On A Highland Hill (Gunn Guardsmen)

by Kara Griffin

  Kenneth looked around the hall. They’d made a mess of things. “Sorry about hall…”

  “We needed the hall cleared anyway for the celebration. You did me a favor. Come, James, Duff, Kenneth. Let us go outside and give the women peace so they can ready.”

  They went outside and Grey led them to where the saplings had just been planted. Standing in a semi-circle, no one said a word.

  Kenneth noticed the trees whose leaves held fast and whose limbs were many. They were sturdy and healthy saplings. He’d have to commend Sean and James their choice. He stood there licking his bloody lip certain Duff had split it. This was one hell of a week. First he wed a lass who had an army after her, not to mention the King of Scotland who wanted to question her, and even worse his horse died. He could use a goddamned drink.

  Grey seemed to be waiting for him to say something.

  “I don’t want to be laird of that clan, Grey, never wanted it. And now you ram it down my throat. You planned all of this didn’t you? You want me to go? Then I shall.” Kenneth was about to walk off when Duff and James formed a wall, blocking his exit.

  Grey stood in front of him. “Your father was sorry, you know, in the end. I saw him, was at his side on his deathbed. All he spoke of was how he disappointed you. He’d said what a fine son you were and how proud he’d been and how he’d wronged you. He’d acted poorly and was mourning Greer. If anyone can understand that, you can. You need to forgive him, Kenneth.”

  His nose flared as his breath deepened at hearing Grey’s speech. Kenneth was sure to lose any composure he had remaining.

  “I don’t know if I can forgive him, Grey. It is too late for forgiveness.”

  “Can you forgive me then?”

  “Forgive you for what?”

  “It was because of my order that Greer was protecting Bree. I didn’t know what MacHeth was capable of, that he could enter my own keep to try to kill her. I should have had more men guarding the keep that day. Greer died with honor and not a day goes by that Bree and I don’t thank God that he was there to save her.”

  “I don’t blame you, Grey, or Bree. I know he was doing his duty.”

  “Then will you at least forgive yourself? There was nothing any of us would have done differently. You couldn’t have saved him, none of us could.”

  “’Tis time,” James said, “Kenneth, to put it all behind you. Let it go.”

  “Aye, well past time,” Duff agreed.

  Grey handed him a cloth with which to wipe his mouth. Kenneth took it angrily and tossed it back at him. “Are we through here?”

  “There’s an army coming, Kenneth, they’re coming for your wife. Do you want to put her in danger? Or are you going to swallow your damned pride and get her out of here?”

  Duff kicked dirt at him. “Aye, take her to McInnish land. Make a home for her. mac Raghnaill will be welcomed here and he’ll have his wee look and won’t find her. He’ll return to his devil’s lair and all will be well.”

  “Damn you all, I need a drink.” Kenneth went inside the hall, behind the buttery where Grey kept his best spirits and took the largest jug he could find. Without a word to anyone, he marched off knowing the perfect place where he could get well and drunk.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  By the time Elisa finished checking all the horses for illness, it was past midday. Only one showed signs of being ill, but the symptoms weren’t as dire as Kenneth’s horse. The horse was moved to an empty stall well isolated from the others. She was gladdened for it didn’t seem as if the infection would spread. She gave instructions to Jonny and listed the signs of distress should any of the horses sicken. After the Black had been taken away, she and Jonny cleaned the stall and she told him not to allow any horse inside for at least a week.

  Exhausted from all the exertion, Elisa sat just inside the stable doors. But the smell got to her and she needed to leave. Kenneth had disappeared and never returned with food. She waited as long as she could, but it didn’t seem as if he was coming back. She went to the cottage thinking he might be there, but he wasn’t.

  While she was there, she changed into fresh clothing and pulled on a dark green overdress. She used the water in the pitcher to scrub her hands with the soap Kait had left, making sure they were good and clean. She then washed her face and took care of her needs and brushed her hair. The day had grown warm so she pulled her hair back and tied it with a string from one of her gowns.

  Still Kenneth hadn’t returned. She wasn’t sure if the king had left, but she couldn’t stay in the cottage as hungry as she was. Taking the hidden path, she hurried to the kitchens intent on getting food.

  Gell raised the dead with his yelling when she entered. She realized deep down he was a sweet old man who liked to bark.

  “Good day, Gell, may I have some food? I haven’t eaten yet and am starved.”

  Gell grimaced as he wiped his hands on a cloth. “Kenneth asked me to send ye food. I sent me kitchen lad hours ago. Didn’t he bring it? Why I’ll have his arse punished …”

  “Nay, but mayhap he couldn’t find me in the stables.” Her heart rejoiced at the thought that Kenneth hadn’t forgotten her.

  “Aye, help yourself, lass,” he said, and to one of the lad’s bringing in water, he shouted, “Don’t be spilling water on my floors. Watch where ye are going. Aye, or I’ll mop the floor with ye.”

  She took a piece of bread that had been buttered and spiced, and two apples from the table. “Have you seen Kenneth this day?”

  “Aye, surely did and enjoyed the sport. Saw him I did afore he went off to drown his sorrows. That lad still has the strength of an ox and eats like one too. Never did see such a tempered man. Och came and went he did.” Gell turned back to the table and grabbed a hatchet. He dismissed her without a word and went about his tasks.

  Elisa didn’t know what to make of that or what he meant so she took the chunk of bread and apples and went outside.

  When she reached the keep, she noticed more activity. She sat by a nearby tree, staying hidden behind the large trunk. Something was happening. Many of the clans’ people hung banners and set up tables. Clanswomen set food on the tables and the men staked torches on long sticks into the ground. Logs were set in piles by many erected fire pits. She was sure they were having a celebration for many people had already gathered.

  What with the possibility of running into the king, she stayed where she was content to find out what was going on later. The cool air soothed her, as she’d been cooped inside the stables all morning. After eating one of the apples, she felt much better and even though she was somewhat tired, she continued on in hopes of finding Kenneth. She snuck around the kitchens and entered the keep through the back entrance.

  Edwin stood guard and recognized her, and smiled when she passed by. Elisa went into the hall and glimpsed Grey standing with Duff and James. Usually the guardsmen couldn’t be separated and she wondered where Kenneth, Sean and Colm were. And as she thought that the two latter came strolling in. They immediately set to drinking and eating.

  Colm said, “’Tis done, laird. By evening all the clan will be here.”

  Elisa stepped farther into the room, making her presence known. “Is it safe?”

  Grey nodded. “Aye, come, Elisa. The king has left.”

  “Good day, have any of you seen Kenneth?”

  They shook their heads.

  She noticed the black eye Duff sported for it swelled. “Oh, Duff, that looks like it hurts. Here.” She took the pitcher of ale from the table and soaked a cloth in it. “Let me soothe it. This should make it better. Keep it on for twenty minutes.”

  Then she noticed James’ eye and gave them a reproachful frown for fighting. “Oh my, let me see. It doesn’t appear to need a stitch but the cut is a mite deep. You should put a cloth on your eye, too.” She took another cloth, dipped in the ale and slapped it on his face.

  The men didn’t say anything, not even a thank you for her care. Their silence made her feel awkward at b
eing there. She realized she needed to escape. “I believe I shall go and see how Bree is doing. Good day.” She took the steps and hurried to the upper level and knocked at the door.

  Kait answered and let her inside. “Elisa, come, the bairns just finished feeding. Bree is sleeping.”

  Before she could protest, one of the bairns was thrust into her arms. The babe was so light and she sensed how fragile he was. She held the lad, she realized for he was wrapped in a blue covering.

  “He’s beautiful. They both are.”

  “Aye, sweet wee lambs.” Kait motioned her to take a seat next to the one she’d taken. She sat holding the lass. “One day I shall have a wee one, but I hope not more than one at a time. They’re wearing me out.”

  Elisa smiled and rocked the babe. Bree was exhausted and slept soundly. “So tell me what is happening. I saw tables being set up outside.”

  “We’re to have a celebration to announce the births. All of the clan has been called. It is a joyous time.”

  “Where’s Sunny? I thought she would be here with the babes.” Elisa patted the small bundle in her arms. The babe made a soft sound and snuggled contently against her.

  “She’s probably off helping the women set up entertainment for the children. The celebration may last for days. Sunny always takes charge of the children during celebrations.”

  “Why does Duff have a black eye? Has he and James been fighting?”

  Kait set the babe against her shoulder and patted her back. “Nay, he fought with Kenneth.”

  “And James? Why does he have a cut above his eye?”

  Kait focused on the bairn and didn’t look up when she replied, “He fought with Kenneth also.”

  Elisa raised her brow. “Is there anyone who hasn’t fought with Kenneth this day?”

  “‘Tis doubtful.”

  “Would you mind telling me why everyone has been fighting with him?”

  “He was angry.”

  Getting an answer out of Kait was akin to making steel from water.

  “Aye, and I suppose he would be because …” Kait repositioned the babe and cooed. “… Grey commanded him to leave and claim the lairdship of the clan McInnish.”

  “I see, and Kenneth objected?”

  “Aye, did he. Mightily. Duff teased him and Kenneth took offense. He is none too pleased to be going to McInnish land, I tell you that. He took a jug and went off to drown his stomach and sorrows. No one knows where he went off to.”

  Elisa’s heart thudded. Kenneth needed her but she didn’t know where to find him. And she wasn’t sure he would want to see her considering she caused all his difficulties. She realized the only reason he’d have to leave was for her protection.

  Kait set the lass in the cradle next to the bed and took the lad from her and set him beside his sister. She rocked the cradle for a few moments before turning back to her.

  “Bree will want to rest a wee longer before she comes down. Let us go to the celebration.”

  As they left the chamber, Nell approached. “Go. I shall watch over the bairns and come to get Grey when Bree is ready to come down.”

  Elisa left the hall which was now vacated. Outside many of the clan had gathered and from the look of it probably all, for there were many more present than earlier. Spits were set with various animals roasting. Elisa shook her head, sickened by the thought of those poor animals …

  Dancing began and some of the women wore rings of flowers on their heads. The men, who stood around numerous kegs, raised their cups, making boisterous toasts at the birth of the bairns.

  Elisa sat by herself watching all the happenings around her. She’d never seen such festivity. The children ran to and fro, amused by their games. Such joy and yet she felt wretched.

  Sunny approached and sat next to her. She gave her a cup of ale. “For you.”

  “Thank you, Sunny.”

  “I heard you married Kenneth. Do you love my uncle?”

  Elisa was aghast at being asked such a question by someone her age. “Not at this moment.”

  “You should love him. He deserves to be loved. I vow he’s a good man.”

  It was sweet the way the girl of ten summers stood up for her uncle. Elisa thought her defense of him quite remarkable. “I know he is good, Sunny. I likely will love him one day, just not today.”

  “He’s gone to his special place.”

  “What special place is that?”

  “He likes to sit in the boats when he’s angry or when something is bothering him. I used to go there with him when I was wee.”

  “Oh.” Elisa couldn’t bear the thought of him sitting alone. She’d thought to go to him but she didn’t know where the boats were and she wasn’t sure he wanted company. He was angry and mayhap it was best to leave him be. She’d learned long ago: never bother a cat with drawn-out claws.

  James came and sat on the other side of her. “Why are you sitting here? You should be dancing.”

  “Does it hurt?” She looked at his eye. “I’m sorry Kenneth struck you.”

  “If it will make you dance with me, then I’ll say aye it hurts.” He moaned, mockingly. “Aye I can barely see because of what your husband did.” James laughed when she drew an affronted breath.

  Elisa laughed. “That is one way to get a dance partner. Sympathy will go a long way this eve I suspect, James. You may as well use it to your advantage.”

  James took her hand just as the bard began singing boisterously and music was being played by the four men set up by the ale barrels.

  Elisa should have felt guilty for having fun, but it had been a long time since she had and it wasn’t her fault Kenneth was angry. Well mayhap it was her fault, but she couldn’t remedy it. So why not enjoy herself? She joined in the dance, circling the men and giggling at their clumsiness.

  The night wore on and finally Bree made an appearance. Elisa went to offer her well wishes and to see if she had any complications.

  “Thank you for all you did. I never could have done it without you.” Bree patted the cushion next to her. “Sit with me.”

  Elisa sat beside her. “Nonsense. You did it all by yourself. I didn’t do much.”

  “So Kenneth disappeared?”

  Elisa folded her skirts and toyed with the fabric. “It appears so. Should I be worried?”

  “A wife will always worry, Elisa. He’ll come back when he’s good and ready.”

  “Why is Grey making him leave? Is that why Kenneth is so angry?”

  Bree glanced at her husband and then back at her. “Come closer.” She lowered her voice and Elisa had to put her ear by Bree’s mouth to hear her over the noise. “Kenneth needs to hide you. An army is coming for you. mac Raghnaill has been seen.”

  She shot to her feet.

  Bree took her arm and pulled her beside her on the lounge. “They won’t be here for days, rest easy. There’s plenty of time to hide you. If Kenneth takes you to McInnish land there is no way he will find you. They’re very isolated there.”

  “I should find Kenneth.” Elisa worried that they should leave. If she might find her absent husband, she’d tell him so. She didn’t want mac Raghnaill’s army coming here and causing these good people harm.

  “Leave him be. He’ll come around and if he doesn’t by morn, Grey will take you to safety.”

  It wasn’t her safety she was concerned about. Elisa wanted desperately to find Kenneth so she could discuss this dilemma with him. But mostly she knew he needed her, and more than that she needed to apologize. He didn’t want to go home and now because of her he’d be forced to.

  Nell approached and said something about the babes. Elisa couldn’t quite hear.

  “I must go. Promise to come and see me before you leave?”

  “I’ll try to,” Elisa promised. She felt miserable and alone. Night had fallen and the sight around the keep should have amazed her. The fires all lit and the torches glittered, sending a romantic ambiance. Many of the husbands and wives sat closely, enjoying each othe
r’s company. With all her heart, she wished her husband held her in such a lovingly way.

  Elisa saw Sean and waved to him. He poured two cups from a jug and came to sit with her. The handsome warrior winked at her. She noticed how fine he looked with his long dark locks and the shadow of a beard on his face. He was a rugged highlander and quite muscular, as was Kenneth. Sean stood as tall too. If she didn’t own to having a soft heart for Kenneth, she might verily wish she’d wed Sean as originally planned.

  “Elisa, for you, here. I caution you, this is a strong brew, but you look like you could use it.”

  She took the drink, swallowing the small amount he’d poured, and thought her stomach had burned away. “This tastes awful. Pour me another.” The warmth of the brew heated her body.

  “A toast to the loveliest lass I’ve ever been betrothed to.”

  She giggled and held up her cup and he tapped it with hers. She took another sip, and was getting used to the strong brew. The taste began to grow on her.

  “I lied to you,” Sean said.

  “When?”

  “When I said I didn’t want to wed you.” He gazed into her eyes and didn’t look away at his admission.

  “Why would you do that?”

  “I saw the way Kenneth watched you and I couldn’t take something … someone from him that would bring him happiness. And I didn’t mean to strike you so hard when we took you, but you were fighting mad. Will you forgive me?”

  Elisa felt giddy, the brew oddly comforting. “Of course you’re forgiven, Sean.” She laughed at his apology which was obviously heartfelt. “Kenneth is important to you, isn’t he?”

  “Aye, he’s like a brother to me.”

  “All is forgiven, Sean. I should apologize for kicking you that night whilst we camped. I was angry and, I really don’t know why I did it. I’m sorry if I hurt you. Will you forgive me?”

  Sean grinned and raised his cup. “Aye, you didn’t really hurt me. Ye startled me and I was somewhat impressed by your bravery.”

  “Pour me another.” After he filled her cup, she raised it. “To my husband wherever he might be.”