“Aye, thanks to Kate. Come Henry, let us continue on.”
Kate smiled at the king’s charming manner. He was a very young king and might be considered handsome by some. She kept her gaze on him and followed the procession, but she noticed that Brendan rode next to her. Before she knew what was happening, he dragged her off her horse’s back and settled her on his lap. He continued to ride toward the front of the procession. She didn’t say a word, but when they neared Henry, Brendan kissed her, and it wasn’t the sort of kiss one would expect, given that they now rode next to the king. Affronted by his action, Kate pulled away and silently pleaded with him to behave. He laughed at her. The scowling warrior laughed as though he was happy. She’d never understand him, not today, not on the morrow, not ever.
They reached the MacKinnon holding, and she left her horse at the stable for the men to tend to. She quickly walked down the hill and entered her cottage. After she changed her garments and washed up, she grabbed the medallion off the table, and went back to the castle. As she walked up the hill, she could hear yelling. Bravely, she went inside the hall and watched the goings on.
Henry paced in front of the hearth, giving Colin and Brendan a ferocious look. It didn’t seem to bother either of them.
“I cannot believe Richard de Morris took my own cousin’s child from my castle. What manner of man would do something so heinous? I’m shocked that he would go against his king. Why would he do that?” Henry stopped pacing when he noticed her. “Oh, you must be Lady Kaitlin, come, I wish to speak to ye.”
Kate didn’t like the fact that the charming king was now onerous. She couldn’t believe she heard the king speak Richard’s name. Colin must have told him that her guardian took Bonnie, and the king knew who her guardian was. Now that the information was out, she could speak to the king on her behalf and leave. She did as he bid and stepped before him, curtseying respectfully. “Your majesty, I am honored to see you again.”
“The pleasure is all mine, my lady. I was very saddened to hear of your father’s death. Lord Hawk was a worthy knight and a great vassal. He shall be missed.”
“Sire, my father spoke graciously about you, and looked forward to your coronation.” Kate relaxed when the king smiled at her from the other side of the table.
Henry sat across from where she stood. “I would like to hear the details of—”
“I will speak on my wife’s behalf.” Brendan dared to interrupt the king. He took her hand and guided her to a chair. Against her better sense, she sat quietly. Brendan whispered to her, “Katie, let me do the talking.”
“Nay, I am not a child, Brendan. I don’t need anyone to speak to the king for me.”
“You are my wife and will do as I say.” He gave her a feral frown.
Kate almost laughed. If he were a bull, he’d be steaming at the nostrils. She placed her hand on his arm and affectionately patted him in a condescending manner. “Brendan, if you don’t let me speak to the king, I shall cast a spell on you that will turn you into the most guileless husband.”
“You wouldn’t.” He raised an eyebrow, giving her that stone-faced look.
“Wouldn’t I?” She smiled, knowing her lie had worked effectively. Brendan grunted and turned away. He now scowled at the king, instead of her.
Henry and Colin watched them whispering to each other. “Brendan, did I hear you correctly? Are you saying you married Lady Stanhope?” Henry asked.
“Aye, Henry, I did.”
“You would go against my edict, knowing I betrothed her to Angus Barclay?”
Brendan nodded. “Why should the Barclay receive such a gracious gift, Henry? I admit at first, I thought about returning her to you, but then she bewitched me.” Brendan smiled at Henry and laughed when she pinched his arm.
“I cannot allow you to be married to her. I shall rectify this at once.”
“Sire, I had hoped—”
Brendan became ornery then and interrupted her. “I will not allow you to annul our marriage. She’s pleased with the arrangement and will not gainsay me. Besides, you owe me a favor, do you not, Henry? I’m asking for your approval, now.”
Henry muttered something under his breath. To look at him, you’d think he was delighted at hearing Brendan’s declaration. Kate hoped she was wrong.
“Why did I ever promise you a favor? I should have kept my mouth shut that day, but you know I was grateful to you for … well, if the lady is pleased to have made such a match then of course I’ll honor it. You’ll enjoy living in England, Brendan.”
Brendan spit out the ale he’d been drinking, and turned the nastiest scowl at Henry. Kate almost laughed. “What did ye say?”
“I said you’ll enjoy living in England. Lady Stanhope’s, ah, I mean, Lady MacKinnon’s land is beautiful and most prosperous. Her father took great care of his people as will you. His knights are the best trained soldiers in all my kingdom. That should please you, I imagine. Well, you can continue to train men for my service, as her father had done. This has worked out well, and to my advantage. I should have considered you for her husband, though it never crossed my mind.” Henry nodded satisfactorily, as if the entire arrangement had been planed by him.
“Henry, I never said I was leaving the highlands.”
Kate sat as emotionless as she could, but Brendan’s rejection sunk her heart. He was too attached to his beloved highlands and his people to ever leave them for her. She really wanted to yell at him, but the king smiled at her, then winked as if he knew a secret.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do about Angus though. What shall I tell him? I know … how about Brendan MacKinnon stole your wife and lands …”
Colin spoke up. “I’m sure you can find another situation that might be more beneficial to the Barclay. If you need assistance, the MacKinnons would be happy to make sure he desists the raids on the borderlands.”
Henry looked to stifle a laugh. “We shall speak of it later. Right now, I want to speak to Lady MacKinnon about Richard de Morris. My lady, will you please enlighten us on why Richard would do something so horrid as to take my cousin’s child?”
She moved away from Brendan, and gave him a frown, before turning her attention to the king. “Sire, I received a missive from Lord de Guylet saying I was to be placed in Lord Richard’s guardianship. My overlord did inform me that I would stay with Lord Richard until he returned and then I would be taken to my betrothed.” Kate turned a heated look at Brendan before continuing. “Lord Richard said something about not receiving lands from the regent and that he took the child for revenge.”
“Revenge for land? Oh, I remember now … Colin, when you and Julianna came, we were settling the matter of Julianna’s father’s holdings, which were now hers by right, but she didn’t want the lands and we … the regent didn’t approve of Richard’s request. I cannot believe he would do something so harsh as to take a child, a child under my own roof, because he was denied the land.” Henry shouted the last and banged his hand on the table. He turned to Kate and she leaned back, feeling someone behind her. She noticed Brendan.
Henry leaned forward and looked confused. “I sent Richard a missive asking him to oversee your father’s land until Lord de Guylet returned. I stated that de Guylet would take you to your betrothed, and that you could remain at your home. I didn’t want to upset you by having you leave, when you had only just heard of your father’s death. I’m not heartless.”
“At first, sire, I wasn’t certain why he made me leave my home, but then I discovered the truth. Pardon me, I digress. Let me tell you what happened. I arrived at Lord de Morris’ home and discovered Bonnie in the chamber next to mine, and I knew the de Morris’ hadn’t any children …” Kate continued to describe the events until she reached the part where she found Brendan in the forest. “… I don’t believe Lord Richard ever intended on having my betrothed contacted or for Lord de Guylet’s return.”
Henry had folded his hands and sat listening. The only sign she could see that he was affected, was the
forceful movement of his nostrils, stirring the hairs of his mustache. He rose to his full height, gripping his hair in frustration. He knocked his chair over, with a loud bang.
“That damned blighter, subjecting himself on an innocent woman and child. I knew he wanted the holding adjacent to his and had been in a parley with the Regent. The Regent decided against it, and told him the day of the faire, the day Bonnie went missing. He sought revenge against me and used Bonnie to get it. I cannot believe I just heard you say he attacked you in the woods.”
“He hurt her badly, Henry. We must repay him for his injustices. Katie has more to say, I believe.” Brendan nodded at her, but she stared at the king.
He gripped the chair and vehemently moved it so he could sit back down. Once he sat, he took a deep breath, and seemed to be trying to regain his composure. “I apologize, Lady Kaitlin. Please, go on.”
Kate nodded slightly, and handed the medallion to him. “I received this medallion from my father. Inside, there is a note from him which says beware the friend with the black heart. My father’s squire said that he and Lord Richard argued over it. I also have letters from my father, which clearly indicate Lord Richard wanted it. I don’t know its value, but I thought you should have it.”
“My lady, your father was my loyal vassal, and he was killed for it, so its value is nothing.”
Tears gathered in her eyes, but she quickly gained control of herself. “I thank you, sire.”
“Lord de Morris will be punished for his foul deeds. I will send my armies to him at once.” Henry pounded his fist on the table, making the cups rattle.
“That is all I ask, my lord, justice for my father.”
Colin stood, shaking his head. “Henry, there is no need to send your armies. Let me and my men hunt him down. Now that we know his name, we can find him and seek our own kind of justice. He took my daughter, for God’s sake, and almost killed Brendan’s wife. It is our right.”
A fierce look came to the king then, and Kate wasn’t certain if he agreed with Colin. “My lady, will you please excuse us. I don’t wish to speak of such a brutal subject of our retaliation in front of you.”
Kate rose, but Brendan grabbed her arm. He walked her to the door and kissed her before she left. She walked numbly toward her cottage. At least the attendance with the king was behind her. She knew Richard was going to be killed, but it really didn’t affect her. He deserved to die for all the evil deed’s he’d done lately. Still, death wasn’t something she took lightly. Once she went inside her cottage, she set her rope and candles on the floor. She couldn’t help but cry, now that it was over.
Chapter Nineteen
It was just the beginning—the start of an all out war against Richard de Morris.
Brendan waited for Katie to leave before he put in his opinion on the matter. Henry didn’t give him a chance to speak, because he rose from his chair and called his scribe forward.
“I shall send word at once. My army will find Richard no matter where he is.”
“Listen Henry, I am Katie’s husband, with your own approval. You should let me handle bringing de Morris to justice. We don’t need your army, nay, we can take care of de Morris. It is only right that we seek retaliation.”
“But it’s my fault, Brendan. It was one of my vassals who hurt Bonnie, killed Lady Kaitlin’s father, and hurt her. If I don’t do something …”
“She’s my niece and Katie’s my wife. Let Colin and me handle this. You have done enough by giving me Katie. I haven’t thanked you yet, have I?”
A smile tugged at Henry’s mouth. He broke out into laughter. “Brendan, I have never heard you speak so, married life has changed ye. Colin, did I hear Brendan MacKinnon thank me? I must be at my castle, tucked comfortably in my bed, dreaming this. ‘Tis a day I never thought I’d see, the day Brendan became gallant.”
Colin lifted his cup and offered a toast. “You did right by accepting their marriage, Henry. I didn’t think you would honor it, but how could you not? Brendan did save your arse that day by the loch.”
Henry gave a disheartened look at him. “You told them? I asked you not to, damn but you’re a pain in the arse, Brendan MacKinnon. Me thinks the lady is not too pleased to be your wife.”
Brendan laughed. “Aye, but given time, she’ll come to accept me. She’s beautiful and courageous.”
“Courageous indeed. I cannot believe I have agreed to this atrocity. I should never have betrothed her to the Barclay either. Nay, I should have met the woman first. Fortune shined on you Brendan and your clan when you found her. She is beautiful.”
“Aye, but she’s more than that. She’s obstinate, beyond stubborn, and drives me to distraction, and I can’t get enough of her. So tell me, where exactly does this de Morris live?”
Henry laughed and continued to tease him. “Colin, did he say that she was stubborn? Sounds like a match made in heaven, if you ask me. Mayhap I should be relieved you’re married to her and not I?”
“Do not jest, Henry. We should be discussing retaliation plans.” Brendan began pacing, wanting to learn the man’s whereabouts. He wanted to be on his way.
Henry poured himself a cup of ale and started to speak when Burk, Walt, and Gil strode into the hall.
“Forgive us for interrupting, Colin, but we just received word that English forces are sitting on our border, the McFies have them cornered.” Walt gave the report.
“Aye, it must be de Morris. He’s been on our land, perhaps he’s waiting for Katie.” Brendan took out his dagger and studied its sharpness. “He told Katie that if she didn’t return to him with the medallion within a month, he’d send his army to her home. I believe he’s been waiting to make sure she left.”
Henry shot to his feet. “When the hell were you going to tell me that? I’ll send my men to protect her home. Colin, you and your men have my permission to seek out de Morris.”
Colin nodded to him. “We’ll meet in fifteen minutes by the stables. Walt, get our men ready. Give the order of arms.”
“I have to take care of something first.” Brendan left the hall and walked down the hill. He shoved the door to Kate’s cottage open and strode inside. She sat in her circle, and he smiled seeing her there. He knelt down on one knee and gave her a healthy view of what was beneath his tartan. He didn’t say anything, but pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He tightened his hold on her, lifting her against his body. She became limp against him, not being able to fight the feelings he aroused. His kiss turned into a smile. Brendan pulled back, setting her down on the floor.
“I must go. I don’t know how long I’ll be, but I wanted to say goodbye. You’ll be here when I return? I want your vow, wife.”
She sucked in a breath at hearing him call her such. “I am certain I’ll be here when you return, but I shan’t give you a vow.”
“Katie, I don’t have time to argue with ye. I need to know you’ll be here when I return and to know that you …” There he was, pleading again. He ground his jaw. Caring for this lass would cause him much consternation.
“I wish to discuss your not living in England, Brendan. My people need me and I must return to them. I would expect—”
He kissed her quickly. “I must go, we’ll discuss it later. Don’t get into trouble.” He turned and strode to the door, thinking, mayhap a little time would attune her to the idea of being married to him—mayhap a great deal of time.
On his way to the stable, Brendan was fit to kill. He took on his usual mien for battle. The MacKinnon warriors rode out ready for war, fully armed, primed for fighting. Many men wore the blue paint they favored. At least one hundred soldiers rode down the hill. Colin had called up the Kerr clan and a few of his other allies, because he wanted to confront the clootie that had taken his daughter. The men were in a vengeful mood, many wore hardened faces, exhibiting a serious tone in their speech.
“Brendan, do you deem it’s them?” Gil asked.
“I don’t know, it might be. We’ll see when we get
there, I suppose.”
“Aye, then we’ll set it to right.”
“Aye, Gil, we will.”
“No one kills him but me,” Colin commanded.
Brendan wanted to dispute his claim, but he concluded he would take care of it when the time came. Aye, the man was his and his alone to inflict vengeance upon. When they arrived at the convergence, Brendan jumped from his warhorse, landed on his feet and surveyed the foes in the distance. Ellic McFie awaited in the clearing with many of his soldiers.
“Ellic, fine day for a scuffle, wouldn’t you say?” Colin nodded a greeting. “How long have they been here? Have they made a move yet?”
“They’ve been here about two days. Nay, the Sassenachs sit in the woods, seem to be waiting for something, but they haven’t made a move. There’s about a fifty of ‘em up on the rise behind us, and more beyond.” He tilted his head in their direction. “I say we send them to hell. I don’t know what they think they’re doing squatting on our land, but we’ll ask questions later.”
Colin nodded in agreement.
The highland warriors lined the base of the rise. They sat on their warhorses, ready for battle. The English soldiers speckled the horizon with their colorful banners. Their shiny armor reflected the sun, which sent a glare over the hill.
“It’ll be easy to pick them off.” Brendan noted their attire.
Many held red banners with a lion encircled by leaves. Colin indicated that he tried to recall if he’d seen the emblem before, but he didn’t recognize it. The English soldiers had their arrows notched at the ready.
“I’m awaiting the Kerrs. Have they arrived yet, Ellic?” Colin asked.
“Nay, they’re not here yet. Douglas sent word that he had troubles of his own at present, and couldn’t come, but that he would send men with Cedric.”
“There are many arrows pointed at us, they’ll likely darken the sky when they let ‘em loose,” Robin said.
“Good, then we’ll have shade on us while we battle.” Brendan paced before them and stopped, shielding his eyes, looking to the rise.
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