by John Ryan
Elspeth’s heart lurched in her chest. The King was referring to Dirleton Castle!
“Uncle John, do ye mean to tell us that the true Stone of Destiny has been hidden within Dirleton Castle all this time?” Thayer posed with marked incredulousness.
“Aye, ‘tis so,” he confirmed somberly.
“Uncle, please explain something. Ye aver that the Stone protects its steward. Then why has Dirleton been breeched?”
“There is yet one other aspect of the Stone not everyone is aware of,” King John replied.
“And what is that?”
“‘Tis said that for the Stone to retain all of its power, the stewards must be pure of heart. Clearly, there is a traitor at Dirleton.”
“I cannot believe my own ears,” Elspeth said. “Oh, Sire, what are we to do?”
“The two of ye will bear the false Stone to the burgh without delay. It will serve as an ideal ransom for Faolin and Graham. Further, it will act as a diversion while our army approaches the castle. Remember, Devlin has no knowledge of the real Stone’s whereabouts. He will have no reason to doubt that ye bear the true Stone.
“While ye reunite with your mother, Thayer will await my army. They have already been dispatched, though they are several days marching removed. Do not permit your heart to surrender to fear, m’child. We will not allow the English to maintain their hold on Dirleton. We will retake the castle and liberate your brother and Faolin.”
“And what of the genuine Stone, Uncle?” Thayer added, lifting an apprehensive brow.
“Thus far, we have no reason to believe that its secret hiding place has been discovered. Pray that it isn’t,” the King replied grimly. “Just pray.”
Chapter Thirteen
After bidding their farewells to the King, Thayer and Elspeth slipped from the room and into the frosty antechamber. The hour was early and the halls of the dormant castle were deathly quiet. As they descended the cold ashlar steps, the sound of their footfalls echoed into great hall.
Approaching the castle guard, Thayer scoured the post for his Uncle Colin. He recalled that the previous day Colin assured him that he would be at the gate to see him off.
“Good morning,” Thayer bid to Lian, a tall, strapping sable-haired man who manned the post.
“Morning, Sir Thayer. Fine day, eh?” Lian replied with a wave.
“Aye. Have ye seen my Uncle Colin this morn?”
“Nae, but I heard him tell the other guard that he had something of great import to attend to today. If I see him, I’ll be sure to advise him that ye seek him.”
“Thank ye,” Thayer replied, his brows knitting. “That’s odd. Very odd indeed,” Thayer said, shaking his head.
“What is odd, m’love?” Elspeth posed as she slid her forearm around his, resting her head against his arm.
“My uncle has never lied to me afore.”
“Mayhap, it simply slipped his mind,” Elspeth offered.
“Nae, even if he were to be called away, he would have left word for me. Nae, something is amiss. I’m sure of it.”
Thayer shrugged his mighty shoulders. To ease Elspeth’s concern, he maintained a calm outward appearance. His mind, however, raced as he tried to determine why his uncle was missing.
With heavy hearts, Thayer and Elspeth walked towards the stables. As they traveled along the meandering stone path, Thayer mulled the best way to let Elspeth know that he believed their journey would be quicker if they would ride together upon a single mount. Knowing her stubborn ways, but loving her for it, he anticipated her usual resistance. Perhaps a little of his famous charm would suffice? Bending his mouth to Elspeth’s ear, he gently kissed it. As he began to speak, his warm breath feathered her plaits. His approach seemed to be working as he spied Elspeth’s lip quiver a bit before curling into a winsome smile.
“Elspeth, I’m sure ye could ride like the very wind and I ken my uncle would provide a horse for ye if I but asked him, but...”
“But, what?” Elspeth replied, lifting a speculative brow.
“I believe we should ride together upon Ethelion to hasten our journey. Every moment counts. Besides, at the very least, it’ll afford me a better view of your…assets.”
“I’m not quite certain if that is a compliment, Thayer,” Elspeth scolded.
“Aye, love, when describing your figure, ‘tis indeed a compliment!” Thayer chortled, throwing back his head and letting loose a lusty laugh.
Elspeth giggled at Thayer’s banter. It seemed that the dire nature of their journey had blissfully faded for one fleeting, precious moment.
Arriving at the stables, Thayer spied a young, fair-haired groom vigorously brushing Ethelion’s coat to a fine sheen.
Spying Thayer’s hulking physique drawing near, the boy stammered, “M’lord, forgive me. I’ll not be more than a few moments.”
As the lad turned his head to fetch another brush, Thayer recognized him as Patrick, the Saxon stable hand whom he had frightened a few nights prior.
“Very well, young Patrick,” Thayer said, disregarding the unspoken question as to how he had escaped the siege of Dirleton. Thayer knew that a talented groom was dearly coveted by his uncle. Truth be told, he wasn’t completely surprised that he had managed to secure young Patrick’s services so quickly.
Patrick’s jaw dropped as he realized that his anonymity had been forfeited.
“Mayhap, if the Lady Fair had promised ye a kiss, ye would have the steed ready on time,” Thayer said.
Breaking free from the crook of Thayer’s arm, Elspeth slapped him disdainfully across his chest.
“Ye are impossible, Thayer MacCourt!” she chided angrily, her eyes spewing emerald flames.
Thayer laughed, catching her slender arms and tugging her closer. Gently brushing back the wisps of auburn curls from her brow, he planted a kiss firmly upon her lips.
Blushing deeply, Patrick turned away. With renewed fervor, he hastened to complete his task.
“M’ lord, your steed is ready. I shall take my leave,” Patrick offered anxiously.
“Halt!” Thayer demanded, his booming voice echoed over the still glades. “Come hither, lad,” he commanded, indicating the ground aside him.
Gulping deeply, Patrick warily inched forward.
“Afford me your hand, Patrick,” Thayer insisted gruffly.
Trembling, Patrick extended his hand. Thayer grabbed it firmly and pried open his quaking fingers.
“Here, lad. For a job well done!” Thayer pronounced as he placed several lustrous coins in the astonished young man’s palm.
Patrick peered in disbelief at the weighty three pieces of silver.
“Thank ye kindly, m’lord!” Patrick exclaimed jubilantly as he thrust the coins deep into his pocket and bolted from the stables.
Watching Patrick skipping away, Elspeth chortled, “Aye, mayhap you are not so dreadful after all, Thayer MacCourt.”
“Aye and I will make certain that me kisses will keep ye reminded of that fact!” Thayer bantered wryly.
A whinny slipped from Ethelion, drawing Thayer’s attention.
“Ethelion, ye turn round, now. I dinna want ye to bear witness to this,” Thayer jested as he pulled Elspeth closer and drew his lips to hers.
“Stop talking to your steed and kiss me,” Elspeth plied.
Thayer was only too happy to oblige.
* * * *
Though the scorching sweetness of Thayer’s kiss lingered upon her lips, Elspeth cringed as a crestless wave of sadness suddenly welled within her chest. Reality had returned, sinking her shoulders and misting her eyes. Without warning, the dire nature of their quest had returned with a vengeance.
“Thayer, m’love, we cannot delay,” Elspeth murmured as she lifted her gaze warmly to his. “Let us ride now to Lothian. I’m sorry, but even the joy of your tender kiss cannot stay the torment of me family’s distress.”
“Aye, at once Elspeth,” Thayer reassured tenderly. “We will ride post haste. With the wind at our backs,
I dinna think darkness will fall upon us afore we arrive at Lothian.”
After hoisting Elspeth up on the saddle, Thayer gave one last check of the lashings and mounted behind her.
“Are ye ready, m’love?” Thayer posed as he leaned forward and slid his arms around her slender waist.
“Aye, Thayer,” Elspeth sighed. “May the Almighty protect us.”
***
The morning sky was crystalline and crisp. Though the chilled air helped chase away any sleepiness that lingered, Thayer relished the gentle warmth of the rising sun as it shone brightly in the eastern sky. Though their journey had only commenced an hour prior, the weight of their distress had made it seem far longer.
By midday, they had made good time. Thayer, realizing their swift pace had afforded them time for a brief respite, halted Ethelion at a small brook. He watched as the great steed stooped his neck to lap some of the icy water. His trusty steed never required much rest and Thayer was not surprised when, after a few moments, he began to stomp the ground impatiently. Often witness to Ethelion’s restless tendencies, he knew it was his usual display of eagerness to stretch his legs once more. As usual, the great steed needed no encouragement; a gentle nudge to his side prompted him forward.
After galloping several miles, Thayer slowed Ethelion to a trot to conserve his energy for the remainder of the journey. Ethelion was far from spent but acquiesced at his master’s ease of the reins. No longer required to hold onto the saddle horn, Elspeth slid the bejeweled ring from her slender finger to gaze upon it.
“Thayer,” Elspeth implored whilst fiddling with the gem between her fingers, “I’ve met your mother and she is lovely. Now, please tell me of your father.”
Thayer gazed pensively upon the horizon as memories of his father flooded his mind and heavied his heart
“Elspeth, my father was one of the most respected and admired men in all of the Highlands. He was brave, loyal--an honorable knight of Edinburgh. Like your father, he was held in the highest regard by the King. Forsooth, it doesn’t surprise me that he was an ally to your father.”
Slipping his left hand from about her waist, Thayer raked it through his hair before continuing ruefully, “Alas, I can only aspire to respect his memory by living me life as he did-with honor.”
Elspeth leaned back, nestling her head closely under Thayer’s broad chin. She giggled as the prickly hairs tickled her crown.
“Thayer,” she murmured sweetly, “your father would be most proud. Ye are verily the most honorable man I have ever known.”
Desiring her closeness more than anything he had ever coveted, Thayer grasped her forearm and gently tugged her body closer to him. He could feel the full warmth of her body now, pressed tightly upon his.
“Elspeth,” Thayer whispered, “ye have naught dearer words for me. I value your favor over all others. I vow to ever earn that sweet honor.”
As the afternoon wore on, Elspeth began to yield to slumber. Sensing her grip slackening, Thayer held her arms tighter. Within moments, she was soundly asleep in his arms. Lifting his face to the sun which shone warmly upon them, Thayer smiled. He was eternally grateful for the wind that had slackened and the sun which offered a welcome respite from the biting November winds. Nigh two hours passed before Elspeth gradually roused from her peaceful doze. Thayer felt her body shift in the saddle, a signal that she was slowly emerging from her deep sleep.
“Did ye sleep well, m’love?” Thayer asked as he tenderly kissed her cheek.
The autumn chill instantly dissolved as the warmth of her cheek quickly diffused his entire body.
“I’m sorry, I did not intend to yield to sleep, Thayer,” Elspeth murmured, slowly lifting her heavy lids.
“There is no need to apologize, m’love,” Thayer offered. “Just the enchanting sight of ye asleep is enough to keep warm me very blood and keep me company.”
“Thayer?” Elspeth whispered.
“Aye?”
“Would ye be very displeased if we were to take another brief respite? I am a tad hungry and think poor Ethelion is as well.”
“Oh, so ye can read a beast’s mind too?” Thayer teased, grinning.
“Aye, I can read yours, can I not?” Elspeth said.
“If that be true, your cheeks would be aflame at this very moment, m’love,” Thayer chaffed lustily.
Much to Thayer’s satisfaction, Elspeth blushed at his passionate inference and smiled bashfully. If only this journey was being made as man and wife, he mulled, perhaps she would be inclined to take him up on his offer.
It was nearly three o’clock before they found a secluded clearing suitable for their reprieve. Thayer was all too aware that the English patrolled the area and insisted on continuing on until they discovered a spot which could afford them some degree of protection. Drawing upon Ethelion’s reins, he guided the steed to a shaded area, just inside a thick row of looming pines. Thayer slid from the saddle and stood before Ethelion. Scanning the surrounding woodlands and not finding any cause for concern, he reached up to lift Elspeth from the saddle. She giggled as his hands tickled her waist and he effortlessly whisked her from the back of the great stallion.
“Thayer, let me aid ye in preparing the meal,” she volunteered.
Eying her suspiciously, Thayer replied, “Nae, Elspeth,‘tis no trouble. Afore I left me home to join the war, me mother taught me a few things about cooking, believe it or not.”
“Why, Thayer MacCourt, a cook? Ye are just full of surprises,” Elspeth cooed.
“Aye. I could make a fine haggis as well,” he averred in a lofty air.
Elspeth lifted an incredulous brow at his surprising revelation.
“A stew made of sheep innards? I think not, m’love. I’m not very fond of that particular delicacy.”
“Actually, I despise haggis. Ye couldn’t pay me to eat it! All I said was that I could cook it, I never said I’d eat it too!”
Elspeth stumbled into Thayer’s arms as they both burst forth in shuddering fits of laughter.
Steadying herself against Thayer’s broad chest, Elspeth sniffled as she dabbed at the tiny rivulets which glistened her rosy cheeks. Nigh choking on her tears of laughter, she chaffed, “Very well, Thayer. I shall repose here whilst ye prepare the meal.”
Thayer escorted Elspeth to a large stone and, brushing off the top of the stone and seating her, set off to fetch some kindling to build a cooking fire.
Pausing in mid-stride, he pivoted on his heels to return to Elspeth.
“Forgive me, Elspeth, I have been remiss in me manners. May I take your cloak, m’lady?” Thayer bid with a bow.
“Aye, thank ye, m’lord,” Elspeth cooed, batting her eyes demurely. “I am feeling a wee bit warm.”
Elspeth rose from the stone, and with her hands knotted behind her back, casually moved to investigate the clearing.
Meanwhile, tucking Elspeth’s cloak under his arm, Thayer strode toward Ethelion. Standing aside his hulking stallion, he hesitated. He turned, and when he saw that Elspeth’s attention was diverted, drew the cloak close to his nose. Drawing in a long breath, he veiled his eyes as he captured Elspeth’s sweet, feminine scent. He gently kissed her cloak, stroking it tenderly as he clutched it to his chest.
Elspeth stole a glance over her shoulder and giggled. Whirling around, she inquired with feigned concern, “What are ye doing, Thayer? Do ye require aid with your task?”
Hurriedly tossing her overcoat across Ethelion’s broad back, he stuttered, “Oh...Uh...I was just gathering some...some wood for the fire.”
“Reeeeally?” Elspeth drew out her reply as she cupped her hand tightly over her mouth to stifle her bubbling laughter.
“Forgive me, Elspeth. Have I said something to amuse you?” Thayer questioned sardonically as he walked back toward her.
“Nae, me mind was wandering, is all,” Elspeth replied, laughter in her voice.
Thus far, he had no idea what Elspeth was up to, but it was clear something was tickling her fancy
. She looked away, but not before he spied the mischievous gleam in those shining green eyes. With a shrug, he heastily set up a small ring of stones to form a fire pit. But, rather than gather twigs for the fire, he stood idly gazing at Elspeth.
“Thayer, your renown with the blade is known throughout the Highlands. ‘Tis said that no man can equal your skills. Yet, I wonder, do ye think ye that could ever be bested by a woman?”
“Ye are jesting, of course.”
“Nae. I assure ye that I am quite serious,” Elspeth replied, her eyes glittering with mischief. “I wish to challenge ye. Ask any of my brother’s friends, I have engaged nigh a dozen of them and have never been defeated. If ye are concerned that I may embarrass ye, I will even wear a kerchief to cover my eyes to even the field.”
“Now, I ken that ye are daft!” Thayer said, throwing up his hands.
“Daft? Am I?” Elspeth returned. “If that indeed be the case, I was wondering if ye would care to cast a little wager, then?”
“And what would be thy choice stake, m’lady?”
Elspeth paused thoughtfully as a winsome smile played across her lips.
“If I am the victor, I will require your word, as a gentleman, that ye will grant my terms of the wager.”
“Of course,” Thayer offered earnestly.
“Upon entering the burgh, I will take the reins of’ Ethelion and ye will sit behind me.”
Heeding her unwavering regard, Thayer asked, “Verily, ye are serious about this, Elspeth?”
“Thayer, dinna ye recall that I told ye that me father instructed me how to aptly defend meself? Do ye not recall the night we first met? Mayhap ye fear the sting of another defeat?”
Bowing, Thayer said, “Then it shall be as ye wish, m’lady. What should we use as dueling weapons?”
“Well, as I do not wish to injure ye, mayhap we should use some of the twigs ye have gathered for the fire. Ye have been gathering them for some time so I suspect there are many to choose from.”
Staring at the empty circle of stone, Thayer stammered, “Uh...Aye. Just allow me one moment to find the very finest of twigs as I have collected so very many. They are just over yon. I will be but a moment. I have them gathered behind Ethelion.”