“Why are you marrying the boar?” He tilted her head to look into her face, only the dark outline of her beauty visible in the moonlight.
“My father owes gambling debts and the MacKenzie paid him a large sum, plus he will get part of my dowry.”
“Your father’s selling you like a whore.”
“I agreed. I need a marriage and standing. After Gregor died in a shipwreck, I was left alone. He left his entire estate to his son. The MacKenzie is well-known and powerful.” She reached to touch his face. “I need you.”
“Why didn’t you come to me after Gregor died? I would have taken you back then. Now ‘tis too late.”
“I didn’t ken if you would want me. I heard naught from you for five years.” Tara wrapped her arms around his waist. “I will go with you now.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips.
He yielded for a moment, then pushed her away. “’Tis too late for us, Tara.”
She backed up. Brown eyes searched his face. “You love another.” She pounded his chest with her fist. Her voice rose to a high pitch. “You love another. You love another.”
Tara said the words Andrew had denied too long. “Aye, I love another.”
She began a scream, but he put a hand over her mouth. “Shhhh! You’ll be heard all over the castle.”
Pounding his chest with her fist, she wept until spent then rested her head against him. He stroked her hair that still felt like silk under his fingers. His heart ached for Tara, but not in the powerful lustful love he had felt before. The feeling was more of sympathy and sadness with her state.
The door burst open. Bryson Fraser entered with a torch and the two guards from outside. He walked to Tara, jerked her out of Andrew’s arms, pushed her to the back of him and into the hands of a guard.
“Put your robe on, Tara,” Laird Lovat said to his daughter, and then turned to the guard. “Take her to her chamber. Set a guard at the door.” He turned to Andrew. “Are you out of your mind, Munro?”
“She came to me, as you can well see, Bryson. Naught happened between us except a sad conversation.”
“Aye, the guard who fetched me said Tara entered your chamber to give you a message from the MacKenzie, but then failed to come forth in due time.” He paused. “You’ll be exchanged on the morrow. The MacKenzie received a missive and your brother’s campfires burn in the forest not far from the castle as we speak. He came with many men in arms.”
So Gavin came through and decided to ransom Andrew instead of leaving him at the MacKenzie’s mercy. What price beside Maidie and Sven was being paid for his freedom? Hopefully, his brother didn’t bring gold. The barony’s coffers would be empty with the return of Tara’s dowry. Selling precious land for the payment was an option only if the funds could not be obtained elsewhere.
“My granddaughter will be ready when you leave. Treat her well or I’ll come for you myself. I only agreed for you to take the child to keep her away from the MacKenzie. I am too old to take on the care of a wee one with a defect.”
“What is my daughter’s name? I haven’t been told.”
“Her sweet name is Briana, and she is truly a goddess with a gentle nature and goodness about her I’ve never seen in a bairn.” The Fraser took Andrew by the shoulders. “Although Tara loves the lass, she has not the ability or temperament to raise a defected bairn. Now Tara will be married to a mon who cares naught and wishes no’ to be bothered with the wee one.” The grandfather shook Andrew. “Treat her well, Munro.”
“Aye. She has already won my heart. I will treat her with great love and care.”
The Laird Lovat turned, walked from the chamber, and closed the door, leaving Andrew to stare after him. A short time later, Colin entered.
“We will go home on the morrow. Gavin is camped nearby.”
Colin lay on the trundle. “Ah. ‘Tis good to be going home.”
Andrew stretched out on the bed once more with his arms behind his head, dreaming of Fàrdach Castle and how good it would be to see his home, lie in his own bed, visit with his sister, and yes, even his brother, play with his daughter, and bask in the care of his luchd-taighe. He planned to ride Scara through his estates at full gallop, stopping only long enough to visit with tenants about the harvest. He would oversee the rebuilding of Swordale and provide for its people, then organize a great hunt with many guests, feasting, and tournaments. Briana should be introduced to her friends and neighbors. Yet, one person would be lacking, and that one important person was Maidie Cameron Munro. His life could no longer be complete without her.
Chapter Eighteen
Maidie woke with the sound of movement around the camp. Sven slept soundly, so she rose without a noise and dressed. The gurgling of a burn nearby brought her attention to the need for washing and preparing to see Andrew for the last time. She prayed they would be allowed to exchange a few words of farewell before being torn apart. His face loomed large in her mind and she smiled. She imagined his bright smile, dark wind-tossed hair, the stubble of a beard to hide the scar along his jaw, and his grey eyes shining like silver in the moonlight. Her heart almost burst with love of him.
The bubbling burn beckoned, so she quickly made her way to the banks of the swift stream that flowed from Ben Wyvis, through the highlands, and emptied into Cromarty Firth. Maidie clutched the branch of a low hanging tree as she descended the steep bank, then stumbled and fell on the rocky ground. She rose and looked at the burning palms of her hands now bearing scratches and cuts. How careless. She would be unable to hold the reins of her horse, and they had another day’s ride before reaching Castle Lach. Maidie eased through the gorse, along the edge of the burn to the water, trying not to touch the thorns, then knelt beside the swift stream. The cold water helped ease the burning of her hands. How she wished for her plantain salve to soothe the pain. She removed the quilted jacket, splashing water on her face and arms, then shivered.
“Madam, what are you doing here alone?” A gruff voice sounded behind Maidie, making her jump to her feet with water running down her face and neck.
She turned to see Gavin standing close, so she picked up the jacket, put it on over her chemise, and buttoned the garment securely. Gavin watched with brows knit tightly, lips pressed in a hard line. He stepped toward her and took her hands, turning them over to examine the cuts.
“Did you follow me here?” She took a deep breath. He stood too close for comfort.
“Aye. I saw you leave the tent.” His blazing eyes pierced hers. “You should ken to no’ leave by yourself. We’re being watched by MacKenzie warriors and wild animals are about.”
Now she thought how foolish she had been. If MacKenzie warriors captured her, there would be no need to exchange Andrew. He would remain a prisoner.
Maidie returned Gavin’s gaze. “I’m verra sorry, Sire. I did no’ think of the danger, only of washing in the burn’s cool water.”
“You wanna be able to hold the reins of your mount now, and we have a day’s journey before reaching Castle Lach.” Gavin shook his head, letting her hands fall.
“’Tis a mess I’ve gotten myself into.” She must agree with the tanist.
A slight grin crossed his face as a glint sparkled in his eyes. “Aye, you are in a mess. Seems you must ride with me this day and let Sven ride with Erskin.”
Maidie turned her head away and gazed at the water running so swiftly over the rocks. “Might I ride with Tavish then, and let Sven remain with you? He’ll be greatly disappointed if he canna complete the journey on your mount.”
Gavin took her chin, turning her face to his. “You dinna wish to ride with me?”
“Nae. I canna do so.” His fingers burned a hot brand onto her face.
“Are you afraid of me, Madam?”
She looked into the hazel eyes pooling with emotion. “Aye.”
Gavin dropped his hand, but continued to stare at her. “Then you shall ride with Erskin.” He took her hand. “Come, let me help you up the steep bank. You wanna be able to grab tre
e branches with those hands.”
Maidie felt disappointment at not being allowed to see Tavish, but understood the tanist’s reluctance. Tavish had been a loyal guard and made no secret of his attraction for her, but she preferred to deal with him rather than Gavin. And what of Erskin? Maidie knew nothing of the man, except of his devotion to the tanist.
Gavin led Maidie to the steep bank of the burn, moving the gorse aside for her to pass, and pushed her up to level ground. He grabbed the overhanging tree limb, gave a swing, and stood on the bank facing her with an impish smile.
Turning her hands over to inspect them once more, she broached the subject of the day’s ride. “I feel certain, Sire, the heavy leather riding gloves will allow my hands to handle the reins.”
Surprisingly, Gavin didn’t argue. “As you wish, Madam.”
The pair made their way back to camp with Gavin close on Maidie’s heels. The tents were loaded on the cart and a pot of gruel boiled on a small fire. Sven sat on the ground eating from a wooden bowl. He put the bowl down, jumped to his feet and ran to Maidie, grabbing her around the middle.
“Where did you go, Mam? I was so verra worried.” He hugged her tighter.
“I went to wash in the burn and fell on the rocks. No need to worry. I’ll be fine.”
Sven released her and took one of her hands. “Do you have some plantain salve with you?” The little physician already, Maidie thought.
“Nae, but I washed them well with the clear running water of the burn.” She took her son’s hand. “Come, let’s eat. We’ll be leaving soon.”
The cook handed Maidie a bowl filled with the hot gruel and a mug of ale. She sat next to Sven and ate the food, being careful of her cut, bruised hands. She watched Gavin speak to Erskin, who turned to look at her and smile. Maidie determined to ride her own horse, hurt hands or no. She would not ride with Gavin or Erskin.
Maidie and Sven finished eating, giving their bowls to the cook. Erskin brought her horse about, took her arisaid from the saddle, and handed it to her with a broad grin. She wrapped the garment tightly around her chilled shoulders. He helped her mount, letting his hands linger a trifle too long about her waist. When settled in the saddle, Maidie took the heavy riding gloves from a saddlebag then carefully pulled them on her hands. Even the smooth leather of the gloves felt uncomfortable on the cuts and bruises. Erskin settled Sven on his horse instead of the tanist’s. While arranging his saddlebags, Gavin turned to look at her then shook his head.
Maidie wished for Tavish and approached Gavin before he rode too far ahead. She asked one more time. “Sire, may I ride in back of the line with Tavish? Sven can ride on my horse.”
“Nae, Madam Munro. Sven should remain with Erskin. I must ride ahead to speak with the scouts.” Gavin swung a large leg over his mount, and gave Maidie another hard look. “You’re to stay close to Erskin.” He slapped the reins across Maithe’s broad neck, then trotted down the wide trail.
The morning’s ride was long with few breaks. Toward noon, when the sun reached it’s zenith, Maidie prayed for the company to stop. Her hands ached and burned until she could barely hold the reins. Hopefully, the call to stop would come soon. Sven looked tired. She watched him riding on the warrior’s destrier, first in front of the saddle and now in back. His head rested on the man’s broad back. Maidie rode closer for a careful look at her son’s face. His eyelashes fluttered on closed eyes. The freckles across his nose seemed large on a pale face. She decided to speak to Erskin about stopping. He must be in charge now that Gavin rode ahead.
Before she could speak, the hoof beats of several horses could be heard coming down the road in front of them. Erskin held up his hand for the company to stop. Orders were shouted down the line. Gavin, with three other warriors rode into view at a gallop. He reined in his horse then dismounted. The others followed suit. Maidie felt relief they would stop for awhile.
The tanist took sleepy Sven from the back of Erskin’s horse and sat him on the ground under a large tree. Maidie joined him. A verdant glen stretched to the east with a small bubbling burn running through its middle. Men led their horses to water and drank themselves while the foot soldiers lined the banks, drinking thirstily. Some soaked their sore bare feet in the cool stream. Erskin caught Maidie by the waist and helped her from the horse. She could barely walk on her cramped legs. She stood for a while looking at the beautiful mountains with the snow-covered cap of Ben Wyvis looming above their peaks. Maidie removed her arisaid to let the sun warm her face and neck. She took off the leather riding gloves and observed her sore hands. The cuts looked inflamed, the bruises a deep purple. She started for the stream when Sven called to her. He jumped to his feet, ran toward her, and took one of her hands in his. She pulled it away.
Sven looked at her with questions in his eyes. “Are your hands real sore, Mam?”
“Aye. They pain me much.”
He took one of her hands in his small one, turned it over, and examined the cuts and bruises. “You should ride with Erskin, Mam, and let me ride with Sir Gavin.”
Maidie shook her head. “Nae. I’ll ride on my own mount.”
“I agree with the lad, Madam. You’ll ride with me after the noon.” Gavin spoke from behind her. He came to stand beside Sven and took both of her hands in his, turning them over to better observe the source of her pain. “Your hands canna hold the reins of your horse now.” He looked down at Sven. “You’ll continue with Erskin.”
Maidie had to inquire. “Sir, may I ride with Tavish?”
He smiled. “Nae, Madam. You’ll ride with me. Tavish must keep order in the back of the line.”
Maidie’s heart fell. She took Sven’s hand. They walked to the burn where she washed her sore hands in the cool water. Sven knelt beside the stream, drank with his hands, then washed his face. Maidie unbuttoned her wool jacket and splashed water over her face and neck. She let her hands soak in the coolness. Wishing she had brought a water skin for drinking, she cupped her least sore hand and took a small sip. A water skin appeared before her face. She looked up to find Gavin standing over her.
“You may need this for drinking, Madam.” He knelt on one knee, filled the skin with the cool water, then handed it to Maidie. He reached down into the stream with a large hand and lapped the water, then splashed his face.
“Come, now.” Gavin reached for Maidie’s hand, pulling her up close to him.
Maidie stared into the broad chest. He smelled of man and horse. She realized her odor after three days of riding a horse with little washing equaled his. He didn’t seem to mind, since he inched closer. She dared not look into his hazel eyes. He released her hand, so she took Sven’s, and helped the lad to his feet. The three walked back to the group of caterans taking their noon meal under the trees. Maidie found a place to sit with Sven while Gavin went over to his men, engaging them in conversation. The cook handed them a wooden plate of bread, cheese, and dried meat. They hungrily ate the food then drank from the skin.
The command to mount the horses came too soon. Maidie’s heart beat in her throat with the dread of riding with Gavin. The tanist arranged a small pillow in front of his saddle then took Maidie by the waist and lifted her to sit upon it, while Erskin secured Sven on his horse in similar fashion. The ride promised to be a long one. Gavin swung into the saddle and wrapped muscular arms around her in order to hold the reins. The musky, manly smell of him filled her nostrils as his eyes looked out over the top of her head. She could feel the warmth of his breath in her hair. The ruby hanging around his neck glinted in the corner of her eye when she turned to search for Sven. She reached for the crucifix around her own. The reins of her horse were tied to another warrior’s saddle. Hopefully, Gavin would let her ride her own mount after a short time. Maidie relaxed. Her hands felt better from not holding the reins. They rode swifter and well in front of the others. At one point, she could not see Sven.
Maidie turned to speak, “Sire, I canna see Sven. Will you please slow down so I can keep him in sight?
”
“Nae, Madam. He is safe with Erskin. We must ride on to find a place to camp. I’ll speak with the scouts before the camp is set up.” Gavin’s arms tightened around her waist. He kicked the horse, which sped to a faster trot.
Maidie bounced and rested her head on Gavin’s broad chest. She could not see his face, but felt he must be pleased. They did not converse with each other. He spoke to the men riding beside him on occasion about the coming events. Maidie learned that Castle Chanonry would also be exchanged for Andrew’s freedom.
The group finally stopped in a clearing. The main sluagh could be heard tramping down the road behind. Beyond the trees a vast expanse of grassy field stretched toward the gates and curtain wall of Castle Lach. Gavin and his men dismounted. He reached for Maidie and lifted her to the ground. She did not look into his face, but straightened her skirt. He stood over her for a moment, then turned quickly and spoke to the others.
“We’ll make camp here. Keep a watchful eye for the MacKenzies and Camerons. They may have the notion to take Madam Munro without exchanging the chief. I want her watched at all times.”
He smiled at her then left to give orders for setting up camp. Erskin rode into the clearing with Sven behind his saddle. He quickly dismounted, helped Sven to the ground, and spoke to Gavin. Erskin mounted his horse again, and rode down the long line of the sluagh giving orders. The men soon spread out among the trees surrounding the castle.
Maidie took Sven’s hand and led him to a grassy knoll to sit while the camp was prepared. Their tent went up not far from the place where they sat. The cook brought her a water skin. After drinking her fill of the cool water, Maidie lay back on the grass with the long rays of afternoon sun warming her face. She watched small clouds drift along in the sky making unusual patterns. The gloaming would soon be upon them. Sven lay beside her, put his head on her shoulder, and drifted into sleep. Maidie closed her eyes, but could not sleep for the images of Andrew filling her mind. She would return to her father’s house and never see him again. Hopefully on the morrow, during the exchange, she could glimpse his face and fine form one last time. The memory must last a lifetime.
A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) Page 17
