Текст книги "In Love with a Warrior"

Автор книги: Kara Griffin

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Текущая страница: 17 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Emlyn had been home for weeks and had no desire to take to the training fields. She stayed in her grandfather’s chamber and hid herself away. Aled, her beast of a hound, was her only amusement. Occasionally, she would allow him to leave the chamber to meet with his owl friend, Iola. He’d been gone for most of the day, and she sighed, for how wretched was she. She had a dog and bird to keep her company, and even they would rather run free amongst the hills than stay with her cooped up in an ancient chamber.

She didn’t want to run into her mother and see the disdain in her eyes. Likewise, she was displeased with her father. He’d never intended to let her war with his men and all that she’d done was for naught. She considered she’d wasted her entire life trying to win his approval, improving her skills, and becoming effective enough to be given the privilege. Yet that wasn’t to be.

What was worse than her life’s dream being pulled from under her was that she’d left James and a life she could’ve had. As much as she tried not to think of him, he crossed her mind throughout each day. Her heart ached knowing she’d caused him pain. How appalling was she? James hadn’t done anything but try to please her and she like a blubbering-miscreant-arse left him.

This day, she’d cursed herself a hundred times for her foolishness, but there was nothing to do but sit around and stew in her own recklessness. But Emlyn couldn’t sit there any longer and began to pace the length of the chamber.

She moved toward the entrance of the cavern and smelled the scent of salty water, for the sea rose and must have reached parts of the cave. With nothing better to do, she ventured farther into the cave and found it led to the rocky expanse leading out to the sea. The drop from the edge of the cavern was enough to make her head spin.

What would happen if she were to step off the ledge and disappear? Would anyone miss her? Would anyone even care that she was gone? The woe of her thoughts made her want to leap forward and put an end to her suffering. She waved her foot over the expanse and the thought of landing at the rocky bottom caused her to move back. As much as sorrow filled her heart, she would never do something as rash as that.

Emlyn wasn’t afraid of being in the cave. Even though as a young lass it had daunted her, she explored and found she enjoyed the solace of being there. How she wished her grandfather was alive. What she wouldn’t do to hear his soothing voice and his opinions on the matters of her heart. He’d always given the soundest advice.

As she walked back toward the chamber, she passed by the eggs she and James had seen when she’d last been in the cavern. They’d hatched and only pieces lay about the large nest by the slimy wall. She knelt and picked up a piece of the shell. Whatever they were, vacated the cave, and she was left to wonder if indeed they were dragons.

She laughed to herself, but wouldn’t disown that they weren’t. For she’d been regaled with her grandfather’s tales of great dragons taking to the sky.

When she reached the antechamber, a knock came at the door. She wasn’t wont to see anyone and decided not to answer. She was in no mood to entertain anyone, let alone allow her sullen mood to affect any who dared to visit. If her father returned yet again to scold her for her misdoings, she would likely fall at his feet and weep in despair.

“Emlyn, open the door, lass. It’s me Griffen.”

She hastened to it and opened the door. As soon as he entered, she slammed it closed and hugged her brother close. “Oh, Griffen, how I have missed you. When did you get back?”

“I just returned and Father told me what happened. Are you injured?”

She shook her head. “Nay, I’m well truly.”

He pulled from her embrace and sat at the table, setting his feet upon it, crossing them at the ankles. “So what’s this about you thwarting the betrothal Father set in place with the guardsman? It’s all he can speak of.”

“I don’t wish to discuss it.”

He laughed. “Nay? What of you not wanting to attend Branwyn’s wedding? For she told me you refused to leave this chamber. You’ll disappoint your dearest friend?”

“I don’t want to be around anyone.” Emlyn kept her gaze on the table, knowing if she looked into her brother’s eyes, she’d lose what composure she had.

“Well, glory be. I don’t deem I’d ever thought to see ye love sick and lorn, but ye are. What are you going to do about it, Em? Sit and hide inside this chamber for the rest of your days?”

“That’s the plan.”

He let out a bellowing laugh. “You knew Father would never allow you to war with his men. I cannot believe you came back for that reason alone. Confess for you’ll feel better if ye do.”

She sighed and knew he was right. “I was imprudent and thought I could be a warrior in Father’s army. Was I not the silliest of lasses? What I did to James, I can never forgive myself. I am afraid, Grif.”

“I never heard you say such words. Afraid of what?” Griffen took a small dagger from inside his tunic and began to run it over his whiskers.

Emlyn gazed at her lap. She wasn’t wont to speak of her shame. “Of the heartbreak I caused him. I vow, Griffen, he is such a worthy man, the most of any I’d ever met and I was foolish and walked away from him. His laird bespoke such atrocious words to me when I left. I daren’t repeat what he said, but I cannot return to him even if that is my greatest wish.”

“So you admit it.” Griffen chuckled and set the dagger on the table with a bang. “You do love the guardsman?”

“Aye, of course I do. But he won’t want me now.” Emlyn could’ve cried at the sorrow of her words.

“Won’t you attend Branwyn’s wedding? For I know that would at least make you smile if only for an hour or two. Come, the festivities have begun and if you ever cared for her, you will put aside your self-loathing for a wee bit.”

“Aye, you’re aright. But I have nothing to wear. I cannot go garbed in this gown.” Emlyn wasn’t about to go to her friend’s wedding in the wrinkled and soiled gown she wore.

“I was prepared for this and asked Suzanna for a gown. It’s outside in a satchel.” He hastened to the door and returned with it. “Now ready yourself. I’ll be waiting for you outside. Don’t dally as you are wont to.” Griffin shut the door.

Emlyn went to the bowl of fresh water she’d retrieved earlier. She washed her face and disrobed of her garments. She pitched them in the hearth where a small fire was set. An instant brightness shone in the chamber when the fabric engulfed with flame. There was no sense in keeping the garment as it was beyond repair.

She pulled out a gown of crimson velvet with a gold overlay of floral. How it would clash with her hair, but she didn’t care. She’d wear it with pride. Hastily, she pulled the gown over her head and found matching slippers in the satchel. With her fingers, she detangled her hair and then twisted two tresses on each side and knotted them behind her head. When she was finished, she felt much better, if not cleaner.

Outside, the night had cooled the heat of the day, and many of her family’s followers joined in the festivities. Noise reached her from where those danced and caroused. All she wanted to do was find Branwyn, wish her well, and then retreat.

Griffen took her hands and clasped them in his. “You look lovely, sister. Your friend will be gladdened to see you. Will you at least smile?”

She put on a fake grin and nodded. “Where is she?”

“There, ahead. Go and see her.”

Emlyn walked forward until she stood in front of the table where Branwyn sat. She was laughing and seemed to be having a jovial time. Emlyn wasn’t wont to ruin her day and she turned.

“Wait.”

She turned back. “I came because … You look so beautiful, Bran. I always knew you would look so on your wedding day.”

Branwyn hugged her fiercely. “I am happy you’re here. Come, join us. Cranog, get Emlyn a drink and move down a seat.”

Her new husband set off to do her bidding and returned with a drink, and handed it to her. Cranog had removed the whiskers from his face, and Emlyn found herself grinning, for she remembered what Branwyn told her about her wedding night. He was much more attractive without the hair hiding his handsome face. His fair hair had grown, and he had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen on a man. How pleased she was that her friend had found love and married well.

Emlyn sat beside her friend and waved to Delyth who sat a few seats away. She couldn’t get Branwyn to release her hand. “I promise not to run off if I can have my hand back.”

Her friend laughed a merry sound. “I fear you might run off. I never thought to see you again and here you are, sitting at my wedding feast. Can you believe I am a married woman?”

“Nay, but you will make him a good wife. You were always willing to do all the things I was not.” Emlyn shook herself, not wanting to sound so woeful on her friend’s happy day.

Branwyn leaned close. “I shall tell you a secret. I deem you could easily do the tasks of a wife, Em, for it’s not that difficult. Just tiresome at times and I vow you have more energy than anyone I know. If you can best a man on the field with a sword, sewing a tunic would be child’s play.”

She laughed. “Mayhap. Have you danced with your husband?”

“Oh, aye, I have. He’ll be wanting to high off to his friends who are waiting to toast him. Go on, Cranog, but drink not too much for I expect ye to … be sober when ye come to our bed this night.”

Those around them laughed and Emlyn shoved her friend’s shoulder. “Cease being a shrew and let him have this one night.”

“Hah, one night indeed. His nights are no longer his to enjoy. So tell me of your journey. I want to hear it from you and not second-handed. Is it true you pretended to be a princess so Marshall wouldn’t want you? I vow you are cunning, and always was.” Branwyn raised her cup and waited until she clicked her cup against it.

Emlyn sighed. “I am contrary of clever, truly. But I wish not to discuss my sorrow, Bran. For it is your day and we shall be merry even if it kills me.”

“You shall be merry, I promise. If I could change things I would have Bevan here. He, at least, got you to smile. I remember how he used to jest with you and you would laugh and blush, especially when you thought no one was looking. You’d likely be heavy with child by now were he here.”

She took Branwyn’s hand. “Let us not speak of him. For my heart cannot take any more sadness. Aye, don’t look at me like that. I admit I may have had more fondness for Bevan that I admitted. I’ve lost two loves in less than one year. A woman shouldn’t have to bear such pain.”

Branwyn gasped. “So it is true, you love the warrior, James?”

“Aye, I realized it a little too late and there’s nothing to be done about it now.” Emlyn snatched the cup Cranog had gotten for her and finished off the ale. “But verily, can we forget about that. Oh, nay, there is my mother. I hope she doesn’t see …” Too late. Her mother walked hastily toward her.

“What are you doing here? Did I not banish you?”

Emlyn stood. “Mother, not here. Not on Branwyn’s day. I will speak to you another day about your banishment. I wish not to upset my friend.”

Her mother glared and then glanced at Branwyn. “You have endangered us and I shan’t forgive you. I shall speak with you now. I will give you a sennight to leave our land. I care not where you go, child. Go you shall.”

Her mother marched off and Emlyn retook her seat. “I vow she is rather angry, isn’t she?”

Branwyn giggled. “Just a mite. Where will you go?”

Emlyn shrugged. “I know not, but something will come to mind.” For the remainder of the night, she pondered her mother’s words and thought about where she might find sanctuary. She thought perhaps the Ross’ laird might aid her, for he did have empathy for her when the king sent her away.

If her father’s army faced Marshall’s wrath then so be it. She wouldn’t hold herself accountable any longer. And with her mother’s fury there was no way she could remain.

She spotted Griffen standing with a few of his comrades in the distance. Emlyn called to him and he turned.

“Aye? Did I not tell you, Branwyn, that I could get her to come?”

“You did and I thank you.”

Emlyn smiled. “I thank you as well, Grif. I have a favor to ask. Will you and a few of your comrades take me to Scotland?”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The journey back to Gunn land was hastier than his travel to Sean’s. James was anxious to get home. Once he tended to his errands, he would take to his bed and wait. Lord it would kill him to hold up so long, but now he wouldn’t mind company visiting him. For he wanted to be around his comrades and clan again. They would help pass the time and make the wait go faster.

He passed through the gates and kept riding until he reached the keep. Inside, he found Grey leaning over parchments. When he didn’t look up, James cleared his throat, and made a sound to alert him.

“I’ve returned.”

“So I see. You didn’t stay long,” Grey said, and continued to shift the parchments and seemingly found the one he was searching for.

“Nay, I wanted to speak to you about Emlyn.”

Grey dropped the parchment he’d picked up and approached. “You do?” His brow furrowed with a look of concern and ire. “This is unexpected.”

James groaned. He knew that look and if he had to wager on it, he’d bet that his laird had done something he wouldn’t like.

“Aye, I have thought of a way to get her to return to me.”

Grey slumped into the nearest chair. “I’m sorry, James, but I doubt she’ll return no matter what you do. Not after the hurtful and disparaging things I said to Alexander about her. She was standing only a few feet away at the time.”

“What did you say?” He sat in the chair opposite of his laird, stunned by his admission. For one thing, it was unlike Grey to divulge anything to the king, and for another, he wasn’t aware his laird had been disgruntled with her.

Grey took a breath. “I didn’t know you’d want her back, so I told Alexander that she had no care for what she did to you and that we were glad to be rid of her. I spoke rather bluntly and practically called her rabble.”

James firmed his lips and rubbed his forehead. “What did she say to that?”

“She asked if it was true and I said aye. I’m sorry, James, och after the hurt she caused you, I just wanted her gone. And now you say you want her back? Why would ye torment yourself further?”

“Aye, I do want her, always will. I understand, Grey, why you said what you did, but it shan’t matter. She will return to me.”

“How do you plan to enact this miraculous feat and gain her accord?” Grey raised a brow and appeared skeptical.

James grinned. “I have a plan. I will tell you of it later. There’s something I want to ask of you. I’ll need your agreement before I can send my message.”

“What is it? I’ll do anything to aid you, you know that.”

“She’s skilled with weapons. I deem she has more patience than Duff. She’d make a good trainer for the young warriors-in-training.”

Grey’s eyes bulged slightly and James suspected his laird would balk initially at his suggestion. Now to assert his reasons.

“She’ll be a good teacher. After, that is, I speak with her and give her our convictions on how you like the young lads trained. I’m sure the position would suit her.”

“I’m not certain Duff will give up his position, och if he does then she can see to the new trainees if you deem she’d take to the calling.”

“Aye, Duff’s been griping for years about having to train the young ones. He does better with the seasoned soldiers.”

“If you deem this is the only way to keep Emlyn here, then I shall agree.”

“There is that and …” James wouldn’t divulge his entire plan at once. “I need to be off.” He stood but Grey stopped him.

“Wait, before you go, I wanted to speak to you about your position.”

James flinched and found his seat, becoming dejected. He knew his ability to guard was nullity and now the moment he’d dreaded in the last weeks was finally upon him. Yet he never expected Grey to actually remove him from his post. When he remained silent, James took it upon himself to ease his laird’s discontent.

“I cannot guard, Grey, and you wish to remove me from my post. Don’t be bothered for I’ve accepted it.”

Grey shook his head. “I want to raise your position, not remove you from it.”

James found himself frowning. “What do you mean?”

“We’ve wanted to replace the guard at the keep for some time. I need you to handpick six men. You will show them their duty; oversee them for I haven’t time to handle this matter. I never had to explain such duties to you, Duff, Sean, Kenneth, Greer or Colm. You all were with me since I was wee and you were raised to protect me.” His laird’s words pitched as emotion stole into his voice.

James was surprised by Grey’s request. It was something they had discussed in recent years, but with all that had happened they had never gotten around to it.

“I’m honored by your request, Laird. I will ensure the guardsmen are up to the task.”

“It is not a request, James. It is an order. There’s one more thing,” Grey said, and he pulled his book of parchments from his tunic. “I’ve been studying your drawings.”

He took the bound pages from him and set them on the table. “Aye, what of them?”

“I want you to be the only person who tends the wounds of our soldiers. Whether they get them on the training field or in battle, only you will care for them.”

James glanced at the parchments, when an unpretentious feeling came over him. He wasn’t wont to look at Grey. “I never …” He couldn’t explain.

“You know more about such injuries and we could use your skill, James. I’ll even give you an apprentice so you won’t have to devote all your time to it. Say aye and I promise to reward you.”

“I don’t need a reward, Grey, ‘tis just … I never wanted to be a healer and …” He could never say nay to his comrade, and nodded. “If that is what you need of me, then I am pleased to aid the clan.”

Grey rose. “Come with me.” He led him outside. “Can you walk? Does your leg still pain you? It’s a ways.”

“Aye, it does pain me, but I can walk. Where are we going?” James ambled beside his laird and tried to keep pace with him.

Grey kept silent on their walk. He led him to the lesser-known path that the guardsmen used. They strolled by the round stable and James nodded to Jonny, the stable lad, as they approached and passed. At the end of the lane, James noticed several men erecting a building. They walked past the cottage where Emlyn had stayed, and for a moment, James looked at it, wishing she was still within, wishing he could enter and find her there. But he knew she’d gone.

“What are they building?”

Grey stopped and peered at the structure. He didn’t speak, and James made out the size of it. It was a good sized building, constructed of stone. The timber was erected for the roof, but the thatch hadn’t been set yet.

“Your home.”

James turned back to Grey. “Why would you have this built for me?”

“Because you have always served me without ever asking for anything in return. I want to reward you. Don’t reject my reward, James, because I swear, I’ll knock ye on your arse if you say nay.”

“When will it be finished?” He grinned at the gesture and was pleased by it.

“It is nearly complete. I would say a sennight, mayhap a fortnight if the weather doesn’t cooperate. There’s one more thing …” He pulled a pouch from his tunic.

“Is that …? James raised a brow. “… the pouch Llywelyn gave me? I gave it to you, Laird. I’ve no need of it, especially now with …” He waved a hand at the cottage.

“Nay, it was given to you and you shall keep it. Emlyn’s father paid a good bride price for his daughter’s marriage, James, accept it.”

His hand waned from the weight of the heavy sack of coins. “Can I live in the cottage you and Bree use until mine is ready? I need to be to bed.”

Grey laughed and shrugged his shoulder. “Don’t ye deem you should wait for her return before ye take to bed?”

He chuckled at his laird’s jest. “I’ll be there after she returns too. But nay, I promised Muriel I would stay bed-ridden until my leg properly heals. She gave me a salve and believes it will help. And I’ll need to have Gell bring me eggs. Will you ask Bree to come and see me? She’ll know what I need.”

His laird nodded. “Aye, I’ll tell her. You best get off your feet then.” Grey started to walk toward the keep.

“Before I take to bed, I must stop in and talk with Norman.” James turned and headed in the opposite direction.

“Why do you need to speak with the smith?” Grey shouted, as he got farther away.

James grinned. “I need to see him about a sword.”

*****

The journey to the Ross’ keep was more difficult as the weather hadn’t cooperated. Emlyn rode through three days of rain which hampered her progress. It was bad enough they’d been delayed because Griffen had to gain their father’s approval, which he gave after her brother had beleaguered him with all the reasons why he should be the one to take her.

What was worse was she didn’t feel well, and she admitted her fear that the Ross chieftain would turn her away. If that happened, she would very likely end up foraging somewhere in the woods akin to an old crone.

She stood inside the entrance of the Ross’ keep and winced at the water that dripped from her garments. She remembered Donal telling James that Adeline would be ireful over it. Donal was apparently out of the keep and his man-at-arms had gone to fetch him.

Griffen stood next to her silent and brooding. “Are ye certain about this, Emlyn? What if he doesn’t allow ye to stay? I know not where to take you.”

“He must. It is the only place I could think of unless you deem I should go to Marshall. But then I heard he was traveling with his king so I couldn’t even gain his aid.”

“Do not jest,” Griffen said with affront, and ran his hands through is hair, unsettling his locks. “He is the last person I’d allow you to go to.”

She fixed the errant strands that stuck out at the top of his head. “Quiet, someone comes.” Emlyn turned and saw Adeline and Anne approaching. “Good day, my lady.”

“Princess Emlyn, you have returned. Come, rest yourself and tell me who this handsome man is.”

She curtseyed to Adeline and followed her into the great hall. “This is my brother Griffen. He was my escort.” Emlyn noticed the blush that crept upon Anne’s cheeks and the grin her brother wore when he looked at Ross’ daughter.

“A prince. I do say we haven’t ever had a prince visit us before,” Lady Ross said.

Several servants came and set about refreshments. The hall busied with people coming and going, but Adeline paid no attention to any of them and kept her gaze on her.

Emlyn took a breath before she spoke of her problem. “I am not certain your husband will welcome my return, but you see, I haven’t anywhere to go for I’ve been banished—”

“Where is she?” Donal’s voice bellowed.

She heard Laird Ross’ heavy footsteps before she saw him. The moment she’d dreaded the entire journey was upon her. Emlyn swallowed and her shoulders sagged, for she knew he’d send her away.

“Adeline, what is she doing here?”

“Donal, cease being surly. Princess Emlyn has come to seek our aid. She was just speaking of her predicament.”

His brows furrowed. “Nay, she cannot stay, not after what she did.”

Adeline drew nearer to him and smoothed a hand down his arm. “I will not send the lass away. She has nowhere to go and has been banished, Donal. Have some sympathy for her.”

“Is this true?”

Emlyn raised her eyes to his, wary and uncertain what he’d do. She swallowed and a pain throbbed in her throat. A flush came over her and she felt warm. Whether the heat was due to Laird Ross’ piercing gaze or her own shame, she wasn’t certain.

She finally nodded in response to his question. “Lady Ross, I thank you. I understand why Laird Ross won’t give me aid, but in my defense I never meant to hurt James. I shall go if that is what you wish …” Emlyn took two steps toward the hall’s exit and the floor met her face. She groaned as her body hit the hard surface.

“Princess—” Adeline was at her side. “Anne, fetch the healer. The lass is burning with fever. You, ah, Prince …”

“Griffen,” he said.

“Aye, come and carry her.” She looked irefully at her husband. “We cannot send her away, not in her condition.”

He mumbled a blasphemy under his breath. “I suppose we cannot.”

Griffen carried her to a chamber up the stairs and set her upon the bedding.

Emlyn’s head felt hollow and she sneezed. “I shall be fine. I won’t be a bother.” She wanted to get off the bed, but her body became lethargic and all she wanted to do was close her eyes.

“Rest easy now. We’ll take care of you.” Adeline patted her shoulder, offering comfort. She moved about the chamber and lit a fire in the small hearth.

Griffen stood beside the bed. “She was complaining that her throat hurt. Are you not fearful? She has the fever.”

“We’ll need to send the children away. They’ll stay with Donal in a vacant cottage. But nay, I am not fearful. I’ve tended many a fever.”

“Griffen, if you see him, tell him I loved him.” Emlyn closed her eyes and discerned the worst was yet to come, for she wasn’t well and might not recover.

“Emlyn,” Griffen called, and shook her. “Answer me.”

But she couldn’t respond as her throat felt aflame and even if she wanted to, she couldn’t speak. Her last wish would be that James knew her feelings for him, even if she couldn’t speak of it herself.