Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy

by Warrior's Pledge

  Julianna climbed down the crag. The ground had become slippery from the rain, and she almost lost her footing. She looked down at a path made by horses. Deciding to follow it, she hoped it would lead to the keep. She noticed the sky darkened to dusk. Slipping on a slope of lichen and moss, she fell to her knees and landed in a bog. The muckiness covered her. Laughing, she crawled on her hands and knees until she reached a tree to rest. She closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of a merle squawking overhead. Likely no one would find her here in the mist.

  In a deep sleepy trance, Julianna couldn’t seem to open her eyes, nor move her body. A strange and curious vision came to her of Bleeth and Colin walking through the forest. She whimpered to get their attention, but was unable to open her mouth. I’m here, over here. Pray, come, this way. I’m here.

  Bleeth walked beside Colin, exploring the woods.

  “I cannot see much in this dank mist,” Bleeth said.

  Colin stopped in a small clearing, and looked to be scanning the area. “She has to be here somewhere. Julianna, can ye hear me?”

  Colin, I am here. She whimpered, trying to alert them. Her voice wouldn’t work, but her mind screamed. Help me.

  “Do ye hear something?”

  “’Tis probably your imagination, Bleeth. She has to be here somewhere.”

  “I heard something, I tell ye. I say we split up and you go in that direction. I’ll stay here and look among these trees. Mayhap she’s hurt.”

  Colin frowned, but nodded.

  Julianna wanted to cry out to him, he was walking away. Nay, nay, don’t leave me, Colin.

  Bleeth, now alone and only a scant distance away, called her name. She wanted to reply, tried to, but she wasn’t able. He called out again.

  “Julianna, answer me. I am here, cherub. I won’t let the highlander rescue ye. You have to let me know where you are.”

  In her mind, she saw him wave his hands. She groaned and fidgeted. He mustn’t try magic. Now is not the time for foolishness. Help me.

  “Julianna, I will have your favor, and I promise to find ye. I know one way to keep the Scot occupied.” He looked at Colin’s back, for he’d walked a short distance from Bleeth. “There,” Bleeth said, pointing in Colin’s direction.

  Julianna muffled a cry and squeezed her eyes, not wanting to see the horrible thing Bleeth had surely done to Colin, but no matter how hard she closed her eyes, the vision was adamantly clear.

  Glowing embers appeared, emanating around them. Before Bleeth could move, Colin hurried away and stepped out of the radius. It was too late, as Bleeth was now trapped inside, while the Colin disappeared in the mist.

  Don’t leave, Colin, come back. Pray, come back. She could hear his footsteps nearby.

  She muffled a sound, a tiny cry that seemed to be swallowed by the mist. “I’m here.”

  Colin heard her and came running. He crouched beside her. “Jules.”

  With her eyes closed, she whispered, “Help me. I cannot move.” He almost fell backwards when she spoke.

  “Ye sound like a frog, Jules. I searched for ye all day, you had me worried, love. I’ll take ye back to the keep. Can ye hold onto me?”

  She could tell he tried not to sound angry, but she heard a bite to his words.

  “I am sorry, I … got lost.”

  Colin lifted her, and she wrapped her arms around him. “You’re hot, Jules. You’re burning with fever. Aye, that’s what ye get for walking out in the rain.”

  She sighed. “I couldn’t find my way b-back.”

  He kissed her cheek. “Remind me not to let ye set off by yourself again.”

  “I saw men … in the forest. They were not KirkConnells.”

  He now frowned. “How many were there?”

  “Four.” She snuggled against him, happy to set her head on his shoulder. Her eyes burned, and she was hot, too hot. Now that Colin had found her, she could rest.

  “You’re shaking, lass, and ye look like a wet sheep.” He laughed.

  Julianna didn’t have the strength to pinch him as she wanted to. He set her down and Colin took a plaid from his body and wrapped it around her. His body warmth still heated the material and an instant comfort came to her.

  She sneezed then asked, “What is it?”

  “I forgot Bleeth, he’s here somewhere. He helped me search.” He cupped his mouth and shouted, “Bleeth.”

  They walked to where Colin thought he had left him. “He should be here somewhere. Bleeth, I found Jules.”

  Bleeth stepped forward, appearing from the mist between the trees. He ran to them, and stopped before he knocked Colin down.

  “Are ye hurt, my lady?”

  “Oh, Bleeth, thank ye for coming. I’m well.”

  He took her hand. “I’m relieved you are all right.”

  “We must return to the keep,” Colin said. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying, and has the fever.” He took her in his arms again.

  Julianna kept her eyes closed, feeling secure against Colin’s chest. He held her tenderly. She let her senses take him in and listened to his gruff speech, she smelled his wonderful scent, and felt his hard, warm body. He made her feel as safe as a newborn babe.

  When they reached the keep, Bleeth didn’t say a word and went in the direction of the barracks. Colin carried her into the hall and told Steven and Sara what happened. Then she was carried up the steps and set in bed, with him looming over her saying something about staying there.

  Sara followed them and had a warm bath waiting her return. Behind a makeshift screen, Julianna was undressed and submerged in the bathwater. She felt the chill fighting the heat, and her teeth began chattering. Voices beyond the screen sounded like Colin and Steven, and she tried to concentrate on what they were saying.

  “Jules said she saw four men riding on your land. She didn’t give a description, but I thought ye might want to send a sentry.”

  “Aye, I’ll have my men ride out,” Steven said. “Who do ye think they are?”

  “Probably men after Jules,” Colin muttered.

  “They dared to come on my land? She’s in that much danger?”

  “Aye, I’ll set someone to watch her when I’m not with her. The English tried to get to her once, but they weren’t fortunate that day. I’m certain her father will send more men. I want to know why he wants her return so urgently. Mayhap the king sent men.”

  “We will keep a watch. Colin, this is getting severe. I will set more men on sentry. You should take her to your home soon. She would be better protected there.”

  “I shall think about it, but right now, she needs rest.”

  The voices retreated, and Sara helped her from the basin. She continued to chatter her teeth, even though the warm nightrail she was placed in felt comforting. No sooner had she been placed in the bed, she closed her eyes.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Colin rode with Steven’s sentry to search for the men Julianna had seen, yet no intruders could be found. He returned to the keep and immediately set off to Jules’ chamber. Slipping inside, he could see her form on the bed. As he approached, he noticed her thrashing. He sat next to her, placing his hand to her head and frowned. Her fever burned. Colin wasn’t sure what he should do and so he went to the basin, wet a cloth, and applied it to her head. He wondered if he should awaken Sara. But most likely, she couldn’t do anything for a fever. He striped her garments and covered her with his plaid.

  ‘Nay, Father, nay. Dungeon … I shall die. Laila, run, monsters.’ Her arms flailed and she cried. Colin listened to her secrets as she continued to move about the bed. He lay next to her and tried to soothe her by caressing her arms and face, but it did no good. Her muttering continued and her fever raged.

  ‘I won’t marry him. Run, the soldiers … the blood. Colin, I need ye. Don’t leave me.’

  “I won’t,” he promised. Her turmoil fueled her tossing, and he tried to shake her awake, but she wouldn’t open her eyes. Taking the cloth, he soaked it again in the col
d water and reapplied it to her head.

  ‘He killed Mama. I do care for ye, Colin. I have to go back … for Laila.’

  He held her, but she was strong, and continued to thrash. His gentled words finally calmed her and she cried softly in her sleep. Colin fell asleep beside her sometime during the night. When he awoke, he found her naked body nestled against him. His body responded to her warmth—even in his sleep he wanted her. Grimacing, he couldn’t believe he actually thought about that when she was so ill. Besides, he wouldn’t take advantage of her, no matter how much he wanted her. Toward morning, her fever subsided and she slept peacefully. He decided to get Sara, because he wasn’t knowledgeable in healing matters. He left the chamber to get assistance, and found Sara in the hall when he entered.

  “Laird MacKinnon, ye look … horrible. Did ye get any sleep? Are ye unwell?”

  “I was with Jules all night. Her fever subsided, but she needs care. I thought to ask you, but I realize that ye shouldn’t. I’ll continue to see to her.”

  Sara responded to his statement by taking the stairs two at a time, and when she returned, she walked silently into the hall.

  “You must think of your bairn now, Sara. She’ll be well soon. Don’t worry for her.”

  Colin wasn’t sure how to comfort Sara, especially when she began sobbing. He slunk away and went to the kitchens to seek the advice of the cook.

  Laden with linens and water, he returned to Juliana’s chamber. His thoughts became more crazed when the fever spiked. Many times, he checked her breathing, thinking she’d died. His heart wrenched, because he wasn’t about to lose her when he’d only found her again.

  “If anything happens …” He rasped a sigh, stretching his body out next to hers. With one arm across her stomach, his head cuddled near her shoulder, her warmth relaxed him and he fell asleep.

  He dreamt about her. She smiled as she held their bairn, cradled in her arms, swinging around gaily, calling him, ‘Colin.’ It was a bonny sound, filled with laughter and love.

  His da’s face came. ‘You must avenge me, Colin, lad. The McFies are awaiting.’ He turned away from Julianna and her smile faltered.

  ‘Don’t leave me, Colin. Don’t go.’ He didn’t acknowledge Julianna, but moved away.

  ‘Avenge me … the McFies.’

  ‘You will never see me again. I won’t be here when ye return.’

  The voices came at him at once and he woke with a start, wondering why he had dreamt such a thing. He knew he must finish the feud before he could pursue a relationship with Julianna. That thought made him cringe. If he returned to the feud, she might not be there when he returned. He would command her to stay, but she was a headstrong lass. The only way to get her to stay with him was to … He wouldn’t consider it. Sitting forward in the chair he’d taken, he leaned on his knees. Maybe he should join her in the bed, but before he could move, she awoke.

  She pressed her hands to her head and opened her eyes.

  “You’re ill, sweetheart. I am taking care of ye.”

  Julianna groaned. “The hell ye are. I feel terrible.”

  He laughed. “That’s no way for a lady to talk.”

  “My throat is sore. Get me water,” she said irritably.

  “Jules, you’re cranky in the morn. Get me this, get me that, so demanding.” He teased.

  “God above, leave me to die in peace, will ye?” She groaned again, pulling the covers over her head.

  He shook with laugher. “I’ll get ye broth. Don’t move from that bed or you’ll be sorry.”

  “Sorry? Colin MacKinnon, ‘tis indecent for ye to be … Oh my, I’m naked! Get out!” she yelled, before her voice finally gave out.

  “I have been here for two days? Everyone knows.”

  “Everyone? How embarrassing. I do feel terrible.” Her face had turned a bit pink. “Did ye undress me? Nay, don’t answer that, because I don’t want to know.”

  “Aye, lass, stay put. I’ll return with food.” He left to get fare, hoping it might make her more agreeable.

  When Colin entered the kitchens, the ladies smiled and giggled. Their silliness made him feel awkward. He asked for a bowl of broth, and he was given it, along with all sorts of foodstuffs. As hungry as he was, he took it and muttered his thanks.

  He passed by Sara on his way back to Julianna’s chamber.

  “Jules awoke. I’m taking her food.”

  “Do ye want me to take it?”

  “Nay, she’s mighty grumpy. I’ll deal with her.”

  Sara laughed and said, “I’m sure you will.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Sara watched him take the stairs. Colin didn’t look too happy to be the caretaker of such a grumpy woman.

  Steven came into the hall. “What are ye laughing about?”

  “The funniest thing happened.” She took his hand, leading him to the table. “Colin walked by with a huge tray of foodstuffs. He said Julianna awoke, and that he’d deal with her.”

  Steven didn’t smile. In fact, he looked downright ornery. Sara hadn’t spoken to him since she’d left the hall, after Julianna had gotten hurt. She hadn’t forgiven him for being so cold-hearted either.

  “Come, love, let us talk.” He patted his lap.

  Sara stood next to him, and though she was angry, she wouldn’t disobey, especially because of the way he’d asked.

  “I have a few things to say, and ye shan’t interrupt. I didn’t have a chance to talk about what happened the other day, and last night you fell asleep before I came to bed,” he explained. “I know how you feel about Julianna. I would gladly let her stay, but her place is not here.”

  Sara nodded. He continued, “If I let her hide here, she won’t live as she should. Don’t ye want her to make a life for herself?”

  “She doesn’t have anyone to care for her, and she’s frightened. Julianna needs me.”

  “Nay, she doesn’t need ye. She has someone who cares for her a great deal, but she doesn’t know it yet.”

  “Do you know something I don’t?”

  “You must promise not to repeat what I say—to do so would ruin my plans.”

  “Aye, I promise to keep your confidence. Don’t I always?”

  Steven nodded. “Colin is falling in love with her. He thinks to keep her, though he doesn’t speak of marriage. I know this; he’ll not leave without her. My plan is to force him to decide. If he’ll not marry her, then he shan’t take her with him. He’ll probably bash my head for my interference.” He laughed. “Would ye mind looking at my bruised face for a while?”

  Sara smiled at his plan. “He always uses his fists to get his way. Will you be unharmed going against him?”

  “We always fought when we were younger. He cannot best me now. I’ll give him a few bruises as well. I’ve seen the way he watches her.”

  “She’s attracted to him, but she’s sworn against marriage too. I don’t know why, but she feels if she marries, her husband would be placed in jeopardy.”

  Steven frowned. “Why would she think that?”

  “I believe it has to do with her mother. She’s held her secrets close. I’ve known her for years, and she’s never told me. I don’t believe she’ll take to hearing he’d marry her. She might live with Colin, if only to hide,” Sara said solemnly.

  “Someone has to protect her. Colin would gladly take her as a mistress.”

  “Steven, I’m pleased you’re concerned. I thought ye didn’t want her here.”

  “I couldn’t let on how I really felt. He needs someone to care for him. I don’t know what his da told him about his mother, only he’s sworn not to give his heart to any woman. I think he’s already given his to Julianna. He treated her tenderly when she fell.”

  “Somehow, we must get them to marry. She needs him as much as he needs her.”

  “They have a battle ahead, what with her secrets and his. I mean for them to do what’s right. She received a message from her king last eve, who has bid her attendance. Do ye know why?
”

  “The king, King John? She fears her father greatly. I don’t believe Lord Bentley is her real father, either. Over the years, she hinted about it. Mayhap her real father is who she’s hiding from? Mayhap the king wants to settle the matter?” Sara looked at her husband woefully.

  He pulled her into his arms. “Would she not go to her real father for help? Mayhap her real father is not as powerful?”

  “Whoever he might be, he’d be lucky to have a daughter akin to Julianna. She has a good heart and is concerned for her sister. Laila is still in the care of her father. I worry for them both.”

  “We’ll figure it out, love. Colin must do right by her.”

  “Aye, she might fight it, but I’ll wage my attack on her conscience. She’ll agree eventually. I’m glad you’re not angry for speaking to ye so in front of Colin. Can ye forgive me?”

  “Aye, sweetheart, I forgive ye. Give me a sweet kiss, and I’ll forget all about it.” She leaned forward, and gave him what he wanted.

  Steven laughed. “It is almost time to put our plan to work.”

  “Aye, we’ll have to wait until she’s well enough.”

  Steven nodded. “I just hope we can pull it off.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Julianna didn’t dare move off the bed, especially being unclad. She had no strength to move about the room to search for her garments. As she lay there, she thought about the fact that Colin had taken care of her. She wondered if he had looked at her when he’d undressed her. How utterly embarrassing. Was he beginning to care, as she cared for him? She hoped so, because at the moment, he’d endeared himself for being so darned sweet.