Knight's Legacy

by Trenae Sumter

  Chapter Twelve

  He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

  ~Proverbs 10:9

  The old, thin Scot struggled as he walked up the short hill to the stone cottage. His crippled leg gave him pain in spite of the crude wooden cane he leaned upon, and his disposition was surly as he banged on the door.

  Mary answered, her baby girl on her hip. Blue eyes were sharp when she addressed him. “Enter, Tobias. I have gathered them here as ye bid me.”

  It was a bit before she could close the door. Tobias walked very slowly, but Mary knew better than to offer assistance. The old Scot had the pride of Lucifer, and he chose to go his own way, though slowly, rather than accept help. Some of the wee ones of the clan, having been taught their manners, had tried to help him in the past. They were given a harsh reproof and a whack on the backside with his stick for their trouble.

  Tobias was a kind old one at heart, but he was suspicious by nature. He had done his best to help the women when Mackay’s men were gone reaving. Once, although wracked with pain when he mounted a horse, he had taken two of the strongest lads and raided a neighboring clan for food and blankets. They had managed to eat for a month after his return. ‘Twas he that made the grave judgment to kill the horses for food, yet soon the hunger had weakened them all. The women had been coming to him with their worries, and he had done his best in Mackay’s absence to keep them all alive. Such efforts had spurred a loyalty and willing obedience when he voiced a request.

  Dorcus, Elsie, and Emma were there with their children. Tobias glanced briefly at Elsie’s eldest daughter. The child was four and ten summers, and although she was heart-breakingly thin, her blue eyes and black hair were striking. Tobias feared the soldiers in the army of Montwain would take note of her beauty.

  “Have the bastards let ye be, lass?” he asked abruptly.

  “Aye, Tobias. They jest with me a bit, but they dinnae seek to hurt me.”

  “I keep her close to me,” Elsie said, folding her arms over her chest. Elsie was a tall woman, with a wide face and a shock of gray in her dark hair.

  “See that ye do,” Tobias said.

  “I vow his men may even stop it, for there be one less rapin’ Mackay about us now. Tried to have his way with the healer, he did. Did ye hear?”

  “Aye, Angus was a fool to come back here, but, the wench gadding about alone brought on her own folly. She put herself in harm’s way. Trust an Englishmon to put an outsider above the loyal Scot he was given to rule, and nae punish the one deserving.”

  “She saved the healer,” Mary said.

  “Aye, one more burden for us all,” Tobias said.

  Mary gasped. “She isnae a burden! We have need of a healer so close to us!”

  “Aye, we do. But, she will bring more trouble with the Gordon clan. Lady Montwain has no fealty for Mackay. Why did she stay, if not to lord it over us all?”

  Dorcus snorted. “She is no lady, that one; she is from humble folk. Mayhap even the daughter of a stable peasant. And she thinks to look down on us?”

  “Nay, Dorcus. She does not. The lady has been good to Edna and Kenneth,” Mary said.

  “I see that is true,” Tobias said. “Howbeit, she is not of our clan and we cannae trust her. We know not if her virtue be that of a nun, or of a whore. ’Tis bitter enough to bear the King’s gifts to the Englishmon. Where is her loyalty? She helped the Maitlands, and they hate us. Why did she leave and force Montwain to fetch her? Who was she tryin’ to meet that she would court starting a war for the risk?”

  “The lass dinnae have to help us,” Mary said.

  “Bah! Her own hide she wished to keep hale and comely. Calum threatened her. Think ye she wished to wed Montwain? Thereupon, after the deed, she slithered away to Maitland. Nay, Mary. Ye favor her for she spoils the boy, but she will betray us as she does the Englishmon.”

  “If that were what she was about, why did she not stay with the Maitlands when she reached their lands?”

  Tobias rapped his cane against the table, making the children jump. “I know not! But she willnae say from whence she came! She hails from no clan in the Highlands? How can that be? She appeared before Angus and Graham in a stream with no horse about? Who left her? Who sent her?”

  “Mayhap the lass was cast out. Edna helped her and gathers this to be so. To be wed, even to an Englishmon, is a comfort to one used to cold and hunger. We have borne it ourselves, so shall we judge her for wanting a full belly and a home with a strong warrior by her side? She fancies him, and even a small temptation from so fair a lass would lend the mon to come at her like a stallion. Montwain be as lusty as any mon. He willnae let her go, so best we welcome her if we dinnae want the wrath of Montwain upon us.”

  “Mary speaks the truth,” said Emma. “Montwain is here and approved by the King. I am happy to be feeding my wee ones, and I want no part of bedeviling him. I be too weak and tired for any fight.”

  “Aye,” said Dorcus. “I agree.”

  “Elsie?” Tobias waited for her answer, frowning.

  Elsie shrugged. “She hasnae earned our support or our hatred in my judgment. We should give Lady Montwain and Glyniss time to see if they mean us any harm.”

  Tobias studied them all thoughtfully for a moment and sighed heavily. “So be it. Yet, we wait only until we be strong enough to defy them. I hope she will be the means to break him.”

  Glyniss worked diligently tending to Cameron’s back, soothing the wounds with a salve she made from plants. Meggie wandered into the room and, jealous of her attention to him, made an attempt to pull her away. Glyniss shook off her hand.

  “Ah, go to the kitchens alone, lass! Ye are no bairn. Sit up and eat from your trenchers! I cannae spoon feed ye. Go and sit in the dining hall, and wait for me.”

  Meggie looked mulish as she glared at Cameron. He winked at her, and smiled when she left the room, stomping.

  “That was a pretty pout,” he said.

  Glyniss bit back a grin. “She is eating better, yet clings to me. Why get up and walk if someone will carry ye? I allow it is time for a bit of firmness. Meggie cannae act a babe if she is to bear one.”

  He closed his eyes and sighed. “What is that brew ye made me drink? I feel as if I’ve long been in my cups of ale.”

  “It is a wee potion. Did ye hear the lady? She dinnae want ye in pain.”

  He shrugged as she worked, deftly stroking the medicine on his back. “Ah, Glyniss, the touch of your soft hands is balm to me.”

  “Weel, ye bore this with a lot of courage. Many a mon wouldnae stay in the service of Sir Roderic after such a judgment.”

  “He did right, Glyniss. He strives hard to be fair to us all. Roderic dinnae even bring forth the charge. Gavin stepped up to it while he was still taking his own council, working it out in his mind. Though I willnae lie, I wish Lady Montwain would have taken care, for she would have saved my back and her own pain. His anger was a righteous one, for she was hurt.”

  He chuckled. “She slipped away from me, but she willnae play that game with Gavin. Never was there a lass he could not bend to his will, be she five summers or twenty.”

  It was a week before Cat ventured away from the castle. Arranging for Gavin to escort her to do a bit of hunting, she let Kenneth ride with her on her horse as they were to be gone a short time.

  Cat pulled at the reins and stopped her mount beside Gavin to rest the animals. The hunt had been successful, and she grasped the satchel of birds behind her to feel that it was still safely secured and Kenneth had not dislodged it.

  “I know there are other duties you would prefer,” Cat said. Gavin turned to her in the saddle.

  “ ’Tis a fine duty, and I will not shirk it. Ye would balk to know my thoughts of ye, lass. Ye are a blessing to Roderic in spite of being a stubborn handful.” Smiling, he took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

  “Ye make him happy. Ye have penetrated that heavy shield of mistrust he holds for
all. Do ye yet bear me ill, lady, for the strapping I gave Kenneth?”

  “Nay, but I was angry at the time. He’s such a sweet boy.”

  “I was in a temper myself. I wished you were mine, so I could thrash you as Roderic did.”

  Cat was tempted to mention the so-called thrashing was a ruse, but thought better of it.

  “Ye are too soft, lass, for all your bluster. Ye would spare Cameron, and the boy. ’Tis a hard life we have here in the Highlands, and Kenneth wasnae cuffed about any more than Roderic as a lad.”

  Cat looked troubled. “Because he was English?”

  Gavin shrugged. “In part. In part for being so verra favored by the King. He took him in, and many coveted his place. The holy scrolls say envy is rottenness to the bones, and I agree, for I have seen its perfidy. Roderic was tormented as a boy, as was I, for I am a bastard. We joined together and sought to watch one another’s back. Two staff rods coupled be more difficult to break.” Gavin winked at Cat.

  “I’m happy you watched his back, Gavin. I thank you.”

  “You’re most welcome, Lady Montwain.”

  “Methinks you are gifted with an abundance of charm, Gavin.”

  “Aye. I, too, am a humble mon, as the Lord wants us.” His eyes were dancing with mirth. She laughed aloud. Cat could only guess how a woman would manage to resist him if he actively pursued her.

  Kenneth fell asleep on her shoulder with his arms around her waist.

  “It’s time we returned to the castle, ‘afore this one falls off the back of your horse in a slumber,” Gavin said.

  Cat shifted Kenneth to wake him, then urged her mount forward, following Gavin.

  Graham entered the tent of Laird Mackay with little hope he would favor the message brought to him.

  “Where is he?” Calum bellowed.

  Graham smiled, trying to take the sting out of the message. “He hasnae returned. The boy went off for a bit of wenching. Too long has Angus been without a lady to give him ease.”

  Calum growled deep in his throat. “There be whores a plenty in this camp. I need him here if I am to plot that mon’s defeat. Sooner I would hold a serpent to me bosom than a child with no loyalty.”

  “Angus is not disloyal to ye. Call to mind a priest once said that as arrows are in the hand of a mighty mon, so are sons.”

  “Aye. Yet mine falls bent and crooked from my quiver! What of the emissary from MacKirdy?”

  “He returned last eve, but he wants no part of going against Montwain.”

  “Be he so rich he would turn down the gold offered?”

  “Mind ye, he dinnae see the color of the gold ye promised, and your word be not one to take to Church in the Highlands. He wants no tuck with Alexander over this, Calum. MacKirdy kens the Scots in Montwain’s army are sound and hearty warriors, some of the strongest men about, and if Alexander sees fit to give them your land, MacKirdy kens they willnae be crossing his own borders.”

  “So he be content to let the English mongrel have a hold here? Have all the warriors of Scotland become women? To bow down forever to their English oppressors?”

  “Nay, they merely heed their own King. Alexander wants peace with the English.”

  “Aye, for he married Henry’s sister. He beds an English bitch and gives that wolf pup my land, but his lair isnae safe. An ally I have; close to Montwain, one that wants him dead and the King sorry he gave such trust to an Englishmon. This mon sent me to find an army. We must find a clan to fight and move hence against Montwain. These clans could fill their coffers with enough gold for three winters, and have the pride of a victory against England. Did ye send a messenger north to Forbes?”

  “Aye, but he hasnae returned. ’Tis a far way northeast to that clan.”

  “Aye, then, so be it. We ride to the Sinclair holding on the morn. Sinclair be a true Scot, for the English killed his father. He kens there will never be peace in Scotland until we rid the English vermin from our soil.”

  “Aye,” Graham said.

  Graham turned to leave the tent, and Calum barked, “Graham!”

  “Aye.”

  Calum took a long drink of ale, then lowered his tankard. “Bring me that little cooking wench, the one with the long dark hair. She shall warm my bed tonight.”

  When he arrived back at the castle with Lady Montwain, Gavin was informed by Nigel that he was needed outside the gates to settle a dispute. They had a visitor and he was causing trouble.

  “He wears Gordon colors,” Nigel said.

  Cat dismounted from her horse and a soldier came to take the animal to the stable. She felt a tremor of alarm when she realized the messenger could be the Gordon Laird. Cat hoped fervently that he was not going to demand Glyniss and Meggie return south. The child Meggie carried was indeed his grandchild, and blood ties were very important to the Scots. Many a bastard was given the entire responsibility of a clan at the death of his father. Cat said a quick prayer that the Gordon clan would not make war on Roderic.

  “Go inside, Lady Montwain,” Gavin said. Seeing that he was troubled, she forgave him his harsh tone.

  Gavin turned to Nigel. “Take me to the messenger now!”

  He returned to the keep within the hour, accompanied by a young man, tall, handsome, and wide-shouldered. The boy had bright, red-blond hair and deep brown eyes. When Cat gazed upon him she could find no other word for it; the young man was beautiful. His features were perfect; nose straight, jaw strong, and his brown eyes had long black lashes. He wore a plaid of dark blue, yellow, and green.

  Glyniss and Meggie sat near Cat by the fire, Meggie handing Glyniss threads to work on her tapestry. When Meggie caught sight of the young man, Cat, for the first time, heard the young girl’s voice.

  “Douglas!”

  Cat’s heart wrenched at the desperation and hope in the one word. Meggie threw down the thread and ran to him. He stepped around Gavin and swiftly met the lass to hold her in his arms.

  “Meggie, my Meggie.” He kissed her again and again then lifted her off her feet, holding her tightly.

  “My love, my own. I feared ye were lost to me forever.”

  The young man spoke in between kisses, joyful kisses. He held Meggie effortlessly and swung her around and around in pure joy. Glyniss stood, setting aside her tapestry, and walked forward, her movements stiff with anger.

  “Be at ease with the lass! And her big with your babe!” Glyniss was angry, but the young man seemed unconcerned. He even smiled at the older woman as he set Meggie down to her feet, arms still holding her fast.

  Bending to kiss her forehead lightly, he spoke. “Sheathe your claws, Glyniss. I could never hurt Meggie. I love her.”

  “Ah, ye be a wee bit tardy with that declaration, lad! Pretty words be easy to some, like a troubadour, but it takes a mon of integrity to stand up to the havoc he has wrought and make it right!”

  “Aye, ye speak the truth, and I am here to do so. ‘Twas my father’s plan that I marry Jane, for she be prosperous, and would bring many a coin to the clan.” Holding Meggie close, he gently stroked her huge belly.

  “I had hoped our child would alter his plans and move him to let us marry, but relent he would not. I have beseeched him all these weeks for leave granted to come to Meggie. He held steadfast, thereupon I have come for her, and I’ll take care of her. We will go to England and be married.”

  Roderic entered the chamber, but said nothing, silently observing the scene.

  Gavin lifted a brow and smiled. “It seems the young lover seeks his lady.”

  Glyniss interrupted. “You will take that child not one step from this keep!”

  Meggie bristled at the older woman’s decree. “I will. I will go with him to England if that is the only way we can be wed!”

  “That be brave talk, young lass! When ye stand weak as a sapling!”

  The young man suddenly frowned with concern, as if he only at this moment noticed Meggie’s body, so thin. “What has happen to ye, love?”

  “Your ow
n betrayal happened to her. She had all but given up on living,” Glyniss said.

  “Did ye not hope that I would come to you?” A devastated hurt was manifest in the young man’s eyes.

  “Truly, I did give up hope when your father sent Glyniss and me away.” Her voice broke with emotion.

  “Please believe me, Meggie, he told me not of his plot. Why do ye think he sent ye away when I was in Edinburgh? I would never let ye leave the clan had I been there. When I returned, ye had been gone many days.”

  Roderic suddenly spoke. “Young man?”

  “Aye, sir?”

  “Are you the son of the Gordon Laird?”

  “Aye, sir, ’Tis true.”

  “Are you the father of Meggie’s child?”

  “Aye, and I wish to marry her.”

  “And will your clan sanction this union?”

  The young man sighed heavily before he answered. “Nay, sir. They will stand with my father. Yet, I will pay ye for her keep, she and Glyniss, if ye may grant us consent to stay until her babe is born. Once they both become strong enough to make the journey, we will go hence to England to be wed.”

  “And if I give it, would your clan accede to this?”

  The young man paused and shook his head. “Nay, sir. I fear not.”

  In spite of the ladies present, Gavin shook his head and cursed. “Ahh! Another war!”

  Chapter Thirteen

  He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

  ~Proverbs 24:8

  Three days of hard riding brought Mackay to the Sinclair holding. The Laird would not bid them leave to enter his lands, so he arranged to meet where the Mackays had camped near the border. He came with ten warriors to council.