by Kara Griffin
“I fear our story isn’t as grand as theirs. I’ve known Heath my whole life.”
“Posh,” Kerrigan said, “You were in far more danger than any of us when you met Heath again. He was sent away and Lillia despaired she’d never see him again, but he found her.”
Lillia smiled slightly. “That may be. But I always loved Heath and more so when he saved me and my brothers from knaves who planned to use me to usurp the king. All’s well that ended well though. Thank goodness for that.”
“You’re all courageous. I can only imagine the peril you were in.”
Kerrigan caressed her arm. “You were in as much peril as we were. I’m gladdened you found Brodin and were able to escape that tyrant.”
“Brodin is displeased with me. I envy your love and family. You’re all with the men you love and have your children, a home. How you must rejoice.”
Makenna patted her swollen belly. “Aye, we rejoice each day that our husbands are free and our health prospers. We make our home wherever they are. One day you will be in our position.”
Dallis lowered her chin. “I doubt that I shall be for the man I love doesn’t feel the same. And I’m not too good with bairns. I will like make a terrible mother.”
“Nonsense,” Lillia said. “None of us were good at it at first. Being a good mother comes in time. As long as you love them and provide for them, the bairns will flourish.”
She kept her face tilted and couldn’t look them in the eyes shamed by her inexperience with children and the thought that she’d never bear a bairn.
Kerrigan tapped her arm. “Is there something you wish to tell us?”
Lord above! They thought … “Nay, nothing. I’m not in the family way if that’s what you are asking. I meant that I’m not good at handling Flora’s bairn.” Just as she mentioned him, the bairn let a wail loud enough to alert the men.
The ladies laughed.
Makenna clicked her tongue. “He’s just a fussy one. Have you decided on a name? He should have a name.”
“I haven’t considered one yet. I’ll think on it. I should get him settled.” She stood and dropped the tartan she’d used for warmth.
Makenna waved her to sit. “I shall see to him.”
Dallis watched the easy-going way Makenna handled the bairn. She certainly had a way with babes. The babe instantly calmed and closed his eyes.
The rest of the night Dallis lay on her bedding rationalizing their earlier discussion. Each of the ladies had gone through troubles and met their men. Perhaps they’d come to love through their ordeals. She couldn’t ask such a question and only hoped that love would come to her. Dallis almost confessed her feelings for Brodin. He was the first man she’d ever professed any sort of care for.
She tossed and turned and prayed God would give her patience when dealing with Brodin. Whatever the feelings she had for the man, each moment was riddled with confusion. Dallis wasn’t certain why her emotions tangled. Mayhap it was love.
Chapter Ten
Within a fortnight, Brodin was certain of one thing – he had a hard time keeping his hatred for Dallis. The more he watched her the more he discerned her nature. Never mind the fact that she appeared lovelier in her frock than she had in the English garb.
With midsummer in full effect, all left the caves for a day beside the stream. The women and children played jollily in the water. Brodin sat beneath a shady birch tree and noticed how awkwardly Dallis held her maid’s bairn. She tried to hide her aversion of the bairn but failed. Often his comrade’s wives interceded and assisted her, particularly Makenna. But Liam’s woman had a nurturing way with children. Dallis it seemed was good at taking care of everyone except the babes.
The ossuary now housed an additional animal—a wily goat whose milk supplied the bairn. Dallis had a difficult time milking the animal and her antics amused him for each time she went to the ossuary, she returned disheveled and in an annoyed state. He resisted following her, for he was sure the cause of her annoyance was the goat’s resistance at being milked. When she came back, she held a bottle with a makeshift nipple attached to feed the bairn. The bairn fussed and refused the bottle.
A smile twitched his lips when she hastily handed the babe to Makenna when the wee one wailed uncontrollably. He scowled at his reaction to her. Even when they laid Gilroy to rest, he couldn’t keep from watching her. Except for her innocent display of rolling in the bluebells, she appeared deeply affected by the lad’s death.
Mayhap he’d been wrong about her. And more perplexing was the fact that his attraction grew by the minute. It was more than her beauty, although her long dark tresses had to feel akin to silk. Her skin a glow and not pale. Admittedly, her pouty lips and soft brown eyes drew his regard more than what was proper.
Brodin groaned. If he kept this up, he’d find himself kissing her again. And if he was honest with himself, he wanted to. Only his next kiss would be more memorable for he’d only intended to scare her when he’d last kissed her.
He shook off the reverie and kept his gaze on her. Dallis was bewildering and yet enchanting. She was the first to help without being asked, and her compassion easily visible when she spoke to the other women. Perhaps her deceit was only out of desperation as Liam had suggested.
“What has you smiling?” Graeme asked. He approached with his comrades and they took up the surrounding ground.
Brodin ignored the question. “Will we train later this day? We haven’t for some time, in days and I’m restless.”
Liam bellowed a laugh. “I ken why you’re restless.”
Brodin picked up an inch-thick twig and threw it at him. “What news of James?”
“You deserved that, Liam. Best not tease Brodin. He’s warring with himself.” Graeme stretched out his legs and smirked. “We’ve all been through what he’s contemplating. It’s about time he commits.”
“Christ Almighty. You ken how I feel about the woman. I detest her.” Even as he said the words, he flinched inside. Detest might be a wee bit harsh.
Liam guffawed. “Aye and that’s why you were smiling.”
“Keep your tongue behind your teeth or I’ll open your lip.” Brodin grinned, knowing his threat was nothing but banter.
“We see the way you watch Dallis. She’s a bonny lass. Any man would be interested …” Graeme nodded and threw up his hands when Brodin jerked his body as if to strike him. “James should arrive shortly. I received a missive from Rohan early this morn saying he would stop by.”
“Let us train then and await him. I can’t sit around here listening to your nonsense and jests.” Brodin rose and walked to the small field where they practiced arms.
For the next hour, he’d relieved most of his aggression with the swing and strike of his sword. After he helped Liam make the paste they often wore in battle, to conceal themselves. He collected a good bit of ash from the hearth and mixed in a portion of dirt and oil. The hue was too dark and so he added the dried leaves of the woad plant. When the mixture perfected, he covered the jar with a fat oak leaf and tied it securely. That would keep the mixture moist until they required it.
Whenever they needed to travel disguised, they ensured none would recognize them by using the oil mix. It was most beneficial when they joined in battles where Robert the Bruce was present. They’d been able to evade him thus far, but now they didn’t want to avoid him. Still, they would take on a fearless mien when they met with him. All the more favorable to intimidate their king’s pardon by showing their value as soldiers, and lend a bit of credibility to their legend. Robert couldn’t afford to lose any men if or rather when the English king came to retake Scotland again.
Brodin secured the jar in his saddlebag and turned at the sound of riders approaching. He gave a sharp whistle alerting all of danger. The riders galloped through the clearing near the cave and dismounted. Graeme rose and signaled to the women ‘all was well’ and sauntered toward the visitors.
“Comrades, out enjoying this fine weather?”
Brodin incl
ined his head at James but otherwise kept silent.
Graeme motioned inside the cave. “It’s good to see you, James. Any news on our request for a meeting with Robert?”
“Why don’t we discuss it at supper? Annag is making supper, is she not?” James flashed a grin behind his thick beard. He was the first to sit at the table and pour a drink.
Brodin nodded. “Aye, she’s had a fat boar roasting all day. Here she is now.”
The aged woman was a godsend. Even though she was quite aged, she had a jovial manner and motherly way about her. Brodin considered her akin to a mother for she took great care of them.
James lifted and spun Annag around. “I missed ye, bonny lady.”
“Ah, lad, I know what’s on your mind. Ye be wanting supper?” They all nodded expectantly. “Thanks to your fine hunting yestermorn, the boar will feed us all. He’s a big one, he is. Graeme, help me get it off the pike and carve it? Roasted nicely I must say.”
“It smells tasty,” Graeme said and set about helping Annag.
The rest of them sat at the large trestle table in the center of the cave awaiting the meal. Soon after, the women and children came inside. Brodin watched the by-between the women and lightened at their gaiety. They laughed as they readied the children for supper. Dallis set a bucket of water on the floor for washing and handed drying cloths to the women.
When he glanced back at his comrades, he found James staring at Dallis. It wasn’t the sort of look that bespoke friendship. Nay, there was adoration and mayhap desire in his gaze. Brodin didn’t like it one bit. He let out an expletive, but it was spoken soft enough that none heard. Wasn’t James married? Brodin never cared enough to ask about his life. Furthermore, his comrade shouldn’t pursue the lass. He groused under his breath and berated himself for noticing or caring. Dallis wasn’t his, nor would she ever be.
Supper was served and once the women and children set off to ready for bed, James cleared his throat, an indication he was ready to discuss their request. He took his darned sweet time getting to the matter, but no one could force James to do anything until he was ready. Even such an important discussion as to their freedom wouldn’t concern the barbaric warrior.
“I always enjoy supping with you. Annag is a good cook and the foodstuff is better than what we make on the trail. I’m well and sated.” He pushed his trencher forward and sat back. “As to your meeting, I tried to broach the subject with Robert, but presently he’s not attending to any matters. Said he’s on a respite from all dealings for at least a fortnight. He returned from a lengthy sojourn to Man and retook the isle. He wants to plan his next move before he sets out again. It was as if he suspected the purpose of my visit and he cut me quick. I shall try again when next I meet with him in a few weeks.”
Graeme frowned and pounded his fist on the table. “He has to know about us. For years word spread of our doings and you said he’s mentioned us. Next time you see him; don’t give him a chance to reject the discussion. Force him to decide. We must end our exile.”
Liam scoffed. “Force him to decide. Aye, that’s the jest there. He’ll decide and our deaths will be the decree. That’s what he’ll do.”
Heath snickered. “Regardless, we must be freed of our oath to Robert. He will forgive our wrongdoing. I’ve faith that he’ll do the right thing. Our king is honorable.”
Brodin let a bellow at Heath’s discountable remark. Robert was honorable but rarely did the right thing. As his comrades continued to ruminate over the matter, James left the table and approached Dallis. He was about to speak to her when Liam’s cat strolled into the cave and ran toward Dallis. She startled and tripped on the hem of her skirt and fell backward. James wasn’t close enough to offer aid. Before Brodin could voice a warning, she knocked over the screen that hid Heath and Lillia’s bed pallet. It crashed to the ground. Dallis screeched and lay sprawled atop the screen. Her frock’s skirt rose above her knees and the skin of her long legs visible to all.
Brodin cursed and jumped from his seat and reached the calamity. He pushed James aside and knelt next to Dallis.
“Are you hurt, lass?”
She moaned and squeezed her eyes shut.
He reached out and touched her face. “Dallis, where does it hurt?”
“My shoulder.” She gestured to her right side. Brodin reached for her, but she shook her head. “Nay, don’t touch me.” Her eyes scrunched and pain darkened the hue.
He tried to assess the damage and didn’t spot any blood. “Hold on to me so I can lift you. I promise to be gentle. Put your arm around my neck. I won’t touch your shoulder.” As gently as he could, he lifted her and her body tensed. Brodin turned and found all within the cave watching him, but he needed to find a spot to place Dallis. He flipped the screen away with his foot and set her atop Heath and Lillia’s bedding.
Annag rushed forth. “Let me tend to her.”
Brodin was gladdened to hang back, but he peered over Annag’s shoulder.
“Ah, she’s dislodged her shoulder. It’s going to hurt when it’s pushed back into place.” Annag pressed her shoulder and Dallis flinched and whimpered.
“Can we get it back in place?”
Annag kept at her task of assessing the injury and didn’t look at him when she answered, “’Twould take at least two of you to hold ‘er down. She’ll need medicinals. I shall fix her a dram to ease the poor sprite.”
Brodin signaled to Graeme who stepped near. “Be ready.”
Graeme nodded and stood by the fallen screen.
Annag returned with a concoction she learned from Gwenol. “This will relieve Dallis’ pain.”
Brodin took it from her and leaned over Dallis. He smelled it and shook his head at the wretched scent. Gwenol must not have shared the secret with Annag of how she sweetened the brew. The awful mixture would taste horrible, but it would do for its intended purpose.
“Sweetheart, I ken your shoulder pains you, but you must drink this. It will help.”
She took the cup and chugged the contents. “Uggg, that’s ghastly. Don’t leave me.” She thrust the cup at him and took hold of his tunic in a death grip.
“I won’t.” He tried to lessen her grip on him, but she held tight.
“Did you see it? There was a large cat. Where did it go? He was coming after me. Is everyone safe?”
Brodin chuckled. “That is Liam’s cat. He’s harmless.”
“Harmless? I thought he was going to bite me. That’s why I tripped. My shoulder hurts.”
“It’ll get better.” To Annag, he asked, “How much longer?”
She hunched her shoulder.
“I feel like a bird,” Dallis said. “Aye, like I’m flying.”
Brodin grinned. “Aye, with a broken wing. She’s nearly there.”
“Whooooooo. My head feels light. Don’t let me fall to sleep. Promise me?”
“No, I won’t let you sleep,” he said, feigning his promise.
“Brodin, I love you.”
He nearly fell over at her medicinal-induced confession. “Rest easy, lass. You’ll be better in no time.”
She didn’t respond. Her head bobbed and she closed her eyes.
“She’s ready.” Brodin moved aside to allow Graeme space.
They pulled on Dallis’ arm until her shoulder seemed to settle back into place. Annag pressed, assessing the easement until she nodded.
“Aye, all is set to right. She’ll be tender for a few weeks and will need to keep it bound. I’ll get a cloth and situate it now.” Annag left them.
Graeme placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “She’ll be alright now even though it’ll take time for Annag’s medicinal to wear off.”
Brodin nodded. He looked up and raised a brow at his comrades. They stood as near as they could get and each wore a strange expression on their face.
Liam chuckled. “It’s settled then.”
“What’s settled?”
Heath leaned against the cave wall. “She’s yours for she’s
claimed you. We all heard her.”
“You’re all daft is what you are.” Brodin took a tartan and covered Dallis. He then set the screen to right to give her privacy. To Heath, he said, “You’ll take my pallet this night since we probably shouldn’t move her.”
Heath nodded. “Brodin, you heard her confess her feelings for you …”
“She’s under the medicinals and doesn’t ken what she’s saying.”
Graeme chortled. “A woman never says what she doesn’t want to say. If she says she loves you then she does regardless of the medicinals.”
Brodin shook his head at their banter. “Let us quiet and give her rest.” He rejoined his comrades at the table and found James peering at him.
“What?” He sat back and realized he’d soon have to wave the flag of surrender.
“You’re a damned fortunate man; you ken that, don’t you?” James asked.
He shrugged his shoulder in answer.
“I’ve never beheld such a lovelier lass and one that has more courage than most of my followers. Aye, she risked her life to bring you to Alnwick to save her gran and her maid, knowing that she would put you in danger. Yet, she went forth because it was the only way to get freed from Percy.”
“James, I know this, but she deceived me.”
“You let yourself be deceived. If you were in her place, wouldn’t you do the same? Risk your own peril and others to save those you care for? Aye, the lass has courage.”
Brodin took the jug of mead and filled his cup. He drank down most of it before swiping his chin. He didn’t know how to answer James. What would he have done if he was in her position? Whatever was necessary, he supposed. Perhaps it was time to forgive her. Ever the doubter though, he wasn’t certain he could ever trust her.
Chapter Eleven
An injury such as hers would’ve forced anyone to slow down, but not Dallis. There were many chores to tackle, and besides, she needed to do something to keep from thinking of Brodin. She needed to wash their garments, entertain her gran, and assist the women in the making of meals, and most daunting, the bairn’s necessities. There was no rest for the injured.