My Highland Rebel

by Amanda Forester

  “I dinna even ken who these people are,” complained David to his Isabelle.

  “Sorry, dear, busy with an amputation,” returned his wife, holding a bone saw.

  “What is all this?” Jyne’s brother Rab chose that moment to return to Kinoch Abbey. He saw David and paled.

  David narrowed his eyes at his youngest brother. “Ye were supposed to watch over yer sister. Ye and I are going to have words.”

  “Och, David, dinna be too hard on him. It was my idea for him to go to the tournament,” said Jyne.

  “Tournament?” thundered David.

  Rab shot her a glance to tell her to stop helping him.

  “What do ye want me to do wi’ the gold?” Dubh wandered back outside to ask his question, drawing everyone’s attention.

  “What gold?” asked Cormac.

  “The gold we found in the big hole ye made. The gold ye said would be in the crypt. Found it just like ye said.”

  “Gold?” gasped Jyne. She looked at Luke and Breanna, who both nodded and smiled.

  Core stared at Jyne in shock and then laughed until tears ran down his cheeks. He held on to her like he was never letting go.

  Forty

  Kinoch Abbey was a flurry of activity. Jyne took a few minutes to inform David and Isabelle of all that had transpired, and she could not miss the look of surprise in David’s eyes. He was impressed by her, and she was gratified by his stoic praise. All the while, food was being prepared for the large gathering, the children and elders who had left were called to return, and most importantly, the gold they had found in the crypt continued to be recovered.

  Core oversaw the process, and all watched with eager eyes as more and more was pulled out of the crater and piled on a large sheet in the middle of the courtyard. Many hands were eager to help, under the watchful eyes of Bran and Luke, who directed the activities and ensured no stray coin ended up in someone’s pocket.

  Core’s men grew restless, helping haul stones and watching the treasure being brought forth. Not even the procession of Red Rex being carried on a litter by ten men to a chamber to recuperate from his ordeal could reduce their ardor for gold.

  Jyne feared that the tenuous truce between the ruffians and the Campbells might break any moment in a brawl for the gold. While all other eyes were focused on gold, she ran to the kitchens and found another long-necked iron kettle to bind to the pole and bring out to Cormac. All eyes watched the strange contraption, particularly the former men of Red Rex, who knew the power Cormac could wield. They may wish for gold, but they respected the Fire Lord.

  When it became clear that they had recovered all the loot, they stood around to stare at it. Who did it belong to? What was going to be done with it?

  “This gold is yers,” said Core to Laird Campbell. “This is yer holding, so it goes to ye.”

  Several of his men gasped and grumbled at the pronouncement, but he held up his deadly staff, and they glared at him in sullen silence.

  David Campbell looked surprised at the statement, as was Jyne. Would he really give it all away?

  “Ye would give it to my brother?” exclaimed Jyne.

  “It is naught to me, compared to ye,” Core said boldly.

  “It means something to me,” grumbled Dubh loudly.

  Again, Core held up a staying hand, and again, his men obeyed him. They had clearly taken heed of the unconscious form of Red Rex, and no one wished to stand against Cormac MacLean.

  “Ye are correct,” boomed Laird Campbell to the crowd who gathered around the pile of gold. “Kinoch Abbey and all within belong to the Campbell. As such, it is my right to distribute its wealth as I see fit. First, I would reward the elders here who helped dig to rescue the Lady Jyne. I accept the oath of allegiance ye swore to clan Campbell wi’ my thanks for the protection o’ my sister. Let every elder o’ clan Ranald, heretofore to be known as clan Campbell, come forward to claim one coin each.”

  People gasped and cried out, either in joy or dismay, as each of the elders stepped forward to claim their prize. In one minute, they went from being the poorest of people to those of comfortable means.

  “Since my men have also assisted in this quest, I would grant them the same boon,” said the Campbell, allowing his few dozen soldiers to claim a piece of the prize. The men of Red Rex grumbled louder.

  “The rest, along with Kinoch Abbey and all the lands therein,” called David for all to hear, “I give to my sister, the Lady Jyne Campbell, today, the day o’ her wedding.” David nodded to the priest, who had been hustled to Kinoch to oversee the event.

  “Thank ye, David,” said Jyne, blinking back emotion. She looked up at Cormac. “I trust ye to do what’s right.”

  “I hope I shall no’ disappoint,” he said to her under his breath. Jyne smiled at him with confidence. He had more than proven himself to her.

  “First, to my wife, I give a goodly portion for her comfort and the comfort of our children.” He scooped up two handfuls and gave them to Jyne, who struggled to hold them all, shoving the heavy gold coin into pockets, which strained under the weight.

  “Next, I give a portion to Brother Luke and my sister Breanna. I understand it was Breanna who called ye all to dig to save our lives and, in doing so, found the treasure. We all owe her a debt of gratitude, which I hope this will compensate.” He handed them a large portion.

  “Next, to each o’ the men o’ Red Rex, I offer ye the following accord. Each o’ ye has earned a coin for yer service.”

  Men began to scramble forward to claim their reward, ignoring whatever else Cormac might say.

  “Wait!” hollered Cormac, slamming his staff down on the linen sheet containing the gold. “Listen to what I will tell ye. Ye all have lived a life deserving of retribution. And yet, I would like to offer ye the chance for redemption that I have found. I put this question to Laird Campbell. Ye are laird here and have the right to measure judgment against us. Instead of the punishment we deserve, will ye accept one gold coin as compensation for our crimes that we may find pardon in yer eyes?”

  David raised an eyebrow and looked at Cormac with a slight smile. Jyne knew David was pleased with Core’s request, and she was pleased to have fallen in love with a man who could show such wisdom.

  “Aye, I will accept one gold coin as restitution and offer any who choose it pardon. Any who would accept it must also swear allegiance to me and serve the house of Campbell.”

  Core stooped down to grab one gold coin. He walked to David and handed him the coin. Core kneeled before him and swore allegiance to clan Campbell. Jyne’s heart soared, and she had to wipe away a tear more than once before the oath was complete.

  “Welcome, Cormac, to clan Campbell.” David offered his hand to Cormac, who shook it heartily.

  Jyne found she needed to wipe away another tear and was grateful for Isabelle’s offer of a handkerchief.

  “Now, men who have served my father. Ye may come forward and collect yer coin. If ye will turn away from this life and accept pardon, offer yer coin to Laird Campbell, swear allegiance to him, and begin a new life.”

  Bran stepped forward first. He picked up a coin and stared at it, turning it round in his hand as if savoring the feel of the coin in his hand. Jyne held her breath. What would the warrior choose?

  Bran strode forward to Laird Campbell, offered the coin, and took a knee. Jyne found she was getting a lot of use out of the handkerchief and blew her nose.

  “Ye best keep that one,” said Isabelle dryly.

  Jyne smiled at her.

  More of the rough men came forward to give their coin to Laird Campbell and swear their allegiance. Not all though. Many of Rex’s men who had arrived that morning took their coin and ran.

  After all the men had made their choice, Cormac gathered the edges of the sheet, forming a pouch with the remaining gold coins within. He shook the bag, caus
ing the coins to jingle in a tantalizing manner. Jyne assumed this was Core’s portion, but her betrothed was not quite finished.

  “This I would claim as my portion. And yet, since ye are a righteous and forgiving man, Laird Campbell, I would beg yer pardon for one more undeserving soul—my father, born Reginald MacLean.”

  David’s eyebrows clamped down into a stern frown. It was one thing to forgive those who served Red Rex. It was another to pardon the man himself.

  “None can change the crimes that my father committed, but I hope that within this bag, some solace can be found to compensate those he hurt for their loss and restore the property of those from whom he stole.”

  “Red Rex has twenty years of sins to atone for,” said David, shaking his head.

  “It can never be enough, but let this serve as restitution to the victims.” Core handed the sheet and all the remaining gold coins to Laird Campbell.

  David accepted them but said, “Why would ye seek pardon for such a man?”

  Core looked over at Jyne. “Because I have been shown mercy. And because God commands it of us and grants it to us.”

  David acknowledged the truth of the statement with a slight nod.

  “My father allowed his grief to poison him. Losing someone ye love can feel like a pain that will never end.” Core looked over at Luke, who nodded and reached out to take Breanna’s hand. “But I hope that love can heal too. My father has shown me naught but cruelty and neglect. Today, he intended to kill me. And yet, I winna give him power over me. I hope to live a better life.” He looked back again at Jyne. “For now I have a reason for it.”

  Core smiled at her, and Jyne returned a watery smile of her own.

  David jingled the bag, as if weighing the contents, along with Core’s arguments. “And if he lives and starts causing trouble again?”

  “I shall blow off the other arm.”

  David smiled at the thought. “We have reached an accord. I accept this payment as restitution.”

  Jyne rushed to Core’s side, who dropped his staff in favor of holding her in a warm embrace. Their lips met until the loud sound of David clearing his throat reminded them to wait for their vows.

  “Ye are so clever!” cried Jyne.

  “Do ye approve o’ how I have distributed it?” queried Core, apprehension in his eyes.

  “Aye, verra much! But ye’ve left none of the treasure for yerself.”

  “I suppose I shall have to be content with marrying a rich wife,” said Core with a gleam in his eyes. “I wonder where I might find one.”

  Jyne smiled in return. “I am happy to perform the office.”

  “Ye’re verra kind, Lady Jyne.”

  Whatever she was going to say was captured by his kiss.

  “Well now, good thing Luke was able to secure a priest. Let us get ye ready for a wedding!” cried Isabelle.

  Isabelle took over preparations for the wedding and insisted first that the bride and groom be made presentable. Jyne soaked in the tub, relieved to be clean once more, though it was not quite as good without Cormac. With Isabelle standing guard outside, there was no chance of that. She ensured that all people heading toward matrimony were properly and separately bathed.

  Isabelle saw to Breanna’s transformation, lending her one of her own silk kirtles in sage green. With her red curls pulled back and a gauzy veil, Breanna looked a very bonnie bride.

  Isabelle also fussed over Jyne’s appearance, putting her in a pale blue silk with silver embroidery. A sheer veil was pinned on her hair, and Isabelle stood back and nodded in approval. Despite all the excitement and lack of sleep that made her slightly giddy, Jyne was more than ready to say her vows.

  The brides were led out by Isabelle, Cook, and the other matrons to the doors of the chapel, where the priest stood to bless their union. When she saw Cormac standing there, her knees went weak. He was clean and shaven, his angular features appearing noble and true. He had been clothed in the Campbell plaid and wore it to perfection on his trim, muscular body. This was the man she would marry. This was her husband.

  Oh, what an adventure she had to tell!

  Epilogue

  Jyne woke to a trail of kisses being planted down her cheek.

  “Sorry, did I wake ye, lass?” asked Core.

  Jyne stretched in the warm blankets in a luxurious manner. After five months of marriage, waking up in the arms of her husband was something she still found a delightful surprise.

  “Aye, ye did. Do it again.”

  “As ye wish.” He began to kiss her again, this time running his hand up her thigh to the place that made her groan with pleasure.

  “Ah, ye’re just doing that because ye ken I can deny ye nothing when ye do. What do ye want now?” she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “I have everything I want, everything I need. Except mayhap…” He nuzzled her neck, warm and tender. This was her lover, her husband, the future father of her children. He was far from a perfect man, but he was hers, and she was more than content.

  Her clever husband had been quick to learn the language of her body, understanding whether a gasp meant stop or more. He rolled on top of her, caressing and massaging intimate places until she pulled him closer, desiring him above all else. He joined with her, building up a cascade of delight until she found sweet release in his arms.

  “I love ye,” he murmured in her ear when he was capable of speech once more.

  “I love ye too,” said Jyne, happy on such a sunny summer morning. “Och, but look how high the sun is already. We need to get out o’ bed, or there’ll be talk.”

  “Talk? What talk? That I am hopelessly bewitched by ye? I think everyone already knows it by now.”

  “I need to get dressed to meet wi’ Breanna. We are going to talk more plans for their new home.”

  With their generous portion of the Templar treasure, Luke and Breanna had decided to build a large manor house on the other side of the valley. Breanna had searched for all her younger sisters who needed a good home and had brought them to her. She also took on all the children who had been left behind at Kinoch Abbey. The resulting cacophony of children seemed to make her and Luke very happy.

  Dubh had decided to become their personal protector and enjoyed playing games with the children even more than they did. Dubh had a particular affinity for ghost stories, to the delight of his young friends.

  There was one little girl, though, who left their happy home. One morning, Jyne felt a tug on her skirts and found Ina standing there, a handful of her skirt bunched in the tot’s tight fist. Jyne had smiled at Ina, and Ina had returned it. And so Ina remained with Jyne and Core, sliding into life within the keep like she belonged there, for so she did.

  Jyne rolled out of the warm bed and chose a gown for the day. “Breanna and Luke are thinking of adding another tower and additional chambers.”

  “The more rooms they plan, the more children they seem to obtain,” commented Core. “I think the rooms breed them.”

  Jyne laughed. “Would ye like children, my love?”

  Core propped himself up on an elbow and smiled at her. “I think Ina would enjoy a little one to play with, if we are so blessed.”

  “Well then. I believe we may be so blessed.” Jyne smiled.

  “Truly?” Core’s eyes opened wide.

  “Truly.”

  Core whooped and jumped from the bed. Jyne laughed at the amusing sight of her naked husband dancing about the room.

  “Is everything all right in there?” Bran pounded on the door.

  “Aye, we are well,” responded Core, diving back under the covers in case their new captain of the guard should decide to enter the room. “We are more than well. We are expecting!”

  “Expecting what?” asked the gruff captain. “Oh, aye, well then…carry on.”

  Core snuggled back
under the covers, and Jyne cuddled into him, warm and happy. “Shall we tell yer father the news? I hope he shall make a better grandfather than he did a father.”

  “Could hardly miss,” said Core with a snort. Red Rex had been quite put out when he woke and realized they had not let him die. He was utterly amazed when he heard of what Cormac had done for him, giving up his share of the treasure to pay restitution for him. Perplexed by these events, Rex took on the name Brother Reginald and decided to become a hermit. Core built a lonely hermitage for him, where he remained, weak and humbled. Jyne had made sure it was equipped with a long-necked kettle, to be a daily reminder to behave himself.

  The elders had encouraged more of their clan to return and, with their wealth, had built up a small village around Kinoch Abbey and had indeed gotten the crops in on time for a bountiful harvest. Jyne had taken a few of the coins to furnish her new home comfortably for all who lived in it, even splurging on a growing library, to the delight of her husband, though he insisted her stories were always his favorites.

  Core placed his ear to Jyne’s tummy, as if to hear his unborn babe. “I think I hear him!”

  “I think I’m hungry,” replied Jyne.

  “He shall be a strong lad.”

  “Or a strong lass,” reminded Jyne.

  “Och, nay, the lasses in this family are no’ strong; they’re ferocious!”

  Jyne laughed. “Come here then, if ye dare!”

  Cormac was a very daring husband indeed.

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  France, 1359

  Sir Gavin Patrick spurred his destrier and raced into the rising tide of English soldiers with the full knowledge they had already lost. Gavin was a bright lad by all accounts, but even one slow with his sums could readily see that the small force of French and Scottish allies was grossly outnumbered. Again.