As she continued Gideon began to smile broadly.
"They dinna see that the horse had no rider until well after ye had wrapped the wound so ta wouldna be ah blood trail to find ye by. Then ye went down the scree slope where ye hid behind the rock bulge. Do I ha it correctly?"
Gideon chuckled at her as he rubbed her fingers against his cheek.
"Oh, aye. Woman, if you had been looking for me I would have been dead."
Ailene smiled smugly at Gideon.
"I wa looking for ye. An I found ye that is why ye no had to walk home half dead."
"Thank you love for finding me. Embarrasing as it was, riding home was preferrable to walking. Now, who taught you to track that well?"
"Years ago, Parlan showed me the basics, ken? I learned tha rest on my own. I enjoyed seeing wa stories were told by ta tracks left by man and beast."
She removed her hand from his and stared at him.
"What I need to ken now is how ye happened to find ye self in that mess."
Gideon lifted one hand.
"In a moment. First I need to relieve myself. So I need you to move for a moment so I may rise."
"I think I will no let ye Gideon."
Ailene rose then went to the far corner of the room to return with a wooden bucket. Ye are not to go down the stairs for a wee while and ye are to use this bucket. No argument husband."
Gideon closed his eyes then shook his head.
"Woman!"
"Nay, man! I will ha no argument on this. Sit on the edge of the bed if ye can, an I will gie ye the bucket."
Gideon sat up then turned to sit on the edge of the bed. The movement made him slightly lightheaded but he refused to let Ailene know that.
"Give me the miserable bucket Ailene. I will not be treated as an invalid."
He growled at her. ith a slight smile, Ailene put the bucket between his feet and moved backward a bit. He would be fine. Nothing like a bit of anger to put a man to rights.
"I will take the thing down for ye. Gie back into the bed and tell me this tale. I have been puzzling it all night an near all morn. It makes no sense."
Gideon slipped back into the bed. Ailene took the cloth, which had slipped off his wound then draped it back in place.
"It is a puzzle. I do not think MacNab is behind this. The MacNabs are too busy trying to save their own skins what with the King ready to wipe them out. I have thought about it and it makes no sense to me either."
She sat on the edge of the bed. Ailene listened as he outlined the circumstances that had brought him into the ambush on his own. When he was finished, Ailene looked at him then shook her head.
"This must never happen again. We need ah code word, something tha will tell the other the message is true."
Gideon took her hand again. He nodded in agreement before he began to kiss each of her fingers.
"Easily done love. Our code word is 'Liora'. It is a Hebrew name and means 'light'. Without that word spoken or written, any message I receive or send is to be disregarded. Agreed?"
"Aye, but ye will have to help me remember it. An stop kissing my fingers Gideon MacGrough. Ye willna get around me with yer charm. Ye are no getting out o tha bed for a day or so at least."
Ailene watched his eyes flutter closed. He was no where near as capable as he would like her to believe. Her heart flooded with love for Gideon. She wanted to gather him to her. Ailene just wanted to hold him. Ailene sat in one of the chairs then took up her sewing. He would need a new shirt to replace the one, which had been destroyed.
His ability to think and quickly process information amazed her. Another man might not have found such a secure hiding place. Had she not known how his mind worked. Had she not been able to read the sign, she might not have found him. Ailene lay her sewing in her lap she silently thanked God that she had found him. In her heart she doubted that he would have been capable of walking home in his condition. Though God knew he would have tried.
As he was asleep and could not see what she was doing, Ailene opened the chest where his clothing was stored. To make sure that Gideon stayed where she wished Ailene took his trews then hid them all in the chest under her things. If he wanted to wander around the room naked, she could not stop it. But she knew his inate shyness would keep him in the room until he could clothe his nether regions. Eventually he would look in the chest, as weak as he was it might take a day or so before he located his clothing.
In the evening Ailene got Gideon to slide over to her side of the bed.
"If ye no move over, I willna sleep with ye. I have nae wish to bump yer injury."
Ailene removed the covers from the bed then watched him slide over. She moved the slop bucket over to the side of the bed for him then gently spread the covers over Gideon. She went to find Fenella and collect Davie. With the child cradled in one arm, Ailene entered her bedroom. Gideon had waited up for her.
"Let me have him Ailene."
Gideon had flipped the covers away he was turned slightly on his good side. She heard the need in his voice. Ailene leaned over to place the sleeping child next to him. Gideon's right hand curled around his son's dark head. In the flickering candle light Ailene watched as Gideon carefully curled his body around the babe.
"They knew where to hurt me Ailene. I am not able to think clearly if either of you are threatened. It might not have been Alec MacNab but it could have been someone who was there the day I took you back."
Ailene took off the dress then slipped into the bed. Drawing up her legs, Ailene slid over to lay her head next to Davie. Gideon moved his hand. She felt his fingers touch the side of her head. Careful to avoid the area of his wound, she put her arm over his hip.
"I am nay better gradh. Fayther had to stop me from running out alone to search for ye."
His response was to reach over to kiss her forehead.
"Better that I hurt than either of you. I would have come home to you if I had to crawl."
"Wheesht Gideon. Try ta sleep love. Sleep will help ye heal"
She kept her voice even as a tear slipped down her cheek. Ailene turned her head to nuzzle Davie. Ailene thanked God again for the gift of this beautiful man. As dark as the outside of him might be Gideon's heart was bright and shone for her and their bairn.
Blessed, she was blessed beyond anything she could have hoped for. She pulled the covers over herself and the sleeping child partially covering Gideon. She was not concerned that Davie would be crushed between them, neither of them would move.
Chapter 23
Jean Pierre was not happy with the news brought to him by Angus. Not only had they lost the man but also they might have killed him. If they had not killed this Gideon, then his people may well have him. Getting to the man would be nearly impossible. Traveling to his home and attempting speak with Gideon would surely alert the family that Jean Pierre was somehow involved in his assault. It was now an impossible situation.
It occurred to Jean Pierre, as he did not know for sure that this Gideon was alive, he could simply leave Scotland. He could now report to the King that every avenue of investigation had been explored. It was highly unlikely that Gideon would ever come to the notice of Philip IV. He was part of a very small clan and nowhere close to the Scottish nobility.
He quickly made up his mind to declare the investigation done and over with. Home called to Jean Pierre. Finally, he could call this mission finished. Even though he did not feel that they deserved anything, Jean Pierre told the men he would give them a portion of the money that had been promiced. In exchange they were to escort him to Aberdeen where he could find passage back to France. He might as well get something from them.
Not willing to waste one more day, Jean Pierre packed his belongings and insisted that they leave that day. With a smile and a happy heart Jean Pierre said fare thee well to Glasgow. Angus and his two cousins were happy to ride with Jean Pierre to Aberdeen at least they would receive something for their trouble.
They were to be paid something. It too
k the sting out of not bagging the MacGrough lad. The two men kept it to themselves that the MacGrough had likely been rescued. They had seen the bonfire on the trail. They knew what it signified.
Neither of them had any intention of attempting to take the lad away from armed MacGroughs. Nor did they wish to acknowledge that a lad had outwitted them. Neither of them had been able to find any sign of him. It was as if he had disappeared. It was easier to say that he had probably fallen off the horse, rolled down the hillside and was dead.
It was a six day trip from Glasgow to Aberdeen if they were to ride most of the day. Jean Pierre was not happy with that. If he could get passage out of Scotland and home to France it might be possible for him to get home before summer was over. Jean Pierre pushed both the horses and the men.
His escort wished to be paid but they were nervous and not happy to be traveling back to Aberdeen. Now that it was The Buce's town, it was likely that MacNabs would need to keep their heads down. The money that the Frenchman had promiced for his safe arrival in Aberdeen was sufficient to decide them. Before leaving Glasgow, all three MacNabs had bought dun colored trews. They tucked their plaids into their packs.
Jean Pierre was not concerned with local politics at this point. He had done his duty. The MacNab's problems were their own worry. He was careful to not mention their clan affilation however as he did want the escort. He was aware that unprotected he could be easily robbed. Since the harrying of Buchan, many were looking for food. A lone traveler such as himself could be considered fair game.
Jean Pierre wasted no time in finding a ship to take him far from Scotland. As he would have to wait three days for the ship to depart, Jean Pierre took lodging at the same inn where he had previously stayed. He paid the MacNabs and sent them on their way.
Angus and his cousins were in the tavern where they had met Jean Pierre enjoying ale and food when Alec MacNab walked in. On seeing Angus he immediately made his way over to their table. He seated himself and motioned for the barmaid to bring him a tankard.
"Angus, wa are ye doing here? I wa told ye were seeking my uncle in Galloway. No that Galloway is ah safe place for our kin."
Angus looked at his cousins then at his brother, Alec.
"I, I wa in Glasgow. We left, ken?"
Alec MacNab waited until the barmaid had placed the tankard on the table.
"Aye, well I wa there, mind? Uncle wa seeking ye all. He had a duty for ye an was no happy to not find ye."
Alec took a healthy gulp of the ale.
"Tha's why I wa sent to find ye three. I ken that ye were in tha employ of the Frenchie. I ken Angus, that ye three may ha come close to causing Uncle a wee mite of trouble."
Angus toyed with his tankard.
"Nay more trouble tha ye did with tha woman."
Alec tapped the table.
"Aye. And I recall Uncle no being happy at all. I recall he had many a fine word to say ta all of us. I learned. I no think ye did. Tis one thing ta fight for our land an kin another to send three men after one. We are no fightin for the French. We are defending our kin. Ross and Dougal ha caused enough trouble. Tis one matter to fight men fairly, another to turn women an bairns over to be hung in cages on walls. Still another to do a Frenchie's dirty work fer coin."
Angus ducked his head and fingered the coin that lay on the table before him.
"There wa no harm done, Alec."
Alec MacNab took another drink of the ale in his tankard.
"No this time. The wa I ken it. Uncle is an honorable man an wishes ta keep our name honorable. Do ye ken this Angus? Ye are to do as Uncle bids or ye may find ye are kinless when ye most need it."
Angus grimaced at his brother's words.
"So, are we to join uncle in Galloway?"
Alec finished the last of the ale.
"Aye, an I am to make sure ye turn up. And I mean to make sure ye do Angus."
Angus MacNab sighed. His uncle was known to be a strict man. He would likely take a strip off him. Hopefully he did not know the whole of it. In any event, they would all have to face the old man.
~~~~~~
Cadell was planning to go to the Kings army in Gideon's stead. He came up the following day to discuss the matter with Gideon. In light of what had befallen Gideon, he would take an escort of two warriors. As they were not able to point to an actual culprit, they would need to be cautious in the future.
When Cadell entered the room, Gideon was sitting up in bed with Davie lying in his lap. The bairn had just finished nursing. Ailene had gone down stairs leaving Davie to his father's care. Gideon had turned the lad over on his stomach and was patting his back. Cadell felt a wave of love for his wee grandson take hold of him. Before seating himself, Cadell asked Gideon if he might hold the lad. With a smile Gideon passed Davie to his grandfather. Cadell put the babe on his shoulder and began to pat his back.
"Tomorrow, mind, I will go to the King." Cadell looked over at the bairn when Davie belched.
"Aye, good one lad."
Cadell shifted the wee lad to the crook of his arm.
"I will go to The Bruce first. I dinna like this puzzle."
Gideon nodded as he smoothed the covers that concealed his nudity.
"I am sorry Cadell. I was too hasty. I did not think."
Cadell smiled at the babe. When the lad gripped his finger and made to shove it into his tiny mouth, Cadell allowed Davie to suck on his finger.
"I ken ye feelings Gideon. I am glad ye are alive in this bed."
Cadell frowned.
"I ken little of this but I feel tha Kilwinning meeting has somewhat of a place in it."
Gideon scratched at the growth of beard that was beginning to itch.
"Aye. Also, who ever planned this had some knowledge of my feelings for Ailene and Davie. I did not mix with many other than MacGrough men in the King's army."
Davie gummed Cadell's finger. He chuckled as the babe's arms and legs moved sporadically.
"Then who?"
Gideon smiled at the picture of Cadell holding his grandson. When Cadell laughed the babe's little arms and legs flew wildly about.
"I have given it much thought. Anyone at the MacNab's when I took Ailene back would have known that I valued her a great deal. I wonder if Alec MacNab had anything to do with it. He seems to me to be a man who would come for me head on. I do not think he was involved. But there were several others there."
Gideon shrugged
"I have no idea who they all were. Ailene and I have devised a code word. If any message is sent the word must be there for the message to be deemed true."
"Fine idea. We should do so as well, ken?
Cadell rose then gave the lad back to his father with a smile.
Gideon settled Davie back in his lap.
"Ask me for the babe's height. If Davie's height is not mentioned the message is not correct and we will both know from the previous message approximately what is correct."
To Gideon's embarrasment, Cadell reached out to hug his shoulder.
"I am glad to see ye home lad. Gave us all a rare fright, ye did. Dinna bother to think of taking my place in the morn. As ye told me once 'the women would be on me as ah bird on a bug'."
"Aye, that they would. As it is Ailene has hidden my trews."
Gideon complained. Cadell chuckled.
"Never ye mind lad, enjoy the wee one while ye can."
Cadell left the room. Gideon smiled down at Davie who was almost glaring at him. He had been around the babe long enough to know what that look meant.
"Making a mess of yourself are you and your mother no where in sight. You are taking advantage of your da Davie."
A stink prevaded the area. Gideon knew he was going to need to move from the bed. The child would need cleaning. Ailene could not fuss with him for taking care of Davie.
Gideon woke with an urge to relieve himself and not in a bucket. He found he was entirely out of sorts. Cadell was leaving to take a command he was responsible for. All due to his
allowing himself to be skewered as fowl. If he must admit it the very worst was being brought home carried like a babe. In no mood to be coddled further, throughly disgusted with himself, Gideon went into Ailene's chest. He found his trews under her gowns.
Being none too careful with her things, Gideon took all three pairs out then dumped them back where they belonged. He pulled a shirt out of the chest then tossed it onto the bed. Grabbing the small pot of yarrow ointment that Ailene had been smearing on him, he slapped some onto the wound then ground his teeth when pain sliced into him. Gideon felt a surge of rage.
"God damn the bastard to hell!"
He slapped some of the ointment on his back as well.
"Merde! If I find you son of a whore, I will pin you to a wall!"
Gideon cursed in every language he knew. After tugging on his shirt, he found his boots then pulled them on. He combed his hair out before he went down the stairs.
He quietly slipped out of the door of the hall then went behind the stable to the muck pile to relieve his full bladder. There was noise in the stable and he thought it was probably Boyd helping Cadell. As soon as he retied his trews, Gideon walked back around the door of the stable and went in.
Cadell looked up to see Gideon walk in.
"Braw sight ye are being up and about. How do ye fair this fine morn?"
"Tired of being coddled. Ready to strangle the whore's son if I ever find him and angry with myself."
Gideon grumbled. Cadell whooped with laughter. He smacked Gideon on the shoulder.
"No in the best of moods are ye?"
"Aye, I am not. I should be the one setting off this morn."
He idly kicked a horse apple across the floor of the stable. It bounced off one of the stable doors then landed between Ailene's feet.
"Ye are up an about I see. Feeling better?"
She had bags of goods in hand for Cadell to tie to the packhorse.
Gideon took a deep breath as he struggled to tamp down his anger. If not for Ailene, he might have perished on the side of the mountain.
Highland Light Page 20