Domhnull sighed. "Then we had best do it quickly. The storm may return and I dinna wish to be caught in it again."
With his help, Logan pulled Fearghus' body to a clear piece of ground and then crossed his friend's arms over his chest. Walking back to the rock slide, he and Domhnull picked up large rocks, carried them over to where Fearghus lay and began to mound them around his body.
After finishing their grim task, they removed the saddle from Fearghus' horse. It was too large to tie to their own so Logan placed it atop the cairn to retrieve when they came back with a wagon. Fearghus' leather pack had been lost in the storm as theirs had been.
Logan looked down at the scratches covering his arms from their perilous ride through the forest. 'Twas a miracle they had not been slammed against a tree and killed when their horses bolted out of control.
Domhnull mounted with an impatient curse. "Bloody hell, let us be gone. 'Tis naught more we can do here. I want to leave this cursed place an' find shelter fer the night."
Logan looked one last time at the freshly built cairn and said a silent prayer for his friend's soul. As bitter as he found Fearghus' death to be, he and Domhnull had grown to manhood in the harsh Highlands. There, hardship and sorrow were merely a part of life.
Turning away, Logan mounted his horse and departed with Domhnull. The rain ended within minutes, but their soaked clothing left them chilled to the bone. They rode on in silence searching for a safe place to spend the night.
Eventually, they came to a rocky ledge jutting out from the hillside, forming a dry cave. Without speaking, they dismounted and led their horses in under the ledge. Wrapping their wool plaids about them, they lay down near their mounts. Eventually weariness overtook them and they slept through the night.
When they woke the next morning sore and hungry with no packs of fresh meat with which to break their fast, they knew they must seek food for themselves and their mounts before they returned to the village.
As he and Domhnull led their horses from the cave, Logan looked at the aftermath left by the storm. Muddy rivulets of water covered the ground as far as he could see. Small branches, twigs and leaves tossed about by the high wind littered the area. Game normally found in the area had obviously fled the storm and would nay be found easily.
Logan and Domhnull rode back toward the burn they had crossed before the storm only to discover its bridge had been washed away and the swift moving water had overflowed its banks. They would have to ride to the village by a longer route.
By the time the sun climbed high in the sky and they had found no game, both of them were hungry and in poor tempers. Finally, they stopped and foraged berries and ate until they were full.
No longer feeling their stomachs knotted from hunger, they rode on till near nightfall. Suddenly, a noise caught their attention. Even with watching the bushes near them, they were not prepared as a wild boar came crashing through the shrubbery straight at them.
Domhnull's horse reared and kicked out with its hooves at the wild animal. As Domhnull worked to regain control of his mount, Logan spurred his horse and rode straight at the boar, swinging his broadsword. He must kill it with the first stroke. A boar such as this could easily rip a man apart if wounded and enraged.
As the distance shrunk between Logan and the wild animal, he raised his sword, aimed and slashed out and down as he came even with it.
With a loud squeal, the boar dropped to the ground, dead.
Domhnull called out, "God's wounds! That was a lucky thrust!"
"Aye," Logan answered as he drew a deep steadying breath. "Fearghus' talisman must still have power."
Snorting his disbelief, Domhnull said, "I told ye it doesna bring luck."
"Well, then, you will have to agree that I am the most skilled man with a broadsword you have ever seen," Logan said half seriously.
"Ha. I would ne'er agree to that, an' well ye ken it!"
"Well, you cannot argue both ways. You will have to choose some explanation of the deed."
"I dinna believe that the charm has any power, but ne'er will I say ye are a better swordsman than I am. Think what ye wish."
Logan dismounted and tied his horse to a bush. "Perhaps I should have let you talk the beast to death. I admit to your superiority in that. Start a fire while I skin the beast."
Domhnull dismounted, tied his horse to a tree and began to gather limbs that lay scattered on the ground.
By the time Logan had several slabs of meat skewered on a long thin branch, Domhnull had a large fire burning.
Later, when both men had eaten their fill, they cut the remaining boar carcass in two, tied one half to the rear of their saddles and made camp for the night.
The next morn they ate, then resumed their journey back to the village and broke their grievous news to Fearghus' kin.
Logan's horse stumbled over a loose rock, jarring his thoughts back to the present. He took a firmer grip on the jug of usquabae he had obtained from the alehouse. Bloody hell! He wanted no memory of that hunting trip plaguing him.
"To hell with Domhnull!" Raising the jug to his lips, Logan drank deeply and then turned his horse toward the valley where their cattle grazed. He would work there until 'twas time to return to Kirkholm for the feast.
Chapter Thirteen
The first thing Ailis noticed was the quick tensing of Gavin's body as she sat beside him, wrapped in the comfort of the tartan they shared.
"Ailis, take my dirk and get in the wagon bed behind me. I hear riders approaching and they ride much too fast for my liking. Stay low out of sight till I know their intent."
For a moment, she simply sat there and looked at him in surprise.
"Do as I say, lass. I feel fair recovered, but if it comes to a fight, I'll not have you at their mercy with nay chance to defend yourself. Just be careful where you poke the thing. I need no more stings this journey. Aye?"
She nodded silently then bent over his lap to take his dirk from its sheath in his boot. As she leaned over him, her head almost rubbing against his manhood, a tremor ran through her that had naught to do with the unknown riders swiftly approaching. She could not help but wonder what 'twould be like to lie in Gavin's arms with no separation of clothing or distance of feelings. For in truth, she wished to touch him and revel in the strength of his body.
Ailis closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to breathe in the warm musky scent emanating from him. Then she opened her eyes and quickly grasped his dirk. She pulled it from his boot, upward along his muscular thigh and forced herself to sit up away from him before he sensed her emotions.
After seeing the pain and heartache her sister and father had experienced with love, she had ne'er wanted to experience it herself.
Poor Jenny had loved a roaming lad who had played her like their mother's harp then left her carrying his babe. 'Twas a mercy Jenny had lived when her time came too soon and the birthing had gone badly. The poor wee bairn had nay lived but a few hours. Ever since then Jenny had nay wanted a man of her own.
And Da, how often had he drunk himself to sleep when his loneliness for Mam overtook him?
Be honest, girl. What poor Jenny had known was not love, and what Mam and Da had, was not to be grieved o'er for its happening, only for its ending. Their love was deep and beautiful; something to be cherished.
Ailis took a deep breath to clear her head, slid into the bed of the wagon, and pressed tight behind Gavin's back. She closed her eyes once more and breathed slowly. Not so much to calm her fears of the unknown riders, as to let her feelings and imagination linger for another moment, to savor the sensation of being so close to him.
Suddenly, the wagon jarred to a stop. Ailis heard the jingle of harnesses and thundering hooves beating the road just ahead of them. A man's gruff voice called out, spurring his men to speed. Her heart pounded in her chest. Sweet Mary, do not let Gavin be harmed.
The wind stirred, muting Gavin's whispered words. She strained to hear them. "Stay low, lass. 'Twould gr
ieve me sorely, if you were to come to any harm."
A deep voice called out from one of the approaching riders. "Ye there in the wagon, have ye seen… My God, Gavin, is that ye?"
The approaching horses swiftly descended on the wagon where it sat in the middle of the road and drew to a sharp halt. Bits of dirt and gravel pelted it and flew into the bed. The air thickened with dust.
Ailis covered her mouth and nose with her hand and forced herself to breathe shallowly till the air cleared.
Gavin answered, a smile evident in his voice. "Aye, Calum. 'Tis good to see you. What brings you so far from Kirkholm and Meggie? You have not had misgivings about asking for her hand have you? I am a bit weary to have to defend her honor just now."
"Ha," Calum snorted. "Ye know that willna happen. If I were smarter, I would have stolen Meggie away long ago instead of waitin' to speak to her these last few days with nay sleep or peace of mind to show for it."
Gavin chuckled. "Do not be so impatient, my friend. For in truth, 'tis said once you wed, no sleep or peace of mind will you ever have again. Ow!"
Ailis yanked Gavin's dirk back from his arse then stood and smiled down at him sweetly. "Fie, Gavin. Did I prick you? Something must have bumped my hand." She quickly glanced around her and then shrugged. "'Tis sure I dinna know what could have done so. Mayhap 'twas just my woman's unsettling way that pricked at you and now troubles your peace of mind. But you, being a single man, would know naught of such, would you?"
Calum's horse was abreast of the wagon and he obviously heard her. He hooted with laughter, then leaned over and slapped Gavin on the back. "My friend, I daresay ye have been out done. At least I know enough to look behind me for the sight of a lassie, before I speak my mind on some matters. But ye make a habit of nay doin' so. The last time ye did it, Nelli fair took yer head from yer shoulders."
His voice took on a more serious tone as he continued. "Now, tell me what has happened. Ye look far worse than when I saw ye last, even after emptyin' a cask of ale between us."
Gavin quickly explained the events of the last few days.
At first, Calum's face showed lines of concern when he heard of the incident at the alehouse, but changed to a look of astonishment and then amusement when he heard of the episode with the hornets.
"Now that I think on it," Gavin said, "I remember Logan climbed to the top of an old rowan tree once and came upon a nest of the beasties. He was fair stung all over before he could get down. He sickened and swelled up like a pregnant ewe with twin lambs." Gavin rubbed a red spot on the back of his hand. "Our mam and Nelli had to care for him for several days. It seems 'tis an affliction we share."
"Aye," Calum said. His face expressed a look of concern once again as he told Gavin of his dispute with Logan and that the young man had not returned to the castle before he had left to search for them.
"Ye know I would ne'er wish to come between Logan and the rest of ye, Gavin. If I have overstepped myself, tell me, and I will abide by your judgment."
"Nay, Calum. You acted rightly. I love my brother well, but I fear he will know more than his share of misfortune if he does not learn restraint and become a better judge of men."
"Aye."
Gavin looked back at Ailis and a faint grin touched his lips. "Lass, if you will take my hand, I will help you back to your seat. The road may prove a wee bit rough yet, and I would rather not have to worry over your hand being bumped again."
Ailis grinned in return as she handed him his dirk then took his hand and climbed back into the seat beside him.
The trip back took several hours, but conversing with Calum and his men and sharing the food Nelli sent, made the journey more enjoyable.
When they arrived at the castle, Megan and Nelli came out to greet them and exclaimed over Gavin and Ailis' condition. Both of them were hustled into the castle and steaming baths, treated with some of Nelli's tinctures and told to take to their beds.
Since the hour had not yet come for all to retire, Ailis lay alone in the bed she usually shared with Megan. And though 'twas warmer and more comfortable than the hard bed of the wagon she had shared with Gavin for the last two nights, it was very lonely.
Having known the pleasure of lying so close to him and snuggling into the curve of his hard muscled body, she took no delight in sleeping elsewhere without him. Would she ever know that wonderful closeness again?
She tossed and turned as thoughts of him troubled her mind. Had he taken to his bed as well to rest from their journey? Or was he downstairs enjoying the company of the castle folk? Was there perhaps a lass who held his attention? One he had sorely missed while away from Kirkholm? Perhaps the Katie he had called out for while the fever had been hard upon him?
Ailis sighed and pulled the blanket closer. She would ne'er get any rest if she thought so. 'Twould be better not to think on it at all. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, but memories of Gavin's kisses and protective manner flowed through her mind making it nigh impossible.
She had never known the touch of a man before. His kisses had thrilled her and left her yearning for more, but 'twas his compassionate defense that had truly touched her heart. Though in her situation would she have felt the same for any man?
And what of Gavin? He had spoken no words of affection. In truth, he had called out for another woman then treated her coldly when she had awoken to find him fishing and no longer needing her care. Fie, she had best remember who she was and why she was there. And 'twas not to fall in love with the laird.
Eventually the strain of the journey took its toll and she relaxed, allowing sleep to take her.
The sun began its climb over the distant hills, spreading an orange glow across the sky as Ailis awoke. In truth, her body felt more rested than in many nights but her emotions still warred with each other. She longed for the closeness she had shared with Gavin on their trip. Was she being foolish to hope he cared for her as well? He had seemed to do so for a time. But that had been when they were alone together. Now that they had returned, would he seek her company?
She sent a silent prayer he would do so, then rose and dressed quickly, eager to break her fast. Gavin would be there. She hummed as she descended the stairs to the great hall. Never before had she felt so at ease and eager. Her longing to be near Gavin coupled with the clan's friendly acceptance of her left Ailis far happier than she could ever remember.
The great hall was filled with people, and as she entered, several of them welcomed her and offered her a seat beside them.
"Ailis, over here," Megan called. She waved and sent Calum to escort her to the high table to join them. Megan hugged her warmly and then gestured for her to sit beside her. "'Tis grand to have you back safe. We worried when you and Gavin did not return as we expected. Calum told me what happened. Thank you for your care of my headstrong brother." Grinning, she added, "I daresay 'twas no simple task. I did not wish to disturb your rest so I slept with Nelli last eve. Are you recovered from your journey yet?"
Ailis felt her face heat as she thought of the trip with Gavin and quickly looked down and smoothed her skirt. Then she smiled at Megan. "Aye. 'Twas quite an adventure, but I am glad to be back. I feel almost as if I have come home." A warm glow formed in the pit of her stomach when she thought of Kirkholm as home. If only it were possible.
Megan hugged her again. "I hope you will choose to make it so. Then we would be sisters in truth."
The thought of having a family and people to care for once again filled Ailis with hope.
Calum nodded in agreement and passed an empty wooden trencher to Ailis. "Lass, I am sorry ye have none to share this with, but Gavin left for the fields some time past. It seems he didna wish to wait to break his fast but would rather work with the herds."
Something in her face must have shown her disappointment for Megan frowned at Calum and spoke quickly. "Sometimes my brother can be most unaware of things, Ailis. I am sure he wished to break his fast with you this morn, but felt he must check on the he
rds after his absence. He takes his duty as the laird very seriously."
Megan was silent for a moment, as if deep in thought, before she spoke again. "Ailis, would you grant me a small boon? I, uh, will be very busy today. Would you take Gavin a wee bite to eat before he comes in for the midday meal? That way I will not have to stop my work to do it."
"Meggie," Calum said, "what are ye–"
Megan cut him off with a quick touch on his arm.
Ailis looked at Calum's bemused expression. 'Twould seem he was surprised to hear Megan's claim, as if she had ne'er done so in the past. Did Meggie suspect her feelings for Gavin? Was this her way of showing her approval?
Warmth spread through Ailis at the thought. "Aye, Meggie. I will be happy to do it. What should I take?"
"Oh, with an appetite as big as Gavin's, it matters not what you take, only that you take it to him."
Ailis smiled her thanks. 'Twould seem Meggie knew how she felt about Gavin and was nay displeased with the idea.
After they finished their meal, Megan walked out of the hall beside her. "I will go to the kitchen and tell Cook to prepare some food for Gavin while you get a shawl to keep warm. 'Tis chilly outside."
Ailis nodded, went back to the chamber they shared and wrapped a thick blue shawl around her shoulders. 'Twas the one Megan had given her the night she had arrived at Kirkholm.
When she went to the kitchen, the cook handed her a basket and pointed to a table covered with food left from the morn's meal. "Fill yer basket with what e'er ye wish, lass. Gavin is nay picky about his food as long as 'tis lots of it."
After Ailis gathered up several portions and a flask of ale, she left the keep. Even though 'twas early autumn, the sky was gray and overcast and the wind blew with a damp chill. She pulled her shawl closer around her shoulders for warmth as the wind tossed her hair about her face. Och, she should have covered her head. Stopping and setting her bundles down, she lifted the shawl and wrapped it around her face and shoulders until she was almost completely covered within its folds. Immediately, she felt warmer. As she continued, she sensed someone watching her. She looked up to see a lone rider sitting on the top of a knoll in the distance. He sat motionless with his hand to his eyes as if he searched the valley. The man wore a cap pulled low over his head to keep out the biting wind.
The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2) Page 20