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

by Kara Griffin

  Toward evening when the sun nearly sunk below the horizon, they approached the castle lands. Heath stood beside his comrades and assessed the walls and high tower of the donjon. The land before the keep rose high in a massive steep bank. It wouldn’t be hard to climb. The walls were another matter altogether for they rose a good thirty feet with a recessed parapet.

  He’d been inside Bothwell before and was familiar with its layout.

  “Here,” Liam said, and handed him a cask of oil.

  He poured a good bit in his hand and Brodin added the cool embers and soot to it. Heath mixed the ingredients until they meshed. He proceeded to cover his face, arms, necks, anywhere his skin showed. By the time he finished, he was completely camouflaged and would blend in with the night.

  He waited for his comrades to finish their task and grinned. It was a clever tactic and one that Graeme had taught them. Graeme’s grandfather spoke of an ancient Germanic tribe who used the tactic to aid in their attack of a Roman legion. The warriors were so-called the Ghost Warriors for they would attack their enemy at night, at the darkest hour, and be gone without being seen. They’d used fear to aid their warring, just as he and his comrades used the concealment to lend fear to their missions.

  “Are ye ready?” he asked. “We’ll need to climb the walls. Darkness approaches.” They secured their horses and set their weapons about their bodies. The thought of adding strings to his boot crossed his mind, but Heath shook the reminder away. He might have to take lives on this mission, but the fate of two lads rested on his conscious. When the light faded and their approach to the wall was obscure enough, they ventured forward.

  They reached the heavily stoned wall without difficulty, but the wall curtain would be difficult to scale. The sentry didn’t hear or see them when they reached the top. They hastened to the insets of the inner wall of the main keep and waited until each caught their breath. Once their exertion lessened, they tied a rope around the stone column and tossed the length over the wall. Heath ensured it reached a good ways down and they’d be able to easily descend.

  He pointed at two men who stood on watch nearby down the alleyway. The posted guards inattentive and appeared to be playing a game of dice, and neither heard their advance.

  Brodin and Liam subdued them with no trouble, and they reached the door of the barbican that led to the inner keep. Heath opened the door slowly and peered inside expecting to find more guards about. There was no one in the long corridor.

  Sounds came from the great hall below and the residents were likely at their supper. That meant that many of the guards and servants were likely attending the meal. The brazen English still occupied the keep and were led by one of King Edward’s highest-ranking leaders, Valence, the Comyns’ main ally throughout the wars of their independence.

  The king would’ve loved dearly to get his hands on that knave, for Valence had caused the Scots much grief during many a fracas. Likewise, James had spoken of going after the warlord. There was no time to ponder apprehending their enemy, for they were there on a much grander mission—saving the lives of two young lads.

  At each door, they searched the chambers, but the lads weren’t on the second floor where the solars were located. Heath waved to Brodin and spoke low, “We’ll need to separate. Brodin, come with me and we’ll search the higher tower floors. Graeme and Liam will search the lower. We’ll meet back at the door of the parapet.”

  Graeme shook his head. “I have a better idea. We’ll keep the sentry busy whilst ye find the lads. Get them to the horses, we’ll meet there.”

  They agreed and set off, and along their trudge to the upper floors of the tower, Heath positioned his largest dagger at the ready. He turned a corner when a man rushed him.

  “You there.” He stopped on his heels and gasped. “What are ye, a devil?” the man flailed his arms and tried to move backward.

  His camouflage struck fear in the man as he’d intended. Heath stuck him before the man got another word out or made headway in his retreat. He yanked his dagger free and shoved the man away. The hallway dimly lit and barely afforded their view. Shouts came from below and the sound of swords strikes. The keep would be harder to leave now with the sentry alerted.

  Brodin caught up to him and opened the nearest door. Heath stepped inside. The chamber was dimmer than the corridor. He searched for a candle but heard a whimper across the room.

  Keeping his voice barely above a whisper, he called out, “Miles, Macon, are ye in here?”

  “Who’s there?”

  He turned toward the sound of a lad’s voice. “Heath Fraser.”

  “We don’t ken ye,” another lad’s voice came from a different direction.

  He frowned and realized the lads had been but perhaps two when he’d gone off to war in France. They didn’t know him and that got him to contemplate how he would gain their trust. Not only that, but with his concealment, he considered their fright. He and his comrades resembled spooks and bogeymen older lads spoke of to scare the younger.

  “Lads, ye must trust me. I ken your clan well. My father Laird Fraser visits your da often, Aylmer Hunter. Your brothers Hamish and Gawin are two of my closest friends. Your sister Lillia awaits ye. I mean to take you to her. Come out, ‘tis safe.”

  The sound of a chair scraping the wooden floor came. One of the lads touched his arm. Brodin found and lit the small bit of candle left on a holder. The small bit of light sent a dim glow to the chamber. It was barely enough light to see the entire room.

  “Here I am,” one said when he got close enough to see him. “Och ye tricked us. You’re the auld clootie. Stay back or I’ll skewer ye.” The lad held up a makeshift sword of wood and backed up but bumped into Brodin who grabbed hold of his tunic.

  “Rest easy there, lad, we won’t hurt you,” Brodin said.

  The other ran at him. “Let my brother go, be ye devils or nay.”

  Heath snatched the other and forced him to stand still. “We’re not the devil, lads, but are just a wee bit … dirty.” Heath grinned, but the lads gasped.

  “Our ma never lets us get that dirty,” one said in awe.

  “Nay for she makes us take a bath at least once a sennight.”

  Heath would’ve laughed at the lad’s astound, but there was no time for merriment. “Lad’s we’re here to take you home. Can ye be quiet enough whilst we leave this place? Many are about below.” They nodded.

  “Do ye promise to take us to Lillia?” one asked.

  “Aye, we will.” Heath signaled to Brodin, and he picked up the closest lad. He snatched the one closest to him and held him. “You must do as we say. The men who took you will be ireful and may want to harm you. Be still and quiet and we’ll get out of here sooner.”

  In the hallway, Brodin set the lad down. “We cannot leave the same way we entered.”

  Heath nodded and turned to peer down the hallway. “Nay, the climb is too great for the lads. We’ll need to leave by the front door then.”

  “If we can make it to the entrance,” Brodin said, his expression grim.

  “Lads, you need to stay betwixt us. Brodin will lead us to the door, and I’ll follow to ensure no one tries to ambush us from behind.” Heath motioned to his comrade, and he ambled forward.

  Once they reached the end of the hallway, two men ran at them from the steps. Brodin swung his sword, but the walls too tight for him to get a strike. He used his foot to toss the men downward and sheathed his sword.

  “Be a mite too big to use in these small confines.” Brodin pulled a dagger free and forged ahead, down the stairs. He ensured the men were incapacitated and advanced past them.

  Near the bottom, Heath watched his comrade disarm four men. Beyond them, he noticed Liam and Graeme, both fighting off a band of men who tried to get past them. Heath followed Brodin and they reached the door.

  Outside, they ran for the trees. As soon as they reached the horses, the lads’ eyes widened with fear. Heath took a moment to calm his breath. He’d gotten t
hem to safety thus far, but their excursion was far from over.

  “Brodin, you should stay here with the lads. I’ll go back and aid Graeme and Liam.”

  His comrade shook his head. “Nay, you stay with them. I’ll be back.” Brodin unsheathed his sword as he trotted toward the keep.

  While they waited for his comrades, Heath pulled the tartans from his saddle bag. “Here, to keep you warm. Stay quiet, lads.” Fortunately they’d tethered their horses in a dark area where they wouldn’t be seen even if the adversaries stood five feet from them.

  Heath shifted from one foot to another and kept his gaze directed toward the keep. He listened for sounds of his comrades and grew leery that something woeful must’ve happened. His comrades were taking too long in coming. He was about to command the lads stay put and set off to give aid when he heard a groan.

  Brodin helped Liam to the clearing. “He’s been pricked. Got a good amount of blood seeping from his arm. Graeme’s coming, but his leg is injured.”

  Heath yanked an old tunic from his bag and tore it into strips. He knelt next to Liam who graciously lay in a stream of moonlight, and assessed the wound. It wasn’t as bad as Brodin led him to believe. The prick was in the fleshy part of his upper arm. He tied the strips around the bloody wound and secured it. It’d have to do until they got home and could tend the injury properly. “Might need a stitch, but it can wait.”

  Graeme hobbled forward. “We need to get moving. There are followers, they’re on my arse. Arm yourselves.”

  Heath tossed the lads onto the horses and helped Graeme mount his horse. Brodin helped Liam. “Set out and get them to safety. We’ll meet you ahead. Go.” He slapped the rump of Graeme’s horse and turned to face the danger.

  Heath and Brodin pulled their swords free. Six men rushed the clearing with their blades held at the ready. The attackers came at them at once. Heath fended off two, easily thwarting their blades. He almost didn’t make it out of the way when a third swung his sword in a large arc, but he ducked in time. Now having the advantage, he dropped his sword and flung his dagger. The heavy blade struck the target’s neck and the man fell to the ground.

  Heath rasped from his labor and retrieved his word. When he turned to see how Brodin fared, he found his comrade standing aside, watching him with a grin.

  “Are ye about done?”

  He flashed a grin and smirked. “Aye, let us leave this stinking place before the rest of the rats converge on us.”

  Brodin bellowed with laughter. “We should send a message to James and let him know where Valence is staying. He’s been searching for him.”

  “Mayhap, but for now it doesn’t appear Valence is departing. We’ll tell him when next we see him.” Heath suspected James wanted to kill Valence more than any other foe for the English knight vexed James Douglas time and again.

  Heath retrieved his horse and took one last look at the carnage in the small clearing. They’d accomplished what they set out to and rescued Lillia’s brothers. The killing was warranted and at least meaningful. The lads were safe for now. Although, he realized he’d have to tie five more strings to his boot when he reached home.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lillia couldn’t eat, sleep or do anything meaningful while she awaited the return of her brothers. The weather grew colder and even with the chillier late autumn breezes, she paced the hills without a cloak or tartan to offer warmth. For three days, she kept watch. The ladies tried to get her to eat, but she couldn’t stomach food. Thoughts of her wee brothers held captive turned her stomach and her chest heavy with despair.

  What sort of knaves abducted small children and used them as pawns? The same sort who thought to use her to take the kingdom. They were dangerous rogues and men who cared not for the lives of others. Determined more than ever, Lillia swore she wouldn’t be part of their scheme even if she had to do the unthinkable and leave Heath.

  If Heath succeeded in rescuing her brothers, she had to consider making her way to King Robert. The king should know of the threat and perhaps he would protect her and her family. Lillia’s heart held guilt for putting the king’s guard in a perilous position. They shouldn’t have to attend her problem when it was imperative they see to their own troubles.

  “Out walking again? You’ve been wearing a path betwixt the caves.”

  She glanced at Gilroy, but continued to wander ahead.

  “You need rest, m’lady. Mistress Annag worries you’ll waste away if ye don’t eat. And m’lord Heath will be cross with me if ye fall to illness.”

  “I shall eat later. How long do you deem they’ll be? They’ve been gone so long. I cannot await much longer.”

  “Bothwell is a few days’ ride. They’ve been gone a sennight. I’d think they’d be close to returning by now.”

  “I wish they’d come.” She gazed to the sky in prayer and the sound of a whinny came. “I hear horses. It must be them.” Lillia turned and peered toward the ossuary, but couldn’t tell if her brothers were amongst the riders. They stopped at the cave where they housed their horses. The men dismounted and she gasped.

  Her brothers spotted her and sprinted in a full-out run. She rushed forward and opened her arms and caught them when they reached her.

  Lillia held them close and closed her eyes at the emotion of them against her. “Miles, Macon, you’re safe and unharmed. How I worried for you.”

  “Och the scary men came for us,” Miles said.

  “Aye, they frightened us,” Macon said, “But Heath said ye awaited us. And ye ken what?”

  “What,” she said, barely able to voice the word.

  “He was aright. Da is going to punish us,” Macon said in a sorrowful voice.

  She petted their heads, content to see they appeared unharmed. “Why would he punish you?”

  Miles looked at his feet. “Cause he told us to stay in the keep—”

  Macon cut him off, “But we heard you were missing and we went to find you.”

  Miles grinned. “And ye ken what, Lillia?”

  “What?” she said, her heart nearly bursting with joy at having them safe, and at their obvious concern for her. They’d disobeyed their father in hopes of finding her and unfortunately put themselves in danger.

  “We did find you. Mayhap Da won’t be as ireful when we tell him.”

  “You certainly did find me.” She glanced up and found the king’s guard watching them. The ladies stood outside the main cave and wiped their eyes. Lillia continued to kneel in front of her brothers and noticed the smudges of dirt on their faces. They were quite filthy and needed to wash at the soonest, but first they needed to be fed. Who knew how long it had been since they’d eaten a meal.

  “Is all well?” Heath asked, from the distance he stood.

  Lillia nodded, waved, and took a calming breath so she wouldn’t weep. “Have you thanked the men for rescuing you?” They shook their heads. “You must. Go on, give your thanks.” They rushed to the men and spoke low and hastened back to her. “You must be hungry. Come and let us fill those gullets.”

  They giggled at her choice of words.

  She introduced the lads to everyone and led them inside the main cave. “Be on your best behavior and be sure to use your manners. These people are kind and generous for sharing their home and food with us.”

  Her brothers bowed their heads to Mistress Annag, who smiled widely before handing them each a bowl of stew. “Oh what sweet winsome lads they be.”

  Lilia noticed Heath across the large chamber. He stooped next to a trunk. She approached and sat on the chest next to his. “How am I ever to repay you?”

  “Marry me.”

  She scoffed. “Do not jest, Heath. I am grateful and realize there is no way to ever repay you for rescuing them.” For the first time in days, her heart eased.

  Heath knelt next to her and pulled her into his arms. “It’s what we do.”

  “Was it dangerous? Was your safety in jeopardy? Did you have to kill …?” She ceased the thought i
n midsentence.

  “Danger always abounds. We were safe enough. Astoundingly we didn’t have to kill a single man. There were a few that would have a headache, oh and one that would need to be patched up for he was left bleeding, but his life not ended.” Heath grinned and seemed satisfied with the mission. But his eyes darkened and she considered he’d spoken a falsehood, but she wouldn’t reproach him for it.

  “When will you return them home?”

  Heath continued to hold her, and she reveled in his touch. “We’ll get a night of rest and head out in the morn.”

  “They’re young. Be patient with them on the journey.”

  He set his hand along her jaw, his eyes alight with intensity. “They are mischievous lads to be sure. We cover ourselves with soot to blend in the night when on missions, and the lads made us wash to prove we weren’t clooties.” He laughed and she found herself smiling at his mirth. “On the way here, they put a huge worm in Brodin’s bedroll, untied Liam’s harness and took my bow. They didn’t bother Graeme one wee bit, but he’s been surly lately and they probably didn’t want to test him.”

  “Is your friend perturbed because he has another child on the way? If that is so …”

  He shook his head. “Nay, Sweetness. Graeme is overjoyed, but he worries for his wife. William is but a year and a half. I would say he feels guilt at begetting her with child again so soon. Kerrigan will bear it well. She’s a strong woman. He doesn’t give her enough praise.”

  She tightened her hand on his. “I suppose he has reason then for being distressed. As soon as the lads finish their supper, I shall get them settled to sleep.”

  “Lillia …”

  She looked away from her brothers.

  “You ken the Comyns will be wrathful now. I will take the lads to my da and tell him to relate the severity of the situation to your father.”

  “Will the Comyns invade my home?”

  He shook his head. “’Tis doubtful. Your father has called upon his allies. Most search for you as well. But your father’s lands and fief are protected.”