Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy

by Warrior's Pledge

  “Thank ye, Milady, you’ve a good heart,” Seamus said.

  Colin shoved him to the door, and Julianna led him inside the keep. Colin went to the rampart to command the watch be on alert and a sentry be sent out to survey his land. Afterward, he went back to the keep so he could question Seamus. He found Julianna tending the wound he had given Seamus. The man practically drooled over her tender treatment. He probably hadn’t had a woman touch him in years. Colin certainly didn’t want her touching him.

  “Jules, he can bind his own wound. Seamus, tell me exactly how you came to speak with Bentley.”

  Julianna stood next to Colin. He placed his hand on her shoulder in a possessive gesture Seamus wouldn’t mistake.

  “I was riding on the western part of me land, when the lord approached. He said tell ye he awaited, Milady, and that if ye didn’t come the girl would be killed.”

  “He’s an incubus,” Colin bellowed. “What else?”

  “Nothing, he rode off, and weren’t that polite neither.”

  “Get off my land, Seamus.” Colin’s harsh command was instantly followed. Seamus hurried from the hall.

  “Colin, we must save her.” Julianna cried.

  He did his best to comfort her, holding her against his chest. “Aye, we will. Don’t worry for her, he’s only provoking you. Your father’s not a good man.”

  “I cannot believe he came to Scotland. How did he know I was here?”

  “He must have had others watching. I sent those men that you saw in the wood back with a message, but I doubt they returned to give it to him.” Colin sat in his chair and pulled Julianna onto his lap.

  “You did, when?”

  “Right before our wedding, I came across them in the wood and told them that you wouldn’t be returning.”

  “They mustn’t have done so.” Julianna grew uneasy.

  “His sins won’t go unpunished. There’s more you’re not telling. I want your trust.” Colin turned her face to him. “You will trust me.”

  Julianna lowered her eyes. “I do trust you, Colin.”

  “Tell me why you are so fearful.”

  “I am not fearful of him, it is the …” Before she could finish, Steven KirkConnell strode into the hall.

  “Colin, I must talk to ye, ‘tis urgent.”

  “Steven, what are you doing here?”

  “I’ve another message for Julianna.” He handed the scroll to Colin.

  Colin wouldn’t give it to her, though she tried to take it. He mouthed, ‘later.’ He motioned for a draught, and Tess filled their cups then moved off. Julianna tried to get off Colin’s lap, but he held her still.

  Steven said, “Messengers came thrice, but this be the most recent. I figured you’d be back by now.”

  “My thanks, Steven, have a drink. How are Sara and Jamie?”

  “Sara misses Julianna. She said to tell you to bring her for a visitation and soon.”

  Colin laughed. “She’s grown mighty brave, Steven.”

  “Don’t I know it. Julianna, how are you?”

  “I have been working to mend Colin’s home.” She smiled, and wiggled her bottom. Colin held her still.

  Steven looked around. “The banners brighten the walls, and the floor shines. I want wooden flooring in my keep, I had thought to make the change. It smells of bee’s wax.”

  “Aye, my aunty has a special mixture … I’ll be sure to tell Sara about it.”

  “It looks homey. You’ve done a great service to Colin.”

  “Thank ye, and pray give Sara my regards.” Her smile brightened, Colin finally let her up.

  Leaving the hall, he called out to her, “Jules.”

  She turned. “Aye?” she mocked his tone.

  “Give it back,” he demanded.

  “Give what back?”

  “The missive.” She reluctantly handed him the parchment. He smiled, craning his neck to follow her with his eyes.

  Steven looked at him intently. “How did the war with the McFies go? Is it finally finished?”

  “Seems my da wasn’t the man I thought him to be, Steven. I put aside my feud, for now. I’ll decide what to do about the McFies later.”

  “Aye, you have other things to see to now, what with the messages coming. Ye need to do something, Colin, hastily.” Steven left after drinking a full cup of ale.

  Colin found Julianna outside by the well. “We’ll go to our chamber and look at the message together.”

  “I had almost forgotten about the previous message. Since coming to your home, I began putting behind me.”

  When they reached their chamber, he shut the door with a bang and pulled her into his arms. “You’ll not read it. You’re here, and the king cannot get to ye, for that matter, nor can your father.”

  “I must read it. My father now knows about you. He sent the Ferguson, did he not? Give me the scroll, Colin.” He handed it to her, and she read it with wide-eyes.

  “What does it say?”

  “It says that since I ignored his majesty’s proclamation, he will send a full regiment to the KirkConnell holding in a month’s time unless I show myself.”

  “Why would he warn ye? I want to know, Julianna MacKinnon. Tell me, what does the king want with you?”

  The forcefulness of his voice alarmed her. “Don’t shout at me, Colin. I have no idea what he wants,” she yelled back.

  “I will confront the regiment. We’ll send them on their way, back to their king,” Colin assured her.

  “Nay, I should go.”

  “You’re not going to England. I forbid it.”

  “I cannot let Sara be in danger because of me, Colin.”

  “Sara will be safe. We’ll not let the English near her. You’re not to leave this keep. Do you hear? Repeat what I told ye.” He knew he better get her to repeat his command since, she wasn’t always paying attention.

  “I am not to leave the keep,” she repeated. As he kissed her, the parchment dropped to the floor, the message forgotten.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Julianna awoke and found Colin gone again. She hadn’t told him about the baby because she waited for him to come to bed, and planned to tell him then, but she must have fallen asleep. She thought about the king’s message, and she couldn’t have the regiment come. If she was meant to die, she would face her death with courage. That decided, she began her day and readied for the journey. Disheartened at disobeying Colin, she knew she had to do the right thing.

  After eating and drinking part of the potion Jinny had left, she wrote a note to Colin. It was short and to the point, only disclosing that she was going to the king. She hoped he would come after her. He didn’t love her; perhaps it was better that she left now, before she became too attached. Besides, he had the war with the McFies to deal with.

  Julianna thought about her baby, and the fact that he didn’t even know. Would he be angry that she left? She had to chance it, because the fate of others weighed on her conscious.

  Later that morning, she went to find Tess. “Tess, may I ask a boon?”

  “Let us find privacy,” Tess said.

  She must have noted the concerned look on Julianna’s face. They walked the slope in silence. Julianna pulled her beside her, and they sat by a small pond, which was a good distance away. She kept her eyes on the pond, where a good number of people stood knee-deep in the water. Julianna felt chilled, and pulled her plaid loose, wrapping it around her shoulders.

  Looking at the pond, she said, “My boon might upset you.”

  “What is it, Julianna? I’ll do anything for you.”

  “I must journey to England because the king demands my presence. If I don’t show myself, he’ll make war against the KirkConnells. Have you a way to get me a horse?”

  “Aye, Julianna, ‘twill be easy. When do ye need to leave?”

  “This day,” Julianna said.

  “Meet me behind the stables before the evening meal. Are ye certain about this? Our laird should deal with this.”
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  “I’m certain, but I could never forgive myself if harm befalls Sara or her family.”

  “You’re taking a huge risk,” Tess said.

  “I have to do something.”

  Both ladies rose and went about their day. Time seemed to drag, and Julianna grew anxious. Once she was on her way, she’d feel better. She told Bleeth about her journey, and he insisted on going. Grateful for his company, she asked him to meet her by the stables at the appointed time.

  Tess adamantly insisted on going too, and Julianna tried to get her to see reason. In fact, she didn’t want either of them to come. Not wanting to place anyone else in jeopardy, she argued her point.

  “I have only the need of one horse,” Julianna told her. “Bleeth, I must go alone.”

  “I cannot let ye, my lady. I will always protect you.”

  “Bleeth, she can’t go alone, not in her condition.”

  “What condition? Are ye unwell?” he asked, then cupped her chin.

  “She’s going to have a bairn,” Tess supplied.

  “Bairn?”

  “Laird MacKinnon’s baby,” Tess explained.

  Bleeth’s eyes narrowed. “I will go with ye, my lady.”

  “Come, I have a way to get through the gate,” Tess said.

  Julianna could only follow. Bleeth was stubborn, but she would be glad for the company, especially during the dark nights. It wasn’t likely she could get them to change their minds.

  When they reached the gate, Tess said, “Lady MacKinnon and I are wanting to ride about the walls. We shall stay where the watch can see us and we have Bleeth for protection.” She gave a smile, and the guard stood starry eyed.

  “Aye, lassies, stay where we can see ye.”

  “That was easy,” Julianna muttered.

  “We must get away before he lets the other guards know to keep watch.”

  They rode hard for half an hour before slowing their pace. Julianna felt better.

  “I don’t feel anyone about. They are not following us.”

  The sounds of scurrying animals in the brush, and bird calls from the trees, trailed them. When darkness hampered their travel, they slowed, and made camp for the night.

  Julianna knelt, making a small fire, while Bleeth went hunting for food. He returned a while later with a fat hare. Tess skinned it, readying it for cooking, using a stick for a skewer. Sitting silently by the fire, they watched it sizzle in the flames. Julianna offered Tess bread and dried meat.

  “Tess, I can’t believe you wouldn’t go back. I don’t want you endangered.”

  “Nonsense, I, like Bleeth, will protect ye. Why does the king demand your presence?”

  “I ran away from my father because he arranged a betrothal. I believe the king calls me to punish me. It doesn’t matter now.” Julianna sighed when she finished her explanation.

  “I’m glad you married our laird. He’s been alone.”

  “He has his brothers and his clan.”

  “His ma died when he was young, a few years after Brendan was born. She never treated him with affection, at least, that’s what my grandma told me. He’s been different since you’ve come. Before, he was reserved. He only talked to the men about clan matters, but now he greets everyone. His mood has brightened, and ‘tis because of ye.”

  “He would have rejoined his clan. He’s had the McFie feud on his mind.”

  “I do believe he loves ye,” Tess said.

  “He married me because he promised to protect me. He’s a man of his word and I won’t have false hopes.”

  “You shall see, he’ll come after you, Julianna. He’ll likely be enraged—I’d prepare for that, were I you.”

  “Colin didn’t want to marry and only felt honor bound.”

  “He may not have wanted to marry, but I’ll tell you, he’s happy he did.”

  “Nay, you’re wrong, Tess, believe me.”

  They fell silent. Julianna watched Bleeth, who seemingly slept. Her thoughts mixed in her head. A sour feeling settled in her stomach. Would Colin be angry? He wanted to continue his feud with the McFies and keep his vow to his da. She wouldn’t be a burden to him. Julianna could take care of her own problems, one of which weighed heavy on her: Laila.

  *****

  Julianna, Bleeth, and Tess rode for days, stopping seldom to rest. They kept to their own thoughts, until Tess broke the silence.

  “Are we close to Londontown yet, Julianna?”

  “We should arrive in a day or so.”

  “Are ye scared?”

  “I want to get it over with. If the king imprisons me, promise me you’ll return to the Highlands,” Julianna said to Tess. She turned and asked Bleeth, “You’ll make sure she returns home?”

  He nodded, saying nothing. She wondered if he was angry, but he moved his horse ahead of her before she could ask what was bothering him.

  “But Julianna—”

  “Promise me, Tess? At least let Colin know what became of me.”

  “Sweet Mary, Julianna, I will.”

  They dismounted to take rest. Bleeth went through the brush. As they sat around the camp, Julianna’s hair rose on her arms, and she felt the presence of others. Standing quickly, she turned to warn Tess, but it was too late. A group of knights rode into their camp. Julianna recognized the men as her father’s men. A man shoved Tess to her horse. They tied her hands behind her back and did the same to Julianna.

  “My lady, your father is awaiting ye. I’m to escort you. Don’t try to escape or you’ll be trussed like a peacock for dinner. Who are you?” His question was asked of Tess.

  She gave a silent command to Tess, who understood and didn’t utter a word. Julianna complied with their demands. Turning, she scanned the tree line for Bleeth, but he was nowhere in sight.

  “You’ll both be going back. Get them on the horses.”

  Julianna and Tess were mounted on their horses. Two men rode beside them, holding their reins. Once they reached her father’s keep the next day, they were unbound and forced to the entrance. Edwena stood on the steps, giving Julianna a daunting look.

  She took Tess’ hand and walked inside the keep. Her father noticed her and he stood, knocking his chair backward. Cowering was out of the question, she would face him. Lord Bentley grasped her hair and slapped her across the face.

  “You’re like your mother. I should kill ye for your disgracefulness.”

  Julianna rubbed her cheek. Tess knelt, helping her to her feet. Her father was a harsh man, whose face filled with angst. He looked like a boar with a huge snout. The man would kill them both.

  “Go to your chamber and take the maid with you. I should kill her like your other stupid maid,” he said, sneering.

  He’d killed Doris? Julianna shook inside; her friend was dead. She felt distraught and held guilt for her death. Tears sprang to her eyes as she trudged the stairs that led to the chambers above. In her room, she sat on the bed and let go her sorrow. She wept for her friend, her situation and, most of all, for Colin.

  “Julianna, stop weeping, I need ye to be strong.” Tess walked to the window. “The distance to the ground is not far, but we cannot jump out the window. Do you know another way?”

  Julianna dried her face, her cheek still bright from her father’s slap. “We will have to await the dark. Tear the linens from the bed and make a rope. We must escape this night. I wonder where Bleeth is.”

  “He must not have heard the men. Do you think he returned to the MacKinnons to let them know where you are? God, I hope that’s what he does.”

  “Me, too,” Julianna said.

  They worked diligently preparing. Footsteps outside the door gave an alert, and they shoved the strips under the bed.

  Edwena approached Julianna, not giving Tess a glance. “You should be mortified at your behavior.” Julianna looked at her with revulsion. “You’re going to pay for running away, mark my words. Your father sent word to Lord Devlin. He’ll be here on the morrow for his wedding.” Julianna said nothing. �
�I’ll tell you something else; Byron is not your father. You’re fortunate that he cared for you these many years. In repayment, you’ll marry Lord Devlin, and your father will be able to keep your lands.” Edwena talked so fast; Julianna could barely understand her. “You best behave or you’ll be sorry.”

  “May I see my sister?”

  “We sent her to another keep. We won’t have her influenced by your sinful behavior.” Edwena turned and stormed from the chamber.

  “They sent her away,” Julianna cried.

  “Who, Julianna?”

  “My sister, Laila. I hoped to take her with me.”

  “They can’t harm her if she is at another keep. Right now, we need to worry about us.”

  “You’re right. ‘Tis dark enough now, tie the end to the bedpost and throw the other end out the window. Check first,” Julianna commanded as she scooped up the pile of tied sheets.

  Tess looked. “There’s a sentry, do they usually walk the court?”

  “There’s never a sentry. He has me under guard now. I won’t be able to get away. I’ll send you to the kitchens, Tess, and you can slip out the back door.”

  “Nay, Julianna, I won’t leave ye.”

  “We’ll see if they leave during the night.”

  Julianna kept watch by the window, but the sentry didn’t move the entire night. As the sun rose, the opportunity to escape dwindled. She saw a man ride up to the manor. It had to be Lord Devlin. He was here for his wedding. She paced, trying to think of some means of escape.

  Edwena unlocked her chamber door and entered. “Your husband awaits in the corridor to get the deed done. You shall go to your new home. Your father doesn’t want you here another day.”

  “You cannot do this, Edwena,” Julianna pleaded.

  “Lord Devlin requested to speak with ye. He’s outside the door. You behave and mayhap he won’t beat you before the wedding,” Edwena instructed. She opened the door wide, and Lord Devlin entered.

  He glanced at them. “Which of you is Lady Julianna?”

  “I am, my lord,” Julianna said, taking a step forward.

  “Lady Julianna, at last we meet. How is your aunt faring?”