“He was following you. Either that or he was watching me. Let us be gone then for I want to get home. We’ll have to stop by the abbey first for I must speak with Friar Hemm.” Liam kicked his horse’s haunches to get him moving and disregarded the lad they’d left behind.
His visit to the village wasn’t a complete disappointment for he’d aided the battered woman, got himself betrothed again, and found their long-lost squire.
Chapter Four
He was the chosen one, the only man skilled enough to teach her.
Makenna stood afar and watched the handsome man. She’d never beheld a man so fair to look upon even with the soot covering him. Not only did he possess more muscle than Roberta’s fair husband, the Maclean, he wielded his weapon with skill she’d never seen. He would be the perfect man to teach her how to use the sword given his ability at foiling the man’s attempts to kill him. Now all she had to do was figure out how to get him to agree to train her.
As she followed the man and the lad he’d spoken to, she heard the chatter of the villagers. They too were awed by him. From what they said, he was of the renowned king’s guard. Even as far as Kinross, the tales of their heroics reached them. Makenna didn’t believe the stories, certain they were just made up to entertain those around the fires at night.
Now that she saw one of the king’s guard firsthand, she realized the tales had to be true. What daunted her more than the stories she’d heard was the fact that the guardsman appeared formidable. He wouldn’t be easy to sway to her cause. Makenna usually didn’t have difficulty getting a man to do her will, especially her uncle who she all but softened his heart. From the way the man spoke to the crowd, she realized she needed something in her favor.
The villager’s talk brought forth woe for there was no way she’d be able to afford to pay him coin for his service. How could she gain the aid of the mercenary? She kept watch on the horse ahead of her. Makenna trailed along slowly making certain she didn’t lose them. Graciously, they rode at a slow pace and she was able to follow without being seen.
After almost two hours of walking, they stopped at an abbey. Makenna waited by the tree line, watching the gate. With luck they wouldn’t stay long. The last place she’d wanted to confront them was a holy place. The deed she wanted his help with was far from pious. Killing a man, even one who deserved death was sinful.
Makenna sat and kept her sight on the gate. She sighed and considered how she’d gain his help. Since she fled her home, she did many things she was not proud of. But if she was going to succeed in avenging her family, she had to do what she must. Even if that meant she had to lie, steal, and sin.
She’d committed more than her fair share of debaucheries in the last sennight, the most heinous when she stole the cloak that now offered her warmth. But she reasoned the man who wore it appeared wealthy enough to purchase a replacement.
Another sin she’d committed enabled her to learn the full name of her enemy. She’d lied and pretended to be a lad with a message for one of the knights in the English king’s service. It had been easy to gain his name for all she had to do was describe the miscreant.
Sounds came from the gate. She hastened to her feet. A monk drove a cart and passed on the lane nearby. She frowned with disappointment because the chosen one took forever to come out. Where was he? What was he doing? Would he ever vacate the abbey? Was he as nefarious as he appeared? Would she be able to soften his heart enough to gain his help? Questions plagued her as she waited, impatience wearing her.
She slunk toward the gate to take a peek at the entrance. No one was within sight, so she hurried around the side and neared the stables. His horse stood nearby, tethered to a lone pole. It was still saddled which meant he didn’t intend to stay long. Voices came and she hastily hid behind one of the stalls.
“I was pleased to aid you, Friar Hemm. If you need us, send word and we shall come at once.” He bowed his head at the clergyman.
“I will, Liam. Be sure to send word about the other matter, for I want that parchment apprehended and returned. Give Laird Cameron and Lady Kerrigan my regards and thank him for sending ye. Be sure to tell them I pray hourly for their bairn.”
The man’s name was Liam; she thought his name and repeated it in her mind. It was a good name and suited him. Makenna watched as he tugged the reins of his horse. His voice was deep and oddly sent a rush of warmth through her. From her vantage point, she surmised him and noted his face which verily was handsome. He’d washed the grime from his face and he didn’t appear as frightening as he had in the village. It was his size and strength that unsettled her.
“Gilroy, let us make haste. I want to reach home by supper.”
“Och the friar shared his meal with us. Are ye still hungry, m’lord?”
“I never eat much at the abbey, lad, for their suppers are bland. You’ll learn.”
They rode in her direction and she revered around the stall so they wouldn’t see her. Back on the lane, they rode a good distance ahead. Makenna hurried to follow, but tired. Her body hurt from the activity of walking to Caerlaverock and now it appeared she’d walk many more miles. The boots she wore offered little protection against the cold and her toes froze. How she hoped he didn’t live afar.
After trudging through the cold snow, small hills came into view when she left the trees. She kept enough distance behind them and followed the horse’s steps which showed on the snowy ground. They finally stopped and Liam left and continued on to another hill. He entered a cave beyond the vines that hung from a nearby tree. She made a mental note to remember where he’d gone. Her legs grew weary from the walk and she sat for a few moments. She didn’t take much time to rest for she needed to know what the lad was up to.
Makenna reached the second cave and slunk inside. She hid by a recess by the rocky wall near a row of wooden stalls. Her heart thrashed madly; she’d never done anything so reckless. He brushed the horse’s hooves and fed the animal, going about his tasks. When he finished, he neared one of the dugouts along the wall.
She grew sorrowful when she realized what kind of place it was. The dead lay in their rest. She crossed herself and even though it sent unease through her to be inside such a place. The necessity of finding out more about the lad and how he was connected to Liam weighed heavier than the fear of the creepy place.
He knelt next to the lowest dugout and retrieved a sack. Her eyes widened when he dropped the sack and it sounded full of coins. A few fell out and rolled near his feet. She knew what she had to do. Guilt plagued her for all of two seconds because there was nothing else she could do. She needed the coin. Makenna snuck behind him and found a rock alongside the wall. She picked up the rock and squeezed her eyes closed and struck him with it.
Her heart clashed in her chest. She’d never had to harm another beside the Englishman whom she’d stabbed with the supper dagger on the unfortunate night. She didn’t want to have to hurt the poor lad, but she needed the coin to pay the mercenary. With luck she hadn’t killed him, but she didn’t take time to check because she had to find the guardsman.
The sack weighed heavily when she retrieved it. Now came the most fear-provoking part of her plan–confronting and convincing Liam to teach her to use the sword.
She sprinted to the cave she’d seen him enter. Panic lodged in her throat, but she had to go forth with her plan. Her family’s honor counted on her courage. Makenna pulled aside the vines with shaky hands. She stepped inside and pushed back her hood, revealing the long tresses of her scarlet hair. Mayhap they wouldn’t hurt her if she was a woman, she thought it sounded reasonable.
Many candles lit the abode with a warm glow. With bated breath, she waited for someone to notice her. An old woman stood by the hearth stirring whatever she was cooking. She hummed and seemed jovial at her task.
Liam stood next to a man who was almost as handsome as he, speaking low.
She cleared her throat, drawing their attention. The men stared long and hard at her and said nothing. The old lady, bles
s her, drew in a surprised breath and rushed forth to greet her.
“Lass, welcome. Ye look chilled to the bone. Come get warm by the fire for there’s a biting wind this eve. I’m Annag. How … Why are you here?” She took her arm and led her farther into the confines of the cave.
The men seemed to come out of their reverie. The man Liam had stood with approached. He was dubious and intimidated her more than the handsome Liam.
“Who are you? How did you come to be here?” his voice was stern enough to evoke fear-stricken tightness in her chest. Although, his face remained serene and unaffected by her presence.
“Good eve, sirs, mistress. I am Makenna of Clan Mackenzie. I’ve come for your aid.” She genuflected and bowed her head.
Why her greeting drew a look of bewilderment from Liam gave her pause. He seemed disgruntled or bothered about something and yet remained where he was. Thankfully, he didn’t move closer. She was certain her heart couldn’t withstand much more tension.
“Lass, you’re the Mackenzie’s daughter? I ken Iain, but never heard he had a daughter. I’ve met many of his sons … My name’s Graeme, of the Cameron’s.”
She bowed her head again. “Iain Mackenzie is my uncle. My da, Alexander, his brother, was taken captive by the English last year. I fear him dead.”
Liam moved closer, and she realized how tall he was. He was well over a foot taller than she and made her feel as wee as a flower petal in a vast field of blooms. His presence couldn’t be overlooked for something in her knew he’d command attention. He kept his piercing blue gaze on her and didn’t speak, and caused a nervous energy to bubble inside her.
“Are ye hungry, lass, Makenna? Come, sit, and tell us what brings you to us and how we can aid you.” Annag bid her to take a seat and set a bowl in front of her.
She peered at the table, but was too cautious to sit. Why she became heated was beyond her, but the cave was hot and she opened her cloak, hoping to cool. It didn’t help that Liam stared at her and wouldn’t abate.
Steam wafted from the bowl and her stomach rumbled. “I am hungry and am gracious that you would share your meal.” She took the offered seat at the end of the table, closer to where Liam stood. A strange sense overwhelmed her for she wanted to trust him. Yet with all that happened recently, she was hesitant to. The men sat nearby watching her with astounded interest.
Makenna wanted to lift the bowl and suck up the stew, but she took the spoon in the bowl and ate with as much decorum as she could. She finished within minutes and pushed the bowl away, her stomach mollified from its hunger. She’d eaten very little in the past week. When she looked up, she found three sets of eyes fastened on her.
“I apologize for it’s been awhile since I’ve eaten. I need your help. What I wish is that you,” she said, and looked directly at Liam, “train me in the use of the sword as well as any other tactics you deem necessary. I’ll need such skill for my purpose.”
They continued to stare at her, unspeaking. But Makenna wouldn’t be thwarted or let their arrogance intimidate her. She was used to dealing with highlander men. Yet when they laughed, her heart sunk. They ceased their laughter when she tossed the heavy sack of coin on the table. She leaned forward and touched the sleeve of Liam’s tunic.
“I saw you in the village. The way you handled that man … was impressive. You have skill with the sword and I mean to learn such. I’ve heard the tales about you and what you do. This should be enough for payment. Will you accept the duty?” She kept her eyes fastened on Liam’s. His blue depths darkened as he perused her.
Graeme pushed out his chair and stood. “Why would you want to learn to use the sword? What purpose do ye speak of? You’re too bonny a lass to do something so rash.”
Makenna wasn’t sure how much she should divulge, but she had to give a reason–the truth would have to do. “I mean to learn how to use the sword so I can kill my enemy.”
No one laughed.
Liam moved closer. “Lass, you don’t look as though you could have an enemy. Has someone done ye wrong? Tell me who and I shall seek justice for you.”
Her heart lightened at his kind gesture even if his voice hardened. “I thank you, but nay. His death must be dealt by my hand alone. I seek vengeance for my clan and for myself.” Before they agreed, the lad she’d struck with the rock ran into the cave.
“M’lords …” He stopped and leaned back on his heels when he saw her. “She … s-she hit me w-with a-a rock and stole me c-coins.” The lad mumbled and rubbed his head.
Graeme picked up the sack and whistled. “Where’d you get such a hefty amount of coin, Gilroy? Were ye intent on keeping them for yourself?”
“Nay, m’lord, of course not. I was going to bring ye the sack this night, but the lass took it from me.” He continued to rub his head and glared.
Liam took the sack from Graeme and peered at her, then at the lad. “I told you I found him in the village, but he didn’t have this sack on him. He said he was sent to the gallows for stealing from an English knight but he’d hid his plunder.”
Graeme’s lips twitched and he appeared to want to laugh. She noticed the sides of his mouth forming a smile. “Is this true, Gilroy? Did ye really steal these coins from the English?”
“Aye, m’lord, I took their coin. I only pilfered from the English never the Scots.”
“I should hope not. I didn’t deem ye had it in you, lad. Well now, it appears the thief was bested. The coins now belong to Makenna for she stole them fairly. That’s a lesson, lad, we all must learn. Never trust anyone.”
Gilroy ran at her and tried to shove her aside so he could snatch the coins from the table and reclaim them as his. Makenna pulled free a small dagger she’d swiped along her travels and took hold of him. She held him with the dagger to his chin. The lad’s eyes widened and he ceased trying to free himself. Liam and Graeme held out their hands and moved forward slowly.
“Ye don’t want to be harming him, lass. I gave ye the coins.” Graeme stopped before reaching her and held Liam back.
Liam pushed forward. “Lower the dagger.” His voice gave the command, hard and forthright.
She drew a quick breath. All that she’d risked was on the line so to speak and she wouldn’t back down until she knew for certain that Liam would aid her. “I don’t want to hurt him, but I must know, must have your vow, to teach me to use the sword. The coins now belong to Liam if he takes payment for his service.”
Liam raised a brow when Graeme gave him look. It was as if the men spoke to each other and surmised each’s thoughts. He picked up the sack again and tossed it to Graeme. “I’ve no need of your coins, lass, and will teach you how to wield the sword. But I have but one condition.”
“What condition?” She wouldn’t agree until he spoke it.
“We’ll discuss it later.” He would say no more.
Makenna tightened her hold on the lad. She kept her eyes on Liam’s and noticed twitch in his jaw just before he smiled. That heart-melting grin affected her more than she should’ve allowed, but she lightened her hold on Gilroy.
Graeme grinned and seemed to find the situation comical. “Allow Gilroy to go free, lass. I agree, Liam. The lass wants to learn and you better than anyone can teach her. I have but one condition, lass, to Liam’s acceptance of your proposition, besides his.”
“What is it?” Makenna’s stomach did a tumult. She worried her lip with what he’d ask.
“I bid you to stay here whilst you learn. You will not leave the caves or the adjacent lands until we give you leave to do so. Do you accept?” Graeme held out his hand, waiting for her to take it and lower the dagger.
Cautiously, she released the lad, pushed him away from her, and took the leader’s hand and shook it. Relief overwhelmed her. She wanted to weep with joy for she had nowhere to stay, no food, protection, or otherwise. “Very well, my lord, I accept. But once I learn to use the sword effectively, you’ll allow my leave?”
Graeme nodded. “You have my word.”
<
br /> Liam appeared cross. He folded his arms across his chest and scowled. “Now about my condition …”
Makenna took a breath, realizing she’d held it. “What is it you want?”
“You.” He stepped forward. “Precisely, I want to marry you.”
Chapter Five
Liam caught her before she hit the stone floor of the cave. He stood there holding the lass, not one bit sorry for his abrupt request. Her soft body felt good in his arms and he was in no rush to put her down. The lass didn’t weight much. With her eyes closed, she appeared angelic or perhaps more akin to a fairy. Her pretty hair fell across her face and he gently pushed it aside.
“Well, that’s not the first time I’ve seen a lass faint dead away when proposed to. Why would you want her to marry you, Liam?” Graeme motioned to Gilroy. “Go and fetch fresh water. The lass is as shocked as I am.”
Gilroy grabbed the bucket and left.
“I shall see to Mistress Kerrigan and bairn,” Annag said, and made herself scarce.
“There’s no need to wed her to protect her. Why marriage?” Graeme asked again.
“She’s my betrothed.” Liam was about to explain when the lass came to. He tightened his hold on her when she tensed.
Her voice was gentle and sweet. “What happened?”
All he could do was gaze at her face, in wonderment of why he held her. When she tried to dislodge her body, he firmed his embrace and wouldn’t allow her to move.
Graeme answered, “You swooned, lass.”
“Why would I … Oh, for the love of God. You didn’t mean it, did you?”
She seemed resigned in his arms now, and Liam wasn’t wont to release her. For one thing, she might want to flee if he set her upon her feet, and for another, he enjoyed holding her.
“Aye.”
“But you can’t mean it. I’m already betrothed.”
“Are you?” He lifted her chin to get her to look at him. Lord she had lovely eyes, as green as newly sprung grass in spring, even as they peered at him with discord.
Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2) Page 6