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

by Kara Griffin

  The bard laughed and continued, “They’re not the devil come in the night. But och, mayhap they are his brethren? For they seek out the bad and aid the good. Mayhap the devil bids them to find soldiers for his army or for his company and the ghosts send wrongdoers to the underground. It is said they have claimed the lives of five hundred English men-at-arms, possibly more. Good soldiers, if ye see them on the battlefield, stay out of their way.”

  Robert stood and shouted, “Enough of these myths, for I tell ye all, I never had a guard such as described.”

  James bellowed in the corner. He stood leaning against a timbered pole, his smile wide.

  Kerrigan slunk away from the table with everyone’s attention focused on the king. She heard him say as she left the hall …

  “To all great fearless guardsmen wherever they may be and all those who fight for Scotland and our freedom.”

  Chapter TWENTY-FOUR

  She hastened to the ladies’ chamber and climbed into the bed she’d share with Marjorie. It had been a long time since she’d been at such a feast for Moray had been warring and his wife kept their home open to the wounded. There was no time for such entertainments. And even as she lay there listing to the sounds from below, she couldn’t help but think how long it had been since Graeme attended such a feast.

  If she didn’t love him and wished to return to him, she might be content to stay. It seemed all those enjoying the night’s feast were unaffected by the turmoil of the war. But she knew the truth and the war would continue. She tossed and turned and grew sleepy.

  Kerrigan awoke with a start, for she’d forgotten where she was.

  Marjorie set a small trencher of apples, cheese, and a few pieces of stale bread on her lap. “I thought you would sleep the day away.”

  “Thank you for the food.” She picked at the foodstuff and realized she must’ve slept a long time. As much as she rested, she was still sleepy. With yester eve’s events behind her, Kerrigan set her mind to thinking of a way to escape. But the lass kept talking to her and she couldn’t hold a single thought.

  “You are welcome. ‘Tis well after the morn meal. I thought ye might be hungry. My father has called us to a meeting at the noon meal. You are bid to attend. You will need to rise soon. Be sure to come soon for father doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

  With her stomach mollified, she fell back to sleep. She woke a few hours later and realized the meeting was taking place for all the ladies in the chamber had gone.

  Kerrigan stripped of her gown and washed her body and pulled on the overdress Marjorie gave her. The chamber was empty save for her. She realized she was late for the king’s meeting and hastened to the great hall and found many people gathered. Marjorie and the other ladies weren’t in the room, neither likewise was the king.

  “They are in his private chambers.”

  Startled, she turned and found James standing behind her. “James, you frightened me. Will you show me where?”

  He held out his arm for her to take. Remarkably, he bathed and combed his hair. He was somewhat handsome without his helmet and other protective warrior garments. He could’ve passed for a great lord of wealth and prestige if she didn’t know better. But she did and knew his manners were completely lacking.

  “I wanted to apologize to you.”

  Kerrigan didn’t know what to say and kept silent while she walked beside him.

  “I had no choice, lass, but to bring you here. If I didn’t …” He stopped by an out cove and motioned for her to stand by the window casement. “… Robert would have sent others to search for you. They would have found Graeme and he would have been taken prisoner, mayhap even condemned to death. For Robert would have no choice but to sentence them for their treason against his order. He needs Graeme and his comrade’s assistance even if he bid them to stay away. I supported Graeme by taking you.”

  “Why, what has Graeme done? Why would the king bid him to stay away?”

  James beckoned her closer to the wall. “He witnessed the killing of Red Comyn, aye Robert Comyn. He and his comrades were the Bruce’s guard when they went to the meeting in Greyfriars on Palm Sunday. I was outside speaking to a few of the men about what position we’d take during the meeting. I just learned the English took my land and home, and I was trying to gain aid from either the Bruce or Comyn. You see, we debated who had the rights to the crown. But the Bruce’s family had more right to the claim especially after learning Comyn betrayed the Bruce.”

  Kerrigan was astounded. “So he took the crown by murdering his rival, Robert Comyn?”

  “Aye, but it was deserved. Comyn sent missives to King Edward of England asking for his support when he and the Bruce were supposed to be supporting each other. When the Pope excommunicate him, the Bruce took his guard and hid for a few months.”

  “I see, and I suppose his guard was also excommunicated.”

  “By association, lass, aye they were. They had no choice but to stay with the Bruce. Robert left them to exile when he returned to Scotland for if they returned they’d be killed by the English king. For even though King Edward may believe he knows what the Bruce did, he has no proof. He would like to get his hands on those that do ken the truth. The Bruce’s own brother-in-law was murdered because he was present that day.”

  “So Graeme cannot let either king know where he is.”

  “Nay, and they’re honorable, protecting Robert when he goes into battle. If someone else found them and turned them over to the Bruce, he’d be angry they disobeyed him and returned to Scotland. The Bruce would consider their defiance treasonous for Graeme and his comrades disobeyed a direct command of the king.”

  “You didn’t have to hurt him.”

  James scowled. “Aye, I did. I ken if you were my wife I wouldn’t let someone take ye short of my death. I had to hurt him enough to keep him from following.”

  “You said you didn’t kill him.”

  “I didn’t. He was breathing, lass, when we left him. You must trust what I did was for his own good and yours.”

  “Whose own good?” Robert stood behind James who blocked her view and she hadn’t seen him coming.

  Kerrigan had to come up with something to avert his attention. “Moray’s son, my lord, I was just asking James how Andrew came to be here. He’d been taken by the English, and Sir James said he’d rescued him for his own good.”

  The king nodded. Whether he believed her or not, he didn’t let on.

  “James, see to the horses for the women are soon to leave.”

  Kerrigan bowed to him and tried to move past him, but his gaze was intent and unnerving as his blue eyes pierced her. She couldn’t gage what he was thinking.

  “Stay, Lady Kerrigan. I wish a word with you. I’m sending my wife, sisters, and daughter to a safer keep. You will go with them.”

  Her prayers were answered. “And you, my lord? Will you be safe?”

  “Worry not for me, my lady. I enjoyed meeting you. Andrew spoke of ye with fondness. I’m glad we found you. When I’m able to, I shall keep my promise to Moray and set a worthy betrothal.” He bowed and smiled.

  She bowed in turn. “Thank you, my lord, for your protection.”

  The king hastened away. Kerrigan hurried outside, deciding to make her presence scarce before he changed his mind. James appeared to be awaiting her.

  “I ken what you are thinking, lass.”

  “Do you? And what would that be?” she asked as she pulled the cloak around her shoulders he’d handed her.

  “You’re going to flee as soon as you are able. I would advise against it, och ye don’t seem to be the sort of lass who would listen or who has good sense.”

  “Are you jesting with me, Sir James?”

  “Ye should call me Good Sir James for I intend to be knighted. And, lass, I haven’t jested since I was a wee lad this high,” he said and held his hand below the belt at his waist.

  “Good Sir, indeed. I shall call you Good Sir when ye deserve to be called such. Unt
il then I will continue to consider you a knave. But I will tell ye, I wouldn’t begin to know how to get back to my beloved husband. Should something happen to me though, I beg you to leave off and not search for me again.”

  James laughed. “Hmm, a lass lost in the woods. That’ll be your story? You’re the bravest lass I’ve ever met to go to such lengths for love. Makes me wish I had a lady akin to ye willing to risk it all.”

  “Perhaps if you ceased being so surly and learned the manners of a gentleman, the ladies wouldn’t feel the need to flee for their lives.”

  He bellowed, drawing the attention of all those who stood near. “Farewell, Lady Cameron, until we meet again.”

  Kerrigan approached Marjorie who stood next to her father. She wasn’t sure what they were waiting for and remained silent until she was told what to do. This was the man who killed her friend’s love. If not for his actions, Galyn might still live. Yet she knew why the king did what he did. Still his action unfolded a series of unfortunate events that even now disheartened her. If she hadn’t seen with her own eyes, Galyn’s reaction to learning of Comyn’s death, she wouldn’t believe she’d killed herself.

  James and another man spoke with Niall as they waited for their party to leave. Kerrigan wondered what James told the king about Moray’s son’s rescue and if he spoke of Comyn’s bairn. He must not have, for he did not mention it and neither did Andrew. It was too late to ask James about it, for all were bid to move forward.

  King Robert hugged his wife and spoke low. She couldn’t hear their words, but sadness marred the king’s face, for his eyes lowered and his lips waned. He embraced his sisters and last Marjorie. “Take care of one another until I can send for you. I pray you are safe and have an untroubled journey. God keep ye safe.”

  A small enclosed carriage awaited them. It was barely roomy enough to fit the five of them inside. The king’s wife sat on the opposite side with his sisters and Kerrigan sat between the king’s daughter and their guest, Lady MacDuff Comyn. Marjorie said not a word and kept her own council about where they were going. She hoped to recognize the route they took so she might abscond close to Dumfries, but all the women were remarkably closed-mouthed.

  When the perfect moment arose, she would flee and make her way back to Graeme. She considered how to get away and decided to reason it when the opportunity arose.

  Niall Bruce rode next to the carriage. He inclined his head and appeared to want to speak with her. But she gazed at her lap and pretended to study the fabric of her overdress. She would have to avoid the king’s brother for he appeared enamored. He stared at her longer than what was proper.

  They rode for two days, stopping at a tavern for supper and at inns to refresh the horses. Kerrigan didn’t find an opportunity to flee yet, and she grew daunted for she had to do so soon. They neared Balmaclellan which she realized to be northwest of Dumfries. She heard the queen say they would continue to Edinburgh. Kerrigan thought it was risky, traveling far south and so close to the border. But since she planned to escape long before they reached their destination, their plans didn’t concern her.

  Along the trail on the third day, the carriage jolted. The ladies screamed when it pitched to the side. Niall opened the door.

  “Come, we have a broken wheel, ladies. We’ll repair it whilst you rest by yonder trees.”

  Kerrigan walked next to Marjorie and when she reached the spot they were told to wait at, she made excuses.

  “I need to seek a bush. I shall return soon.” She tried to hasten away, but Marjorie claimed she too needed to relieve herself.

  Kerrigan waited for Marjorie to pick a spot. She walked past her and hid behind a thick pine tree. After a few minutes, enough time passed. “I will meet you back,” she said, cupping her mouth and calling out. She walked hastily into the woods farther away from the group. No sooner had she gotten into the denser woods, she heard the strike of swords.

  The clanging rang out. Kerrigan ran and revered around the thick trunks before her. The pursuers rode hard, for their horse’s hooves stomped the ground. Marjorie screamed and must have been captured. Fearful, she ran fast, knowing she couldn’t get caught. Kerrigan slipped on a soft patch of ground and tumbled down a slope.

  She lost her footing and twisted her leg. The pain caused her to gasp and pant. She stuck out her arm, trying to grasp branches as she continued to tumble, but she wasn’t able to catch one. One branch stuck out and sliced her upper arm. Blood soaked her sleeve. She gasped and couldn’t stop herself from falling.

  Sticks and rocks scraped and pierced her as she continued to plummet. She heard the sound of rushing water and cried out knowing she was about to die. Her body plunged through the air and she sank and hit the water below, making a big splash. Kerrigan drew a breath and closed her mouth before she went under. She came up sputtering, spitting out water, but then swallowed more when she went under again.

  The current moved swiftly, making it impossible to stand or catch hold of anything in the water. Held by the stream of flowing waters, she hastily was swept down river. Ahead several large rocks rose above the water. Kerrigan couldn’t control her arms or legs for they’d numbed by the frigid water. She tried to avert herself from hitting the large rock, but failed. Her head smacked the rock, and she gasped when her body sunk beneath the water.

  Kerrigan opened her eyes and felt weightless. Her body floated in the calmer waters beyond the large rock. She felt like an angel flying in the sky. The water was deep, and she knew not how to swim. Her feet dangled beneath her and she couldn’t stand. Even if she knew how to swim, her arms and legs stilled.

  This was the end of her being. Like Annag said, she shouldn’t be sad for she’d had a great love. She released her breath, closed her eyes and gave in to the tugging and lure of darkness.

  Chapter TWENTY-FIVE

  Gwenol loved rainy days. Joyously she walked along the high brush near the river searching for the weed of poppy, the frothy leaves of the plant she set aflame to relieve one’s excesses, and mushrooms for medicinals. As the great healer in the area, many came from miles around for her remedies and for the affects of the herbs. It mattered not to her if the taker disregarded her instructions for the men would do what they willed. Some enjoyed the affects and others did not.

  Several mercenaries were regular patrons and came for the mushrooms that oft evoked a careless mien or gave the fighters an invincible spirit when taking arms in battles. Sometimes when the patron was of special attachment to her, she would light the leaves of the frothy plant and fill the great room in her cottage with its smoke. After an hour of sitting in the dense smoke, she too felt its affects for there was nothing better to lighten one’s soul and bring about a sense of serenity than the calming of the Datura.

  Her son, Jay, walked next to their hound who she affectionately called Merlin. Gwenol was certain if the great wizard returned, he’d come back in the form of a great hulking beast. Her hound was bigger and stronger than any hound she’d ever beheld. Merlin could easily break a boar’s back in his mighty jaws. Thankfully, her hound was loyal to her, and she worried not of intruders.

  Merlin ran ahead of Jay and barked. It was an odd sounding bark and one she hadn’t heard of him before. Something or someone was by the river. She was about to tell Jay to calm the hound, but Merlin sprinted off and disappeared beyond the great stone that sat by the waters.

  “Come, Jay, let us see what Merlin has found.” Gwenol set her basket down when they reached the great crag. Beyond it the waters stilled. Something floated atop the stillness.

  “Jay, do ye see that,” she said, pointing toward the person floating face up in the swell of water. Her long light locks drifted in the gentle caress of the waves.

  “Aye, Mother. Looks to be a lass.”

  “Go and bring her.” Gwenol watched her son hastily remove his boots.

  “She is probably dead.”

  “I hope it is not so, son. Hurry and be quick. Go and retrieve her.”

 
Jay swam out to where the lass floated and clasped her under her arms and tugged her to the bank. She helped him pull her upon the grass. The lass chilled from the cold waters and her lips turned blue. She removed her cloak and set it over her body.

  “Is she dead?” Jay asked as he knelt beside her.

  Gwenol gripped her face gently, moving it back and forth. “She might be.”

  “We don’t ken how long she was in the waters.”

  “I’ve seen others come to life after being in the waters. Let us try to revive her.” She pushed on her stomach and chest and kept to the task, hoping to expel any water within her. Gwenol was about to give up when Jay took over. He pushed three times and the lass spit out the river waters she’d swallowed and drew a great gasp. Her son was much stronger than she for he was taller than most grown men and thicker in body.

  “The poor lass. She’s taken quite a beating. Will ye carry her?”

  Jay took her in his arms and Gwenol recovered her with the cloak so she’d be warm on their trek to the cottage.

  The lass moaned, likely from pain. Gwenol’s heart tormented at such a young one in her condition.

  “Well done, Merlin. I shall give ye an extra helping of stew for supper.” Gwenol picked up her basket, nearly overflowing with herbs and mushrooms. She heard voices of men in the woods and Merlin once again took off in a jolt to either greet or deter whoever had come.

  She opened the door for Jay. “Put her in my bed and I’ll see to her injuries.”

  “I will find Merlin.” Jay went through the doorway and as usual he left the door wide open.

  Gwenol pulled the cloak from her and set it aside. Her skin was clean and little blood stained her garments likely from being in the water. But cuts and bruises swelled her face. She’d have to use balm to ward off infection. Before she’d strip her, she set more logs in the great hearth and lit the smaller fires she used for medicinals to warm the cottage.

  The lass stirred and mumbled, but she couldn’t understand her words. Now that the cottage was well and warm, she could check for other wounds.