“His arm might be a wee sore, but he’ll be fine.”
“Are ye leaving us?” she asked, noticing the claymore strapped to his back.
“Nay,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m going out tae search for the raiders.”
Her eyes lit up with interest. “I’ll come with ye.”
“There’s nay need.”
“Ye dinnae ken this place as well as I do, sae I’m coming.”
There was a stubborn tilt to her chin. And it was plain that tremendous effort was needed to convince her to stay behind. He suppressed an annoyed breath. With her at his side, it would be impossible to thoroughly search the area. But he had to either let her accompany him or reveal his real purpose in Ellison country. Neither option appealed to him, but he had to choose the lesser evil. He was certain that she wouldn’t want to hear the truth. And for some reason he disliked the idea of breaking the fragile, unspoken truce that formed between them. If she found out that the marauders were actually his foster brother and his men, her genial attitude toward him would undoubtedly turn cool.
“Tell me more about the attacks.”
“Most of the incidents seem tae happen during the night,” she said, frowning as she reflected on the episodes. She set her horse’s pace to match his. “We tried having one of the auld villagers tae stand guard, but the attacks then happened at random times during the day and night. In every instance, the villagers had tae scramble and rein in their scattered livestock. Unfortunately the added chore of searching for lost animals is now taking its toll on the people.”
As she continued to speak, his eyes swept over the land, taking in every detail of the lush scenery.
“Do ye have an idea where they might be hiding?” she asked.
“They could be anywhere. Although with the many hills that surround the peel tower, ‘tis unlikely that the bandits would set up an open camp. If anything, I suspect that they’re hiding in the thicker part of the forest,” he said, pointing off to the wooded tract in the distance. The forest near the tower was sparse, but farther away it appeared that the tree growth was more dense. Instinct told him that Niall hid somewhere there.
Once they moved deeper into the thicket, they followed the sound of water until they reached the river that cut through the forest. Niall and his men would need clean water, so Griogair guessed that they would situate their campsite somewhere near the waterway. Surreptitiously scanning the ground, he looked for clues of their whereabouts. He noticed that the dirt near the river bank was soft. If the men led their mounts to the water, he would no doubt see the tell-tale tracks in the mud.
“’Tis rare for me tae come tae this part of the woods,” she said, her voice interrupting his thoughts. “Da is fine if I ride in the open field, but he disnae like me tae wander in secluded areas on my own.”
“Och?” he said, cocking one eyebrow. “Ye were alone when I found ye by the burn.”
“I dinnae always follow orders,” she admitted, her cheeks reddening slightly. Changing the topic, she focused her attention on him. “How do ye ken sae much about the Borderlands when ‘tis clear that ye arenae from around here?”
“My foster family came here often tae trade horses,” he said, pausing for a split second before answering. “And I traveled along with them.”
“Ye lived with a foster family?” she asked, surprised.
He nodded his head. “I fostered with my da’s guid friend when I was seven years auld.”
“Sae ye were taken away from all that was familiar, and placed in a strange home,” she said, frowning. “At such a young age, I would imagine that ye didnae ken what tae expect.”
“Ye are right, I didnae ken what tae expect. I was far away from my home, and from everyone I loved. But I was tae learn the ways of a warrior,” he said, shrugging. “I disliked fighting but enjoyed whittling. Unfortunately my da didnae want me tae spend hours carving wooden objects with the auld carpenter, sae he sent me away.” He paused. “Things didnae work out as planned, and I now deal with horses.”
What he revealed to Sileas was only a partial truth. When he had arrived at Eddlemont Castle years ago, Alasdar MacRell had looked at him with a fierce, intimidating expression on his face. Griogair wanted to turn to his father and beg him to take him back home. But he sensed that his father would be ashamed of such behavior. Knowing what was expected of him, he swallowed back his dread, and reluctantly followed his father.
“We can make a splendid combatant out of this one,” a cheery voice said as they got closer to the small group that waited for them. Griogair was surprised to see that the youth was about ten years older than him. While his countenance still had a boyish appeal to it, his sizable warrior’s physique showed that he wasn’t a novice to martial conflicts.
“’Twould be guid, I’ll say,” Eanruing MacGregon said agreeing. “The lad has his head in the clouds most days, and spends too much time with that blasted carpenter. I curse the day that the auld man showed him how tae carve wood.” His lips flattened. “A lad needs tae learn the ways of combat, nae whittle away his life.”
No one had any arguments over that observation, so Griogair ended up staying with the MacRell clan. As he became integrated into the tribe, Robart, the MacRell’s eldest son, took him under his wing. He favored Griogair over his younger brother Niall, and taught him everything he knew about fighting, hunting and horses. Fortunately Robart was a fair teacher, and understood Griogair’s desire to carve wood. It was the one thing that helped him adjust to his new home. Over time his need to whittle decreased, and he spent more time honing his natural aptitude for battling. While he still didn’t like fighting, he was rather good at it.
A loud caw sounded overhead, bringing a thankful break from his thoughts. A companionable silence had fallen over them, and he was relieved that she didn’t question him further about his past. In all honesty, he preferred that she knew as little about him as possible.
They continued to travel along the river bank for another hour. Just when he was ready to give up his search, he saw the clues that he sought. From his vantage point, he could see the distortions in the damp soil, indicating that a number of large steeds had recently walked to the water’s edge. He checked his urge to jump off his mount and study the hoof prints. Alas he couldn’t inspect the vicinity with Sileas in tow. She would ask far too many questions, questions which he wasn’t prepared to answer. Still, he was almost certain that if he followed the tracks back into the thicket, he would find Niall and his men. The only thing was for him to return alone to this spot the next day, and hope that he would run into his foster brother. In the meantime, he needed to distract Sileas, and prevent her from spying the markings in the mud.
Wheeling his stallion quickly around, Griogair faced her. A look of surprise crossed her countenance. But he didn’t give her a chance to speak. Leaning over, he grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss. At the same time, he whirled her pony around to face the opposite direction.
She pulled away from him. “What was that for?” she asked, raising her hand to touch her lips.
“Sorry,” he said, blinking as the shock from the contact subsided. “I had a sudden impulse tae kiss ye.”
She looked at him oddly, as if she didn’t know what to make of his behavior or his explanation. “Do ye think we should ride deeper into the woods?”
“Nay, I dinnae think we’ll find anything there,” he said. “Besides, we’ve been away from the peel tower for too long. ‘Tis best that we head back, and see if everything is all right.”
Chapter 15
The following morning before everyone convened in the great hall for the morning repast, Griogair prepared to head out to the woods. This time he wanted to make certain that he went alone. By the time they arrived back at the peel tower yesterday, the light had started to fade. He wanted to return to the spot he had found, but he knew that it would be impossible to leave the tower again without providing an adequate explanation. All he could do
was find other things to occupy himself and then retire to his bed chamber for the night. But this was a new day, and he was confident that he would find Niall.
“Griogair,” a voice shouted.
He turned his head to the right and cursed under his breath. “Nae again.”
Sileas rushed toward him. But as she got closer, her beauty swept over him like a warm summer breeze. All of a sudden, his initial annoyance was forgotten.
“A servant said she saw ye heading this way.” She panted slightly when she caught up with him. “We are going tae forage for mushrooms in the woods. Normally we would go with armed escorts, but none of the men are here tae accompany us. Will ye come with us?” A hopeful expression reflected on her upturned countenance.
He opened his mouth with the intention of saying nay, but what came out instead was, “I will.”
“Thank ye,” she said with relief. “We need tae harvest the mushroom before they die off. I’m certain ye understand that with what’s happening of late, ‘twould nae be safe for us tae venture out on our own.”
This was something that Griogair couldn’t argue with. Sileas led the way, and soon they joined with the small gathering that waited outside the barmkin gate. They then traveled the short distance to the woods. Since taking their mounts into the forest was a hindrance, they left their rides with Symon. Meanwhile the women scattered in the vicinity. Sileas had her head bent, her eyes also scanning the ground for the fungus. Even though she was a daughter of a laird, she seemed unafraid of getting her hands dirty. It was obvious that she toiled as hard as the rest of the clanswomen. She was unlike any female that he had ever encountered. She moved with an unconscious grace, and while she wasn’t a traditional beauty, she was appealing. Maybe she was too appealing. Who knew that such a vision could be found in the Lowlands? She had a healthy, attractive glow about her, and her soft curves would fit nicely against his hard body...
Griogair pressed his lips together with disapproval. His mind was going in the wrong direction once again. He was nowhere near to completing his mission, and it didn’t help matters that he was mooning over a fetching lass. Nor did it help that the clanswomen had slowed their search for mushrooms. They now appeared to be socializing rather than looking for the fungus. Like a dark storm cloud moving in, the annoyance that he experienced earlier resurged with a vengeance. The day unfortunately wasn’t getting any younger.
He let out an irritated breath. Picking up a piece of wood he found by his foot, he sat down at the base of an alder tree and took out his knife. Why in the hell did he agree to escort these women here? He had a job to do, yet here he was wasting his time playing attendant. Was he out of his mind?
Sileas’ youngest brother took a seat next to him. Androu had been sick when Griogair arrived at Sundholm Tower, although he now seemed to be on the mend. But even with the youngster sitting beside him, Griogair was barely conscious of anything other than his contemplations. What was he going to do once he found Niall? Would his foster brother willingly go back with him, or would he put up a fight?
As his thoughts raced with unanswered questions, his hands continued to whittle the piece of wood he had found. With automatic precision, his fingers began to cut and shape the soft wood. In the next instance, he sensed a shift in the air. He swiveled quickly around to find Sileas walking toward him. But in his haste, the knife he held slipped and jabbed into his finger. He let out a curse, and thrust the wood carving into the bushes beside him.
“Are ye done?” he all but growled.
“Aye, we’re done and should leave now,” she said, her brow furrowed at his abrupt tone. Her questioning eyes then went to the spot where he threw the piece of wood. “Is everything all right?”
“All is fine,” he said, attempting to moderate his tone. He slid his dagger in its sheath.
She furrowed her brows, her doubt obvious.
Before anyone could say anything further, Androu spoke up. “I want tae whittle like Griogair, Sileas.” He scrambled over to the bushes, and rooted through the shrubs to retrieve the object. “Ye should see what he created. ‘Tis verra guid.”
“May I?” she asked.
“Aye,” her brother said enthusiastically and opened his palm.
“A horse,” she whispered, fingering the smooth cuts that he had made.
“’Tis nothing,” Griogair said, and started to walk toward the group of foragers that assembled up ahead. He turned to see whether Sileas and Androu followed, but they were still inspecting the object he had carved.
She glanced up when she sensed his observation. “Androu is right. ‘Tis too guid tae throw away,” she said, cradling the piece of wood as if it was a precious stone. “We’ll keep it.” She handed it back to her brother and brushed past Griogair.
As they made their way back to the tower, the disposition of the group was cheerful and light. His mood, on the other hand, declined steadily in the opposite direction. If he wanted to trail after Niall, he needed to keep his wits about him. At the moment his focus was in disarray, and he needed to distract himself from the irritation and intrigue that plagued him since he first set eyes on Sileas this morning. When he got back to the stable, he walked over and picked up the bucket of apples that sat at the corner of a stall.
“Where are ye going with that?” Androu said, following him.
“Tae the horse pen,” he said shortly. “I want tae tame that wild beastie today.”
“I have tae see this,” Androu said.
“I’m coming too,” Symon said, overhearing their exchange. He watched Griogair, a wary and conflicted look in his face. “Everyone kens that the pony cannae be ridden. Ye were lucky that he allowed ye tae get close tae him the other day. But I doubt that ye could do any more than that.”
Griogair walked out of the stable with the pail.
“The last man who went close tae the horse got his leg broken,” Androu volunteered, his short legs keeping pace with him.
“Aye,” Symon added. “And he kicked me too.”
“The nag is used tae me now,” Griogair said. “Ye also need tae ken what ye are doing.”
Yesterday when he wasn’t able to continue his search for Niall, he decided to visit the untamed nag. He had stayed there for a long while, and now they were acquainted.
He gave Androu the bucket. Then placing a hand on the railing, he vaulted over the fence. When he was inside the paddock, he paused to observe the sleek pony. As if he sensed being watched, the small horse looked up. Their gazes locked.
“Hand me the apples,” Griogair said, putting out his hand, although he kept his sights on the wild steed. Androu complied. Taking a deep breath, he cleared his mind and released the tension from his body. With the container in his possession, he moved at a slow and steady pace. He knew that with just one unexpected motion, the horse would bolt to the other side of the pen. After several excruciating minutes, he managed to get close enough to the animal. “Here, I brought ye your favorite treat,” he said.
The steed took a cautious yet curious step forward and seized the offering. Griogair raised his hand slightly as he watched the nag’s tail twitch. As he settled his palm on the steed’s neck, the animal tensed. However he didn’t back away.
“I’m your friend,” he said, his voice low. “Ye can trust me. I ken that they took ye away from your home, and that ye are scared. But these people mean ye nay harm,” he continued, stroking the beast’s thick neck.
Griogair set the bucket on the ground while the nag resumed his chewing. But even while he enjoyed the fruit, his body remained rigid.
“I’m going tae ride ye now,” he explained. Smoothing his hand over the horse’s shaggy mane, his actions were slow, rhythmic and assured. When the nag didn’t flinch from his touch, he became convinced that enough trust was established.
Now is my chance.
Griogair climbed on the creature’s back. Holding onto the mane, he stayed as still as possible, allowing the creature to get used to his weight. After a
few seconds he found his balance low in his pelvis. He relaxed his legs and let go of the thick mane. Gently tensing his thighs, he managed to keep his center while the nag started to walk around the compound.
Symon cheered excitedly while his younger brother hopped up and down at the side of the fence. But their shouts startled the animal. Suddenly as if the savage creature no longer wanted the unfamiliar weight on his back, he began to buck. Griogair narrowed his focus on the powerful beast. While he didn’t have the benefit of a saddle or reins, he had successfully domesticated wild horses in the past. He gripped his thighs tightly against the steed and flung his arms in the air to maintain his balance. As hard as the feral horse tried to dislodge him, Griogair stayed seated. When the beast finally understood who was in command, the strain left his body. It was at that point that Griogair bent low to the mount’s neck, and urged him into a trot, a canter and then into a gallop.
Joy filled his heart as they flew across the enclosure. Finally all of his efforts had paid off. The horse was now broken. In a few weeks time, the mount would be ready to move into the stable. And if he was handled carefully and with respect, the nag would serve whatever purpose that Sileas and her brother had in store for him.
After the horse slowed down, he dismounted. “Ye did great,” he said, patting the beast on the nose.
Working with horses always made him feel better. The frustration from earlier was gone, and there were still several more hours left before the sun went down. And with his mind cleared, he could return to tracking down his foster brother. He started to turn back, but paused when he noticed Sileas standing with her brothers, watching him at the fence. And once again, her beauty struck him like an unexpected blow to his gut.
This wasnae guid.
Chapter 16
When Androu told Sileas about the untamed horse, she walked over to the horse pen to see for herself. Meanwhile he raced ahead of her, eager to get back to the demonstration. Her youngest brother was prone to exaggerations, so she was half inclined to believe what he told her. But then her brothers’ shouts rang in the air, causing her to hurry. When she arrived at the paddock, she found Griogair, riding bareback on the feral nag. She gaped at them, mesmerized by the magnificence of man and beast. How was he able to ride this animal in such a short time when many others had failed? As she continued to stare at Griogair’s powerful physique, she felt a jolt of awareness course through her body. His people were known as savages, but everything about this Highlander surprised her. Even at a distance, she could sense his commanding power. He towered over most men, and appeared to have the strength to destroy anyone he desired. Yet he demonstrated a gentle side too, a side that endeared him to both bairns and animals. Still, he was dangerous, a voice echoed inside her. The memory of when he kissed her yesterday flashed through her mind, and she started to feel warm. That kiss was unexpected, and she should have been offended by his boldness. Instead she took pleasure in it. Shaking her head, she couldn’t understand her reaction to the horse-trader, nor could she understand the man himself.
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