Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy

by Warrior's Pledge

  “You’re drunken, Steven. How long have ye been drinking?”

  “I’m celebrating. Never thought I’d see the day you married, and today is that day.”

  “It was yesterday. It’s well after midnight. Time to end the celebration, else I’ll have to carry ye to your chamber.” Colin pushed out his chair and went to stand beside his friend. If need be, he’d carry Steven to bed.

  “Have another drink.”

  “Nay.” Colin grinned.

  “I suppose I’ll have to challenge ye then. The last one to remain awake is the winner. Now what to bet? Hmm.”

  “Cosh, you’ll pass out long before me, Steven.”

  “Afeard?” he egged on Colin.

  They continued drinking the remainder of the night. Toasts were made to wives, husbands, and clansmen, just about everything they could think of, even the harvest and their enemies. They continued until the early hours of the morning, and their last clink toasted the bride.

  Colin opened his eyes for a second and saw Julianna standing beside him. She shook his shoulder and he groaned.

  “Look at them, sleeping with their heads on the table, snoring, and drunken. It would serve them right if we were to leave them there.” Sara shook Steven’s shoulder and he didn’t respond.

  “What should we do?”

  “I’ll return, I’m going to the garrison to get some men.”

  Colin grabbed Julianna’s hand, keeping her from following. “Lass, am I seeing an angel?”

  “Nay, Colin, I’m no angel. You’ll realize that soon.”

  Colin thought he heard the door slam, at least the noise made him flinch. When he was able to focus again, he heard talking.

  “Good morn, Robin.”

  “Milady, ‘tis too laughable. I shall have something to torment my brother with, now.”

  Others entered the hall, and he heard their loud speech. He kept his eyes closed and hoped the banging would cease.

  “Brendan, help me get Colin. You men take Steven to his chamber.”

  Colin opened his eyes, trying to pull away. “Let me be, Robin.” He shoved him then laid his head on the table. He had a moment or two of peace before Robin grasped his arms.

  “We’re taking ye to your chamber.”

  “My thanks, Robin. Has anyone seen my wife? Did I say that?” He sounded appalled.

  “Lady MacKinnon just went to the kitchens with Lady KirkConnell. They’re making you and Steven a dastardly brew,” Robin said.

  “She’s-s in the k-kitchens. I married a good w-woman.” Colin’s speech slurred.

  “Aye, ye did,” Robin replied as he kept his brother from falling.

  They laid Colin on the bed, and his snore sounded in the chamber before they left.

  “I believe they did extra celebrating after we left last night,” Brendan said.

  “Did you see Steven? He couldn’t wake to utter a word. Must have been at it longer than Colin,” Robin said.

  “I never saw Colin besotted before. He never drinks like that.”

  “Nay, but he had good reason. He got married.”

  “I’m never getting married. I’m not going to be like these fools. A woman is not going to make me an arse.”

  “There’s a lass out there even for you, Brendan, if you would stop scowling at them.”

  “I don’t have the patience for silly wenches. I’ll take a more experienced woman.”

  “There’s nothing like a sweet bonny lass, Brendan.”

  “Aye, ye would know.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Julianna’s first day of marriage was rather dull, considering Colin slept the entire day. Sara tried to occupy her, but there wasn’t much to do. Bleeth seemed to be avoiding her, and she couldn’t find him. Later that night, she entered their chamber and Colin rolled over, giving her a glare.

  “You’re awake at last.”

  “Shhh, don’t speak so loud,” he whispered.

  “I brought you a drink.”

  “I don’t want it.” He groaned.

  She giggled. “It will make ye feel better, I promise.”

  Colin took the goblet and chugged the contents. After he finished, he smiled. “That was God awful. It was Steven’s fault. When I get out of this bed, I’m going to give him a pounding. You fell asleep, so I went to the hall, and he challenged me. What was I to do?”

  “Mayhap, think twice before giving into his challenge again?” She laughed.

  He laughed at her implicative tone. “Steven and I used to carouse when we were younger. I don’t deem we can wield our cups like we used to.”

  She kissed his head. “I shall get you food. By the way, Steven has not made it out of bed, if it makes you feel better. It has been dark for hours. I suppose you won’t rise until the morrow?”

  “I don’t hold that I could. Bring me food, and neither of us will leave the chamber.”

  Julianna couldn’t resist asking, “By the way, who won?”

  “Steven was well into his cup when I joined him.” His smile widened. “Damn him, I remember what we wagered, too, and I’ll collect the payment first thing in the morn.”

  Colin was as good as his word. After Julianna fed him, she spent the night snuggled by his side. He whispered to her and held her lovingly. Strangely, it felt kind of nice being married to him. She was content to lie in his arms.

  “Has Bleeth left yet?”

  She turned in his arms and soothed him with a caress. “I told him he should go, but he won’t, not yet.”

  “Where will he go?”

  Her hand stopped on his bicep. “He plans to search for his family on the isle. I will be saddened to see him go. He has always protected me—”

  “You have me now,” he stated emphatically. “I will protect you.”

  “Aye, but he is my family, too. I want him to be happy.”

  “Will he be happy when he finds his family? He won’t return, will he?”

  She laughed at his surly tone. “You don’t like him, do ye, Colin?”

  “Hell, no. He’s in love with you.”

  “I know.” Julianna sighed. “I don’t believe he shall act on that. He told me to follow my heart, knowing I would marry you.” She fell silent and lay in his arms, thinking about the previous day, her wedding day.

  Julianna never thought she would be happy being wed, but Colin was a good sort, and she could get used to his caring. She smiled in the darkness as he hadn’t let her light the candles. She wanted to tell him how much she cared for him, but didn’t know how to and fell asleep.

  When Julianna opened her eyes, she found herself alone. She hurried to the hall, but only found Sara there. Taking a piece of bread from the table, she stuffed her mouth and walked to where her friend was standing. Sara was peeking out the hall door, leaning so she could see.

  “What are ye doing?”

  Sara jumped a good foot off the floor. “Oh, gracious, ye startled me. I’m watching our husbands. Come, look.”

  Julianna stood beside her and saw Colin standing on the steps with Steven.

  “Of course I’m going to do it, Steven. After all, you deserved it for making me drink so much. Christ, I still felt besotted. It’s time to repay our bet.”

  “Repay what, Colin?”

  “You challenged me and lost. You were the first to sleep. Do ye remember what we wagered?”

  Steven didn’t look happy, nor did he look as though he remembered any such wager.

  “What in the name of all that’s holy, did I agree to?”

  “Ye must run to the loch and jump in …” Colin laughed, shoving Steven’s arm, he added, “naked.”

  Julianna looked at Sara and covered her mouth, trying to hold in her laughter.

  Steven’s eyes pierced Colin, and he cursed. “A wager is a wager.” He pulled his tartan free, slipped his tunic over his head and took off running.

  Colin laughed. “Look at his sorry arse, running down the hill.”

  Julianna and Sara laughed, too,
but stifled it when Colin turned to look at them. They jumped backward, but it was too late, he’d seen them.

  Colin pulled her through the doorway and kissed her then whispered, “I’ll be back.”

  As soon as he left, Julianna and Sara followed. They hid behind trees along the path to the loch. Sara kept shushing her, because she couldn’t hold in her laughter.

  Colin picked up Steven’s clothing along the way. When he reached the loch, he stood next to Steven, on the bank.

  “Now all ye have to do is jump in.”

  Steven grunted. “Aye, but it looks cold. Can’t we say that I settled our bet?”

  “Nay, rules are rules. You lost. In you go.” Colin pushed Steven into the loch.

  “’Tis freezing,” Steven shouted.

  Julianna laughed a bit too loudly and caused Colin to glance their way. Sara pressed her against the tree, hiding herself as well.

  “It doesn’t look that cold,” Colin replied.

  Steven jumped onto the bank and sat shivering. Colin took pity on him, and gave him his tartan.

  “Steven, thank ye for the farce. You know I’m grateful.”

  “I told you about that? Faigh muin! You’ve things to deal with before ye can settle down.”

  “Aye, I want to finish it straightaway. Living with Jules is going to be pleasurable.”

  “Pleasurable? I’d say you did enjoy your wedding night.”

  Colin laughed. “I did, at least, until you talked me into drinking. Come, before you catch a chill, wee laddie.” He shoved Steven’s shoulder to emphasize his jest.

  Steven punched him in return, and they began the jog back to the keep.

  Julianna and Sara ran as fast as they could and went through the back entrance to the hall. They quickly took a seat at the table, laughing, and out of breath.

  Later that morning, Colin, Julianna, Bleeth, and the MacKinnon men departed. Julianna was anxious to see her new home. Perhaps once they were settled, Colin would get Laila. Then she’d never have to go back to England.

  Julianna grew excited and could hardly sit still. Colin kept squeezing her arm to get her to stop moving, but she couldn’t help fidgeting. They rode for a few hours, and she didn’t understand how his home could be so far from the KirkConnell keep when the loch had only taken them an hour or so to reach.

  “Colin, when will we arrive? We’ve gone a long way.”

  “We’re close now. I, ah, want to explain.”

  “I cannot wait to see your keep. Is it large?”

  “Large, aye, but it—”

  “Colin, no matter what, I’ll like it.”

  “I haven’t spent much time there. Now look yonder, there it is.”

  Julianna looked ahead. The land surrounding the keep was barren with no trees or shrubs for miles. Rocky crags jutted from the ground, and the land rose to the base of the keep’s outer wooden walls, which was surrounded by a large blackened moat. No flags adorned the turrets. It looked stark, almost evil. She wondered why they hadn’t carved gargoyles in the stone. There were no windows at the front of the keep. Would she live in darkness? She shuddered at the monstrosity. It would be better once they entered the portcullis, she thought, but her breath ceased at what she saw on the other side. Living with him was going to be hell.

  The keep loomed high in the sky, and she craned her neck to see the top. Large? His home was enormous, and she tried not to panic. Colin’s clansmen came from the keep, huts, and cabins, at his whistle. He jumped from his steed’s back, and an older man, who seemed extremely glad to see him, attacked him. He slapped Colin’s back with such force, she thought he’d fall over.

  “Walter, how goes it?”

  “Colin, you’re home at last. Everything is well,” Walter said. “Where’s the lass?”

  Colin turned, walked back to her, and lifted her from the horse. He pulled her to the keep’s steps, holding her hand in the air, he said, “Clan of MacKinnon, my wife.”

  That was it? Surely he meant to tell them her name, but before she could tell him to do so, the Scots-people cheered a deafening roar. Colin pulled her in his arms and kissed her. The people’s cheers rose even higher. Walter climbed the steps to join them.

  She stepped inside the hall, and couldn’t believe her eyes. Tables were situated around the room to form a large square, flanked with benches. The walls were filled with battle instruments; swords, daggers, decorated shields, dented battle shields, small and large axes, claymores, spears and gauntlets. Her breath hitched at the sight. Breathe. She realized it was a warrior’s keep and women hadn’t lived there.

  Looking around, she spotted a large shaggy animal. She had no idea what it was, but it had horns. It was an ugly creature. Its white shaggy hair matted with black spots.

  “What’s that?”

  He noticed where she looked. “George.”

  “George? What is it, and what’s it doing inside the keep?”

  “He’s a goat, Jules. He always comes in—no one can keep him out. It’s good luck to have a goat inside, so we don’t try to oust him. You’ll get used to him.”

  I certainly will not. Her face turned white. An animal, nay, a goat in the place where she would live, not likely, but she refrained from showing her aversion.

  “Are ye unwell, Jules? You look about to fall over.” Colin pulled out a bench.

  “I am tired,” she murmured.

  “Walter, Julianna is now the lady of the keep. Will you arrange to have ladies come to her? They shall assist her in the keeping of the place.”

  “Aye, I will.”

  Julianna smiled at the soldier. He looked as though he wanted to leave, but in a soft voice, he spoke to her.

  “Milady, I’m Walter Ross, your laird’s commander-in-arms. If there is anything ye need, you’ve only to ask.”

  “Sir Walter.” Julianna curtsied. He had a smile on his bearded face that also shown in his eyes. His dark hair and light eyes made him appear formidable. She sensed he was a good man for Colin to put him in charge when he was gone.

  “Nay, Milady, call me Walt as does Colin.” With that he turned on his heel and left.

  “Colin, is there somewhere I can rest? I’m exhausted from our journey.” Her only thought, to escape the glaring weapons.

  “Aye, I believe my chamber is on the top floor, the last in the hallway.” He took her hand and led her to the stairs. The weapons glowered. He was of warring, and would have a bloody arsenal in his home.

  Colin found the door, opened it, and pulled her inside. When she braved a look, a large-scaled bed filled the room, with a MacKinnon plaid covering it. One corner flanked the hearth, and a mid-sized chest sat beside it. There was one window in the far wall covered with an animal hide. Nothing else adorned the walls or room.

  “You have things to attend to, I’ll just rest for a little while.”

  Colin set her on the bed and grinned. He knew she was overwhelmed by his home, but he didn’t remark on it. Julianna giggled when he removed her slipper, lifted her foot, delicately massaging it, then removed the other, and repeated the gesture. Positioning her legs horizontal, he sat next to her, and kissed her cheek, her mouth, then her nose. All the while, she watched him.

  “You rest, I’ll check on you later.” Colin rose and left.

  Julianna sighed sleepily. She had a lot of work to do, but she’d get started later. All she wanted to do was sink back on the covers and close her eyes. She felt content, even though she was in a bloody fortress.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Down in the hall, Colin shouted for Walter and waited. Walter ran into the hall, approached, and punched him in the arm.

  “Lad, ye married a bonny faerie. You’ve some telling to do.”

  “Walt, you know I never intended to marry, but I had no choice. She’s in trouble with her king, father, and who knows who else. I’ve pledged to keep her safe, and the only way I could do that was to marry her. If only she could … never mind that. I’m glad the clan accepted her. I have y
ou to thank.”

  “Trouble, ye say? If anyone can protect her, you can. Tess offered to come, said she was too old to be in her ma and da’s croft.”

  “Tess hasn’t married since we were away?”

  “Nay,” Walt replied.

  “Robin will be glad to hear that.”

  “Aye, he was.” Walt grinned. “Aye, Robin caused all sorts of discomfort for her. I think she does like ‘em, och she doesn’t know her own mind.”

  “I wasn’t sure if he would come to see her. Do you think he’s serious?”

  “Seems he is, but you know Robin.”

  “What’s happened since I’ve been away? Have the McFies caused any trouble?”

  “They’re always causing trouble, but Ellic’s been quiet.” Walt leaned on the table and teased him. “We must settle the matter so ye can embark on a different quest.”

  “I have been inattentive, but now I can finish what I started. My da’s honor will be avenged.”

  “You should forget the feud and let the matter rest.”

  Colin couldn’t believe Walt said that, and he wasn’t able to contain his angst. “Nay, Walt, I’ll never forget! We’ll ride in a few days. I don’t want to spend time with Jules until the matter is settled.”

  “You’ll have plenty of time with her after. I must ready the lads. They’ve anticipated this, and have been training hard. Shall I go and tell them?”

  “Aye,” Colin replied. “Let them know we leave in two days.”

  Walt marched from the hall. Colin looked about himself. His castle was a warrior’s keep. It did need a woman’s touch, and he hoped Julianna would be up to the task. Three lassies came in through the portal and skulked toward him. He heard a giggle, and eyed Tess. The other two he couldn’t place, so he addressed her.

  “Tess, take a chamber above stairs, near the front of the keep. You’ll assist Julianna.”

  “Aye, Laird, I’m happy to. Is there anything you need?” Colin shook his head. “We’ll start cleaning the kitchens then. Dame Hester’s excited to have someone to cook for; you’ll likely have a feast placed before you tonight.”