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

  Silence met him. His comrades stopped and stared.

  “I ken it’s alarming. We have Comyn’s bairn in our possession and I mean to trade him for Moray’s son. I sent Gilroy to Friar Hemm to have him contact James to make the bargain.”

  Brodin, the most skeptical of their group, scoffed. “I doubt the Comyns will care because there is no proof he is the father. They didn’t know of the bairn, did they? What of the lass? Did they ken she was with Comyn? They’d be suspicious.”

  “Mayhap, but we must try. There was a report that Comyn had a mistress and a bairn came of it. They must ken. Now let us move her before the others awaken.” Graeme held fast to the tartan with Brodin across from him. Heath and Liam took the back ends. They carried Galyn from the cave and walked toward the ossuary in the second cave. There they would lay her to rest.

  Kerrigan sat by the tree, exactly where he’d left her. She appeared to sleep or verily she kept her eyes closed. He was gladdened because he didn’t want her to see them carrying her friend. Upon entering the ossuary, Graeme found a vacated hole. He laid her gently and placed her hands crossed over her chest. Brodin handed him two small rocks with which to place on her eyes. Once that was finished, he set the tartan they’d carried her in over her body. It was as much as they could do given the circumstances.

  “We should bury the poor lass, and give her a Christian burial,” Heath said, and crossed himself.

  “At least let us speak a prayer or two,” Liam said.

  “Nay, we cannot. She took her own life. We cannot speak holy words.” Graeme firmed his lips, and wished he could say one kind word for her, but with her tremendous sin, it was best to leave it to God. If she was accepted into heaven, it’d be the Almighty’s decision and there was naught they could do, prayer or otherwise to secure the lass’ soul.

  “She’s likely in purgatory for she committed the transgression most sinful.” Brodin tucked the tartan around her.

  Heath knelt, and bid the others to. “God, take pity on the poor lass and allow her entrance into the bliss of heaven. Forgive her sin, for she acted out of desperation. We ask this of you, Lord, that you bless her.” He gave the sign of the cross and rose.

  “She must’ve been despaired to do such a thing.”

  “Aye, she was.” Graeme led the men outside. He took a deep breath as the weight of that chore made him somewhat emotional. Likewise his comrades stood with him, each unable to voice their feelings of the matter further. “We should clean up the cave before the nurse and Annag awake.”

  “I will collect straw and bring it to cover the blood,” Heath said.

  “I’ll assist,” Liam said.

  Graeme walked toward Kerrigan, followed by Brodin. His comrade motioned for the others to go inside.

  “In the morn, we shall leave for the abbey.”

  “Do you want us to go with you? We can split up and two of us can see to the task.”

  Graeme shook his head in confusion. “What task?” He set an arm around Kerrigan and looked up to find Brodin watching him. “Have we been hired?”

  “Aye and the recompense is hefty. ‘Tis more than enough coin to keep the horses through winter. It is not an easy task, but high paying.”

  “What is this task?” Graeme’s patience wore. If Brodin didn’t tell him outright, it either involved murder or something equally dreadful.

  “A merchant with a trunk full of coin was attacked and robbed. It may take time to track down the knaves who took it.”

  “You should stay together. I want to go with you, but Kerrigan …”

  “She needs ye now. Best you be with her. I ken she’s upset about her friend and the horror she saw.”

  Graeme’s jaw tensed. “What Galyn did was horrendous. No one should witness such terror. Even men on the battle field balk when witness grievous wounds. But seeing a gentle lass inflict such a wound with a dagger to her throat …” He closed his eyes against the image and hoped to replace it with a more amiable vision.

  “She was a quiet sort, never said much. Kerrigan must be grieving and disheartened at what happened.” Brodin tilted he head in her direction.

  “I will take her to Friar Hemm. He might calm her and ease her distress. I’ll await James for I sent Gilroy to the friar to have him fetched. If ye get into trouble, send word to Hemm. You remember the code?”

  Brodin nodded. “Aye, and we have our medallions. We’ll send them to the abbey if any of us needs aid. What of the old couple, the nurse and bairn?”

  Kerrigan’s body weighed heavily against him. She slept, which was a blessing given the events of the evening. He pulled the tartan around her before he answered, “I’ll let the old couple stay here. Finley is ailing and cannot travel. The nurse and bairn will come with us. I’ll leave Gilroy here to aid Annag and Finley if you don’t need him.”

  “I think that’d be best. If we are in the area, we’ll check on them from time to time.”

  “That would make Kerrigan feel better.”

  Brodin leaned back on his hands, crossed his legs, and scowled. “You ken, Graeme, the reason we returned to Scotland was to protect the Bruce. What of your service to him? Have ye decided not to keep your oath? I know not what I’d do if I was you.”

  Graeme sighed and let the frustration of the conversation out in a harsh breath. “Aye, I have considered what I shall do. I am torn, Brodin. I want to honor my service to the Bruce. But I must also honor Kerrigan and my promise to her. I will attend her issue and once we have the Moray lad in our possession, I can return to protecting the king. With good fortune he’ll hold up through the winter before pursuing his campaign against the Comyn supporters.”

  “You make it sound easy. You’re beset with a difficult decision. I deem we should find other shelter, far north near the king’s camp. Once we take care of the merchant’s task, we’ll see to it and send word to ye where we are.”

  “I detest leaving you. Och there is nothing else we can do, and I agree we should leave the area, for we’ve nothing keeping us here … Once I’ve handled the bairn situation, we shall travel north and meet up with you. If you can, send a message letting me know the whereabouts.”

  “Aye, I will.”

  “And Brodin, watch out for each other.”

  “We will, och you be careful around the Douglas, for I never did trust James. He’s a wily son-of-a-bitch and I fear he may be more loyal to the king than we deem. James would sooner throw us under the Bruce’s horse than aid us if it benefits him. It’ll be a long winter, and especially taxing without us together.”

  “We’ll rejoin before long, I promise ye, Brodin. I’ll come and say goodbye before we leave in the morn.”

  Brodin stood and sauntered off toward the main cave.

  Graeme sat and listened to Kerrigan’s light breath. He relaxed against the tree and considered what he’d say to James.

  Morn lightened the sky and the new day dawned. They’d need to leave soon, but he was hesitant to wake Kerrigan. She stiffened in his arms and rubbed her neck.

  “Lass, are ye awake?”

  She opened her eyes and nodded.

  “The nurse is preparing for travel. You should go and pack your belongings for we’ll be leaving soon.”

  “You’re sending Philippa and the bairn away?” She frowned with a glare to show her annoyance.

  “Nay, they are coming with us. We need to keep them with us when we go to the abbey.”

  “What of Finley and Annag? I should say farewell.”

  “You should. Finley cannot be moved in his condition and Annag won’t leave him. Gilroy shall stay here so they’ll have help.”

  Kerrigan rose, and he stood next to her. She glanced toward the cave entrance, but didn’t step forward. He suspected she hesitated going inside for she’d be reminded of what happened.

  “Would ye like me to go in with you?” He took her hand and led her toward the cave. “I would suggest you change your overdress so you don’t frighten Annag and Finley.”
r />   “Aye, I should.” Kerrigan craned her neck to view the spot where Galyn died. “I’ve blood all over me. Will you fetch me something to put on?”

  He bid her to stand near the hearth and hastened to retrieve another overdress for her. When he returned, he found her staring at the place where Galyn fell. He turned her and helped to pull off her soiled garments and assisted her in dressing.

  “I told the others that Galyn returned to the village. It would only cause their distress if they learned what she’d done.”

  Kerrigan tied the strings of her overdress, nodded, and remained quiet. “I should go.”

  Graeme blocked her view of the floor strewn with hay and held her against him as they passed through the main chamber. Upon reaching the antechamber, she released his hand and knelt next to Finley’s pallet.

  Annag touched her face. “He has awakened, Mistress. Don’t tire him for he’s weakened.”

  Graeme leaned against the cave wall and awaited her, but would let her take as long as she needed.

  She continued to hold Finley’s hand. “You are finally awake. How are you feeling, well enough to travel?”

  “Ah, Mistress, I am happy to set eyes on ye. Nay I doubt I am well enough to travel.” His voice cracked and his eyes watered.

  Kerrigan took a cup and assisted him in drinking from it. “Drink slow.”

  He took a few sips and pushed it away. “Annag tells me ye are leaving.”

  She nodded and lightly squeezed the old man’s hand. “I pray you get well enough to follow us. Promise me you will.”

  “Dearest lady, I cannot promise for my time nears and I want ye to be safe. Leave this place for it is no dwelling for a gentle lass akin to ye.”

  Tears streaked her cheeks and Graeme was about to pull her away when she spoke.

  “I would stay except …”

  Finley released her hand and set his on her arm. “Except ye cannot. Keep ye safe, lass, and aid Annag if you can. I will speak to Graeme now.”

  She placed a light kiss on his forehead. “I fear I shan’t see you again. Be well and I thank you for all the kindness you have shown me.”

  Kerrigan rose and waved a hand to him as she passed to collect her possessions. Graeme sat next to the old man, unable to find words to settle him.

  “Laird Moray bid me to protect Kerrigan. I now beseech ye to do so. Guard her.”

  “You have my word, Finley. Have no worry for she’s my wife and I mean to keep her safe.”

  Finley coughed and wheezed for a few seconds until Graeme handed him the cup. He took a sip and pushed it back at him.

  “Ye ken with Moray’s passing she is the Bruce’s ward? Are ye saying, lad, that ye wed her without his permission?”

  Graeme firmed his jaw and hesitated before he retorted. He hadn’t thought of what wedding Kerrigan meant, only that it made him the happiest man. Whatever recourse he’d answer to, was well worth his transgression. What was one more offense against him in the Bruce’s eyes?

  “Aye, I did, and I’d do so again. She is my heart, my breath, my life. I will make sure she has a good life.”

  “I’ll hold ye to that, lad.”

  He rose and before he turned away said, “Gilroy, the lad, will stay here and aid Annag. My comrades are away but will return when they can.”

  Finley nodded and closed his eyes.

  “Kerrigan, I’ll await you in the main chamber.” He stepped away and picked up a leftover roll from the previous night’s supper. It was hard, but good enough to eat and his stomach rumbled.

  “Here, good sir, take this.” Annag stood behind him, holding out a sack.

  “I cannot, Mistress. You need it more than we. We’ll reach the abbey by midday and will eat then. Gilroy will have coins and he can purchase more foodstuff for you in the village.”

  “Och ye be blessed for looking after old folks like us. I thank ye. Safe travels.” Annag set the sack on the table and went into the antechamber.

  Kerrigan finally ready, came forward with her satchel. He took her hand and quickly left the cave. Outside, Gilroy held the tether of his horse.

  “M’lord, I gave the friar your message. I have set a sack with your belongings with the others on the horse.”

  He nodded. “Aye, and here,” he said, and tossed a small sack of coins to him. “Use this to buy items Annag needs from the village. I’ll come back for you, lad.”

  Gilroy lowered his chin and released the tether, afore he walked into the cave.

  Graeme slowed his pace with Kerrigan beside him and the nurse who held the bairn on the other side of the horse. He slackened the tether so he could better see her. “Stay close on the trek. There might be dangers.”

  Throughout the long walk to the abbey, Graeme kept on alert. With only him as protection, he wanted to ensure they arrived safely and without incident. He concentrated on their surroundings and listened for noise within the trees and such on the path. The closer they got to the abbey, the more people walked the trail. He’d spotted several men, one family, and a farmer taking goods there. At the fork, he continued toward the abbey, the opposite direction of the village.

  The sun rose just above the tree line and the breeze chilled. Kerrigan pulled a tartan around her shoulders but said not a word during their journey. Her troubled heart worried him.

  He ducked beneath the archway that led to the abbey, and bid the ladies to continue on to the entrance. “I’ll stable my horse and will meet you inside.” Graeme waited until the ladies were inside before going around back and handed off his horse to a young lad who tended the hacks for the monks.

  “My lord, when I saw the ladies, I knew you’d be here.”

  “I’m gladdened you came out, Friar Hemm, for I’ve troubling news. Has James come yet?”

  “Nay, but I expect he’ll come when he gets my missive. What is your troubling news?”

  He hastily explained what happened, “… and she’s distraught, Friar. Can you speak to her? I ken not what to say, but she could use your solace. What she saw was verily shocking. I fear she will be affected for some time.”

  “Ah, the poor lass. Of course. Come, she shall find peace and comfort in the chapel.” Friar Hemm led him inside and when they reached Kerrigan, he placed a hand on her head. “Bless ye, child. Come and speak with God in quiet.”

  She followed him, and inside the chapel, the friar bid her to kneel in front of the alter where several candles lit each side. Kerrigan lowered her head and wept. Hemm knelt next to her.

  “Take heed, child, we all witness those we love’s misery. Sometimes we are unable to aid them. Graeme tells me of what transpired. How can I ease your heart?”

  Kerrigan raised her chin and ceased weeping. “I could do nothing to save her.”

  “I understand. You cannot hold guilt for what others do, lass. Your friend suffered, and she thought the best course of action was to … Nothing you did or could do would sway her for once someone gets such an idea in their head, there doesn’t seem to be a way to sway them.”

  “Will God forgive her?”

  “God forgives all.” The friar spoke a few prayers and listened to Kerrigan’s retelling of the ordeal. “Do not hold such woe in your heart. Your friend, even though she was disturbed, wouldn’t want you to be unhappy.”

  Graeme stood afar and didn’t intrude. Hemm was a good man to say such words to her, but because his Christian upbringing taught him the opposite. God wouldn’t be as forgiving as the friar let on. The lass was in all likelihood ensconced in the fires of hell about now.

  A disturbance at the entrance drew his attention, and he left Kerrigan in the chapel. As he neared, he heard James’ shout. He didn’t notice Philippa or the bairn and gladdened they’d been taken to a chamber.

  “Where the hell is he?”

  A monk bowed to James and backed until he was far enough away, giving him a wide berth to enter the abbey.

  Graeme took pity on the poor monk. “Here. I’ll see to the Douglas.”
/>   James’ laugh petulant. “Will you? I got the friar’s message. What say you, Graeme, you really have Comyn’s bastard?”

  “Aye at least that is what Galyn said before she stuck a dagger in her throat.”

  James raised a brow. “The hell ye say. Truly? The lass killed herself?”

  He explained and when he finished James stared at him, silent and indifferent. “I want ye to go to the Comyns and relate this news. Find out if they are willing to trade Moray’s son. If so, you can take the bairn to them and then the son to the Bruce.”

  James bellowed with laughter. “So I’m your own personal messenger now, am I? What if I don’t want to? What if I have more pressing matters? I doubt they’ll believe such a far-fetched tale even if there were reports.”

  Graeme approached James and gripped his tunic. As formidable as his comrade was, he wasn’t about to let him nullify their agreement. “You said you’d aid me if I found a way to retrieve Moray’s son. Ye ken I cannot go to the Bruce, I’d be putting a noose around my neck. I need you to do this, James, for there is no other way. You must make the Comyns believe for what I’ve told you is true. The lass said Comyn visited her many times. Someone who traveled with him can surely attest to it.”

  “Mayhap. I will enquire of his comrades and find out if they’d be willing to testify to her claims. You’re fortunate, Graeme, the king winters in the north and has no plans to move forward with attacks. At least for now.”

  “Let us hope my good fortunate continues. When can ye leave?”

  James removed his swords and tossed them on the ground. He took a chair and set it with a bang near the hearth. “Can I eat, rest a wee bit first? Christ Almighty, Graeme, you’re a hard task master.” He laughed and motioned to one of the monks. “Bring food and drink, wine if ye please.”

  The young monk ran off at his behest.

  Graeme sat across from him, and kept an eye out for Friar Hemm. He hoped Kerrigan’s heart eased. As he sat there, he listed to James’ latest news, none of which interested him for none of it detailed the king’s movement. When this was through, he had to return to his comrades and continue with his quest to see the Bruce succeed.