Pirates of Britannia Box Set

by Devlin, Barbara

“Of course,” Ileana replied. “Good.”

  When one of the women began kneading dough for bread, Ileana focused on the motions. How she missed her home and helping in the kitchen. Cooking had always been her passion. That in itself was probably the main reason she’d avoided the kitchen area in her new home.

  “Thank ye, Mary. Yer cooking is always above reproach.” She attempted at a smile when a beaming Mary bobbed.

  “Thank ye, Milady. Thank ye.” Without touching her, the woman managed to guide Ileana to the kitchen doorway. It wasn’t until Ileana found herself in the hallway did Mary stop talking and, with one last bob, wished her a good day.

  “Strange,” Ileana mumbled. The kitchen staff acted as if they were afraid or did not want her to be in the kitchen. As she walked away, Ileana supposed it was natural since she rarely made an appearance there.

  To her, it was useless. Although her husband wanted her to run the household, he did not allow much freedom. She was not permitted to help in the kitchens, gardens or with any kind of cleaning. How he expected her to spend her days was not clear as he would never give her instructions. Whenever she complained of boredom, he waved it away, annoyed.

  Although ten years older than her, Fergus acted much younger. Like a spoiled child, he was given to fits of rage if things didn’t go his way. In many ways, he reminded her of their three-year-old son, Gregor.

  Because her husband was prone to moodiness and cruelty, whenever Fergus was in attendance, most gave him wide berth. Except for a few of his trusted guardsmen, the great room was usually empty at mealtime.

  Fergus had married her to gain claim to land on the Isle of Uist. Her clan was the largest in the southern shore and the MacTavish clan was a small and not very powerful one.

  Their union had formed a strong defense for his clan against others. The two clans now boasted control of the entire southern half of the isle.

  So Ileana existed day to day, living a life of idleness with little interaction with anyone but her own maid Lily. She didn’t dare expect anything to change in her marriage.

  There was little illusion on her part that she and Fergus would ever grow to care for one another. By the way he treated her, Ileana often thought he would’ve preferred to remain single and do as he wished without the burden of a family.

  She was nothing more than property to him. A bother.

  Although she preferred not to, the main reason Ileana ate with her husband and his men most evening was to ensure they didn’t mistreat the maids as much. He’d often engage in conversation with whoever sat on the opposite side of where she sat. Rude as it was, she endured eating without anyone to speak to. It was best to be present so that the servants would not be abused. At no other time did she wish to be subjected to the guards’ crude remarks and lack of social skills.

  The corridor from the kitchen to the great room was dim. For some strange reason, all of the torches had blown out, so Ileana walked slowly. Just as she was about to enter the great room, shouts were followed by heavy footsteps. Metal clashed against metal and a large boom sounded outside.

  What happened?

  Ileana flattened against the wall, not sure which direction to head in. Chaos broke out and she heard screams coming from the kitchen. Just then, a guard rushed toward her with his sword drawn. He’d come from the direction of the kitchen, so he’d obviously entered through the back door.

  He frowned at noting her. “Ye must hide, Milady. We are under attack.”

  “My son.” Ileana ignored him and raced into the great room only to stop and gasp.

  Eyes bulging, she held both hands over her mouth and took in what was happening. It was a horrible sight as men clashed and swords collided. Men were cut down and either died immediately or fell over clutching injuries that gushed out blood. The sounds of screams, grunts, shouts and furniture breaking made her cry out in terror.

  She eyed the staircase. With everything that was going on, it proved impossible to reach the stairs.

  Unfortunately, the only way to the upper floor was across the room from where she remained frozen with fright.

  Her son, Gregor, slept upstairs. Her heart thudded against her breast, and her breathing hitched as she was forced to stoop and dash under a nearby table when two men tumbled in her direction.

  Screams, grunts and the clashing of swords filled the room and Ileana could only move closer to the stairs by remaining under the tables. She crawled toward the stairwell and stopped under the closest table. There were men fighting at the foot of the stairs. Praying for God’s intervention, she looked to the top, hoping that the maid who watched Gregor was hiding with the boy.

  Ileana continued to pray, her eyes glued to the stairs. As soon as a path opened, she’d made a dash for it.

  Gregor was safe. Surely, a guard would protect the laird’s offspring. Perhaps, there was a guard up there now ensuring the heir was safe.

  When a man fell just inches from her, she stifled a scream. Barely able to keep from retching as blood trailed from his neck toward her, she moved backward until her back was against the wall.

  How had the attackers reached the center of the keep?

  Her home was virtually impenetrable. Fergus kept guards at every corner and over the large gates. Their guardsmen were well trained and feared.

  Tears mixed with grit when she wiped the wetness away with her dirty hand.

  Where had the men come from? The keep was heavily-guarded and surrounded by a moat. She tried to identify faces. However, the chaos didn’t allow for her to see what, exactly, was happening. At one point, it seemed two familiar men faced off.

  The most important thing at the moment was finding a way to reach the stairs without getting killed in the process. Ileana took another chance at being seen and peeked out to see if a path to the stairs had cleared.

  It was then a stark realization struck. The men attacking were familiar. They were MacTavish guardsmen. Her husband’s own guard had turned against him.

  Those that fought against the attackers, the loyal ones who’d been horrible to everyone, were too few in number. Before long, they were cut down without mercy. Finally, only one remained. He cried out, begging for clemency.

  “Nay, ye do not deserve it.” His opponent shoved his sword into the man’s stomach and sliced upward. The dying man fell over, his entrails spilling onto the floor.

  It was then a scream erupted from her throat and Ileana could only stare. She was horrified as two men rushed up the stairs.

  “No!” She scrambled from under the table and rushed past guards who ignored her as they gave chase to an injured man who attempted to run. Ileana hoped it was enough of a distraction that she could make it to Gregor’s nursery.

  The hem of her skirts caught on something and Ileana fell forward onto the stone steps. The stairwell was unforgiving and solid when she collapsed against it. Yet the thought of harm to her child made her jump back up to her feet and rush up the last few stairs.

  When she burst into the nursery, the men were yanking at blankets and turning a trunk over.

  One looked to her. “Where is he?”

  “Please. I will leave. Ye will never see me or my son again. I vow this.” She hurried to the taller of the two and tugged at his tunic. “Allow me and my son to go, I beg of ye.”

  The men exchanged looks.

  “We can’t allow it. He could return and claim this land. Yer son will want to avenge his father’s death. Although I may not be alive when it happens, I will not stand for this to occur.”

  “He won’t even be told who fathered him. I promise to never tell him. We will travel far…very far.”

  The man attempted to dislodge her hold on his arm, but Ileana held fast.

  A guard came in with the nursemaid, Lily, who held Gregor tightly against her breast. Both she and the child were hysterical. “Should I take them outside and dispatch of them?”

  “Please.” Ileana reached up to touch the guard’s face. “I beg of ye.”

>   For a long moment, the man searched her eyes. Ileana couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope.

  “There is usually a ship off the coast. Be on the next one.” He yanked his arm free and stalked to the door where he stopped to speak to the other guard.

  Ileana wasn’t sure what would happen. She rushed to the maid taking her son from the young woman’s clutches and all three clung to each other.

  “Tis a mistake Liam,” the guard at the door said. “We have to kill them.”

  A third man, who’d remained silent until this point, looked to her. “I will escort them to the ship and ensure they leave.”

  The journey on the back of the wagon was bumpy and long. Although she’d not feel safe until aboard a ship, Ileana fought to stay awake while clutching Gregor close. The child had finally stopped crying and fallen into a fitful sleep.

  It was obvious they were traveling much farther than the closest coastline. However, she didn’t dare question the man. She’d attempted to ask questions earlier, needing to know what happened to her husband, but he’d not replied.

  Of course, she was aware of Fergus’ penchant for cruelty. Often, she’d wondered why the guards and servants had not turned against him. Something must have happened to cause this final uprising.

  The guard who’d allowed her to go, Liam McGregor, had always been a strong type. To her, it seemed obvious he did not always agree with Fergus’ decision. That Fergus was not aware or prepared for the overthrow was a testament to how self-absorbed he’d always been.

  To Ileana, the only astonishing thing was that McGregor stood by so long before leading the rebellion. Of course there were oaths and such. And being that men held a steadfast loyalty to words spoken had probably been the reason he’d not done something sooner.

  There was little doubt in her mind her husband was dead. The man responsible for taking her so far from home and away from the only man she’d ever loved no longer lived.

  Despite the situation at the moment, she wondered what had become of Dorian Lyon. Her family, on the few occasions she’d seen them over the years, had only commented that he’d left and gone far away.

  If only she could return home. However, as she departed, McGregor informed her it would be best if she went where it would be hard to find her. Otherwise, her son would be hunted and killed.

  Tears trickled down her cheeks. How afraid she was at the moment. So many things could go wrong. What if the man guiding the horses planned to kill them? She looked to the edge of the cart considering what would happen if she and her maid jumped. There was too great a chance they’d be hurt and unable to outrun a man with a horse.

  Although she’d never asked for much, Fergus had ensured she was comfortable and had often purchased or had gifts made for her. Now, she had so little, only what she and her maid could carry.

  Fergus had loved her in his own way, she supposed. Like one cares for a belonging. Although not outwardly demonstrative, she was protected at all times. Even in his rages, he’d not once mistreated her. Quite the opposite, he’d often seemed almost reverent when alone with her.

  The two bundles on the side of the wagon were all that was left of her life with Fergus. Other than a few clothes they’d been allowed to shove into the sacks, Ileana took with her very few resources.

  In a moment of clarity, she’d shoved a small pouch that held her jewels into the sack. If the guards noticed, they did not say anything. Of course, if the plan were to kill her, then they would gain it and its contents back.

  From one moment to the next, her life had changed drastically. Not only hers, but Gregor’s as well.

  “Where do ye think they are taking us, Mistress?” the nursemaid, Lily, asked. “I’m so scared. Mary and the others will worry.”

  Ileana looked up to the guard’s back. “I do not know. I am sure they will know ye are with me. Plenty saw us leave.”

  Lily sniffed and nodded. “Do ye think I will ever be allowed to return?”

  “Can Lily return back to the keep with ye?” Ileana asked the silent man. “There is no need to punish her.”

  “If she wishes to, aye.” He finally spoke.

  The maid began to cry in earnest. “I don’t know what to do. To return would mean ye would be all alone.”

  “Go back, Lily. I will find someone to help Gregor and me.” Ileana began to cry as well for she had no idea what would become of her and her young son.

  “Nay,” Lily cried out. “I will go with my mistress.” The brave girl managed a wobbly smile. “I will help ye where I can.”

  “Thank ye,” Ileana said, hugging the girl with one arm. “I am so very frightened as well. Once we are settled, if ye wish to return, I will see to it.”

  It was hours later. The sun was rising by the time they made their way through the fog that consumed the shoreline. It made it almost impossible to see much further than a short distance in front of them.

  Within moments of arriving in the small village, Ileana, Gregor and Lily were deposited in front of a small inn.

  The guard handed her a sack of coin he’d no doubt taken from her husband’s body. “There’s enough to help ye for a bit. Ye can remain at the inn until the ship leaves.”

  “My husband?”

  “Ye know the answer to that.”

  She looked past him to a huge ship off the coast. Ghostly through the heavy misting, the tall masts reached toward the skies as it bobbed gently in the water.

  “Where are we?”

  “The eastern coast of the isle.”

  “Do ye know where that ship is headed?”

  His shoulders lifted and lowered. “Nay, but see that ye are on it. Otherwise, ye will be found and, this time, we will not have mercy on ye.”

  With that, he turned and left. She and Lily remained standing without moving as the cart and what had been their life until now disappeared into the fog.

  “Mum?” a woman stood in the doorway. “Do ye wish to come inside? Tis cold and the babe could catch a chill.” The woman moved aside and smiled, displaying missing teeth. “What brings ye here so early in the morn?”

  “We were forced from our home,” Ileana explained.

  The woman took in her dirt-streaked face before looking to Gregor and Lily. “Come in. I will make ye something warm to drink.”

  “My husband was killed. The men who took over our home were kind enough to spare my son, my maid, and me. I have to purchase passage on the ship and leave.” Ileana looked over her shoulder toward the ship. “Do ye know where it is going?”

  The woman followed her line of sight. “Tis hard to tell. Sometimes barely inhabited islands, other times Spain or the Caribbean.”

  She wished for none of those places. “Thank ye.” They followed the woman into the dim interior to a room set up with tables and chairs. The cheerful fire in the hearth provided warmth. And with the soft light of the lanterns, there was the promise of rest to those who entered the inn.

  Bowls of hearty stew were placed before her and Lily. Although the food was hot and flavorful, it proved hard to enjoy it in the moment. They ate mostly in silence, deep in contemplation of what awaited them. Unlike them, Gregor ate from Ileana’s bowl with gusto, seeming at ease in the new location. Always a curious child, he climbed down from her lap to investigate the room.

  While watching him, Ileana scanned the room in an effort to figure out if any of the other guests looked to be travelers. Of course, they all were probably on their way to another isle. However, most seemed to talk about traveling by birlinn to the neighboring isles.

  One lone man ate at a corner table with his back to the wall. Although he kept his head down, every once in a while he’d lift up and look to the doorway. Either he expected someone to meet him there or he ensured to avoid a certain person.

  His dark eyes met hers, but only for an instant before once again ducking to continue eating. From his clothing and ruddy skin, he was a man who spent long days outdoors.

  Wearing a loose tunic, bre
eches and boots, the man looked every bit a sailor. At his hip, she noticed a dagger of sorts tucked into a leather strap bound about his waist.

  The innkeeper came to Ileana’s table. “Would ye care for more stew, Mistress?”

  “Nay, I thank ye.” Ileana looked once again to the man in the corner. “Is he with the ship off the shore?”

  “Oh, aye,” the woman replied. “I beg ye to keep away from his type, Mistress. I will have my husband make inquiries. Many of the ships are not the place for a woman such at yerself.”

  A shiver went through Ileana at confirmation of what she already knew. Patrons at a nearby table made no pretense of eavesdropping their eyes shifting from her to the innkeeper’s wife.

  Ileana gave them a beseeching look. “Can I speak to ye in private?”

  The hallway upstairs was narrow as they made their way to the room Ileana had paid for. She’d gotten the room for only one night as she hoped to be away by the next day to wherever the ship went.

  It was a small but clean chamber. There was one bed with a cot along the foot of it. There were also a washstand and a small table that held a lantern.

  Ileana waited for Lily to take Gregor to the window where she could entertain the boy by showing him the goings-on outside.

  “I must get away from here with haste. The man who brought me here, he and the other guardsmen killed my husband. They were going to kill us, but two of them were merciful. I had to vow to leave and go far away on the next ship.”

  The woman gave her a pitying look. “I’m afraid there are few ships that will take ye, Mistress. Most of the men are superstitious about women aboard. The others, the pirate ships would take ye, but ’twould not be for good.”

  “Where can I go then? I need to get away.” She wanted to curse when tears spilled over her already irritated eyes. Ileana was tired, needed to bathe and was without protection or recourse.

  “Ye can remain here until the next birlinn leaves the day after next. They will take ye to the Isle of Lewis. From there, perhaps ye can travel to Britannia.”

  When she sniffed, the woman patted her shoulder. “There, there. Don’t worry, everything will work out as it should.”