by Kara Griffin
Her friend’s mouth hung open. “You walked all the way here from Buchanan land? Oh my.”
“We did. It took nearly a fortnight but then we got lost a time or two.”
Kerrigan poured her a cup of mead. “Drink and tell me the real reason you are here because I know it wasn’t because your gran missed Annag. And you know I would’ve sent news if I had heard anything.”
“I had to leave before my brothers returned.” Dallis quickly related their homecoming, “and I will not marry him. Have you heard from Graeme?”
“Not a single word. Oh dear, he’s not going to like this.” Kerrigan pouted but then replaced it with a splendid smile.
“Like what? That I’ve come? If I’ll cause trouble, I shall leave. I don’t want to upset Graeme.”
“Nay that the Buchanans are likely to come looking for you. Oh dear, he’s not going to like it one bit.” She laughed and lifted her cup in spirit.
“I doubt so, but let them come. I will refuse to return home. Maurice is an aggressor, but I’ve learned to deal with him.” Dallis clunked her cup to Kerrigan’s.
“Your brothers are quite stubborn. I fear they will make camp outside our gate until you change your mind.”
“They are not the only stubborn Buchanan. Besides, I want to stay until we learn what happened to the guard … to Brodin. I didn’t deem he would send word so I thought to stay with you while we waited.”
“Of course you are welcome for as long as you wish. I hope to hear something soon for I’ve sent Graeme’s cousin Guthrie to the village for news.”
“I met the lad. He showed me the way to Cameron land.”
Kerrigan lowered her head and sighed. “Oh, then he must not have found out any information. I had hoped …”
“He said nothing to me, but perhaps he will return and speak with you.”
“Let us see what Annag has fixed for the morning fare. You must be ravenous.”
“I’m not hungry and couldn’t eat a bite.” Dallis wasn’t sure if it was the travel or her nerves wreaking havoc on her stomach. The strange feeling likely was caused by the impending news of Brodin’s fate. But her stomach quavered.
“Nonsense. You must be famished. Come.”
As soon as they reached the kitchens, the scents swarmed her and brought forth a twinge in her throat. Her stomach flipped and she couldn’t hold back. She wretched and fell to her knees.
“I’m terribly … sorry. I cannot …” The faces of her dear friends blurred and she succumbed.
Dallis awoke and rubbed her eyes. The chamber was dark with one lone candle lit. She sat up and noticed Gran asleep in a chair nearby. The bedding was comfortable and she hesitated to leave it, but gran needed to be put to bed.
She tapped her gran’s hand. “Time for bed.”
Gran smiled. “Och are ye well now, my dear?”
“I seem to be. I’m sorry if I worried you.”
She patted her hand. “As long as you are well.”
Kerrigan strolled into the chamber and handed Gran a nightrail. “Get rest, Lady Buchanan. I shall see to Dallis now.”
“I’m well, truly. I’ll see to Gran.” She helped her gran undress and ready for bed. Once she had the covers tucked, she kissed her cheek. “Sleep well.”
Kerrigan waited, she took the chair her gran vacated. “I doubt we’ll disturb her if we talk.”
“Once she closes her eyes, she’ll be asleep in no time. Thank you for your aid. I’m sorry if I made a mess of the kitchens.”
“Annag wasn’t too upset and had the kitchens set to right in no time. She was concerned for you though and went about making a remedy for your stomach.” Kerrigan snatched the cup from the side table and handed it to her.
Dallis wouldn’t be rude and refuse the drink. Besides, Annag made remedies and she could use a tonic. “I don’t know what came over me.”
“I do.” Kerrigan grinned as if she was privy to the most guarded secret.
“Do you mind telling me because as soon as I smelled that pottage—”
“I believe you’re with child.”
Dallis shuffled back until she sat on the bedside. “Nay, I can’t be. Could I be?”
Kerrigan laughed. “You’re asking me? I suspected you and Brodin were much closer than either of you let on.”
“Oh, lord above. I cannot do this alone … if Brodin never returns …”
“Shush now. We must have faith they will return and if not you shan’t be alone. I won’t let you be.”
“I am blessed with your friendship.” Dallis rose to meet her when Kerrigan pulled her to stand. She hugged her close. “I suppose I should’ve allowed my brothers to force Brodin to marry me at the caves.”
Kerrigan’s laughter filled the chamber. “Brodin can’t be forced to do anything. But you’re aright. We must keep this secret until we know his fate. And then we’ll decide what to do. You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”
Dallis couldn’t refrain from her derisive laugh. “You truly are a good friend if you deem that falsehood will make me feel better.”
She clutched her hand. “One can try, can she not?”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Clansmen and followers searched amongst the dead for their kin. All helped to bury the departed or prepare their brethren for his journey home. The task was bleak and many forlorn when they found one of their friends or family members amongst the battlefield. Often all would cease their search and stand near and join in the prayer over a departed soul.
Brodin asked James once again if the king would meet with them. He was anxious to be on his way and if the king decided against forgiveness, then at least he would know his fate. There was no sense in putting off the inevitable.
“Christ almighty, Brodin, I haven’t broached the subject. The king has been a mite busy and you ken Robert. He’s still in battle mind.” James tossed several logs into the pit and bid his followers to make the morning fare.
“Now is the time to ask, when he’s pleased about the victory.” Brodin paced back and forth. “We should send someone to ask …”
“I tell you, if you persist, you’ll anger him. Cease bothering me.” James shoved his chest and took the bread from one of his cohorts. He stuffed the bread in his mouth and disregarded him.
Brodin was about to tell James where he could shove his damned opinion when the lord’s squire approached. The young lad stood afar and didn’t seem to want to impart his message. He didn’t blame the young one for James was often intimidating.
“S-Sir J-James, m-m’lord wishes to s-see you and his guard at once.” The lad bowed and ran off faster than a rock thrust from a sling.
“About damned time.” Brodin sauntered off, his comrades followed.
A guard insisted they leave their swords and weapons at the exit for he’d been commanded to allow no entry. “No weapons are permitted in the king’s tent.”
Once they left their swords and daggers on the ground, the posted sentry allowed them entry.
Inside the king’s domain, Robert sat with a scroll in hand and a quill in the other. He signed several before he noticed they’d entered.
They quickly knelt, bowed their heads and waited.
Robert rounded the table and leaned against it. “Rise. I suspect you’re anxious to know my decision. But first I would hear what befell my squire, Gilroy. I assume you didn’t leave him on the isle?”
Graeme stepped forward. “He’s gone, my lord, and unfortunately killed.”
Brodin stepped next to his comrade, and wouldn’t let him take the blame. “It is my fault, sire. I hold responsibility for his death.”
Robert scowled, crossed his ankles, and continued to lean on the table. “Explain why you own to being responsible.”
“It is a long tale, my lord, but the short of it is … I was trying to rescue him from Alnwick but I wasn’t able to. A lady begged my aid and told me Gilroy was being held by Henry Percy.”
Robert fingered his beard. “A woma
n you say? And her name?”
Brodin was hesitant to speak it, but he had no choice. “Dallis Buchanan.”
Robert’s brows furrowed. “I haven’t met the lady, but her brothers are often thorns in my arse. Regardless, I am gracious the Buchanans side with us and not England.” He shook his head before adding, “I’m disheartened to learn of the lad’s fate. I hoped he thrived.”
Brodin was astounded by the king’s empathy. He didn’t usually show sympathy. “We kept the lad Gilroy with us for years, Sire, and tried to keep him safe. The lad was troublesome and frequently left our holding without permission. I am not certain how he came to be at Alnwick. All were saddened by his death.”
“I will pray for the lad’s soul. Now, I am hard-pressed to send you off to your clans. I didn’t want to do so—”
“Sire, we have sacrificed years of our lives,” Graeme said.
“And now you are no longer willing to sacrifice your lives for your king?” Robert waited as if he expected an answer to such an absurd question.
Brodin resisted the urge to shout. He tried to be amiable but the damned king was making it difficult. No other answered. He stepped forward. “It is not that we are unwilling. We shall gladly serve you and will for the remainder of our lives. We only seek to return to our wives, our clans, our homes …”
A rare smile crossed their king’s lips. “I was going to say that I didn’t want to let you go but ken I must. All those years you protected me. I am honored and humbled by your service. I give you leave, but expect you to come when I call. You will be rewarded for your service, for the years beyond what you were bidden to give. I cannot punish you when I should be gracious.”
They bowed and got the hell out of there before Robert changed his mind.
Brodin took a relieved breath and followed his comrades back to James’ encampment.
They gathered their belongings and watched James head out with his barbarians. The men didn’t leave quietly, but hooted and hollered at their fellow warriors as they rode past. Likewise, the armies that remained hollered back and stood in respect to James’ followers.
“I’m off, comrades, to test the fortitude of the lowlands. Aye, our borders need protecting.” James’ gave a wily grin, attesting he was excited at the prospect of riding forth.
“You mean raiding.” Brodin chuckled, feeling a mite sorry for those who resided in the border regions.
James bellowed a laugh. “Call it what ye will. I leave ye and am gladdened you can finally return home. God go with you.” He rode off leaving a trail of dust in his wake.
Brodin continued to pack his saddlebag. His comrades were hesitant to speak their farewells, but it was time to put the past behind them.
Graeme pulled Heath close. “Are you ready to rejoin your clan?”
“Aye, my clan awaits. I am wanting to see my Lillia and my bairn. Ethan will be a handful when he learns to run.” Heath chuckled and slapped Graeme’s back. “I’ll come for a visit near harvest.”
“Go with God, Heath, and thank you,” Graeme said.
Heath shook hands with each of them and then grabbed his horse’s tether.
Liam punched him in the arm. “Brodin, are ye going to invite us to your wedding?”
He laughed in spite of never deeming he’d ever be asked such a question. “Aye, mayhap. That’s if the lass will have me.”
“She’d be a fool not to. Send word and we’ll come.” Liam bear-hugged him and stepped back smiling. “You deserve to be happy. I’m pleased for you.”
Graeme held out his hand. “I’ll be taking back my coin now.”
Brodin patted his tunic as if he’d lost it, but reached inside the seam at the sleeve and retrieved it. He flipped it through the air and Graeme caught it.
“I’ll be glad to retire this coin. You take care of yourselves. If you ever need me—”
“Aye, we ken where to find you.” Brodin grinned at his friends. His comrades rode off and he waited until they were out of view to consider his plan. He kicked the dirt and smothered the fire in the pit.
Dallis. He envisioned her face and smile. How he’d missed her. He wondered if she would be shocked when he showed up and insisted she accepted him. Brodin wanted to ride out and reach her as soon as he could. His life would change and he reasoned the happiness she’d bring him. Decisions needed to be reached, but he wouldn’t do so without her input. It was best they decide their future together.
Brodin reached for his horse’s rein when the sound of thunder came. He would be soaked before he reached the pass and onward to find Dallis. With a quick glance behind him, he realized it wasn’t going to rain at all. He grimaced. The damned Buchanans headed right for him. They stopped before the fire pit; each man sending a glare.
“Grant, before ye leave, we wanted to ask you a question.” Maurice sat astride his horse and made no move to greet him properly.
“What’s that? Be quick for I’m in a hurry.”
“Aye? It won’t take but a moment.”
“Your question?” He glared back and didn’t like the standoffish nature of his future brothers-in-law.
“Did ye see Sir Percy on the battlefield? Know you of his death?”
He shook his head. “I don’t think he showed to support his king. I saw him not.”
“Aye, we searched for him, too. Very well, we shall set out to Alnwick, lads.” Maurice turned his horse and was about to flee.
“Wait. You’re going to Alnwick?”
“Aye, I just said so, did I not? Percy will not live after mistreating a Buchanan.”
“I’m going with you. It’s my right to kill him. He hurt Dallis, killed my squire, and tortured me. It is my right.”
Maurice grumbled. “Och, ye can come, Grant, if you wish. We shall see who gets the right to skewer him.”
Brodin quickly mounted his horse and rushed to catch up with the Buchanans. He sidled next to Maurice and kept quiet. On the ride, he’d consider his plan. One way or another, he was going to be the one to bring justice to his future wife, his departed squire, and for himself.
“Speaking of Dallis …”
Maurice kept his face forward. “Were we speaking of the lass? I didn’t hear her name mentioned. Yet, I’m pleased she’s accepted a suitor I’ve betrothed her to. When we return home, she shall be wed and settled.”
“Is that so?”
“Aye, it damned well is. Finally, I can give the lass over to her husband and rid myself of the bother. She’s a stubborn woman and I won’t have such a woman in my home.”
Brodin wanted to lash out at the unacceptable manner Maurice had toward his sister. But it was best he kept tight-lipped about his plan. He clasped the reins tightly at hearing the unwelcoming news. He didn’t want to accept what Maurice told him, but at least he wouldn’t have to worry about it until they reached Buchanan land. There was no way in hell he’d be left behind. Dallis was his and he’d make sure she wedded no other.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Summer neared its end. Word spread of Scotland’s victory over the English at Bannock. Many in the Highlands rejoiced. The Cameron clan prepared for the harvest festival. Most of the men helped the farmers on the fields and chose the cattle which provided food during the long winter. The women readied for the great harvest gathering, decorating indoors and out with braided wreaths of hay, adorned with sprigs of thistles, a sign of the prickly weather to come.
When the entire clan came together, they’d give thanks for all the land and God provided. Old customs mixed with the new. Many of the elders resisted change and insisted on performing old rituals. Loaves of bread, made from the first harvested grains, were set on the altar for the priest to bless. The elders placed sacrifices outside the smith’s hut to honor the God Lugh in hopes of obtaining or maintaining their skills at weaponry or other skilled professions.
The celebration was enjoyed by all even though they had yet to learn of the king’s guard’s fate. All feared their laird wouldn’t return, but
none would speak of such in front of their laird’s lady. A large group of men who had returned from the recent fray gave an accounting of the battle. Crowds sat around the fire as they told of Scotland’s victory. Throughout the night boisterous cheers arose and most of the clan danced and sang.
Dallis couldn’t be as jubilant about the festivities. Each day she pestered Kerrigan for news and each day she was disappointed. Yet she wouldn’t give up hope they’d hear something soon. Weeks passed and surely the guard met with the king by now. She entered the great hall and her heart nearly burst when she spotted the guard’s leader.
“Graeme! You’re here.” She ran toward him and stopped short. It wouldn’t be proper to hug the laird, but in her happiness, she almost forgot her place.
“Aye, and gladdened I am to be home. I arrived late last eve. Kerrigan told me ye came for a visit.”
She searched beyond him for Brodin and didn’t retort.
He noticed her action. “He’s not here. Brodin returned home to Grant land.”
Her heart sank. She got a terrible ache in her chest and had to sit. Stepping back, she fell into the nearest chair. “Oh, I thought …”
“I’m sure he was going to send for you. He probably wanted to settle matters at home before he sought you out. I’ll send a missive and let him ken you are here.”
His assurance eased her slightly. “That would be—”
At that moment Graeme’s children entered the hall. Kerrigan laughed at the joyous welcome home their children boisterously shouted. Seeing their happiness would’ve made her joyful as well, but she couldn’t help but be woebegone.
Dallis gave them privacy, something their small family hadn’t had in many a month. She walked outside and avoided the clans’ people who went about their daily chores. She found a spot to sit near the stables and patted her ever-growing belly. As much as she was nervous about the birthing and parenting, she also looked forward to seeing her bairn. By Michaelmas, she’d give Brodin a joyous gift.
That was if she might find him. By God’s grace, he would receive Graeme’s message and come straight away. But as a precaution, she sent a short note with her medallion to Friar Hemm. Kerrigan mentioned how the medallion worked and given the fact that Gilroy gave his and she’d used it to gain Brodin’s aid, the idea came to her. If perchance he stopped there, he’d get her message.