Highland Soldiers 1: The Enemy

by J. L. Jarvis

  “We’ll look out for him, lass,” added Alex.

  “I’m sorry, Mari. I didnae want to. These two held me back,” Hughie said, as he sat down in Duncan’s old chair by the window and sulked.

  “It’s not your fault, Hughie,” she said, watching him. She sighed and looked at Charlie and Alex, who both returned the same helpless stare. She shook her head in resignation. Softly, she said, “It was the right thing to do, but I hate that it had to be done. I should never have gone there to visit my brother. It’s my fault.”

  Charlie took Mari’s elbow. “Sit down, lassie.” She gave a nod, and he took her hand and led her to a chair in the sitting room. But first, with her hands on her hips, she said, “Hughie, come here.”

  Hughie lifted his heartsick eyes to meet hers. She took his hand and pulled him into a hug. “There’s no point in trying to argue with Callum when he wants his way.” She touched his cheek and combed back his hair as though he were a child—a very tall one—and then sat down.

  Alex brought her a glass. “Here, Mari; doctor’s orders.”

  “With you as my doctor, I’m in even more trouble than I thought.” She laughed, but tears soon filled her eyes.

  “Och, lass,” said Alex as he put his arm about her and let her cry on his shoulder. When she ran out of tears, Alex said, “There, now, lass.” He lifted her chin. “Dinnae tell anyone about this. We dinnae want word to get around that I’ve got feelings.”

  Mari tried to smile, but she could not be distracted. “Why could Jamie not have just signed that oath?”

  “I suppose you’ve got to admire his sense of honor,” said Charlie.

  Mari shook her head. “There was no honor in this. It was pride.”

  Alex said gently, “He has principles, lass. That is not a bad thing.”

  Mari shook her head. “Pride or principles, I wish he’d have swallowed them, and signed the pledge. Then he would have been free. But instead he escaped, forcing Callum to take his place.”

  Charlie leaned closer to Mari and put his hand on hers. “We’ll get Callum out. Dinnae worry about it.”

  Mari’s glanced absently at him. “If I didnae ken better, I’d think Jamie planned it this way. He doesn’t approve of my marriage to a papist Highlander. It would give him great pleasure to see Callum out of my life.”

  Alex said, “But he couldnae have known. I saw your brother in there day after day. There’s one thing on his mind. He’s lost his true love, and he’s bitter about it. How can we ken what that does to a man unless we’ve been through it?”

  “I pray that I’ll never learn what it does to a woman,” said Mari. “One thing I do ken is that if anything happens to Callum, I will hold Jamie to blame.”

  In the early hours of the morning, Mari fell asleep, exhausted, in a sitting room chair. Alex carried her to bed while Hughie laid a quilt over her. After they had all crept out, Charlie gently closed the door to the bedroom. As no one was willing to leave her alone, the three slept on the sitting room floor.

  * * *

  Callum was put in a cell with the men he had once guarded. He had been fair with the prisoners, but guards did not win friends, so he counted himself lucky to be left alone. Each guard there knew that he might have been in Callum’s place, so they kept an eye out for him. But the prison was an open-air structure—little more than stone pens for men, as if they were animals. The effect was the same, except animals were far better sheltered in byres than he was in this kirkyard. The winter wind blew over the hill. Callum wrapped his plaid about himself and settled back against the stone wall. If he could not sleep outside in the cold, he was not much of a Highlander. But he thought about Mari at home in their bed, soft and warm, and he missed her. The lads would take care of her, of that he was certain. But when he would see her, he did not know. Visits had never been allowed, and the one he had arranged had gotten him in here. His clansmen had taken care not to report Mari’s presence at the time of the escape, but a few of the other guards knew she had been there. While Callum had their respect and their silence, it served as a warning. While they did not suspect Mari of wrongdoing, they would not allow Mari—or anyone else—to make an unauthorized visit again. Callum was now paying for the first mistake. They would not join him with a second.

  17

  The Crown of London

  Captain Teddico sat in his crumpled coat and waistcoat across the desk of a young and prosperous merchant. If William Paterson had vision and purse for grand schemes, it was Teddico who had the sea legs to get the job done without being hindered by questions, excuses or scruples. He knew this well as he faced the fine merchant in his fine velvet clothes, sitting in his fine carpeted office. His hands never got dirty. But Teddico did not mind. Men like Paterson needed the likes of him, and they paid a fine price.

  “These prisoners in Greyfriars will require transportation to English plantations in the Colonies,” said Paterson.

  “Aye,” said the captain with a confident nod. He had carried human cargo many times before. African, Scottish, Irish or English, it made little difference to him.

  Paterson told him, “I’ve chartered a ship, the Crown of London.”

  “The Crown.” Teddico nodded. “For how many?”

  “Two hundred and fifty-seven.”

  “And when would we sail?”

  “By December.”

  Teddico’s bushy brows met in the middle as he considered it. “December? You ken that there’s rough seas in December.”

  Paterson acknowledged the fact with barely a nod, barely bothering to make eye contact.

  “It takes longer that time of year, with the weather and such.”

  “But you can do it,” said Paterson, cutting to the point.

  “Aye,” said Teddico, drawing out the word as he feigned deeper thought. “But there’s added danger, and a much longer journey. That will mean more supplies, and more pay for the men.”

  Paterson held his gaze. “The usual price. That is what I am offering.”

  Teddico lowered his head, disappointed, but lifted his eyes to offer his continued, begrudging attention.

  Paterson seemed not to notice, and continued. “Each prisoner will pay a charge of five pounds sterling transportation for each adult; for children under twelve years of age fifty shillings; and forty shillings per one ton of goods. Those unable to pay for their passage will be promised twenty-five acres of land and a new suit of clothes upon the completion of four years of service. Of that, Captain, you will receive two pounds per prisoner carried and delivered at your own proper cost and charge, reimbursement for costs incurred for those who die, and no payment for those who escape.”

  Teddico’s eyes narrowed. As though factoring the costs in his head, he said, “At this time of the year, we’ll have six hours of light, storms and delays due to weather, which means more supplies, more expenses.” He paused. “I think a fair share would be two pounds fifty per man.” He had no work lined up for the next few months, but he was not about to reveal that, nor how much he wanted the work.

  “The offer is two pounds per man, as I’ve stated.”

  Teddico sat silently staring down at his hands as he nervously rubbed his fingers.

  Paterson eyed him, and allowed him several long moments to squirm. When Teddico started to shift his position, Paterson placed his palms on his desk and pushed his chair back. “If it’s a problem… ”

  “Now, I didnae say that.” The captain reached a weathered hand out to stop him. He winced, as though Paterson’s terms were a hardship. “I suppose I could do it.”

  With an unimpressed but satisfied nod, Paterson said, “Good. I’ll have the papers drawn up.”

  With minimal pleasantries, Paterson shook Captain Teddico’s hand and showed him to the door. Teddico walked down the stairs to the street, slyly smiling as he summed up in his head how he would increase his profit by purchasing supplies from certain merchants who, for a share of the difference, would bill him on paper for more than he p
aid, thus increasing the costs he could charge for the prisoners’ transport. After all, he was a businessman too. He would transport the prisoners. They might not arrive quite as healthy, but cargo was cargo. Sick and hungry still put two pounds per head in his pocket. He would lose a few prisoners on the way, to be sure, but he would make up the loss in the costs saved on food and medical supplies. Captain Teddico grinned to himself. And, unlike common criminals, these Covenanters most likely came from good homes—and good homes had money. With that money, before they pulled into port, they could pay for the added expenses incurred on the trip—that is, if they still had money by then. In two months at sea, things could happen. Sometimes money was lost on the way—gambled, washed overboard, or pinched by some common thief in the hold. You just couldnae trust your fellow prisoners these days. Crying shame, but that was their problem, not his. He had a business to run. Just for good measure, he took out insurance. If he could not make profit enough from the men, the insurance would cover far more than the value of both ship and cargo. He heaved a satisfied sigh. This might turn out to be a most lucrative journey. Teddico smiled and pulled a cigar from his coat as he walked into a tavern for a pint and a meal.

  * * *

  A fortnight later the prisoners’ fate was announced to the guards of Greyfriars. Alex, Hughie and Charlie brought the news to Callum shortly after.

  “We’re still looking for Jamie, the wee bastard,” Alex assured him.

  Charlie chimed in, “Aye, and when we find him, he’ll wish somebody else had.”

  Alex said, “We’ll keep him alive, but only so he can take your place.”

  “We’ll not let them take you onto that ship,” added Hughie.

  Callum forced a weak smile. “We’re a wee bit short on time.” Although no one would say it, there was no escaping the truth. If they could not find Jamie, Callum would be put on the Crown and transported across the sea. Even if he survived the journey, they might never find him.

  Alex turned to practical matters. “We’ll get the money to pay for your passage. You’ll not be sold as an indentured servant.”

  “Pay the captain yourself,” said Callum, “and make sure he signs for it—twice. Keep a copy and give one to me.”

  “Aye.” They both knew Alex was too smart to trust the captain, but it bore repeating. “He may give me his word, but I’ll trust in the paper.”

  “We’ll get money for you to book passage from wherever you land back to Ireland. Hide it well. That captain and crew will do all they can to relieve you of it before you reach shore.”

  Charlie said, “We’ll find a place in Ulster and wait there with Mari.”

  Callum nodded and clenched his jaw as he tamped down his emotions. “You’re good lads.” He forced a stoic smile. “It’s Mari I worry about.”

  “We’ll look after Mari,” said Alex.

  Charlie said, “We’ll not leave her alone.”

  Callum lifted a brow. “Aye, that’s one of my worries.”

  Charlie balked. “Callum, she’s like a sister… a very pretty sister, but still… ”

  Callum gave Hughie an arch look. “Keep an eye on those two.”

  Hughie grinned.

  Charlie laughed. “Och. With us for company, she might not notice you’re gone until spring.”

  “I dinnae ken about that,” said Alex. “One day with Charlie and the poor lass will dive off the docks and start swimming for the colonies.”

  Callum smiled at the thought of her meeting him there, but the humor faded. “I dinnae want her to wait for me too long. If anything happens, I want her to move on and find someone else.”

  “Good God, Callum!” said Charlie. “You’ll buy back your freedom and be on the next ship bound for Scotland. In six months, you’ll be home with your Mari.”

  “Aye, well it had to be said. Just take care of my Mari.” Although the others did not want to admit it to him, Callum knew—they all did—there were dangers in any sea voyage. No matter how strong the man, the sea was stronger and more brutal than any warrior in battle. For those being transported as prisoners, the dangers were worse: lack of food and water, disease, and cramped quarters. If he did arrive safely, he would be a slave for the term of his indentured servitude. Despite paying off the Captain, something could go wrong after he arrived at the plantation. There was always a chance he would not be set free, as arranged.

  Callum could not speak of it in front of Hughie, but he worried that the burden of this would be too much for Mari to bear. It weighed heavily on him. He had done the right thing in taking Hughie’s place in prison. How could he have gone home to face Nellie if he’d let Hughie suffer this fate? But now the fate was his, and it would keep him from Mari. Mere weeks before, he had vowed to protect her, and now he could not. This would change her, and it would change them as a couple, assuming they ever got back together again.

  Alex gripped Callum’s shoulder and looked in his eyes. “She’s one of us now. We look after our own.”

  Callum met his direct gaze with a troubled but grateful nod.

  * * *

  “A fortnight?” Mari looked into Charlie’s eyes as though he could make the truth change. “And I’ll not see him before he sails?”

  He shook his head. “I’m sorry, lass.” As she dissolved into tears, Charlie gripped Mari’s shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Mari. You must listen to me. We’re here. And we’re not going anywhere without you.”

  Stepping closer beside her, Hughie took her hand in his. Mari met his adoring eyes with a weak smile.

  Alex leaned back, arms folded, against the wall nearby. “And Mari, I promise—if these glaikit eejits ever let go of you, I’ll be there too. You’ll not be alone—even though, after this, you’ll be wishing you were.” He brandished his most charming grin and was rewarded with a smile.

  Mari said, “What on earth did Callum threaten you with to make you behave like this?”

  “Like what?” said Charlie, looking defensive.

  Hughie said, quite sincerely, “We’re here because we want to be.”

  Charlie held Mari’s chin gently and gave her the deep blue-eyed gaze that made ladies’ hearts flutter. “What gave us away, lass?”

  He was rewarded with a genuine laugh through her tears.

  “Och, you’ve wrung the truth out of us. The original plan was to leave you to the workhouse, but Callum twisted our arms till we promised care for you.” Charlie winked and planted a kiss on her forehead.

  Mari put her hand on his chest and playfully pushed him away. “Och, Charlie! How could you play with my emotions like that?”

  “All the lassies say that,” Alex said dryly.

  “And you!” Mari turned to Alex, her hands on her hips.

  He stopped leaning on the wall and stood straight. “Me? What have I done?”

  “You’re no better than your friends here.” Mari took his hand in both of hers, and then turned toward the others. “I love Callum for putting you up to this.”

  “Callum?” Charlie rolled his eyes. “How is it that Callum never fails to get all of the credit? And here we are, doing all of the work.”

  With an endearing grin, Mari said, “And I ken that you’d be here whether or not he asked you. And I love you all for it.” Tears unexpectedly pooled in her eyes and rendered them helpless. “Would you please excuse me?” Without waiting for an answer, she escaped to her bedroom and closed the door.

  The three men stared after her, and then at each other. Alex said, “Well, that’s grand. You try to be nice, and what do you get?”

  “Tears,” said Charlie.

  “How much can a man endure?” said Alex, moving not one muscle to escape.

  “For Mari?” said Hughie with a wistful look. “A good deal.”

  Several minutes later they exchanged helpless glances, paced, stood at the window, and sat restlessly. “Well, you lads can sit there. I cannae take any more of this,” said Charlie. He went to the bedroom door and knocked.

&nb
sp; Mari opened the door, her eyes red from weeping. Upon seeing Charlie’s concern, she said, “I was just trying to spare you all this,” waving her hands toward her tear-streaked face.

  With a wave, he dismissed it. “Och, that. I’ve seen women cry before.”

  Alex appeared. “Aye! With Charlie, they all cry sooner or later. Most often sooner.”

  Mari laughed through her tears.

  Alex went on, “‘Tis so! I’ve the shoulder to prove it. They all wind up here. Och, the wailin’ and cryin’! My poor shoulder would surely have melted by now, were it not for the powerful muscles.”

  Hughie smirked. “I’m feeling sick all of a sudden.”

  Alex shrugged. “‘Tis merely the truth. I’ve the perfect shoulder for crying here, hen. I am at your disposal.”

  Mari looked from Alex, to Charlie, to Hughie, and shook her head, smiling. “You’re all daft.”

  They grinned as though this were not news to them.

  “But I’m lucky to have you!”

  Hughie took Mari’s hand and led her to the sitting room. They all sat in their usual seats, leaving Callum’s and Duncan’s chairs empty. The settled into quiet talk about what they could do to help Callum. There was little. Jamie’s name came up but, concealing their disdain, the men took care to change the subject. They turned their attention to deciding which provisions Callum could take on the voyage, even though they all knew the chances of him keeping such things to himself would be slim. As they talked, a knock sounded. Alarmed, Mari rose, but before she could go to the door, Alex protectively pulled her behind him and opened the door himself.

  Charlie led Mari away from the door and was now in the process of defending himself against Mari, who insisted that he was being far too protective. He soon stepped aside.

  “Duncan, you’re home!” Relief flooded her heart as she held out her arms and took hold of his hands. She took in the sight of him. He returned her gaze, but his was dark and distant. Her pleasure at seeing him faded as Callum’s plight came to the fore. “Duncan, so much has happened.”