Kadick giggled, “I cannot tell, her prayers are in English.”
NEIL NEED NOT HAVE worried so much about the Swintons. When they reached the valley where they were first encountered, the Swinton warriors lined both sides instead of blocking their way. As they passed, Laird Swinton did not take his eyes off Kadick and no one said a word. Yet there was tension in the air and it was not discarded until the MacGreagors were well away from the Swintons.
After a time, they stopped to rest and eat. When they were ready to remount, Neil had a new instruction. For the sake of fairness, he told them, the women riding behind the men could not choose the same one again. Some of the men looked relieved while others grumbled. When Neil repeated it in English, some of the women were delighted and others were clearly unhappy. Soon everyone was settled down again.
CHAPTER IV
SILUS MACCLURG WAS more than suspicious. He was convinced Kadick told Neil about the fire. And because it consumed his every thought these days, he hardly noticed that Nora happily went to ride behind another man. Clearly, he could see the futility in falling in love now anyway. Without thinking, Silus brought his hand up and clutched his neck. Somehow, he had always known death...when it came...would come by way of a slit throat.
In the evening, Donnahail grabbed Kadick’s hand and led her away from the others. When he came to a tree, he leaned against it and gave her his most serious look. “I have given it careful consideration and the answer is yes, I will marry you.”
“Oh that again.” She rolled her eyes and dropped his hand.
Before she could move away, he wrapped both his arms around her. “One day you may regret not listening to me, lass. I am serious now.”
She lifted her suspicious eyes to meet his. “I thank you for getting me warm, but as I have already said, I cannot marry you and that is an end to it.”
Donnahail pulled her just a little bit closer. “Why?”
“I already told you, you are too handsome to have a marked wife.”
He gently kissed her lips and watched the surprise in her expression. “Now you will tell me the real reason.”
She took a deep breath, put her hand on his shirt and began to examine the threads of it with a weaver’s eye. “No one will say what happened to my other mother; you know the one who gave birth to me. I overheard two lasses talking once. One said the mark was because my mother ate too much salt while she was with child. Another said, nay it was the turnips. Turnips it very well could be, you see, because my mark is that same purple color. But what if I...I mean to say, if I married another lad it would not matter so much, but you...”
“But you love me?”
Again she rolled her eyes. “I do not know if I love you, but I do prefer you more than any other and, well, what if I give you a son with my same mark?”
“Everyone I know eats turnips without having marked children. But if it suits you, neither of us will eat them while you are with child.”
“Or salt?”
“Well now, that is asking a bit much. We hardly ever have salt and food is so dreary without it.” He lightly kissed her again and she acted as though she didn’t notice. He wondered if he dare go farther.
“Do you truly think it could have been the salt?” she asked.
“I like Millin’s idea that you were kissed by the angels.”
“Kissy Kadick?” She slumped against him in total defeat. She should not have brought that up and deeply regretted it. It felt so good to have him hold her and what a comfort to share her deepest hurt with someone who cared. Millin used to hold her often, but it wasn’t the same. Donnahail’s arms were so warm and strong, she believed nothing in the world could ever hurt her again. Perhaps she did love him.
“Kadick.”
“What?”
“If giving up salt will convince you to marry me, then I suppose...I could...”
She giggled. “You cannot say it, can you?”
“Well ‘tis salt, after all. I would sooner give up water or even wine than salt.”
She wiggled out of his arms and started back, her voice raising a little more the farther away she got. “Come to think of it, I am not willing to give up salt either. That’s an end to it then—no marriage and no children. I feel better already.”
Donnahail closed his eyes and shook his head.
HIS HORSE WAS SWEATING and so was he when darkness began to fall. High humidity signaled rain that would add to the discomfort, but Brendan was worried and so pushed himself and his horse to the edge of endurance. By the time he stopped to let the horse rest, he was exhausted.
Yet he feared if he let himself sleep, he would not wake up for hours and every hour was precious. He thanked God a couple of times for the full moon, splashed water on his face and neck, and as soon as the horse looked rested, he mounted and kept going, albeit at a much slower pace in the dark.
One hour faded into the next and he was caught completely off guard when he nearly rode his horse into a small gathering of sleeping men. As quietly as he could, he backed the horse up and as soon as he was able, turned and slipped away. Thankfully, none of the Kennedys woke up.
From that time forward, he was much more alert. It would not do to get killed and never deliver his message to Walrick, nor was it a good time to die now that Greer was finally his.
IN THE HOUR JUST BEFORE dawn, Brendan turned the latch on Walrick’s cottage and pushed the door open a couple of inches. “Walrick?”
At the sound of the latch click, Walrick was wide-awake and already had his hand on the handle of his sword. Slowly, he eased a sleeping Steppen out of his arms and sat up. Then he got to his feet, pulled his sword and used the tip to open the door a little wider.
“‘Tis I, Brendan.”
“What?” Alarmed, Walrick set his sword down, quickly wrapped a plaid around his waist and stepped out. “What is it, what happened?” he whispered, pulling the door closed behind him.”
“They are safe, but the clan is in danger.” So tired he could hardly keep his eyes open, Brendan glanced around to make sure they were alone. “Kadick said someone tried to burn her alive before you came to live with them and the guilty were never discovered.”
“Walrick ran his hand through his tousled hair. “Why have we never heard of this?”
“That is what Neil wants to know. Kadick says she thinks it was Gelson who put the fire out.”
“But Gelson has not said a word.” He began to glance around too and then opened his door back up. He peeked in to make sure Steppen was covered and then motioned for Brendan to come inside.
Steppen’s eyes were wide in the early morning light and Walrick hurried over to ease her mind. “‘Tis not serious...at least not yet.” He quickly kissed her and then went back to sit at the table opposite Brendan. “Start at the beginning.”
Brendan did as he was told and watched the worry lines increase in Walrick’s brow. “Neil and Donnahail keep her well protected, but surely others have noticed. Neil took some of the MacClurgs with him, you know.”
“And if the MacClurgs suspect Kadick has told, then they might try to kill her again?”
“Aye, that is what I think. Neil had to make up an excuse to send me back to warn you. He said to send more MacClurg lads. The more he has with him, the less he will worry about everyone here.”
“How many days are they from home?”
I think he might wait where he is. He was worried about the Swinton clan trying to take our lasses. I made it here in one day and night, but I rode hard and had the moon to light the night. He wants you to send Gelson and not speak to him of this. He wants to know why Gelson did not mention the burning in all these months and he wants to see the lad’s eyes when he hears the answer.”
Walrick nodded. “Gelson is a good lad. I am distressed he has never said of this.” Walrick leaned back in his chair and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
“Neil wants you to tell Glenna that Donnahail has fallen in love with Kadick. Greer says Kadi
ck is delightful and everyone loves her wit.”
“I will tell her, you need to rest.”
“I must go back with the lads. The Swintons tried to take Greer when they were on their way to England.” Brendan tried to blink away the droop of his tired eyes. “Neil said to tell Glenna to be careful, he cannot live without her.” Brendan closed his eyes again and laid his head on the table. “Fire, Walrick, fire could kill us all.”
CHAPTER V
BURK MACCLURG HAD HIS eye on Glorie from the beginning. At first, he thought she might prefer Moan MacGreagor, but Moan seemed to be drawn to a woman with blonde hair and Glorie’s hair was a brighter red than Dora’s. Thankfully, Glorie did not seem to mind Moan paying his attentions to Carol and therefore everyone was happy.
Burk got Glorie’s attention because he called her Gloria instead and that pleased her very much. She seemed to hate her name for a reason he did not quite understand. Neil explained that Glorie in English meant the same as exalted in Gaelic and no woman wanted to be called exalted, at least not until after she died.
The language barrier was difficult for everyone, but on the days they walked and Greer taught them Gaelic words, Burk paid attention to the English. Therefore, when he held out his flask and said ‘water’ in English, Glorie returned his smile. Then he wouldn’t let her have it until she said “water” in Gaelic. Before long, they were laughing, teaching each other and sharing what they learned with others.
He didn’t mind her praying so much, although he wondered how she came up with so much to say to God. Once she fell asleep while on her knees praying, and if he had not been watching her and seated close enough to reach out, she might have toppled over. His touch startled her and when she realized what she had done, it embarrassed her. First, she asked God’s forgiveness and then nodded her appreciation. When Burk held out his hand, she took it, let him help her to her bed and cover her once she was in it.
She thought it was a very touching moment. Not since she was a wee one had anyone bothered to see to her comforts. After that, Burk seemed to be looking after her comfort in as many ways as possible. Although she did not completely trust him, she decided to enjoy his attentions for as long as she could.
In the back of her mind, she still thought there had to be a catch somewhere, a hidden something that makes a man so attentive and so caring until...she did not know until what. In fact, Glorie could not even guess. There was just something too good to be true about all this happiness.
AS SOON AS BRENDAN went to his cottage to get a couple of hours of sleep, Walrick and Steppen dressed and went to the Keep. Careful not to wake the baby, Steppen crept into Glenna’s room. She needn’t have bothered being quiet, both were awake, the baby was fed and Glenna was dressed for the day.
“I miss Neil so much.”
Steppen hugged the woman she had come to think of as a big sister. “Then you will be pleased to know we have heard from him. He is well and only a few days away.”
Glenna sensed something was wrong and took Steppen in her arms. “We would not have heard from him if everything was as it should be. What is it?”
Steppen sighed. “I should have known you would worry. He is fine, Glenna, truly he is.” She sat her mistress down on the bed and began to explain.
IN THE GREAT HALL, Walrick had already sent someone to fetch Gelson. Then he braced himself to act natural and not let the man know anything was amiss. It was much easier said than done, and by the time he finished explaining, Gelson was somewhat suspicious. “Why MacClurgs?”
“Neil took mostly MacGreagor lads with him and he feels they have an unfair advantage. MacGreagors are far more handsome and do not need an advantage.”
Gelson lowered his head and looked at Walrick through the tops of his eyes. “Fortunately, the clan is not in need of a very bad jester.”
It made Walrick smile. “I am relieved. Now, who do you suggest we send?”
Two hours later, the horses were prepared, flasks were filled and another fifteen men and Gelson waited, while Walrick went to wake a very sleep deprived Brendan. As soon as Walrick shoved Brendan’s tired body up on his horse, the happy MacClurg men rode down the valley in the direction of England.
IT WAS JUST AN HOUR after they stopped for their noon meal and got back on their way that the MacGreagors heard the thunder of many horses. Neil held up his hand to stop his people. The men quickly helped the women behind them transfer to horses with other women, moved outside and formed a circle of protection.
Neil checked to make sure Kadick had her hood up and then told Donnahail to move her to the middle of the women. He took stock of where everyone was and then turned to watch the horde of warriors coming toward them.
“I would guess at least sixty,” Luag muttered. He knew Neil was counting them too and he also knew they were one shy of thirty warriors. At first glance, the opposing force did not appear to be strong men or even big ones. Nevertheless, they were fully armed. Some carried double bladed, long handle axes and others had clubs. Luag leaned a little closer to Neil. “Push them into a loch and they would drown afore they could get all those heavy weapons off.”
Neil smiled. He kept his eyes on the man he guessed was in charge, who by now had his men slowed and about to halt. His smile was meant to throw his opponent off balance and from the perplexed look on the man’s face, it seemed to be working.
Neither side drew their swords and for a time, they just stared at each other in silence. A flock of birds flew over, the smell of freshly upturned turf filled the air and the horses on both sides calmed and leaned down trying to nibble the grass. Neil relaxed his reins and let his horse graze, which also seemed to strike his opponent as odd.
At last, the man walked his horse toward Neil. When he realized Neil was not going to meet him half way, he paused to contemplate what danger he might not have noticed. He was about to move closer when a woman from within the circle of opposing warriors slipped down off her horse and ran toward him.
“Oh please kind sir, let me pray for those who are about to die,” Glorie cried out. As soon as she was just a few feet from him, she sunk to her knees, put her hands together and prepared to pray.
Neil froze. What the hell was she doing? He thought to ride out, swoop her up and bring her back, but his opponent might see that as a challenge. Instead, Neil tried to look as though he did not care.
“I am Laird MacPhearson,” the man said in English. He glanced at her and then looked at Neil. Slowly and carefully, he dismounted and turned to face Glorie. “Who might you be?”
“I am Glorie MacGreagor.”
“Glorie?”
“Tis an awful name, I grant you, but what can I do?”
He put out his hand to help her up, but she refused. “Nay, I cannot.”
“But you will hurt you knees.”
“Do not fret, I am used to it. I live with...them.” She pointed to Neil and then quickly pulled back her hand as though someone might try to chop it off.
Behind Neil, one of the women snickered. Without looking at anything other than Laird MacPhearson, he spoke softly. Soon the word was passed to be silent or walk home. After that, there was silence.
Laird MacPhearson put his hands behind his back. “And life is that terrifying with...them?”
Glorie pouted. “Aye, if only you had seen what these eyes have seen. Chopped off their heads, they did, right before my eyes. Please sir, might I have the names of your men. First names will do nicely.”
MacPhearson smiled. “You want to pray for my men?”
“Aye. Unfortunately, we did not bring the priest to administer last rites. Wherever we go, the priests are kept very busy.” Glorie was running out of things to say and had to pause a minute to think. Then she remembered reading about a battle long ago. “Did you hear of the battle for our dear Harpenberth?”
CHAPTER VI
“HARPENBERTH? I HAVE not heard of that battle,” said MacPhearson.
“You see, there was...”
“A battle? Over what?”
“We are in need of lasses,” he answered.
“These? You cannot want these. They...itch, they smell, they twitch and one has the hick ups incessantly. Another, the one with dark hair. When you look in her eyes, you can see the gates of hell, and that one, she screams in the night. She does not mean to, but...”
Laird MacPhearson started to laugh. “You need not charm me any longer. After the battle, you will be mine Glorie MacPhearson.”
She was not pleased and got up of her own accord. “I would not have you, you are a stupid man. You die for your pride, which is the same as dying for nothing.” She turned and walked back to her horse. Without any help, she swung up, and once she got settled, she put her hands together and said one last prayer loud enough for all to hear. “May God bless and protect all the men who are not stupid this day in the Scottish Highlands!”
MacPhearson ignored her insults and took a long look at the lassies. Some were very becoming and some were ordinary, but he was in no position to be choosey. “What price for half, MacGreagor?”
At long last, Neil moved his horse forward. “They are not for barter.”
“Then you will fight and you will die.”
“You are two against one. Does it take that many to win your battles?” He stayed a few feet away, but got close enough to watch the other man’s expressions.
“At least I do not send a lass to try to frighten me off.”
Neil smiled. “It has worked before on simple minded lads, but it appears you are more worthy than most. I do not suppose you are frightened of a lass with a mark.”
Marti Talbott's Highlander Series, Volume 4 Page 18