Текст книги "In Love with a Warrior"

Автор книги: Kara Griffin

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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Four

The cottage felt spacious with only her in it. Emlyn spent the last two days cooped up and stewed in guilt. She kept thinking of her last moment with James and how he’d said farewell and walked out. In the seconds following, she was sure he would return, but he didn’t. Then she spent the next several hours considering going after him, but she daren’t. She wasn’t sure where to find him and even if she did, she knew not what to say.

Hesitantly, she opened the cottage door and walked to the gate. She found herself standing at the top of the hill and below her many men gathered and trained. The Gunn soldiers appeared formidable when they went at each other. Her father’s men likewise trained with such heart and fearlessness.

Emlyn sat on a grassy spot and pulled her knees up, clasping them with her hands. She watched the sessions with interest, and noticed Duff far-a-field and could hear his shouts from where she sat. His face reddened, and he cuffed the back of one of the young soldier’s heads when he missed a strike from a sword. She found herself grinning because his surly nature would’ve made her nervous too, had she trained under him.

A rest was called and many of the men ran up the hill, sprinting to get away from their daunting leader. None spoke to her as they passed, but she smiled and laughed to herself at their woeful expressions.

“Milady, I see ye found the fields. It was only a matter of time before ye did.” Duff approached and sat next to her. “Been keeping our James busy these days? I haven’t seen him.”

“Good day, Duff. Nay, I haven’t been with James. I was watching the practice. You do well with the soldiers, but they seem to frustrate you.”

He bellowed a grunt. “Aye, they do. No matter how hard I am on them, they just don’t seem to be able to master the simplest task. What do you mean you haven’t been with James? We haven’t seen him since he arrived.”

Emlyn shielded her eyes with her hand and looked back at the field where a handful of soldiers remained. “Nay? I haven’t either.” She didn’t wish to discuss James and hoped Duff wouldn’t bring him up again. “Some of your soldiers are dedicated.”

“They’re seasoned soldiers and have no need of rest.”

“Ah,” she said, understanding. “Mayhap if you try a little patience with the lads, they wouldn’t be so nervous around you.”

Duff scowled. “Do you deem, milady, that they wouldn’t be nervous when they come upon a foe and must use their swords effectively?”

“They must learn the skills before they would ever meet with a foe. Aye, learn to walk before they can run. I would stick to basics and not be so grating on them. Let them work at mastering the movements without you breathing down their necks.”

Duff appeared to want to ring her neck with his burly hands. Emlyn kept her expression serene and showed no fear of him even though she wanted to flee for her life.

He opened his mouth but spoke not a word.

“I meant no offense, Duff, and I am certain you are the best at what you do. It is just an observation. Pay me no heed.”

Grey approached and called Duff. Without a word to her, he rose and walked hastily away. She knew she’d angered him, but that was no remarkable feat because the man usually seemed irate about something.

Emlyn wished she could get her sword and use it to train with the soldiers. How she missed the exercise. Were that she could work out her frustration, she probably would feel better about the situation.

“Emlyn, I will see you in the hall.”

She looked up when Grey shouted to her. With a nod, she rose and followed him. Her steps slowed, and she kept a pace behind him, for she wasn’t wont to walk with him. His mood seemed unappeased this morn, and she was afraid that she might be the cause.

When she entered the great hall, she found Grey had already taken a seat, and the room was vacated by his clan. Awkwardly, she approached and stood next to the table.

“Be seated.” His voice lowered and pitched.

Emlyn took the chair closest to her, three from him. “Laird Grey?”

“Duff tells me you haven’t seen James since you arrived. Is that so?”

She folded her hands on her lap and her shoulders slunk. “That is so. He said farewell and left me the night he took me to the cottage.”

“Where did he go?”

“I know not.” Emlyn lowered her gaze. “I am afraid I hurt him and he’s not pleased with me. I would ask that you tell me what happened with Marshall and my father. James told me that he found out about my trickery. I despair that my family is in danger.”

Grey leaned forward. “You don’t realize, do you, lass?”

“Realize what, Laird Grey?” Emlyn was about to rise, for she understood he was angry with her and she was certain he wasn’t about to tell her any word from her father or that of Marshall.

“How much you mean to James.”

She shook her head and kept her eyes lowered. Surely he beheld anger toward her, if his voice gave any indication. “I do not wish to discuss James, Laird Grey. He is released of his duty and I won’t hold it against him for wanting to get back to his life. I’ve detained him long enough from his duties.”

“Aye, it matters not, for I should tell you … Laird Ross told me our king is displeased by your treachery and Marshall means to wage full out war with your father. We will deal with our king’s displeasure, och I don’t know how your father is going to appease Marshall.”

“I must leave at once. Will you supply a few men to escort me?”

Grey rose. “What can you do? You should not worry about such matters and leave these political dealings to your father and Marshall. Your father bade you to do whatever it took to leave off Marshall and now you want to go back? It is foolhardy.”

“I do mean to return home. I should’ve realized how much jeopardy I put my family in. I will not allow them to be killed because Marshall wants me. If he wants me then he shall have me. One life for thousands …”

Grey cursed under his breath and banged the table with his fist. “So you will sacrifice yourself and be a martyr for those in your clan even though they cared not a whit for you when they sent you to him in the first place? You are the most confounded woman a man could … What of James? You’ll leave and have no care of his feelings for you?”

His harsh words made Emlyn want to weep, but she maintained her composure somehow. “I do have a care of his feelings, Laird Grey. That is why I choose to leave. I never promised him anything … and he never bespoke of promises to me. I am not wont to cause him any further pain.”

Grey rounded his chair and kept moving down the side of the long table. He looked back at her and seemed to get lost in his thoughts. When he looked back again, his face appeared angry with a scowl.

“I don’t understand what you want from me,” she said, becoming perplexed by him.

“You are either the most imprudent woman alive or James is the most unlucky. Very well, lass, I’ll arrange for your departure immediately.”

*****

Grey simmered with anger. For that lass could try the patience of a saint, and yet he knew from experience James was no saint. Still, he did not deserve her reckless spirit. After he returned Emlyn to the cottage and bid her to stay there, he sent off a missive to Donal. On the morrow he’d remove the lass from his land.

His steps hastened, and he entered the garrison. That was the only place he could think of to find James. Near the back of the barracks, where James and Sean had made somewhat of a home for themselves when they’d been his guard, he found him sitting on his cot.

He stood in shock at what he was seeing. “James … are ye going mad?” Grey took in the sight and his heart rent and went out to his friend. Not only that, but his chest tightened at seeing James so distraught. “You look like cosh.”

He chuckled. “Aye? Well, Laird, I feel like shit. And, nay, I’m not going mad. I am as sane as I’ve ever been. What brings you by?”

Grey pulled a wooden chair that sat nearby and set it next to his cot. James sat around hundreds, if not thousands, of arrows, all carved to perfection. He frowned at the sight, for it seemed his guardsman had been busy.

“What are these for? Are ye going to wage war?”

James glanced up from his whittling. “Nay, I was bored and had nothing to do. Take them and give them to the younger lads to practice with.”

“Nay, I cannot. What is this?” Grey picked up a stack of parchments tied together to make a book. He thumbed through the pages and frowned at the images.

“Ah, my drawings.” He looked back at his whittling.

“Christ Almighty, James, they’re horrible. Why’d you draw them?”

“They’re wounds I’ve seen or tended. I don’t know, Grey, they’re just descriptions of what I’ve seen and I wanted to remember them. What do you want?”

“I’ve just spoken with Emlyn.”

James glanced at him briefly before turning his attention back to the piece of wood he held. “Aye, she’s still here? I would’ve thought she’d left that night and was halfway back to Wales by now.”

Grey sat astride the chair and leaned against the back. “Do I have to explain women to you, James? I deem you might need some aid.”

“Nay, don’t bother, Laird.”

“Will you cease doing that and look at me?”

James set the wood aside and ran his hands over his face. “What?”

“She insists I take her home and I wanted to ensure that’s what you wanted, but I see from your reaction … Never mind. She’ll be gone in the morn, if you care to do anything about it.”

“That will suit me well, for the sooner she is gone the sooner I can forget her. I am finished with her.”

“Is that what you really want?”

James shrugged and then shuffled to the edge of the cot and leaned on his knees. His face was riddled with confusion and anger, and Grey had never seen his friend so full of woe.

“Look into my eyes, for she’s slayed me. All I wanted was her and I can’t have her. Aye, she wants to support her father. I don’t see why you shouldn’t honor her request. We should’ve never aided her to begin with. It was a wasted effort on our part.”

Grey saw the anguish and hurt in his friend’s eyes. “You love her.”

James scoffed. “Cosh, mayhap I do, but what have I to offer her now? I can no longer be a guardsman for I can’t even walk ten feet without excruciating pain. Hell, I can’t even be a fucking farmer as my da willed. I’m nothing and even if she wanted me, I wouldn’t put her in such a position. As much as I love her, I won’t be selfish. I need to let her go. It is over.”

“That’s the most load of manure I’ve ever heard you speak.”

“’Tis the truth, Grey. Now leave me be.”

“Do ye plan to sit here for the rest of your life and whittle arrows, draw gruesome images, and hide from everyone? You have a life, James, and will, and can be a guardsman again.”

James shuffled back to his sitting position and glared at him. “Nay, I cannot. Look at me, Grey, I’m akin to a cripple. For God’s sake, I can’t stand for more than five minutes. I won’t endanger you or your family.”

“I vow your father was right. You are one of the most stubborn Gunns in our clan.” Grey turned and left him before he said a few harsh sentiments that would further hurt his friend.

He stood outside the garrison, his chest rising with his aggression. The two of them would drive any person to drink and that’s exactly what Grey needed after his discussion with James and Emlyn.

Throughout the rest of the night, he sat quietly in the hall, sipping at the brew that usually sent him to cheer, unwilling to speak of his thoughts. Bree tried to make him laugh a few times, but he asked all to leave him. He couldn’t be around his children when he was in such a mood, for he didn’t want to upset them.

Morning came, and he kissed Bree farewell. As soon as he collected Emlyn from the cottage, he walked toward the gatehouse where Gordy awaited with a handful of Gunn soldiers. He refrained from speaking to the lass, because if one word was uttered, he’d likely make her weep with his harsh affront. She walked beside him, carrying one satchel which seemed heavy for she could barely lift it. He wasn’t about to aid her for his anger caused his chivalry to flee.

“Good morn, Laird. Are we to the Ross’ keep?” His young commander-in-arms stood smiling.

“Aye, but I’ve another task for you, Gordy. Take this missive to Sean and only give it to him. Make haste, for he needs to receive it at the soonest. Take a few men with you. These men can travel with me to Donal’s.”

“I’ll leave this minute.” Gordy whistled to several men standing nearby. “Get your horses, men, I need ye to come on an errand for our Laird.”

Grey, appeased that task was done, took Emlyn’s satchel from her and scowled when he felt the weight of it. He tied it to her horse and hefted her upon it.

“Laird Grey, will you not speak to me?”

“Nay.” He nudged his horse and set off. Grey was thankful Donal’s was only about a day’s ride. Within a short time, he would rid himself of the lass and try to put back together his friend, if that was even possible.

Along the trail to Donal’s, Grey kept a quick pace. He tried not to think of his conversation with James, but it kept repeating in his mind. Donal’s keep came into view and he let out a relieved sigh. Step one in setting to right these woeful matters …

“Grey, what brings … you here?” Donal stood on the keep’s steps and his face fell when he spotted Emlyn.

“I’ve come to seek your aid.”

“This is not a good time, for the king is in residence.” Donal turned and shot a glance at the door to the keep, and then returned his gaze.

“Good, I wish to meet with Alexander. Come along, Emlyn. You can explain this entire affair to our king.” Grey knew he was being a wee bit stern, but the lass deserved it. She’d destroyed one of his guardsmen and warranted no less.

They entered the keep and Grey approached Alexander. He bowed and waited until the king bid him to rise.

“Grey, my comrade, I am glad to see you.”

“You won’t be for long, Alexander. May I present Princess Emlyn, daughter of Llywelyn, Chieftain of Iorwerth?”

Alexander stood, his tall body looming above Emlyn. He took her hand and raised it. “My lady. So it is true, you absconded with the Gunns when you were supposed to be betrothed to Marshall.”

“Aye.”

She said nothing more, and Grey thought she might be intimidated by their king. Then he changed his mind when she curtseyed and withdrew her hand.

“I did abscond with them and would do it again.”

The king waved her to be seated, but Emlyn continued standing. Grey pulled Donal back when he was about to intrude. “Nay, let her answer for herself.”

Donal scowled at him, but nodded, and returned to his side. Grey noticed his king’s affront, and would’ve enjoyed it if the lass hadn’t done the same thing to him. There were only two reasons Grey put up with the man: one, he was his king, and two, because his wife was related to him and he had no choice but to accept him as a distant family member.

“You disobeyed your father and decided to refute the betrothal he set in place?”

Emlyn raised her chin. Grey understood how James fell in love with the lass, for she was verily courageous and beautiful. Her eyes remained on the king and she showed no fear whatsoever.

“My father bid me to thwart the betrothal and he asked me to ensure I was not given over to Marshall. I was able to gain the Gunn’s aid and here I am.”

Alexander glanced at him and Grey nodded to assert what she said as the truth.

“Did you attire yourself as a princess to have Marshall believe you were not the warrior woman he was told he would be betrothed to?” Alexander chuckled, and cleared his throat.

Grey could see the look of humor in his king’s eyes, but Alexander quickly changed his expression to one of interest.

“I did. A traitor had told him of me and that is the only reason Marshall wanted me. I pretended to be a coy lady in hopes that he would return me to my father.”

Alexander stepped next to the table and took his cup from it. He swallowed a good portion of his drink before returning his attention to Emlyn.

“Marshall found out about your ruse. I know not how, but I never saw him so angered. Your father is given a slight reprieve since Marshall has been called upon by his king to be an envoy to France. You’re in luck, my lady, as he shall be gone for some time. By the time he returns, I deem his temper might be soothed. Is it your will to be returned to your father?”

“It is.”

Alexander shot a look at him, and Grey nodded again, hoping he would allow her to go.

“Laird Gunn, is it your will to have the lady returned? I find it hard to believe you would let go something so exquisite. I heard tell James was involved with her.”

Grey stepped forward and Donal tried to stop him, but he wasn’t fast enough. “Aye, we have no further need of her.”

Alexander tugged at his beard and settled his chin on fist as he surmised them. Grey was about to continue when his king frowned. “You sound put out, Grey. Why so hostile? I never heard ye speak in such a way of a woman. The Gunns are renowned for their kindness when it comes to damsels. Explain.”

He took a breath. “She destroyed my guardsman, sire, for he’s a broken man. He shall never mend his injuries or his heart. And I vow she has it in her head that she’s to join her father’s army and has no care for what she’s done. I’ve never met such a damsel, as you put, sire. We’re glad to be rid of her.”

Emlyn glared at him. He could tell he’d upset her with his speech, but Grey didn’t care for he spoke the truth and the king should know what she’d done.

“Is this true, my lady? Did you destroy his guardsman and have you an affinity for joining your father’s army?”

“Aye and I shall not defend my actions. I care not what any of you think.” She turned to peer at him, and Grey raised his eyes to stare into hers. “Is this true? Is he broken of heart?”

“I don’t deem you care, milady, but aye, I’ve never seen James so … damaged.”

Alexander walked to the hearth, poked it with the long poker, and he appeared to be cogitating. On his return, his gaze was somewhat elusive. “Grey, I know what your guardsmen mean to you. I hope James mends, for you will make it so. You are given leave of the woman. I’ll have Donal’s men return her to Iorwerth at the soonest.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

It seemed forever since she’d been home. Garth Celyn, her family’s homestead, came into view and she sighed at the magnificence of it. The land meandering toward the tower and keep, sprouted with tall grasses, and a scent of heather filled the air. How she missed being home.

Emlyn left the Ross’ guard a half a mile from the walls for she didn’t want them to come inside. Alone now, she rode through the gates and noticed many of her father’s soldiers about the lane. He must be home if his soldiers were within the walls.

She dismounted and entered the keep. In quick steps she made it to the hall and found her family having their supper. It was as if she hadn’t existed, for her seat had been taken by Anhard. Emlyn approached her father and stood beside him.

“What do you here?”

Her mother rose and slapped her across her face. “You risked our lives and thwarted the betrothal. I knew you would do something foolish. You dare come here? Be gone. I wish not to see you.”

Her face burned from her mother’s strike, but Emlyn cast her eyes to the table and wouldn’t speak out. She expected her mother’s outrage.

“I will speak with her, Siwan, do not despair.”

“She is forbidden to stay here. I mean it, Llywelyn. Send her away, I care not where.”

Her father took her arm and pulled her from the hall. Emlyn wanted to cry out at the rejection, but she held herself circumspect. She followed him and as they walked along, he bid those who tried to approach to keep their distance. They neared the hillock where the dragon door sat.

He stopped and turned to her. “Why, lass? Why did you return? I told ye not to. I even betrothed ye to the guardsman and bid him to keep you away.”

“Then it is true. You sent me away and betrothed me without telling me? For if you cared not about a war with Marshall, you would’ve found a way to keep me here.” She stood rigid and wanted him to see her defiance.

Her father sighed visibly. “I didn’t want to send you away, Emlyn, but it was the only solution.”

“Solution to what?” She dared raise her voice, but Emlyn didn’t deem she had anything to lose. She was willing to risk her father’s anger.

“Your mother would have been harsh on ye, lass, if I kept you here. She knew Marshall wanted ye. I had to appease her.”

Emlyn stepped back, shaking her head. “You don’t know what I’ve been through. You’ve not only hurt me, but caused James great injury.” She suppressed the urge to weep, but she wanted to with all her heart.

“Why did ye leave the guardsman? I paid him handsomely to ensure you remained safe. What say you? He was injured?”

“Aye, and it was because of me. I didn’t know what you did, Father. Why didn’t you speak of it, the betrothal?” She would’ve handed matters much differently had she known her father promised her to James.

“I wanted him to win you on his own. It appears I made another mistake on your part. I did so with Bevan and now with James. No matter what I do to settle ye, it goes awry. I give over, lass. Do what you will for I’ll not aid you further.”

“Then you’ll allow me to train with your men?”

His look turned from contrite to annoyance. “Aye, you can train with them, but that is all ye shall do.”

“You won’t allow me to war with your soldiers even though I’ve proven myself time and again?”

Her father took hold of her shoulders and shook her. “Proven what, lass? That you can wield a sword? Many women can, but they don’t hail off to war with their husbands.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Aye, I do. You are my daughter and I will die before I see you or your sisters taking to war. No woman will fight in my army.” His voice rose with his assertion.

Emlyn looked at those around her. Most kept their distance during her heated discussion with her father. She opened the satchel she held and rummaged through it and found James’ tartan, the one she’d used on her way to his father’s farmstead. She didn’t know why she hadn’t returned it to him, but she was gladdened she kept it for it was the only thing of his she had.

Emlyn dropped the satchel at her father’s feet. “I won’t be needing this any longer.”

“Where will you go? To the guardsman? I knew there was something betwixt you two.”

It was getting harder to suppress her tears. “There might have been, but like everything else, I ruined it. I was rash and closed my heart to him. He would not accept me now.”

“You seem distraught by this. Did you love him?” Her father spoke with astonishment.

A lone tear trickled from her eye and she hastily wiped it away. For the last thing she wanted was to allow him to see her weep. “Aye, mayhap. What do you want me to say? That you were right to betroth me to him? He was the most gallant man I’d ever met and I like a fool walked away from him. For what? So you could reject me yet again?” Her misery now flowed over her cheeks and she didn’t try to hide that fact from him.

Her father took her in his arms and tried to console her. “Is there naught ye can do? Can you not return to him?”

She couldn’t speak for woe clogged her throat.

“I’m sorry, lass, that I am. I am surprised, and never thought to hear ye bespeak words of love for any man. But do not despair for there must be another man willing to accept you.”

Emlyn pulled away from him. “I want no other. You’ve caused enough damage to my heart, Father. Leave it alone.”

“I won’t let ye suffer.”

“It is too late. Where shall I go? Mother won’t allow me to return home for she’s wrath.”

“She’ll need time to get over her anger. Stay in your grandfather’s domain for now. I will send Branwyn to ye.” He walked off, and she shuttered, and wrapped James’ tartan around herself. She wasn’t sure if she was chilled or if the entire conversation rendered her verily dismayed.

Emlyn approached the door with the dragon and tried the handle. The door opened. She sat at the table and let her head thump against it. Her eyes blurred with more tears than she’d ever allowed to fall. She realized she’d never cried with as much heartbreak. James’ face came to mind when she closed her eyes and all she could think of was the words Laird Gunn bespoke at the Ross’ keep. She’d deserved his harsh words and hatred. With all her heart, she hoped and prayed that James fared better than she.