by Kara Griffin
He jumped from his horse and held out his arms. Dallis leaned into him and he helped her down. She felt good in his arms and he held her a moment before setting her on her feet.
“Why are we stopping?”
He took her hand and led her to a fallen tree log. “Because I couldn’t cease thinking about kissing you.”
He took her in his arms again and gazed at her lovely face. Brodin kept his restraint in place until he kissed her. Then urgency took over and all thoughts of taking it slow fled from his mind. He needed to touch her, to make her as frantic as he. His mouth caressed her soft lips, and as soon as his tongue touched hers, he was done for. As much as he wanted to continue to ravish her mouth, his body pled with him to hurry.
Dallis took painstaking time to remove his garments. He, on the other hand, had her gown removed in seconds. Yet he allowed his hands to linger on the plump flesh of her hips. He was happy she wasn’t thin-reed like some women. Dallis had curvature in all the right places.
“You’re the comeliest woman I’ve ever beheld.” His voice rasped the praise.
“And you are the most handsome.”
He wanted to spend the rest of the day looking at her beautiful form, but desire controlled him now. Brodin was frantic to touch her, to explore her body, and satisfy both their needs. His heart pounded his chest. Passion took hold and they each met the end together in an eruption of a chaotic climax. He’d never been so pleasured and wished it hadn’t ended as soon as it had. He kept her cuddled by his side and swept his hand over the flesh of her backside.
“You please me, Dallis Buchanan.” He wanted to tell her what she meant to him, how much he cared for her, but his future forbade him from making the declaration. His life’s end was nearer than he cared to admit.
She splayed her hand on his chest and her bonny lips parted. He thought she was going to speak, but she closed her mouth. Her pretty brows frowned.
“What are you thinking, lass? You appear to be weighted with heavy thoughts.”
“I was wondering if you considered taking a wife.”
“I did long ago. You ken how that ended.”
“She broke your heart.”
He took hold of her hand and caressed her palm with his thumb. “Not broke. Mayhap wounded a wee bit.”
“Are you still in love with her?”
He sat up and scowled at her question. “Of course not. I’m not sure if I ever was in love with her. I was young and foolish.”
“What was her name?”
“Alexia Sweeten. She holds no comparison to you. Aye, she caused me a lifetime of misery and all for naught.”
“I’m sorry for what she did to you. Has she caused you to abhor marriage?”
Brodin took her back into his arms and settled her against his side. “There’s never been time to consider marriage or my life. I’ve served the Bruce for many years now. I must put aside any notion of a future or a family.”
She took hold of his face and set a gentle kiss on his lips. He closed his eyes and sighed at the thought she could never be his.
“I understand you and your friends hide from the king. Surely one day you shall be free to go on—”
“The king will send for us soon. We’re to meet with him and hear his punishment. More than likely, lass, he’ll demand our execution. Robert’s wrath for those who don’t follow his command is legendary. He is the king. We respect his authority.”
She pulled away and looked off into the trees. “Is what you did so reprehensible he’d kill you? Is he that angry?”
“Aye. Robert is well-known for his retribution and temper when he’s done wrong. We’ve seen his anger. He’ll want justice and we deserve whatever reprimand he intends to dole out. Robert left instruction for us to stay on the isle where we exiled to after he killed Robert Comyn at Greyfriars. We witnessed the murder. He thought we’d be safer on the isle – to secure his reign, protect our lives and his … If we’d stayed, we would’ve starved to death or perished. We took an oath to protect him and we wouldn’t let his command detract us from doing so.”
“Can you not continue to hide? You’ve done so all these years. Surely he will forget about you again.”
“I’m not certain he’s ever forgotten us. But we’re done with running and hiding. Nay, we want to seek his clemency and if he doesn’t give it to us then whatever shall be … That is why I have no wish to take a wife. I won’t exist much longer if the king decides he won’t pardon us.”
“Shhh, don’t speak so.” She set a delicate finger on his lips.
“I accept my fate, lass. But at least I met you and saved you from that miscreant.”
“I wish you hadn’t for I’d rather not live if you are to die.” She set her head on his shoulder.
He smeared away a lone tear at the edge of her eye. Brodin wanted to demand she take back her retort, but he understood. Dallis cared for him. She admitted it albeit by saying it in such an appalling way.
She rose and pulled her garments on. Brodin finished dressing and turned to embrace her. She held him tightly, her hold telling.
“Dallis, lovely, if things were different … If I was free to make my way … I wouldn’t risk losing you.” It was all he might say without actually telling her he cared for her.
Dallis stepped back and clasped his hands. “For the remainder of your days, Brodin Grant, my heart is yours.”
Chapter Fifteen
Outwardly, she pretended to be content and solaced by spending time with Brodin. Inwardly, she despaired at losing him. If what he said was true, she didn’t have much time to be with him. Dallis never thought she would fall so earnestly for Brodin or for any man. She hadn’t had suitors back home. If she had, none would’ve affected her to such a state. Instead of being woebegone and quailed as she was wont, she set a smile on her face and put from her mind the thing she dreaded the most – Brodin’s death.
She leaned over his sleeping form and regarded his handsome face. The set of his whiskered jaw, length of his nose, manly brows, hard yet yielding lips; sent her heart racing. Dallis placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
“How will I go on?” She whispered and rolled onto her stomach, and put her head atop her folded arms and forlornly observed him.
“You will go on. You’ll probably wed a Buchanan follower, have lots of bairns, and love him until you’re an old spirited woman.” He rolled onto his side, took a tress of her hair in hand, and rubbed her cheek with it. “Promise me.”
“You ask too much. I cannot. I will not. I shan’t wed and as to bairns … you’ve seen with your own eyes, I’m a wretched mother seeing how I can barely handle Flora’s babe. And I won’t love anyone but you.”
“You love me?”
“Aye from the moment I laid eyes on you … when you stormed into Rohan’s chamber. I can’t make such a promise.”
He firmed his lips and set his forehead on his forearm. “You ken all hope is lost. Robert will call for me and I will be subjected to his judgment.”
“I shall never give up hope.” But Dallis had given up hope. She despaired each day. The only thing that kept her from being completely miserable was that he was still at the caves and continued to breathe.
“Let us rise and see if Annag has the morning fare ready.” He threw his legs over the edge of the bedding and reached for his garments.
She pushed his shoulder and laughed. “Is that all you can think of? Your stomach?”
“I’m hungry, lass.” He pulled a tunic over his head and fastened two tartans. Brodin turned and faced her. “Come, lovely, be merry for my sake. No sense brooding for what will come.”
She nodded and rose to dress. Fortunately, he’d left her alone. Dallis took her time and readied for the day. Once she’d finished with her morning tasks, she wrapped her hair in a coil and tied it behind her neck.
The day would be warm since spring was now in its full height. Perhaps this day, she’d get outside and enjoy time near the stream. If only such a joyous af
ternoon would detract her from her wayward thoughts. Dallis retreated from beyond the screen she shared with Brodin and spotted the bairn sitting on her gran’s lap.
Everyone left the main cave and she was alone with her gran. It had been a long time since they’d had a moment together. She sat beside her and smiled.
“Your mother is turning in her grave.”
At first, she thought she misheard her gran. “You’re displeased?”
Her gran nodded. “Aye, because you are unhappy. You love him but you need to forget him.”
“How can I?” She took the babe and cuddled him, rocking back and forth to settle him. There was rightness to her gran’s words and yet she couldn’t bring herself to accept the truth. She would lose him and she definitely needed to forget him. As long as she lived, she’d remember him, the moments of bliss spent at night, the rare smiles he shared with her. Her heart would always remember.
“’Tis easy, lass. We should go home, to Buchanan land. There is no one to stop us now.”
“I will not leave yet. Mayhap soon.” Dallis wouldn’t leave until the king called the guard. Perhaps King Robert wouldn’t summon Brodin and his comrades. She took the milk from her gran and the bairn ceased fussing.
“’Twill hurt, lass, but not forever. You will forget him eventually.” Her gran patted her shoulder and left the cave.
Dallis wanted to go outside as well but would wait until the bairn finished drinking. Brodin and his comrades returned with James who must’ve arrived while she dressed.
“Good morn,” she said to all and carried on feeding the babe. “Welcome, James.”
James bowed and took a seat at the table. He watched her from afar and she got a strange uncomfortable feeling. The brooding man appeared to want her to leave by the frown he sent her. It was all she could do to get away.
She stood and repositioned the bairn. “You’re having a meeting. I shall leave you to it.” But when she tried to leave the cave, Brodin blocked her from leaving. He reached her before she discerned he’d left his seat.
“You don’t have to leave. Go on, sit down and continue feeding the bairn.” He leaned close and whispered, “You look bonny feeding the bairn. Besides, there’s nothing I will hide from you.”
His words gladdened her, yet she remained discomfited at having to listen to their conversation. Dallis retook her seat and focused on the babe. The last thing she wanted to hear was the king’s agreement of an audience with Brodin and his comrades. Try as she might she couldn’t help but overhear …
James redirected his gaze to the men. “Aye, we tore each and every stone from Roxborough’s turrets. My da must’ve rolled in his grave. The fief lay crumbled to the ground in a rather large heap. At least, no Englishman will ever occupy it again. That’s a wee bit comforting. Thomas Randolph recaptured Edinburgh, too. Robert is well pleased with our efforts of late. ‘Tis one more fief retaken and returned to our beloved country. We’re gaining ground and recovering our lands. Soon we can put aside this riff with England.”
“Randolph is becoming one of Robert’s most loyal military leaders,” Graeme said. “I’ve heard he’s overzealous at gaining ground.”
James scoffed. “He’s not as loyal as I or you, but he has made a name for himself. Hard to fathom the man gave his fealty to Edward and England. If we hadn’t captured him, we might well have faced him in the months to come.”
Brodin leaned forward. Dallis noticed the tightness of his arms. “Are you saying there’s to be a battle soon?”
“Aye for word reached Robert that Edward the younger is intent on concluding the war his father started. Our king prepares and declares nothing shall stop him from reclaiming all of Scotland. If Edward comes, we shall be ready.”
Brodin smiled widely as did his comrades.
Dallis didn’t know what was so pleasing about that. War was nothing to grin at, but her love and his friends seemed jubilant about it. Were all men senseless when it came to fighting?
“Glory be,” she said aloud and quickly hid her mouth with a hand. Fortunately, none heard her but James, for he was the only one who faced her.
James frowned and shook his cup at Graeme. “I’m empty.” Graeme refilled his trencher and the men were silent for a moment.
James finished his second batch of mead. “I’ve come to tell ye that Robert has agreed to a meeting, och it won’t be until later in the spring. He’s preparing for the arrival of the English but said he wants to discuss your pardon. You’re to join him when he calls. He’ll send notice of when and where.”
“That’s good news, aye it is,” Graeme said.
“I ken not if it is, but at least he is willing to meet. Mayhap he will have you join him in the forthcoming battle. Nevertheless, I expect you’ll be there … unless Robert decides not to forgive you.” James slapped Graeme’s shoulder. “You’ll help me protect Robert for he is as always unconcerned for his own wellbeing and rides out without much caution.”
“He always was careless when it came to his welfare. We will be there. You may relay that to Robert. We shall aid in the battle regardless of his decision unless he imprisons us or executes us beforehand,” Graeme said.
Brodin sat back with his arms folded over his chest as if the discussion affected him not.
“I suspected as much. That gives me an idea. I will mention it to Robert. You’re all honorable … even if the king doesn’t ken it. Now I must be off. I’m to see Friar Hemm and retrieve any messages for Robert. I also want to see Rohan. One of his lackeys found me on the trail and said Rohan hasn’t been seen for days. I want to make sure he’s not in need of aid.” James rose, bowed slightly to her, but before he started off to the cave exit, Brodin stopped him.
“Await. I’ll go with you. If Rohan needs aid, we should assist.” Brodin glanced at Graeme who nodded. “Besides, Dallis wanted to go to the village.” He craned his neck and called to her. “If you want to go, lass, ready hastily, James isn’t one to wait for anyone.”
Dallis ran forth from the cave and found the ladies outside the cave. The children played a game and chased each other. She handed the bairn to Makenna, who instantly cuddled the wee one. The men retreated from the cave and marched off toward the ossuary.
“Brodin is taking me to the village. I’m going to pick up the fabric we ordered so we can finish the children’s lighter garments.”
Kerrigan approached and handed her a few coins. “Take this in case you need it. We are in such need for the fabric. Their winter garb is tattered and worn.”
“I shall return quickly.” She hurried off to the ossuary, but stood outside and waited for Brodin.
He led his horse out of the cave and clicked his tongue to get the beast to stop. She approached and he helped her onto the animal’s back. Dallis liked riding with Brodin because he always held her firmly. She leaned back against him and sighed contentedly. Spring made for a beautiful ride with the forest alive with its insects, ground cover, newly sprung leaves on the many trees they passed. Dallis breathed deeply and was enchanted by the scents that came as they passed a meadow of wildflowers, a copse of heather, and afresh pine needles.
At the cross path where the lane took to the abbey, James relayed he’d catch up to them after he visited Friar Hemm. Brodin continued onward. The ride to the village went by quickly and the wooden walls ahead. Dallis remained quiet during the ride, though she worried about Rohan. From what she learned of him, he wasn’t one to ever be afar from the mead hall. It was his livelihood and he never allowed anyone else to take charge.
When she’d visited long ago, the last time, he showed her kindness. But then she suspected it was because of her betrothal tale. She’d never heard a man laugh as loudly as Rohan had when she told him she was Brodin’s betrothed. Now that she knew Brodin, she understood the humor of the situation. Rohan must’ve thought she was maddened.
Still, she hoped the man wasn’t ill or hurt. Dallis waited for Brodin to dismount. He helped her from the horse and conti
nued to hold her waist. His face wore such a serious mien.
“What is it?”
“I don’t like the feeling I’m getting. Aye, something is wrong here. Await me at the miller’s and if I don’t come soon, head to Sweetheart Abbey.”
Dallis grabbed hold of his tunic sleeve. “What do you mean if you don’t come? Do you deem there is danger?”
He shrugged his shoulder. “I do not ken, but I’m going to find Rohan. I will try to be quick, but lass, if I am long, don’t await me. Go to the abbey and stay there until I come.”
She nodded. “Aye, be careful.”
Dallis lingered by the hostel until Brodin turned on the lane and she could no longer see him. She started off to the miller’s and thought someone watched her. The only person she noticed on the lane was a man who stood by a cottage. He didn’t seem interested in her and kept his view down the lane. She continued onward.
Outside the miller’s cottage, she stepped aside when someone came out of the abode. Someone tapped her on her shoulder from behind and she startled. “Oh, yes, may I help you?”
“I’m afraid I’m lost. Can you tell me where the smith is? I am supposed to meet my husband there but got turned around.”
Dallis smiled at the winsome lady and nodded. “Of course. I’m Dallis Buchanan. I’ll be pleased to show you the way.” She knew almost every cottage within the village since she’d spent months in wait for Brodin the first time she tried to gain his aid. As she walked along, she smiled at the passersby and slowed her pace.
“Is it not this way?” the woman asked.
“I don’t believe so. I thought it was along the lane here.”
“Nay, I’m certain it is through here. Will you walk with me?” The woman linked her arm with hers and guided her to the dark pathway.
Dallis thought the woman might be frightened to walk alone through the small alleyway. None were about at the edge of the village. She nodded and followed the woman even though she was somewhat apprehensive about the situation. But she was being silly. The woman needed her aid and what harm would it cause if she spent a few more minutes helping her find the smithy.