Wed to a Highland Warrior

by Donna Fletcher

  They smiled in resignation and went to join the happy family.

  Trey understood where Ian had gotten his stamina and determination. It was from his mother, Emma. The woman was up early the next morning, and, while her newborn daughter slept, she prepared a hot pottage. After they had all eaten their fill, Emma had to be made to sit and rest while Ian and Peter saw to gathering food, clothing, and blankets to take with them.

  It was a few hours after sunrise that they were finally on their way. Corwin’s farm was not far from Peter’s, and so it had been decided that a spot would be found halfway between the farms for Emma and the children to wait.

  It was midmorning when a spot Trey felt would be safe enough was found, and Emma settled. Ian took his responsibility seriously, asking Trey for a weapon so that he could protect his mum and sister if necessary.

  Trey understood that because of the lad’s recent bout with the soldiers, he felt vulnerable and needed something that would help give him a sense of security. He gave Ian a dagger though not without instructions and warnings. He could see the relief on the lad’s face after the brief lesson finished. Ian now felt more capable of defending his family.

  Peter thanked him for helping his son. “I’m a farmer, not a warrior like you. It is good he learns from a warrior.”

  Trey rested a firm hand on the man’s shoulder. “You bravely escaped your captives; I’d say you’re a mighty fine warrior.”

  With courage instilled in father and son, good-byes were said, with tears, and the trio departed. If all went well, they would be back by nightfall, and so far Bliss had not mentioned any delays, so Trey was hopeful.

  Silence once again was their traveling companion, Trey wanting nothing to interfere with keeping alert to surrounding sounds. A few times he stopped, having heard a sound and made sure he paid heed to his own instincts before proceeding.

  He saw no point in troubling Bliss each time. If she sensed anything, she would be right there to tell him, and so he did not bother her with every little sound. What concerned him more was the weather. It felt like snow. He had expected at least a light coating yesterday, and, with the temperature dropping, he feared more than a dusting.

  They were close to the farm when Bliss hurried to his side, grabbed hold of his arm, and whispered, “Soldiers.”

  “We go slow and quiet,” he said, looking at Peter, who nodded.

  Raised voices could be heard as they drew closer to the farm, though they remained hidden in the woods. When they were finally able to get a look, they saw two soldiers yelling at Rona, her son, barely five years, clinging to her leg, his eyes wide with fear and tears.

  From what they could hear, the soldiers were accusing her of hiding her husband and threatening harm to her and her son if she didn’t tell them where he was.

  “Wait here,” Trey ordered.

  Peter stepped forward. “I’ll help.”

  Trey shook his head. “They search for you as well; better they don’t see you.”

  Peter looked upset but did as Trey said.

  Trey walked out of the woods and headed straight for the soldiers.

  “Now here’s a big one that can fight for the king,” one soldier said, as Trey approached.

  “I have no use for King Kenneth,” Trey said, and his fist flew out so fast the soldier had no time to respond. He went down hard and fast.

  The other soldier was so shocked that he didn’t react as fast as he should have, which gave Trey enough time to land a solid blow to his jaw, knocking him out.

  Peter and Bliss came running as soon as the two went down.

  “Peter,” Rona cried out when she spotted him. “Is Corwin with you?”

  Peter’s saddened expression answered her, and she collapsed to the ground, crying, her young son crying along with her though he didn’t know why.

  Bliss knelt alongside her, slipping a comforting arm around her as Peter recounted the tale of her husband’s bravery and that, because of him, so many men went free, and how in the end, Corwin had cared only for his wife’s and son’s safety. That was why they were here, to take her and Darren to safety.

  “We need to hurry,” Peter warned, and Bliss helped the woman to stand.

  Though Rona continued to shed tears, she did what she had to do and got herself and her son ready to leave.

  Trey and Peter saw to securing the soldiers so that they could not follow once they revived or alert any nearby troops. They were done in no time, as was Rona. Peter picked up the young lad and hoisted him onto his soldiers, Rona sending him a grateful smile.

  They hurried off, Trey wanting to reach Emma and the children by nightfall. He felt uneasy though he couldn’t say why.

  A little after nightfall, they arrived, and Rona dropped down beside Emma, Darren clinging to her, and the two women cried in sadness and relief.

  Trey pulled Bliss aside away from the others. “Something troubles me.”

  Bliss nodded. “I’ve felt it myself though I don’t know what it is.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “I will be glad when we are home, where I know you will be safe.” He could feel the sudden change in her, a quick almost undetectable bristle that vanished as soon as it had appeared. “What’s wrong?”

  She had no chance to respond, Peter calling out to them both. He was worried that soldiers would or had already gone to his farm in search of him. Would they be able to track them here?

  They discussed all the possibilities, and though Trey knew what had to be done, he said nothing about it. He would wait for the right time though he knew there would be no keeping his plan from Bliss. No doubt she already knew.

  Peter took the first watch, leaving Trey to curl around his wife beside the campfire and keep them both warm. The others had already fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion and relief from the day’s sadness.

  “Our return to your home will be delayed yet again,” she whispered, “but it cannot be helped.”

  “It won’t be a long delay, just a slight detour.” He nuzzled at her warm neck, his hand beneath the blanket playfully creeping up to gently squeeze her breast. He truly should have thought better of his actions since the simple touch began to grow him hard.

  “That is not fair, husband,” she murmured, and he heard passion stir in her voice.

  She stirred his even further simply by calling him husband. He liked when she did that, acknowledged the importance of who he was to her.

  “To neither of us,” he whispered against her ear, and felt her shudder. Damn but he wished they were alone.

  “Please stop, Trey,” she whispered so softly that he barely heard her. “It does not take much for me to want you and for that want to grow . . . and to pain me if left unsatisfied.”

  He moved his hand away from her breast reluctantly. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “Love me so much?”

  Her teasing tone brought a smile to his face. “You know me too well, wife, and that pleases me.”

  “Since I have pleased you, it is only fair that you owe me one.”

  He laughed softly in her ear. “And I will see that you get a good, hard, and long pleasing.”

  She chuckled. “See that you do, husband.”

  “You have my word.”

  They woke the next morning to snow just beginning to fall. It could prove a blessing or a problem. If the snow continued, it would hide their tracks, but if it stopped, their tracks would be visible, and they could be found easily. If the snow worsened, that would present a bigger problem, especially with a new babe to worry about. They hurried and gathered their things and were on their way, hoping to cover as much ground as possible before the snow stopped or worsened.

  It was only midmorning when the snow began to slow, and Trey brought them to a stop. He saw the worried look on Peter’s face and knew what he was thinking.

 
“Snow or not, I knew this time would come though the snow has made it even more of a necessity,” Trey said. “Peter, you need to travel on to MacAlpin keep with everyone while Bliss and I make tracks that the soldiers will follow.”

  “They will look for more than two sets of tracks,” Peter protested nervously.

  “Not so,” Trey said. “The soldiers don’t know if your son or you made it home, and since you were not seen at Rona’s place, they do not know you travel with her. They will assume she left with me, who no doubt would carry her son, leaving two sets of tracks. The snow covered your farm, so the multiple tracks cannot be seen. With the place empty, the soldiers will assume that you or your son made it home and left, thus looking for two sets of tracks.

  “The snow still falls, but not for long. Bliss and I will wait here to see that the snow covers your tracks. And then we will go in a different direction. Once the soldiers find our tracks, they will assume it is either Rona and the warrior or your son, or you and your wife, and follow us.”

  Peter looked ready to protest.

  Trey didn’t allow it. “You take yours and Corwin’s family and see that they get safely to my home. Leave the rest to me and Bliss.”

  “Bliss should come with us,” Peter said.

  “She will not leave her husband,” Emma said, “just as I would not leave you.”

  “If you keep a good pace, you can make MacAlpin village by nightfall and have a warm bed for your newborn to sleep in tonight,” Trey said.

  Peter held out his hand, and Trey clasped it firmly. “I am indebted to you and will proudly serve the true king.”

  Ian stepped forward, his thin chest proudly extended. “As will I.” He held the dagger out, returning it to Trey.

  Trey shook his head. “You keep it, lad, and practice.”

  Ian grinned from ear to ear. “I will make the true king proud.”

  “No doubt you will,” Trey said. “Now hurry and be off; though before you go, I have one favor to ask.”

  “Whatever you want,” Peter said.

  “My family does not yet know of my marriage to Bliss, and I wish to tell them myself, so please do not mention I have a wife. I want to surprise them.”

  “They will be surprised and pleased,” Emma said with a nod and a smile.

  Quick good-byes were said, and the group moved on, the light snow soon covering their tracks.

  Trey took Bliss’s hand, and a peaceful contentment washed over him. He had missed holding hands with her; though it truly hadn’t been that long, it seemed that it had. And he missed having her by his side while they traveled. And though he worried over her safety, he was glad she had remained with him.

  “Are you ready to lead the soldiers on a merry chase?” he asked.

  “Romping through the snow has always been a favorite pastime of mine.”

  He kissed her quick. “I like romping.”

  “In the snow?”

  “Almost anyplace.”

  “I’ll have to see how true that is.”

  “By all means let me prove it to you.”

  “Now?” Bliss asked with a smile.

  Trey grinned. “Before the day ends . . . we’ll romp.”

  Chapter 24

  Bliss was happy though their present situation called more for caution. It didn’t matter to her. It only mattered that she was with Trey, and they had time together just the two of them. She knew it would not last long and that soon . . .

  She did not want to think beyond this moment, for she knew that their time together would be limited, and there would come a time when they were . . . separated.

  She did not wish to think about it and had wished she had not known, for she wondered what would cause it and how long they would be apart. Unfortunately, she sensed no answers, and that disturbed her all the more.

  Their pace wasn’t as rushed as usual, Trey wanting to make certain their tracks were easy to follow. They had waited until the snow had completely covered the ground and any remaining tracks that had been made before they left.

  Bliss sensed Trey’s intentions. He would make a wide loop before heading home, which meant another day or two of travel. She smiled, her happiness growing.

  “Do I dare ask if that smile of joy has to do with me?” Trey asked teasingly.

  “It has everything to do with you,” she admitted with a light laugh.

  “Tell me more,” he urged with a nudge of his shoulder to hers.

  “I was just thinking how happy I am being alone with you, just the two of us.”

  “The possibility of the soldiers’ finding us doesn’t worry you?”

  “I don’t sense our capture though I imagine it is because we remain cautious, and I am not foolish enough to think that things cannot change at the next turn. It is just that I believe this time is special for us since—”

  Bliss almost bit her tongue. She had had no intention of letting Trey know that she had sensed a separation between them. It would only cause him worry when he needed to focus on the present.

  “What was about to slip off your tongue that you hadn’t planned on telling me?” he asked, not at all upset.

  “You have enough on your mind.” She hoped to keep it from him though she knew it would be a useless effort.

  “You only burden me more by not telling me.”

  “We separate,” she said, her heart feeling the harshness of her words.

  Trey stopped abruptly, looked around, and hurried her to a grove of trees that provided a modicum of concealment.

  “Tell me,” he demanded.

  “There truly isn’t anything to tell, which is why I didn’t want to mention it. I have sensed that somehow we are separated, but I don’t know when or for how long.”

  “Can you sense that we do come together again?”

  She shook her head. “I haven’t seen beyond the separation.”

  He braced her back against one of the trees, his hand going to rest just above her head against the thick tree trunk. “It is probably no more than a mission or battle, for I will not be kept long from your side.”

  His kiss came quick, its potency stunning her senses, and her arms were just as quick to go around him and hold him close. Their tongues mated while their bodies pressed hard against each other. Their need to join was unbearable, and the deepening kiss only added to the passion that they both knew could not presently be satisfied.

  Trey tore his mouth away from hers. “Duty will call, so there will be separations, but also reunitings”—he grinned—“that both of us will thoroughly enjoy.”

  He brushed his lips over hers and stepped away.

  Bliss wasn’t happy that he moved away from her though she could sense the reluctance in his steps. She knew that the distance was necessary or else they would soon be on the snow-covered ground . . . romping.

  She could tell he wished to say more, or perhaps ask more, but he didn’t, and that he had explained their separation so as not to make it sound worrisome. It troubled her that she caused him more worry and reminded herself to be more careful about holding her tongue in the future; though she had never had a problem doing so before, she did with Trey. It felt so natural to share with him that it was difficult to keep things to herself. It seemed so right to discuss everything with him.

  He didn’t judge her or scold her or belittle her; he was genuinely interested in all she had to say, and that had gladdened her heart. Finally, there was someone to share her life with, and it felt amazing.

  “We stay as one,” Trey said, and held his hand out to her.

  “Always.” She smiled and took hold.

  They hadn’t walked very far when they both suddenly stopped.

  “Two or more approach,” Bliss whispered.

  Trey didn’t hesitate; he hurried her behind a thicket of bushes. “Wait here. I’ll
be back.”

  She watched him break off a branch and wipe the ground clean of their foot tracks, then he purposely made new tracks and disappeared in the opposite direction from where she hid.

  Why hadn’t she sensed that someone approached sooner? She shook her head, annoyed with herself. She had been too busy with thoughts of Trey. Her knowing had always come easily, for there had been nothing else to fill or worry her thoughts. Now she was so concerned with Trey that it interfered with her knowing, and that was not good.

  Even now, when she should be focused on what could happen, she was too busy thinking of Trey. Not good. She breathed a quiet sigh, kept her eyes on her surroundings and her ears attuned to all sounds.

  As soon as quiet descended around her, she sensed the approach of two soldiers. She remained as still as could be and listened to the footfalls draw nearer.

  “At least we found their trail,” one said.

  “We’ll get that Highlander, and when the king’s guards get done with him, he’ll be begging to fight for the king,” the other said.

  “And no one need know that he bested us,” the one sneered.

  “As for the woman and child—”

  “She’ll pay for fleeing with the Highlander,” the one said angrily.

  “Look here, one set of footprints, and they’re deep.”

  “He carries the fool woman and child. Let’s go; we’ll catch them fast enough now.”

  Bliss heard them hurry off, but she remained where she was; she would take no chance—she would wait for Trey.

  It wasn’t long before he was at her side, pulling her to her feet and cautioning with his finger to remain silent as he hurried them off in yet another direction. It wasn’t for some time before he broke the silence.

  “Those fools will track the trail I left long before they realize it takes them nowhere,” he said.

  “Then we can return to your home now,” she said with a sense of disappointment.

  He shook his head. “The two fools aren’t the only soldiers in search of those farmers who escaped. I don’t want to take the chance and lead any of them to Peter and the others. We’ll leave foot tracks that will lead whoever finds them on a useless trail before circling and heading home.”