A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6)

by Hildie McQueen

  The man gave him a knowing look. “Ye should consider taking someone with ye to the village. Whoever is attacking may be lurking.”

  After speaking to Keithen, the fast-approaching time of his departure prompted Ewan to go in search of Catriona. In the mornings, she usually worked in the garden, so he headed in that direction.

  As expected, she was kneeling, digging into the soft dirt. When he opened the gate, she looked up. Upon seeing him, her expression softened.

  Ewan lowered to one knee next to her. “Have ye been avoiding me? We haven’t spoken in several days.”

  Her shoulders lifted and lowered. “I thought it best to keep my distance. Ye are leaving and becoming close will make yer departure all the more upsetting.”

  “Why do ye not come with me?” Ewan pinned her with a questioning look. “I will keep ye protected. Nothing will happen. We will be traveling with forty guardsmen.”

  Catriona stood and he followed suit. “I wish I could Ewan. I wish for so many things. Just the idea of getting to know ye better is almost enough to push me to do something like that.”

  “Ye can. Just take a single step and I will help ye the rest of the way.”

  A battle inside as to whether to push her to make a decision or not ensued. Ewan decided it was now or never. “I am leaving in three days. Can we discuss this more later? I am going to the village. Can I seek ye when I return?”

  After a few beats, she nodded. “Very well.”

  He went back to the stables to find his steed, feeling somewhat better after Catriona agreed to speak to him later.

  “He’s saddled,” one of the two Ross guards who were going with him to the village called out. Ewan went to Ban, his silver horse. Hoisting up to the saddle was uncomfortable and he had to blow out several breaths waiting for the tightness of his midsection to settle.

  Another of the men studied him. “Are ye sure ye are able to ride for several days?”

  “Aye, I’m well enough. Tis time to leave.”

  Riding hard, it was about a two-day trek to Ross lands. But now that they were escorting Lady Fraser and, hopefully, Catriona, the trip could probably take at least two nights and three days. Ewan hoped he wouldn’t be feverish upon arriving at Dun Airgid if riding became too hard for him.

  They rode to the village and he ensured to keep in tune with what his body did. Halfway there, he relaxed as the small amount of pain from mounting abated.

  Upon arriving, all three dismounted at the village square. The men instantly went to find a woman who sold beautiful ribbons and other hair baubles. They purchased enough for their own wives and for a few other men that had asked they bring things back for theirs. Ewan studied the display, hands behind his back.

  “This would be a beautiful gift for yer lady.” A young lass who helped the lady held up a green ribbon to Ewan. “Ye can give her this to match,” the lass prodded, lifting a pretty comb in a slightly lighter shade.

  “I will take them.” He gave the girl the coins necessary and then walked away before she talked him into more purchases.

  “A wee sewing basket for notions?” An old woman held up an intricately weaved creation. The basket was the size of the palm of his hand. Once again, he pulled out his coin pouch and purchased it.

  The men came up to where he stood and upon seeing the small basket, also purchased some. “When our wives see that yer lady has that, they will be upset we didn’t get one,” one of the men complained.

  “We should go,” Ewan prodded, and they hurried past another two stalls holding out shawls and other creations. At seeing a beautiful green shawl, Ewan hesitated. It would match the ribbons he’d purchased for Catriona. He rushed over, grabbed the shawl, thew coins at the merchant and joined the other men who looked past him to the shawls.

  “Are women always this costly?” he asked once they’d settled into chairs at the tavern.

  Each man tried to figure out a way to keep the purchases on their laps. It was comical and Ewan was glad he’d only purchased for one woman.

  “They are not costly,” one of the men replied. “They do so much with little recompense. To me, bringing home a gift for my wife after she’s been home alone with the bairns for months is very small compared to what I get in return.”

  The words warmed Ewan’s heart. He’d never considered marriage, if he were to be honest with himself. Usually, the thought of settling with one woman made him shudder. Since meeting Catriona, he’d begun to feel differently.

  Just holding the things that he knew would belong to her filled him with a sense of fulfillment that made little sense. The tavern owner’s wife brought their meals and, taking pity on the other men, placed a basket on the floor between them. “Ye can put the things in there before ye get everything dirty.”

  The men thanked her and did as she told them to.

  The meal was flavorful. It was nice to go away from the keep and spend time with other men who he’d worked with daily.

  “How does yer side feel?” one of the men asked.

  Ewan took inventory of his body and realized that although he was in pain, it wasn’t bad enough to put off departure. “No pain,” he lied. “We will depart as planned. Tis time.”

  ***

  When Ewan walked through the great room to where Catriona’s bedchamber was, there were very few people milling about. Last meal had been eaten and the tables cleaned. A pair of lads swept up the room and two men he didn’t recognize sat at a table talking.

  No one paid him any heed when he walked past.

  Upon approaching the door, he felt silly holding the shawl and other gifts. What if she resented him doing it? He planned to frame it as a farewell gift. If she decided not to travel to Ross lands, they’d never see each other again. There was no reason for him to ever return to Fraser lands. He doubted she would gain the fortitude to travel to where he would be.

  He knocked softly and held his breath, unsure whether or not Catriona would open the door.

  Finally, the door opened and she peered up at him. She blinked at recognizing him and pulled him into the room, leaving the door ajar.

  “Ye should not be here. Did anyone see ye come?” She leaned to the side and looked around him to the door. “People will talk.”

  “Is there someone ye wish to hide me from?” he teased.

  Catriona sniffed. “I do not wish for Lady Fraser to be cross with me for allowing ye such liberties.” She lifted an eyebrow. “This is not funny. Why are ye smiling?”

  “Because I am glad to see ye.”

  Her gaze moved to his hand. “Do ye need mending done before ye leave?”

  The comment made it sound like she’d already decided not to go, and his heart sank. Ewan managed to keep a light expression. “No. I bought ye a little something from the village.”

  “What?” Her eyes rounded. “Ye bought me a gift?”

  “Four gifts actually,” Ewan said and quickly added. “Ye took care of me when I was injured. Ye ensured my tunics were mended and even made me additional ones. I owe ye a great deal.” He held out the items.

  Catriona looked like she was about to cry. “I only did what was right.”

  “No one else offered,” Ewan stated. “Here take them.”

  She took the shawl first and held it up, her lips curving. “It’s beautiful.”

  “I think the color will match yer eyes.”

  Next, she admired the ribbons and comb. “Thank ye. Everything is lovely, but ye did not have to do it. I did for ye what I felt was right.” Her eyes lifted to his. They were shiny with unshed tears. “I wish I was stronger.”

  Ewan moved closer. “What would ye do if ye were stronger?”

  Her head fell. “I would go with ye. I would try to...” She stopped midsentence. “It matters not.”

  “It does,” Ewan said, lifting her face to him. “Catriona, come with me. But if ye do not, I will be waiting for ye. Ye will be ready one day. And when that day comes, send word and I will come for ye.”
>
  Her eyes rounded. “I could never ask that of ye. It may never come to be that things change.”

  “Ye have changed so much since I have been here.”

  It was true. When he’d arrived, she wouldn’t leave her bedchamber. No one, including Keithen, was allowed inside. The only people who saw Catriona for many months were Lady Fraser, Flora and Esme.

  “Ye left yer room, ye go outside, and ye even went to the village.” Ewan smiled down at her. “And ye kissed me.”

  A soft pink colored her cheeks and her lips twitched. “I did, didn’t I?”

  He took a leap of faith and pulled the beautiful woman against his chest. At first, she stiffened. But then she gradually relaxed and let out a long breath.

  When her arms circled his waist, Ewan eyes burned. It was something he’d wished for. “Yer hug is a wonderful gift.”

  Catriona laid her head against his chest. “I wish I could give ye more.”

  “Come with me. I promise to keep ye protected. I swear on my life.”

  When she looked up at him, he smiled at her. Unable to keep from it, he lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss was tentative at first, lips against lips, barely touching. But upon her response, he deepened the kiss and then gently trailed his tongue against her mouth.

  Catriona moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck, parting her lips to allow him access. For so long, he’d dreamed of having her against him, kissing her until they both lost the ability to breathe. The reality of it was so much better.

  The softness of her curves molded perfectly against his harder body. She was slight, but strong. As much as he wanted to run his hands down her body and touch every inch, Ewan resisted. Instead, he kept his arms around her.

  It was Catriona that broke the kiss and took a step back. Her chest lifting and lowering, lips swollen and face flushed, she met his gaze. “That was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. Ewan, ye are a good man. So good to me.”

  “Promise ye will think about what I ask.” Ewan reluctantly turned to the doorway. “I will await yer response. I leave the morn of the third day.”

  When he turned to look at her, she smiled.

  “I promise to think on it. Do not expect that I will be strong enough, however.”

  Despite the best kiss of his life, Ewan’s feet felt heavy as he walked away to seek his bed.

  Chapter Six

  The next morning, Catriona hurried from her bedchamber to find Lady Fraser. If she were to go to Ross lands, she first had to discuss it with someone. At the moment, she didn’t feel comfortable speaking to Ava, Keithen’s wife, about it.

  Although they got along at some level, her presence was a constant reminder of Clan Mackenzie. Although Ava had no fault in what had happened to Catriona, Ava’s father had been the one to send her away to the dungeon.

  Ava Fraser was a good wife to Keithen. They were in love, and he was happily married, which made her glad. At the same time, Catriona often wished he’d married someone else.

  At the end of the corridor, Broden stood, his expression ominous. “I have been waiting to speak to ye,” he said without preamble. “I heard Ewan Ross brought ye gifts from the village. What gives him a right to do that?”

  “He is grateful that I nursed him back to health,” Catriona responded while scanning the great room for Lady Fraser. She looked back up at him. “Why are ye so bothered by it?”

  “When I return from Ross lands, I wish to court ye.”

  Noting the softening of his expression and what the words meant sinking in, Catriona took several steps backward. Her breathing hitched. “No. I cannot allow it.”

  “I am in need of a wife. Ye need protection...” Broden began.

  “Ye should consider someone else. I am not the woman for ye.” Catriona rounded him and hurried up the stairs to find Lady Fraser. That Broden was traveling to Ross lands complicated things a bit. Catriona almost chuckled at the thought that men found a reclusive woman who feared men worthy to court.

  It was like Esme always said, men were strange creatures.

  She couldn’t wait to see her friend. The thought of spending hours discussing life made her decision to travel seem more possible. Of course, she would take whatever Lady Fraser said into advisement before making a final decision.

  Lady Fraser was surprised when she opened the door to find Catriona standing in the doorway. “Come in. Is something wrong?” The woman moved back, pulling the door further open.

  A maid was there combing the laird’s wife’s hair. The young woman smiled at Catriona, but remained silent.

  “I wish to discuss something with ye before I make a decision,” Catriona began. “It is somewhat personal.” She looked to the maid.

  Lady Fraser turned to the maid and took the brush from her hand. “Thank ye, Uma. Miss Catriona will assist me with my hair. Ye may go.”

  Catriona began to brush the woman’s hair. “Would ye like a braid?”

  “Oh, yes,” Lady Fraser exclaimed. “Ye always make the most beautiful styles.” She met Catriona’s eyes in the looking glass. “What is going on?”

  It was hard to come up with how to formulate the words, and Catriona stumbled. “I-I suppose I have concerns. Ye are about to leave...” She took a breath. “Ye’re going to visit Esme. I wish I could go with ye...to see her. However, I am very afraid.”

  Lady Fraser turned to face her, the braid falling from Catriona’s hands. “Esme would be so happy to see ye. How splendid if ye were to go there for a season, or even two.”

  “I am terrified,” Catriona repeated. “If something happens halfway there, it could affect the rest of the trip.” In her mind, she saw herself curled up in a ball on the floor of the carriage, refusing to leave for any reason. Lady Fraser would certainly have a horrible journey if she could not withstand the long trip.

  “I understand,” Lady Fraser replied and turned away to allow Catriona to continue. “As of right now, I am traveling with my companion, Gilda, and no one else. There is plenty of room for ye.”

  The woman didn’t seem to take into consideration that, for over a year, Catriona’s only travel had been to the village. And although the trip itself had not affected her horribly, it was but a day later that a visiting laird had sent her to spend days in her bedchamber.

  “Do ye think I am prepared for it?” Catriona finally asked and held her breath.

  The kind woman’s eyes met hers. “It is yer decision alone, sweet girl. I can tell ye that I’ve seen how much stronger ye have been as of late. Bits of yer personality has begun to shine through. Not to mention, every man we travel with is familiar to ye.”

  “I have not met many of the Ross men. They do not eat in the great room and are rarely about. I am not afraid of them. At least, I do not think I am.”

  Lady Fraser smiled when Catriona finished with the hairstyle, turning her heat side-to-side to inspect it. “What exactly are ye fearful of then?”

  “What if we are approached by them? The Mackenzies? What if I manage to make the trip without incident and then finding myself in a strange place sends me to panic again?”

  The room was silent as Lady Fraser stood and went to her balcony. Catriona followed her to look out over the courtyard, past the gates and toward the village.

  “It is a huge world out there,” Lady Fraser said in a low tone. “So much of which we will never see in our lifetime. I often wonder what is happening in this moment over there.” Lady Fraser pointed into the distance. “Is someone hurt, someone grieving? Are people celebrating, making love or fighting? Are families forming and relationships beginning?”

  Catriona looked from one side of the lands to the other, her gaze following paths toward the creek and to the forest. “It is a beautiful view from here.”

  “It is,” Lady Fraser agreed. “Whatever ye decide, Catriona, I will support ye. However, will ye be angry with yerself if ye decide to remain here and allow yer fear to keep ye from seeing Esme?”

  Catriona closed her eye
s. “Fear grips so very hard. I want to push it away. I fight to do it every day. However, it never goes far.”

  “I do not think it is really all fear,” Lady Fraser said and placed a hand over hers. “Partly yes, but the other portion is that ye are fretful over a certain man.”

  Despite the situation, Catriona chuckled. “Why would ye say that?”

  “I have eyes,” Lady Fraser replied. “One would have to be blind not to know that Ewan Ross is infatuated with ye. The man makes every excuse to see ye.”

  Before Catriona could reply, Lady Fraser continued. “And I do not think ye are indifferent to him. He is very handsome, indeed.”

  “Handsome or not, I do not believe any kind of relationship is possible for me.”

  “Now or ever?” Lady Fraser asked. “If yer heart is allowing the notion of caring for Ewan, then I believe ye will be ready to the possibilities soon.”

  “What of my parents? They would miss me. I have already neglected them for so long.”

  Lady Fraser weaved her arm through Catriona’s and guided her to the door. “Let us seek to break our fast and then we must send a messenger to invite yer family to come for a visit. I am sure yer mother will be glad to hear ye plan to travel and spend time with Esme.”

  “I have not decided as yet.” Catriona gave the woman a confounded look. “I must consider it more.”

  “Ye are going. No matter what excuses ye try to make, ye know it is true.”

  ***

  Catriona looked on as Flora helped to pack her clothing. The woman, giddy with excitement, acted as if it were she that was about to go on the trip. “I have heard that Ross Keep is magnificent. Their courtyard is many times the size of ours and the house itself it said to be grand.”

  “I wish ye could come with me,” Catriona told her, meaning it.

  “I have the bairn and my mother to look after,” Flora replied with a sigh. “If not, I would beg to come along.”

  The trunk was soon filled, and she looked around the room only to find that all her belongings had been packed. “I certainly do not own very much. Other than clothing, I have just a few items. I must have left most of my things at my parents’ house.”