Knight of the Highlander

by Kristin Vayden

  ****

  Arywnn awoke from a deep slumber. She twisted her ankles and kept her eyes closed for a few more sweet moments of delicious sleep. Warmth covered her, and she wiggled deeper into the heavy coverings. As she did, a strange sensation of confinement overwhelmed her.

  She couldn't move.

  Her eyes opened, but the dawn had only begun, leaving the world still shrouded in inky darkness. For a moment she didn't remember where she was, but soon it all came flooding back. Colin. She released a tense breath and tried to move once more, but found herself firmly pinned under a heavy weight. Arms held her firmly against a warm chest while strong hands covered hers, keeping them warm. One leg was draped over her hip, and her face flushed at the intimacy of the embrace.

  Colin's deep breathing let her know that he slept. His breath tickled the side of her neck and heated her flesh. How long had they lain together, sleeping? When had he joined her in the night? Arywnn though back, but couldn't remember anything beyond lying down the evening before. With a deep sigh, she closed her eyes and savored the warmth and protective embrace of Colin. Her Knight. Her champion. Moments such as these, full of peace and blissful rest, would be few till they found safety. As she thought about the journey, she remembered a question she had forgotten to ask earlier.

  Just where was Colin planning to go?

  Back to England? Would they sail across the sea? Would she ever see her Highlands again? Though her heart was attached to the place she grew up, it was far more attached to the man holding her so tightly. Indeed she would gladly leave behind all she knew to be with him. To wake up each morning in his embrace, and to find comfort in it at night was truly a dream come true. Whatever the future held, she would face it gladly because of love.

  For once she was wanted and cherished.

  Colin began to stir, and Arywnn waited for him to fully awaken. His arms tightened around her, and then his movements froze. Immediately he released his tightened grip and slowly began to remove himself. His breathing was measured, careful. His arms gently lifted from hers, and his leg's weight was removed from her hip. Immediately the cold morning air seeped through her skin at the loss of Colin's body heat. She shivered slightly, and Colin paused his movement. Carefully he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled up the plaid over her goose-fleshed skin. His movements were so gentle, surely he still thought her asleep.

  "Mornin'," Arywnn spoke softly.

  "Good Morning." Colin's voice was deep and alluring, raspy from sleep. Heat flooded Arywnn's belly at the provocative tone. "I trust you slept well?"

  "Aye. 'Twas truly a sweet sleep. And quite warm, I must say." A little giggle escaped Arywnn's lips.

  "I assure you, it wasn't intentional. You were shivering and I meant to cover you with the plaid you had shaken off. But you, little minx, reached up and pulled me down close to you and being the gentleman that I am, obeyed so I wouldn't wake you."

  "Being my chivalrous Knight again, are ye?"

  "Yes. But I will admit that the falling asleep part was completely inadvertent." Colin groaned.

  "Dinnae' fret. All's well."

  "Thankfully, but as much as I love the feeling of your warm body pressed into my own, we must leave. We have quite the journey ahead." Colin's voice grew louder as he leaned in and placed a warm kiss just below Arywnn's ear.

  "Aye?" Arywnn whispered as she wiggled deeper into Colin's embrace. Immediately Colin stiffened. A moment later he released her from his hold and rose, brushing the dead grass from his clothing. Arywnn glanced up, confused by his sudden actions. Colin closed his eyes and breathed deeply through his nose. He opened his eyes and the deep blue-black gaze penetrated Arywnn as he watched her heatedly.

  "Sweet Arywnn. You near tempt me beyond what I can bear, but I will treat you with the honor you deserve."

  "Aye. I trust ye, Colin."

  "All the more reason I must be strong when all I want to do is be morally weak." His passionate gaze gentled, and he reached down to help Arywnn rise as well. As she brushed herself off from the debris, she glanced up at him.

  "Just where are we headin'?"

  Colin regarded her for a moment before reaching down and grabbing his pack.

  "London."

  "London?" Arywnn felt her eyes grow wide. London? She glanced down at her homespun plaid and dirt-smeared dress. The stories she'd heard about London included women in courtly dresses, eating from golden plates, and perfectly mannered in every way. How would she compare? Would she humble Colin with her presence? Yet all those stories had to do with the upper class. Surely Colin wasn't one of those? The son of a Lord would never come to the Scottish Highlands as a spy. Would he?

  "I see the questions in your eyes, love. Do not worry. All will be well. You have my word. We will cross through the Campbell, Douglas, and Drummel lands, and meet my contact in Aberdeen. From there, we'll board a ship that will take us across the North Sea to England."

  "Aberdeen? The port? Tis… quite far."

  "Yes. Two to three days travel, depending on weather and how much we rest. If need be, we can make it in a day and a half," Colin replied calmly.

  "How often have ye made this trip, Colin?"

  "Often enough." Colin glanced back at her with a mischievous wink.

  Arywnn smiled, in spite of the journey ahead. With a fortifying breath, she reached down and grasped her own pack and walked over to where Garten waited patiently. He nickered softly as she approached. His warm breath heated her hand as she patted his muzzle and she placed a sweet kiss on his nose.

  "I always was jealous of the beast." Colin's voice came from just behind her.

  "Och, ye had no reason tae be." Arywnn grinned as she turned to face him.

  "He knew my secret, you know."

  "Traitor."

  "You mustn't blame the beast."

  "I dinnae' blame him. I blame ye," Arywnn quipped with a saucy grin.

  "Is far less than I deserve." Colin tugged on the end of her unwinding braid.

  "Verra true." Arywnn rose up on tiptoes and placed an inviting kiss at his jaw line.

  "If this is your idea of punishment…" Colin began, but didn't finish as he greedily accepted Arywnn's invitation and kissed her lips with a hunger that left her breathless. He eased from the kiss and leaned back slightly.

  "Are you afraid, Sweet Arywnn?"

  "Afraid?" Arywnn glazed at him in confusion.

  "Yes. Of the journey. Of crossing the sea and leaving behind your home? London is indeed far, but I wouldn't take you there if I had another choice. I must report, but if you want me to leave you somewhere and then come ba—"

  Arywnn reached up and placed her fingers over Colin's lips. "Where ye go, I'll follow with me whole heart. For where ye are is ever where I wish tae be." She searched his eyes, promising him her whole future with a few words.

  "I love you, Sweet Arywnn," Colin mumbled against her fingers. Gently, he kissed the tips.

  "I love ye as well, Colin," Arywnn whispered. Removing her hand she glanced down at her boots.

  "Ye never answered my question," Colin spoke after a moment. "Are ye afraid?"

  "Fear… tis a choice. I'll admit tae bein' sorely tempted. But no. I trust ye Colin. I'm not afraid."

  "Good. You have nothing to fear." He leaned forward and placed a sweet kiss to her forehead then backed away, keeping his protective gaze locked onto her. He then turned and mounted his horse. Arywnn did the same, and soon they headed into the dense forest, as it grew brighter from the morning light.

  ****

  Colin swallowed the tension that began to swell within him. Arywnn's brave words humbled him and reminded him that not all had been revealed… yet. How would she react? He saw her face cloud over with insecurity as soon as he mentioned London. The stories of the Lords of London were exaggerated in the Highlands, and surely she was thinking of ladies drinking from solid gold cups and dressed in costly gowns. What she didn't suspect was the calculating glares and money hungry suitors.
She didn't know about the deception of the Court, and the intrigue that went on behind closed doors. No. Those were his secrets to keep. Keep from her to protect her further. Each mile they traveled brought them closer to the sea, to London, to the final truth that might be too much.

  "Yer quiet. All's well?" Arywnn's voice broke through his tortured thoughts. He slowed his horse so that Garten could walk beside him. Arywnn soon caught up, and he was struck again by her wild beauty as her auburn hair curled around her oval face. Her wide lips bent into a small smile.

  "Yes. I don't suspect we have anyone on our trail, but just to be sure we'll keep from the main road for the next day. On the morrow we'll approach the Douglas lands. We'll need to purchase supplies."

  "Aye… I wonder. Do ye think that my father and Rian suspect I ran off with the clan blacksmith, or do you think they suspect ye of being the traitor?"

  "I'm not sure. I was afraid that Rian will take out his anger on some innocent soul, so I left with the purpose that they'd blame me of being the traitor, and leave the innocent alone."

  "Aye. Makes sense. I'm glad we're free."

  "I as well." Colin glanced over at his beloved Arywnn.

  "Ye are still worried. I can see it in yer eyes." Arywnn's peaceful countenance faded into concern.

  "There's still much ahead. Both in journey and…"

  "Aye?" Arywnn's eyebrows rose as she studied his face.

  "There's one more confession I must make to you."

  "Is this the last, or will there be more?" Arywnn glanced down at Garten, hurt seeping into her voice.

  "The last. And even now, I cannot tell you. Not because I'm protecting myself, but because I must protect you. When the time comes for me to speak of it, I need you to know that I only held my peace to protect you, should we be captured. Do you understand?"

  "Aye. I understand. Is it a terrible secret?"

  Colin inhaled deeply. "It is a burden I wish to keep from your shoulders, but I know I am unable. To keep this truth from you would be a greater transgression than my first.."

  Arywnn regarded him carefully.

  Colin pulled up on his mount's reins and held up his hand for Arywnn to be silent. The thunder of hoof beats began to resound through the forest. Colin closed his eyes to discern their direction. Quickly he opened them, and motioned for Arywnn to follow him. He led her deeper into the forest away from the noise and threat. As they came to a close grove of trees, he reigned in and dismounted.

  "Arywnn, stay here. I'm going to go and find out whether they are hunting game… or us." With that, he nodded and turned to run through the thick green trees.

  As Colin drew closer, he slowed to a walk and then paused by a large bramble. Ducking under it, he placed a hand to the earth trying to feel the rumble he could no longer hear. A slight vibration alerted him. He rose and continued north. After a few minutes, he began to hear men's voices.

  "Dinnae' wait! Make haste! They could be hiding in the trees!" Rian's voice bellowed.

  "The Laird! He fell from his mount! Ye would leave him behind?"

  "The Laird would want us tae leave him behind, tae find his daughter. Dinnae' ye ken? Ye! Stay with the Laird. Tend tae his wounds. The rest of ye, ride on with me! We head south! We'll circle back at sunset." Rian's commands ended, and Colin processed the wealth of information he had just gleaned. The Laird was injured, and indeed they were being hunted. He waited in hiding till the horse's galloping faded into the distance. He began to make his way to where Arywnn waited, but paused. Though he had never respected the Laird, he was still Arywnn's father.

  After a moment of debate, he silently made his way to where the voices had echoed. As he came closer, the sound of coughing and wheezing became louder and louder. Colin halted his approach and studied the trees. About ten feet away stood a large oak with low branches. He could easily climb it to gain a better view, and the leaves would keep him from sight. Stealthily, he made his way to the tree and climbed. As he reached the middle, he began to make out the bright red and green of the Chattan tartan. Two men hovered over another that was lying on his back. The wheezing came from that man, surely the Laird. Suddenly the wheezing stopped. Colin waited for it to begin again, but it didn't. The two men hovering over the Laird began to shake his shoulders.

  "Is he dead?" one asked, sounding fearful.

  "Aye, t'would seem so," the other once answered.

  Colin recognized them as two of the Laird's guards.

  "Will Rian blame us?"

  "No. He'll be thankful. 'Twas his ambition tae be Laird. Now he can be. Minus the wench of course."

  "Tis a sad loss, tae be sure. I was a sorry lad me-self when I found out she was intended for Rian."

  "Now she's surely ruined by the traitor. Tae think, kidnapped. Do ye think he's holdin' her for ransom?"

  "No, I think he's holding her quite differently… Ye ken?" Lewd chuckles met Colin's ears. Rage built up within him. More than anything he wanted to burst through the tree and carve out the tongues of the blackguards, but to do so would surely cause alarm. When Rian circled back, he would surely be suspicious of a dead Laird and two guards. No. He must walk away. In his frustration, he twisted a branch till it began to snap.

  "Did ye hear that?"

  "Aye, 'twas a beast of some sort. Dinnae' fash yerself."

  "T'be sure, I'm glad tae be out hunting the traitor. 'Twas mayhem at the keep. I dinnae' ken I've ever seen the Laird in such a lather," one guard spoke lowly.

  "Aye. I tho' Rian was gonna burst. The women and weans dinnae' even leave their homes. But it still rubs me wrong how the Laird fooled us all, given us the chance tae be Tanist, only tae have his own plans secreted."

  "Have ye no respect fer the dead, Shamus? The last one ye'd want hauntin' yer sorry hide is Maol."

  "Aye. Aye."

  Colin waited a few minutes more before climbing down and making his way back to where Arywnn waited.

  ****

  The minutes passed slowly as Arywnn watched the trees till they began to blur. With a worried sigh, she patted Garten's nose and leaned her frame into his mighty one. As if sensing her distress, he bowed his head and nibbled the edge of her plaid.

  "Ye! Dinnae' ye start with that. Wild beast. Eat yer grass," she whispered, but a smile broke through easing some of her tension. Her stomach rumbled as she waited. Glancing up at the sky she realized it was midafternoon. Thankfully the days were getting longer, but they didn't have a whole lot of time till they'd need to make camp for the night. Not that it would make a difference. She doubted either of them would sleep this night. No. Both would be listening for the softest sound in the wood praying to remain unfound.

  Arywnn began to search the trees again and saw movement. Quickly she mounted Garten and leaned over his powerful neck, ready to break into a run at a moment's notice. Soon her fear was replaced with joy as she saw Colin lope into the small cluster of tress and search for her.

  "Colin!" she whispered excitedly.

  "Arywnn." Colin strode toward her, but his eyes were wary. Indeed they were being tracked. Being hunted.

  "They're after us?"

  "Aye, but that isn't all."

  "What is it?"

  "Yer father. Arywnn I'm sorry but your father fell from his horse and passed not long after."

  "The Laird is dead?"

  "Yes. Rian knew he fell and left two guards to tend him, but rode on with the rest of the men south, thankfully away from us. But by nightfall, they will circle back and find out their Laird is dead."

  Arywnn let the truth of Colin's revelation sink in. Her father was gone. Both sorrow and relief flooded her. Sorrow for the man who loved no one but himself, and relief that she was now free from any family bonds to the man she feared. It was a bittersweet freedom to no longer have the fetters of a tyrannical father Laird, but at the same time, it meant she had no kin.

  Both parents were in the hereafter. She alone remained. An intense desire to rightfully claim her clan as heir filled he
r for a moment. But to do so meant she would have to leave Colin. Something she knew was impossible. Irrevocably, her heart was attached to his. To leave would surely cease her heart's rhythm.

  "I'm sorry, Sweet Arywnn, about your father. I know he wasn't a good man, but he was still your sire."

  "Aye, tis true. Tis strange tae be without family," Arywnn spoke softly.

  Colin tipped her chin up till her gaze met his, his firm fingers bringing comfort. "Arywnn. Ye may not have your blood relations, but you will always have family in me. I promise you together we'll make a family. One you can be proud of. One that will be a blessing to you, not a burden." Colin gazed at her intently, his eyes echoing all he had declared.

  "Aye." Arywnn nodded.

  Colin gathered her in his strong arms surrounding her with the scent of cedar and peppermint bringing peace to her lonely heart.

  "Rian will take his place," Arywnn whispered after a moment, her mind looking toward the future.

  "Yes."

  "And he'll continue tae search, won't he?" her voice dropped to a lower timber.

  "I believe so."

  "We musn't rest. We must ride thro' the night. Tisn't worth the risk, ye ken?" She gazed at Colin, trying to convey the urgency that filled her own breast.

  He squeezed tenderly and reassurance covered her.

  "That we do… are ye ready then? We can linger a moment longer…" Colin spoke tenderly as he cupped her cheek with his warm palm.

  "Aye, "Dinnae' fash yerself. I'm the least of yer concerns." Arywnn reached up and traced his jawline with her fingers, the wiry texture of his beard teasing her senses. She forced her mind to think of sweeter things, and immediately she remembered what Colin had said.

  A family with Colin! She had known from the moment she had walked away from her clan that she was committing her life to him, yet so far he hadn't mentioned his own commitment to her in as many words. To be fair, they hadn't the time to speak of such things, and actions did speak louder than words. But as a woman, Arywnn wanted, needed, those words from Colin. She wouldn't press him. It would be worse to have the words prodded out of him, rather than to never hear them at all. Yet when he spoke of their own family. Bairns! Born of the love between them. Was there a sweeter promise? Surely not! A huge grin split Arywnn's face even through the veil of her father's departing from this life. Focusing on the joy, she gazed up at Colin, tugging the whiskers at his chin.