Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy

by Warrior's Pledge

  “What guise?”

  “That he didn’t want you here, but he would never have sent you away. Steven and I thought to motivate Colin in the marital direction.”

  Julianna laughed, then sobered. “No one could motivate Colin to do anything.”

  “It’s good to see you’re taking this well. I didn’t think you would rejoice at his departure.”

  “I shall miss him, but what can I do? He’s gone, and I don’t believe there is anything I can do about it.”

  “I am sorry, Julianna.”

  “I was thinking about my problem last night after you left. I’ll have to go to England to see the king. I thought of a way to return here. If I were to marry, the king will have to honor that, and release me. My father won’t be able to do anything about it. Do you know of someone who would marry me?”

  “Do I? Julianna, every man in the keep watches ye, but I would suggest Garrick.”

  “Garrick? He did kiss me, and he seems likable.”

  “He what? Julianna, you’ve done some naughty things. I wanted you to change, but this much?” Sara laughed.

  Julianna laughed, too. “It wasn’t my fault, he just did. I’d rather marry Colin, but I suppose I’ll settle for Garrick. Will he mind that I’ve been with another?”

  “Probably. Oh, why couldn’t the MacKinnon keep his plaid on?”

  “If not Garrick, we’ll find another. Will you ask Steven?” Julianna wouldn’t give up.

  “Aye,” Sara replied. “I’ll ask.”

  “Do you remember at your wedding, I thought someone watched me? You know, when I got the feeling? When I saw the warrior and we searched for him?”

  “Aye, I remember. We didn’t find him though.”

  “I thought myself lucky to cross paths with Colin again, but now, I’m not so sure.”

  “Why did ye not tell me?”

  “I didn’t think of it until now. I also didn’t tell you that I saw him by the pond that night after your wedding.”

  “Ye did? What were you doing at the pond? What happened?”

  “It was hot and I couldn’t sleep. He kissed me. The man makes me feel like one of those simple-minded women that used to hang about your hall.”

  Sara laughed. “Aye, I recall ye saying you would never behave like them.”

  “I suppose I’m like them now, and I don’t like it. I wish I didn’t care for him,” Julianna said.

  “We’ll find a man to make ye forget Colin.”

  Julianna spent the remainder of the day in a daze. He’d left, and this time for good. By the time she went to bed that night, she was in a sorrowful mood. She cried into her pillow. What had she hoped, that he was her path? She remembered Mother Superior telling her that she would find her path and that God would send help. Maybe Colin wasn’t meant to be.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Colin found himself in the KirkConnell chapel, sitting on a bench. It was the only quiet place he could contemplate. Being forced to do something he didn’t want to do infuriated him.

  “Da, what am I to do? Should I marry her? I don’t know if I can stomach living with a woman like you did and be rejected in the end. I feel I’m destined to. Men shouldn’t have such concerns.” Marry her or leave her.

  “I cannot break my pledge. What’s the difference? Pledge or marriage? I’ve sworn to protect her and keep her.” Wasn’t that the same as marriage? He nodded his conviction. “I didn’t need her heart to make my pledge.” He hastily left the sanctuary and mounted his horse. He rode through the keep’s gates, leaving Steven standing beside the keep wondering where he was going.

  Colin spent the night and next day roaming the woods, contemplating his decision. He knew he’d have to face the choice he made. He glanced ahead, betwixt the rowan trees and saw a fire.

  “Hmm, mayhap they are the men Julianna saw.”

  He rode toward the light. Jumping from his steed’s back, quietly forging ahead. Men talked around the fire, and hadn’t heard his approach. They jested about a woman, his woman. He wanted to run into the foray, but knew he couldn’t take them all. Though he only spotted four, he didn’t know if there were others. He returned to his horse, confident that they’d be there on his return.

  Riding hell-bent to the KirkConnell keep, he didn’t dismount when he reached the gates. He saw Steven standing by the garrison, and motioned to him to stay where he was.

  “Steven, I found them, the men Jules told us about. I need a few men to ride with me. They’re sitting as pretty as you please in your woods, and I aim to find out why.”

  “Aye, I want to know myself.”

  Colin waited while the men gathered and they were at last, able to ride off. They arrived at their foe’s camp, dismounting some distance away. The Englishmen who rested about their camp hadn’t heard their approach. Colin grabbed a man from behind and knocked him out with the blunt end of his dagger. He threw the man to the ground, where he lay like a heap of giblets. The rest of the warriors made their advance on the others. A man awoke before Brendan could subdue him, and he chased him into the nearby woods. At last, only one man remained who sat gazing into the fire, oblivious to the attack.

  Colin held the tip of his dagger to his throat, his eyes bulged at the blade piercing his skin.

  “What do ye want? I’ve no belongings worth taking.”

  “What are you doing here?” Colin asked.

  “We are riding through.”

  “You lie. You’ve been here too long. We don’t allow people on our land. Now either tell me or I’ll spill your blood.”

  “Nay, I uh …we were sent to …”

  “Sent for what?” Colin’s patience wore thin, tensing his hand on the handle of the dagger, pressing it a bit further into his skin.

  “… bring back a lady,” the man said.

  “What lady?” Steven asked him.

  “Julianna Bentley. We were going to return her to the lord.” The man blubbered in panic.

  Colin pressed his dagger a smidgen into the man’s neck, making a stream of blood roll down his enemy’s neck. Steven saw his blade pierce the man.

  “Don’t kill the shanty, Colin. Send him back with a message,” Steven suggested.

  Seeing Steven’s knowing look of wisdom, Colin nodded.

  “Return and give Lord Bentley my message. Tell him I don’t want to see him or any of his men on my land again. Julianna Bentley will never return to England. If anyone attempts to abduct her, I’ll kill him.” Colin shoved the man toward the ground.

  Colin signaled to his men to standby the trees to await their departure. Only the sound of the wind whipping through the forest could be heard. His warriors blended into the trees.

  “Almighty Lord,” a man yelled, holding his neck, trying to stop the blood flow. “Thank the lord I’ve only been nicked and not bludgeoned.”

  Minutes passed before the others came to. They held their heads and joined the man beside the fire.

  “What happened, Horace? Me head is banging like a drum. Did ye hit us?”

  “Nay, you fool, the Highlander’s were here. Look at the wound on my neck. The behemoth told me to relay his message. If Lord Bentley comes or sends men after Julianna Bentley, he’s going to kill him.”

  “Damn me. Are we going to give ‘em the message?”

  “Nay. We’re leaving all right, and we’re not going back to Bentley.”

  “He did say that we bring her back or not return. I aren’t wanting to give ‘em that message.”

  “Let us get out of here hastily. This is definitely not worth the small fee Bentley promised.”

  One of the men stood and screamed.

  “What wrong with him?”

  “Get ‘em off. Get ‘em off,” the man screamed.

  Horace pushed him to the ground. Midgets swarmed the man, the vile insects which could only be seen when in mass seemed to cover him. The men began brushing the insects off.

  “What were they? They bit me, look at me blood,” the man cried.<
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  “We must go, this place gives me the willies. There be ghosts in these woods, or witches. Bad enough the savages came. We’ll never make it home.”

  “Where’s Samuel?” Horace asked.

  “I know not, maybe he’s run off. Should we look for him?”

  “I won’t leave him behind, find him,” Horace replied. He gathered their belongings while the others looked for their comrade. They found him knocked unconscious lying face down in a bog a short distance from the fire. It took several minutes to rouse him.

  Samuel groaned and said, “A demon was after me.”

  Horace gripped his tunic and slapped his face. “Get a hold of yourself, man.”

  Once the man calmed, they hurried to their horses, their only thought, to get out of hell.

  Colin watched them flee from the spot he’d taken vigil. With them gone, he felt better about Julianna’s safety. Now that that matter was settled, he had one more chore to do before he went to his wedding.

  When he reached the garrison, he didn’t join those who celebrated their wee skirmish with the English, instead, he malingered along the keep’s wall. Men sat around, drinking ale, jesting, and seemed to be having a good time. He stalked outwardly not wanting to reach them, but knowing he had to tell them his decision.

  “Robin, Brendan, I’ve something to discuss.”

  “Have some ale,” Robin said, offering him a tankard.

  “Nay.” He pushed it back. “I’ve made a decision about Jules. You’ll need to prepare Walter.”

  “You are going through with it? You are keeping her?”

  “Nay, Brendan, more than that.”

  Robin said, “Colin, you’re not jesting?”

  “Nay, tomorrow night in the chapel, I’ll wed her. I’ve been told by Steven either that or leave. I pledged to keep the lass safe. What else am I to do, Robin?”

  “You must uphold your pledge. It’s the right thing to do.”

  He leaned against the wall. “I hope I’m not making the biggest mistake of my life.”

  “Why would ye think that? How could it be a mistake?”

  “Am I doing right by our clan? I want to keep her, but marrying her is so permanent.”

  Robin’s mouth set a thin line. “Colin, you should put yourself first for once. As far as it being permanent, were ye planning to keep her until you grew bored with her?”

  “That’s not what the lass deserves,” Brendan said.

  Colin glared at Brendan; his brother rarely made an observance, but now he stated his position. “I suppose marrying her won’t be so bad when you look at it like that.”

  The men boxed his back. Robin told him he’d hightail it home and make it back for the wedding. Colin began strolling away in a sullen mood; both brothers knew he felt disheartened. He heard them talking.

  “Our plan worked,” Robin said, smiling broadly.

  “Aye, it did, Robin,” Brendan said bluntly.

  “What plan? What are you lads up to?”

  Neither of his brothers would answer. The rest of the night, he sat outside the garrison, waiting for the hour in which he could go to Julianna. Rain dampened his plaid and made his hair slick, but he didn’t care. As each minute passed, his resolve weakened, thinking about how he’d go about it. He wasn’t sure he could go through with it.

  Rather than be cowardly and let his apprehension rule him, he went inside the hall determined to get the matter settled. He passed Steven and Sara, having their morning fare. Colin didn’t bid them a greeting, but quickly took the steps and knocked at Julianna’s door.

  “Who is there?” she called.

  “Open the door, lass, I need to talk to ye.”

  She opened the door and looked oddly at him. “You left, and I didn’t think you would return. Now you demand I attend ye? I think not.” Julianna turned her back on him and peered out the window.

  “I didn’t mean to overlook you, Jules. ‘Tis too fine a day. It has stopped raining. Do you want to ride?”

  Julianna turned and frowned. “That would be pleasant. I do need air.”

  He clasped her hand, and remained silent on their walk to the stable. Colin readied a horse for her, and as they rode to the loch, he felt somewhat better.

  “Jules, you know I’m laird to a large clan and have important maters to see to. I didn’t mean to ignore ye.”

  “I do know that, Colin. You need not explain.”

  When they reached the loch, they dismounted, walked to the water’s edge, and sat on the grassy slope. Julianna seemed content to gaze at the scene.

  He took hold of her hand and began …

  “Jules, I—”

  “Shhh. ‘Tis beautiful here. I want to remember this place always. If the king puts me in his dungeon, this is where I’ll imagine I’ll be. I want to memorize every rock, every tree.”

  “Don’t say that, Jules. The king wouldn’t do that, why would he?”

  She didn’t answer. Colin looked at the scenery and tried to see what she saw. The deep green trees and rocky gorge were captivating; the grayed muted colors made it appear more entrancing. Deep in thought, she didn’t pay attention to Colin. He watched her face alight with affection. How could he ask? He’d thought about it most of the night, and still came to no decision. Vulnerability was not something he was used to feeling. How would he explain that he changed his mind about marriage?

  “I have something to ask, Jules.”

  “Hmm?” She wasn’t paying attention.

  “You know I mean to keep you, don’t ye?” When she didn’t answer, he said, “Julianna?”

  She looked up from the loch, not saying anything.

  “We’ll do it this night.” She wasn’t listening, and didn’t respond. “We’ll leave later in the week for my home.” He could probably ask anything, her mind seemed miles away and he chuckled.

  He’d made the right decision, and felt lighthearted that the asking was over, even though he hadn’t gotten an answer. It wouldn’t matter, he’d get her agreement when the time came. He leaned forward, placing a kiss on her cheek. He had to admit he might care for her, a wee bit.

  A merl flapped its wings, ascending into the sky. The mist made it appear magical. Sitting beside his intended wife, he placed an arm around her, and looked at the scenery.

  “We better get back. Everyone will be waiting.”

  “Thank you, Colin, for brining me here.” She remained quiet the rest of the ride.

  When they reached the KirkConnell keep, Sara waited by the door. As soon as Julianna’s feet touched the ground, she led her away.

  Steven smiled. “What happened?”

  “I asked her to marry me.”

  Steven laughed. “What did she say?”

  “She didn’t say nay.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Julianna wished she had paid attention to Colin when she went to the loch with him, but she couldn’t stop thinking about her fate. After washing, she put on a heavy woolen gown, wrapped the KirkConnell plaid around her, and applied a belt. Peering out the window, she noticed the sky grayed, and a light rain fell again. The dismal scene provoked her sigh. She put on her slippers, took her comb, and ran it through her hair. Sighing again, she pulled out her mother’s letters, running her fingers over the tie. The sight of them saddened her; she opened the bundle, and removed a letter and read it:

  My dearest Julianna, I write because I know not what to do. I cannot tell anyone my secret, but to you, darling, I must disclose all. For it is too unbearable to keep from you. Lord Bentley is not your father and is not as he appears. Heed me daughter, I admit I am truly frightened. I only tell you because I believe his aim is to hurt me, maybe even kill me. Find the jewels and use them for your escape, if need be. I hid them in the stable, behind the timber. No one will find the sack, ere you. You must escape, Julianna, for if you do not, it will be woe for you. Promise me you will try. Do not go to the king for aid. My husband has given much service, and the king may favor him. You must fin
d a place to hide. Your sister shall fair well. She is a Bentley true, have no fear he will harm her. All the same, he will wound you. You must take care.

  My heart is with you always, Joanna Bentley

  Julianna always wept when she read the letters. They filled her with deep sorrow. The other letters contained her mother’s adventures. In them, Julianna had learned about her mother’s secret friendship with the king.

  A loud knock rattled the door, startling her. Sarah came inside and sat on the bed.

  “Sara, have you spoken to Steven yet? About a groom?”

  Sara smiled widely. “You need not worry about that now. Come, we don’t have much time.”

  “Time for what, Sara?”

  “You’ll need to change. I put a clean gown on your bed.”

  “I just donned the clean dress.”

  “We’re to have a special mass.”

  Julianna wasn’t sure what was going on, but Sara acted strangely. “Should I meet you in the chapel? Is Father going to say a special service?”

  “Aye, he’s been asked to perform …” A knock stopped her from blurting it. Sara opened the door, and Steven entered.

  Taking Sara’s hand, he smiled at Julianna.

  “Julianna, I came to tell ye the mass will begin in an hour. Sara, why don’t you give her privacy?”

  “Steven, I was going to tell her—” Sara’s words ceased when he gave her a quick kiss.

  “Not now, Sara, we must leave.” The door banged behind them.

  Alone now, Julianna smoothed the esthetical garment. It was shaded in an amazing color of light blue and had small flowers sewn along the neckline. She assumed Sara’s babe would be baptized. She put Colin’s plaid on, combed her hair again, and wound it into a coiffeur. All finished, she went to the chapel.

  On her way, she dodged the scattered puddles from the earlier rainfall. She approached the steps of the chapel. Many KirkConnell clans-people, and some of Colin’s men had gathered. Bleeth stepped forward and she waved. She moved past them, and the closer she got to the chapel’s steps, the more she noticed everyone watched her. She patted her hair and smoothed her plaid.