Hope was fast to reply. “Why? Are you needing some lessons?”
The men shared a good laugh, though John scowled at her.
The day continued on much in the same manner. The men’s moods grew more lighthearted as they neared home.
Hope spent most of the time lost in her own thoughts. She did watch the surrounding countryside, since it was important that she be familiar with the lay of the land when it came time for her to take her leave.
She made a mental note of the location of the stream and the direction in which it ran. She added to her memory the rock formations that sprang up amongst the green fields, knowing they would help guide her on her return journey. And she made certain to notice the best places to take refuge along the way in case she felt the need to conceal herself.
One factor she had not given enough consideration to when she had begun her journey was a sufficient supply of food. This time she would not make that mistake. She would become friendly with the cook at the keep and make certain to hide enough food away in preparation for when she needed it.
She had learned much in her travels. She understood it was necessary to avoid certain people and places and that it was not always wise to trust a trustworthy-looking person. She was now secure that her gained knowledge would guarantee a safe return journey to Croom Abbey.
“Are you all right, lad?” Colin asked.
Hope looked down at him and his concerned glance rested steady on her.
“You wear a worried look,” he said when the lad did not reply.
She shook her head to bring herself fully alert. “I but wonder about Shanekill Keep.”
Stuart heard and replied. “It is like no other keep. It is a bit of heaven.”
“Spoken like a man in love,” John teased.
“And married to a wonderful woman,” another called out.
“Who works miracles with food,” another added.
“He is lucky to have such a fine woman,” Daniel said.
Colin offered an explanation for such avid praise. “Stuart’s wife Mary is the keep’s cook and she does create miracles with food.”
“No one misses any of her meals,” Stuart said with pride.
“Only a fool would miss her meals,” John said with a laugh.
Hope licked her lips. “It has been some time since I have tasted fine food.”
Colin patted the lad’s leg. “You shall taste it tonight.”
“What is your favorite food, Harold?” Stuart asked. “I shall have Mary prepare it for you.”
“I thank you,” Hope said with a smile and her heart filled with emotion at the thought that this giant of a man could be so caring. “But I do not wish to cause your wife extra work.”
“Mary loves to cook. It would be no extra burden for her and I know when she glances upon your skinny body she will see to it that you receive extra portions at mealtime. Now tell me your favorite treat.”
“Aye, tell him, Harold,” John insisted. “It could be mine as well and then there will be extra to share.”
“The treat is for the lad,” Stuart said, his manner teasing.
“Aye, for him and him alone,” Colin agreed, his manner also light.
John accepted defeat graciously. “For you, lad, then.”
Hope thought differently. “I will share my fruit tarts with you, John.”
“I love fruit tarts,” John said with a grin and looked to Stuart and Colin. “The lad offered freely.”
“Aye, that I did,” Hope said in agreement.
Stuart laughed. “Then I will tell Mary that it is fruit tarts for you and John.”
John cheered, his shout filling the late afternoon air, and when the men joined in their joyous voices it caught Hope by surprise.
She realized soon enough when all the horses were drawn to a stop and all eyes settled in the distance that it was not the fruit tarts that caused the cheer. Her own eyes followed theirs and her breath caught and her stomach tightened. In the distance sat a castle of impressive sight and she knew that within a short time they would arrive at Shanekill Keep.
Chapter Ten
Their arrival caused a celebration. Cheers greeted them. Drink was offered and wives eagerly greeted their absent husbands. It did not surprise Hope to see that the men remained in formation, their wives walking alongside them with anxious smiles.
Hope understood that Colin needed to enter the castle on his horse, and she chose to walk behind him, Lady close to her side. The stop afforded her the luxury of viewing her new surroundings without much thought being paid to the lad. Her eyes hastily took in the well-maintained cottages, a chapel and a marketplace, and then her eyes caught hold of the keep itself. It was a magnificent structure built mainly of stone and the craftsmanship was remarkable. It looked impenetrable, and she wondered in some way if it did not represent the Devil himself.
She remained behind Colin as he came to a stop before the keep and continued to stay behind him when he dismounted and climbed the steps to the keep’s door.
Her legs trembled and her heart raced when she peered around him and caught sight of the two men standing on the top steps of the keep.
One was a giant—there was no other way to describe him. He was tall and broad, though Hope sensed from the softness in his eyes that he was a gentle giant, which eased her concern. It was the man who stood in front of him that caused her the most worry. He was large, his muscles thick, his features handsome, his look stern. His hair was dark and the length reached his chest. Two tight braids ran down each side and he wore a black tunic with barely a trace of red running through the fine wool. Black stockings hugged his powerful legs and his confident stance made him appear as impenetrable as the keep itself. He was a warrior of impressive status. He could be none other than the Irish Devil.
“Welcome home, Colin.” The voice was deep and sincere, as was the bear hug the Irish Devil gave him.
Colin returned the hug, his wide smile confirming his joy at being home. “It is good to set eyes on you again, my lord.”
The giant was next to hug Colin and give him a slap on the back. “It is good to have you home.”
“Aye, that it is,” Colin agreed.
“Where is he, let me at him,” an insistent female voice said from behind the large men.
“She has been waiting for your return,” the Irish Devil said with a grin and stepped aside.
Hope felt her breath catch. A beautiful woman stepped forward, her brilliant red hair a mass of ringlets that fell past her shoulders and down over her ample chest. She was round with child and the smile on her face complimented her true beauty.
“Colin,” she said with outstretched arms that he insistently went into. “I have missed you.”
“And I you, Lady Faith. It is good to be home.” He stepped an arm’s length away from her, holding her hands. “You are well?”
“I am healthy and happy,” she said with a smile that caused every face to light around her, including Hope’s.
Colin hugged her once again.
“You must be starving for a decent meal, and I know that Mary is starving to see her husband.” Faith looked around Colin to Stuart who had dismounted and awaited further instructions. “Go to her.”
Stuart first looked to Colin and then to the Irish Devil for permission to take his leave.
The Devil himself ordered, “Go!”
Stuart gave a grateful bob of his head and whispered to the lad. “I will have Mary see to those fruit tarts.” And with that he disappeared inside the keep.
Colin stood tall and in charge as he addressed the Irish Devil. “May I dismiss the men? They are anxious to be with their families.”
“Aye, and I am anxious to speak with you.”
Colin gave a respectful nod, turned and discharged the men, who eagerly ran to their waiting wives and families. He then looked at the lad and directed him forward to present him to the Irish Devil.
Hope took cautious steps forward, coming to stand bes
ide Colin. A sense of vulnerability ran through her, and she eased her worries by convincing herself that it was the sheer size of the men who surrounded her that caused her insecurity.
Lady chose to remain hidden behind her, not that a 150-pound dog could hide behind a skinny woman, though she did try.
Colin placed a firm hand on the lad’s shoulder. “Lord Eric, I would like to present Harold, a young lad who joined us on our return journey.”
The Irish Devil stepped forward and Hope had to force her feet to remain planted firmly to the ground since her first thought was to turn and run. She worried that his blue eyes probed too deeply and that he would in some magical way determine her true identity.
To her surprise and relief he held out his large hand. “Welcome, lad, I am pleased to have you here.”
Hope accepted his offer, her small hand disappearing into his large one. She almost winced from the pain of his forceful handshake, though she realized he had tempered it when he felt the lad’s meager strength.
“I have offered Harold a home here at Shanekill,” Colin said and the look the two men exchanged warned Hope that the lad’s fate had been quickly decided.
The thought did not sit well with her and she voiced her own opinion. “I appreciate the offer and will give it consideration.”
Colin’s hand went tight on her shoulder and with a whisper he said, “This matter has been settled.”
Eric crossed his arms over his impressive chest and Hope thought she caught the giant smirking, though a hand to his mouth covered the evidence. Lady Faith watched with a pleasant smile.
She was not one to be dictated to, so with a shake of her shoulder to disengage Colin’s hand she stepped forward to have her say.
Colin thought otherwise. He stepped forward along with her. “Harold accepted my protection on our journey.”
It seemed that was all the Devil needed to hear. “Then you are part of our family, Harold. Welcome.”
How did she disagree with the Devil? She thought a moment and realized that it was not a possibility—compliance was expected. With a smile she gave the two men what they wanted. “Thank you for your generosity.”
Lady Faith, however, sent her a smile that made her realize the lady understood much more than the men. And that she would have to remember.
A loud bark followed by pounding footsteps caused everyone but Hope to smile. It took only seconds for her to realize from where it came. A huge, ugly yet adorable dog came bounding around the corner of the keep and headed straight for Colin. That is, until he caught sight of Lady.
The two dogs spied each other and Lady instantly turned female. Her head went up, as did her tail, and her chest went out. She stood regally as the large dog tentatively approached her. Then with a sniff here and a sniff there, the two began prancing around each other.
“Be a gentleman and offer the lady a treat, Rook,” Lady Faith said and Rook answered with a loud bark.
Lady’s ears perked up at the mention of a treat. Rook barked at her and ran a distance ahead, then turned to bark at her again as if telling her to follow him. Lady turned to look at Hope.
“Go and behave,” Hope instructed, happy that Lady looked so joyous over her newfound friend and of course the offered treat.
The two ran off, their combined weight making the ground around them quake.
“Come, there is much for us to discuss,” Eric said to Colin and his hand went out to his wife. She took it and slipped comfortably into his arms.
The look the couple exchanged made Hope realize that they were deeply in love. The thought warmed her heart and almost brought a sigh to her lips. She changed it to a rough cough and then winced when she felt a stab of pain in her ribs.
It was a severe pain that caused her knees to give way, and if it were not for Colin’s strong arm that wrapped around her, she would have collapsed.
Lady Faith was instantly at the lad’s side, and Eric followed.
Colin offered an explanation. “He suffered a damaging blow to his ribs, saving Stuart’s life.”
Eric looked with a stern glare at the lad. “You risked your life for one of my men?”
Hope attempted to dismiss it. “I did what needed to be done.”
“You did what a courageous man would do,” Eric corrected. “Faith will see to your care and you will remain here at Shanekill and learn a warrior’s skills.”
“Not until I deem him well,” Faith said with a firm voice that expected no opposition.
She received none, to Hope’s surprise and relief. It would afford her time to heal and set plans for her departure.
“Colin, take Harold to my healing cottage so that I may have a look at him,” Faith directed.
Hope knew that was not possible and she thought quickly, sniffing the air. “Something smells mighty good.”
The giant spoke. “The lad’s hungry. Let him fill his belly before you go poking at him.”
“I agree with the giant,” Hope said without thought to her words and instantly regretted her rash remark.
The giant laughed and held out his hand. “I am called Borg.”
Hope smiled and took his hand. “I am pleased to meet you, Borg.” And she was. He was a gentle man though there was no mistaking the fact that he could be a fierce warrior when necessary. Hope liked him. She sensed he could be a true friend, one whom someone could trust with his or her deepest secrets.
“Come,” he said, helping the lad forward. “You will sit beside me for the evening meal and we will feast like kings.”
Hope gave a quick glance around her. “My dog Lady?”
Faith answered her. “Rook will return her safely to you. They are probably at this moment enjoying a treat in the kitchen. Mary and”—she paused to poke at Eric—“my husband spoil him terribly.”
Hope laughed. “Lady is already spoiled, so they will make a good pair.”
Borg walked beside the lad, making certain his steps were slow, and Hope was grateful. Her side did ache, and she wanted nothing more than to sit and ease the dull persistent pain.
She could hear Colin mumbling as he trailed behind them along with Eric and Faith. She was certain he spoke about the lad and even more certain that he informed the Irish Devil of Harold’s intentions to leave when he saw fit. They would be keeping a watchful eye on the lad, but then they did not know how tenacious Hope could be.
Hope had never tasted such delicious food. She ate and ate and ate, and when she thought the meal finished another dish was brought forth. She sat on the dais beside Borg as he had promised. Borg sat beside Lady Faith, Eric sat beside his wife and Colin occupied the chair next to Eric.
Hope listened more than she conversed. By lending a keen ear, she learned about those around her; she also possessed a sharp eye to evaluate her surroundings. She did not miss the way the female servants gave Colin extra attention or how his hands gave them a familiar hug or pat to their backside. Nor did she miss the charming smile he bestowed on each one and damned if he was not sincere about it. He seemed actually pleased to see the women and his sincerity was reflected in his smile.
So why did his heartfelt intentions disturb her?
“Where do you call home, Harold?” Faith asked, leaning past Borg who was talking with Eric.
“Up north,” Hope said, having learned a general direction usually appeased a person.
Faith nodded as if accepting the answer. “You have heard of this Hope, then? The woman Colin searched for. She comes from the north.”
Hope answered without hesitation. “Nay, I knew nothing of her until I heard Colin and his men speak of her.”
Faith looked at her strangely. “Hope is a descendent of the high king of Ireland. It is strange you should not have heard of her.”
Hope attempted to add credence to her story. “Our village was situated in a remote area.”
Faith smiled and nodded again. “Where legends flourish.”
She was much more astute than Hope had realized. She would ne
ed to be careful around Lady Faith. “Legends abound in all of Ireland. There is not an Irishman who does not fancy telling a story or two.”
Faith laughed. “This is true enough.” Her laughter softened to a gentle smile. “So tell me a story, Harold. One whose origin comes from your remote area.”
A burst of boisterous laughter caught their attention and drew their glances toward Colin who had his arm wrapped around the waist of a well-endowed servant girl. It was her laughter and provocative voice that interrupted the conversation.
“I have missed you,” the young woman said in a whisper that was meant to be heard.
Colin spoke low and softly, so it was with a strained ear that Hope heard him answer, “And I you, Colleen.”
Colleen smiled and leaned down to whisper in his ear; as hard as Hope strained to hear her words, it was useless. Her remark was meant for Colin and Colin alone.
Colin appeared quite pleased since he smiled, nodded as if agreeing with her and then kissed her cheek before she moved off him to finish seeing to her chores.
Hope realized that Faith was watching her, and she was quick to shake her head and answer her question. “A story escapes me, perhaps another time.”
“Aye, there will be time for us to share stories and to come to know one another.”
Eric peered over his wife’s shoulder to address the lad. “My wife knows all that goes on in the keep. It is rare that a secret can be kept from her.” He kissed the side of her neck lightly and Faith smiled and rested back against him.
“I am merely more observant than most.”
Hope took her remark seriously. If she was as observant as she said, then it would do Harold well to be on guard.
Colin leaned around Eric to join in the conversation. “Careful, Harold, it is the endless questions that Lady Faith asks and the answers given without serious thought that make her knowledgeable of those at Shanekill.”
Hope was not certain if he teased, though he did wear a purposeful grin, or if it was from experience that he spoke. Regardless of the reason, Hope intended to mind his warning.
Faith yawned and then issued Colin a warning of her own, and not on a favorable subject. “Which reminds me, we must talk soon regarding inquiries I have made concerning a wife for you.”
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