Wed to a Highland Warrior

by Donna Fletcher

  “Have you been awake long?”

  Trey turned to Bliss just as a ray of sunlight kissed her face, and her beauty startled him. He had thought he would never think another woman more beautiful than Leora, but Bliss far surpassed Leora, and the thought surprised him.

  “Not that long,” he said. “I intended to wake you soon, so that we could eat and be on our way.”

  Bliss sat up, running her fingers through her silky blond hair. “I’m rarely hungry in the morning, so please do not wait on me.”

  “A hunk of cheese and bread will suffice as we walk,” he said. “I much prefer to be on our way.”

  “I am just as eager,” she said, bouncing up to gather and fold the blankets. “I feel the need to get to my friend as fast as possible.”

  While he wished the same, to have this done with and see her safely to his home, he rather favored having time alone with her. It was odd to feel the stirrings of more than just attraction. And he wanted the chance to see if it was real or only gratitude for her having healed him.

  They were on their way shortly, their hands joining as soon as they left the grove. They both reached out for the other at the same time, their hands clasping, their fingers lacing, and their grip strong.

  “Where do we go?” he asked, having let her set the course.

  “Not that far from my home, though not on Pict land,” Bliss explained. “It will take most of the day to get there.”

  “You travel alone much?” he asked once again, her safety concerning him.

  “More times than not.”

  “It is not safe.”

  “Fate watches over me.”

  “Fate can be a cruel mistress,” he said with more anger than he intended.

  “I have found through the years that fate is often wiser than we are.”

  Trey shook his head. “I cannot agree with that. I believe man determines his own fate.”

  Bliss smiled. “With help.”

  “I believe you are tenacious in your opinion,” he teased.

  She leaned close. “Beware. I am tenacious in more than just my opinion.”

  Trey laughed. “At least you are honest about it.”

  “To a fault at times, or so I’ve been told.”

  “How could honesty ever be a fault?” he asked.

  “When it hurts?”

  “If someone doesn’t want to hear the truth, he should not ask the question.”

  “Sometimes a person cannot help but ask,” she said.

  They continued talking as they walked, Trey finding her a delight to converse with and finding their thoughts and ideas much alike.

  They both sniffed the air at the same time, but it was Trey who first said, “Fire.”

  “It is a distance away yet,” she said.

  He sniffed the air again while bringing them to a halt. “It smells as if it smolders.” He shook his head, his features turning angry. “It could be the king’s soldiers. They have grown bold, attacking defenseless crofts on the outskirts of MacAlpin land.”

  “We need to see if there are those in need of help,” she said, urging him with a tug to hurry.

  “It will delay us,” he informed.

  “It cannot be helped,” she said.

  He nodded, and as they hurried off, he could not help but admire her courage. She gave no thought to her own safety, only to those of others in need. And what made him admire her all the more was that he knew if he were not with her, she would still tempt fate and see if there were those she could help. Or perhaps fate took her where she was meant to go.

  He almost smiled, for he realized he was beginning to understand his wife.

  Almost an hour later, Trey urged Bliss behind him with a gentle hand, and she went willingly as they approached the edge of the woods. Beyond, through the sparse trees, they could spy the smoldering croft. The cottage was all but gone, with only embers left glowing.

  Trey came to a halt, and she stepped around him, his hand shot out to stop her from going any farther.

  She gently pushed it aside. “There are no soldiers here, but there is a child in need of care.” She was relieved that he didn’t doubt her and hurried forward with her.

  A mother with a young lad no more than five cradled in her arms staggered to her feet in what was once a garden beside the cottage. Bliss rushed to her, but Trey was faster and had her and the child up in his arms by the time she reached them.

  “On the ground by the tree,” Bliss said, directing Trey where to put the pair.

  Bliss immediately went to work on the two while Trey went in search of water. Working together, it didn’t take long to ascertain that the pair suffered no serious wounds though both suffered the loss of a husband and father.

  “The soldiers took my Kevin,” she cried, hugging her son to her.

  “How many soldiers?” Trey asked.

  “Four,” she said through tears. “I do not understand. I thought we were safe on MacAlpin land.”

  Bliss almost gasped, sensing the raging anger that ran through Trey. She wanted to reach out and calm him, but he stepped away from her so fast she had no chance.

  Trey slipped off the rolled blankets and sack he carried on his back and dropped them to the ground. “Did you see which way they took Kevin?”

  The woman pointed. “Away from MacAlpin land.”

  Trey nodded. “I’ll find him. Get yourself and your son ready to leave as soon as I return. You’ll head to the MacAlpin keep, where you’ll be safe. You can return home once the true king takes the throne.”

  The woman nodded while tears trickled down her face.

  Bliss stood and placed a hand on his arm. Try as she might, she could not see the results of his sudden decision, and it frightened her. She wanted to warn him not to go, warn him to be careful, warn him that she could not see his fate, but she didn’t. His heart beat strong and steady with the strength and confidence of a Highlander warrior. There would be no stopping him; he would fight this day.

  She did something unexpected, but that seemed natural. She kissed his cheek, and whispered, “Stay safe, husband of mine.”

  He smiled and returned the kiss, only his kiss was on her lips. It was a light kiss, as if left unfinished. It sent a tingling shiver to the tips of her toes and left her waiting impatiently for more.

  Bliss watched until he was gone from sight, then turned her attention to mother and child. Her name was Sara and the lad was Patrick. It was remarkable how different the pair was after Trey left. Tears subsided, and Sara hurried her son to be ready for his da’s return. She trusted Trey, believed his word, and had no doubt he would bring her husband home.

  The lad wiped his tears from his smudge-ridden face and hurried to obey his mum. Bliss helped them scavenge what food they could find and shared some of what Trey and she had.

  Sara informed her that they never had a chance to defend themselves. The soldiers swept down on them, one grabbing Patrick and threatening to take him if Kevin didn’t cooperate. They ransacked the cottage, winter garden, and field, then told Kevin he would now serve King Kenneth. He didn’t dare protest, for fear that his family would be hurt. They set the cottage on fire just before leaving.

  Bliss wrapped a comforting arm around Sara. And though she didn’t see or sense anything, she encouraged with hope. “If anyone can free Kevin from the soldiers and return him home, it’s Trey.”

  Sara nodded and wiped away threatening tears. She turned to her son, who had busied himself with a stick and a stone, and smiled. So did Bliss, for leave it to a child to find a sense of peace in simple play during troubling woes.

  Time passed slowly, and the more it did, the more worry wore on Sara’s face and began to creep over Bliss. She reminded herself how confident Trey had been when he had informed the young soldier that he had no time to wait while the three gathere
d more help to fight him. He hadn’t boasted. He had been quite serious and quite confident.

  Still, she worried for his safety, this Highlander warrior—this stranger—who was her husband for not a full day yet.

  Hours passed, and Patrick complained about being hungry, and while he enjoyed his food, Sara and Bliss ate sparingly. Silence followed the meal, the lad returning to play and the two women lost in their worrisome thoughts.

  It annoyed Bliss that she could not sense if Trey was safe or in harm’s way. And so she sat in silent vigil, hoping somehow something would come to her and relieve her concern. It wasn’t long before a smile lit her face, and she scrambled to her feet, urging Sara along with her.

  Before she could explain to Sara, Patrick yelled, “Da!” And he went running into his da’s arms and was scooped up. Sara followed, her husband reaching out and grabbing her tight against him, their son’s skinny little arms winding around their necks and hugging, as if he would never let them go.

  Joyful tears flowed freely, Bliss’s included, and she hurried to Trey. He spread his arms wide, and she ran into them. He hugged her tight, and she returned the embrace with just as much enthusiasm. His strength rippled through her, followed by comforting warmth. She closed her eyes, lingering in contentment and wishing for it never to end.

  But it did. Kevin spoke up, saying, “Your husband is a brave warrior, and you are a brave woman. We are forever grateful for your help and protection.”

  “Take your family and do as we discussed,” Trey said. “You will be safe there, and when all is settled, you will be able to return home.”

  There were hugs and more words of gratitude before the family left, and Bliss and Trey were on their way.

  His hand slipped around hers after they had taken only a few steps, and the vision hit her then. With a heavy breath, she said, “We don’t need to worry about meeting up with those soldiers, do we?”

  He kept walking, and said, “No, they will not bother us—ever.”

  Bliss made no comment; she continued walking alongside him in silence.

  They walked for a few miles before Trey finally spoke again. “I’m afraid we won’t make it to your friend’s place today.”

  “It can’t be helped. If we keep our pace steady until near dusk and leave with the rising sun, we should be there by noonday tomorrow.”

  His lack of response drew concern, and she quickly sensed he kept something from her. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “I saw more tracks that indicate more soldiers in the area,” he said, shaking his head. “Something is wrong. Small groups of men are usually sent to scout and discover. King Kenneth is up to something.”

  If he expected an answer, she didn’t have one. And there was no point in her trying to envision one. She knew she would get nothing. For some reason, she was not to have an answer—at least not yet.

  He turned to her, a worried look scrunching his brow. “We need to get you home as soon as you see to your friend.”

  “It shouldn’t take long,” she assured him. “And with Pict territory being so close to my friend’s home, once we arrive, you can leave me there and be on your way.”

  He brought them to an abrupt stop and shook his head. “We discussed this. Once you’re done with your friend, you’ll be coming home with me to MacAlpin land.”

  “That’s truly not necessary.”

  “Aye, it is. I protect what is mine, and you’re my wife. You’ll be coming home with me.”

  Chapter 4

  Trey didn’t give Bliss a chance to object to his plan. “Coming home with me is what is best for you, and that is what we will do.”

  He continued talking as they walked. Bliss kept a tight lip, and he wondered what she was thinking. She didn’t look happy with his suggestion though it was more a command. And he could understand her objecting though eventually she would see the wisdom in his decision and agree—or so he hoped.

  When words finally failed him, he said, “Your thoughts?”

  “I’m allowed them?” she asked with a tinkle of laughter.

  He was relieved that she responded with humor rather than anger. Not that it would change his decision; that would stand no matter how she felt. It was, after all, for her protection. It was just that he didn’t wish to anger her. He liked the way she wore a smile, never forced, always so natural and lovely. And he much preferred seeing her that way rather than with a frown he had caused.

  “I want you safe,” he said.

  “I have looked after myself many years, and my people protect me. You need not be alarmed.”

  “But you have a husband now”—he shook his head when she went to speak—“No, I know what you will say, but we will not end this marriage of ours until I am sure you are safe.”

  “It is honorable of you to feel this way, but fate guides and guards me well and has for some time.”

  “What of your parents? Siblings?” he asked, curious about this woman who had suddenly become his wife.

  “My da died in battle when I was five years old. My mum died of fever two years later though I think her heart had broken when my da died, and she just did not want to go on without him. My grandmum raised me.”

  Bliss smiled, and Trey smiled along with her, glad that she had loving memories to recall.

  “Grandmum’s skills were so much stronger than mine, but she encouraged me, insisting that one day my skills would far surpass hers. She was ever so patient with me and my hundreds of questions.”

  “She answered them for you?”

  “Some, but she had insisted, it was the question that mattered more and not to worry if an answer wasn’t found.”

  “She sounded like a wise woman,” Trey said. “I wish I could have met her.”

  “She is near and watches over me and will be on her way when she feels it is time.” Bliss glanced at him, her smile fading.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, giving her hand a comforting squeeze and wanting her to know there was nothing to fear.

  “I have not felt safe sharing that information with anyone, for fear of the consequences such unacceptable knowledge could bring.”

  “I am glad you trusted me,” he said with a wide smile, and briefly raised their joined hands. “Besides, we are one—husband and wife—and we can share anything without fear of repercussions.”

  Her smile bloomed once again.

  God, but he loved when she smiled. It was as if light were cast on darkness, and joy drove away despair. He almost shook his head. Whatever was the matter with him? He was sounding like a fool in the throes of love. He and Bliss barely knew each other, or did they?

  She had healed him with tenderness and caring, and such a deep, abiding love that he longed to feel again. He had felt a distinct emptiness when she had left, that he had wondered over it. Had that been the way of it, or had something happened between them that neither had realized?

  “Tell me more of your grandmum,” he said eagerly.

  And she did, regaling him with stories that allowed him a peek into her past and a peek more deeply inside her.

  After a time, Bliss said, “I have talked enough about myself. What of you?”

  He grinned. “Your tales are entertaining, mine would not be so.”

  “I would rather determine that,” she encouraged. “Besides, I did hear some stories while at the keep.”

  Trey winced as if wounded. “You must not believe all you hear, especially if it comes from my brothers.”

  Bliss laughed. “I often wished for siblings. You are lucky to have them.”

  “You will think differently when I tell the tales,” he said, and soon had her laughing with stories of his childhood.

  “So no matter how many times you hid in the trees to escape your brothers, they did not find you?”

  “I climbed higher and higher eac
h time, so they could not see me amongst the leaves and branches.” He grinned proudly. “And from my perch, I delivered deadly dirt bombs I had skillfully armed myself with, and won many battles.”

  When he finished detailing various victories and her laughter subsided, she said, “I hope to have many children so that they will have the chance to tell funny and endearing tales like yours.”

  “Aye, I wish the same,” Trey said. “Seeing my brothers and their growing brood, I long for a family of my own.”

  Silence settled over them after that, he lost in his thoughts and she in hers, both thinking of the future and what it might bring.

  With dusk not far off, they needed to find shelter. There was a glen not far ahead, and it they decided that it would be best to climb the rise and settle in the valley below for the night. Bliss was sure that a stream with cool, clear water waited there.

  It was an easy climb, especially with each having the other to rely upon, and they stopped for a brief rest once they reached the top. Trey didn’t wish to rush her. They had walked a good distance and kept a good pace today, and she had not complained once. But dusk was fast fading to night, and he wanted to get a fire started to chase away the chill, which grew ever colder with the fading light.

  “We should go,” he said, and she agreed with a nod.

  The arrow came out of nowhere, slicing past Bliss’s arm and causing her to stumble and lose her footing, sending her tumbling down the hill so suddenly that her hand was ripped out of his. Trey knew it would be a waste of time to look back and try to spy the culprit. He was more concerned with trying to reach Bliss. He charged after her, but her tumbling body gained momentum as she continued to roll rapidly down the hill. Try as he might, he could not catch her and stop her plummet.

  His heart hammered in his chest as he raced down the hillside. Fear prickled along his skin, and worry gripped him like never before. She lay in a heap when the tumble finally was over, and he fell to his knees beside her when he reached the bottom.

  He wasn’t sure what to do. She was the healer, but instinct took over, and he gently eased her on her back. He pushed the strands of blond hair out of her face, which looked to have suffered no more than some dirt and scratches. A quick glance over her found no signs of blood, but there were broken bones to consider.