Conquered Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 1) Page 7

  “Heath, will you get fresh water for Kerrigan? When he brings it, you can wash.”

  “Thank you, Graeme.” Her eyes narrowed when each of his men stopped in front of her and bowed before taking their leave. Damned if they didn’t have wily grins on their faces.

  She hastily turned her back to him. “I will need to go to the village later this day to retrieve my belongings. If you’ll allow me to stay here with the bairn whilst I search for the mother?” She knelt and gentled a hand over the babe’s back in a soothed gesture.

  “You should not be in the village. The English are soon to come and all must flee before they do. It is safer here. Och we need to find a way to care for the bairn.”

  She raised her eyes and gazed at him. For a few moments she didn’t speak and Graeme was unsure what she thought.

  “I heard tell they were coming. I planned to leave the village and hide in the woods. Many are fearful. When I have washed, I will go.”

  He was hesitant to allow her leave. An image of his wife flashed in his mind, for she was the last woman he allowed to leave his presence, and that didn’t go so well. Graeme shook the image away and nodded. “You promise to return? Shall I accompany you?”

  “Nay, I am sure you have better things to do than go with me. I shall return before dark. I will find means to care for the bairn as well. Worry not, I do promise to return, Graeme.”

  His name on her lips sounded sweet, and he’d never tire of hearing it. As much as he was attracted to her, he knew he should keep his distance. It was one thing to offer her assistance, but quite another to become romantically involved. Besides, he had enough troubles of late, hell, for the past two years, and he didn’t need to add more to the heap of problems he needed to sort through.

  Liam set a bucket of fresh water on the table and gave a knowing look before he left them.

  Graeme placed his foot on the bench and leaned upon his knee while she washed her face. When she’d finished, his breath ceased. She was lovelier than he’d imagined. Her skin flushed pink from the thorough scrub. What drew his eyes was the pout of her lips, full and lush. She pulled her fingers through the mass of her light hair and caused curls to sweep over her shoulders. Graeme wanted to take her in his arms and test her lips to see if they were as soft as they looked.

  “What? Have I more soot? Did I miss a spot? Where?” She took another scoopful of water and pressed her hands over her face.

  “Nay, you did a fair job of it.” He continued to watch her and caused a sweet blush to cover her cheeks. He’d never been so taken with a woman before, but there was something about the lass that attracted him. It was more than her beauty. Her kindness evident in her eyes and she was the sort of lass a man dreamed of spending one’s life with. If only he’d been fortunate enough to have met her when he was younger, when he’d been free of duties and service.

  His first wife’s face came to him, but he shook his head, not wishing to think of her. As much as he’d hoped, she wasn’t the wife he desired when he’d wed her. Now that he met Kerrigan, he realized what Sorcha lacked, and that was the demeanor of a spirited lass. A lass who had a good heart and winsome ways. He didn’t think Kerrigan had a mean bone in her body.

  She peered at the bairn before turning back to him.

  “The bairn is sleeps. Finally, some quiet. I didn’t think he’d ever cease wailing.”

  Kerrigan chuckled a light laugh. “Might need his nappie changed. How do you know it is a he? Perhaps he is a she. You’ve made that mistake before.”

  Her eyes shone with merriment, and Graeme laughed. “Aye, you’re right. I assumed you were a lad. When the bairn awakens, we shall find out if he is a she.”

  “For the bairn’s sake I hope she is a he.”

  Chapter SEVEN

  The afternoon sun warmed her face as she walked toward the village. Kerrigan thought of Graeme and how fortunate she’d been to run into him in the woods. It had been easier than she thought to gain his aid in retrieving the little lord. He drew her interest. It was more than his handsomeness and his strength. He was honorable and formidable. Yet there was something deep within him that caused her to care. She couldn’t figure it out yet, but she would.

  His friends daunted her. They were as handsome, strong, honorable, and formidable. Kerrigan hoped to gain their friendship. She wanted to find out what they hid from and why. They were a mysterious lot and seemed likeable, but she wouldn’t want to run into them in the dark.

  On the way to the cottage to retrieve her belongings, Kerrigan stopped to see Galyn at the mead hall. The hall filled to capacity this day, and many were indeed in their cups. She felt sympathy for the men. They likely had no means to support themselves or their families with such despair around them.

  Galyn wasn’t within the hall, and she suspected she’d worked earlier in the day. With haste, she left and walked the small trail that led through the village until she reached the cottage Galyn’s parents occupied. No one seemed to be about. She knocked at the door and it was opened slowly.

  “Oh, ‘tis you. Hurry, come inside, shut the door.”

  Kerrigan quickly stepped in and closed the door behind her. “I expected to see you at Rohan’s. What are you doing home this time of day?”

  Galyn pulled the shawl she wore around her shoulders and walked to the hearth. “I didn’t go this day. There were strange men seen in the village earlier. My father bid me to keep the door locked. I worried for you. Where did you disappear to last eve?”

  She was wont to tell Galyn of it, all of it, especially about the handsome guard. It was best she kept the happenings to herself. “I ah, went home. I wanted to check on you. Are you still feeling poorly? Shall I fetch the healer?”

  Galyn shook her head. “I’m not ailing, Kerrigan, so worry not for me. I went to your cottage and Finley said you were not there.”

  “Oh, mayhap we missed each other.” Kerrigan banked the fire and turned to find Galyn sitting in a chair a short distance away. “Where are your ma and da?”

  “They will return shortly. Come, sit with me.”

  She did so and took her friend’s hand. “I don’t have much time. We will depart this day and must go before the army comes. Are you leaving?”

  “I expect so. My father hasn’t spoken of it. Where will you go?”

  Kerrigan released her friend’s hand and rose. “I am not sure. But I want to get Finley and Annag to safety.”

  Her friend sniffled as if she’d cried, and her nose reddened. “Were you able to find the king’s guard?”

  She knelt next to her friend, took her hands in hers, and gazed at her face. How she detested being dishonest. She longed to tell her of Graeme and the others. How she longed to be back at Bothwell Castle with naught more than her day’s chores to occupy her. “Nay. I worry for you. Are you certain you are well?”

  Galyn nodded. “I am. I’m melancholy this day because I miss my love. How I wish he were here. I despair that he …”

  Kerrigan tilted her head in question, but her friend didn’t continue. “You haven’t heard from him? Perhaps he’s off with the army. There have been battles of late.”

  “That may be. But he’s never kept away this long before. I miss him and need to tell him … how much I care for him. Will you continue to search for the guard?”

  Her friend quailed at her love’s absence, but there was nothing to be done for it. Kerrigan realized she hastily changed the subject of their discussion. “Perhaps I’ll continue to look for them, but it may be best to leave it be. I must go for it is not safe. Be well and don’t be melancholy. Your love wouldn’t want you to be so.”

  Galyn smiled slightly. “Perhaps not.”

  “Will you not tell me of him? How did you meet? Is he from the village?”

  Her friend’s chin dropped, and she shook her head. “The village? Oh, ye believe me lowly to take up with a man from here? What if I were to tell you he’s a man of high rank? You wouldn’t consider that would you? Lowly me, gai
n the notice of such a man? But you have no worry for that, do you? Your laird set a betrothal for you, probably to a worthy and wealthy lord or knight.”

  Galyn never spoke to her with such vigor. Kerrigan didn’t understand why she became ireful. “Of course I’d believe you. Any man would be pleased to call you wife, Galyn. I’m sorry for I meant not to upset you. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “I know you didn’t, and I shouldn’t have spoken thusly to you.”

  Kerrigan couldn’t help her frown, but sighed. She realized Galyn’s misery caused the anguish and not her jealousy. “Laird Moray did set a betrothal and I know not to whom. He said the Bruce would take care of it, yet I fear that is not to be. Bruce absconded to who knows where and is likely never to return. Even if I knew who my betrothed was, I doubt he would search for me.”

  “I shan’t speak of my love, for it matters not. He is gone and I shall never hear from him again.” She wiped the tears from her eyes.

  “You will find another to fill your heart, Galyn. All is not lost.”

  “All is lost. I will never love another as I did him. Pray I apologize for my tirade. I’ve let my emotions run amuck this day. Will you send word when you get to where you are going?”

  Kerrigan detested seeing her friend troubled. There was nothing to do but offer solace. “I will try. Worry not for me, promise. I do hope your father decides to leave soon. You must tell him so.”

  Her friend nodded again, and Kerrigan squeezed her hand before heading for the door.

  After she left Galyn, she walked through the village and stopped near the tailor’s hut. The material of the bairn’s mother’s cloak was unmistakable, and she hoped to see someone wearing the light blue fabric. Passersby didn’t notice her watchful gaze, and most of the women wore brownish cloaks. A group of men stood near the hostler, but she paid them no heed.

  Someone tapped her from behind and startled her. Kerrigan turned to find a young man who stood behind her with a slight grin on his face. The more she scrutinized him, the more she realized who he was.

  “Robert! Oh, I thought never to see you again.” Her brother towered above her and was still lanky although he looked to have muscle. She supposed it was from the rigorous training and battles. Kerrigan wanted to hug him close and never let him go. Robert looked akin to their father, and her heart tightened because it reminded her of how much she missed her parents and family.

  “My bonnie sister, I knew it was you. No one has hair as fair or curly as you. You’re looking well.”

  She clasped his hand and pulled him out of the path of passersby. “I haven’t seen ye since you went off with Moray. I feared you dead, but I’m glad to see you are not.”

  “Moray’s death was difficult for us to bear. We fight with the rebel’s army now, at least those who weren’t injured at Falkirk. Have ye gone back home? Do MacDoughalls still occupy our land?”

  Kerrigan nodded and with sadness and said, “Unfortunately, the interlopers are still there, brother. I cannot return.”

  “Where are you staying?”

  How could she answer? If she told him she was with men whom she newly met, he might make her return with him. “I am staying with friends. We’re searching for Laird Moray’s son. Have you heard word of him?”

  Robert pressed long strands of his hair behind his ear. “Nay, last I ken he was taken by the English and Moray asked about him during our travels.” He turned when his comrades called. “I must go for I’ve come to see my lady and only have a short time with her.”

  She pushed him playfully. “Oh, ye have a lady do ye? I am happy to have seen you. Please be safe and well.”

  “I will, dearest sister, and ye be well. God keep ye safe.” He clasped her in his arms and squeezed her tight before hastily sauntered off toward his friends.

  Kerrigan stood there and watched him go, melancholy at the thought that she hadn’t seen him grow to manhood. When last she’d seen him he was but a child. Now he was a man who fought against others using weapons meant to kill. How proud their father would have been, yet she wished with all her heart he didn’t have to go to war.

  The tailor’s shop closed for the day. She would need to return to the village and question him, for he might have made the cloak for the woman. Time whittled away, and she hurried to the cottage she shared with Finley and Annag. She found them both inside having their supper.

  “We must leave. Gather your things, for we don’t have much time. I must return before nightfall.” Kerrigan threw what little belongings she had into her satchel.

  “Return where?” Finley asked.

  “I found us a safer place to stay. Before we return, I must find a way to feed a bairn. He is wee, likely only a few days old. Annag, can you help?”

  Annag gasped. “Oh, the poor babe. I shall run to the village and find a wet-nurse. I heard there was a woman there offering her services. We only have enough coin left to pay her fee.”

  Kerrigan nodded. “Do it. Take all the coin. We won’t have need of it now. The bairn needs a nurse and we shall be safe.” She only hoped Annag could find someone and quickly, for they had no time to wait.

  Annag left the cottage and slammed the door behind her.

  “Finley, before we leave I need to tell you what happened.” She was hesitant to tell him because he would bristle at the danger she faced. But she needed his promise he would keep their location a secret. She meant what she told Graeme and wouldn’t tell anyone where they were located. Yet she had to bring Finley and Annag. “… and then I ran here to gather my things. We will stay in the cave and wait for Graeme to find the little lord. In return, I will search for the bairn’s mother.”

  Finley’s face remained staid. “Mistress, have ye lost all sense? Even if the man finds the laird’s son, how do you intend to find the bairn’s mother?”

  “I know not, but I must. I mean to question the tailor, for she wore a unique cloak.” She rolled an overdress and shoved it inside her satchel, causing it to bulge.

  “You trust this man?”

  “I do. He is one of the king’s guardsmen. You’ve heard the tales … they are honorable. I know firsthand they are trustworthy. I am unharmed.”

  Finley grumbled. “We’re to hail off to a mysterious cave and you say you trust the man. I never knew ye to be senseless. Aye, then we shall leave as soon as Annag returns.” He unsheathed a dagger, twisted in his hand, and reflected the light from the fire. “I will protect ye, Mistress, have no fear.”

  She would’ve laughed, but withheld the urge. At his great age, he barely had the strength to lift a bucket of water. “I’m not doubtful you wouldn’t. Put that away. There is no need to show a force of hand, Finley. These men will not harm us. But bring it. You never know what danger we’ll encounter on the way.”

  A short time later, Annag returned with a young woman. She wore a headdress which hid all of her hair. The woman was robust in her breast, which would assuredly be beneficial for the wee bairn. When she spoke to the woman, she gave her an odd look.

  “She doesn’t speak our tongue, Mistress. The woman only speaks French and lost her husband when they traveled here from their lands. She recently had a babe, but lost it too. Poor lass is all alone.”

  Kerrigan smiled at the woman to show her friendliness. She was somewhat pretty in face, with high cheek bones, and pinkish lips. “Do you know her name?”

  “She said Philippa.” Annag turned and grabbed a tunic from her husband. “Let me do that, bah, our garments will be wrinkled beyond repair.” She continued to put their effects inside a satchel and tisked at the way her husband placed their clothing.

  “We must hurry now.” Kerrigan led the way out of the cottage, and they walked along the trail quietly. Her satchel was heavy, and she struggled to hold it.

  Finley tried to take it from her. “Allow me, Mistress.”

  She didn’t want to burden him and wouldn’t let him take her satchel. The sky pitched to dusk. Unfortunately her friends didn’t mo
ve fast and they wouldn’t make it back before it was completely dark. She worried Graeme would be concerned and didn’t want to cause him uneasiness.

  Others left the village, and she saw a family who walked ahead. How sad for them. They were leaving their home. Yet, Kerrigan knew they would be safer elsewhere for the English king’s army would infiltrate the small village soon. That caused her to think of the bairn’s mother. Would she abscond as well? She might never find the woman.

  It took two hours to reach the hills that flecked the slope of land. She passed under the treed archway, scrunched her eyes, and searched for anyone near. With her promise in mind, she wouldn’t give their location away. But no one seemed to follow.

  Kerrigan motioned to them to be quiet as they made their way over the hillocks. Before they reached the third one, someone jumped in front of them from the above tree branches. He nearly gave her a fright.

  She recognized one of Graeme’s comrades, Liam, she remembered. Kerrigan shoved his chest and barely budged him. “Glory be, you scared me to death. What mean you by jumping out like that?”

  “He’s not going to be pleased about this,” he said, and motioned to her party.

  “I don’t expect he would be. But I must bring them with me. Move aside?”

  Liam swept an arm, alluding for her to pass. “You’re a brave lass to test his temper.”

  “I’ve tested more surly man’s temper in my day.” And even as she said the words, she was apprehensive. Graeme would be angry. She should’ve told him about Finley and Annag before she’d left for the village. That mistake would hopefully not cost her.

  Inside the cave, a glow blazed from the makeshift hearth. It was quiet. She left Finley, Annag, and Philippa by the entrance and made her way inside. Sitting in a chair next to the fire, Graeme stretched out with his legs extended and crossed at the ankles. His knees and lower thighs bared with his tartan rested on his upper thigh. The sweet bairn lay on his chest. He appeared to sleep.