“Our truces have been tentative at best.”
“A truce is a truce.”
“Will ye tell me then that every member of yer clan near and far are kept abreast of what happens between our clans?”
Malcolm huffed in annoyance. “What is done is done. The truce will stand.”
Tristan interrupted. “Yer son, Ethan. Is he aware of the truce? Could it be that he may be responsible for the attack?”
The McLeod met Alec’s gaze for a moment, a silent communication that was easy to decipher. They were not happy with Ethan.
“My brother is under control. We are ensuring he can cause no more harm.” Alec let out a breath. “Neither Father nor I are now nor have ever been in agreement with what Ethan did.”
“Killing my father, ye mean?” Malcolm gritted out. “Aye, I am aware. However, that did not stop him from ordering an attack on our small party heading to yer keep at yer request.”
When the McLeod did not reply, Malcolm continued. “In both cases, my uncle could have died. He is in bed with an injury after the last attack. Tristan almost died as ye are aware from the earlier attack.”
The McLeod let out a sigh. “I am aware. Other than to tell ye that Ethan is confined and, as of now, can cause no more harm, I cannot offer ye more.”
They’d reached an impasse. Tristan waited to know what else the McLeod wanted to discuss.
The man met his gaze. “Since the marriage was neither yer decision nor mine, we are open to receiving my daughter back to our family. She does not have to stay with ye. We know it can be troubling for not only yer people, but also for her to remain with the clan we’ve battled with.”
His stomach clenched but Tristan did his best not to show any emotion. Instead, he looked to the man before him. Clyde McLeod was a fair man. Although instinctively, Tristan felt that Alec would be a stronger leader once he became the laird, it did not diminish the man’s authority.
“My wife will remain with me.”
“What of yer family? Yer clan? Do they wish her to remain there? Can ye guarantee her safety?”
Malcolm slid a glance to him. “My family will come to accept Merida as a member. She is my brother’s wife, and both have vowed to be together.”
Meeting Alec’s regard, Tristan spoke to him. “I will do what I can to keep her safe. I promise ye that.”
The younger McLeod shook his head. “Ye cannot make that promise and keep it. There are too many enemies between us.”
The truth of the words sunk like daggers into Tristan’s stomach, but he refused to acknowledge it. “Yer mother is welcome to visit. Merida wishes to see her. We can send escorts to keep them safe.”
The McLeod nodded. “I will consider it and send a messenger.”
“Anything else?” Malcolm asked.
“Ye have liberty to pass on McLeod lands to travel to yer northern posts. As I have stated, word has been sent to every village about our truce.” He looked to Tristan. “Tell my daughter that all is well and her mother sends her love.”
Malcolm narrowed his eyes. “That yer youngest is contained is not enough of a punishment for what he did.”
“I understand,” the McLeod said. “One day, when ye have bairns, ye will understand how difficult it can be.”
When Tristan huffed, Alec looked to him. “We will do our best to keep him ensconced within the keep.”
Tristan was not convinced. “We shall see. If he is ever found, we will not hesitate to kill him.”
The McLeod held up a hand. “I am appreciative that ye met with us.”
The men walked back to their horses and mounted. Each party then headed back the way they came. Tristan did not wish to speak. If anything, he wanted to gallop away and not deal with the questions his brother would bring once they were out of earshot.
As he and Malcolm rode away, Ian and Ruari stayed behind, ensuring the archers would remain in place for a few moments longer before returning back to Ross lands.
“Tis true, ye know?” Malcolm finally said. “Ye cannot guarantee her safety. Perhaps it would be best that she returns to her home.”
Tristan kept his gaze forward. “Would ye send Elspeth back home?”
“I do not know. If she was in any danger, it would be hard to keep her exposed to it.”
“What can we do?”
“Mother and Verity will return soon. They are already unfriendly to Elspeth who is not our enemy. I imagine it will be worse for Merida.” Malcolm turned to him. “And then there’s Kieran.”
Their brother would not hesitate to show his hatred to Merida. Tristan wasn’t sure a person existed that hated the McLeods more than his younger brother.
“He needs to be told prior to returning.”
“Aye, he does.”
Thankfully, Malcolm didn’t persist in speaking on the matter. There were too many emotions going through Tristan’s mind. He could not force his wife to remain based on the fact that he’d begun to feel something for her. He’d vowed to keep her safe and every moment at his home was putting her in a dangerous situation.
“When is Kieran due to return?”
“A fortnight.”
“Hopefully, we will know if she is with bairn by then. If not, I will give her the option to return home.”
Malcolm lifted a brow. “Does that mean ye will not join with her?”
“I have not since returning.”
“I am sorry, Brother.”
The words were like sinking into an icy loch until every limb was frozen, without feeling. “I am as well. However, what must be done will be.”
The rest of the ride, Tristan was silent. Ruari, Ian and Malcolm discussed clan issues and matters that had to be taken care of, seeming to relax as they traveled closer to home.
For Tristan, however, each step closer to home meant he’d have to face the fact that he and Merida would not be together. Upon arriving, he would move out of their shared chamber and ask the servants to inform him when her monthly flows came.
Letting out a breath, he watched a flock of birds heading for trees where they’d settle for the night and he envied their lack of worry.
*
Deep in his thoughts, Tristan barely spoke during the last meal and although Merida gave him questioning looks, she did not ask about the meeting. Upon arriving, he told her that her family had sent their love. However, he did not speak of her possible return home.
It seemed that she’d already formed a bond with Elspeth. The women had entered together, along with Elspeth’s good friend, Ceilidh, and Merida’s companion, Elsa. It was strange to him that Merida, a laird’s daughter, would be comfortable with simple village women, but it showed her caring nature. Unlike his own mother and sister, who’d gone away to visit another clan just to be away from Elspeth, he considered that if Merida remained, she and Elspeth would get along well.
“After the meal, we will speak to Uncle Gregor,” Malcolm said.
“No doubt he is anxious to hear what was said,” Tristan replied.
Merida tapped his lower arm. “Will we speak about it?”
At her whisper, he turned to her. “Aye, we will. Tis nothing that should have ye worried.”
Warriors entered through the back corridor. Dirty from travel, they went directly to sit at the nearest table. As they settled, servants hurried to bring them tankards of ale and plates piled with hot food. The leader, an older man with a graying beard, walked up to the high board. “I bring an urgent request from yer brother.”
“What is it?” Malcolm replied.
“Scouts have spotted a large group of fighters from the north. They travel toward our border.”
Malcolm’s lips formed a tight line. “Eat. We will meet in an hour in my study.”
“Tis not surprising,” Tristan said. “The warmer weather always comes with those wanting to grow their territory.”
“I am almost of a mind to give it to them. But I must think of the villagers. They depend on our protection,” Malcolm sta
ted, his tone grave.
It wasn’t clear to Tristan what the best solution was. The marauders often attacked unexpectedly. They rarely got away with more than a few goats or sheep. And although they were intent on testing the border region, they’d never won a fight. However, this was troubling. That the group was larger and well-armed meant they were after more than farm animals.
As soon as he finished eating, Tristan stood, deciding it was best to speak to his uncle and then with Malcolm to hear what information the returning warrior had to give.
It was gratifying to find Gregor with more color in his face, his sharp gaze snapping to them over the head of a woman who cleaned his wound. His uncle had a clear view down the front of her bodice that he took advantage of. Upon catching Tristan’s raised brow, he winked, a devilish gleam in his eyes.
“Nephews, I wondered how long it would be before ye would come to tell me what happened today.”
Malcolm didn’t sit. Instead, he paced. “The McLeod asks that we return Merida. He also stated that his youngest son is contained. He gave the impression that Ethan is imprisoned within the keep.”
“That will not last,” Gregor said, his face contorted with anger. “If anything, it will make him even more dangerous as he will escape with a plan in mind.”
Tristan grunted. “I hope he does. My sword awaits him eagerly.”
“We agreed to continue the truce and I insisted word be sent out to every person on McLeod lands to let them know of it.”
Gregor nodded. “What of ye. Have ye sent scouts to do the same?”
“Aye. It was done at yer arrival from the Mackenzie’s.”
“Good.”
The woman moved away from the bed. She was a pretty, older woman who was obviously interested in more than their uncle’s wound. She smiled at Gregor. “I will return later with something warm for ye to drink and fresh bread.”
“Thank ye,” Gregor replied, his eyes following her as she left. “Bonnie woman.”
“What do ye think, Uncle?” Tristan asked.
His uncle gave him an understanding look. “As we discussed before, ye must wait to know if yer wife is with bairn. It will also give ye time to see how she adjusts to life here. It may be that both she and the clan’s people surprise ye.”
“That, I doubt,” Malcolm said.
“Why?” Tristan asked. “Yer wife and mine are already on friendly terms.”
Malcolm shrugged. “Tis what I think.” He changed the subject and turned back to their uncle. “I am glad ye are recovering. I must now go speak to Alasdair. He brings an urgent message from the northern border. A large group is headed there.”
Their uncle’s face hardened. “Send an army. Tis time to stop them for good.”
Upon entering the study, they were informed by Alasdair and the other warriors of what transpired in the north.
The news from their northern posts was not good. Not only had the one large army been spotted headed to the northern border, but a second group was headed to the northeastern one as well.
Lead guards for both warriors and archers were sent for. Two groups of warriors would be dispatched to each area in the north. One would be headed by Tristan, the second by Ian.
It would be three days of riding to arrive but, thankfully, the groups heading to the northern border did not suspect they’d been spotted and were stopping to rest often.
“Although ye have time to get there, remember that the ones coming from the north will be rested. Do not take the fact ye will outnumber them as a sign the battle will be easy.”
Malcolm ran both hands down his face. “This is not something I wish to miss.”
“All three of us cannot be gone,” Tristan said. “One of us must remain to ensure Da’s legacy continues.”
The men stood over maps, discussing routes and, soon, they decided that Tristan, along with one hundred men, would go to the northernmost border where the larger attack was imminent. Ian and fifty men would go to the northwestern area.
Once the discussion was completed, they decided to depart the next morning once all the men were assembled.
Tristan made his way up to the bedchamber, mulling over what had to be discussed. He’d had little time to get to know Merida and had no idea how she felt about most things.
Upon entering, he was struck by the beautiful picture of his wife seated before the hearth, brushing out her long, burnished hair. The waves fell to her waist and seemed to shimmer from the reflection of the flames.
She turned to him, her expression expectant. “What is happening?”
It was best to tell her what he knew. Being that he’d be leaving and facing battle, it was possible he’d not return.
“I am going to the northern border. There is a threat from unknown forces. A large number of them head to our villages there.”
“When do ye leave?” She put her brush down and stood.
Tristan did not hesitate to close the distance between them and pull her into an embrace. “Tomorrow morning. Once everyone is assembled.” He kissed her temple. “I will ask that my things be packed at dawn so to not disturb ye with it now.”
It was late. Merida was usually asleep by then, but she’d been waiting for him. No doubt to question him about the meeting with her father and brother.
Tristan tipped her face up. “Ye will remain here for now. Malcolm and Elspeth will keep ye safe from harm. I will also assign ye a personal guard.”
“I do not feel threatened. Not inside. However, I have not had the opportunity to go outside since I’ve been unable to walk properly.”
Her eyes moved to his lips and Tristan could not resist. The kiss did not linger as he’d promised himself not to join with her. There was still the decision to be made as to whether she would return to her family.
“Did my father say anything about me being returned?”
Tristan’s gut clenched and he wasn’t sure how to reply. “Why do ye ask?”
Letting out a sigh, she met his gaze. “Because I know my father and mother and they would rather I return than to be in any danger here.”
“He said that ye would be welcomed anytime without ill will to me if ye returned home.”
Seeming to mull his words, she pushed away and turned to look into the hearth.
Tristan came up behind her, not quite touching, but a hair’s distance. “Do ye wish to go home?”
“Aye, I think I do.”
Chapter Eighteen
In her mind, Merida had considered herself prepared for how she’d feel upon telling Tristan she wanted to leave.
To inform him she wished return home and relieve him of the vows of marriage should have been easy. However, upon the words being said, in her heart, she realized she could not go through with it.
There were more reasons to leave than to remain. The obvious reason to stay was the fact she was married. She had vowed to become Tristan Ross’ wife for life.
Now, the formidable warrior stood in the room, seeming to shrink the space with his size. He stood as still as a statue as he digested what she’d said.
Quickly, Merida attempted to explain and let out along breath. “I do wish to return home, but I am not sure I can. I feel strongly about our marriage and the vows we made.”
He slid a glance to her and she wondered what he was thinking. How she wished to know him better and understand every nuance of his expressions.
And yet in her heart, she understood that her words had hurt him. Although he did not wish for the marriage from the start, her wishing to leave remained a rejection.
“Tis not ye that I reject, Tristan, but the fact I will never be accepted.”
“There has not been enough time,” he replied and went to the bed. He unwrapped the tartan from his body and climbed into bed. “Once I return, we will see.”
Did he mean to send her back? Merida went to the bed and climbed up and sat atop the bedding. “What do ye mean? See about what?”
“Merida, I am tired. I have to
get up early.” Tristan rolled away from her.
She tapped his shoulder. “How long will ye be gone?”
“A fortnight, perhaps longer.”
Her heart sank. How was she to remain there for so long alone? Merida scrambled closer and peered over his shoulder. His eyes were closed, but she knew he was awake. “That is a long time.”
He did not reply.
“I could return home while ye are gone and come back when ye return.”
“No.”
“That is unreasonable,” she snapped. “What if someone kills me? How will ye feel then?”
“Malcolm will remain here. He will ensure ye are safe. No one is going to kill ye.”
She let out a huff and, once again, studied him. “Why do ye have to go?”
“Tis my duty.”
Unsure what else had to be said, she decided it was best to allow him to rest. After all, it had only been a few days since they’d return from the Mackenzie’s, followed by the summons by her father. Now, once again, he would be going away.
“Take Duin.”
His brow furrowed. “Why would I take that beast?”
“He will be anxious to go and was a warhorse before being given to me. Duin is brave and fearless.”
“I will consider it.” He turned to her. “Will ye please go to sleep?”
Merida nodded. “I will, but only if ye promise me not to die.”
“I will do my best not to,” Tristan said and yawned. “I promise.”
Feeling a bit adrift, Merida snuggled against him, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. He was her anchor there amongst the Ross Clan. Without him, she would be adrift.
“Sleep.” Tristan rolled onto his back and pulled her closer. Her throat constricted when her husband pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Within minutes, a soft snore told her that he’d fallen asleep. Her mind awhirl, Merida could only stare up into the darkness while wishing days would race by so that he would once again hold her at night.
*
A Hardened Warrior Page 15