Fearless Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 3)

by Kara Griffin

  Her lips widened in a smile that affected him more than he was wont.

  “I shall miss you. You will miss me as well?”

  His answer came when he crushed his lips against hers. He took his time and ensured her with all his passion he’d miss the hell out of her. When he pulled back, he found Brodin standing behind him, grinning akin to a fool.

  “I told Graeme about our trek. Let us go. He’ll return soon, Lillia. Release him so we can depart,” Brodin said.

  She gasped and hastily unfurled her arms from around his body. Without a farewell, she rushed off. He thought her bonny but with her embarrassment and flushed cheeks she looked ravishing. Heath watched her until she disappeared inside the main cave.

  “Och, you’re wanting to stay. I cannot blame ye for that, but move your arse, Heath, or we’ll never get to your father’s lands.”

  He strolled to the ossuary and readied his horse. It took longer than usual because he had to fasten the new harness. He mounted and rode out. Heath hadn’t been home since the day his father sent him to serve the Bruce. His return wouldn’t be as contentious since he’d repaired his relations with his da. He hoped the rest of the clan was as amiable about his homecoming.

  They rode for two days and along the way, he set his mind to solving Lillia’s situation. The Comyns would do anything to possess her, even kill or hurt those she cared about. She was correct in her postulation. Yet if they told James they’d found her, he would insist she be taken to King Robert. That likewise wouldn’t benefit Lillia. The Bruce would imprison her and keep all from knowing she existed. She certainly couldn’t return to her family.

  He was her only salvation and it didn’t sit well. When he returned, he would insist she wed him. It was the only thing he could do to protect her unless something came to mind and saved him from the marital noose. All his aspirations cast aside once again and it seemed he’d never serve God as he’d intended. At least, not in the foreseeable future.

  Brodin signaled to him and they quickly backed their horses into thick, high brush along the trail. Riders trotted through with their swords drawn. He raised a brow at the intruder’s gall. This was Fraser land and those that rode through most definitely not of his clan. Heath got a disconcerting sense and he tensed.

  “My father and clan might be in peril. We will need to approach the keep with caution.”

  Brodin nodded, but remained silent, and followed his lead. He kicked his horse’s haunches to get him moving. He didn’t slow his mount until the sight of his family keep came into view.

  “Be alert for trouble. I don’t like that others were on our land and so close to the keep.”

  Brodin gave a firm nod and slunk back behind him. They forged ahead and from what Heath saw, there was nothing out of the ordinary. A few of his clansmen scrutinized him as he passed on the lane to the keep. He got as far as the gatehouse but the gates remained closed. The sentry called out, and he peered above at the parapet.

  “Who goes?”

  He lowered his gaze, but shouted, “Heath Fraser.”

  The gate’s heavy chains clinked and the heavy iron rose. He hastened his pace on the lane to the main building and left his horse outside the entrance of the keep.

  “Come, something has my father vigilant. Rarely is the gate closed.”

  Brodin trailed behind him as he entered. The great hall was empty and the vast chamber echoed with his footsteps. Heath took a moment to breathe in the scent of home, to take in the view of the coveted banners, to roam his eyes over the floorboards where he’d played as a child. Memories flooded him, most of he and Roderick as wee lads. Many an hour was spent crawling beneath the large trestle tables, trying to hide from his mother when it was time for sleep.

  He heard no one about so he called out, “Da, Ma, anyone?”

  A serving lass walked into the hall and set an empty bowl on the side table. “Heath? ‘Tis me, Beth, you probably don’t remember—”

  “Of course I remember you. You look well, cousin. Is my father or mother about?”

  Fortunately, Beth took after her mother in looks and not after his Uncle Andrew. His cousin gawked at Brodin when she answered. “Your da went to see Laird Hunter, but your ma is here. I’ll get her. She’s above.” She left the hall in a rush.

  Women always reacted to Brodin whether startled or attracted. He sighed but turned back to his comrade and motioned to the table. Once they sat, he poured them each a cup of ale. He tensed and discerned something foreboding happened. If his father visited the Hunter clan, he had to know Lillia was missing.

  “My son.” His mother breezed into the hall. She looked full of life, spry, and still beautiful even at her great age. The long locks of her auburn hair streaked with a subtle gray and her blue eyes sparkled. She rarely frowned for she’d said it caused one to age.

  “Mother, it’s been too long. You appear well.” He rose and embraced her.

  She pulled back. “Indeed, too many a year has passed since I’ve seen ye. Let me look upon you. You are still the most handsome lad in the land. And who is this striking man?”

  Heath chuckled low. His mother always appreciated men, especially young strapping warrior-like men such as Brodin. He supposed she did so to irk his da, but as far as he knew she was a devoted wife.

  “This is my good comrade, Brodin.”

  “Lady Fraser.” Brodin bowed.

  “Oh my, and verily gallant. Has anyone told you your eyes are splendid? Why I’ve never seen such a vivid blue before on a man. I imagine the lasses must blush when you gaze at them.”

  He smiled and shook his head. “Nay, my lady, not to my knowledge. I’m not one for gazing.”

  His mother laughed a melodic sound. “Ah, but they must gaze at you for you are truly handsome.”

  “Mother, forgive me, but we have no time for … pleasantries. I need to speak with Da. Will he return soon?” Heath tried to avert her attention for his comrade appeared uncomfortable at his mother’s seemingly adoration.

  “Oh posh, son, there is always time for pleasure. Your father should return soon. He was only supposed to be away for half the day. Now tell me … Brodin, what clan do you hail from?” She took his arm and forced Brodin to walk with her around the large table.

  “Grant, Lady Fraser.”

  “Ah, the Grants. I don’t believe we are hostile toward the Grants. Are we, Heath?”

  He shook his head.

  “That is quite a relief. Are all the Grants as handsome as you?”

  Before Brodin could voice an answer, the door banged and heavy footsteps sounded. His father appeared at the entrance to the hall with Lagan directly behind him. He stopped upon seeing him, and then noticed his wife. Laird Fraser raised a brow, winked at his mother, and twitched his lips. Heath waited to see if his da would berate the woman as he typically did when she flirted with men, but he didn’t.

  “Dearest, I’m home. Ah, I see we have company. Heath, I’m so gladdened you’ve arrived. Lagan, you are relieved.” At his father’s word, the elder man turned on his heel and left the great hall.

  His father embraced him. Heath assessed his mien, but his da was good at hiding his regard. “I came as soon as I received your missive.”

  Laird Fraser sat warily at the table, and a troubling countenance came with a deep frown and dulled eyes. He reached out to take a cup, but fumbled and knocked the drink over. The liquid trailed to the edge of the table and onto his lap, but he seemed not to notice. “Wife, you will leave us. We have matters of import to discuss.”

  She poured another cup of ale and set it in his hand. After, she pulled a trencher toward his father and whispered something. When she looked up, she smiled. “Must I go? I haven’t seen Heath in a long time and—”

  “Be gone, woman,” his da said in a gruff manner. His mother pouted but followed his order. Once his mother left the hall, his da waited a few moments before he spoke. “Our neighbor is in great peril.”

  “I suppose there is trouble with t
he Hunters.” Heath realized his father learned that Lillia was missing.

  “Plights aplenty. More than you ken. Aylmer’s clan is distraught, beyond so. His daughter has gone missing and now someone abducted his beloved wee sons.”

  Heath clenched his fists at the news. “Miles and Macon?” His father nodded. “They’re just lads. Why would someone take them?”

  “Aylmer believes the Comyns mean to use the lads to bring Lillia about. He’s called upon all his allies and even clans he’s somewhat amiable with to search for his children or raise their swords against the Comyns. War is inevitable, and Aylmer insists the Comyns have gone too far. They will do anything to secure the throne and Aylmer will do what he must to seek retribution.”

  His father knew. Heath slouched in his seat. The news was worse than he imagined. He nodded and had to disclose what he knew. “You ken who she is then, Lillia …”

  “I do, for I have always known. When the Guardians brought the bairn to Aylmer all those years ago, I was with him. We’d just returned from hunting for our winter stores. Hunter’s great hall was filled with the lot of them, all standing around his table with a wee bairn set in the center. The Guardians insisted we both take sworn oaths to protect her and keep her safe until they came for her. But alas, the Guardians perished before they could secure the lass, and now she is on her own and in great danger.”

  “What does Laird Hunter plan to do?”

  “He is unsure. If he trades Lillia for the lads, all is lost for their clan, his daughter, Scotland and most of all for King Robert. If the Comyns take possession of her, they will surely claim the kingdom in Alexander’s name.”

  “She is safe.”

  His da scrunched his eyes, but said nothing until he explained.

  “She found her way to me. We protect her, the king’s guard. The Comyns will never find her where we’ve hidden her. You want me to search for the lads and return them?”

  “Aye, that is why I’ve called you. This is definitely a mission for the king’s guard. The Comyns surely ken of Aylmer’s intent to get his sons back. They’ll be expecting a threat from his allies. But the king’s guard can go covert. Many of the Comyns hold up at Bothwell. Mayhap the lads were taken there. I’m pleased to hear the lass is safe with you.”

  Heath thought that sounded reasonable for there weren’t many keeps the Comyns occupied since Robert had reclaimed most of the northern lands lost to England. Bothwell was retaken and held by the English supporters, the Comyns associating with the leaders. Unfortunately, their enemies had retaken Stirling which was a thorn of contention in Robert’s arse. “We will find out. Worry not, Da. We’ll leave right off. I hope Lillia doesn’t get wind of this news.”

  His father firmed his lips in a grim expression. “Aye, I do too for if she does she’ll do whatever it takes to retrieve her brothers. They are close and the lass dotes on them. She would want to protect them even if it means risking her own life.”

  Heath’s heart tensed. “She’s safe enough for now. We’ll retrieve the lads and get them back to their clan.” But he suspected gaining entry into Bothwell’s walls would be difficult. This mission called for stealth and perhaps a wee bit of fright on their part. If all went to plan, the Comyns would hand over the lads without a fight.

  “Send word when you’ve rescued the lads.”

  He nodded at his father, but kept his eyes lowered. “Aye, and Da, Lillia wants no one to ken where she is, especially her parents.”

  “I won’t speak of her whereabouts or mention her. Make haste, because the sooner those lads are retrieved, the better.” Laird Fraser stumbled, and Heath took hold of his da’s arm.

  His da walked them out of the keep and stood on the step, watching their departure, what he could see of it. His father’s decrease in vision concerned him, for it appeared he couldn’t see well. Was his condition failing? It seemed to get worse since their last meeting. Heath had no time to ponder it and mounted his horse. He was astounded by his father’s report. The Comyns made a desperate move in taking Lillia’s brothers. Their mistake would cost them.

  *****

  They neared Dumfries and Heath slowed his mount. He’d take a few minutes to rest his horse and eat a small bite before setting off for Bothwell. They rode hard and had taken little time to care for their needs. Brodin pulled several hunks of bread from his saddlebag and sat quietly.

  “We should stop by the caves on our way to Bothwell. Graeme and Liam will want to come and take part in this mission.”

  His comrade nodded and finished eating. “Will ye tell Lillia of her brothers’ misfortune?”

  “I don’t want to cause her pain, och she should know. I will think on it. If we can retrieve the lads, we’ll need to take them back to their home. Come, the sooner we fetch our comrades, the sooner we can infiltrate Bothwell.”

  They arrived at the caves early in the morning. Dawn hadn’t yet made its appearance. All slept except for Graeme who nestled William on his lap. The bairn often awakened before emergence of the sun much to his da’s displeasure. William babbled and said da repeatedly until Graeme set the wee lad on his feet. The lad wanted his freedom and he scampered to the trunks along the wall, tottering onward.

  “You’re back. What did your da want?”

  Heath sat beside Graeme and watched William cruise along the chests. The lad shrieked at his lack of restriction and grinned as if he won a great victory. “The report was more troubling than I expected.” He lowered his voice because Lillia slept on his pallet across the cave. He pointed at her. “Her brothers were taken by the Comyns to lure Lillia. They likely hold the lads at Bothwell. At least, that’s where we’ve discerned they’ve taken them.”

  “Aye, it’s the last of the keeps the Comyns occupy besides Stirling and Roxburgh.” Graeme lifted William who ran at him and yelled da and held him against his chest. His large hand brushed the bairn’s soft head.

  “They’re just wee lads, Graeme, but seven winters. I mean to rescue them.”

  Brodin approached the table. “I have all we need.” He set a sack on the table which contained the oils they used to conceal themselves. Added to the sack, he placed a good many daggers and their bows, and a ration of arrows. “We should make haste.”

  Graeme stood. “Let me take William to Kerrigan and I’ll fetch Liam.”

  Brodin grabbed the objects from the table. “I’ll ready the horses.”

  When they left, Heath went to his trunk and retrieved two extra tartans. The weather cooled and the lads would need extra warmth during the trek home.

  “You returned.”

  He pivoted at the sound of Lillia’s voice. “Aye, but I’m off again.”

  “I’m a light sleeper and heard every word. You should’ve remembered that from when we were children … that time when you and my brothers hid in the barn, trying to elude me.” She folded her hands in front of her.

  “I’d forgotten.” Heath was too afar to see the tears in her eyes, but the tone of her voice gave him an indication they were there. He ambled forward and took her in his arms. “Worry not, Sweetness.”

  “How can I not? My brothers were taken. They might be harmed, all because …”

  “Nay, the Comyns wouldn’t hurt them. They need them to barter them for you.”

  Her embrace tightened. “You’ll get them to safety?”

  “I shall. Lillia, we will rescue the lads and take them home. I vow to see them safe.”

  She pulled back. “Bring them here before you journey home. I want to ensure they are well and unharmed.” A sob escaped her. “I won’t rest until I see them.”

  He sighed. “Very well, I shall bring them here. But I want ye to rest. Stay here and try not to worry.”

  “I shall pace the caves until your return. Heath,” she stopped him from going. “… please, be cautious for I trust not these knaves. Don’t risk your own wellbeing or the guard’s. Promise me.”

  “It will be dangerous, och we’re used to such missions.�
�

  “I mean it. If ye cannot rescue my brothers without endangering yourself or the king’s guard, I want you to flee and return. I shall gain their release.”

  He gripped her arms. “By giving yourself to the usurping Comyns? Nay, I won’t allow you to sacrifice yourself to those blighters. I will bring your brothers back.” He kissed her forehead and left her standing in the cave.

  At the ossuary, Heath approached Gilroy. “Lad, I am charging you with a task.”

  “Aye, m’lord? Anything …”

  “Keep watch on Lillia. Do not allow her to leave the caves. I don’t care what the reason, she must remain here. Even if you have to use force and tie her to a damned chair, to get her to stay.” As direct as he could, he wanted to ensure the lad understood his instruction. “Am I clear enough?”

  Gilroy’s chin bobbed. “Aye, m’lord, clear. I won’t let her leave for any reason.”

  Heath took the reins of his horse from him and set out and headed north. Their jaunt would take them to Lanarkshire, almost as far as Glasgow. By midday next, they crossed the river. A small bridge afforded them the crossing of the Clyde waters. Later in early eve, the rains came. The muddy trail hampered their horse’s progression. The weather cooled enough for snow, and the rain cold on their skin. Dreary gray skies matched his mood.

  Graeme insisted they stop and wait out the torrent. Beneath thick pines, they stayed dry and warmed by the fire. As dangerous as it was to light a fire, they needed to keep warm. Additionally, they needed the embers for their concealment. Heath laid his bedroll and closed his eyes, but he wasn’t able to rest. His mind turned with his plan. He felt the shift of his leg and shot up.

  “’Tis morn. The rains let up enough. We can move on.”

  He nodded at Graeme and gathered his things. Remarkably, Heath felt rested and must’ve slept during their rest. He snatched his bedroll from the ground and shoved it in the saddle bag, uncaring that it wasn’t folded properly. Wanting to be on the way, he mounted and waited for his comrades.

  Brodin piled a mass of cool embers and soot from the fire onto a cloth and folded it, securing the stash. “We will need this when we get closer.”