Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series)

by Aury Dobsyn

  He did anticipate, however, that she would head straight for the stables to see Apollo, and he was not disappointed. Actually, he welcomed the excursion to the stables, since he was most anxious to see Righ again.

  The night before, Leif had demonstrated Ella’s methods as well as his wild beast’s astounding transformation. Although Paen was still unable to get near Righ, he hoped to use the horse’s training as an excuse to get close to Ella.

  Paen had always been an excellent judge of human behavior. He noticed what others were blind to, but he never reached out to help someone other than his kin. With Ella, he wanted to help her, not because she was now kin, but because she deserved to be happy. Like everyone, he was taken with her beauty, compassion, intelligence and integrity. And secretly, he wished that it had been him and not his brother, she had run to when they were attacked by Montgomery’s men.

  Paen thought back to the battle, to the moment when Ella had thrown herself into Gavin’s arms; fully trusting the warrior, who a scant moment earlier, killed her attacker with brutal, ruthless conviction. She had witnessed Gavin slaughter her countrymen, giving evidence to the tales spun about him as the ‘Spawn of Satan’.

  Unlike any other female, Ella had seen through all the brutal stories told and retold throughout Scotland and England. She had seen the real Gavin. A man plagued by his father’s sins, but possessed a heart and soul as pure as her own. He had never seen his older brother look more at peace, more content, more determined than when she was in his arms.

  Paen believed that he had witnessed the moment they had fallen in love, when their two souls recognized each other and merged as one. However, great difficulty and more pain lay on the horizon for Gavin and Ella. He could feel it in his bones and was helpless against it, but was sure it was close.

  45

  The stable yard was empty, save for Leif filling the water troughs, when Paen arrived. He silently made his way into the stables and the sight that greeted him tore at his heart.

  Ella stood with her head bent to Apollo’s, gently stroking his neck and whispering inaudible words to her beloved friend. Paen assumed she spoke of her grievances. He soon realized, when he moved closer, that he was mistaken. Ella whispered prayers for her family and their safety, as well as Gavin and his men.

  While he waited for her to finish her prayers, he was careful to stay out of view, but his presence was soon discovered. Arth, who had been lounging by her feet, jumped up to greet him. At the same moment, Leif entered the stable with raised his eyebrows in his direction.

  Leif broke the silence the way all children do, with complete ignorance to the true nature of her discontent.

  “Good Morning, Milady. Do ye wish to go riding? I can saddle-” He was cut short when he received a cuff to the back of his head.

  Paen rolled his eyes at the stupidity of the lad’s statement. Ella would be sore from losing her maidenhead last eve, and have no wish to endure a painful ride.

  Attempting to change the topic of conversation away from riding, he said, “Lady Ella, my thanks for yer efforts with Righ. I wish to learn and continue the training that ye have started with him. He is a magnificent animal, but was abused by his previous master.”

  “How long did his previous master have him?”

  “I dinna ken, but suspect not long,” he replied and saw that her interest was piqued. “On the way to the Highland fair, a local clan captured and sold him to a rich merchant during the opening day. The merchant boasted to all who would listen that he could break the wild horse within three days. After the first day of witnessing his methods, I snuck into his tent and persuaded him to sell me the horse.”

  “And your methods of persuasion were?”

  Paen grinned at how perceptive she was, then answered, “A blade to his throat, and he was more than willing to sell Righ.”

  His ruggedly handsome face was transformed by that smile, and it dramatically lessened his usual surly demeanor. Ella smiled in approval.

  “Good. It would have been better if you took the whip to his backside, but a blade to the throat is still good.”

  Amusement flickered in Paen’s eyes when he met her gaze. “’Tis good to see that ye have nae lost yer spirit.” Stupidity must be contagious, he thought the moment the words were out.

  Her eyes instantly darkened like angry thunderclouds when she asked, “Did you know of your brother’s plan to force me to wed?”

  “Aye,” he said without expression or hesitation.

  The knowledge twisted and turned inside of her as she spat, “Then the devil can take you, too.”

  Paen stepped into her path as she tried to stomp past him, then waited for her to look up. When he saw her angry glare, he said, “Anybody can become angry-that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way-that is not within everybody’s power and is nae easy.”

  She was surprised at the tenderness in his expression, but more so by the recognizable quote. “Aristotle.”

  He nodded.

  “He has always been my favorite of the Greek philosophers,” she admitted.

  Paen heard the thawing in her tone and was thankful he remembered the words and advice of their priest after his ordeal with Montgomery.

  “Aye, mine too. When I was around yer age, I returned from fostering with the English, and my rage was so evident that Gavin suggested I speak with our priest.” He did not mention it was the same priest who had recently wed her with Gavin. “He often quoted Aristotle, Plato and Antisthenes.”

  Ella’s anger momentarily subsided when she confessed, “The monks with whom I worked often quoted the same philosophers. When I showed interest they began my education.”

  “I dinna think it common practice for monks to educate females,” he stated.

  She knew the age-old argument that the church proclaimed women inferior and that their minds were as weak as their bodies.

  With defiance, she proclaimed, “’Tis nae common, but after a year working within their walls and absorbing their knowledge about horses, they realized that my mind was nae weak. Since I knew how to read, they had me study manuscripts on Greek philosophy, which we would discuss while we tended the horses. When they learned I was a healer, they offered to continue my education in Latin so I could read the Greek and Roman texts on anatomy and medicinal practices.” She did not elaborate that her mother had actually been the one to teach her the difficult language.

  “I am impressed that they recognized that a woman’s mind is just as keen as a man’s,” Paen stated, hoping to appease her defensive tone.

  She gave a sidelong glance of utter disbelief before asking, “You agree with educating a woman?”

  “Aye, I do. I grew up with Lady Esme, whose intelligence far surpasses most men. During the reign of my father, she single handedly kept our stores full of food, our accounts organized and our production of goods profitable.”

  Paen saw that not only was she enthralled by his words, but also Leif, who had not been part of the Macleod clan at the time.

  “My father’s enemies made it difficult by seeking retribution with constant raids and attacks against out clan. Many lives were lost as well as many herds of cattle and sheep. ‘Twas my mother’s idea to have the cattle drovers and sheep herders move the animals each night to the border of our land and the Mackenzie’s. It was a ploy to dupe raiding clans into believing our livestock was actually that of the Mackenzies.”

  Clearly confused, Leif asked, “Were ye nae afraid the Mackenzie would pilfer our cattle and sheep?”

  “My father was wise enough to nae attack such a powerful clan, thus they ne’er raided our land.”

  Turning to Ella, Leif explained, “The Mackenzies have always been a force to be reckoned with, or at least ‘tis what my father says.”

  Instantly uncomfortable at the mention of Clan Mackenzie, Ella turned the story back to the impressive Lady Esme. “Your mother is ind
eed brilliant for coming up with such a clever ploy. I can now understand why the Macleods flourish with good tidings.”

  Paen was proud of his mother, as well as the wealth the Macleods had accumulated since the death of his father. He also wanted Ella to feel proud of the clan she had married into, but at the moment, she was too hurt to feel anything but bitterness and betrayal. At least she was not hiding in her chamber, bemoaning her fate or crying useless tears, he thought.

  “Enough about my mother, women’s intelligence, forced marriages, and dead philosophers. ‘Tis time to work with my stubborn mule of a horse. That is, if ye are willing to help me?”

  “Aye, of course I am,” she replied without hesitation, then turned to Leif. “While I work with Paen and Righ, would you be able to take Apollo out. I fear he can become quite disagreeable when he is stabled for long periods of time. He usually helps with training other horses, too.”

  “I dinna see how he can help with training another horse,” Leif said.

  “You will have to wait and see my young friend.”

  “Aye, Milady.”

  Turning back to Paen, she stated, “Before we begin, I would like to check on Colban.”

  More than pleased that she wished to continue as healer, Paen offered, “I will escort ye to his cottage.”

  Moments later in Colban’s cottage, Paen was surprised at the warm greeting she received. Helena embraced her as if she were a long lost sister, while Colban took on the role of father and insisted on speaking with her in private.

  “Bring my healer to me, then be gone!”

  Before rushing out, Helena mumbled threats to starve Colban while Paen defiantly crossed his arms over his chest, indicating he was not about to be kicked out.

  With a smirk, he said, “Ye can be quite nasty, old man, like a disagreeable bairn.”

  Not in the least bit intimidated by the warrior before him, Colban responded, “Ye are naught but a highly irritating young whelp who has over stayed his welcome.”

  A genuine smile transformed Paen’s face when he responded, “Welcome was I?”

  “Nae. But, I was trying to be polite in front of the lady,” Colban admonished.

  Paen saw the determined look in Colban’s eyes and realized what the old man was about. Colban had raised his younger brothers as well as his own two daughters to maturity and now was back in the role of paternal protector. Paen did not fault him, since the older man had a hand in raising himself.

  On more occasions than he liked to remember, Paen found himself at stable master’s cottage after a fight with his father. Colban had welcomed him with open arms while his wife, Beth, tended to the bruises inflicted by his sire.

  “I will remain outside,” he said with a nod of approval. “Take as long as ye like.”

  Ella was surprised by Paen’s easy acceptance to leave the cottage, but then again, she had learned that Colban held much more respect than that of a simple stable master. Once alone, the older man signaled for her to sit in the stool next to the bed.

  “’Tis always a pleasure to see ye again,” Colban said in a gentle tone.

  “As it is you. How are ye feeling this morning?”

  “My leg is healing just fine and well ye ken. I rather talk about ye and how ye are fairing.”

  She managed to shrug and say, offhandedly, “I take it you know I am now married to Gavin.”

  “Aye, I also know why ye were reluctant to marry our laird.”

  “Not reluctant, completely against,” she replied sharply.

  “Aye, this I ken too. But tell me this, if ye did go back to England and marry this Montgomery fellow, what would become of yer aunt?”

  “She would be safe. Phillip assured me that she would nae be harmed if I married Montgomery.”

  Her innocence was obvious, Colban noted, and then asked, “Is Phillip a man of honor?”

  She would have laughed at the absurdity of that statement, but instead she answered honestly, “Nae.”

  “Yer aunt has nae given him children,” Colban pointed out. “Sir James, I am told, was acting as the king’s watchdog these past five years, yet is nae longer in service to him. Aye?”

  Distraught that he knew so much, she asked, “Who told you?”

  “Ye dinna answer my question, lass.”

  “Aye, all of what you have said is true. Now, who told you?”

  “That dinna matter. What is important is that Phillip intended to rid himself a barren wife once ye were wed to Montgomery. I am surprised he dinna have the marriage annulled years ago.”

  “If Phillip annulled their marriage, he would lose both his title and land. Greystone was awarded to him upon his marriage to Aunt Eleanor and the death of her father.”

  Colban was pleased where the conversation was going and decided to probe further. “If yer aunt died, would Phillip retain the title and land?”

  “Aye,” she whispered slowly. The full impact of his words hit her like a lightning bolt. All this time Phillip intended to kill his wife, but was unable to do so while Sir James served at Greystone. She had been completely ignorant of her guardian’s scheme.

  Colban covered her trembling hands and gave words of comfort and advice for the future. He had come to care for the bonny lass and hated to see the dismay in her eyes. The days ahead would be difficult for her, but in his heart he knew that she belonged here, with the Macleods .

  Ella departed Colban’s cottage an hour later, feeling more confused and angry then she had when she had entered. Paen walked silently beside her as they made their way to the stables, giving her time to absorb what she had just learned.

  Would Phillip really kill his wife so he could remarry and produce an heir? Phillip had always seemed fond of Eleanor, treating her with respect and kindness. Only when she interfered on Ella’s behalf did he raise his voice, and sometimes his fist.

  Lady Eleanor was still young, only a score and six years of age. And Phillip enjoyed having a wife that made men envious, but rarely took her to court, preferring to show her off only at Greystone. Was an heir so important, that Philip would murder his own wife?

  Paen saw the fresh wave a pain that engulfed Ella, causing her hands to shake and her eyes to glaze over with renewed hatred. During her conversation with Colban, he sat by the open window and heard all that was said within the cottage. The older man had done Ella a kindness, he thought, by revealing the truth.

  Ella remained silent as she gathered what was needed for Righ. When she finally spoke, it was only to give Paen instructions.

  Understanding that she needed time to assimilate the truth, Paen was not offended by her brusque manner. He followed her directions without comment and after two hours Righ finally accepted him.

  As soon as Leif arrived back at the stables with Apollo, Paen sent him up to the castle for food and drink so she would not have to eat in the hall. Leif arranged their midday meal in the hayloft above the stables, overlooking the bailey.

  Ella was suspicious as to why Paen bid her to go to the hayloft, but when she saw Leif standing next to a blanket covered with food and drink, she almost cried her relief. She was made even happier when the young lad opened the wide doors so they could watch the warriors train in the bailey.

  She had always enjoyed watching men train for battle, and today even more so because it gave her a reprieve from conversation. Throughout the meal neither Paen or Leif brought up topics that would make her uncomfortable. Instead, they made jests about the warriors and Bowen, who led the training.

  When they were done their meal, Ella spoke to her companions. “Paen, Leif. . .thank you.” She could have said more, but with them she didn’t have to.

  46

  During the afternoon hours the threesome worked with Righ, slowly socializing him with others. Apollo played an ample role in this phase of Righ’s training, which Ella explained to her two male companions.

  “Righ has spent the bulk of his life around other horses. Apollo’s presence will ease some of his anxie
ty.”

  With confusion lingering on his brow, Leif asked, “Both being stallions, will they nae fight?”

  Unlatching the door to Righ’s stall, she answered, “Righ is younger then Apollo and used to being in a herd with other wild horses, some being stallions. Since Righ is so young, he is used to submitting to other stallions. Apollo will dominate him and once Righ accepts that, he will follow Apollo’s lead.”

  Paen took Righ’s reins from her offered hand and said, “I am nae sure I like my horse being dominated.”

  “That is your male pride speaking, nae the common sense God gave you,” she said over her shoulder as she went to fetch Apollo.

  Paen snorted, but secretly was impressed with her boldness to speak to him in such a manner. Most women were afraid of him, as they were of Gavin, but Ella was fearless.

  When both horses were alone in the enclosure, the two beasts charged each other. And just like Ella predicted, it did not take long for Apollo to dominate Righ. The two animals reared up a few times and when Righ attacked, Apollo deftly moved to the side, then quickly cornered him against the fence. Apollo kept the younger horse contained until he was calm, then both animals went over to Ella, seeking a treat.

  “Paen, Leif, stay where you are.”

  They were separated around the enclosure, so neither she, Paen or Leif were in close proximity.

  Ella stroked both horses then offered them the caramelized sugar apple cubes, which she was happy to see they accepted without showing aggression. As she walked over to Paen, both horses following on the other side of the fence.

  “Now you try.”

  Mimicking her slow movements, Paen fed the two stallions and began to stroke their heads, then looked at Ella and asked, “Should I be using the Latin commands ye use?”

  “It would help his progression, but if you rather-”

  “Nae, I would like to continue as ye have done. Will ye teach me these Latin words? I only remember good and turn.”