Текст книги "In Love with a Warrior"

Автор книги: Kara Griffin

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Eighteen

Being at the Ross keep was just as bad as being at her own. Emlyn wouldn’t be insolent toward Lady Ross and had put up with her motherly ways throughout the day. She almost felt sorry for Anne and Betany, but they were dutiful daughters unlike her. The gown she’d found stuffed into her satchel was wrinkled and fit poorly. It was the gown her sister Suzanne had given her, the crimson with golden accents. At least it was thin in its woven texture and not as heavy as the gown Branwyn had given her.

She still hadn’t figured out how the gown had gotten into her satchel. Emlyn had only placed the gown Bran had given her in it.

“Lady Emlyn, my husband wishes to see you before we dine. Best hasten for Donal doesn’t like to be kept waiting. He’s in the hall.”

She nodded and set the tray of bread she’d just sliced on the work table. Emlyn stepped outside and noticed the rain had become a drizzle. She hastened her walk to the keep and entered. Upon seeing James, she stopped and looked at him, taking her leisure to caress his body with her eyes. No one noticed her when she’d entered for they were in deep discussion and spoke low.

She couldn’t hear what they were saying and didn’t care. James stood next to his laird, and he leaned against the table peering at a scroll. She watched the way his hand moved to tuck an errant strand of hair behind his hear. The movement was so normal, but when he did it, it caused her breath to cease.

His handsome face remained focused on their conversation. Emlyn sighed, wishing for one brief moment she was alike other ladies and knew the wiles of her sex. But she’d never had any other interest but warfare. A lot of good it served her now when all she wanted was to be noticed.

She released her breath in a drawn-out sigh when he smiled and the creases of his cheeks deepened. If there was ever a perfect man, he’d be it. Too bad her life was destined to a different way of living.

“Emlyn?”

She could never be wife to James. He deserved a woman who would cook, keep him in clean garments, care for his children, and perform the mundane tasks most ladies endured with pride. Emlyn would’ve considered giving herself to such a life for him, but she wouldn’t be selfish. For she could never be prideful doing such for anyone including herself or even James. She had nothing to offer him in ways of husbandry.

Emlyn came out of her reverie when someone touched her shoulder.

“Are you unwell?”

She looked up to find James standing next to her. “Oh aye, I’m well. I’m sorry I didn’t hear you. I was lost in thought.”

“Anything you want to share?” The edges of his beautiful mouth led to a smile that reached his eyes, and melted her heart.

“Nay, it was nothing of import.”

Donal thumped the floorboards with his massive feet and frowned at them. “James, be gone. I wish to speak to Lady Emlyn. Alone.”

James gave her an apologetic look before he and his laird left.

“Come, milady. I don’t bite.”

Emlyn walked hesitantly toward the old lord. His gruff voice brought forth a little bit of fear, but when she gazed into his eyes, she saw a kindness in them. He rivaled her father when it came to austerity though.

“My lord.” She bowed her head.

“Please come, be seated. I’m Donal and you may call me such, if I’m permitted to call you Emlyn.”

“I would like that.”

“I’ve been speaking with James and Grey about your predicament. I have bid James to wed you if you’ll have him.”

A scowl came to her, and she relaxed her eyes, hoping not to anger the old lord. Her heart beat languidly and she didn’t know how to reply. She shook the look of affront from her face, knowing it was rude to look upon him in such a way.

“He tells me you won’t have him. Is this true?” Donal leaned forward, and he spired his fingertips, making a peak of them in front of his face.

“I cannot wed him, nay.”

“Why not, lass? James is one of the most loyal and honorable men I know. Many a lady vies for his attentions, but I deem I’ve never seen him taken with anyone akin to you before. Worry not, for he would make you a fine husband.”

“I agree, he would. But you see it is I who would not make him a fine wife. He deserves better. He deserves a woman who would be pleased to do all the things a wife would cherish doing for her husband. Someone akin to your Anne. I fear I’ve no talent for such tasks.”

Donal sat back, aghast at what she’d told him. His brows furrowed. “You devalue yourself, milady. James could care less about such things. I deem he’d be pleased if you accepted him regardless of your lack of wifely talents.”

“He might be pleased, mayhap for a fortnight or two. But what will happen when normal life intercedes? What then? When I’m unable and unwilling to care for his launder and such? It is not that I don’t want to do it, you see, but I have another calling. He’d tire of me quickly, I promise you that.”

Donal firmed his lips. “Aye, I’ve been told about your affinity for weapons. You do realize that not many women can take on the profession and live long? James is given the task to see to your safety. Our king comes and you will leave with him on the morrow regardless of whether you marry or not.”

“Where will we go?” Emlyn tensed. If she caused the Ross’ danger by being there, she wanted to leave at the soonest.

“He will take you to his father’s farmstead and there you will stay until you are bid to return.” Donal rose, he walked around the table with his hands at his side.

Emlyn nodded, but refrained from questioning him.

“I want you to at least promise me you’ll obey and stay with James and hidden until the dangers passes.”

“I agree.”

His eyes and lips scowled, and she was wont to be away. It was as if she was sitting before her father, being reprimanded. And her father had never made her feel so guilty or low. Emlyn felt an apology twitching at her lips, but firmed them to keep her mouth closed.

“Marshall will not desist in his quest to have you, Emlyn. You do understand the peril? If anyone can protect you, James shall.”

“Mayhap I don’t need his protection and can take care of myself.”

Donal laughed boisterously. He used the back of his hands to wipe away his laughter tears. “By God, I am gladdened I am not given the task to see to your safety. I feel sorry for James, for he’s going to be driven daft by a lass like you.”

She shook her head. “I am thankful for his envoy, but verily I wish you men would realize that I am capable of using my sword in my own protection.”

“Adeline,” he bellowed, “Supper may be served now.”

He paid no attention to her words. Dismissed, Emlyn stood and walked to the doorway. She bowed her head to him.

“You are welcome to join us.”

“Thank you, my lord, but I shall find my own supper.” She exited the keep and found James awaiting her outside. He stood next to Colm, who had a grin upon his face.

“What did he say?” James asked.

“You know well what he said.”

James stuck out his forearm, forcing her to stop in front of him. “And did you agree?”

“What do you think? Of course not. I would not do that to you, James.”

Colm snorted with laughter. “Aw, see James she does care for you.”

“Come, I have a surprise for you.” He took hold of her hand and started to lead her away.

Colm made kissy noises and said, “Adeline wouldn’t like hearing about you being alone with milady. Mayhap I’ll tell her.”

James turned, and before Colm moved, he threw his fist at his jaw. Emlyn was impressed. She stood grinning and wished she had thought of doing that.

“Fuck off, Colm.”

Colm bellowed with mirth and walked in the opposite direction.

Emlyn followed James as he led her through the bailey, and beyond the keep.

“Where are we going?” she managed to ask, as her feet hastened to keep up with him. He didn’t slow his pace until they reached a lane lined with cottages.

“You shall see.” He kept walking and stopped in front of a thatched roofed cottage. “Our abode for this night.”

“How did you arrange this?”

“It belongs to Henry.” He opened the door for her.

Emlyn crinkled her eyes for he was so handsome standing there, grinning in his charming way. “Won’t Henry mind giving up his cottage?”

“Nay, he has sentry duty and won’t return until tomorrow eve. Come.” He motioned her inside.

Emlyn ducked under the low threshold and stood transfixed.  “Oh, James, did you do this?”

“Do you like it?” his voice deepened and his eyes remained fastened on her.

“Aye, everything looks … delightful.” She let her gaze take it all in. Throughout the cottage, candles lit the abode in a romantic ambiance. The small table near the hearth was laden with trenchers filled with foodstuffs. Then she spotted the bed and looked back at James.

“Let us eat. I’m starved,” he said, and led her to the table.

She sat in the chair across from him and stared at his hands. He pulled pieces of meat from his trencher and licked his manly lips. Emlyn couldn’t take her eyes off his mouth. His movements were mannerly and yet sexy at the same time.

“Are you not hungry?”

She shook herself. “Everything smells delicious.” If ever that was a truth. As she picked food from the trencher, she tried to think of someway to broach the subject of Donal’s request. She didn’t know how to explain why she’d rejected him without sounding like a shrew.

“You’re being more quiet than usual, Emlyn. What is it you’re worrying about?” James leaned across the table and set a goblet in front of her.

His tanned forearm looked strong, and she closed her eyes for a second. “I was thinking of what Donal bespoke.”

“I know, and you obviously refused.”

“I did. It is not you, but me. I mean to say that I cannot wed you. Does that anger you?”

He continued eating and didn’t appear the least bit disgruntled. “I understand, Emlyn, why you said nay. I am a guardsman and am nowhere near your station. You’re a princess and could verily wed a king or someone akin.”

She shook her head. “My reason is verily the opposite.” She filled her mouth with the tender pieces of goose and chewed, knowing she had to keep her mouth occupied before she said something to offend him.

“Mayhap we both have it in our hearts not to wed. I’ve my duty and nothing will deter me from it, not even my father’s wish for me to take over his farmstead. You’ve your dream of returning home so you can continue to train with your father’s men.”

She nodded and swallowed the food, now wishing she hadn’t put so much in her mouth. “We have this time together and you’re taking me to your father’s farmstead. Are you angered by that?”

He finished eating and sat back. She appreciated the way the fabric tightened across his chest when he folded his arms over it.

“Not at all, lovely. I won’t speak an untruth, for my father and I don’t get along. I have been in his presence but once in twenty years.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He unfolded his arms and took a drink.

“For making you go there.”

“I had to go eventually, and you need a place to hide. It is the solution to your problem and I had to face my father eventually.”

She took the goblet and drank the sweet wine, taking more sips than she should have. “Is his land afar?”

James shook his head. “A day’s ride. He has a large tract that borders the Gunns’ land. It was gifted to him by Grey’s father.”

“We shall leave on the morrow?” She sighed wishing she didn’t put him in such a position.

“Aye, sometime tomorrow. Grey will have our horses ready and will get your satchel from the keep. But this night is ours, Emlyn, ours to enjoy.” He stood and held out his hand.

Without hesitation she took it.

“I want to be with you, lovely, in a comfortable bed. I want to see your exquisite body. But mostly, I want to see your bonny red hair fanned out on my pillow.”

Emlyn’s breath ceased. His words sent a desirous thrill through her. He began untying his tunic. She reached up with shaking hands. “Let me.” Her fingertips slid over the thick musculature of his chest. “I love touching you.”

“And I you.” He helped her off with her gown, pulling it over her head.

Her hair mussed, and she quickly ran her fingers through it.

“You look bonny. I want you in my arms again.” James lifted her.

She used her toes to slip off her slippers and the strap of her shift fell to the side of her arm. Emlyn wasn’t a shy person, but in this moment, James made her feel utterly feminine and demure. She imagined most ladies in such a situation wouldn’t be forthright.

He set her atop the covering of the bed and stood beside her. His gaze darkened with passion. Emlyn lay back and watched with widened eyes when his hands shifted to his belt. A lady would be shocked, wouldn’t she? Hell if she knew. But she’d play the part.

He dislodged the sheath of his sword and placed it standing upright beside the bed. She couldn’t help but admire the weapon as it was likely the largest sword she’d ever seen. How she wished she was strong enough to wield such a weapon.

“Emlyn?” He chortled and turned her face to look at him. “If you would rather sleep with my sword …”

She couldn’t help it, and giggled a girlish laugh. “I’m sorry, but it is a beautiful sword. Come, I do wish to sleep with you. Only you.”

He unbelted his tartan and dropped the belt and the large piece of fabric fluttered to the floor. Emlyn scrunched her eyes, taking in his naked form.

“You are verily the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes upon.”

“Am I?” He crawled onto the bed and kissed her abdomen, and kept kissing her until he reached her mouth. The gesture made her drunk with desire.

“You make me want you,” her words came out in a breathless whisper.

“You excite me, lass.”

Emlyn used her hand to caress him in return. His muscles tightened under the perusal of her fingers. His skin hardened beneath her soft caress and flexed when he moved. She was in awe of his strength.

“I vow I don’t want to wait. It seems forever since I’ve been with you in this way.”

Emlyn pulled him so he lay against her. “You make me urgent. I don’t want to wait either.”

James knelt between her legs. He caressed her knees and caused her to giggle. She couldn’t help it, because they were indeed sensitive to the touch.

“Ah, I forgot you were ticklish. Where else, hmmm?”

His hand moved over her body, but she didn’t dare laugh. It only made her wish he was inside her, loving her again.

“Please, James, don’t make me wait.” She gripped his arms and bent forward.

He hunched over her and the wondrous feeling of him entering her brought forth her moan.

“Oh, that feels akin to nothing else.” She couldn’t relax though and gripped his biceps, holding on as tightly as she could, knowing she was in for a wild ride.

James groaned in pleasure and as he thrust, she pushed her hips toward him. Twinges of her culmination riveted through her body. Emlyn tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Desire such as she never felt swarmed her body and soul.

He slowed his movements, and she reveled at his lips on her neck. His sweet mouth suckled her skin and she could do nothing but shake as an intensely wicked aura took control of her entire body. She couldn’t catch a thought.

James’ breath hitched and he too succumbed to the exquisite tumult. Emlyn was glad they’d reached the end together. She set a hand on his chest and felt the rapid beat of his heart. He set his head in the crook of her neck and placed gentle kisses there.

“You didn’t speak a falsehood, James.”

He raised his head and grinned. “When?”

“When you said it was always like this.”

His shoulders shook with his laughter. James took a hold of a tress of her hair and rubbed it across her cheek. “I cannot cease looking at you. Do you know how bonny you are?”

“You flatter me, James, and it is not necessary.”

“Aye, but it is. I want you to know what you mean to me.”

Emlyn leaned on her elbow and faced him. “I wish you wouldn’t speak so. There will come a time when we must part.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way.”

She sighed. “But it does. Let us put this talk aside. This is the first time I’ve ever slept next to you. You don’t snore do you?”

James touched her nose. “Nay, and it is not the first time we’ve slept near each other. You know I do not. Och you do.”

She pinched his forearm. “Will you hold me?” Emlyn scooted to the side of the bed and relaxed back against him when his chest touched her back.

“Everything, Emlyn,” he said aloud and squeezed her.

“What say you?” She held onto his forearm which he’d placed over her stomach.

“You mean everything to me.”

She peered over her shoulder at him and noticed he’d closed his eyes. She couldn’t bring herself to respond to his sweet words, but instead mouthed, ‘and you mean everything to me.’

Chapter Nineteen

Never had he such a contended night’s sleep. James grinned as he felt her soft body stretching alongside his. He couldn’t see her face as her body faced away from him. With all his heart, he wanted to watch her in sleep again for she was verily his when she slept. It was the only time he could concede that she belonged to him.

“Emlyn, are you awake?”

She turned and placed her face against his chest. Her hands splayed his abdomen, and she gasped when he moved against her.

“I’m amorous in the morn.”

Her light laughter instantly changed the mood and he chuckled. Without speaking, he gently pushed her onto her back and entered her. Their morning romp was just as frenzied as the night had been. James wanted to please her and kept at the ardent love play until she squealed with pleasure.

He lay in her arms, content and completely sated. She sat up and her naked back was within his line of vision. James let his fingers glide down the center.

“We should leave. I am not sure what time of day it is.”

“Can we not stay abed all day?” She flopped back upon the bed and rolled on to her stomach.

James snatched the covering from her body. He stood, looking at the exquisite curves of her body. “You have a lovely arse.” He clasped a cheek with his fingers and set a kiss on the flesh of her buttock.

Emlyn gasped. “Keep doing that and we shall never leave.” She rolled over and flashed a grin.

“How did I not know what a sweet arse you have?”

“You were too busy looking at my breasts.”

He laughed at the blunt way she spoke. “Aye, I seem to recall saying they were the loveliest bosom I’d ever seen. I didn’t lie. But that arse …” He whistled and leaned forward, and grabbed it and gave her a light squeeze.

“James …”

He locked eyes with her and noticed her worry.

“I’m sorry we have to travel to your father’s farmstead. If you would rather, I can return home and you can return to the Gunn keep. I know that’s what you’d want. I ask too much of you.”

“We’re on this path, lass, and we may as well see where it leads us. Were you to travel home, you’d put yourself in danger. Lest you forget Marshall wants you and deems you his betrothed.”

She sighed visibly and looked at her hand which played with the covering.

“If you were to wed me, Marshall might give up his quest … but I will not force you, Emlyn. When and if you ever wed me, I want it to be because you want me and for no other reason.” Humility overcame him, and James didn’t care to feel such a way. But she had him ensnared, and he’d crawl through a field full of embers to be with her. He refrained from telling her that, but that’s exactly how he felt.

“I agree, and it is not the answer. We should go. I’ll need to change. Will you retrieve my satchel? I wish to wear breeches and don’t want to ride in that gown.”

“Of course.” James tugged on his tunic and wrapped himself in his tartan, and belted it. He reached for his sword and before he could sheath it, Emlyn got off the bed and stood next to him in all her naked glory.

“May I hold it?” She held out her hand.

He pushed it forward, and she took it from him. Her hand waned from the weight of it. Its height almost reached her chest, as long as it was.

“I’ve only a short sword. It was the only sword my father would allow me to practice with. This is a well-made sword, James.”

“Aye. We’ve a master who toils and makes the best in all the Highlands. He takes many a week to craft one, especially the more ornate. Mine is plain in comparison to some he makes.” James had been specific when he’d commissioned his sword made. “I wanted a broadsword with a downward sloping guard. The center inset is thinner than what most swords its size has, hence the heaviness of it. But it is effective when a foe needs his head dispatched. I didn’t want an ornate handle and insisted the pommel be plain and flat. I wrapped a piece of leather on the hilt which keeps it from slipping, especially when it is bloodied. I’ve had to replace the leather five times since it was made.”

She looked at him in awe and didn’t seem to want to hand it back. He gently pried it from her fingers.

“One day I shall have such a sword.”

“Mayhap. I’ll get your satchel.” James left before he burst forth with laughter. He’d gone into detail and tried to make his sword seem more daunting, but his speech had the opposite effect. The lass was in rapt of his words.

On his walk toward the stable, he ran into Grey and Duff.

“James, as soon as we can call you home, I’ll send word,” Grey said.

“Here.” Duff pulled a long thin dirk from his boot. This always brought me good fortune. Keep it with you.”

He shook his head and tried to hand it back. “I cannot take it.”

“I’ll be wanting it back when you return. For I wish to give it to my son.” Duff’s voice grew thick with his admission.

James nodded firmly. “Mayhap I’ll give it to him and be his champion.”

“I’d like that, James. Hopefully it won’t see any action. Keep the lass safe.”

“I will.” James grew somber then. Both his laird and comrade slapped his back. “Are you returning home?”

Grey walked beside him. “Nay, Donal wants us here when Alexander comes. We’ll ensure he believes our tale. Duff is staying with me.”

Colm, Kenneth, and Sean stood next to his horse’s stall. James clasped Colm’s hand.

“Ye look rested, James. Did you have a relaxing eve?” Colm chuckled.

“What do you think?” James chuckled and shoved his friend’s shoulder.

“Keep your eyes peeled for dangers and not on milady’s bonny face.”

“I will, Colm.”

Kenneth pulled him into a bear-hug. “I don’t know when next I’ll see you.”

Sean leaned against the wooden enclosure and looked downright miserable.

“We all knew this day approached.” James couldn’t look Sean in the eyes, for he’d been his closest comrade and he’d miss him the most.

Grey smirked. “Nay, I always thought you’d all stay on Gunn land. And that we’d grow old and cranky men together.”

They shared a laugh over that.

“I’ll be returning to Gunn land, Laird, that I promise you. And I shall see you all again. Don’t be so sullen. I am not dead and there’s no reason to mourn.”

Sean stepped away from the stall. “Keep your arse safe, James. I swear if anything happens to you …”

“I’ll try.” James watched their staid gazes. He grew tense; not knowing what was to come. He wasn’t about to make any promises for he knew the danger ahead.

Grey and Duff walked off, toward the keep. Kenneth and Colm mounted their horses. He would have ridden a ways with them, but they were heading west. Sean too was riding south toward the border of England, in the opposite direction of him. James pulled the reins of his horse and looked at Emlyn’s horse. He shouted to Grey. His laird turned and rode back to him.

“Take this home with you.” He rummaged through the satchel and removed the weapons and added the elaborate gown and jewels.

“She won’t need these on this journey.”

“Do you deem this is wise? Mayhap you should allow her some weapon.”

“Nay.” He stood firm on the issue. “Take the satchel and leave it on my bunk. She’ll get it when she comes with me to your keep.”

Grey grunted when he hefted the heavy satchel.

James led their horses away and took the trail toward Henry’s cottage. He untied her satchel and walked into the one-roomed domain. Emlyn lay with her eyes closed.

He slapped her arse soundly, but not with enough vigor to harm her. The flesh jostled a wee bit, and he found himself grinning. He’d have to pay more attention to that sweet part of her in the near future.

Emlyn rolled over and took her satchel. She began dressing and emptied the bag onto the bed. After pulling on a pair of loose breeches, she held up a gray tunic. “What is this?”

“I know not. It is not one of mine. Mayhap Adeline put it in there. It looks to fit you. Wear it.”

She shrugged her shoulder and pulled it over her head. “She also put a good amount of foodstuffs wrapped in cloth. There’s no room for the gown. I’ll have to leave it behind.”

“You should keep one of the gowns,” he said, and was about to offer her space in his satchel.

“I’ll take the green gown.”

He remembered it from her farewell feast. James knew she wished to be back home, joining the soldiers in their daily training sessions. A gloomy gaze crossed her face when she looked at the garment.

“My friend, Branwyn gave it to me and I cherish it. Besides it fits better than the other.”

Emlyn, now completely covered, pulled on a small pair of boots. She shoved the delicate slippers she’d worn with the gown into her satchel, and tied the laces of her tunic.

“There’s no room for my cloak.”

“Wear it. It is chilly this day and will probably get colder as the day goes.”

She set it over her arm. “Shall we?”

James held the door to the cottage for her and closed it.

“We should’ve cleaned up the cottage.”

He nodded. “Aye, but Henry has a few lasses who come each day to clean it. They’re vying for his hand.”

Emlyn chuckled. “I wish I could’ve met him. Oh, mayhap I should’ve taken the gown. It is going to give the wrong impression.”

James guffawed and turned to peer back at the cottage. “Aye, I deem Henry will either have an amorous night on his return or one beset with turmoil.”

“We shouldn’t put him in that position.”

“Aye, we should.” James helped her onto her horse. “Stay as close to me as you can on the ride. We only have about a day and mayhap another half to ride, depending on the weather.”

“I will, James. Worry not.”

“I do not worry, I take action.” But he couldn’t help worrying for he didn’t like riding alone even if they were on their ally’s land. Who knew what dangers lurked along the trail to Gunn land. As soon as they rode through the gates, the sounds of the Ross clan retreated. The quiet and stillness of the adjacent woods met them.

When Emlyn tried to speak to him, he held up his hand for her to be silent. They’d ridden for two hours and he got a sense they were being followed. James rode in a haphazard way, and circled back around. Their pursuers were not quiet. Several men rode their horses in the direction they’d taken.

James stopped and held a finger to his mouth, signaling Emlyn’s not to speak. She looked aback at her satchel and scrunched her eyes. Thankfully she remained quiet.

Throughout the rest of the day, James had to track back to ensure the pursuers were ahead of them. When he couldn’t locate them, he suspected something was amiss. He stopped his horse and dismounted. Emlyn did the same.

“What happened to my other satchel?”

“I gave it to Grey. You’ll get it back when we go home.”

She shoved his chest. “Your home, not mine. How dare you give my belongings to him without telling me? What if I have need of my sword?”

James walked around the clearing, near the safety of the trees, trying to assess where their pursuers were.

“There is no time to discuss this.”

“Why not?” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. Her lovely lips parted.

“That’s why,” James said, and pointed to a band of men running toward them from across the field.

James pulled his sword free and pushed Emlyn behind him. “Stay here.”

“Nay. I won’t let you face them alone.” She reached down and snatched the dirk from his boot.

“Emlyn, it is too dangerous.” As he explained, several arrows flew at them, hitting the tree directly above their heads. “This is not good.” The men were seconds away from reaching them. James sheathed his sword. “Put the dirk away.”

“Nay. I won’t let them harm us. I don’t understand, James, why?”

He tried to get her to release it by gripping her wrist, but she withstood his will. “Mayhap they won’t attack us if we appear unarmed.”

She shook her head. Emlyn put the dirk inside her tunic. Two men approached and took him by the arms. James didn’t try to fight them. His only thought was trying to keep Emlyn safe and by being subdued, he’d hope they were only intent on robbing them. He was drug away from the trees where several men went at him. James defended himself using his hands and legs. He resisted taking his sword from its scabbard.

Emlyn, on the other hand, felled two of their followers with the dirk. She yelled at him from across the field. “Use your sword.”

He shook his head. There were too many of them and even if he was able to get his sword free, he’d have little time to use it.

Two men held his arms and began twisting them. James ended up on his knees, then face down on the grass. He grunted at the force of the pressure from one of the man’s knee to his back.

He shouted to Emlyn to cease fighting, and she stood still, holding the bloody dirk in her hands. A burly man stepped around him and then stomped on the back of his calf. James felt the crunch of his bones and shouted as pain reverberated through him. All he heard at that moment was Emlyn’s scream. She ran toward him, but James closed his eyes against the pain.

“Cease hurting him. I’ll go with you quietly and promise not to cause trouble. Only don’t harm him.”