health.

  Galyn slowly retreated from her seat. “You want me to wash the clothing?”

  “Aye, for I must help Finley. He’s ailing. There’s a good amount and it could take a while. You may want to attend to it soon for this afternoon it may rain again.” Kerrigan didn’t know if was going to rain or not, but she hoped to get Galyn out of the cave.

  “If my Robert hadn’t abandoned me, I would have people to see to such a task.”

  Kerrigan narrowed her eyes. Robert? She remembered her brother mentioned he was there to visit his lady. But there were many men named Robert and the odds of him being her lost love was nil. Then she recalled her brother denied that Galyn was the woman he’d spoken of. She wanted to ask her friend if perhaps he’d lied to her. There was only one way to prove her suppositions, and that was to occupy Galyn.

  “I know how you feel. Were I home at Bothwell I wouldn’t be living in a cave with all this filth. But we all must bear our situation. It would be a great help if you would tend the washing.” Kerrigan tried to win her over with kind words even though she wanted to berate her friend for her uncaring attitude and selfish demeanor.

  “I shall go now.” She picked up the basket and left to go to the stream.

  No sooner was she out of sight; Kerrigan hastened to the antechamber and knelt next to her friend’s satchel. She opened it and rummaged through the garments until she spotted the blue material. Kerrigan pulled the cloak out and held it to her chest in disbelief.

  Galyn is the bairn’s mother!

  Chapter FIFTEEN

  A cold wind swept through the trees. Graeme took a deep breath of the pine scent that overwhelmed the woods. Ahead, the trail veered toward the canopy of the willows and welcomed them home. He tensed in anticipation of seeing Kerrigan. For whenever he rested, he thought about what she was doing. Likely she went to the village and searched for the bairn’s mother even though he forbade her. The lass would keep her word regardless of the peril, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t worry. He hoped she’d listened to him and stayed at the caves.

  During their trek, they stopped at a loch and washed the camouflage from their skin, swords, and shields. He nudged his horse to move faster as their party, tired from the long journey trudged along. When they reached the first hillock, he slowed and let his gaze sweep the land.

  “All’s well.”

  Brodin sidled next to him. “Aye, looks to be.”

  “I am gladdened to return.”

  Heath circled him and jested. “Ah, but Graeme’s got something to return to.”

  “Aye he does.” Liam took the coin from inside his tunic. “I’d wager he’ll have the lass in his bed within a night, this night. Who will take me up on the wager?”

  His comrades chortled.

  But Brodin scoffed. “What makes ye believe he hasn’t already bedded the lass?”

  Graeme gave his friend a sharp scowl. “That is no way to speak of my wife. Put the coin away, Liam, for there damned well won’t be any wagers upon my lass.”

  Liam shoved the coin back whence it came. “Well, damned me seems my wager is for naught.”

  Heath peered at the hillocks in the distance. “What say you? Graeme, did ye really wed her? When? There has been little time to do so.”

  “Aye, before we left. We made our pledges. She is my wife and I her husband. When I return to my clan, we will speak the words in front of our priest. Until then, our vows are just as sacred.”

  Heath grinned. “I believe ye, Graeme. It appears, my good fellows, he’s already bedded her. No sense in wasting a good wager, Liam.”

  “This is the longest I’ve held the coin,” Liam said with pride.

  Heath smirked and gripped Liam’s tunic. “I can take the coin from you if ye don’t have it in your heart to suggest a worthy wager.”

  Liam shoved him away. “I shall think of something worthy, that I promise ye.”

  “Let us forgo this pointless talk. I want to go.” Graeme left them behind and his horse trotted toward the second hill. His steed was as anxious to be home as he was. He searched the outside of the cave for Gilroy, for surely the lad heard him coming. A lad came forward and for a moment Graeme didn’t recognize him. The lad appeared clean. His tunic without a speck of dirt had been washed. Remarkable.

  “Gilroy, what’d ye do to yourself?”

  “M’lord, welcome home. It was m’lady. She made me take a bath …” he said with a touch of agitation to his words. “… with lass’ soap. I had no choice for she wouldn’t let me be.”

  He wanted to laugh because Gilroy didn’t sound pleased. No one his age appreciated a bath, least of all being bid to do so by a lady.

  “You should take a bath more oft, Gilroy. Did ye clean out the cave as I directed?”

  “Aye, m’lord, I will see to your horse.” The lad approached and waited while he untied a satchel.

  By the time he handed over the reins to Gilroy, his comrades dismounted. As Graeme walked away, he heard them tease the pitiful lad about his cleanliness. It was the first time they’d seen Gilroy’s face without a cover of grime. He was a handsome lad and would grow to appeal. At least the lad would be hounded by the lassies.

  He hastened to the cave and pushed aside the branches to enter. Unsure if he entered the right cave, he turned back, and returned his gaze to the confines. The cave looked almost homey. There was no debris on the ground. A stack of wood sat neatly next to the hearth where a small fire blazed. The table was scrubbed clean, and in the center sat a bowl of fruits. Upon his trunk a stack of folded tartans took up the space. His wife had been busy.

  No sound came from within. He entered the antechamber and noticed Finley lying on his pallet. Graeme wouldn’t disturb the old man’s rest and returned to the main chamber. He pulled aside the branches and saw his bonnie lass walking with Annag, Philippa, who held the bairn, and Galyn. Kerrigan held a basket of launder. He wanted to rush forth, take her in his arms and kiss the breath from her. But he resisted his desire and instead approached and took the basket from her.

  “You have returned.”

  “Aye, and I’m gladdened to be home. You look well,” he said and leaned closer, “Wife.”

  Her mouth pinched, and she gazed at him with an odd expression. Something bothered her if the woe in her eyes was any indication. He would have to wait until they were alone before he could ask.

  His comrades called out greetings, and all entered the cave. Graeme placed the basket near the entrance and went to stoke the fire.

  “We shall have a feast to celebrate your homecoming. Lads can you bring me a few hares for the stew?” Annag asked.

  His comrades agreed and set off to the task to hunt for their supper. “I will join you in a moment,” he said to Brodin. “Something is amiss here.”

  After his comrades left, he noticed Kerrigan avoided looking at Galyn who sat at the table, quiet and thoughtful. He wondered if there was animosity between them for Galyn’s brazenness before he’d left to protect the Bruce. The lass had been forward, but he’d explained his disinterest, and he didn�
��t deem Kerrigan angry when he told her of it.

  Annag touched his arm. “My lord, will ye lift the pot on to the fire?”

  “Aye.” He did as she asked and regarded the look of sadness in the aged woman’s eyes. “What of you, Annag? Are you well? Finley? I saw him sleeping yonder.”

  “My husband ails, my lord. He has not rousted for nigh on two days.”

  “I am sorry to hear that. I thank you for the supper for we haven’t eaten a hearty meal in sometime. If you would rather be with your husband … I shall be glad to tend to it.”

  “Oh nay, my lord, I need to keep busy. Sitting with him will not cure him. I’m pleased to provide the meal. I will prepare and await the lads. Supper will be late this day, I fear.”

  “It will be welcome no matter what time it is served.” He smiled lightly and knew not how to offer sympathy on the news of her husband’s illness.

  The bairn lay upon the ground, and Philippa sat next to him on a tartan. Graeme gently set a hand on the babe’s head. He looked well and bright-eyed. The bairn grew and was bigger than when he’d last seen him.

  Philippa touched his thigh, drawing his attention. He turned to regard her, and she pointed toward Galyn. She spoke rapidly in her tongue.

  “My lord, the lady, she did something. The mistress is upset with her. I know not what the lady did but the mistress won’t allow her near the babe. Whenever the lady gets near the babe, the mistress bids me to take him. I do so, but I fear there is trouble betwixt them.”

  He watched the by-between and there was a tenseness among them. Whatever was wrong had nothing to do with the kiss Galyn bestowed on him. Impatient to learn the details and wanting a few moments alone with his wife, Graeme approached her and took the tartan she folded, and dropped it into the basket.

  “Come.”

  Outside, he kept walking until he reached a thicket well off to the side of the cave. When he turned to speak to Kerrigan, she hugged him tightly.

  “I am pleased to have you home and that you are safe and well.”