“Aye, ‘tis challenging without the use of my right arm, but I am on the mend.”
“I am glad to hear it.” Tiernay grinned and motioned toward his good arm. “Clearly being left-handed gave you an advantage while fighting those men in the cave.”
Leland stared at him for a moment and then released a light chuckle. “Aye, Your Majesty. You are quite perceptive.”
His friend nodded. “My father was left-handed, but because of the superstitions associated with it being of the devil, his tutors forbade the use of his dominant hand, forcing him use the right. He obeyed them in public, but as an adult, he often surprised his opponents by switching hands during battles. The trick worked in his favor and bought him many victories.”
Leland smiled. “‘Tis an honor to know we had something in common. My father spoke very highly of yours. He described him as a noble and honorable ruler the people joyfully served. You have inherited those good traits from him. I’m sure he would be proud.”
Tiernay nodded with a nostalgic gleam in his eyes. “Thank you. I only hope I can bring honor to his legacy and keep my family and kingdom safe from harm. ‘Tis what I wish to discuss with you today.”
“How may I be of service, Your Majesty?”
Tiernay looked down and straightened some documents on his desk before meeting his gaze again. “The surviving intruders from the attack have been questioned. It does appear they were sent by Lord Fergus. His reach goes much further than I anticipated. Loyalists to his cause have even been found on the grounds and imprisoned for questioning. I suspect this is how his men were able to infiltrate the castle.”
Leland’s blood ran cold. “How is the princess? Does she know of this?”
Tiernay nodded while raking his fingers through his chestnut hair. “Aye, she knows some of it. The past few days she has scarcely left my mother’s chambers. She keeps Clare with her as well instead of sending her to the nursery.”
Leland stood and began to pace. “Until we can be certain all of Fergus’ loyalists have been found, ‘tis wise for her to be cautious.”
He nodded. “I agree. I have entertained the idea of sending them to Duch Hach Fortress for added protection. It has been restored and refurnished since the fire two years ago. However, the idea of my sister sinking back into seclusion pains me greatly.”
Leland paused and rubbed his chin. “It troubles me as well. I believe sending her back there would break her spirit.”
“Aye, we cannot have that,” Tiernay agreed. “If only I knew Fergus’ next move. For now, until I have decided a course of action, the guards inside the castle have been doubled. There are six guards posted outside my mother’s chambers and more in the hallway while Fiona and Clare remain with her. They must be accompanied by guards at all times around the castle grounds as well.”
He frowned, continuing to pace while clenching his fist. The thought of Fiona and Clare in danger made his stomach churn. “I’ll help in whatever way I can. If you wish it, I could lead a company of men to hunt down any loyalists lurking around Brannagh.”
Tiernay lifted his hand to stop him and smiled. “Thank you, my friend, but I had something else in mind.” He paused for a moment and locked his fingers together as a troubled expression spread across his face. “You are still planning to return to Kiely soon, correct?”
“Aye, as soon as my shoulder mends and this fortress is secure.”
He nodded. “When you go, I would like you to take my sister and niece with you.”
Leland’s eyes widened. “I apologize, Your Majesty, but are you certain that is wise? They are safer here within the castle surrounded by guards.”
“I used to think the same, but now I know better. Fergus is so determined to make her his bride. I fear he will never stop. They need to find refuge elsewhere until I can ensure they will be safe here. I’ll not have Fiona living like a captive in our own homeland. She endured that when our uncle was in power. I cannot bear the thought of watching her go through it again.”
Leland shook his head. “I couldn’t bear it either, but I fear you are putting too much trust in me, my friend. I am but a lowly earl—unqualified for this position—although I long for nothing more than to protect Fiona and Clare. I would give my life for them.”
“I know you would,” Tiernay interrupted and stood with a grimace while holding onto his abdomen. His eyes grew desperate as limped toward him and placed a hand on Leland’s shoulder. “‘Tis why you are the only person I trust. I will send a company of men with you for protection and my sister and niece’s true identity must be kept secret. If your people in Kiely ask who she is, you will tell them she is a young widow you rescued along the road home. You will be rewarded for your service.”
Leland lifted his hand in protest. “That is not necessary, Your Majesty. I…”
“No, I insist.” Tiernay interrupted. “This time I will not take no for an answer. If you agree to protect my sister and niece, you will be given lands here in Brannagh and bestowed with the title of duke. ‘Tis the least I can do for your loyalty.”
Leland turned toward the small window in the royal study, thinking over what the king asked of him. He did long to protect Fiona and her daughter, but it was such a weighty responsibility—even the title her brother offered as reward. He had always preferred to live a simple life. Titles had never mattered to him in the least. However, now with his people in Kiely determined to choose a new king, the title could give him a voice in the council and a fighting chance to preserve his cousin’s rightful place on the throne.
“This is not a command, my friend. Please take some time to think over what I ask,” King Tiernay said from behind him, his voice low and discouraged after Leland neglected to answer him. “This could be dangerous for you and your people in Kiely. I will not think ill of you if you refuse.”
Leland sighed and turned toward him again, knowing the right thing to do in spite of his reservations. “I do not need time to think, Your Majesty.” He knelt before the king. “I pledge you my sword and loyalty. I vow to protect your family as I would my own kin.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Hidden Paths
Fiona packed a satchel for herself and her daughter, only selecting the essentials they would need for their long journey through the mountains.
“Mama, where we going?” a little voice said from beside her.
Fiona lifted Clare into her arms and smiled, forcing herself to be brave. “We’re going on a little trip, my darling. Do you remember Leland and Artair?”
“Lee-lay! Tear-tear!”
“Aye!” she replied and kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “We are going on a little trip with them, but you have to promise to be a good little girl. While we’re traveling you have to be very quiet, all right?”
“Aye, Mama,” the little girl agreed and then wiggled until Fiona let her down to play with the doll they had chosen to take on the journey.
She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer for courage. Knowing Clare depended on her forced Fiona to be strong. A fortnight journey with a two-year-old would be difficult, but they would make it. They had been through much hardship, but God had always taken care of them. She refused to start doubting now.
After a slight knock, her mother came into the room. She managed a brave smile and held Fiona by the shoulders. “I wish I could go with you on this journey, my sweet daughter, but your identity will be better hidden without me. I trust the Earl of Kiely. He is an honorable man and will keep you and Clare from harm.”
She nodded as a tear dripped down her cheek. “We will be fine. God will be with us.”
She pulled Fiona into her embrace and held her for a long time. “I know. He has planted an immovable strength in you, whether you realize it or not. God is your refuge, Daughter. Hold onto that.”
“I will,” she whispered, drawing strength from her mother’s wise words of encouragement—tucking them away in her heart for safe keeping. She would need every word to aid her during the journey to
come.
Leland escorted Fiona and Clare to the courtyard. When they reached the carriage by the stables, she turned one last time to gaze at the sea with tears in her eyes. “Will I ever see this place again?”
“You will.” Leland gripped her hand in his for a moment and she flinched at first before relaxing and looking into his eyes. “I will do everything in my power to return you and Clare to Brannagh safely. Do you trust me, Milady?”
She nodded. “Aye, of course I do. After all you’ve done for Clare and I, how could I not?”
He gulped down a lump in his throat while lifting Clare into the carriage and then helping Fiona step inside. He had everything most men would dream of. He had risen in station and been given some of the richest land in Brannagh because of his loyalty to the king. Part of him looked forward to spending more time with Fiona and Clare. Yet Leland had never felt more confused. He’d never wanted any of it. He only wished to find his cousin, Tristan, but it seemed the harder he tried, the more difficult the task became. What was God doing?
They traveled out of the castle gates, escorted by guards on horseback and then through the outskirts of the surrounding city. When they came to an overgrown path, the driver stopped in the shelter of the trees, hiding them from sight.
Fiona looked out the window and then turned to him with a furrowed brow. “What is going on?”
He let out a deep sigh, praying for courage to complete the task ahead. “We must make the rest of the journey by horseback, Your Majesty. I’m sorry I couldn’t reveal the entire plan until now. Your brother had to keep it secret from everyone, including your family, to ensure your safety. We must make haste. The guards have horses prepared for us.”
King Tiernay paced the floor in the throne room until the aching wound in his abdomen forced him to sit down. Airell entered and took her place on the smaller throne beside him. She clutched his hand and kissed the top of it. “You are exhausted, my love. Won’t you return to our chambers and rest?”
He shook his head. “Not until I hear word of my sister’s safety.”
“But you will hear word just the same in our chambers. Please, come with me. I need you healthy and strong now more than ever.”
He paused and looked into his wife’s eyes, noticing her cheeks were flushed. Ever since the attack on the castle, his wife hadn’t been herself. He touched her cheek as concern wrinkled his brow. “I do wish you would tell me what is ailing you, my queen.”
She looked into his eyes, managing a trembling smile. “I wanted to tell you during a less stressful time, but I cannot wait any longer. I am with child again.”
His eyes grew wide before he held her close, kissing her lips. “Oh, ‘tis wonderful news! Another child on the way.” His excitement soon turned into concern. “You have endured too much stress with the attack on the castle. You should retire to our chambers and rest. I will join you shortly.”
Airell shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”
He let out a faint chuckle. “I believe you have grown more stubborn since we have wed.” She stared at him with an amused look in her eyes. “Well, anyhow. Your stubborn persistence has convinced me. I am quite weary. Let’s go upstairs and rest.”
Her smile widened as she stood and helped him to his feet. The sudden movement caused him to wince and lean against her for support.
They had just entered the royal chambers when there was a knock on the door. After bidding them to come in, two guards entered and bowed before him. “We have just received word, Princess Fiona’s royal guard and carriage were attacked on the road north.”
Airell gasped, but Tiernay kissed her cheek and made a soft shushing sound. “‘Tis fine, my love. I was expecting this to happen. I sent her carriage north as a diversion. It was empty.” He turned back to the guards. “And Leland’s company? Did they make it south without being pursued?”
“Aye, Your Majesty. It appears they escaped unnoticed.”
“Oh, praise the Lord!” Airell held onto him tighter. “I should have known you planned something like this.”
He kissed the top of her head and breathed a sigh of relief. Fiona was safe and on her way to Kiely. He could only pray her journey would go smoothly.
The simple burgundy fabric rubbed against Fiona’s skin in an odd fashion as she followed Leland through the forest trail on horseback. The clothing she donned in the carriage was far different from the luxurious, smooth fabric she had grown accustomed to wearing. Even her hair felt different with a simple braided bun, tucked under a simple head covering. Now the truth finally swept over her. During the journey she could no longer be referred to as the Princess of Brannagh. She was Lady Meara—a young widow from the village of Dóchas looking for a new start in life.
Clare’s steady breathing against her back, brought a small measure of comfort. Secured in the backward facing sling, her daughter had fallen asleep during the most dangerous part of their journey and Fiona was thankful for the small blessing. Any sudden noises from the little girl would have revealed their location to enemies. However, now it was only a few hours from nightfall and they had put some distance between them and the castle. God had been with them—making their small company invisible to the enemy. Fiona glanced behind and in front of her, thanking God for the men who were there to protect her and Clare. There were ten of them total—five of her personal guards in disguise and five of Leland’s men. She didn’t know the men Leland traveled with from Kiely, but she trusted them because he ensured her of their loyalty.
Leland slowed from ahead of her until they were riding side by side with Artair trotting close to his master. “You did well today, Milady.”
She concentrated on the path ahead. “Thank you. I only hope the diversion kept Fergus’ loyalists occupied long enough to not discover our trail south.”
He nodded. “I believe the danger is behind us. Your brother’s plan to have them follow the carriage north to Dub Hach was the perfect plan. If anything had gone awry, we wouldn’t have gotten this far without opposition.”
Fiona’s shoulders relaxed. “The danger’s passed?”
“Aye.” He offered her a brief smile before turning his gaze back to the trail, studying the terrain. “A small stream lies ahead. It will be a good place to make camp for the night.”
She nodded in agreement, rubbing a sore spot on her side from riding all day. “I am relieved to hear it. Clare will enjoy the opportunity to stretch her legs.”
Leland glanced at the little girl with a crease in his brow. “Aye, but make sure to keep her close and quiet as possible. There are still many dangers in these woods.”
Fiona agreed and then watched him ride up to the front of the company again, feeling a heavy weight fall on her shoulders again. Above all, she longed to keep Clare safe. She could only pray for God’s protection in the weeks to come.
CHAPTER EIGHT
On the Ledge
Leland watched Fiona carefully while the men packed up the camp after breakfast. She had done well since departing from Solas Fortress almost a sennight ago. She was always pleasant and did not complain about the long days on horseback, rough terrain or the uncomfortable sleeping conditions. However, he could tell by the dark circles under her eyes, the journey was taking its toll. The conditions would only get more treacherous as they went further into the mountains, yet Leland knew Fiona was stronger than she appeared. He prayed she would adjust soon.
Clare on the other hand seemed to be thriving in the woods. She stayed surprisingly calm and enjoyed watching little frogs and lizards when they stopped beside streams to camp for the night. Leland could sense a bit of a wild spirit in the little girl—something he could relate to. Since he was a boy, he had always loved the woods. In fact, he preferred nature to spending time with people most of the time.
As Fiona bundled up her and Clare’s belongings to leave, Leland approached and sat next to her. “How are you faring during the journey so far?”
She offered him o
ne of her rare smiles. “The journey has been tiring, I must admit, but I’m doing as well as can be expected.”
“We’ll be traveling across a steep mountain pass this afternoon. I would advise securing your belongings to the horse with extra care.”
“Thank you, Milord. I shall.”
Clare rushed over from playing with her doll near a tree and hopped into his lap. “I ride with Lee Lay!”
Fiona released a nervous laugh. “No, my darling. Leland has an important job to do, leading the company. He cannot carry you, too.”
He bounced the little girl on his knee and smiled at Fiona. “I really don’t mind and it might not be a bad idea actually. You are unaccustomed to navigating the mountain pass. You’ll need to keep your balance and concentration on the trail more closely than ever.”
She studied him carefully before nodding in agreement. “It might be nice to rest my back for a day. She is heavier than she appears.”
A few minutes later, Leland climbed onto his horse and then Fiona lifted Clare into his arms. He strapped her close to his chest with the sling, having her face forward so she could see all the exciting parts of the trail. Then after Fiona and the other members of the company were ready to go, they started down the trail again—heading toward the most perilous leg of their journey.
When they reached the mountain pass, Fiona eyed the steep cliffs and evidence of previous rock slides, thankful she had agreed to let Leland hold Clare. She was skilled at horseback riding, but this journey was entirely different. They had been traveling almost non-stop for over seven days—only pausing for a midday meal and to camp for the night. Her back, legs and arms were sore as a result. Keeping her balance and steering the horse over the rough terrain was difficult even without the added weight and constant movement of a child strapped to her back, however, she put on a brave face and continued on.
Lady Fiona's Refuge (Ladies of Ardena Book 3) Page 5
