Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2)

by Griffin, Kara

  “Likely a king for it’s made for someone of that ilk. Take it, m’lady. I’ll take the other. Come, we should hurry if we want to follow the English.” He picked up the plain sword and motioned her forward.

  “Not to worry. I know where they are going.” Makenna rummaged through the Smith’s cottage and found a store of bread, likely a day old as it had gone slightly hard.

  “Do ye mind telling me where we’re going?” Gilroy took the sack she handed him.

  “To Bothwell. I overheard the man say they needed to hurry. We’ll see if we can find us cloaks for the night will be cold. Which cottage does the miller occupy?”

  Gilroy waved her onward, and she followed him to the cottage three away. She walked inside and made certain it was safe. In the crammed space filled with many fabrics and bolts of cloths, she spotted several rolls of fabric that would have been perfect for her purpose for the bairns. Now that she wouldn’t be returning to the cave, she wouldn’t think of that now. There were only four altered cloaks. One fit her perfectly. The remaining garments were too large for Gilroy so she gave him the smaller one and took a looser cloak. They left the village by the back gate and began the long trek to Bothwell.

  The road to Bothwell was covered with a thick fog. Makenna shivered from the brisk chill of the night. Somehow she had to get inside the castle and find Sir Hawksberry. She considered pretending to be a kitchen servant and decided that was her best course. No one, least ways, a knight would take notice of a maidservant or kitchen servant.

  As they neared the walls, voices echoed through the trees. Someone was outside the castle walls and she slunk forward to discern who they were.

  “Who are they?” Gilroy whispered. “Is it the sentry patrolling?”

  “Shhh, I shall find out.” She would say no more because the men sat around a small fire. They spoke in hushed tones, and she indicated to Gilroy to stay where he was so she could approach.

  Makenna reached a tree near their camp and kept herself in the shadows. The two men looked to be young. They didn’t appear as though they were soldiers.

  “We should get inside. ‘Tis too cold a night to stay outside. I know not why you insist we await here,” one of the lads said.

  “I told ye, I don’t trust the English. What I hold is too valuable to my family. It can be used to gain favor with England’s king. I cannot take the risk and have it end up in the wrong hands.”

  “Ah well, I doubt the parchment is as valuable as ye say, Matthew. But if ye want to freeze your arse off instead of finding a warm bed …”

  “Quiet. I heard something …” He stood and peered around the trees.

  Fortunately the fog aided her, and Makenna slunk back. She stepped on a fallen twig and the crack sounded as if she’d tossed her sword onto a hard rock. Her breath stilled and after a moment, she slunk backward.

  With quiet steps she tried to make it back to Gilroy, but when she slunk around a tree, she ran smack dab into one of the lads.

  “Who are you?” He grabbed her arm and before she knew what he was about, and he snatched her sword. “Move toward the fire,” he commanded. “Do it now, or you shall find this blade in your gullet.”

  Makenna slunk slowly forward. “I am nobody, just … from the kitchens, a maidservant. I need to get back to the keep before they notice I’m gone.”

  The lad called Matthew shoved her back. “I think not. A kitchen lass wouldn’t be traipsing the woods at night. Not with so fine a sword. Sit ye down and I’ll figure out what to do with ye.”

  Makenna fell to the ground with the force of his hand.

  “Why are ye here?”

  She looked up at him. He was young, and couldn’t be more than half a score and four. His light hair hung low, covering his eyes. She’d overheard his discussion and decided to appeal to his dislike of the castle’s dwellers. He didn’t trust the English, and his speech indicated he was Scots. She would speak the truth. “I want to kill one of the Englishmen within the castle.”

  “A puny lass akin to you? I care not why you want to kill him, but you won’t ruin my plans. I will keep you here until I’ve delivered my message.”

  “Will you allow me to go then?” When he took too long to answer, she nudged him. “I’m no danger to you. I only need to find the man who killed my family. Will you not allow me to do so?”

  The lad called Matthew nodded and snickered. “Why not? I’d like to see one less Englishman on our land.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Three days after the battle at Larden Hill, the Bruce’s forces attacked the Earl of Gloucester’s settlement. Gilbert Clare was known to be a Comyn supporter and an arse licker of King Edward’s. The fight didn’t last long and victory claimed by Robert and his brethren.

  Liam waited with Brodin and Heath while Graeme spoke with James. He knew his comrade wanted to return to the caves, at least until the king chose the next target. They set out for home and Liam was anxious to see Makenna. Their parting affected him, and he hoped his words caused her to rethink her mission. If only she would concede and let him search out Hawksberry. He was beginning to tire of the affair and wanted to put an end to it.

  When her uncle asked him if he loved her, Liam gave a straight, forthright nod. The Mackenzie Laird’s description of his wife baffled him though. She wasn’t the gentle lass he described. Liam considered she’d changed considerably by the horrific sight she’d seen or by the vengeance that surely darkened her heart.

  He hoped her heart would lighten in regard of the attack on her home–lighten toward him.

  Being away well over a month, they rode hard for the hilly lands. At the ossuary, he and his comrades settled their horses in quick measure. Gilroy wasn’t within and Liam grumbled about the lad’s absence. “Do ye suppose Gilroy hailed off to rob the English again?”

  Graeme chuckled as he hefted his saddle from his horse and scoffed. “He better not have. I gave him direct orders to stay here. He’s probably at the main cave.”

  Liam dropped his saddle twice before hefting it onto the stand where he kept it. It wasn’t like him to be clumsy, but he was in a rush and couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

  Graeme chortled with laughter when he noticed. “If ye hurry, the sooner you can see her.”

  His comrades laughed at his quip as they left the cave, but Liam groused because Graeme knew him too well. Left alone, he quickly settled his horse and trotted to the main cave. Upon entering, he heard Graeme grousing about something.

  “What has you yelling? I could hear you on my approach?”

  Graeme cursed loudly. “Your pet shit in the cave and I’ve stepped in it. Liam, you must keep it from the caves.”

  “How am I supposed to do that? Besides, the cat belongs to no one. It comes and goes as it pleases.” Liam laughed at his comrade’s disgruntlement. That is, until Kerrigan came from the antechamber.

  “Oh, no, you cannot shoo the cat.” She quickly explained how the cat aided them.

  “Well now, I suppose we can put up with the beast if he earns his keep by killing the pests,” Graeme said.

  Kerrigan stood next to Graeme and lowered her head.

  “What has you distressed, my love? Is all well? The rat didn’t hurt William, did it?” She shook her head, and Graeme pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you.”

  Liam noticed his daughter had a similar look of woe. “Where’s Makenna?” He heard Kerrigan and Graeme whispering. “What happened? Will someone not tell me?”

  Graeme gave him a sympathetic gaze. “Makenna and Gilroy went to the village four days hence and haven’t returned.”

  Liam took Darcy in his arms. Her wee lip curled and tears flowed from her bonny blue eyes. He didn’t know how to respond or console her. If Makenna left of her own free will, he shouldn’t go after her. She’d made her decision and he needed to abide by it. Yet she promised to await him before she set off. Mayhap she’d changed her mind. Women were wont to do so and often.

  “Gilroy didn
’t return either. Something must’ve happened to them.” Kerrigan pulled away from Graeme and implored him with a pleading gaze. “Makenna wanted to purchase cloth for Darcy and William. We were going to make clothing … When she didn’t return I grew worried and sent a message to Friar Hemm with Annag. Now I’m certain something dreadful happened.”

  “Worry not, love. We’ll find them.” Graeme dipped his chin, signaling for him to follow.

  Liam set Darcy near Kerrigan. She shuttered with a cry. “Da, she was going to make dolly a frock. She wouldn’t leave me. Momma told me she would tell me when she was leaving.”

  His daughter was distraught, and he should’ve known she would be affected by Makenna’s departure. “I’ll bring your momma home, lass. Be good for Lady Kerrigan.” He pressed a soothing hand against her hair and smiled.

  “I will, Da.”

  Liam hurried to the ossuary and readied his horse. His steed snorted and huffed and Liam was displeased at having to take him out so soon after their return. The beast needed rest, but he had to head out. “I wish we didn’t have to take them out again.”

  Graeme tightened the harness and nodded. “Aye, but it cannot be helped. We will find her, Liam. Come let us onto the village.”

  Brodin and Heath hurried and followed them when their horses were readied. They rode out and as they cantered on the lane, Liam glimpsed Gilroy walking toward them. The lad sprinted when he recognized them. Liam jumped from his horse and took a firm hold of the lad and shook him with each word.

  “Where’s Makenna? Did she leave you?”

  “Aye, m’lord, but ‘tis not what you’re thinking. We went to the village, but it was vacated. She spotted the Englishman she seeks, and we followed him to Bothwell.”

  Liam’s heart fell. She’d left him. Was her going to the village a ruse? He couldn’t help but be skeptical and angry of her actions. “Did she ken the Englishman was there? Did she plan to leave?”

  Gilroy shook his head repeatedly. “Nay, she didn’t and said she was awaiting your return. M’lady wasn’t leaving. She wanted to get cloth, but we happened upon the English. They occupied the village, and all others fled. She said she had to follow him.”

  He firmed his lips and considered what Gilroy told him. “So she was intent on returning to the caves.”

  “She was going to return, m’lord. But when we followed the knights, near Bothwell, we saw two lads outside the walls. She bid me to await her because she wanted to find out who they were.”

  Liam didn’t like the sound of Gilroy’s voice for he sounded woebegone. “Who were they? Was it the man she sought?”

  “I ken not, m’lord. When she took too long to return, I snuck close and saw them apprehend her. I could do nothing to save her or rescue her.” Gilroy eyed the ground dejectedly.

  “It is not your place to save her, Gilroy. It’s mine. Show me where she was taken.” Liam mounted his horse and hefted Gilroy behind him. His comrades rode alongside and behind him.

  Brodin sidled near. “You ken Bothwell is occupied by the English. Och some of the Comyns fought against us and surely occupy the castle as well.”

  “The king should retake the castle for it’s on a route that would deem beneficial to his cause,” Heath said.

  Graeme joined in. “All in good time. The castle is large enough to hold a regiment. Who knows how many English are within? We will need to form a plan to get inside.”

  Liam just wanted his wife back safe and sound, and set to thinking about a plan. “We should cover ourselves when we get nearer.” He wanted to be ready for attack and suspected it would come to that.

  “Aye and we’ll need to rest the horses for the ride to Bothwell will take long.” Graeme trudged along and quieted.

  Liam realized he was in a tough situation. Even if they rode hard and reached Bothwell’s walls within a day, the men who took Makenna might not be there. The trail to Lanarkshire became hilly and rocky. Fortunately the land sloped enough that they could approach the outlying area unseen.

  Gilroy pressed a hand on his arm. “M’lord, we should go on foot from here. They were in the wood just ahead.”

  Liam dismounted and tethered his horse and searched for an old campfire, but none were nearby. He used his dagger and dug up a dry patch of soil. They would have to make due with dirt and oil for their concealment. Graeme handed him the oil, and he mixed it with the dirt. Liam covered his face only since there wasn’t a good amount for them all. They had enough to ensure their faces wouldn’t be recognizable.

  “There’s a lit fire yonder, m’lords. Looks like they are still there.”

  Liam followed and he and his comrades used the trees for cover on their approach.

  “I tell ye the English won’t stay long. We must have patience. Once they leave, I can go inside and meet my kin. They’re expecting me.” The lighter-haired man poked at the fire.

  The other man held a stick with a piece of meat, cooking it over the flames. “What will we do with the lass?”

  “I’ll let my Uncle Edgar decide. She wants to kill his ally. I cannot set her free. Besides, she’s too puny to go against a man and come away with her life. Edgar will find her bonny. We’ll leave her to him.”

  “I say we abandon this quest. Burn the parchment, Matthew. If it does not exist, it cannot be used against your family.”

  Liam listened to their discussion and suspected who they’d come upon. Matthew the monk, the very lad they sought for the past few months.

  The light-haired man spoke again. “My uncle bid me to bring it to him and that’s what I will do. Cease the chatter. I hear noise, someone comes from the castle. Mayhap my uncle received my message.”

  The sound of the gate came and the tromping of horses’ hooves.

  Liam motioned to his comrades, and they fanned out around the two lads. When they were in position, Graeme gave the signal and Brodin and Heath moved forward.

  Before the lads could react, they were apprehended and stood with swords pointed at their chest. Graeme walked into the camp and stared at them, frightening them with his harsh glare. He kicked dirt at the fire and had it snuffed in short time. Brodin and Heath helped and knew they had to make their whereabouts unknown so those who left the castle couldn’t spot them.

  Liam got to Makenna and unbound her wrist and removed the cloth in her mouth. She fell back on her haunches and tried to shuffle away. He lifted her and forced her to stand.

  “It’s me, Liam, be still.”

  She gasped and tightened her arms around him. Liam turned her away from the confrontation when Graeme gripped the lighter-haired lad.

  “Hand over the parchment.”

  The lad spat and said, “What parchment?”

  Graeme didn’t appear to be in the mood to placate the lad. He gripped his neck. “I can take the parchment from your dead body if you prefer.”

  “Give him the damned parchment, Matthew,” the other lad shouted. “This is not worth our death. They be demons, or aye, the devil’s spawn.”

  “Nay for they mean to kills us regardless of whether we give them the parchment.”

  “Ye got that aright,” Graeme said.

  Before they moved in on the lads, Liam walked away holding Makenna in his arms. He kept hold of her, relieved that she was unharmed.

  “I must go. The English are leaving. I have to follow them.” She wiggled in his arms and he kept her from freeing herself.

  Her words came out in a panicked rush and he frowned, uncertain he heard her correctly. Liam took his horse’s harness in hand and started off toward the trail they’d taken there. The sound of the lads demise never came for Graeme knew any sound would echo through the wood and would alert the departing English. Likely Brodin and Heath subdued them while Graeme inflicted the deadly force of his dagger.

  After nearly twenty minutes, the others caught up to them.

  Makenna sat angrily in front of him. He ignored her affront.

  “Let us be gone from this place,” Grae
me said.

  “What did you find out?” Did he have the parchment?” Liam looked at Graeme awaiting his answer.

  Graeme patted his tunic. “Got it right here. There’s one less Comyn for Robert to deal with. We ken their alliance with the English. Once the king hears of their treachery to recover the missive, he will surely want to hunt them down. We’ll have James relay the details, but will ensure we are left out of the accounting.”

  Toward morning they stopped to rest the horses. Brodin and Heath hunted a few hares. While they cooked on the spit, Graeme went to retrieve water.

  “Will ye not speak to me?” Liam set a hand on Makenna’s arm.

  “Nay.” She turned her body to face the other way.

  He sighed with frustration. “I ken you are angry, lass, but you really didn’t believe I’d let you go after that madman?”

  “I did expect you to. Lest you forget the conditions of our marriage. That is why I am on this quest to seek out the man who killed my family. Did you expect me to forget what he did because I married you? Why is it a man can seek retribution and be considered honorable and when a woman does, she is thought foolish?”

  Ire snuck into his voice even though he hadn’t intended on sounding angry. “Because … Because a woman should not have to seek retribution. It is a man’s will to seek vengeance, not a woman’s.”

  After speaking those words, he flinched, for he certainly didn’t believe such nonsense. A woman had as much right to vengeance as a man. Only he didn’t deem a woman should have to enact it and risk her lovely neck. He broached the subject of their discussion when they’d parted. “You said you would stay until my return. Why did ye promise when ye meant not a word of it?”

  “I did stay and only went to the village to purchase cloth for the bairn’s garments. When I saw the miscreant, I had to follow him. Otherwise I might never have found him again. I’ve lost him now and it shall take me forever to find him again.”

  “Makenna, I met with your uncle at the last battle. He and I spoke at length. We both vowed to find Hawksberry and see that he pays for his atrocities. You will leave the avenging to us. I command it.”