On A Highland Hill (Gunn Guardsmen)

by Kara Griffin

  Kenneth focused on the discussion and she watched his staid expression. A debate ensued. From what Elisa could gather, the lad, Gordy, had gone with Bree on a mission for the king and was placed in a dangerous situation. Gordy’s bravery, according to some, deserved him a greater position within the clan.

  Grey rose and cleared his throat, calling attention. Immediately the room silenced. “Kait, that is a fair idea and I will consider it. I’m likely to need a new guardsman.” He looked pointedly at Kenneth. “Speaking of duty, you all need to get to yours.”

  The hall cleared within minutes and Elisa found herself alone with Kenneth and Grey.

  “Elisa, eat. We won’t be returning to the hall again. I must bring our food to the cottage.”

  “Is there danger? Has the king come?”

  “Nay, he hasn’t yet. He may soon and Alexander is not one to announce his coming. I do not want us unprepared or be caught unaware. Kenneth must keep you hidden,” Grey said.

  “But I promised Bree I would come when her time nears.”

  Grey’s face lost all its color. “Is it her time?”

  “Nay, not yet.”

  “Kenneth will bring you. He knows how to get to the upper floors without being seen. I must go. See that she stays in the cottage.” Grey left, his heavy footsteps becoming distant.

  When she finally looked at Kenneth, he gave her an ‘I-told-you-so’ look.

  “Come. We must get back to the cottage.”

  “What are we supposed to do all day?”

  Kenneth, for the first time since she’d met him, grinned akin to a clootie in the night. Elisa smacked his hands away when he grasped her waist.

  “I can think of several things we can do.” Kenneth took her hand and led her outside, back to the trail, but he veered off.

  “Where are we going?” She enjoyed the way his hand firmly held hers.

  “We cannot be seen. I am taking you behind the stable to a lesser-known path. None are permitted to use this path except for the laird’s guard, so use it if you must.”

  Elisa followed on the trail which was bordered with high brush on either side. A large strange building appeared behind the bush just off the path. It was massive and looked circular and about three levels high. Elisa had never seen such an odd shaped building. She thought they might have stored their grains or other items in the barn.

  “What is that?”

  Kenneth stopped and allowed her to look at it at length.

  “’Tis just the stables. Come, we must be hasty.”

  He tried to pull her along, but she held fast, digging her heals into the ground. “Remarkable. May I see the inside?”

  “It wouldn’t be safe. We should move along.”

  “For just a moment, Kenneth? I have never seen such a stable.” Elisa hadn’t lied, but there was an ulterior motive for wanting to go in.

  Kenneth gazed into her eyes briefly before nodding

  As she stepped through the massive doorway, the smell of manure and animals came at her. She started to amble through the first floor when Kenneth pulled her back.

  “Nay, you don’t want to be walking around this level. All the animal droppings are pitched through from the upper floor.” He pointed upward to a large opening at the center.

  “Remarkable.” She followed him to the stairs.

  “We use the droppings for the crops.” He led her to the upper floor up a steep incline.

  “I feel sorry for the lad who attends that task.”

  A small smile reached his lips. “Usually the task is given to a lad who needs punishment. We never lack for stable attendants, because lads are always bent on trouble. Come along so we can see what you came for.”

  Once she reached the upper level, she stood in the center near the opening to the lower floor and peered below. Along a short wall were rows of tack and harnesses. Then she realized all the stalls were located around the outer edge of the circle. There were many horses, far too many to count. Most stood docile, but some snickered and whinnied. Every color horse could be seen.

  Elisa thought she’d died and gone to heaven.

  “Kenneth, may I look at the horses?”

  “Only for a minute. We need to be hasty.”

  She barely heard him as she started off toward the very first stall. There stood the most beautiful chestnut colored horse, well over eighteen hands high. It had to be the largest horse she’d ever seen, a warhorse.

  A lad approached, holding a bucket in his hand. He appeared scruffy and unkempt. “Kenneth, do you want me to ready your Black?”

  “Nay, Jonny, the lady just wanted to see the horses. Elisa, this is Jonny. He’s one of the stable lads.”

  “Good day, Jonny.” She smiled at the poor lad knowing he must have done something dreadful to be given tasks in the stable. Returning her attention to the horse, she noticed its food hadn’t been touched. “Why hasn’t this horse eaten?”

  “Don’t know, milady. First time I seen ‘em since this morn. He didn’t eat?” He peered inside the stall.

  “Can I take a look at him?”

  Jonny opened the stall door for her and she stepped inside. Elisa assessed the animal, taking time to ensure it stood evenly on all its legs. The horse started biting and sticking its tongue out.

  “Ah, I see what’s wrong.” She opened the horse’s mouth and checked all its teeth. Sure enough a hard piece of hay was stuck between two of its back teeth. “Keep his mouth open, Jonny.” He did as she instructed and Elisa gripped the piece of hay and pulled it out.

  As soon as the blade of hay was removed, the horse went to his small trough and began eating. She patted his silky head and was satisfied that all was well.

  Kenneth stood watching showing no reaction to her ability.

  “Are there any horses that are ill, Jonny?”

  “Don’t know, milady. I only feed them and give ‘em water. Stewart be the stable master and in charge. You should ask him.”

  Kenneth entered one of the stalls down the way and Elisa continued on with Jonny in the other direction. Her attention was so focused on the horses inside the stalls she hadn’t noticed a man who had approached them.

  “Jonny, ye wee wacker. Get your arse back to work afore I tell Stewart you’re slacking off.” He pulled Jonny’s ear and shoved him on his way. “And who do we have here? Who are you lass?”

  The man approached and caused Elisa to step back.

  “Are you wanting a kiss?”

  The man stood tall, almost as tall as Kenneth, though he was lanky. Elisa’s panic began to get the better of her and she couldn’t speak. She thought of screaming for help, but her voice wouldn’t cooperate. The man lifted her from under her arms and set her against him. His lips were coming at her and she scrunched her eyes closed, too shocked to figure a way out of her predicament.

  She considered kneeing him between the legs, but before Elisa reacted, the man was suddenly shoved away from her and she fell to the floor. She opened her eyes to find Kenneth advancing on the man, who had landed on his rear on the floorboards a short distance from her.

  “Gordy, what the hell do you think you’re doing? Don’t ever touch her again.” Kenneth’s voice remained calm yet menacing. He picked the man up from the back of his shirt and pitched him over the rail, through the opening, to the lower level.

  Elisa sat frozen in shock. She realized that Kenneth when angry spoke in a firm yet controlled voice. Definitely something to keep in mind should she upset him, which she was bound to do. He’d just killed the man for touching her and she couldn’t get over what he’d done.

  “Did he hurt you?” his voice was back to normal as if nothing had just passed. He held his hand out for her to take.

  She shook her head and looked back to the opening in the floor. “Is he … he dead? I cannot believe you just did that. Did you kill him?”

  Kenneth glowered, pulling her upward until she stood next to him. “Nay, but he’ll need to bathe in the loch for a week before he
can get close to another lass. He landed in a very high pile of manure. Come, we must leave, we have dallied long enough.” He tried to pull her along.

  Elisa didn’t move and released his hand. She was too happy to hear his jest and that he hadn’t killed the man. “Will you bring me back?”

  “Why would you want to come back? Most ladies don’t like the stables.”

  “For the horses and I’m not like most ladies, Kenneth. You might want to know that now from the start.” Elisa raised an eyebrow, accentuating her statement.

  Kenneth looked somewhat bemused and the shine in his eyes alluded to a smile. She thought how handsome he must look when he smiled. One day she verily might see it often.

  “We’ll see. But we shouldn’t have stayed this long.”

  “Where were you?”

  “I was checking my horse. He’s not acting right. I’ll take him for a ride later and give him some exercise. But first I want to get you settled and safe.”

  Elisa stepped beside him and they left the stable and walked on the lesser-known path. She smiled to herself knowing she would have to sneak out early in the morn so she could tend to any ill horses. It was doubtful Kenneth would allow her to return to the stables anytime soon. Happily she followed along to what she now considered her prison.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  The days drug on and became dark and gloomy. It rained the four days since their arrival at the Gunn keep. Elisa tried to keep herself busy, but there wasn’t much to do within the cottage except pace the floorboards. Kenneth came back on occasion, but didn’t stay long enough to keep her company. She suspected he thought she’d leave and disobey him. At night he would join her in bed, but she was usually already sleeping. In the morn, he’d stay for a few minutes before he set off for his duties. Still he did not reveal much of himself and she was hesitant to ask him about his life.

  This day started out with a heavy rain which had subsided. Normally her spirits would be soaring with happiness for she loved this kind of weather. Being stuck inside with Kenneth though, that was another matter altogether. He’d returned because the soldiers training had been postponed due to the torrent. He sat in a chair which flanked a table, his legs stretched out, hands clasped over his stomach, eyes closed. At least someone was content to sit there with nothing to do. She’d had enough boredom to last a lifetime and wasn’t one to stay idle for long.

  “Kenneth, are you asleep?”

  He opened one eye and peered at her. “Nay.”

  “I’ve nothing with which to occupy my time. I’m lonely.” Elisa would have yelled then for he closed his eyes and ignored her. She stepped beside his chair and nudged his foot. “Did you hear me?”

  “Aye, I heard you.”

  “And are you not going to keep me company?” Elisa went to the door and opened it when he didn’t answer. She stood watching some of the clans’ people near their cottages at the end of the lane. Their cottage was set away from the others, isolating her further. The clans’ people were about their day regardless of the conditions and she envied them their tasks.

  “Come away from the door, Elisa.”

  “Nay.” She simply wouldn’t allow him to intimidate her. Before she’d realized he’d moved, he stood next to her.

  Kenneth pulled her back against him. His mouth, just above her ear ticked her with his breath.

  “If you’re bored, I shall remedy that.” He kissed her neck, sending warm shivers through her.

  Elisa hoped he would, for she’d go mad with nothing to do.

  “Come, I know what we should do.” He led her through the door.

  She wasn’t going to bother asking where he was taking her for she was wont to be outdoors. The rain fell in a misty haze now. Still, it was a beautiful day. She loved when it rained hard enough to hear the drops hitting the ground and roof. The sound always calmed her.

  Kenneth led her behind their cottage to the lesser-known path. They walked a good while and reached the wall surrounding the keep. He pushed aside a bush and opened a secret gate which led to a wider path that rounded the keep’s wall. Elisa followed and they started down a well-worn wider path where carts made indents in the softened ground. As he led her, she looked at the scenery unsure where they were going. After walking a good distance, she gazed ahead. The ocean stretched out in front of them.

  “Where are we? This looks nothing like the coast near my home.” Elisa was awed by the vastness of the waters visible.

  “Your clan resides on the western lands and is rockier. We’re as far east as can be.”

  Elisa took off her slippers as soon as her feet touched the sandy smoothness before her. She always loved being near the water at home but was often punished when she was a child for spending too much time daydreaming about the lands that lie somewhere out in the deep ocean.

  Autumn wasn’t far off and yet the sands still warm from the mild summer. Though it was dreary and foggy, the beach held such rugged beauty. Elisa took Kenneth’s hand and smiled as he led her toward the water.

  “I thought you might enjoy being outside, but we can go in if you want. You can swim?”

  “Oh, aye, certainly. I learned at an early age.” She watched as he began removing his clothing, first his shirt and then his tartan and boots. He stood in his braises and turned to look at her. His well-muscled torso held her entranced. Kenneth appeared to get much exercise. She couldn’t take her eyes off his brawny chest and when he turned his back showed more musculature. Elisa would be happy to stand there and watch him.

  “Are you coming in or not?”

  She nodded and began removing her overdress. Added to the growing pile of garments, she continued to remove all but her shift, which she kept on for modesty’s sake.

  Kenneth had already gone into the water and swam a good distance before Elisa entered. She slowly walked into the water, believing she might cut her foot on shells or other rubbles. But the sand beneath her feet was smooth. At home she had to be careful as there were many shells and rocks to which could cut one if they weren’t careful. Waves crashed against her as she tried to pass the surf and get to the deeper depths.

  When she reached the water at her chest, she dunked her head and swam under the water. It felt wonderful to wet her hair and body. Kenneth approached and pulled her into his arms.

  “Are you cold?”

  “Oh, nay. The this feels wonderful. It is a bit chilly but I haven’t swum in such a long time. I wouldn’t care if it was freezing. Thank you for bringing me here.”

  Kenneth allowed her to spend more time in the water. He left her and spread his tartan on the sand to lie upon.

  Elisa was too caught up, floating and enjoying the water, to notice how alluring he looked lying there. But when she’d had enough and was walking out of the water, shyness came upon her. She’d never been so forthright with a man before, and hadn’t undressed in front of one. Still, he was her husband and she tried not to let her nervousness show.

  “Lie beside me, Elisa.”

  She did as he asked and used her overdress as a pillow. The sky above swelled with thick clouds and yet no rain fell, only the light mist they’d contended with most of the afternoon.

  Elisa didn’t know what to say to Kenneth and the awkwardness kept her silent. She wanted to ask him many questions, but she wasn’t sure if she should pry. Mayhap she should allow him to speak of his past on his own, when he was ready. She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the ocean and light breeze.

  Kenneth took her leg in his hands. Without opening her eyes, she concentrated on his touch. He gripped her calf and she moaned when he rubbed the bottom of her foot. Then his lips caressed the sensitive skin by her ankle and top of her foot. She gasped at the sensation. A tingling began and increased when his hand smoothed her calf and behind her knee. Elisa opened her eyes and found him kneeling beside her.

  His dark eyes watched her intently. A rush of warmth overcame her and she drew a deep breath. Kenneth continued to use his hands o
n her body, stroking her skin with caresses meant to drive her wild with wanting. The front of her knee tickled and she tried to push him away, but he gazed at her with a devilish glint in his eyes.

  Kenneth took his time, ensuring he’d massaged every inch of her body. Elisa lay lethargic, enjoying the sensations his touches invoked. A flame of desire built within her and she hoped he wanted to enter her as he had before. Dare she ask him to?

  Elisa longed to encourage him without having to speak the words and decided to give as good as she’d gotten. She knelt and pushed him to a lying position so she could reach him. Unsure of herself, she didn’t let that stop her as she began rubbing his muscular shoulders. His skin felt like hot steel, for her hands warmed as she stroked him. Her fingers trailed the light smattering of hair down his chest. She’d never seen a man’s chest before and became captivated with its contours and the way his muscles flinched in his stomach when she grazed a sensitive area.

  She reached his thighs and slid her hands along the muscular limbs. Elisa wanted to be brave and touch his midsection, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. She didn’t know how Kenneth would react should she wantonly touch his manliness.

  His legs were far longer than hers and took a while to reach his knees and then his feet.

  Elisa grew bold. She set her hands on each side of his face and gazed at him. He was so handsome and she was happy to know he was hers. Without any resemblance of shyness, she leaned forward and kissed him. Her lips brushed his in a modest kiss.

  “I do so enjoy kissing you, Kenneth.”

  Kenneth pulled her toward him and her breasts pressed his chest. The awareness of her body against his caused a gasp for she’d been catapulted to desire. She wanted him, craved his body, and wished he took her small gestures as a signal.

  He rolled her beneath him and their legs entwined, and he continued to kiss her. She enjoyed his kisses, but longed for something more. Tearing her mouth from his, she swallowed her breath and watched him.

  His gaze heated her insides.

  “Kenneth, please.”