Gideon was hunting with Ainsley and Boyd. They were hoping for a roe deer. Gideon wanted a venison roast. A big animal would provide food for a few days. They started very early in the morning. The three of them were waiting near a game trail that usually saw quite a bit of traffic. They were hunting with bow and arrow. The sun was just rising above the mountain when with a slight sound of rocks being scattered a small herd of deer came up the trail. Gideon shot one animal and Boyd another.
They pulled the animals away from the trail to gut them so as not to disturb the rest of the herd. Once the deer had been blooded and the entrails removed, Gideon loaded the larger animal on his shoulders. They tied the legs of Boyd's kill together and with a long pole between the legs, Ainsley and Boyd carried the animal down the mountain. Tonight they would have venison.
The hall was filled with the scent of roasting meat. Off to Gideon's left, Fenella was humming as she spun wool into yarn on her spindle. Gideon was happily holding Davie while waiting for the food to be served. Neill sat playing chess with Ainsley as Christal watched. Boyd was recounting the story of the hunt to Caelan. Birk, Fenella's grandson was hanging on Boyd's every word. As Idelle was their cook, her husband Neill and daughter ate with the family. Others usually preferred to eat in their own cottages unless a feast had been prepared or there were visitors. A tankard of ale sat at Gideon's right hand. Soon Idelle would call the boys into the kitchen and they would bring dinner to the table. All was quiet and contentment filled Gideon's soul.
Chapter 19
In June The Bruce marched on the Sassenach garrison in Aberdeen castle. Edward II was alarmed. He attempted to mount a defense, he send a force from England. Edward II was too late. The citizens of Aberdeen rose against the Sassenach. Rallying to The Bruce, they joined in the assault. The castle was razed, totally demolished, no prisoners taken. As Longshanks had shown no mercy to the Scotsmen taken prisoner by the Sassenach, no mercy was extended to those manning the castle.
Edward II dismissed the Earl of Richmond as governor of Scotland. He appointed three new guardians, William de Ross of Hamlake, Henry de Beaumont and Robert de Umfraville the Earl of Angus. The other Scottish barons still loyal to Edward II were commanded to hold fast the lands they were in charge of. Edward II led them to believe that an expedition would be sent to support them in August.
Cadell went to The Bruce and requested that the MacGrough clansmen be allowed to join his brother, Edward's cavalry. Edward was to return to Galloway and secure that district for the King. Cadell knew that this would also allow him to take a quick detour into the glen. He wished to see his new wife and his new grandchild. Although he trusted Gideon and Ailene, he wished to assure himself that all preparations for the coming winter had been made.
The campaign had suddenly moved forward with amazing speed. Cadell knew he would need to press his men hard in order to have a day or two in the glen before they joined Edward's force in Galloway. Upon receiving the King's blessing, Cadell and the clansmen immediately mounted. They were homeward bound. Taking advantage of the long summer days, Cadell rode as long as possible with short breaks for the horses. Tired but happy to be home Cadell and his men reached home early on the morning of the fourth day of travel.
Entering the keep, Cadell found the women of his family busy in the kitchen. Fenella was the first to greet him. She flew into his arms with a scream that was cut short by the kiss Cadell gave her. After swinging Fenella around once, Cadell turned to Ailene. Ailene had Davie tucked into his carrier across her chest. With a huge smile Cadell stepped forward and glanced down into the carrier.
"Here to see the new lad?"
She folded back the edge of the carrier to give Cadell a better view of the sleeping child.
"Och! 'Lad' ye say! I ha a grandson! Ye two ha done well."
Cadell admired his grandson for a few moments before inquiring as to where he might find Gideon. The MacGrough was directed to the smoking shed where Gideon was helping to shift finished meat into barrels for storage. Tavin was adding fresh meat to the bottom of the smoker with Bram inside the shed, hanging the cuts to be smoked.
Cadell gave his son in law a bear hug.
"That is ah bonny wee bairn Gideon. Ye and the lassie did well."
It amused Cadell to watch the dark red flush creep up Gideon's neck.
"Aye. It was Ailene who did the hard work Cadell. I was there with her and it is not easy birthing a child. It is good to see you. How goes the campaign?"
Gideon had turned back to the barrel he was working on. Using a wooden mallet, Gideon set the top on the full barrel of meat.
"If ye are finished here, I would speak to ye. We ha much to discuss an little time, ken?"
Gideon turned to Tavin.
"Leave the barrell Tavin, I will move it later."
Cadell began to walk toward the hall. Gideon fell into step with him. Neither of them spoke until they were in the hall. Cadell seated himself and leaned back in the chair.
"Lad, ye have grown a bit or I have shrunk. We are no longer eye to eye."
Gideon smiled at his observation. Cadell was happy to see that the smile reached his eyes. The lad was not the serious withdrawn person he had been. Along with having grown taller, Gideon was growing into the man he was meant to be. Clad in his favorite garb of leather trews and shirt, Gideon had crossed one leg over the other. With one hand on his ankle the young man was relaxed in the chair opposite Cadell.
Cadell informed Gideon of the King's progress in Aberdeen. He explained he had made a very quick detour to see his family and allow the other clansmen to do the same. He told Gideon of the new offensive Edward, Earl of Carrick, was to carry out in Galloway. Gideon absorbed the information with only a few questions.
Gideon outlined to Cadell what had been accomplished in readying the clan for the coming winter. They spoke about the animals and the grain harvest. Once the two men had finished with clan matters, Gideon brought the conversation back to the war.
"I think I should go in your place and take the others with me."
"Aye? What might be the reason?"
Cadell asked. Gideon grinned then ducked his head down slightly embarrassed.
"Well, I would like to be home for Ailene's birthday. If we are still campaigning then." Gideon shrugged.
"Hopefully with the success the King has had we will be home over the winter."
Cadell nodded.
"Aye. I ken that. Well lad, I will be happy to let ye go in my place. We need to call the men together and plan this."
"Tonight then? We can send Ainsley around to gather the men."
"Aye. An that will gie ye time to explain to Ailene."
Cadell stretched. It had been a long trip. He planned a nap before the gathering. He went in search of Fenella. Perhaps a short nap and a bit of a romp first.
Gideon found Ainsley first. He asked him to carry the message that there would be a gathering in the evening. They needed to discuss a course of action as well as give news of the war to all. He then went in search of Ailene.
Davie would need to be fed before the noon meal so she was probably in their bedroom. The bairn had eaten as Ailene was just closing her bodice. Gideon took Davie from the bed and placed him on his shoulder.
"The King has commanded Edward of Carrick to take the war to Galloway."
He rubbed the babe's back as he gently jiggled him.
Ailene straightened her clothing then looked up at Gideon.
"Aye. So, wa have you decided between the two of ye?"
"There has been no decision yet. We are holding a gathering this eve to give the news to all. Then we shall decide."
Davie let out a large belch. Gideon laughed at the sound. Davie lowered his dark head to his father's shoulder then closed his eyes.
"I get tha feeling that ye have made a decision. Could tha be Gideon?"
Ailene rose then took the babe from Gideon. She put him back into the carrier and settled Davie against her.
"I
asked Cadell to allow me to go with Edward. If I go now mayhap I will here for your birthday and Christmas."
Gideon watched her face. The slightly wary look left. Ailene smiled at him.
"Och! Well here I was ready to take a stip of hide off ye. I canna do so now. Not after such ah pretty excuse."
Ailene reached out and drew his head down for a kiss.
"Ye will go of course."
"I would rather that neither I or Cadell had to go but one of us must."
Ailene muttered something Gideon did not quite hear. He decided it might be better if he did not question her. He followed Ailene out the door."
The gathering was held out side of the hall. A bonfire was built. It was a fine summer eve. Ale was given out and whiskey passed around. All attended the clan was glad of the information on the King's war. There were cheers when the taking of the Aberdeen castle was recounted for all. The news that the war was now to be brought to Comyn supporters was greeted with relief. If the Comyn supporters could be brought to heel then MacGrough clan could sleep easier. The Comyns were entirely too close for comfort. All recalled Ailene's kidnapping.
The warriors who had come home with Gideon agreed to go to meet Edward of Carrick and hopefully join him before any major battles were fought. They were rested and ready to take up the fight. Cadell and Gideon decided it would take one day for them to get ready to leave.
The women stood in a cluster on the edge of the group of men. There were a few words of concern from the women. Most were silent. They were at war and the men must go. To not take the King's side would be a major mistake. There was no neutrality in the conflict. Clans either supported the King or Comyn. They separated, all made their way to their beds. Morning would be coming soon. Weapons must be sharpened and packs prepared.
"Come here Gideon."
Ailene called him away from Cadell where the two men had been talking at the foot of the stairs.
"Aye Ailene."
He bade his father in law good night then hurried up the stairs. Ailene was standing by the fire, nude.
Gideon watched as she bent to lay Davie in a crib which had recently made its appearance in their bedroom. They had made love but he had been extremely gentle with her not wishing to cause her or Davie who had been sleeping in their bed, harm. The fullness of her breasts caused his breath to catch. The angularity of her body had been replaced with soft curves. Pregnancy had agreed with Ailene in a way that made his body throb with need.
Ailene walked over to Gideon, she removed his hand from the door. Closing it, she ran both hands up under his shirt.
"Gideon, tonight and tomorrow then ye are gone again. If ye work at it ye might get me with child again."
"Are you sure you want that so soon Ailene? That was a hard thing, giving birth to Davie."
Her fingers found his nipples. She rubbed each one bringing them to hard nubs under her fingertips.
Gideon's felt his body respond as she stood on tiptoe to nip at his lower lip.
"I want ye husband. I want all of ye."
Her right hand moved to cup him between his legs. Gideon groaned as she began to rub her palm against him through the leather trews.
"If ye no take off those things ye are wearing right now, I will cut them off ye. Ken, gradh?"
He pulled the shirt off as she loosened the laces of his trews. With both hands, Ailene pushed the leather past his hips. She cuped him again then gently squeezed him while bending her head to lick a nipple.
"Ailene! Have a care. If you push me too far.."
She moved her hand to stoke him, long smooth stokes that caused him to feel as if his body would explode if he could not get inside of her and quickly.
"Push ye? Och, Gideon I will pull ye til I get what I need."
She backed away from Gideon, tugging on him to pull him along with her toward the bed. Ailene let go of him then flopped backward on the bed. Lying across it she spread her legs as she opened her arms.
Scooping her up by her underarms, Gideon pushed her further up onto the bed. He knelt between her legs. Without a word he plunged into Ailene. Her breath hissed out as she pushed up with her hips. Gideon thrust himself into her. He tried to take a breath and go slowly but Ailene would have none of it. She ground her self against him as she grabbed a handful of his hair.
"Nay! Come ride me Gideon. Do so now."
She sucked his lower lip then nipped at his earlobe.
He was lost. Control gone, Gideon thrust into her. Vaguely he heard her urging him on. She clutched his shoulders digging her stong fingers into his flesh. He would give her what she asked.
Gideon woke to the sound of Davie fussing. He heard Ailene croon softly to the babe. He opened his eyes then glanced over at Ailene. He was not able to see her clearly. There was little left of the fire but glowing coals. She had not bothered to light a candle. It was still warm in the room. Gideon did not bother to rise to feed the fire. They would be fine until morning.
The sound of the babe suckling poured over him. Gideon closed his eyes. Ailene was still singing softly to Davie. He wanted this moment to stay in his memory forever. It was like whiskey, warming him from the inside out. The lullabye Ailene was singing in Gaelic to his son told of warm sun, the scent of heather and a mother's love.
Something almost painful twisted through Gideon. He wanted Ailene so desperately that had to force himself to lie quietly. Gideon waited, listening as she fed the babe. When she was finished, she turned to place Davie in his cradle, Gideon sat up. He was waiting for her to turn around.
Before she could slip back under the covers, Gideon pulled her roughly into his arms. The slight wetness from her nipples on his chest drove him past gentleness and caution. Fiercely his lips took possession of her. His hand found the back of her head, his fingers tangled in Ailene's hair.
"Gradh,"
Gideon breathed into her ear before he bent her backward over his arm. He lowered his head to lick the still wet nipples.
She moaned as her fingers fastened in his hair. Ailene pulled his mouth to hers. She sucked on his lower lip. When his mouth opened, Ailene thrust her tougue into his mouth. Gideon threw one leg over her. He pulled her down on the bed and tugged on her nipples. They firmed under his fingers.
With a grunt, he licked his way down to her navel. Ailene began reach for him trying to pull his head back up so she might kiss him. Gideon evaded her reaching fingers and moved lower. He lifted her hips. He nipped lightly at the skin of her thighs where her legs had fallen open. He pushed up her legs, as she had done to him, Gideon cupped her mound in his hand. Gideon wanted to taste Ailene.
When he began to kiss her Ailene grabbed his hair. Her legs closed around his head. She was moaning his name. Her body bucked against him when he sucked on the small nub he knew to be sensitive. She shook beneath his tongue.
Before her moans became too loud, Gideon slid his body up hers. Ailene's mouth took possession of his. Gideon slipped into her as far as he could push himself. She clenched tightly around him. They began to move together in rythm. Ailene wrapped her legs around his body and did not let go until they collapsed together on the bed.
When he made a slight movement preparing to rise Ailene stroked his back.
"Nay love. Stay here gradh. Wait a wee bit."
Gideon kissed her slowly and gently.
"Ailene, love. You drive me wild."
He rolled off of her then threw one leg over her body.
She laughed as she reached down to pull his leg higher up so that it rested on her thighs.
"Tell me what caused that love and I will remember to do it again."
Ailene stoked his leg loving the feel of his skin against hers.
Gideon took one of her breasts in his hand.
"You caused it. I cannot get enough of you ever."
He lifted his hand to stroke her cheek.
"Everything about you pulls me to you. I love you."
Ailene cuddled close to him as she held his leg agai
nst her. Gideon reached down and pulled the covers over them.
Chapter 20
The Frenchman was tired of traveling. Home was far away and he still could not give up on his mission. Jean Pierre de Chessee was more than tired, bone weary, he watched the green sea beneath the bow of the ship. Aberdeen was his next port of call. The dispatches from King Philip the Fair had been delivered to Edward II. Now his mission required him to deliver documents to the King of Scotland. The stated purpose was to attempt to ease the strain between the two kings.
The second purpose was to attempt to locate the treasure the Templars had stolen from Vrana. Jean Pierre had already made very discrete inquiries in the land of the Swiss. He had found nothing of consequence. The only other country that might have welcomed the disgraced Templars was Scotland.
Not that Robert The Bruce could have welcomed them openly. Considering the state of his empty coffers and his need for money, the treasure of Vrana would have been hard to resist. The fact that Philip IV was an ally of The Bruce would have meant little in the face of the temptation of that treasure which had been rumored to be extensive. That coupled with the Pope's excommunication of The Bruce could have well have led to absorption of the Templars by the Scots.
Jean Pierre scowled as he watched the bow of the ship rise and fall as it cut through the waves. The rumors had spoken of a great force, which had removed the treasure into several ships and then left Croatia for the west. He felt that if the treasure had indeed been removed from Croatia and not buried, one vessel at most had accomplished the deed. He felt no more than thirty men had carted the treasure away. It was possible that they had buried a portion of the treasure and taken only what they could carry. If that was the case, there was little to be done.
He would inquire of the Scots to see if any evidence could be found of the Templars. This was a portion of the mission he had undertaken. It was not only Philip IV who wished information on the treasure, the Knights Hospitaller also had an interest in the matter as the Pope had determined that any funds discovered should go to the Hospitallers.
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