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

by Griffin, Kara

  Her eyes pierced him with her affront. “You command it? I will do as I like. Neither of you were there. You didn’t see what he did or hear the vile words he spoke. I will not let either of you take the vengeance from me.”

  He sighed at her harshly spoken words. Vengeance wasn’t worth all this, but she was, and he decided to try to remain calm. “I have seen his kind before. I ken his brutality. You force me to take a stand. As my wife, I forbid you to go after him. Is that understood?”

  She turned and peered into the woods.

  “Your uncle told me you were a docile lass. You were content once. Would that you ever be again? Do you deem you will return to that sweet-natured lass?” He turned her face. “Because I would love to see it.”

  “That lass is long dead.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  They’d been home almost a full month and Liam still hadn’t found a way to make amends with his wife. Makenna refused to discuss his supposed break of their agreement. There was only one place she didn’t avoid him and that was in bed. Nights were wondrously pleasurable and the days long and tortuous. He refused to roust from the bed until she left it. Liam liked holding her in the darkened abode where he couldn’t see the contempt in her eyes.

  Guilt plagued him and yet he knew he did what was right. If she stayed angry with him the rest of her days, he would still have forbidden her to take revenge against Hawksberry.

  Makenna rolled away from him and woke Darcy. He could set his day by her morning ritual. She rose and took Darcy to the stream. They’d meet at the main cave for their morning meal. After, she’d leave with the wee lass and he wouldn’t see her again until the midday meal.

  Liam lay back and considered what he could do, but short of agreeing to her ridiculous condition, their marriage would continue in strife. He disliked that she barely spoke to him and he wondered what was going on in her vengeful mind.

  He met Graeme and his comrades at the ossuary. They checked over their steeds to ensure the warhorses were ready when they were next called into battle. Liam was surprised they hadn’t heard from James. They’d sent a message to the friar and relayed the circumstances in the apprehension of the parchment. The king surely was making plans to attack the Comyns or the English garrisons.

  He oiled his horse’s reins as the leather had dried a bit from the warmer temperatures. Summer brought its warm breezes and glowing sun to the land. The longer days made his life hell, especially when all he wanted to do was enjoy time with Makenna whilst he still could. Who knew what danger he would encounter when the next battle took place?

  Brodin chortled from across the cavern. Heath joined in and they had a hearty laugh.

  “What is so comical?” Liam asked.

  Heath raised a brow. “Brodin wants me to wager with him for the coin.”

  Graeme laughed. “Aye? And what would this wager be?”

  Heath grinned before answering, “He says it will take a fortnight for Liam and Makenna to make amends.”

  Brodin nodded. “But Heath thinks it will take longer. He aims to win the coin back from me. Liam, I say you should work on getting the lass to forgive you.”

  He wasn’t about to encourage their wager. “You’re both wrong for she’s already forgiven me. At least, at night she forgives me when I …”

  His comrades hooted.

  Heath groaned. “I’ll have to come up with another wager then, Brodin, for I mean to recoup the coin at the soonest.”

  Graeme finished repairing his horse’s harness and stood next to him. “Now that we’re taking rest, I want to go and see Friar Hemm to ensure he sent a messenger to James, and to visit the village. Kerrigan wants to purchase cloth for the bairn’s garments.”

  Liam turned to face him. “I’ll stay behind.”

  His friend shook his head. “All of us will go, including the women. I deem we could all use time away from the caves.”

  “What if we’re recognized? We don’t ken who will be in the village or close to the abbey.”

  “We will be careful. With the English’s departure, I’m certain the villagers have returned by now. I want to return the parchment to Hemm’s safekeeping, and you need to return that sword back to the smith.”

  Liam pressed his lips together and only nodded. There was one wee problem with Graeme’s request. He made the mistake of telling Makenna his intent to return the lavish sword she’d stolen “borrowed” from the smith. During the night, unbeknownst to him, she’d hid it and wouldn’t tell him where it was. He’d commanded her to tell him where she’d put it, but the woman was hell-bent on making him miserable. She refused to tell him its whereabouts.

  Liam wasn’t about to reveal his inability to control his wife. He would speak to the miller and find out who the sword was commissioned by. Surely he could pay the man and keep the sword without guilt of taking something that wasn’t his.

  “We’ll leave by midday. Brodin and Heath, you’re free to see to your matters.”

  Liam noticed his friends sitting aside by the far wall. Brodin carved a piece of wood as he was wont, and Heath restrung the stings of the tassel he’d tied to his boot.

  Heath never told him why he did so, and he wouldn’t pry. Liam figured it meant something significant, of what he didn’t know. But that tassel was tied and retied and strings were added or removed, usually after their return from warring.

  Brodin set his wood beside him. “I was thinking to set off to find James and mayhap take a job or two along the way. We could use the extra coin. We’ll ensure he received the message and he knows the Comyn’s involvement in snatching the parchment.”

  Heath finished securing the tassel and rose. “I’ll join ye, Brodin. I’m not particularly interested in going to the village.”

  Liam raised a brow at Heath’s statement, for he was usually the most intent on going to the village especially if he had time to attend the women.

  Graeme set a satchel beside his horse and rubbed the neck of his steed. “It’s set then. We’ll leave Gilroy here to see to the caves whilst we’re gone.”

  Liam left the cave and went in search of Makenna to relate their departure. She was returning from the stream with Darcy in tow. How lovely she appeared, bathed and gowned in one of the garments she’d purchased on their way to Lennox land. His daughter could use a new frock for hers was too big and reached her ankles. Even with the tie at her waist, there was too much fabric. The wee lass was growing akin to a weed.

  Liam wanted to take his wife in his embrace and kiss her good morn, instead he took her hand to get her to walk beside him. Makenna wasn’t about to allow the liberty and dislodged her hand.

  As they walked toward the main cave he said, “We will leave this day for a trip to the village. All of us.”

  “I never got to purchase cloth for the bairns.” Makenna smiled at Darcy as they entered the living quarters.

  Liam joined them at the table for their morning meal. He was pleased by Makenna’s acceptance of his daughter. She doted on the child and he found himself sullen, wishing she would pay as much attention to him.

  “Da, can I sit with you?”

  He lifted Darcy upon his lap. “Aye, you can. Be sure to eat all your pottage.” The wee lass was beginning to care for him, and she didn’t shy away as she oft had when he’d first met her.

  The afternoon went quickly and they were finally on their way to Sweetheart Abbey. They would stay overnight and then visit the village the next day. The sun was just beginning its descent when they reached the stables of the abbey. Liam hoped to hear news of the king’s advancement or the English’s retreat.

  Friar Hemm greeted them zealously as was his usual welcome. There was a shine to his eyes, and the clergyman appeared to be almost gleeful. Something put him in a jovial mood.

  “Come we shall get the ladies settled and we can abscond to my office for I have news of the most joyous kind.” Hemm led them to the chambers given to people who needed sanctuary or those needing rest from their
journey.

  Graeme and Kerrigan took one chamber, with Annag who would see to wee William. Liam was given another chamber, which he would share with his family. He set Makenna’s satchel near the bed and hesitated in leaving. Liam kept his gaze on her and she briefly returned it before turning back to his daughter.

  “I need to meet with the friar. Will you be well here until I return?”

  Makenna nodded and fiddled with the bed covering. “’Tis a warm eve. I believe I shall go for a walk after I settle Darcy.” She held the sleepy lass and set her upon the bedding.

  He took her hand and turned her to get her to look at him. “The abbey grounds will make for a good walk, but be sure not to stray afar. It might not be safe.”

  “I won’t,” she said and dislodged his hand.

  “I will join you as soon as I find out the friar’s news.”

  When she didn’t respond, he hastily turned and left the chamber. Liam didn’t like the awkwardness betwixt them and hurried to the friar’s office, but Graeme hadn’t arrived yet. He stood by the door in thought of how to sway his wife to reason. Nothing came to him and as long as Hawksberry lived, she’d be discontent.

  “Your wife seems troubled.”

  He swung his head and peered at the friar who seemed more at ease. Liam took the nearest chair and rubbed his face, hoping it would alleviate his frustration. “She is having a wee bit of remorse at marrying me.”

  “Never say so. What have ye done to cause her ire?” The friar grinned as if he wasn’t surprised to hear such sentiment.

  Liam explained hastily, letting the exasperated words fall from his mouth. Speaking the words to the clergyman came easy, for Hemm was a good listener, and gave sound advice.

  “Ye did the right thing. You cannot allow your wife to traipse the land looking for her foe. Why, she should leave that to her husband. Surely she knows that you care for her well-being and that you love her. Mayhap I should have a word or two with her about her wifely duties and your responsibilities. Ah, here’s Graeme.”

  His comrade entered and left the door ajar. He tossed the parchment on the friar’s desk. “As you ken, we found Matthew and retrieved the parchment, Hemm. I hope you relayed my message to James for the king will want to know of the Comyn’s involvement. I’m returning it to your safekeeping.” He set the parchment on the friar’s desk.

  Friar Hemm laughed. Liam scowled, because the friar’s humor at the situation was uncalled for. The document was important and needed to be kept safe.

  “The Bruce won’t have need of the missive now.”

  Graeme leaned forward. “Why is that? Has something happened?”

  “The English king is dead.”

  Both he and Graeme sat silent, both in awe and astounded by the friar’s news.

  Graeme was the first to shake himself. “What? How? When?”

  Liam wasn’t certain he was pleased by the news or not, even though Edward was known to be a brutal king and a contentious thorn in Scotland’s side. He’d rather have Robert settle the matter of his kingship with Edward than deal with the unknown future.

  Hemm sat back with a contented gaze. “Apparently he fell ill on his way to Scotland and died at the village of Burgh-on-Sands. The Bruce won’t need to prove his reason for killing Comyn after all.”

  “Seems our search for Matthew was for naught.”

  Liam raised a brow at his comrade’s conjecture. “Not completely for naught for we were able to rescue Makenna.”

  “Aye and at least there’s one less Comyn for Robert to kill. I am relieved to hear of Edward’s death, but I hope Robert doesn’t take this as a means to let his guard down. He has enemies aplenty to defeat before he can rule without worry.”

  Liam sat back and thought about his king and what he might do. “If anything I would think Robert will seek to take back many of the besieged lands and keeps whilst he can. Edward’s son is reputed to be lacking the intelligence to command a battle. He may not care what we do.”

  Friar Hemm peaked his fingers and nodded in agreement. “Aye and now that the English realm is his, he is more likely to revel in its wealth than continue the wars his father started.”

  Liam scoffed. “Do you deem he will recall his armies back to England?”

  Graeme scoffed. “Let us hope he does, for I will be gladdened to see the last of the English.”

  Hemm sat forward and poured them each a goblet of wine. “I await word from James for he will know what Robert intends to do. And as to Edward’s son, we shall see what he deems to do about his newfound fortune.”

  *****

  Makenna stood outside the friar’s door in shock and dismay. With the English king’s death his son would definitely call for the return of his armies. She had to do something and quick. If Hawksberry returned to England, she would never gain justice. In quick steps, she rushed from the abbey and wanted to get back to the caves.

  Without thinking much about her plan, she took the leads of Liam’s horse and rode out. It took longer to reach the caves. Midnight darkened the lane which hampered the horse’s gallop. When she reached the hills in the wee hours of the morning, she led Liam’s horse to his stall and took Kerrigan’s mare.

  “What are ye doing back? I thought you were going to stay the night? Where’s everyone?”

  Makenna startled at Gilroy’s voice. “You gave me a fright. Do not sneak up on people, Gilroy.”

  “My apologies, m’lady. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I didn’t expect to see you back. Did ye come alone?”

  “Can you help me saddle the horse? I need to leave posthaste.”

  Gilroy’s face reflected his dismay. “Are ye saying you’re going after Hawksberry?”

  Makenna nodded in answer and continued to tighten the harness. “I must.” She quickly explained her fear of Hawksberry returning to his homeland. “If he leaves I shall never be able to thwart him.”

  “Bothwell will take ye at least a day to reach if not longer. Await me.” He left her alone in the cave.

  Makenna took an extra tartan from the trunk near Liam’s horse’s stall and then slunk to the tomb where Gilroy hid his coin. She snatched a small handful and tucked them inside the bodice of her gown. His hiding spot was the perfect place for the sword she’d stolen from the smith. She retrieved it and held it for a moment before approaching the horse. Taking the lead, she walked out of the cave and searched for Gilroy.

  He returned holding a sack. “Here, there’s food and some medicinals. I added a container of datura in case ye need to render your foe … unawares. A few drops will make him sleepy. Any more than a few drops and he’ll be dead. You won’t even have need of that fine sword.”

  “My thanks,” she said, and took the small sack from him. Makenna placed it inside the saddle bag and walked toward the edge of the hills. “I will likely not see you again, my friend … I hope you are able to gain justice as well, Gilroy.”

  “Be well, m’lady, and good fortune to ye.”

  Makenna mounted the horse and headed out. She needed to gain as much ground before Liam found out she was missing. By now he had to know she left the abbey. He was likely on the road riding toward the caves. Her goal was to reach Bothwell and gain entrance before Liam arrived with his comrades. He had to know that was where she headed. Liam and Graeme wouldn’t be able to penetrate Bothwell’s walls, and she’d be safe from his gallant saving and from his wrath.

  The night progressed quickly, and the road blurred. Kerrigan’s mare was spry and moved fast. By the next midday, Makenna stopped the horse adjacent to the walls of Bothwell. There didn’t appear to be a sentry posted outside. She daren’t enter the castle through the main entrance. Given the hour of day, there should be people scattered about the entrances.

  As she walked around the castle wall, she noticed a small entrance toward the back and realized that’s where many of the servants entered. The kitchens weren’t too far from the entrance. Two soldiers walked past and didn’t pay attention to her. She hu
rried and reached the kitchen building which was busy with several servants preparing the meal that would soon be served.

  Makenna blended in with the kitchen helpers and tried to stay out of everyone’s way. An older man barked orders from the far corner of the chamber and seemed to be in charge.

  “Sir Hawk wants a good meal this morn. We shall serve him well since he’ll be leaving on the morrow. Good riddance to the wee slime shite. Thank the Almighty for that. I’ll be gladdened to see the last of that bugger.”

  Those around the man grumbled their agreements, and hefted the platters that would make their way to Sir Hawk’s chamber. Makenna needed to think of a way to get sent there and a plan formed. She hastened to the old man’s side.

  “Sir, has anyone taken his lordship wine? I would be pleased to do so.”

  The old man eyed her before frowning. “Ye be brave, lass, to be offering. Och he’ll surely want more wine. Take this cask and return if and when ye can.”

  She took the cask from him and followed the other servants who held the trays of foodstuff. They marched forward, their feet clipping the floorboards in their haste. Up the stairs they went, and down a long hallway. The lead servant knocked and then entered when the door opened.

  “Put the food on yonder table.”

  Makenna froze at the sound of Hawk’s voice. Her courage sunk in her stomach and she wasn’t certain if she could go through with her plan. But the vision of her mother’s body and the sound of her sister’s cries forced her forward. She entered the chamber and walked toward the table where the servants placed the trays. With the cask in place, she turned and noticed all had fled. Hawk stood by his trunk surveying the objects within. He turned and motioned to her.

  “You there, come and fold these garments. I cannot seem to get them folded without making them a ball of fabric. I won’t have my clothing ruined.”

  Makenna moved forward and took up a pile of tunics and folded them and placed them neatly in the trunk. “Will there be anything else, sir?”