Текст книги "In Love with a Warrior"

Автор книги: Kara Griffin

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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Three

She spoke nary a word to him the entire ride to the Gunn keep. Emlyn was still wrath with him over his dictate that she not return home, and the fact that her father had bartered her. Now that James was on the mend, she released her heart of the guilt. She could also relieve him of his honor-bound duty. His words hurt deeply, for she hadn’t expected to hear her father paid handsomely for her to be gone. If he hadn’t wanted her, why did he not just send her to Marshall and save himself the trouble of a war?

If he wanted a war, she could’ve stayed home and aided him. Mayhap her father cared not what happened to her. Her heart was in a quandary. As much as she cared for James, she didn’t want her family endangered even if they bore no fond feeling for her. If only Gareth hadn’t told Marshall about her. But then she never would have met James.

She glanced at him, riding in the back of the cart. His leg concerned her because it hadn’t healed properly. He wouldn’t let her tend to it once his arm and back fully healed. She wanted to look at it, but he wouldn’t allow her. Damn his wounded pride.

He used a stick and scratched at a parchment. She tried to see what he was doing, but he held it close to his body and hid it. The man was too elusive, and she wondered if he wrote something about her in it.

The Gunn keep was just ahead, and she knew as soon as they arrived, she’d see very little of him. And once she left, he would want nothing to do with her. They passed the gatehouse and through the bailey. Their keep was well-tended, and a gaiety seemed to be about the clans people. Banners hung on doors and some along the lane. Trees from saplings to a mighty oak set the grounds. A large wall surrounded the great area and insets of stone had various plants set in the hollow of them.

Emlyn was impressed. Her home in no way rivaled its beauty. The Gunn keep appeared to be that of a great clan and beheld wealth. She wondered if they were attacked often for the palisade rose high enough to keep out an enemy.

“You’re quiet this day. Are you still wrath with me?”

She turned to peer at him when the cart stopped. Her heart could’ve stopped beating at how handsome he looked. She wanted to push back his brown locks from his forehead and smooth her hand over his beard. James hadn’t removed his whiskers since he’d been injured and it bothered her not for it suited him and gave him a knavish look.

“Emlyn?”

She shook herself from her thoughts when he touched her hand.

“I don’t want our homecoming filled with angst. Can you not smile? You do know you need to return my sword and dirk?”

Emlyn couldn’t help but grin. She’d refused to give James back his sword when he’d asked for it. He wasn’t happy about it either. “Mayhap I shall return them, one day.”

His eyes grew serious and staid. “I need the dirk. It belongs to Duff and he’ll be wanting it back. And my sword … was made specifically for my hand and no other. Besides, you can barely lift it.”

She reached into her boot and pulled the dirk free. She set the hilt in his hand. “My thanks for letting me use it. My sword and dagger are gone, as is my other satchel. Do you know what happened to it? I shall return your sword when my belongings are returned to me.”

James shook his head and if he was guilty of hiding it, he didn’t look one bit contrite.

“Will you stay with me?”

His request quickened her heart. What did he mean by such a question? She was going to ask, but they were disturbed by his laird who cleared his throat and watched them with mirth.

“Am I interrupting something?” Laird Gunn stood beside the horse, looking confused. “Why are you riding in the cart, James?”

“Gordy didn’t tell you?” James shuffled to the edge of the cart and hopped off, landing on his good foot.

“He mentioned you were injured but were mending. I didn’t deem it was serious.”

“Aye that is the truth. I’m still on the mend.” James used the stick his father gave him and limped along until he reached Grey’s side.

“What’s wrong with your leg?”

“It was broken and is slow to heal. Nothing to worry about.”

She was about to interject and tell his laird the truth, but Grey approached her.

“Lady Emlyn, you’ve our thanks for rescuing James. Gordy told us of your experience.”

She smiled slightly and bowed. “It was my duty, Laird Gunn. I was happy to get him to safety and aid.”

“Grey, call me Grey. My wife will have my hide if a good friend of our clan holds with such proprieties.”

“Very well, Grey. James is being an arse.”

Grey laughed and bent with the exertion of it. “He often is. Come inside and you can tell me what he’s done to incite your ire.”

Emlyn moved forward to assist James, but he wouldn’t allow her. He moved slowly, and she left him behind and entered the keep. She was surprised to find women and children within. The lady who greeted Grey was beautiful with shining golden hair much akin to her sister Suzanna’s. She had an ugly scar on her pretty face, but it didn’t detract from her beauty. The lady, after speaking low with Grey approached her.

“Princess Emlyn, welcome to our home. I’m Bree and these are our children. Sunny is the tall lass.”

The girl curtseyed. “Are you really a princess? You don’t look akin to one.”

Emlyn laughed because she certainly didn’t appear as a princess garbed in her manly breeches and tunic. “Some may say I’m a princess, but I don’t deem to be.”

“Sunny, that is not a question to ask of our guest. The two younger are Grace and Greer. Be careful around them. They often cause ye to lose your footing.”

The children were wee versions of their parents. It had been sometime since Emlyn had been around lads and lasses of such an age.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Gunn.”

“Call me Bree. I hear you stayed with Alys and Joseph. How are they? I haven’t seen Alys since last autumn.”

“Aye they were very hospitable and are well.” Emlyn was surprised that the lady and James’ mother visited each other. She’d heard there was strife between James’ family and that of the Gunn clan, but she didn’t ask questions since it was none of her affair.

“There is no need to be formal, Emlyn. Come, we shall go where the men’s ears are not so prevalent. And you can tell me this far-fetched story of how you saved James. For I disbelieve it. James is usually the one doing the saving.”

Emlyn turned toward the door and saw James standing there watching her with his deep brown eyes. She sighed before moving ahead when Bree linked her arm with hers.

*****

As soon as James took a seat at the large trestle table, Grey plied him with questions. He was in no mood to placate his laird and was beginning to get a headache.

“Do you wish to see Catherine? Why isn’t your leg healing? What the hell happened? How were you captured? I want a full accounting of the details.”

“Nay,” he said in answer to the first question about the healer. “I don’t need a healer.” James didn’t deem their clan’s healer could do anything more for him that hadn’t already been done. He shook his head and took the cup offered by Bea, the keep’s maid. He gave her a smile in greeting.

Grey cleared the hall with a wave of his hand. Three maids took the children away, but before Sunny departed, she ran to him and hugged him.

He clasped the sweet lass in his arms. “I’ve missed ye, lass. You’re getting taller and look well.”

She released him and smiled as she followed the maids from the hall. Sunny didn’t speak much and still maintained her shyness. She was sired by Greer, their comrade, who died protecting Bree from a foe. Grey and Bree raised her as their own, but she much resembled her father and that made James think of his friend.

Duff entered the hall and held out his hand as he stood next to him. “Give it back.”

James shook his head.

“Nay?” Duff said incredulously.

“I told you I was going to keep it and give to Ranal when he reaches training. Did ye forget?” James threw his bad leg upon the chair next to him with a bang and winced at the shot of pain that reverberated. “I got it right here in my boot.”

His friend laughed and sat across from him. “Aye you’ll be his champion. I did forget you spoke your wish. Ranal could do with no finer champion.”

Duff’s words humbled him and James raised his cup in honor. “I actually forgot about it too until I saw you.” James felt an ease of contentment come over him at being home. He’d missed his friends, the keep, and the land. It was good to be home, but he was a changed man and didn’t know how his life could continue as it had. For he was in no condition to guard anyone, least of all his laird or his family.

Grey pulled on his tunic sleeve. “I take it you didn’t win the lass’ favor?”

The contentment he’d felt was replaced with the frustration he’d experienced in the past weeks when dealing with Emlyn. “Nay I did not.”

“Why the hell not?” Duff asked.

“I told her of her father’s betrothal, and she didn’t take it well. She’d rather be off to war. I’m hesitant to broach the subject of marriage with her.” James would only admit such a flaw to his friends. He wasn’t one to be sullen, but this entire situation caused his apprehension.

Grey chortled and practically spit out the sip of ale he’d taken. “What has you afeared?”

“Her rejection. She will not accept the role of wife to anyone, least of all a man who cannot walk without limping.”

Grey’s face turned grave. “Your injury is that serious? James, you are and always will remain one of the best guardsmen this clan has ever had. It matters not.”

He was humbled again, and shook his head. “But it is not enough to win her or her heart. Aye, it matters greatly to me.”

“What will it take?” Duff asked.

James sighed, for he was damned if he knew. “She wants to be a warrior and to fight with her father’s army against Marshall. There is nothing I can do to win her.”

“Christ Almighty,” Duff said, “I wouldn’t allow my wife to take to arms.”

“Therein rests my problem. She won’t give up on her desire to be a warrior and I won’t allow my wife to use arms. Mayhap I should let her return to her father.” And even as the words left his lips he regretted saying such. He was not wont to let her go. Not now, not ever. But he didn’t have the means to support her now what with his injury and with that of her desire to take to warfare.

“It is not like you to give up so easily, James.” Grey sat back and eyed him curiously.

“There’s no answer to this dilemma. Believe me. I’ve thought long and hard over it for the past few weeks, for that’s all I had to occupy myself. The woman is stubborn and insists only she can save her family.”

“I say take her to the cottage Bree and I use when we wish to be alone. Keep her there until she sees reason. Sometimes you must force a woman to accept your will and in the end they are appeased.”

Both he and Duff laughed at Grey’s remark.

“When have you ever forced Bree to accept your will? Is that what you did to win Bree’s hand? I seem to recall it differently.” James laughed, knowing he spoke falsely for his laird’s wife ruled the keep, but Grey would have it no other way.

“Cosh, don’t remind me. For those were troubling times then and thank God Almighty I was able to convince her to accept me.” Grey finished off his drink and slammed his cup on the table.

“I’ll take ye up on the offer of the cottage.” James wanted to be alone with her and hadn’t been the entire time he was held up at his father’s farmstead. Emlyn avoided being alone with him and he knew why.

“Use it to woo her,” Grey said.

Duff grinned. “Do you need pointers?”

James would’ve laughed, but Duff was not one to jest with and he didn’t want to make banter of his remark even though it was laughable. Besides, Duff had his own troubles wooing his wife Cait, and it took a long time for his friend to accept and commit. “Neither of you are able to help me, I promise you.”

Grey looked up and signaled them to silence when the women returned.

“Have ye heard from Sean or Colm?” James hastily changed the subject.

“Aye. Frances bore Sean a son. His message was joyful. She’s well.”

“That is good news. Nothing from Colm?” James asked.

“Nay, but he’s likely helping Kenneth ready the clan for the planting season. I’m sure Colm will send word when his bairn is born.” Grey sat back and eyed him curiously.

James rose from his seat and went to the buttery and dunked the flagon into the barrel. He limped back to the table and set it down in front of Grey. His laird refilled their cups.

“I would’ve gotten it, James.”

“I needed to stretch. Besides, I can walk, just not afar.”

Emlyn appeared and was dressed in a bonny gown. Her hair was arranged with a golden woven headdress. She looked beautiful and James couldn’t keep his eyes off her. He stilled as she approached, and swore his heart fell from his chest when she smiled at him.

“I’ve prepared a feast in honor of your return, James. I’ve had Gell make all your favorites,” Bree said, and sat next to Grey.

“My thanks, milady.” James grinned and inclined his head. “Come, sit next to me, Emlyn.” He lowered his leg and pulled the chair out beside his for her. “You look lovely,” he said next to her ear so only she could hear.

She took the seat offered and leaned close. “She is a force to be reckoned with. I had no choice but to wear the gown.”

“Well, you do look bonny. Aye,” James said, and leaned closer to her. He slid his fingers along her neck and wished to put his lips there. “And we shall remove it at the soonest.”

Emlyn giggled and slapped his hand away lightly. “Lest you forget that I am angry with you.”

“Can we not call a truce for this night? It has been too long since I had you naked and willing in my arms.”

“Mayhap, I’ll consider it.”

When James looked up, he found all within the hall watching them. He cleared his throat and firmed his jaw. They had nothing better to do than eavesdrop. He could’ve laughed at their expressions too, for they appeared dumbfounded.

Four maids thankfully distracted his clansmen, when they entered and brought trays of foodstuffs and set them on the table.

“You’re in for a grand feast, Emlyn, for no one cooks akin to milady and Gell.” He reached for a trencher and set it in front her.

“It smells heavenly. I should offer my thanks to God, for I’m famished.”

James raised his brow. He thought she’d worshiped the gods of her father. When his gazed lingered and questioned, she leaned close again.

“My mother is Catholic and we, my brothers and sisters and I, were raised in that faith. Is that not why you looked at me curiously?”

He nodded. “I thought you were of your father’s religion. I saw evidence of it at your father’s keep and heard you speak the name of his gods a few times.”

Emlyn smiled and reached for the nearest trencher. “I learned both religions. My father does as he wants but allows my mother her ways.”

“Your father does not appear to be the kind of man to be so tolerant. Even of a wife.”

She laughed. “When he wishes for peace in his household he does. My mother has a way of gaining his agreement.”

James had to give her words more thought. For if the great Llywelyn conceded to his wife’s will, mayhap he could do the same with Emlyn.

The feast continued and revelry ensued when stories abounded of their lives, how they met and became Gunn guardsmen. James found himself enjoying the conversation. Bree outdid herself with the goose, puddings, and sweet cakes. He ate his fill and couldn’t eat another bite. He hadn’t eaten so much in many a month, not since Saint Swithin Day, when they’d feasted after his return home from Sean’s holding.

Grey tapped the table with the butt of his supper dagger. “All cease talk. James, we’re glad to have you home and in one piece. Emlyn, a toast to you for keeping our James safe and for aiding him. This night is at an end. I’m sure James wishes to be on his way. Do you need help?”

Such a question would usually insult him, but James knew Grey was being kind.

“Nay, Laird, I can make it on my own.” He rose and took the wood his father had given him and supported his stance. “Come, Emlyn. We’ll be leaving.”

“Where are we going?” She rose and stood next to him, taking his arm.

He didn’t answer, but pulled her along after taking her hand with his free one. Outside, the chilly night blew a brisk wind at their backs. The walk to the cottage was a ways from the keep and James almost groaned at the thought of trekking it. It would be difficult for him, but he’d bear it.

The solitude after a night’s comradery soothed him. Many had sought their beds and there was very little light, fire, or candles in any of the cottages they passed. He remained quiet on their walk because he wasn’t sure what to say to her, and because it took all his focus to make sure he didn’t fall.

“Will you not tell me where we are going?”

“To a cottage.”

She kept her thoughts to herself the remainder of the walk. His leg began to burn with pain the farther he got from the keep. James ignored it as much as he could. When they finally reached the cottage, he was relieved. He wouldn’t want to incur Emlyn’s harping about his leg so he refrained from mentioning how taxing the effort was.

He opened the door and allowed her to enter before him. Once inside, he closed the door and leaned against, knowing he’d have trouble making it to the chair or bed.

The cottage looked the same as he remembered it. Not many had ever entered it because Grey kept it solely for his use when he wanted to be alone with Bree. The large bed was covered with their clan’s tartan. In the center sat a small table sat just before an inset of the hearth. A fire had been prepared and its glow added to the ambiance of the cottage. Several candles had been lit and were set about the small domain.

James approached the hearth and set two thick pieces of wood in it, which would take hours to burn. It would afford warmth throughout the night.

Emlyn found one of her trunks sitting near the bed. “Oh, my satchel is here.” She pulled it out and held her short sword as if it were her most prized possession. Her eyes affectionately grazed the object.

Were that she looked at him with such affection. James didn’t know how to compete with such love. He watched her with interest for he’d never been ruled by his possessions.

“Ah, the dagger Griffen gave me. I’m glad I didn’t lose it. My brother would have been disappointed.” She unsheathed it and held the blade before her face, looking at the shine and lure of it.

He said nothing to that because doing so would only reveal his deceit in sending her satchel along with Grey. James was doomed for he realized there was no way he could make her as happy as her weapons did.

“Emlyn, you set my soul on fire.”

She turned and sheathed the dagger, and set her sword and it on the trunk. “What say you, James? Come, get off your feet. I know you must be hurting.”

He kept his hands at his side even though he wanted to pull her against him and kiss the life out of her. She stepped toward him, but James held out his hand for he knew if she got too close, he’d take her in his arms.

“Come, let us to bed. I want to be with you.”

Emlyn’s words stiffened him, and the tenseness reached his heart. “Nay.”

“Nay? Do you not want to be with me?” She’d spoken low and moved forward.

She was inches from him and all he had to do was reach out, but he swore by all that was holy, he would not. “I do want to be with you, Emlyn, more than you know. Och I want all of you. I want your heart to desire only me.”

“My heart can share desire for more than one thing at a time. I don’t understand, James. Why are you saying this?”

Her beautiful brows furrowed with her confusion, and James wasn’t about to elaborate, for he’d said enough. Then he contradicted himself when he pulled the cottage door open. Before he walked out, he gazed upon her lovely face. “I won’t stand in the way of you doing what makes you happy. Take my heart with you when you go for it will always be yours.”

“Are you saying I can leave?” Emlyn took a step toward him.

He held a hand out again, stopping her from proceeding. “Aye, protect yourself well when you join the battle and your father’s army. Farewell, my lovely lass.”