by Gwyn Brodie
The last opponent defeated, he sheathed the broadsword and stood with his legs apart, his hands on his hips, his body shimmering from the sweat of battle, and looking none the less for wear. He turned. Their gazes locked and a sensuous light passed between them. Searing images of the two of them, bodies entwined, raced through her mind. She wanted him, now. Jillian tilted her head, gave him her best come-hither smile and returned to their bedchamber to wait for him.
***
Kade and Jillian lay together in bed, exhausted from their lovemaking, his arm draped around her shoulder, her head resting on his chest. He kissed the top of her head, trailing his fingers up and down her arm. No man deserved to have such happiness as he now had. He'd felt hollow for so long, he'd made himself believe 'twould be as such for the remainder of his days. But Jillian had found her way back into his life and filled him to overflowing with her love. She'd made him complete.
Jillian had said naught for some time, and Kade thought she'd fallen asleep.
"I can hardly wait to see Gordon's face when we ride into Lochstorm together accompanied by your garrison," she said.
Hell fire! So that was why she'd been so quiet. She was thinking. "There'll be no 'we,' Jilly. You're staying put at Ravenskull."
She raised her head and looked down at him, her hair in wild disarray, a wee frown on her pretty face. He wanted to kiss her.
"I plan to be beside you when you ride through the gates of Lochstorm. I must tell my people of our marriage and of the alliance we now have with the MacLachlans. It'll give them much needed hope of freedom from their tormentor."
He snorted. "The battlefield is no place for either a lady, or my wife. And I don't intend to allow you to put yourself in danger. That's exactly what I'd be doing if I permitted you to come with me."
"How can you be certain there'll even be a battle? I'm sure that once Gordon realizes he has no hope of defeating you, he'll surrender Lochstorm. I'll not believe that he'd try to fight back, once he's knows the size and power of your garrison."
Kade blew out a long breath. She didn't understand the ways of men like MacRae. "Jilly, during my lifetime, I've come across many men such as MacRae. No matter the odds, he'll not give up without a fight. He has too much at stake. If there's even the slightest chance he might come out the victor, he'll be more than willing to take it."
She returned her head to his chest. "Kade, I'll not allow you to leave me behind," she said, defiance in her voice. "When my father died, I was left to see to Ian's future, which meant overseeing the estate and everything else that goes along with being a laird—except for the title. If I don't return with you, then my people will see it as being weak and I won't allow it. I aim to be beside you when you leave tomorrow morning."
He rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, shaking his head. He didn't intend to argue with her. So he kissed her. There was no way in hell he'd let her go with them to Lochstorm.
Chapter Eleven
Kade slipped on his shirt, donned his belted plaid, and then strapped his broadsword and dirk to his belt. He sat down in the chair next to the bed and pulled on his boots, taking a moment to memorize his sleeping wife's beautiful profile. Her lips were slightly parted, her hair tossed wildly across the pillows. She looked well-loved and at the moment, he wanted naught more than to slip back into bed beside her and feel the warmth of her body pressed against his again. Instead, he gently brushed his lips against her soft cheek, and quietly headed for the door.
Aye, she'd be angry when she woke and found him gone, but it couldn't be helped. She wasn't coming with them to Lochstorm. He wouldn't allow it. If he were daft enough to take her along, he'd be of no use to anyone in a battle. All he'd be able to think about was whether or not Jilly was in danger.
He stepped out into the corridor and quietly closed the door behind him. Galen waited for him at the top of the stairs, his arms folded across his chest, a smile on his face. "Where's your wee wife? I understood she wished to ride into Lochstorm with us. Did she change her mind? Or did you change it for her?"
"Neither." Kade headed down the stairs with Galen at his heels.
"Och, left the lass asleep, did you now? Once she wakes and finds out you left her behind, you'd best be searching for another place to sleep upon your return to Ravenskull."
Kade sighed. "Perhaps, but she'll get over it soon enough, once I take Lochstorm from MacRae. Then she'll be smothering my face with her sweet kisses. Are the men ready to leave?"
"Aye, they're but waiting for your orders."
"M'laird," called Glennis, as they headed to the stables.
Kade stopped.
She handed him a couple of bannocks wrapped in cloth. "To break yer fast, m'laird."
"Much thanks, Glennis. See that my wife's rest is not disturbed for any reason."
Galen chuckled beside him and Kade rolled his eyes skyward.
"Aye, laird, I'll see to it."
***
After he'd ridden for the most part of an hour, a deep, moaning noise caused Kade to bring Caesar to a halt. He jerked up his hand, and the garrison of men following him immediately stopped. Their gazes searched the surrounding wood and fields for anything amiss. He nudged Caesar slowly forward. There 'twas again, but he couldn't pinpoint the location from which it came. Kade slid from his horse, and drew his weapon.
Galen followed suit and eased his way up to Kade's side. "What is it, Kade?"
He shook his head. "I don't ken. I swear I heard a noise."
"What sort of noise?"
"I can but describe it as a moan." They listened for a short while, ready to do battle should they be attacked.
"Och, over there. That's Sully's horse," Shaw said, already heading toward the mare grazing at the edge of the wood. "'Tis covered in blood, laird." He brought the horse to where Kade waited.
Blood trailed down both sides of the mare, dried and fresh, and the reins were soaked red. "Sully!" Kade shouted, his gaze scouring the countryside. Could it have been Sully he'd heard? If so, they needed to find him quickly—before he bled to death.
A moan echoed through the glen, not giving them a specific direction in which to search. Kade and the entire garrison spread out and began to sift through the tall grass. He left the others and went to check along the nearby river bank. As he drew near, he spotted Sully's beaten and battered body, lying partially covered in the water.
"He's over here," Kade shouted, and the others hurried to his side. They gently lifted Sully out of the water and laid him down on the grass. "Sully," Kade said, falling to his knees beside him. "Who did this to you?"
Sully coughed. "'Twas MacRae's men. Whilst I spoke with some of the villagers, Rowan MacRae walked past. He kens me from our youth, and that I belong to the MacLachlan clan. He eyed me strangely. I knew something wasn't right and made haste to leave there."
"I learned later that after seeing me, Rowan had gone directly to MacRae, who had me captured and ordered me killed. His men beat me until they believed I was dead and tossed me into the loch. When I hit the cold water, I must have come around. I managed to swim out and get to my horse.
"I forced myself to hold on until I reached MacLachlan land. By then I could no longer sit upright. I fell off and rolled down the bank into the river. I was too weak to move. I just lay there—waiting. I knew you'd be heading for Lochstorm." Coughs suddenly racked his body.
"Aye, you did good, Sully." Kade squeezed his shoulder. "Don't try to speak. Rest." Kade glanced up at the group of angry, scowling men standing around them. "Will, ride back and fetch a wagon. Bring Annag, and have someone go and get Molly. She'll wish to be at her husband's side."
"Aye, m'laird," he said, quickly turning his horse back toward Ravenskull and kneeing it into a run.
Kade took an extra plaid from his pack and covered Sully, whose teeth by then had started to chatter. Placing his hand on Sully's brow, Kade shook his head and blew out a long breath. The fever had started. The others added whatever they could find to Kade
's plaid, but it did naught to abolish the chills causing Sully's body to shake uncontrollably. "We're in need of a fire. Bring me as much wood as you can find."
They hurried to gather wood and Kade soon had a fire burning near Sully. Anger raged through Kade, as he sat beside him, waiting for Will to return with the wagon. His childhood friend had been beaten so severely, his normally slender face was swollen round. He hardly even resembled the man he knew. His fair hair was spotted red and his nose more than likely broken. MacRae would pay dearly for what he'd done. Ripping a piece of material from the hem of his shirt, Kade walked down to the river and dipped it into the water. He came back and placed it across Sully's fevered forehead.
The sudden coolness of the water caused Sully to open the one eye than wasn't swollen tightly shut. "Kade," he said weakly. "He kens you're coming. Somehow MacRae learned 'twas you the lady went to for help. I didn't tell them anything, even when they beat me."
Kade shook his head. "I ken you didn't, Sully. I never thought for a single moment otherwise."
"Watch your back, Kade. I ken with certainty that Rowan's alliance lies with MacRae, but I don't know how many others do likewise."
"Aye, I will. Much thanks for the warning. I see the wagon coming. It'll not be long now before you'll be back in your own bed beside that pretty wife of yours."
Sully tried to smile, but his lips were too badly swollen.
Before the wagon even reached them, Molly jumped down and ran to her husband's side. "Sully," she wailed, falling to her knees beside her husband. "Don't die, Sully, please don't die," she cried, tears streaming down her face.
"Molly, don't cry, lass. I can't bear it when you cry," he said, lifting his blood-stained hand to her cheek."
After getting Sully settled into the wagon, Annag and Molly were left alone to tend his wounds. More determined than ever, Kade and his garrison—minus Will, continued on their way to Lochstorm.
***
Before Jillian even opened her eyes, she knew Kade no longer lay beside her. She yawned, got out of bed, and shoved aside the window coverings. The sun rested high in the blue sky. A knot tightened in the pit of her stomach. Surely he wouldn't have left without her. She quickly dressed and hurried down to the great hall. The food from the morning meal had been put away, and the room stood empty, except for the servants tidying up.
Glennis entered the room, carrying a clean stack of linens for mid-day meal. "Good morn, m'lady. Would ye like for me to bring a tray up to yer bedchamber?"
"Nay, Glennis, but much thanks for asking. Have you seen my husband?"
"Aye, m'lady, he left at daybreak, along with a good many of his garrison. But I made certain he had food to break his fast."
Jillian strained a smile. "How very kind of you."
Glennis suddenly frowned. "I'm afraid I've bad news, m'lady. Something awful has happened to Sully."
An icy finger traveled up her spine. "Tell me, Glennis," she said, remembering Sully had been left behind.
"The laird found him on their way to Lochstorm. He'd been badly beaten. Will was sent back here to fetch a wagon, along with Annag and Molly, Sully's young wife."
"Where is Sully now?"
"He's at his cottage with his wife and Annag."
"And Will, where is he?" She had to ken what happened.
"He's at the stables. I'll fetch him for ye, m'lady."
"Nay, I'll find him," she said, already heading for the door.
As she walked down to the stables, she spotted Will in the stable yard. His back was to her and he was working on a horse. His dark brown hair hung loose about his neck. The width of his shoulders and size of his arms showed him to be a warrior of great strength. Though he appeared to be older, she guessed him to be somewhere near Kade's age.
He had a bucket of water, and was bathing the horse. As she drew near, she realized why. Its coat was streaked with blood. She felt ill. "Is that Sully's horse?"
Will whirled around at the sound of her voice. "Aye, m'lady, 'tis. I wanted to clean her up a bit before taking her back to Molly."
"That's very thoughtful of you. Will, I need for you to tell me everything that you ken, beginning with what happened to Sully."
He hesitated a moment before speaking. "Ye'll not be wishing to ken it, m'lady, but I'll tell ye anyway. Rowan MacRae had made his alliance with Gordon MacRae. 'Twas him who told MacRae Sully was a MacLachlan, and then MacRae ordered him murdered. He survived the beating, barely, and managed to leave there, with them thinking him dead."
Jillian couldn't believe what she was hearing. Rowan, a traitor? But why? 'Twas many the day he'd sat in the great hall of Lochstorm, eating, laughing and talking with her father and the other members of their clan. Perhaps Roderick had been right. Loyalty could be bought. 'Twas more than likely Gordon's promise of wealth and station that had lured Rowan over to his side. "Did Sully say if there were any others who stand with him?"
He shook his head. "Nay. He said he knew of no more."
"Take me to Sully's cottage. I must see him."
"Aye, m'lady."
She followed Will across a green meadow sprinkled with tiny lavender and yellow flowers to a small stone cottage with a string of gray smoke trailing out of the chimney. Jillian quietly knocked on the door.
A pretty, young woman with big, brown eyes opened it. "M'lady?"
"Molly, I came to see how your husband is."
Molly nodded and moved aside to let Jillian and Will inside.
Annag knelt beside a pallet on the floor. She looked up at Jillian and nodded, then went back to her ministrations. Jillian moved closer and leaned over Annag's shoulder. Nausea washed over her. Never in her life had she seen anyone beaten so severely, even Roderick hadn't been beaten so. "Is he to live?" she asked Annag, her voice at a whisper.
"Aye, m'lady, but it'll take much time for him to heal, and the lass is to give birth in the spring."
Jillian looked over at Sully's wife. "Worry not, Molly. I'll make certain you have everything that you need, and more, before the birth of your child."
Molly looked up at Jillian from her husband's side and smiled sadly. "Much thanks, m'lady. That's very kind of ye."
"'Tis the very least I can do." Guilt cut at Jillian's heart like a blade. 'Twas she who'd brought this down upon them. "We must leave you now, but I'll speak with Glennis about getting you what you need."
After leaving the cottage, Jillian turned to Will. "I need you to ride with me to Lochstorm."
Will's mouth dropped open. "But m'lady, the laird will have my head. For ye own safety, he didn't wish for ye to go back to Lochstorm until he had it secured."
She placed her hands on her hips. "If you won't, then I'll have no other choice than to ride there alone. Kade and his garrison are so far ahead, I'm certain Lochstorm will be secured by the time we arrive."
He shook his head and sighed. "Very well, m'lady. I'll do as ye ask."
"Much thanks, Will. Have the stable lad saddle my mare. I'll meet you back here within the hour."
"Aye, m'lady."
Jillian hurried back to her bedchamber and retrieved her cloak. The burgundy wool day dress she had on would do. It'd have to, for Glennis had burned the stable lads clothing. She would see that he had funds to purchase others, once she arrived at Lochstorm. Jillian nervously drew her teeth across her lower lip. Aye, Kade would be angry with her for following him, but was she not just as angry with him for leaving her behind?
She knew it could have been dangerous for her to go, but with such a large garrison, Kade could've made certain no one harmed her. Now she'd be arriving after the fact, but no matter. She had to go.
On her way to the stables, she stopped by the great hall for food to take along, for she had yet to break her fast. Whilst there, she let Glennis ken of the needs of Sully and his wife, and left her to it.
Logan entered the room and headed directly for her. "M'lady, I've just learned from Will of your intention to follow the laird to Lochstorm."
>
"Aye, Logan, 'tis so. Will is to go with me."
"Do you think 'tis wise, m'lady? Must I remind you that you nearly lost your life on the ride here?"
"Kade and his garrison have a big head start. I have faith that he'll have already defeated Gordon MacRae and secured Lochstorm by the time we arrive. We'll return to Ravenskull together. Besides, Will is a seasoned warrior and I feel quite safe with him along as my protector."
He sighed loudly. "Very well, m'lady. I can't stop you, if you intend to go, but I want it to be known that I disapprove greatly."
"Your disapproval is noted, Logan. And much thanks for your concern. Please let Ian ken that I'll be returning to Ravenskull within the next day or two. I don't wish for him to worry. Now I must go. Will is waiting for me at the stables."
"Godspeed, m'lady."
"Much thanks, Logan," she said and hurried off to find Will.
***
Night had fallen by the time Kade had Lochstorm within his sight. The sky was dark and cloudy—giving them a better chance of concealment. An unusual number of torches lit up the massive castle and the area around it. Several guards paced back and forth along the ramparts scouring the landscape. He smiled to himself. MacRae indeed knew he was coming, and that was fine with him. Kade was ready. He and the garrison had left the path some time ago and circled around through the wood, where they now had a good view of the back of the castle and its surroundings. He didn't want MacRae's men to ken they were there even one minute before they attacked.
"We leave the horses here with Donald and go the rest of the way on foot," he whispered. "I tell you again, this is no ordinary garrison we face, but paid soldiers. They'll be prepared to fight to the death, as should we. Have a care." He separated them into two groups, one to go with Galen to the left of the castle, and the other with him, to the right. "When you hear my battle cry, rush the entrance."
Kade waited until the guards moved to the far side of the rampart, before using the key Jillian had provided him to unlock the postern gate set in the curtain wall leading into the backside of the bailey. He kept a close eye on the guards as he quickly ran to the castle. With one hand on the hilt of his broadsword, and the other holding his targe, he flattened himself against the cold stone. There he waited until all his men, one by one, reached him. Slowly, they edged their way around toward the front, knowing it too would be well guarded.