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

Graeme sat back in a chair near the hearth. “Have ye seen Brodin, Liam or Heath in your travels?”

  “I have. Saw them at a mead hall along the road in Balmaclellan. Robert wanted me to thank the Buchanans for their support for they helped him escape the English when he was traveling west after our confrontation with the MacDoughalls. I leave the man for a short time and he’s backed into a corner. Aye, Robert will be the death of me. Your comrades supped there and looked to be in good humor. Might ye ken the reason they’d be celebrating?”

  “They must’ve found the merchant’s trunk.” Graeme crossed his ankles and looked content with their discussion.

  “What merchant?”

  “We were hired by a merchant from Auchenmalg. He will reward my comrades if they find his trunk. Apparently someone stole it and it contained a lot of coins.”

  James pulled his stockings off and stretched out his legs, warming his feet with the fire of the hearth. “I ken who you speak of. Aye I met him at the Cock Inn there.”

  Kerrigan held on to the wall, becoming melancholy the bairn would leave this day. She returned her attention to the men and found their discussion almost humorous. The Cock Inn, indeed.

  James continued, “Aye his name is Stephen Cross. If someone stole his trunk, he sure as hell would pay dearly to get it back.”

  Graeme rubbed his eyes and turned to peer at the hallway she stood in. She jumped back but not before he got a glimpse of her.

  “Why is that, James?”

  “Och his wife’s skull was in it. He told all as long as her skull was with him, he’d have good fortune. Cross likes the ale a wee too much and his lips oft loose. When he’s not trading, he takes refuge at the Cock Inn. I deem he’s maddened, but ‘tis a good tale, him carrying his wife’s head wherever he goes.”

  “Many keep the bones of their loved ones.” Graeme spoke loud and clear enough for her to hear. Was he trying to scare her? Kerrigan smirked for they had to be jesting.

  “I’m off to bed, James, and will see ye before you leave.”

  Kerrigan drew a breath and dashed to the chamber and jumped upon the bedding and pulled the covers up to her chin.

  Graeme entered a few minutes later and lay next to her. He touched her hair, petting her. “Ye aren’t fooling anyone, lass. I ken you are awake.”

  She opened her eyes and pursed her lips. “I wanted to know the news. That is a daunting man, Graeme.”

  “James is rather brisk.”

  “Brisk? He’s absolutely terrifying.”

  “Scotland is fortunate he sides with the Bruce and not with England’s king.”

  “Indeed. He will take the bairn?”

  “The Comyns agreed to the trade. This is what we wanted, lass, so fear not. The bairn will be well. His family learned of Galyn and her babe and searched for her.”

  Kerrigan settled next to him, comforted by his easy resolve. “The weather has turned cold. He shall be chilled during the travel.”

  “The morning cold will wear off. It will be warm later. It shouldn’t take more than a day for James to reach the Comyns.”

  “Where are they taking him?”

  Graeme touched her face. “I won’t tell ye, wife.”

  She pushed his shoulder when he closed his eyes. “Why?”

  “And risk ye going after him? Nay, it is best ye don’t ken. Now rest for it’s only a few hours till light.”

  She lay back, disappointed he didn’t trust her and tell her the location. She thought about what James said about the king’s interest in the king’s guard. Graeme and his comrades needed to be especially careful it seemed for whatever they’d witnessed was of definite interest of the king. She wished he’d tell her, but until he was ready to divulge his secrets she wouldn’t press him.

  Chapter TWENTY-ONE

  A sennight passed since the bairn left. Kerrigan sat on the ledge of the window casement and waited for Graeme to return from the village. He went to find out the latest news of the English king’s army’s movement and if there was any further news of the rebellion.

  She grew disenchanted with the abbey for no one came and the guests sparse. Winter approached and soon it would be too cold for travelers. That got her to thinking about Finley and Annag. She heard footsteps and thought the friar came to collect her for the mid-day meal.

  Graeme touched her arm. “There ye are.”

  She continued to gaze through the window pane. The colored glass muted the landscape and made it appear yellow and sunny. But she knew from her morning walk it drizzled.

  “I’ve been thinking …”

  He sat next to her. “I see ye have for your face is most grave. About what, wife?”

  “I wish to be with Annag and Finley. Can we winter at the cave? If you need not follow the king’s army, surely we can take refuge there.”

  “I didn’t deem you would want to go back there after what happened.”

  “I’m not saying it will be easy, but I want to leave here. Besides, Annag and Finley may need help. James said King Robert is wintering near the coast. Surely you can find your comrades and we can be together, safe for a time.”

  “I ken what troubles you. You miss everyone.”

  “I do. They are my family now. Can we go?”

  “If it pleases ye then aye, we can. Gather our belongings and we shall leave shortly. I’ll explain our departure to Friar Hemm.”

  Kerrigan left the window ledge and took little time to throw their meager possessions in the satchels. She met Graeme outside, and the rain came heavier. The hood of her cloak kept rain from soaking her hair but it fell heavily on her.

  They rode swiftly over the hills until they reached the thick treed woods. Above crows squawked and below squirrels and other small creatures scurried. With the cover of the trees, she pulled back her hood and held onto Graeme’s arm, and watched the trail as they rode along.

  “I am gladdened to be going home.”

  He lightened his hold on her. “It is our home for now. When this is over—”

  “We’ll go to Cameron land. I know and do look forward to it. It seems to be a long time in coming, husband.”

  “Aye, mayhap.”

  “Do you think Finley recovered from his ailment?”

  “We will find out in a few minutes for the hills are just yonder.”

  The pines dripped drops upon them from above as they rode through the more sparse area leading to the hills. If one didn’t know the caves were there, they’d ride past them for the evergreens thickened from the wet spring and summer.

  Graeme helped her from the horse and bid her to wait for him. But she followed for she didn’t want to be left alone. They took Graeme’s horse to the second cave. She was apprehensive about going inside. He removed their belongings and tended to the horse. She stepped further into the domain and saw Graeme’s tartan covering a body.

  Galyn.

  She knelt beside the hollowed out space and prayed for her friend. The men did her a kindness by setting rocks over her eyes for she discerned the bulges beneath the fabric there. She was grateful for their gesture, for no one should die with their eyes opened.

  “Come, love, let us away.” Graeme helped her to rise.

  “Do you think God forgave her?”

  “I believe God has compassion for all especially those who are maddened.”

  “She became so because of her circumstances. I fear many are as plagued. I pray her bairn lives a good life.”

  “We can only hope, lass. Come and let us see if Annag and the others are well.”

  She stepped from the cave and noticed the ray of sunlight streaming across the sky. The clouds dispersed and the late autumn day turned from drab to enchanting. Upon the higher hill a layer of fog rolled down the side. It was a spectacular view and one she took as a sign her friend surely resided in heaven.

  Graeme pulled back the branches hiding their home’s entrance for her to pass.

  “Mistress! Oh, you have returned. I never thought I’d set eye
s upon you again.” Annag hurried to her and clasped her in an embrace. “You look well.”

  “As do you.” Kerrigan saw the look of sadness in her eyes. “Finley?”

  “He passed, Mistress. Aye, during his sleep. It were a peaceful passing.”

  “I’m sorry, Annag, that I wasn’t here for you.”

  She smiled. “I hoped you would come. The lad’s been a blessing. He’s taken good care of me. We have plenty to eat and to sustain us through winter.”

  Kerrigan glanced at Graeme and Gilroy who stood afar in quiet discussion.

  “Finley only passed a few days ago. We haven’t moved ‘em or had time to prepare his burial.” Annag wore a worrisome expression. “I suppose he needs to be buried before the ground hardens.”

  Kerrigan called to Graeme. She explained their task. “We shall see to it, Annag.”

  Graeme took Annag’s hand. “My sympathies, Mistress. Let us set him to rest. We should take him to the abbey and have him placed there. I can retrieve a cart from the village.”

  “Nay. I don’t want ye going to all that trouble. Besides, Finley wouldn’t want that. He was fond of fishing. Mayhap we should place him by the stream.”

  Graeme and Gilroy transported Finley to the stream. She and Annag collected Finley’s cherished possessions to place with him. The old couple continued to practice ancient rituals even though it was frowned upon.

  She took the spear he’d used often and Annag took his favorite tartan. He’d always wanted to be covered by the colors of the Moray clan. They met Graeme and the lad who prepared the ground and placed Finley in his final resting place. How deserved was he to rest in a place he valued. Kerrigan loved the dear man for all the kindness he’d shown to her. Her heart ached as they set the items they’d brought with him, and Graeme bespoke final blessings.

  Annag stood and watched the proceeding without a single tear. She had the strength of iron in her for she decreed she wouldn’t weep.

  “Be not sad, mistress, for we had a good long life together. It is all one can ask.”

  She held her hand as they walked back to the cave. Kerrigan told her of their travels and the good news of Laird Moray’s son’s rescue. The remainder of the night, they spent quietly reflecting. Graeme bid her to sleep, and they set up pallets and covers near the blazing hearth.

  He kissed her tenderly, but the kiss hastily turned to longing. She wanted to be with Graeme, but with others lying across the chamber, she pushed him away.

  “I’ve been without ye too long, lass.”

  “Shhh, they’ll hear ye.”

  “Nay they’re asleep.” He kissed her again and drew back, whispering, “Let me love ye.” He pushed at her underdress until it uncovered her body.

  Desire overcame her good sense, and she gave in to his plea. She felt his hands everywhere on her body as he kissed her face and neck. Before she knew what he was about, he joined with her and sent bliss converging through her body. Kerrigan held him close, letting him lead their pace. Graeme used his arms to hold him up and he peered at her with a grin.

  “Aye, you are so sweet.” He kept the gentle thrusts going until she drew a deep breath and fell apart in his arms. “You’re a dutiful wife, aye and make it easy to love you.”

  When she was finally able to breathe again, she helped Graeme meet his end by thrusting against him. She enjoyed teasing him and he pushed against her, his body becoming a hefty weight. He dropped his head against her chest, breathing hard and moaning a manly sound. How she loved bringing him to his end.

  “I am pleased with ye wife, so much so.”

  “How do you do that to me? I vow only you can make me succumb to such feelings.”

  He kissed the side of her face. “Let us get sleep and mayhap I’ll awaken ye before the others so we can do it again.”

  She laughed a light sound and hugged him. Kerrigan was happy to be back at the cave and fell asleep as soon as she laid her head on a makeshift pillow.

  Something awoke her. Kerrigan kept her eyes closed and listened to Graeme’s light snore. A whisper sounded across the fissure and echoed in the high set of stone above.

  She touched Graeme’s shoulder, and he opened his eyes. When he realized their peril, he rolled to his side and took his sword in hand. Their intruder bellowed Graeme’s name. They rushed to their feet and Graeme pushed her behind him.

  “James, ye make a habit of awakening me in the middle of the night.”

  His comrade laughed, more akin to a scoff. “It can’t be helped. I’ve come with news and a message from Robert.”

  Graeme stepped back and almost tread on her foot. He grabbed his tunic and pulled it over his head and then fastened his tartan. Kerrigan went to the table and lit a few candles to better see. Graeme bid James to sit.

  “Let us speak quietly so we don’t wake the old woman and lad.”

  Kerrigan hastily pulled an overdress over the cotte she wore at night, not wanting to appear undressed before Graeme’s company. She joined the men at the table and set a cup of mead near James and one before Graeme. She took a seat next to her husband and waited for James’ news.

  James took his time, drinking down the mead and wasn’t in a hurry to reveal why he’d come in the middle of the night. The man reeked of outdoors and likely hadn’t bathed in many a fortnight. Kerrigan folded her hands and considered James Douglas was a man one had to bear extreme patience.

  “I delivered the bairn and recouped the Moray’s son as promised. The Comyns were pleased to have their kin. The wee lord is now with Robert.”

  Kerrigan perked up hearing that. “And is he well and in good health?”

  “He seemed so although he barely bespoke a word on the journey.”

  “What of King Robert?” Graeme asked.

  “He has bid me to investigate the tales of the king’s guard. Says he wants the men apprehended and brought to him. He wants to find out if the tales are true.”

  “Damned me,” Graeme said with a sigh to his breath. “And did ye agree? Are you here to take me to him?”

  James leaned forward. “Nay, Graeme. I deem what you and your comrades are doing is beneficial to the king. I will not interfere.”

  “We will have to cease our pursuits until the king’s interest wanes. But it’s how we earn the care of our keep. I must think on this.”

  “I have even worse news.”

  Kerrigan stiffened when his gaze turned toward her.

  “The king bid me to find Moray’s ward. I’m to bring her to him at the soonest.”

  Graeme stood, effectively forcing his chair to fall behind him. He frowned and fisted his hands. She set a hand on his bicep hoping to ally him, but he pulled away.

  “Graeme, be calm, please. Let us hear what James has to say.”

  “Ye both thought to fool me. Did ye not? I ken who ye are, Kerrigan Campbell. Aye and the fact that Graeme wanted Moray’s son in safety only attested to my suspicion.”

  “She is Kerrigan Cameron.”

  James laughed, but his laughter wasn’t jovial. “Ye wed the king’s ward? You either have ballocks of courage or you’re as stupid as a hack.”

  “I didn’t ken she was the king’s ward when I married her.”

  James’ eyes shone and his laughter turned to jollity. “Now who is lying? I must take her, Graeme, for Robert will stop at nothing to retrieve her.”

  “Why did he send you?”

  “I volunteered. If I didn’t he’d send others and you ken he was assured I would find her.”

  “You are not taking her.”

  James stood. “Nay? Are ye going to stop me?” He gripped Graeme’s tunic. Their raised voices woke Annag and Gilroy. Kerrigan gripped James’ arm, trying to get him to release Graeme. With his free arm, James shoved her away, and she felt to her knees.

  James tossed his sword upon the table and likewise Graeme did the same. “I’ve always wanted to test my skill against yours and this day we will finally see who claims victory.”

  A
nnag reached her side and helped her up. “Come away, Mistress. You’ll be hurt.”

  James jumped forward and punched Graeme in the jaw. Graeme stepped back but then advanced and threw his fist at James’ eye and missed. He struck James in his midsection with a forceful kick.

  She could barely watch as the barbarian kept throwing punches at Graeme and struck him repeatedly. She flinched when blood seeped from Graeme’s split lip.

  “Cease, please, don’t hit him.”

  The two men grunted from their efforts and continued to throw punches. Graeme was gaining ground and laid two forceful strikes to James’ eye. But James retaliated, effectively causing Graeme to sway on his feet. He stepped backward but stayed standing.

  Kerrigan kept yelling at them to cease, but neither heeded her. Annag kept her from breaking them up and she felt hopeless in coming to her husband’s aid.

  James advanced and took a final swing which was the blow that knocked Graeme to the ground. Kerrigan freed herself from Annag’s grip and ran to him. She called his name but Graeme remained unresponsive.

  “You fiend!” She narrowed her eyes at James but her anger dissipated and tears gathered in her eyes. She couldn’t see Graeme’s face clearly as the tears welled. “You killed him.”

  “He’ll awaken. I only tapped him. Have no worry, Mistress. Now come away with ye.” He tried to pull her away from Graeme and she shoved his hand.

  “Nay. I will not go with you.”

  “The king demands I bring you.”

  “The king can go to hell.”

  James frowned with a chilling look to her. He grabbed his sword from the table and held it point down over Graeme’s chest. “Then I shall do away with your husband. The choice is yours. Either you come peacefully or I’ll end his life.”

  Kerrigan kept her hold on Graeme eager to hear his voice, but he didn’t move. “But he’s your friend.” She couldn’t believe he’d kill Graeme, but she didn’t know him well enough to reason he wouldn’t go through with his threat. A sob came to her throat for she knew he had her and she could do nothing to sway him from taking her to the king.

  “Aye he is my ally which is why he’s not lying dead. Now come.”