Makenna embraced her with a gentle hug. “You are very blessed to have an agreeable husband. I fear I might have made a terrible mistake when it comes to mine. Liam hasn’t come. He probably wants nothing to do with me.”
Roberta stretched out her legs and gazed at the view. “The Makenna I know wouldn’t let a wee mistake stop her from getting what she wants. Why don’t you ask Uncle Iain to take you to him?”
“I have asked too much of him as it is. I cannot when I only insisted he bring me home. Besides, I heard him discussing a meeting with the king’s follower.”
“Oh yes, James Douglas. I am interested to know what he wants of Uncle Iain. I have heard the most outlandish tales of the Black Douglas.”
Makenna couldn’t hold back her smile. Tales of his widespread annihilation of the English forces reached afar and some of the ladies sighed over such a fete as if he was invincible. He sounded quite brutal to her and she wouldn’t wish to meet him face to face. She knew he was a good friend to Liam and he’d come to the caves, though she’d never seen or spoken to him.
“Nevertheless, I cannot ask Uncle’s favor now.”
Roberta laughed. “Trust me, he would take you himself for he said he was tired of seeing your sullen downcast face.”
“Mayhap I will give Uncle Iain back his pride.”
“Whatever do you mean by that?” Roberta stood and helped her rise.
“I will pretend to agree with him the next time he mentions returning to my husband.”
Roberta snorted a laugh. The sound lightened Makenna’s heart. “We should return to the keep before it gets too dark.”
“I am famished and am happy supper will soon be served.”
On the way through the passageway, Makenna thought of her friend Olivia. If only she insisted her friend stay hidden in the tunnels. But her friend fled that day and was killed with many others. Her heart hurt thinking of her dear friend and that she’d somehow let her down.
Inside the garrison, several soldiers prepared their weapons and goods. It appeared they would soon head out. Makenna hoped her uncle would broach the subject of her leaving again, before he himself set out.
Roberta led her to the solar they shared and they readied for a late supper. Since the days seemed longer with the sun not fading until late, they oft ate their last meal later in the day.
Makenna greeted guests and tried to be sociable throughout supper, but her heart wasn’t in it. She kept thinking about Liam and why he hadn’t come for her. What kept him? Was he still ireful that she’d gone after Hawksberry? Did he not care for her enough to fetch her? He likely didn’t love her as her uncle insinuated. Regardless, Liam wedded her and he would have to live with it.
Roberta called everyone’s attention. “With my dear sister’s return, I am now content to join my husband. I will leave on the morrow for Maclean land.” She turned toward her. “Makenna, I deem you should return to your husband as well.”
Iain Mackenzie stood at the head of the table. “’Tis time for you both to accept your husbands. Roberta, I will have an escort take ye to Maclean land.” He turned a sharp eye on her.
Makenna lowered her gaze. Her uncle’s pride was important to him and she couldn’t help but seem docile and humbled when he spoke to her.
“You, lass, wedded the Kincaid of your own will and shall see it through and join him. You will obey your husband in the future and none of this talking of swords or seeking retribution. You will leave that to the men.” He practically bellowed his directness.
All she could do was nod for his words were spoken with such vigor that she daren’t refute anything he said.
“Ladies, you are given leave of the table. Go and prepare to leave at first light. Aye, for as much as I love ye both, I shall be gladdened to be rid of you.” He bellowed with laughter, and some of his followers joined in. The mood in the great hall changed and a merrier took hold.
Makenna practically jumped from her seat. She took Roberta’s hand but instead of heading for the upper solar, she ran through the keep’s entrance. The night was warm with the lightest of breezes. This time of night most vacated the courtyard and sought their homes.
“Come, I wish to visit mother’s grave.”
Roberta snatched a handful of heather stems on the way. They walked to the land where rocky walls surrounded the sacred, consecrated ground. Makenna followed Roberta and knelt at the grave below. A heavy stone was placed and a cross bearing her mother’s name: Thora Mackenzie.
“She was a good woman. It is a shame she never got to see father again.”
Roberta placed the heather at the base of the stone. “We should consider him gone too for there’s been no word of him.”
Makenna held back a sniffle. “Being here is difficult for I keep envisioning Mother and Ealish … on the floor.”
“Mother and Ealish fought the men the best they could. They were brave, much more than I. I am certain Mother rests knowing you and I were able to survive.”
Makenna clasped her hand. “I shall miss you, Roberta. Promise to write me? I want to know what your life is like with the Macleans.”
“Where should I send the missives? You never did say where you live.”
She thought for a moment, knowing she couldn’t have her sister send missives to the caves. Graeme didn’t want anyone to know of their whereabouts and for good reason. “Send the messages to Sweetheart Abbey, to the friar. His name is Hemm. He’ll ensure I receive them.”
“I will write only if you promise to write back.”
Makenna hugged her close. “I will.”
After minutes of silence went by, Makenna rose. She was glad she was able to visit her mother’s grave for when she left it was unlikely she’d ever return to Mackenzie land. She walked back to the keep quietly caught in her thoughts. The rest of the night she gathered her belongings and shook out her skirts, taking great care to fold her garments neatly in the trunk. She was pleased to be taking her clothing and cherished possessions with her.
In the morning, after a restless night, Makenna dressed in her travel frock and pulled a thin cloak over her shoulders for the weather fair and warm. She hurried to meet her uncle’s escort.
Iain Mackenzie already departed; she was informed by his commander. But he relayed that her uncle had no such desire to speak goodbyes since he vowed to check on them both from time to time. Makenna kept an eye on Roberta who rode in the opposite direction, until she could no longer see her.
The route to Dumfries was well traveled and the lane a full dirt path what with little rain during the summer to regrow the grass. With the English king’s demise, the land wasn’t as dangerous to travel. And even though King Robert had enemies aplenty, they were Scotsmen who didn’t prey on women or families who traveled the roads.
She wouldn’t have the escort take her to the caves and instead decided to seek Friar Hemm’s assistance with her inattentive husband. Her envoy reached Sweetheart Abbey after two days of weariness trudging. The men weren’t allowed to enter the grounds bearing weapons, so they left her at the lane with her trunks. Friar Hemm was called and came a few minutes later. She was so glad to see the kind clergyman.
“M’lady Kincaid. I am surprised to see you here. Welcome. Come and rest from your travels.”
“I sent my medallion, Friar. Did you receive it and deliver it to Liam? He told me if I should need him all I had to do was send it to you. I expected him, but he never came.”
“I did receive the medallion, m’lady, but I’m afraid I was unable to send it to Laird Kincaid.” Friar Hemm motioned her forward, into the abbey.
Makenna grew heated and removed her cloak. She set it over her arm and noticed Friar Hemm’s despondent look. Graeme approached, and she thought it odd that he was there.
Before he reached her, she asked the friar, “Why were you unable to send it to him?” She frowned, but with both the friar and Graeme’s dark gazes, a nervous energy built within her. Had something dreadful happened to Liam
? What weren’t they telling her? She wouldn’t consider Hawksberry hurt Liam for she’d seen firsthand his skill at handling a sword. The miscreant couldn’t hurt Liam.
“Friar Hemm, I’ll see to Lady Kincaid.” Graeme motioned to the stable lads who stood at the entry, to bring her trunks, and he took her arm. “Come, we should discuss this.”
“Why didn’t you give Liam my medallion?” she asked again, growing more frustrated. Makenna balked and crossed her arms, unwilling to move forward until she was told the truth. “Do you object to my return? Is that it? Why wouldn’t you give it to him?”
“Because he sent his medallion to me.”
Makenna’s head lightened and she swayed on her feet. “Why would he send his medallion to you?” But she knew why. Her husband was in trouble.
Graeme led her to the massive hearth which thankfully wasn’t aflame and helped her to sit in the chairs nearby. He handed her a goblet of water. “He was captured by the king. After you left Bothwell, the king came with his followers. He found Liam and questioned him. After, he bade him taken away. I am working on rescuing him and await my comrade, James Douglas.”
Her chest became heavy as if someone stood on it and likewise her throat thickened as if she swallowed a rock.
“When James arrives, we will come up with a plan to release Liam.”
“That’s if the king hasn’t killed him. We should leave posthaste and meet your comrade near Bothwell.” Makenna stood and wanted to make off to the door.
Graeme blocked her path, and shook his head. “He wasn’t kept at Bothwell. I heard the soldiers say they were taking him to Stirling.”
“Good heavens. Even if we make it to Stirling, it could be too late.” Makenna ran toward the door and onward to the stables. Graeme followed.
The stable lads readied a horse for her as well as Graeme warhorse. They rode north, and the sky pitched by the time they decided to rest the horses.
Makenna approached Graeme who stood silent next to his horse. “I know you worry for him, but I shan’t give up hope. He must be well, he must. I blame myself for if I hadn’t gone after Hawksberry … Liam would be safe.”
“Aye, he might be. But he loves you and would have fought the king himself to keep you safe. I shouldn’t have allowed him to enter the keep without me, for I blame myself for his capture. Liam didn’t want you to be hurt if Hawksberry heard us coming.”
But he loves you and would have fought the king himself … His words hit her with such force that she realized her husband did love her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The trek to Stirling took longer than expected because of the heavy storm they encountered. Makenna was hesitant to take refuge from the downpour, but Graeme insisted they stop and rest beneath the thick pines. Even with the heavy branches overhead, her garments soaked from the fat drops of rain. When they left the woods, Graeme whistled low and forced her to stop.
“There are riders near. Let us retreat and see who comes.”
She sidled next to Graeme and waited silently. Agonizing minutes passed and finally he signaled her to follow.
She looked ahead and saw Brodin and Heath standing next to a burly black-haired man. The man appeared formidable, mayhap even frightening for she definitely would have turned around and fled if she wasn’t with Graeme. It was the good James Douglas. Given his description, it could be no other.
Makenna didn’t realize she held on to her horse’s reins with a death-grip until Graeme pulled her from her horse.
“Come and let us find out what James knows.”
She kept her voice low and said, “He seems formidable.”
“James may appear fearsome, but he is known to be gallant around women. You shouldn’t fear him.” Graeme kept hold of her elbow and guided her toward the behemoth.
A camp was set up within seconds and a fire was lit. The mood within their small encampment was grim, and Makenna despaired at Liam’s situation. She sat sullen near the fire and listed to the men discuss their strategy. Not one of them suggested a good enough plan for none knew what they would encounter once they breeched the gatehouse.
“Lady Kincaid, I’m sorry for what’s happened to Liam. I blame myself. I should’ve been there and ensured his safety.”
For such a burly disgruntled looking figure, James Douglas’ words came with a touch of guilt and sincerity to them. Makenna shook her head. “Nay none are to blame but me. I should have known Liam would come after me. I risked his life and now I must do something to save it.”
James addressed Graeme as he poked the fire with a long stick. “My lads inside Stirling told me the king came and spoke with Liam. Apparently he has given Liam a fortnight to come to his senses and tell him where ye all hide. He refused and is to be executed for refuting the king’s demand. I am astounded by your fealty to one another, for he vowed he wouldn’t speak of your whereabouts. Would that I have such loyalty amongst my followers.”
Graeme nodded and glanced at her. “You have the most loyal followers, James.”
She barely held back her disdain at their unconcerned chatter. The horror at hearing the news of Liam’s impending execution distressed her heart. It was enough to make her retch, for her stomach flipped and her throat closed. Makenna stood and searched the faces of the men sitting around. Heath and Brodin continued eating as if the news affected them not. Graeme firmed his lips and appeared to be thoughtful. Gilroy, who she just noticed, paced beyond the circle of men and kept giving her looks woe. “We must go now. He needs to be rescued. There is no time to waste.”
Graeme pulled her to the ground to sit beside him. “We cannot go inside the walls without a sound plan, Makenna. If we go in there, we must be able to abscond with Liam or all is lost. Patience will be on our side.”
“Patience be damned. I will not sit here whilst you ponder the issue. Liam’s life will be ended and I for one will not await some ridiculous plan. I will march in there and demand his release.”
None of the men laughed.
Graeme stood and pulled her into his embrace. “Calm yourself, Makenna. Being distraught will not help your husband. We will consider our plan and we will rescue him. Have faith in us. Now, get some rest for we will continue our discussion.”
Makenna stepped away from the fire and Gilroy approached and handed her a tartan to cover herself with, and she took it. “My thanks, but I fear I won’t be able to rest.”
Gilroy led her to a tree. “M’lady, best follow Graeme’s orders for he knows what he’s doing.”
Throughout the remainder of the night, Makenna stared at the night sky and her chest grew heavy. Lord knew what Liam was going through or how he fared. She couldn’t sit and wait, and one with very little patience, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
She waited until the men settled and scampered toward her horse. In the saddle bag, she found a small dagger. She took it and put it in her tunic. With a glance back toward the fire, she ensured the men didn’t notice her movement. Makenna took a few steps into the darkened woods and once she was far enough within, she dashed toward the castle.
As she approached the walls, she stopped and searched the ground for an old fire. After covering herself with soot, she wrapped her hair and tied it at the nape of her neck. She used the dagger to cut the length of her skirts to tunic length. Fortunately, she hadn’t worn her slippers, but good sturdy travel boots. Hopefully her plan would come to fruition. If the guard thought her to be a lad, she wouldn’t be questioned. She was about to start off toward the gate when she heard a snap of a twig behind her. Startled, she about jumped a foot from the ground. “You frightened me. Shhhh.”
Gilroy traipsed toward her with a grim look on his face. “What are ye doing? You are not wont to go in there by yourself?”
“I am.” She turned back to face the fortress and took a deep breath. “One way or another, I will rescue Liam.”
“I can’t let ye go in there alone, m’lady.” Gilroy scooped soot from the ground a
nd dirtied his face. “We will go as two lads bringing a message from the king for the prisoner.”
Makenna agreed and motioned him forward. As she approached the gatehouse, apprehensiveness came over her. This was imprudent, but she wouldn’t turn back now. Somehow she would get Liam from this place.
The watch posted but didn’t stop them from entering. Getting inside was easy; it was the getting out that worried her.
One of the guards stumbled toward her. “Och, lads, if ye be wanting to dunk your cups in the ale barrel best do it before ‘tis all gone.” He hiccupped and grinned. “This be a fine night to celebrate. Aye,” he said, and raised his cup high, “Farewell King Edward.” He belched and stumbled past.
Makenna watched him approach the other men who were supposed to be guarding the gate. Laughter came and the men inattentive to them.
“They’re all sodden,” Gilroy said and chuckled. “It appears they just learned of the English King’s death. Our task won’t be as dubious if all those inside are celebrating.”
“Let us find out.” Makenna sauntered through the courtyard and hurried along with a pounding heart. Rescuing Liam was far more daunting than facing Hawksberry.
Stirling’s dungeons would be difficult to enter. Inside the fortress, revelers sang and many men lifted their cups, cheering the dead king’s demise. Graciously she said a quick prayer to hasten their rescue.
Below in a dark hallway, she came across a squire who appeared to be cleaning his master’s weapons. She nudged Gilroy. “Perhaps he can tell us where the prisoner is?”
Gilroy looked back at the lad and approached. He spoke quietly for a moment and returned to her. “He says all the prisoners are at the end of this hall in cells. We’ll find the king’s guard in the torture chamber. Seems he was being questioned by the Bruce’s followers for word of the king’s guard’s whereabouts.” Gilroy kept walking forward but stopped when he came upon a hall. They turned the corner and heard voices within the walls. The scent of the place was enough to make her heave, but she couldn’t think of that now. Only Liam’s safety mattered.
Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2) Page 22