Текст книги "In Love with a Warrior"

Автор книги: Kara Griffin

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Текущая страница: 16 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Six

James had to get out of the barracks. The weather grew too warm to hold up in the confined space. He pulled a clean tartan from the shelf in the garrison and took it with him. The walk to the sea was exhausting, but he wanted to cool off and clean himself. He stripped his garments and walked into the water.

Several unseasoned soldiers swam in the depths. James kept his distance from them because he wasn’t wont to speak to anyone.

Even though the day grew warm, the water remained cold. Within minutes his skin numbed. He realized being in the water made his leg feel somewhat better. Without his weight on it, it didn’t hurt at all.

Refreshed from the swim, James made his way to the shoreline and wrapped the clean tartan around his waist. It was hot enough to go without a tunic and so he hadn’t brought one. On his way back to the keep, he stopped and dumped his launder in the basket outside the garrison. It felt good being outdoors again. He found himself at the top of the incline above the training fields.

What he wouldn’t give to be down on the field exercising his sword arm. Content to watch, he saw Duff instructing a group of young lads. They had to be nearly ten years in age. James hadn’t seen Grey in over a sennight, not since his return from Donal’s. But he discerned his laird was home for Bea had told him so when she brought foodstuffs and had told him Grey insisted he eat.

But James hadn’t been hungry. He couldn’t stomach the thought of food. He did manage to eat a wee bit of what Bea left for him. And when Gell brought the burnt sticks and pieces of wood he needed to whittle his arrows, he left bowls of soups and stews, breads and cheese. There was enough food left for him to feed a family through the winter. James was humbled by their care and so he forced himself to eat again. Much of the food he gave to the other soldiers that stayed in the garrison. They were happy to have the fare.

The sun warmed his chest as he sat there watching the rounds of practice. He grew hot, so much so that he had to move beneath a shady tree or his skin would burn. He stretched out his legs and closed his eyes, and breathed in the summer scents.

“There you are, James. I’ve been looking for you.”

He recognized that voice and grinned. James opened his eyes and saw his longtime friend standing there. “Sean, what are you doing here? No one told me you were coming.” He started to rise, but Sean quickly joined him on the ground.

“I came to get aid. We’ve a good amount of sheep missing and I thought—” Sean ceased speaking and glowered. “You look like hell, James. I don’t think I’ve ever seen ye look so defeated. I’m concerned.”

James leaned against the tree and scowled. He raised his good leg and rested his arm on it. “Why don’t ye tell me what you really think?”

“We’ve been friends a long time, James. I’m not wont to affront you, but I’m being honest. What the hell happened to you?”

He took a breath before unloading the events since he’d last seen Sean. “I had to send her back, for she wasn’t wont to be with me.”

“Aye, mayhap you did what was right. Och you’re fortunate she rescued you.”

“I wish she hadn’t for I deem I’d be better off dead.”

Sean punched his arm, and didn’t hold back for it hurt. “It is not like ye to speak this way. Take that aback.” He punched him again until he conceded.

“Aye, aye, I do. Damn you, Sean, my arm is going to bruise. I’m going to have to find something to do now to occupy my time since I can’t be a guardsman. Grey commanded Gell not bring me any more sticks or wood, too, and I’m bored out of my mind.”

Sean laughed. “Why would he do that? Tell me you’re still not etching those ghastly drawings?”

“You’ll see. Walk with me to the garrison so I can grab a tunic.”

Sean rose and threw a hand at him, and helped him from the ground.

James walked a slow pace and didn’t limp as badly, for he was able to compensate for the pain. Sean didn’t comment on his stride though and relaxed his step. They reached the garrison and Sean bellowed in laughter when he noticed his stash.

“Damn me, James, that’s enough arrows to supply the king’s army for months.”

“Should I send them to him?”

Sean turned and frowned and appeared unable to retort. His breath rushed out in a lamented sigh. “You jest, but I cannot help but be … concerned.”

“Be not. I was bored and needed something to occupy me. Worry not.”

His friend reached for his parchments and flipped through them. He turned and his face downcast. “Is this what your leg looked like?”

James opened his trunk and took out a freshly laundered tunic and pulled it on. He glanced at the drawing Sean held up. “Nay, that’s of a lad who got hurt during training. Keep flipping.”

Sean thumbed through the parchment pages and the rest of the images and his jaw tightened when he saw what he’d drawn. He refrained from commenting to which James was thankful, because the last thing he wanted was his friend’s pity.

“I need to speak with Grey. Are you coming to the keep with me?”

James wasn’t wont to be around anyone, but Sean obviously had troubles and his curiosity was piqued. He decided to join him and find out what was happening.

“Aye. I haven’t seen Grey. How is he?”

Sean raised a brow. “Concerned for you. As am I, as are all within the clan. If ye weren’t hurting, James, I vow I’d knock you on your arse.”

For the first time in weeks, James laughed. The rumble of it reached his chest. It felt good to be somewhat jovial again.

Sean kept his pace leisurely on the way to the keep, and James knew he did so on purpose. He ignored the twinges of pain and concentrated on his comrade.

Silence met him when he entered the hall, and it struck him odd because the hall usually filled with noise this time of day. Bree and the children were absent as well as guardsmen and servants. All, it seemed, had vacated the keep this day.

Bea entered and waved to him. He smiled at her when she approached and hastened to pull out a chair for him. Bea was the only maid Grey trusted in the hall when he had meetings or when news was given. For she would never speak of anything she overheard and wasn’t one to gossip.

“It is good to see you, James. You look … well.”

James softened his gaze and nodded. “As do you, Bea.”

Grey entered the hall and marched with heavy feet to the table. He didn’t seem surprised to see Sean or him inside the hall.

“Laird, I set a cup of ale for each of you and I’ll ensure all are kept from the hall during your ah, discussion.”

“Thank you, Bea.” Grey took a seat and looked after her as she left.

James took the seat Bea had pulled out for him and watched Grey’s face for that look he typically wore when he was concerned. But he saw only a serene expression on his friend’s face and nothing that gave away any deceit. He knew Sean and Grey were up to something, and as much as he wanted to be ireful, he couldn’t be.

“James, you finally joined the living?”

He wouldn’t take offense for his words weren’t spoken in jest. “For a few minutes, at least. I wanted to hear Sean’s news.”

“Aye, Sean, what is your news?” Grey folded his arms over his chest and sat back.

James became suspicious then for his laird was never casual when news was being imparted. He was definitely up to something.

“I, ah, came to seek aid, Grey. I’ve several sheep missing and … other livestock.” Sean averted his gaze and smoothed his hand over the wood of the table.

“What need you of me?” Grey asked.

“I need someone to come help me find the culprits. They’ve taken a decent number and I’ve no one to search …” Sean snatched his cup from the table and sipped it slowly.

James knew he was lying through his teeth. For one thing, Sean’s wife, Frances recently birthed a bairn and Sean would never leave her so soon. Secondly, if his livestock was truly missing, he had a good amount of clan followers to aid him. If he couldn’t spare anyone, he’d send a missive requesting aid, and not come himself.

Their scheme wasn’t lost on him. James hid the grin that twitched at his lips. He waited for Grey’s retort, wondering how his laird would get out of sending someone.

“I, ah, can’t send anyone now, Sean. Donal wants me to join him when Alexander returns, for he went to Edinburgh. He said he wanted a meeting called of the council and it’s set in a fortnight. There’s not enough time to get to your land and back before I must take to the meeting.”

James raised a brow at that because he knew the king had only just been at Donal’s keep and would’ve met with the council when he was there. With patience, James continued to keep silent, knowing his name would be brought into the conversation.

“None of my men have the tracking skills of the Gunns.” Sean refilled his cup and appeared anxious.

“What about James?”

And there it was. Both he and Sean shot a glance to their laird.

“Do you deem I’m that gullible?”

Grey laughed aloud. “Cosh, he’s on to us.”

“Well, what say you? Will you come?” Sean set his cup down and didn’t have a humorous gaze on his face as his laird had.

“What else have I to do?” James said, seriously.

Grey stood, pushing his chair out a few feet from the table. “Then it’s settled. You’ll go with Sean.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Morning fog blanketed the fields adjacent to the Hume keep. James stopped and looked at the old castle’s walls and sighed. He hadn’t expected to be on Hume land again, at least for some time. He knew he caused a lax pace on the journey and that his friend was eager to return. James hadn’t been on a horse in some time as it was. Never would he admit how difficult the trek was for him. Nor would he ask Sean to take the frequent rests he needed. He was grateful Sean hadn’t mentioned or jested with him about the delay.

The horse he rode wasn’t familiar with him, but by the time he reached Sean’s keep, the horse settled into a smoother gait. He missed Oran, because his horse had been trained well and he didn’t need such a heavy hand.

It seemed forever since they’d left on their errand for the king to Wales. Much had happened since then. James shook the thought away for he didn’t want to think of her.

“All’s well, Angus?”

The stable lad, Angus, came running toward them. “Aye, all’s well. Laird, I’ll see to your horses. Benson awaits ye in the hall.”

James dismounted his horse and gave the reins over to the overzealous lad. Angus was proud of his position even though many would not be. He boasted that even if he had to shovel manure, he was proud to serve his laird. The lad was dedicated, he’d give him that.

James followed Sean to the hall, and wondered why Benson, the commander-in-arms waited inside. Usually he awaited Sean by the gate, and foretold his news while Sean made his way through the courtyard.

“What’s going on? Trouble?” James looked at the high steps of Sean’s keep and grimaced. He used the wall and the stick his father gave him to take the stairs and made quick work of his ascent.

“I hope not.”

James heard nary a sound when he entered the massive hall. They stopped upon seeing Benson. He stood near the table, rocking a bundle of coverings in his arms.

James bellowed in laughter at the sight of the burly guardsman holding the wee bairn and the babe let out a fierce wail.

“Now see what ye done?” Benson marched to him and thrust the babe in his arms.

James had no choice but to accept the screeching bundle. He awkwardly held the babe and scowled at Benson for putting him in such a position. It had been a while since he held such a small bairn.

“I just got ‘em to sleep, for he won’t rest for milady. I was giving her a break from his fussing.” Benson kept his scowl affixed on his face and muttered curses.

The bairn continued to wail and Benson pulled Sean near the door where it was quieter, to give his report.

James held the bairn up and smiled for he looked akin to his father with his brown eyes and dark wisps of hair.

“Ah, lad, you’re angry at the world? Aye, that makes two of us. We’re in good company, you and me.”

The babe stared at him and seemed to settle. James needed to get off his feet, so he sat at the table and set the babe against his chest. He felt the babe relax and surmised he was settling back to sleep.

Benson finished his report and grinned at him. “You have the touch, James. I shall see you later, Laird.” He hastened from the hall.

Sean snatched two cups and a flagon of ale on his way to the table. “It appears my lad likes to be around men. He’s already showing signs of being a great warrior. Frances has had a hard time settling him down.”

James grinned. “So I heard. He has a good cry. What did ye name him? Grey never told me.”

“James.” Sean filled a cup with ale and set it in front of him. “I expect you to be his champion and look after him his whole life.”

He didn’t know why he got emotional, but his friend’s words greatly affected him. “I am honored. Of course I will. Here, take the wee James.”

Sean shook his head. “Nay, he’s content. Let him be for now. Hold on to him until he wakes.”

“Did ye plant a good sapling for him?” James kept his hand under the bairn’s bottom so he wouldn’t slide down his chest. The babe curled into a ball and seemed to be comfortable.

“Aye, of course. I want my lad to be strong.”

James liked their tradition of planning a tree for the bairns when they were born. If a tree was weak and the leaves sparse and falling, so would the bairn be weak. If the tree were resilient and bountiful with leaves, so the child would thrive. Although he wasn’t much a believer in superstitions, he didn’t like to test the fates.

At that moment, Frances entered the hall and approached. Her wide smile faltered the nearer she got to him.

“Oh, James …” She held his face with her hands, and he closed his eyes with the gentleness of her caress. “You’re unwell. I can see it in your eyes. I shall call Muriel.”

He’d gazed at her and saw that she looked healthy and well since giving birth. “Nay, I’m well. Truly, milady. I’ve no need of a healer.”

“You don’t look well. We shall feed you then and I will have cook make a feast.”

James swore whenever someone wanted to help, they resorted to feeding him. But that wasn’t what he needed or wanted. He needed her. “There’s no need, milady. I’m not hungry.”

“Nonsense.” She kept her voice low and touched her son’s head with a gentle stroke. “I’ve never seen him so content.” She took a seat next to him.

“Where was the cattle taken from?” James asked, and tried to hide the grin that came upon him. For he knew there was no missing cattle, and he wanted to catch Sean in the web of his deceit, even though he and Grey practically admitted their trickery.

“We’ve missing cattle?” Frances asked.

Sean gave his wife a telling look, but shook his head. “Nay, but it was the only thing I could think of to get James to come.”

James chuckled. “I gathered it. But you’ve my thanks. I’m gladdened to be here.”

“Why did you …” Frances caught Sean’s gaze, and he noticed the look that passed between them.

“He wanted me to visit. Is that not right?” James would’ve laughed, but he didn’t want to wake the babe.

“Aye, that and if you’d stayed in the garrison any longer, you would’ve ended up dead.”

James suspected Sean might be right for he had no fortitude for life. Not since she left.

“Momma, Momma, Alvin won’t let me go to the smith’s with him.” Ermintrude, Sean and Frances’ daughter, ran into the hall and stopped short when she saw him. Her long sable-colored hair flowed behind her and appeared tangled.

Trudy, as Sean liked to call her, had woken up the babe and he wailed louder than any bairn alive. James hastily handed him over to his mother.

“I shall go and feed him,” Frances said, and to her daughter, “Ermintrude, you must give Alvin time to be alone. Sean, will you explain it to her?” She set off with the bairn, his wails diminishing the farther she got away.

“Come here, lass,” Sean said.

“I want to sit with Uncle James.” She crawled upon his lap and her knees dug into his thighs as she looked at his face. “Momma said someone broke ye.”

The minx spoke before Sean could stop her. She barely weighed anything and was small for her years. The lass smelled of grass, and he wondered if she’d been rolling in it. Evidenced by the muss of her hair, he was sure of it. James grinned and repositioned her to sit on his good leg.

“I was broken, lass, but not anymore.” He touched her nose and gave her a peck on her soft cheek. “Are ye hounding your brother?” James felt sorry for the lad, because Alvin was at an age when lassies were more of a nuisance. Alvin had been an orphaned villager who Sean and Frances took in and raised as their own. It took a long time for the lad to accept them, but it appeared the lad flourished.

“Nay, but he wouldn’t let me come. Tell him to let me.” Her lip pouted and she gave a look of woe to her father.

“Leave him be, lass, and come and sit with your father.” Sean reached for her and she scrambled off James’ lap.

“This is a good time to make my escape.” James hastened from the hall before Sean called out to him.

Outside, the sky brightened with the late afternoon sun. It wasn’t as warm as the past days and a gentle breeze blew. He found himself walking through the gate and when he reached the lane that led to the village, he kept walking. It took him longer to reach the village than it usually would. By the time he got there, the sun began its descent. He headed to the cottage, even though he’d told himself he wouldn’t.

James didn’t bother knocking for he was of a mood and wanted answers. Questions plagued him the entire walk. Before he could change his mind, he opened the door.

Muriel turned and when she saw him, she stood silent.

James closed the door and ambled to her.

“I didn’t deem I’d ever see you again.”

“I didn’t either, but Sean bid me to come, and I thought to come and see you. How are you? You look well.”

She turned back to her tables and took an ax to the head of some kind of rodent, and the proceeded to squeeze blood from it. He winced at the thud the ax made on the wooden table.

“That’s gruesome, Muriel.”

“I need the blood for a remedy I’m making.”

He grinned. “As long as the person doesn’t have to drink it …”

“Nay,” she said, and laughed. “Sit and let me wash my hands.” She scrubbed them for several minutes and approached the chair he sat upon.

“You look akin to death, James, and lost weight and muscle. You’ve lost that spark in your eyes. What happened to you?”

“What you said that night. Do you remember …? That last night we were together, when I said farewell. When you hexed me?”

She pulled a chair close to his and nodded. “I remember.”

“Can you undo it?” James crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair. He wasn’t about to move until she did.

Her bonny brows furrowed. “Nay, I cannot.”

James sighed. His heart filled with despair and lamentation. “Do ye detest me that much, Muriel? I’ve been to hell and back for all of your curse. You know I never meant to hurt you.”

“I know, James. ‘Tis just … I never hexed you to begin with. I made up those words and never verily cursed you. I was angry because I knew the truth. That I could never keep a man akin to you happy or for very long.”

James wanted to laugh. Everything he’d gone through wasn’t due to her hexing him, but was caused by his own misfortune. The unjustness of it tightened his throat and chest, and he wanted to shout his disgruntlement to God himself.

“I met a lass just as you bespoke and since that day, I’ve been tormented. It happened just like you said it would. I want to forget her, but I cannot. I’m a besotted clootie.” James became uncomfortable talking about her, but of anyone, Muriel would understand.

“Why do ye want to forget her?”

“I cannot have her. She would rather fight in her father’s army than be wife to me. I would never force any woman to accept me so I let her go.”

Muriel moved her chair closer. She touched his face and turned him to look at her. “She must be the most dimwitted woman alive for any woman would want to wed you.”

James sighed. “There is no way to win her heart and I deem mine has been torn asunder. I could only reason you verily hexed me well and good.”

She smiled lightly and continued to touch him, letting her fingers pet the tresses of his hair. “I’m sorry that you thought I truly cursed ye. But nay, I promise you I didn’t. There must be a way to win her.”

“I don’t deem there is.”

“Is there not something you could do or say that would prove your love? Many ladies adore such grand romantic gestures.”

James firmed his lips. Something came immediately to mind, but he had to give it more thought.

“I noticed you limping. What’s wrong with your leg?”

James hastily explained how he’d gotten hurt. “… and it’s still healing. It may take a while. At least my other injuries healed.”

“Are ye certain it was set properly?” Muriel clasped his hand, holding it tightly, and gazed into his eyes.

“Aye, but it still pains me. Och I’m more concerned about my duties, for I can’t protect anyone in this condition.”

“You must not have stayed off it long enough.” She left her chair and went to her tables.

James folded his arms over his chest, content to sit back and watch her like he used to, akin to old times. “If you’re busy, I shall go.”

“Nay, don’t move. I have a remedy for you, but you must promise me two things ere I give it to you.” Muriel took two large pieces of roots and began grinding them with a pastel.

He raised his brows in shock for she rarely used herbs and such. “I will concede only after you tell me what promises you speak of.”

She laughed. “You verily are the most suspicious man. I only ask that you keep off your leg … completely, James, for at least two months. And you shall rub this salve on it twice a day.”

He approached her table and leaned in to see what she was doing. “What is it?”

She continued her task and finished grinding the hefty root into a fine powder. “’Tis comfrey. You must use it sparingly for it can turn a person yellow. But it is renowned for healing broken bones. It will strengthen the bone and heal the flesh around it as well.”

James was astonished. “Since when do you know of such matters?”

Muriel turned and gave him a wily smile. “I’ve always known. I let you believe you knew more about herbs than I. It seemed to matter to you at the time, and verily I didn’t want to overshadow your good labor.”

James raised a brow at that, for he had been called to save Frances when she’d been poisoned by a villainous banshee. At the time, he used herbs and such to counter the poisons and Muriel had all but scoffed at his knowledge. He could’ve laughed at her now for she was, it seemed, just as talented with herbs as he was. “Will it work?”

“If you stay off the leg, it might. Do you promise?”

James nodded. “I will.”

“I would also suggest that you wrap your leg with thin cloth soaked in eggs without the yoke. The fabric will harden and keep your leg secure. ‘Tis much better than using planks of wood. When I say stay off it, I mean absolutely no weight on it.”

He laughed. “I know what you mean.” James kissed the side of her face. “My thanks.”

She poured a smattering of oil into the power and mixed it until it thickened. Muriel scraped it into a large vessel and used a plug of wax to seal it. Then she wrapped the other large root in a cloth and handed it to him. “Besides, no one will want to be near you for it smells rank.”

He grinned after taking a whiff of the mixture and resealed it. “You tell me that after you gained my promise? You are a sneaky woman.”

“Go with an eased heart, my handsome man.”

James pulled her into his embrace. “I never meant to cause you woe, Muriel.”

“I know. I’m sorry I was so angry that night.”

He hurried out of the cottage and ran into Archibald, the village strongman, who Sean often relied on to take supplies and people back and forth from the keep to the village, riding by. James was able to hitch a ride in his cart.

When he arrived back at the keep, supper was being served and as Frances promised, a feast was set upon the large trestle table. After eating a good bit of fare, he decided to sleep in the bunk he’d occupied when he’d stayed at the keep. He found it empty and lay upon it, thinking of Emlyn and his strategy to win her. If only he could.

Throughout the night, he formulated his plan and reasoned it might work. But he had to speak with Grey and gain his accord before he’d do anything.

James awoke early and found Sean sitting in the hall. His wee bairn lay cradled in his arms, and he appeared to have gotten no sleep. He took the wailing babe from his father and grinned when wee James immediately quieted.

“You do have the gift, James. What are ye doing awake so early? You never rise at this hour.” Sean stretched his arms above his head and yawned.

James took a seat and spoke low so he wouldn’t awaken the now sleeping babe. “I’m leaving this day and hoped you’d be up so I could say farewell.”

“What about my missing cattle and sheep?”

James laughed with a bellow, and caused the babe to flinch. “’Tis the truth you never had any missing cattle, so cease your lies. Och, I thank you for making me come here.”

“Are you ready to join the living again?”

“Aye, I am. I need to get home, to Gunn land.”

Sean yawned again and rubbed his eyes. “Will you give up on Emlyn?”

James’ jaw tightened hearing her name. “Mayhap. I’m still thinking about it. I visited Muriel and she gave me a salve for my leg. I have to keep off my leg for two months.”

“Will the salve help?” Sean looked as though he’d fall asleep any moment, and his eyes kept closing.

“I hope so. I’ll speak with Grey before I decide what to do about … Emlyn.” Saying her name caused his chest to tighten.

“I can see your mind turning. Don’t overthink it. My advice, James, think with your heart for once and not your head.” Sean set his head on the table and his mouth hung open. His eyes grew heavy and closed, and he fell instantly asleep.

James chuckled, knowing his friend was experiencing fatherhood to its fullest. Sean never slept during the day and was never one to let a sleepless night affect him.

“That’s just what I aim to do.”