by Barbara Bard
“It is a joy tae be here after being locked in that dungeon for years,” he said.
Even Rebecca had to admit that it was beautiful, although she had always been used to living in towns and villages. Alastar kept his ears and eyes peeled from any threats that would come their way. Although he had told Rebecca that Lord Flynn's patrols wouldn't find them, he wasn't entirely sure of that fact. There was always the chance that some rogue bandit would come up to them as well, not that anyone could stand up to the skill of the Blue Thistle.
After the combats he had participated in, Alastar was confident that he had lost none of his skill, and that he could duel anyone and win. The lessons his father had imparted were strong in his mind, and as he rode he thought about the positions he should take in a duel with Lord Flynn, so that when they met again he would be able to deal with him swiftly, even though the man didn't seem deserving of a swift death.
Even though it had been years since Alastar had stalked these woods as the Blue Thistle's sidekick, he knew them like the back of his hand and was glad to know that his knowledge had not deserted him. One of his fears while imprisoned was that he would have lost the things that made him special, but that had not turned out to be the case.
There was a firm flutter of wings as a flock of birds flew away from a tree. Rebecca gasped and tensed. Her arms gripped him tightly. Alastar chuckled.
“Ye are on edge,” he said, and implored her to try and calm her anxieties.
The ride was pleasant and peaceful, and Alastar found himself feeling calmer than he had been for a while. It was easy, when riding along, to forget that a war was coming. Lord Flynn was gathering his forces and soon there would be a sea of Englishman rushing up the Highlands, and then blood would flow, most of it Highland blood, unless Alastar could succeed in his mission.
At the thought of this he spurred the horse on, reminding himself that he should not lose himself in the wonder and beauty of nature. Not when there was such a pressing threat.
Chapter 22
Rebecca held onto Alastar tightly as they rode through the woods. The rhythm of the horse made her stomach jump at first, but after riding for this long she had gotten used to the motion. She rested her head against Alastar's body, enjoying the comfort it gave her. The flock of birds made her jump, but that was only because she had been so lost in thought.
All her life she had been told that the wild woods of the Highlands were filled with magic and danger, and that under no circumstance she should ever delve into them. However, riding through them she was in awe at the beauty and vibrancy of nature. It was like being back in the gardens of the Flynn estate, although there weren't as many exotic flowers in the woods.
What it lacked in diversity it made up in sheer grandeur though. The woods stretched on for eternity. There were so many thick trees, all different shades of brown, and the lush green that accompanied them gave everything a serene feeling. The shade provided by the trees also meant that the air was cool and sweet.
The thumping of the hooves against the ground soon became background noise. Rebecca reached out with her senses and closed her eyes, trying to lose herself in the sounds of the forest. She heard the rustle of bushes as animals scurried about their business. She envied them, for they did not have to be burdened with thoughts of the war. She heard a babbling stream as well, and this sound she found calming.
Then, she felt the horse beginning to slow. She opened her eyes and saw that the trees were clearing. A village made up of small huts appeared before her, and people came out to greet them. Alastar had told her they wouldn't reach their destination today, so she wondered where they were.
Alastar alighted from the horse and helped her down too. Rebecca didn't want to let go of his hand, but he pulled it away and turned towards the village. The people there were wearing simple clothes. Wisps of smoke curled up into the blue sky from squat chimneys. There was a well in the middle of town.
“Greetings,” Alastar boomed, “ye may nae recognize me, but I hae passed here a long time ago, as did my father, the Blue Thistle.”
At the mention of the name, the crowd gasped. The children didn't know what was going on, but many of the adults rushed up to him and greeted him with great excitement. Rebecca stepped back, feeling overwhelmed at the attention he was receiving. He was like a folk hero.
“We hae long awaited your return,” a man said, thin wisps of hair rested atop a balding scalp. Alastar shook their hands and smiled warmly at them. “We thought ye would never return. When ye were taken we were sure they ye would hae been killed by that evil English lord.” The man scowled as he spoke about Lord Flynn. Rebecca gulped nervously. She was well aware of the tension that existed between the English and the Highlanders and was afraid of what would happen to her.
“He is yet tae pay, but I shall collect the debt he owes. There is troubling news, and I have tae make it tae the McCall clan, but first I would like tae stop here for some food and water, and some of ye kind hospitality,” Alastar said.
“Ye are always welcome here, and we hae something for ye. But first, tell us what trouble ye mean?” the man called Jon said.
“The worst kind of trouble there is. War. The English are invading again, and this time Athelred Flynn is bringing every soldier he can muster tae bring his daughter back and gain revenge for the death of his son.”
Jon looked grim at this news, as did the other people of the small village. Parents began to usher the children away, not wanting their innocent heads to be filled with grim news.
“Some say it is poetic that he lost his boy when he took ye Da,” Jon said.
“Aye, there must be balance in the world. Oh, and this is Rebecca, I rescued her from Lord Flynn. She is under my protection.”
There were understanding nods that met Alastar's words and warm smiles extended to Rebecca. She liked the sound of being under his protection and moved a little closer to him.
“Let's get ye settled then,” Jon said, and welcomed them into the village.
Chapter 23
It was strange for Alastar to be back in this village. The last time he had been here he had witnessed his father die. He tried not to think about that though. His father wouldn't have. He felt weak for letting the past have such an effect on his emotions and wished that he was as hardy as his father had been.
The villagers were all welcoming and took them into the feasting hall, where they met for their meals, sharing the community spirit.
“Dinnae be overwhelmed. They are friendly,” Alastar said to Rebecca, noticing that she had been quiet and reticent ever since they had arrived here. She smiled at him, but didn't say anything, for a crowd of people approached again, this time bringing a vast selection of food. The table before them was quickly filled with all manner of dishes, stews, broth, sweetened meats, vegetables, and plenty of water and ale to be passed around. Alastar was amused when he saw Rebecca's wide-eyed reaction.
“What's the matter lass, hae ye nae seen food before?”
“Never this much, at least, not in front of me. Only Lord Flynn dines on this amount of food,” she said, staring in disbelief. Alastar chortled as he reached out and started serving himself food, eager to slake his thirst and fill his belly on the delicacies of his homeland.
“It is nae only Lords who get tae eat like kings out here,” Alastar said, tucking into a chicken leg. He tore the meat away and closed his eyes in satisfaction. This was what he had truly missed all those years in Lord Flynn's dungeon. “When ye live off the land the land provides its heart and soul.”
Rebecca reached out and began to help herself to food as well, tentatively at first, as though she wasn't sure if she was really allowed.
“I think our way of life will suit ye Rebecca,” Alastar said, “everyone gets a share. We all work hard for what we grow, and we dinnae hae servants waiting on us,” he said.
“It is a shock, but a welcome one,” Rebecca said.
Alastar enjoyed spending time with her like
this, when they were out of danger. People came up to him and asked him about his experiences, which he wasn't too eager to share given the nature of them, but he understood their curiosity. He was able to tell them enough without diving into the darkest details.
Kids came up to him too, and they reminded him of Stephen. They all wanted to hear stories about the tales of the Blue Thistle.
“Aye, ye hae heard of the Blue Thistle?” Alastar remarked. The children nodded enthusiastically. A broad grin spread over Alastar's face. Out here the Blue Thistle wasn't synonymous with a coward like in England. Out here, Lord Flynn's propaganda hadn't been allowed to spread. They remembered his father as he was meant to be known, and this warmed Alastar's heart.
The feast was met with good cheer and good company. Alastar and Rebecca enjoyed themselves immensely, and the villagers were glad of outside company. There were even a few children who put on a display of swordsmanship, hoping to impress Alastar. He congratulated them and told them that he would give them a few pointers in the future, after he had visited the McCalls.
There was barely any food left on the table, and Alastar was stuffed. His belly was fuller now than it had been in a long time, and he patted himself with contentment. The plates and bowls were taken away after he and Rebecca had made it clear that they were not interested in any more food. The two of them were conversing with each other when a shadow loomed over their table.
Alastar looked up to see Jon and a few other men standing before them, holding something wrapped in leather. They set it on the table.
“This hae been waiting for ye,” Jon said. “We hoped that one says someone would return and be worthy of this.”
Alastar's curiosity was piqued. After an encouraging nod from Jon he reached over and unfolded the blanket layer by layer. At first, he was puzzled, but as he revealed more of the present, he was amazed and delighted.
“What is it?” Rebecca asked.
“It's my Da's,” Alastar said. He held up the garment and saw his father's clothes and armor. It was tinged with blue dye and had been what his father had worn as the Blue Thistle. Upon seeing it Alastar welled up with emotion and had to blink back tears. “How?” he asked.
Jon smiled with pride. “When we buried your father, we undressed him and thought that this was far tae valuable tae keep. This is a symbol of righteousness and heroism. The Blue Thistle should never be forgotten. We thought it would be what he would hae wanted, tae pass along his legacy tae someone worthy. Never did we think that his own son would return, but this is clearly made for ye. Ye are carved in ye father's imagine. If I dinnae know any better, I would hae said he returned from the dead.”
Alastar lifted up the clothes and looked upon them with awe. His father had been a striking, intimidating man in this clothing, and to know that someone else thought he was worthy filled his heart with pride.
“Ye honor me and my father with this gesture. Ye hae my deepest gratitude,” Alastar said, taking a deep breath. “Can ye show me where ye buried my Da?” he asked, trying not to choke on his breath. Jon nodded somberly and showed them outside. Rebecca stayed close to Alastar.
They walked to the rear of the village where there was an open field. They came to a patch of grass that had a thistle growing out of it.
“We thought it was fitting,” Jon said. Alastar smiled.
“If ye would nae mind, I would like a moment alone,” Alastar said. Jon nodded again, and he moved away with his companions, after telling Alastar and Rebecca where they could stay if they wanted to rest.
Rebecca went to leave as well, but Alastar's hand shot out and clasped hers, keeping her by his side.
“I would like ye tae stay,” he said. He let his grip on her hand linger for a moment, enjoying the way her soft skin felt against his. Alastar then let go, bowing down, placing his hand on the soft grass.
“I am sorry tae have failed ye father, and that it hae taken me a long time tae return here. But I promise ye I will carry on ye work. I shall nae forget what ye hae taught me.” A lump formed in his throat. “I miss ye Da, I wish ye could be here now.”
He bowed his head solemnly and closed his eyes, clamping them shut to try and not weep. His body shuddered, and he felt Rebecca's hand on his shoulder, which reassured him.
“This must be a difficult thing for you to do,” she said.
“Aye. It's strange though, it has nae changed at all.” Alastar rose to his feet and placed his hand on his hips. He pointed to the well. “That's where my Da died. They came storming in. We fought them on the outskirts of the village, trying tae keep them out, but there were sae many of them. They did nae stop until he was dead. I was fighting over there,” he pointed to the opposite side of the village, “when I heard a huge cheer. I turned, and saw my Da laying there, holding his guts. I ran over and in that moment, I lost the fight. I was carried away after having held my Da in my arms.”
He clenched his jaw, but beneath the icy surface tempestuous emotions were roiling and churning. Rebecca reached out to him, squeezing his arm.
“I am grateful of ye presence,” he said. “It makes this easier.”
“I'm glad I can help. I wish I knew the pain you were going through.”
“Ye know more than most. Ye hae seen me every day. Ye hae seen how I hae suffered.”
“Yes, I have, and I wish I would have done something sooner.”
“Ye cannae blame yerself. I dinnae blame ye.”
“Let us get some rest,” she said, and led him away from the grave.
Chapter 24
Alastar had been through too much sorrow to dwell on the loss of his father, Rebecca thought. She wondered if it had actually been a good idea to return here when there were so many reminders of all the things he had lost. Rebecca was determined to make him think about the future, the future beyond the war. A future with her.
They had only shared one kiss, but to Rebecca that had meant everything. She felt a connection with Alastar that was frightening in its intensity, but one she knew she had to explore. Still timid in these matters, she wasn't sure how to go about it, but with the shadow of war and death hanging over them she wanted to experience life before it was extinguished.
They walked to the small house that had been set aside for them. The Blue Thistle was held in such high esteem that Rebecca wouldn't have been surprised if Alastar had been given any house he wanted. The squat building would suffice for now though, for they were not staying long.
The house actually reminded Rebecca of the house of her youth, small and cozy. She lit the fire as Alastar placed his father's clothes on the table. There was a large fur blanket covering the floor. Rebecca placed herself down, curling her legs underneath her, wanting to sit by the fire to keep herself warm.
Alastar paced back and forth. There was evidently something on his mind.
“Come and sit Alastar. Talk to me. These people evidently hold you and your father in high esteem.”
“Only my father. I hae nae yet done anything tae earn their honor,” he said.
“That will come in time. They are kind people, and you clearly mean a lot to them. I imagine that the Blue Thistle is a source of great comfort to them, since they are isolated out here. They must have been in a lot of danger over the years.”
“Aye, that they were. My father and I could always count on a meal and some water when we came here. But being here, it reminds me of the past. I can only see the mistakes I made. It haunts me, and I cannae dae anything about Lord Flynn from here.”
“He will come, unfortunately,” Rebecca said. “Come and sit down and talk to me. Tell me about the future you see for yourself.”
Alastar reluctantly joined her on the rug, sinking into the soft fur. He was close to Rebecca, and the warmth of the fire was in full flow now. It crackled and glowed orange, making the heat between them even more intense.
“I cannae see past Lord Flynn,” he said.
“There are more things in this life,” Rebecca said. Alastar t
urned to look at her. She tilted her head downwards and looked up at him, making her eyes as wide as possible. He shifted his body too. The two of them were locked in an instinctive dance. Their bodies were taken by strong impulse to be close to each other, drawn together like two celestial bodies in a cosmic dance.
Rebecca could feel his pain and sadness, but she could also feel his strength too.
“I know that you are not going to give into this misery,” she said. “There's too much life for you yet to live.”
Her breath played along his lips, and the fires of their passion were unlocked again. Alastar looked down and his hand came up to caress her cheek. She parted her lips, too afraid to make the first move, but wanting it all the same. The hesitancy in her heart was borne of her virtue, and she was all too ready to surrender it to this Highlander.