Highland Archer

by Hildie McQueen

  Through gritted teeth, she spoke to him while attempting to get free. “Why would I lie, Donall?”

  “Perhaps you are visiting someone.”

  “If that was the case, I would bring Lily with me. I had the archer’s dog to keep me safe.”

  “Tomorrow I will have him brought forward. You better pray he tells the truth. The twenty lashes will be nothing compared to what will happen.”

  “Why do you hate him so? What is it about the archer that makes you want to hurt him always? Since we were children, you have always been cruel to him.” She let out a breath. “He’s a bastard. A man with no clan. He has nothing.”

  “You are correct and should always remember that, sister. He is nothing. Which is why, if I find you have laid with him, he will die.” He lifted a brow at her. “Your basket is empty.”

  She didn’t dare look at the basket. Before arriving, she’d purposely placed night blooms in it. “Do not embarrass me by summoning the archer in and asking him questions when all I did was hunt for flowers.” Ariana met his gaze without blinking. “I tire of you and our brothers constantly questioning my every move. I know who I am and in which manner to conduct myself. I am not a simpleton nor a whore.”

  Finally he seemed to believe her. “Very well, I will not. But from now on when hunting for…blooms, take a guard.”

  Instead of fleeing from his side, she decided to, once again, question him. “Is the reason you dislike the archer because he bests you at everything?”

  Donall’s jaw clenched. “He does no such thing.”

  “I am trying to understand the basis of your dislike.”

  His gaze traveled past her. “I must attend to other things.” Donall walked away.

  * * *

  Loud booms sounded, hooves pounded the ground and battle cries rose. The violent noise rumbled through the thick, stone walls.

  Startled from a deep sleep, Ariana jumped from her bed and dashed to the window. There were alarmed screams outside, men rushed around with torches, teams leaned thick beams against the main gates. She couldn’t see anything past the courtyard. It was much too dark.

  Ariana raced to a smaller window on the opposite wall. The sun barely peaked in the horizon. An arrow flew toward her and she ducked. It bounced against the side of the window and was followed by another that made it inside.

  Lily barged into the room, tears streaming down her face. “Milady, we are under attack. They’re storming the gates now.”

  “Lower yourself, Lily, an arrow has already made it in here.” She grabbed at the maid’s hand. Lily huddled next to Ariana on the floor.

  “What happens? Why are they attacking?” Lily’s voice shook.

  “I do not know. Did you hear which clan it is?”

  “No. Milady, I was awakened when they began ramming the gate. The laird and the guards who slept in the great room were rushing out as I came to find ye.”

  Another boom sounded and both jumped. She wondered how much longer the gates would hold. Ariana crept to the window and peered out. There were rows of warriors on horseback. Swordsmen were in the front and behind them were several rows of archers.

  The sun rose in the horizon, enough to give her the cover of darkness being indoors. The tartan colors became clear.

  The McKenzies.

  “Why would the McKenzies attack us?” She looked to her maid, not expecting an answer.

  “The hunters that yer brother, Beathan, had killed. They were McKenzies, milady.”

  Ariana fell to the floor, her hands over her mouth. “Oh no. What has he done? Their clan surrounds us on all sides. They are strong and powerful. I canna believe Donall allowed it. Has he become so arrogant that he’d not consider this outcome?”

  “Aye, and bloodthirsty those McKenzies are. They willna stand for killin’ of their kind.”

  “God help us.”

  “Yes milady, we have to pray hard.”

  Her brother, Ceardac, burst in with sword drawn. “The gates won’t hold much longer. Go out through the cellar, to the back exit. Wait at the boat. I will join you there.” He turned to the door.

  “Mother!” Ariana went to him and clung to his arm.

  Ceardac looked down at her. “I will find her.”

  “Where is Beathan?” she asked, referring to their other brother.

  “He is a warrior. Refuses to go. Donall stays as well.”

  “Come with us, then.” She did not let go of his arm. “Please, Ceardac, we can’t get away alone.”

  “Aye, I will ensure to get you to safety.” He looked to Lily. “You as well, Lily. Hurry, then, get dressed. I will fetch Mother.” He left.

  She and Lily dressed in a hurry, the maid wearing some of Ariana’s clothes as there was no time to go to her own chamber. Ariana pulled on breeches under her dress and Lily helped her pin some of her jewelry onto the inside of her coat.

  Once that was completed, they did the same to the coat Lily wore. Ariana grabbed the maid’s shoulders. “Listen to me, Lily. If we get separated I want you to say you are a lady and keep the jewelry. Use it to purchase passage to the McLeods of Skye. Promise me.”

  “Yes, milady.” Lily’s eyes were bright from fear and unshed tears. “But we must stay together. I canna bear the thought of being apart from ye. Not after all these years.”

  They went into the hallway. The noise from the great room was deafening. “What happens?” Lily screamed. “What are they doing?”

  “Never you mind, let us run.” They grabbed hands and raced to the passageway at the back of the stairs and went down to the lower level. Once they exited the back, they’d be in caves by the ocean. Ariana looked behind them. “Where are Ceardac and Mother?”

  “I do not know, milady.” Tears spilled down Lily’s cheeks. “We cannot leave without him…and your mother. Please.”

  “We will not. I promise.” They scampered down another set of stairs. The salty air permeated once they opened the last door.

  “Come, Lily, step carefully. The stones are always slippery.” Ariana moved with caution, one hand on the wall.

  “We must go. We cannot wait any longer. The McKenzies are inside the gates and will round the keep at any moment.”

  “Hurry.” Ariana yanked Lily’s hand and they went down the stairs as fast as they could. The drizzle made the stairs treacherous and she could see the men pushing the boat upon which her mother and brother were. She couldn’t yell for them to stop. Not without alerting the McKenzies.

  Instead, she waved.

  “They are leaving! Hurry, Lily.” Ariana pulled the maid just as angry yells came from the opposite side of a short wall.

  “The McKenzies,” Ariana gasped and took a step forward only to be stopped by Lily.

  “We must go back, milady, and find a place to hide. They will catch up to us, otherwise.”

  They rushed back up the stairs and entered the keep once again. Once inside, Ariana pulled Lily down a short hallway just as the two groups of men clashed. Her lungs burned from the combination of holding back sobs and terror. She felt for the almost invisible door and they ducked into a storeroom. The doorway was hard to find unless one lived there. They’d hidden there many times when they were children and hiding from her brothers.

  Huddled together, neither said a word. Both were lost in thought and straining to hear what became of their clan.

  What felt like hours later, footsteps sounded and the women held their breath. Whoever it was moved closer.

  Chapter Seven

  It didn’t take long to pack his few belongings. Valent took one last look around the tiny cottage and lifted the bundle he planned to tie to his horse’s saddle. The dwelling had been his home for most of his life. The cot, table and chairs, would have to be left behind. Hopefully, someone would make it their home. Perhaps one of the village families would be happy there.

  “Are you ready to face our new adventure?” He spoke to Arrow, who tilted his head to the side. “I am. Although it is not a good
idea to revoke a pledge and I did give my fealty to Laird McLeod, I can no longer do so.” Of course, the dog didn’t understand what he said, instead it pawed at the ground as if it, too, had to say goodbye.

  On the bed was the blanket Lady Ariana had brought when she’d first visited. The fine material was softer than anything he’d ever owned. He picked it up. He would use it for the cold nights when he would need the memory of her beauty to keep him warm.

  It was hard to sleep in that bed, to look upon it, without picturing his night with Ariana McLeod.

  No matter, he could not remain there any longer.

  It would be too much of a temptation to be with Ariana again. No matter how wonderful the time with her had been, he knew she only wanted his body. A lady like her could not give up all for the humble life he offered. It was for both their sakes that he left.

  After tying his bundle to the saddle, Valent mounted and urged the horse forward. A few minutes later, he stopped at the sounds of hooves. Inside the woods’ edge, he spotted a large number of McKenzies heading toward the keep. What happened?

  A horrible thought struck. Had the McKenzies attacked seeking revenge? Of course, how could they not? It had been reckless and stupid for Beathan to order them to kill those men.

  There was no other reason for such a large number of warriors cutting through McLeod lands. Stuck between McKenzie lands, the current situation was dire. Valent considered the McLeods of the north and those of Skye. The only way to get to either would be to travel through McKenzie lands and it would take days.

  Valent didn’t wear the McLeod colors, perhaps it would help him get through and get a message to the other McLeods. Immediate help was needed.

  At a sound behind him, he drew his bow, set an arrow into it and pulled back the string.

  “Valent.” The young man he’d been training came out slowly from behind some bushes, his entire body shaking. “The k-keep is under attack.” Face flushed and eyes wide, the boy was clearly terrified. “What should we do? I tried to go there, but it’s completely surrounded. There are so many of them. Too many to count.”

  “Aye, I just saw. We must go to the village and warn them. Get men together to defend it. Come, let us go through the forest and avoid the attacking clan.”

  He eyed the young man. “First, take your colors off. Put them with my things.” He dismounted and took his bundle and opened it. Into it, he placed Lady Ariana’s blanket and then hid the bundle in the bushes. “Put your tartan there as well. Come, let us hurry.”

  The village came into view. People scurried about carrying items to carts or rushing their children indoors. Obviously, news of the attack had reached them. Several wagonloads of women and children were already being driven away. Valent hoped they’d find a place to hide until it was over. By the sheer numbers of those surrounding the keep, it was doubtful the McLeods would survive.

  “Go to the McLeods of Skye. Take a couple of the younger men with you.” His apprentice nodded. “Aye, Valent, I will ride hard and fast.”

  Valent dismounted and joined a group of men that had come together in the center of town. The blacksmith was handing out swords and Valent looked to the older men and young boys who held the weapons with determined looks. None of them had ever fought. If the McKenzies attacked, by the end of the day, most would lie dead.

  He held his hands up and called to the group. “I have seen the invaders. They are many in number. The keep will fall soon and most of the guardsmen will perish.” There was a collective moan amongst those gathered.

  Valent got their attention again. “When they get here, let me speak to them. We don’t stand a chance unless we reason for some kind of truce.” When the men began to grumble, he hollered at them. “Did you not hear me? If you fight, you will die. It is more important to live and protect the woman and children. Which laird governs us is secondary.”

  One of the men, the ironsmith, came to him and placed a beefy hand on his shoulder. “Verra well. If we trust ye, do not fail. We will await the outcome of your talk. If they strike you down. We will fight.”

  “There will be no choice then,” Valent replied, meeting the man’s gaze. “Honor be with ye.”

  “And with ye.” The man looked toward the ill-equipped group of men who stood ready to defend the town. “And may God help us.”

  At the pounding of hooves, everyone turned to a wall of horses heading toward them. The men grouped together and Valent motioned for them to remain and mounted. He went to the edge of the village, his bow strapped to his back, and broadsword sheathed.

  The McKenzies neared and slowed until stopping at the edge of the village. One man flanked by two others rode closer. The man looked to the group of weakly-armed men and then to Valent. His eyes widened slightly, but he did not sheath his sword. “Who are you?”

  “I am Valent. An archer for the McLeod.”

  He exchanged looks with the other men. “What say you, McLeod?”

  Valent resented being given the name of the man he hated. “I am not a McLeod. I have no surname.”

  Once again, the men looked to one another. Finally, a second man moved closer and peered at him. “Unless your people lay down their weapons, we will slaughter every one of them. You, however, must come with us.”

  He looked over his shoulder at the townsmen who watched the interaction with avid curiosity. They didn’t seem frightened. But like him, they were curious as to why the men kept exchanging questioning looks.

  “Very well, I will come with you. Do I have your word no harm will come to the village people?”

  “Aye, unlike you McLeods, we do not kill innocents.”

  Valent looked over his shoulder. “Lay down the weapons. They will not harm you.”

  * * *

  When they neared the keep, his heart began to pound at seeing the devastation. The dead lay strewn about while several of his fellow guards were tied at the wrists and guided to where they’d be imprisoned. He searched for the laird and his family, but only saw the younger brother, Beathan, who was tied to a post in the center of the courtyard. The same place he’d been lashed days earlier. The man screamed to be released immediately. Threatening death once the rest of his clan arrived. Valent wondered how the man could be so stupid. If anything, his death would be precipitated by his hollering.

  The McKenzies surrounded Valent when he dismounted. “Come.” The man who’d spoken earlier pushed at his shoulder. “Our laird will want to speak to you.”

  Just as he took a step forward, a man went to Beathan and speared his shoulder. “Shut up.”

  Beathan growled. “I will kill you.”

  “Why is he still alive?” the leader of his escorts asked.

  “The laird wishes to kill him himself.”

  The leader looked to Valent and motioned his men, who pushed Valent forward toward the inside of the keep.

  “Why me? I am but an archer.” Valent refused to budge another step. “I will go with them.” He pointed to the bound guards.

  Someone poked a blade into the center of his back. “Move.”

  They walked into the keep. The room was empty. He heard crying in the distance. No doubt, the maids were huddled in terror.

  In the center of the room, several of the McKenzies were gathered around a table. They all looked up at their entrance. One stood. “Why are you bringing an archer in here? He should go with the others…” the man stopped midsentence and his eyes rounded. “Who are you?”

  Valent looked at the ceiling. “What does it matter? I prefer to be with my men.”

  “So you are the head archer?”

  “Aye.” Valent gritted his teeth when someone yanked at his bow. “Don’t touch it.”

  Surprisingly, they did as he demanded.

  “Valent!” He turned to see Ariana and her maid being tugged into the room by two men. Immediately, he searched her body to ensure she was unharmed. Her wide eyes met his and she took a step forward only to be yanked back. “I fear they killed my moth
er. I don’t know where my brothers are.” Tears streamed down her face.

  Enraged, he let out a growl and moved toward her, only to be dragged back and held by four men. One man placed the tip of his sword at Valent’s throat. “Unless you wish for the ladies to watch you die, don’t move.”

  “What is it?” Someone entered the room. Valent ignored him, focusing on Ariana and attempting to convey to her that he’d do all he could to protect her. She calmed and blinked, then reached for her maid’s hand.

  “Laird, we brought this man. Ye need to see this.” The leader spoke while bowing his head. “The archer…”

  “Take the archer to the courtyard. And damn it, unarm him. Why is he still armed?”

  The voice, it was eerily familiar. Like his own almost. Both he and Ariana turned to the man who spoke. Time slowed and all the air left Valent’s lungs.

  The man who’d spoken wore McKenzie colors. Valent took in the man’s face while the laird did the same, neither able to look away.

  It was as if looking in a mirror.

  Ariana rushed to his side. Valent didn’t know if she’d been released or fought to get away. Instinctively, he pulled her to his side and drew his sword. His attention remained on the man who looked identical to him.

  Joined by Ariana’s maid, they moved toward the doorway.

  The laird narrowed his eyes. “You cannot go. You know as well as I there are too many of my men outside.”

  He ignored the McKenzie, not wanting to think on what awaited beyond the doorway. Valent needed to get away. He needed time alone to absorb that he’d finally found his brother, the one he’d been taken from so many years ago. The one his family had preferred over him.

  His brother motioned to his guards to stay back and he approached Valent and the women. “We must speak. It is obvious you are the brother we all thought long dead.”

  With the women huddled against him, Valent continued to move away. “There is nothing to be said.”

  “You cannot leave. You cannot hope to fight against so many while protecting two women.” The McKenzie looked to Ariana and the other woman with distaste. “Would you prefer McLeods over your own family? Your clan?”