Highland Games Through Time

by Nancy Lee Badger

  One warrior rose and grabbed the water skin. The doctored liquid splashed down his bare chest as he drank.

  * * *

  “Where is Mackenzie?” Kirk demanded.

  When the innkeeper hesitated, Kirk grabbed him by the neck. His other hand slid his sword from its scabbard. The Mackenzie’s trail had led Kirk straight here, and his fear for Haven’s safety fueled his rage.

  “Upstairs. Last room on the right.”

  “Did he retire alone?”

  “Nay, my lord. He had a woman with him, and demanded they not be disturbed.”

  Kirk shoved the man away, then mounted the stairs two steps at a time. Images of Cora, raped and murdered, blinded him with fury and panic for Haven. He banged on the door then kicked it off its hinges. A woman’s shrill scream sent the man clambering off the bed. Mackenzie, naked to the waist, grabbed for his weapon.

  * * *

  Haven tugged the blanket low enough to verify that the moans belonged to Kirk’s cousin. He was alive, but badly injured. Firelight reflected in the sweat dotting his brow. Cameron’s golden eyelashes fluttered on pale cheeks while the pungent aroma of horse and leather wafted up from the dirty blanket.

  He grimaced with pain. She had to act fast. Exhaling a deep breath, she swung her attention to the snoring men nearer the fire.

  “Lady Haven?” Cameron’s ragged cough made his body shake.

  “Keep your voice down.” She smiled the warning at him, trying to ease the situation. “How ya’ doing?”

  When he tossed the blanket aside, he pointed to the filthy rag wrapped around his chest.

  “They bound my wound, but took no time to clean it. They captured ye as well?” Concern flooded his face.

  He had tried to save her, which made him a hero in her eyes. She now had the opportunity to repay the favor. Haven brushed a lock of blond hair from his damp forehead.

  “I am here to rescue you. Can you walk?”

  When a shocked look passed over his eyes, Cameron grunted. She helped him to his unsteady feet. They shuffled step by step to where the mercenaries had hobbled their mounts.

  Cameron’s body trembled as pain wracked him anew. When he hesitated, and then choked back a sob, she followed his gaze. Beyond the edge of the clearing, where the horses had bedded down, an arm peeked from beneath a gorse bush as if playing hide-and-seek.

  “Who is—”

  “Balfour. God’s teeth, this is my fault,” Cameron cried. He pulled her toward the body.

  “Cameron, we can’t help him. I loved him, too, but we have to get away. Now.” She sniffed, and wiped away a tear. Cameron was as weak as a baby, but he was alive and she had a chance to save one man, at least. She gripped his forearm, then easily pulled him away from his dead friend.

  “Ye are right, but we must return for his body.”

  “I promise. We’ll send someone back for him, but you need medical attention.”

  “I might not be able to stay upright much longer, my lady. Loss of blood has weakened me.”

  “Then I’ll drive.” Her odd words got his attention. “Climb up behind me.” She led the horse to a fallen log and mounted. She pulled her frock high and sat astride. The moonlight framed his face and wide eyes. When she caught him staring at her naked legs she added, “Coming?”

  With her tugging him, he settled behind her. Haven urged him to lean forward and hold her about the waist. His large hands circled around and settled under her breasts. All ten fingers trembled. Whether from weakness or lust, she didn’t care. She hoped he spoke the truth when he said his wound had stopped bleeding. If he fell, he might reopen the injury and bleed to death before she found safety.

  With a kick, Haven urged the stolen horse toward the open road and town. She would take her chances back at the village in order to get help for Cameron.

  When they distanced themselves from the Mackenzie camp, Haven allowed the rest of her tears to fall. She’d miss Balfour. Everyone would. He’d been a good man, and a friend. Kirk might also lie dead in the forest. A sudden pain seared her chest.

  An evening breeze cooled the moisture dripping down her cheeks. With no saddle and no halter, keeping them balanced upon the beast’s bare back became her immediate concern. Sniffling to clear her nose, she began to sing. Her quiet tune seemed to ease Cameron’s shaking.

  Lord up high, in heaven’s bluest sky.

  Of grace and beauty, as fairies fly,

  With faith and devotion I shall prance,

  Weightless upon the earth, I come to dance.

  Heat pumped off his chest into her back. Her mind worked furiously to recall what herbs she’d require to break his fever, as soon as they reached the village. With her attention involved with her thoughts, she didn’t sense danger until too late. The metallic whisper of numerous swords pulled from scabbards stopped them in their tracks.

  “Stay still, Cameron. Hold tight. If these are Mackenzie’s men we will have to run for it.” She pressed a hand over the large palms gripping her waist. A weak nod beside her left ear preceded more tremors.

  “Lady Haven?”

  Haven snapped her head toward the owner of the voice. Under the dim light of the pub’s torches, a tall, lanky form walked closer.

  “Reid?”

  “We have her!” he shouted to another warrior standing in the pub’s doorway. Several cries reverberated inside the building. Other men quickly circled the pair and Kirk rushed toward them.

  “Kirk, you’re alive!” Relief flooded her weary limbs. She licked her lips because he looked different.

  Her heart wrenched apart at the rage evident in his face. His nearly healed scar darkened to match his scowl as he slid to a stop by their side. His eyes darted to Cameron’s arms around her waist. Kirk’s fist clenched the hilt of the broadsword he’d removed from its scabbard with a sickening peal.

  “Unhand her or die.”

  CHAPTER 22

  “Kirk, leave him be,” Haven yelled. “He’s been shot with an arrow.”

  Eyes blazing with sexual heat bore through her, then instantly softened. “Ye and he are not—”

  “Fool! He tried to rescue me after Mackenzie kidnapped me, but an arrow brought him down. Mackenzie held me captive in this pub. I escaped then helped Cameron escape. I came here because I thought you were—”

  “Killed?”

  She nodded.

  “I am fine, lass. I was worried about ye, and followed Mackenzie’s trail here. Get down from there and come have a drink.”

  “There’s more. Balfour is dead,” she whispered.

  While Kirk absorbed the news with nary a blink, his men murmured curses. Reid began to cry. Without a word of condemnation, Kirk urged the boy to help Cameron off the horse. “Take him inside. We shall care for him in a decent room this night.”

  Reid nodded and assisted Cameron inside the pub. Haven sensed Kirk move closer. His weaponless palm settled on her naked calf. With a crook of his head, his smile pulled at his scar. She couldn’t return his grin.

  “Balfour died trying to save me. If I hadn’t been such a jerk and let down my guard, Mackenzie wouldn’t have grabbed me. He’d still be alive.”

  “Nonsense, love. Balfour did what he’d promised to do for me and for ye. He pledged to protect the clan. Ye are part of us whether ye stay or leave.”

  “Thank you.” Haven accepted his open arms and slid down his body until her feet hit the ground and she stumbled.

  “Easy. Lass. We shall care for his body.”

  She gave general directions to the location of Balfour’s body and warned him about the guards. Kirk ordered four men to find their friend and take him home.

  “Bury him proper at Keldurunach, beneath a warrior’s cairn. Unload a supply sledge, bind him tight, and hurry home.” Men murmured their salutations and sped away.

  Haven trembled when she thought of the sleeping guards. Once Kirk’s men found them they might never wake. She was surprised to find her fingers clutching Kirk’s vest. Touchi
ng him filled her with desire that mingled with a sense of peace. How could two opposite emotions surround her with such happiness?

  She pushed him back a few inches and stared into his face. The breeze lifted her hair, tossing it across her face. Kirk brushed aside a few wayward strands and her skin sizzled beneath his gentle touch before he pulled her toward the inn.

  “We must find ye a comb, my lady.”

  “Forget about me. Poor, brave Cameron has a fever. I must look at his wound and gather more herbs to bring down his temperature. He needs a bed, clean linens, and fresh water.”

  “Ye heard the lady,” he bellowed at the rotund proprietor, standing in the doorway.

  “Ye may have the two rooms beside The Mackenzie, my lord.”

  “Oh no.” She stepped back.

  “Calm yerself, lass. The Mackenzie and I have talked ever since I discovered him in bed with Lady Fia.” He led her through the door and toward the stairs.

  Heat swept beneath her cheeks. He had found his fiancée in bed with another man? “And you didn’t kill Mackenzie on the spot?”

  He laughed.

  Her head throbbed. Slightly dizzy from adrenaline or fear, she trotted behind him up each step with her hand clasped inside his fist. She loved Kirk, but would he trade her for Lady Fia? Even if he harbored no feelings beyond lust, would he force Fia to part from her lover? Would he ignore the obvious yearnings he held for Haven simply to save face?

  When they stopped before a closed door, Haven tugged her captured wrist. “I must see to Cameron. I have special healing powers—”

  “Ye are special. I suspected this the moment ye appeared to me in a vision. Ye may assist my cousin after ye explain what occurred between ye and Mackenzie.”

  “What did he tell you when you found him with Lady Fia?”

  “Are ye worried what he might have said about ye?”

  She yanked her hand from his, finally, and crossed both arms over her chest. One foot tapped the wood floor and the sound reverberated through the hallway. The door swung open.

  “Lady Haven? Ye are well?” Lord Mackenzie looked like a pirate with his disheveled hair, and shirt open to the waist. Yet his face had softened and no weapons were visible.

  “I am fine, no thanks to you. Where is Lady Fia and Rose?”

  “I am here, my lady. I am fine. Rose is abed elsewhere.”

  The young woman’s words accompanied a satisfied sigh as she peeked from behind Mackenzie on a bed piled with furs. Her golden curls tumbled about her shoulders and her eyes shone with love.

  For Lord Mackenzie.

  Kirk pushed past Mackenzie and bowed to Lady Fia. Mackenzie motioned for Haven to enter the room as well. Reluctantly, she shut the door and leaned against the cool wood as she watched the scene unfold. Kirk said he had already talked to these two. Why would he bring her here? And where had Cameron gone?

  Mackenzie, sitting on the edge of the bed, poured out his hatred and grief to Kirk. When the man paused for a breath, Kirk broke in.

  “I have heard these words before. I am here to end this.”

  When Haven gasped, Kirk hastily added, “I mean to end this with words. I was reluctant to wed Lady Fia ever since the idea had been presented to our clan.”

  “Ye might have refused her uncle’s request and kept all this from occurring in the first place,” Mackenzie sneered.

  Haven focused on Kirk, who straightened to his full height then fisted his hands on his hips. “I agreed to go through with the marriage to a virtual stranger for one reason only; to satisfy King James’ call for the Highland clans to attain a peaceful solution to the bloodshed. Alternatively, we would suffer death and destruction under his Fire-and-Sword proclamation. I intended to marry for the future well-being of my clan.”

  Mackenzie turned his gaze toward Haven. “Lady Fia and I fell in love before her uncle concocted the marriage agreement. We had met at the faire on Beltane. I visited her several times later, secretly, and fell in love. When I asked her uncle for her hand, I received a near fatal beating.”

  Haven gasped and moved closer. Kirk’s arm slipped around her waist, pulling her into his side. She smiled at his apparent jealousy.

  “I did my best to thwart Kirk’s plans from the moment I heard of the accord.”

  “I never planned to go through with the ceremony,” Fia added. She slipped her arms around his shoulders and nuzzled his neck. Haven watched as Mackenzie’s eyes slid shut with pleasure. A moan escaped his lips. A happy ever after ending existed for some people. She’d give anything to have Kirk’s physical desire for her turn to love.

  “I have no money or land.” Marcas said, clasping a hand over Fia’s.

  “Lady Fia, couldn’t you talk to your uncle?” Haven asked.

  “As long as Kirkwall Gunn lives, my uncle vows to follow the course. He has need of strong warriors offering allegiance.”

  “Is this true?” Mackenzie asked Fia, turning to face her.

  “We are not a wealthy clan, but we do have the finest warriors this side of the Sutherland border,” Kirk explained, “and we pledged to protect the Keith holdings and to leave warriors here to guard Castle Ruadh. Such a deal meant no more war between us. Then I came to my senses.”

  Haven’s mouth dropped open when her giant turned to stare down at her.

  “Lady Fia,” Kirk said, without taking his eyes off Haven, “if Marcas kills me, will yer uncle give ye two his blessing?”

  “Nay. He would seek out another in order to guard his land. We have no cause to harm ye. We want to be long gone before he knows of my escape. Will ye help us?”

  “I am hard-pressed to lend aid to a man who has brought pain and sadness to my life. My cousin is wounded. Balfour lays dead.” He stroked his scarred face.

  Mackenzie had given Kirk the scar. He had also been the cause of his first fiancée’s death. She whispered, “Are you remembering Cora?”

  He nodded. Mackenzie caught her words and jumped to his feet.

  “Balfour attacked my men. In defending themselves, they cut him down is what I have heard. Cora’s death ‘twas not at my hand.”

  “Explain.”

  “Yes, I had her kidnapped. We do this all the time in the Highlands.” A slight smile lent youth to his formerly haggard expression. “Due to one of my men’s carelessness, he accidently stabbed her when she attempted to escape.”

  Kirk and Fia’s raised eyebrows added to the tension that filled the small room. Haven wished she could turn invisible, slip out through the crack beneath the door, and go find Cameron. A bloody wound sounded easier to cope with than dead former lovers.

  “Let us return to the problem at hand,” Kirk said. “Lady Fia’s uncle assumes the wedding will commence upon my arrival. The Keith clan has been our enemy for eons. How can we stop the bloodshed if this marriage is forfeit?”

  “Help us protest this contract. Women of Scotland have a choice in who they wed. Her uncle is breaking the law,” Mackenzie said.

  “Aye. And Lady Fia’s reason for her choice is obvious.” Kirk’s knuckles slid across his scarred face.

  “Not true! I fell in love with Marcas the same day I met ye at the faire. Yer recent injury has no bearing. Our love grows each day.”

  “I will step down if Lady Fia refuses me in public.” Kirk lowered his hand then glared at Haven.

  Did he wonder if she thought him ugly? His scar had nothing to do with her heart’s decision. When tears threatened, she turned toward the door. Maybe she would go find Cameron. Then she’d forget all about Kirkwall Gunn. She’d remake the potion, find a lightning storm, and go home.

  “What am I saying?” She gasped as pain squeezed her heart.

  “Haven? Are ye well?”

  The concern evident in his soft voice sent her spinning back into the conversation. She had to bide her time then slip away, unnoticed. Only then will her heart have a chance at love. He didn’t love her. He mourned Cora. She couldn’t fight a ghost.

  “I’m fine,�
�� she lied.

  “ ‘Tis true. She must refuse yer suit in public. Otherwise, her uncle will lose face,” Mackenzie said.

  “Agreed. But, we cannot give our king cause to send his army.”

  “And, I cannot pay the bride price.” Mackenzie’s head drooped.

  “Have ye anything of value?” Kirk crossed his arms and stared at the man.

  Did he mean to demand payment for Lady Fia? Haven huffed and bolted for the door. She needed air. Cool fingers grabbed her shoulders before she made good her escape.

  “Ye and I shall talk once I have fixed this situation.”

  “Fix it? Do you mean by forcing this man to buy the love of his life? You are a cruel bastard and I cannot wait to get back to my time…I mean, my home.”

  Three faces locked on hers and she knew she’d said too much. Her eyes snapped shut and a groan escaped her lips.

  “I said ye and I shall talk. In private. Lord Mackenzie,” he pulled Haven toward the embracing couple and held her tighter. “What have ye of value?”

  “Naught but my men, mounts, and weapons.”

  “Will ye pledge all to the service of Clan Keith? Will ye protect them as my clan had agreed to do as part of the marriage contract?”

  “Yes. But, where shall we live? My lands are forfeit.”

  “Uncle will allocate the east wing overlooking the sea to our own particular use. Before he died, Father made him swear I be allowed those rooms as long as I lived. The servants are clansmen loyal to my father and to me. The furniture is plain, yet sturdy. We will be happy. All we need is—”

  “What?” Haven whispered.

  “A bed.” Lady Fia’s face glowed with love.

  Mackenzie turned and swept her inside the circle of his arms. He pulled her into his lap and kissed her with such passion, Haven’s chest ached and she had to shut her eyes to their happiness. She worked to hide her jealousy, evident by the instant heat spreading across her cheeks.

  When two arms wrapped her tightly into a muscled chest, joy stole her breath. Kirk closed the door behind them, then carried her down the hall to a room she assumed held the wounded Cameron. Darkness shrouded its interior except for a fire in the brazier in one corner. A huge bed graced the other side.