by Aury Dobsyn
Laughter prevented Thea from responding, so Paen asked, “If ye will cease that cackling, I wish to ken why ye fought Valen?”
“He hit my bottom with his sword.”
Paen instantly pulled her from his shoulder so she stood facing him, then said, “Aye, then I whole heartily approve, princess. I believe I’ll take a few whacks at him myself.”
Thea giggled, then threw her arms around his neck in appreciation.
While Paen and Thea continued to wrestle around, Ella could not help notice how gentle he was with the little girl or how much she revered the normally gruff warrior.
Reading Ella’s expression, Bowen proclaimed, “Aye, he has a soft spot for our wee princess.”
“Aye, and she obviously adores him.”
“He adores me, too,” Thea shouted. “I’m his favorite.”
Bowen and Ella both laughed at her boast, then watched as Paen flipped and twirled her around. When he finally put the dizzy girl down, he kept hold of her shoulders so her back was against his legs.
“Aye, she is my favorite. With the exception of Leif, the other children fear me,” Paen admitted.
“Only cause they dinna ken ye as I do,” Thea said as she looked up at him. “Also, ye frown quite often. Smile more, and they will come around.”
Paen rolled his eyes at the advice of child only six summers. As he hoisted her onto his shoulders he said, “I will think on it.”
Extending his arm, Bowen asked, “May we escort ye two beautiful ladies back to the castle?”
“Aye,” Ella replied as she took his proffered arm.
Seated atop Paen’s shoulders, Thea bent her head over his and asked, “Why dinna ye ask to escort me back to the castle?”
“Because fool, ye are too small to loop yer arm with mine.”
With a giggle, she suggested, “Ye could walk on yer knees.”
“There is a better chance of ye carrying me on yer back than me walking on my knees with yer arm looped in mine.”
Paen and Thea continued to banter all the way to the castle, while Bowen stopped to speak privately with Ella.
“Ye taught those boys a valuable lesson this day.”
“Ye heard?”
“Aye, we heard,” he admitted with a grin. “It was also clear that someone has taught ye how to wield a sword.”
“Aye,” she confirmed with indifference.
When she did not elaborate, Bowen assumed it was Sir James who taught her, so quickly changed the subject. “Will ye be joining us for the evening meal?”
“Nae.”
“Ye canna hide in yer chamber forever. Avoiding a problem will nae make it go away.”
She was thoughtful for a moment, her gaze on the ground as she confided, “I don’t know what else to do.”
“Live,” he said with intensity. “’Tis what yer aunt and uncle wanted for ye. They kenned the consequence of their actions.”
“What do you mean?”
“Yer Uncle James told us how much he and his sister loved ye. Such fierce devotion is admirable.”
Tilting her chin up, Bowen continued, “Their only wish was for ye to be safe and happy. They dinna want ye to return to England, even if it meant their lives. Sir James was very clear on the matter. He adamantly wanted ye to stay here and believed his sister would agree.”
“Aye, she would have.” Silent for a moment, Ella then asked, “Would Gavin have done the same if my uncle protested?”
“Aye, but yer uncle dinna protest.”
Ella began to pace, kicking at the dirt like a child, then spat, “Gavin still broke his word to me. Twice!”
“Aye, he did. But, the first time he dinna ken ye or yer circumstances. The second, well . . . ye wouldnae agree to the marriage otherwise. Ye are a wee bit stubborn.”
“You are right, I would nae have agreed,” she grudgingly admitted.
“If the danger of losing yer family had nae been there, would ye have wanted Gavin for yer husband.”
“I don’t know.”
“’Tis something to think on mayhap,” he suggested as he patted her hand. “Let us return to the castle afore my wife has my head on a pike. She worries for ye night and day, ye ken.”
“She has a kind heart.”
“Aye, that she does lass.”
55
Slowly over the next fortnight, Ella started to ease back into life with the Macleods. Although she still refused to speak with Gavin or eat meals in the hall, she did take up the duties of healer and began training the horses her uncle had bequeathed to her. Yet the moment her heart began to mend, she was hit by another devastating blow that shattered the sparse remains of her fortitude.
Raindrops splattered into the bailey like blood dripping from a mortal wound the afternoon Ella returned to the castle from tending Father Logan’s chest ailment. Sheer black fright swept through her when she saw Apollo being taken across the drawbridge by two English soldiers. One man was from Greystone, the other, Montgomery.
Icy fear twisted around her heart as she dropped her satchel and bolted full speed to her beloved Apollo.
“Nae . . . Stop,” she screamed, running towards the drawbridge. “Please, stop them! Apollo is mine! You can’t take him, please!” She continued to cry out, even as Gavin’s strong arms enveloped her.
“Nae, Ella. They have his deed of ownership and the right to take him.”
Fighting to free herself from his grip, she spat with indignation, “Nae, Aunt Eleanor bought him and she gifted him to me.”
Beyond fury, beyond rage, Gavin somehow managed to explain, “Her gift to ye was without Phillip’s consent. Phillip legally owns everything that belonged to yer aunt. I’m sorry, Ella, but-”
“Nae,” she wailed, going wild in his arms. “Please, Apollo is my best friend. I love him. Philip will kill him just to spite me! He is all I have left and I will get him back!”
“Listen to me. I promise-”
Ella broke loose, and then with a fiery glint in her eye said, “Never speak those words to me, for your promise means naught.”
She bolted for the stables with the intent on taking Righ, the only horse fast enough to catch up to the soldiers.
Edric barred her way as she reached the stables, and regretfully said, “I’m sorry lass, but ye canna go after them.”
She pounded on his chest until he finally grabbed her wrists and pleaded, “Please, this is the last thing I want do to ye.”
Like a whirlwind, Ella broke free and sprinted to the fence that enclosed the field where the horses grazed. Without slowing, she put two hands onto the high wooden rail of the fence, then vaulted over with agile grace.
Watching motionless from the bailey, Gavin and Paen took in her mad dash to rescue her beloved horse. Her best friend. And her pain tore at both their hearts.
Without looking at his older brother, Paen said, “Gavin.”
Gavin did not respond at first, instead he watched Edric and Tavish chase his wife down for long moments, until they finally had to tackle her to the ground.
Without taking his eyes off the disturbing scene, he said, “Aye, go and bring him back by whatever means necessary. I will nae let that bastard continue to wreak havoc on my wife’s heart.”
Gavin watched Paen ride over the drawbridge on Righ’s back with confidence that his brother would return with Apollo. The pair of English soldiers were more than likely ordered to kill the horse, leaving the animal’s mutilated body on Macleod land. It would completely destroy Ella. And that I will nae allow.
A short time later, Edric stood in front of his laird with Ella unconscious in his arms. Gavin took his wife’s beautiful, unmoving body into the shelter of his embrace as he listened to Edric explain.
“I think she fainted, Gavin. She was fighting like a wild cat, then all of a sudden her body went limp. Scared ten years off my life, thinking I hurt the poor lass.”
“She scarcely eats of late, though it has been improving, it renders her weaker than norm and m
uch too thin.”
“Aye, I agree,” Edric confirmed. He then noticed that Paen was not in sight and asked, “Ye sent him?”
“Aye. My wife has had enough taken from her.” With that said he turned and stalked off to the castle, leaving Edric and Tavish to stare in his wake.
Night had fallen when she awoke and noticed Gavin standing by the window, staring out into the darkness. Anguish rained over her remembering Apollo and her fight to get him back from the Englishmen.
“Get out,” she ordered.
He turned and faced her for a moment, then without comment left her chamber. Her despair was too great to be affected by his woeful expression. He allowed Apollo to be taken, and then had his men stop her desperate attempt to save her horse. It was unforgivable. And now she was left with nothing.
An hour before dawn then next morning, Ella was abruptly woken by Gavin, who carried her from the bedchamber.
“What are you doing? Where are you taking me?”
He ignored her icy tone and futile struggles as he said in an emotionless voice, “Be still and quiet.”
The command was given my Gavin the warrior, not Gavin her husband. Ella instantly obeyed as a chill went down her spine. Unable to fathom where he was taking her until she saw this mist covered stables. His brisk walk, solidified her fear. Dear Lord, he’s taking me back to Greystone. He wants to be rid of me.
She began to struggle in earnest, scared beyond belief.
“I won’t go back. Nae, I won’t.
He stopped with a bewildered expression as she pleaded, “Don’t take me back to him, please.”
Within the blink of an eye, Gavin put her down then took hold of her shoulders and asked, “Ye think I am taking ye back to Greystone?”
“I . . . I only cause others death and sorrow. ‘Tis nae wonder you want me gone. I . . .”
Her bowed head was raised with gentle fingers.
“Ella, never speak those words again, for they could nae be further from the truth. And ken this, wife, I will ne’er let ye go. Ne’er!”
Relief washed over her as she was wrapped in his invisible warmth. He wore an intense, but secretive expression when he stroked her cheek, making her feel safe and wanted.
“Then why . . .?”
Lightly taking her hand, he said, “Trust me.” When she was about to argue, he dragged her along and said, “Nae, ye stubborn woman, dinna argue.”
Just before reaching the stables, Paen walked out holding the reins to a dark colored horse. Her horse.
“Apollo! Apollo!”
At seeing his master, Apollo jerked the reins from Paen’s grip, and then trotted over to her. With his large head, he nuzzled her body while she crooned in his ear.
“I thought I’d never see you again. I thought you were lost to me forever. My best friend, how I’ve missed you.”
Paen dusted himself off as he walked over to Gavin and said, “They made camp just over the Macleod border, intending to kill the beast. When I arrived the Greystone soldier was leading Apollo away to do the deed.”
Gavin was barely listening to his brother’s explanation, focusing solely on his wife’s joyous reunion with Apollo. After a few moments, he asked, “Did ye kill them? Truth be told, I would nae be angry if ye did.”
“Regrettably, nae,” Paen said with a smirk. “I offered a fat purse to Greystone’s man, Hugo.”
“What of Montgomery’s man?”
“Hugo said he would gladly tell his lord that the horse was dead. Both men are quite young, and neither wanted to do the deed or see it carried out.”
“And they will tell their lords that they carried out their orders?”
“Aye,” Paen chuckled. “Hugo mentioned how poorly Greystone treated Ella, and that it was nae right to kill her horse. He also spoke of her gift for healing, and that on many occasions she had aided him and his family when others would have turned away.”
“Aye, that dinna surprise me.”
“I ken what will, though,” Paen proclaimed. “Hugo threw the purse back to me and said that it would have made him sick to kill the animal Ella adored.”
Visibly shocked, Gavin said, “I dinna believe an Englishman would refuse money from a Scot.”
“Since Sir James’s death, his former commander, Hugo has nae wish to continue serving Greystone. Especially now that so many good men were dismissed from service because of their strong loyalty to Sir James.”
“Pray tell me, why did Hugo carry out Greystone’s order to reclaim and destroy Apollo if he dinna want to serve the man any longer?”
“Hugo has neither the money nor connections to leave the Greystone.”
“How did it end?”
“I gave the young pup back the pouch of money and told him to get himself to Wakefield Castle and tell Baron Thornton that the Macleods sent him.”
“Good. I believe the years are softening ye, brother,” Gavin said with a smile on his face.
“Nae the years, but yer daft wife.”
“Daft,” Gavin said with raised eyebrows.
Paen chuckled, “With nae thought of herself, she fought Edric, leaped over a fence with the grace of a deer, and then had to be taken down by two Highland warriors. Aye, Gavin, daft, but verra spirited.”
“Ye would have done the same for Righ.”
“Ye ken me well,” Paen replied, then in a solemn tone added, “I’m proud to call her sister.”
Gavin smiled at his brother before his focus returned to his approaching wife. She embraced Paen, who in turn hugged her with brotherly affection.
With his arms around her, Paen whispered in her ear, “It was yer husband who sent me.”
Stunned, Ella abruptly pulled away, and then saw the sincerity in his eyes. She hesitantly glanced over at Gavin, who stood with his arms crossed over his chest, staring at her with a benevolent expression.
When her appreciative eyes locked with his, Gavin knew Paen had given him the credit for the return of Apollo. It was not her gratitude he wanted, it was that radiant smile of hers. He was content to see her happy, so afore she could offer the needless words of thanks, he turned the conversation to her attire.
“Wife, as much as it kills me to say this, yer lack of dress is undesired at the present moment.” He took off his plaid and said, “Let us cover ye. I dinna care for others to see ye without-”
His words came to an abrupt halt when Ella wrapped her arms around his waist. With her head resting on his chest, she whispered, “Thank you, Gavin.”
Unprepared for her tender show of appreciation, it took Gavin a moment to reciprocate before encircling her in his arms and brushing his jaw against her hair Feeling her small, warm body molded to the contours of his lean frame made him realize how much he needed her touch.
“Will ye ride with me today, little one?”
So absorbed in the security of his embrace, Ella only managed to nod her head and whisper, “Aye.” Although, apprehensive at being alone with him, her overwhelming gratitude forbid her to deny such a small request.
Gavin was elated by her acceptance, but soon a frown crossed his features when he noticed men and women filling the bailey. And the curious eyes of the former were on his wife. He quickly wrapped her in his plaid and said, “As much as I enjoy the sight of ye in yer sleeping gown, I think it wise to change before our ride.”
When Ella noticed she wore only a sleeveless, knee length chemise, she clutched the ends of his plaid. “Aye, I’ll go now.”
Gavin and Paen watched her race off into the castle with youthful excitement. They basked in the glory of her jubilation with smiles of contentment transforming their features. She reappeared a candle mark later, running through the bailey in her breeches, short sleeve tunic, and her knee high boots that laced up the side.
Both men understood the practicality of wearing male attire while she worked with the horses each morning, but Gavin did not care for the appreciative looks cast her way by his men.
Before she reached them,
Gavin said to Paen, “Tell Tavish to go to the Mackenzies today. I want Eva to fashion something for Ella that will . . .will. . .”
“Hide her better assets?”
“Aye,” he growled out before turning to fetch his own mount.
56
The early morning mist faded to reveal a clear blue sky when Ella and Gavin rode out of Doran Castle just after dawn. The scent of pine hung in the air as he lead her north, towards Mackenzie territory, the safest area on his land.
Riding beside Ella, Gavin openly admired the part of herself she had kept hidden. Neither fear nor sorrow hindered her joy when she rode atop Apollo. It was as if horse and rider were made for one another.
When they stopped hours later to water their horses, he found her delight in the simplest things intriguing. With her breeches rolled up to her knees and her feet bare, Ella successfully leaped from rock to rock across the narrow burn and with Apollo unexpectedly trailing behind like a pup. Startled by the affectionate horse, she fell into the water without her normal grace.
Gavin threw back his head and roared with laughter at the sight of his wife knee deep in the water, trying to look angry but failing miserably.
His laughter was a full-hearted sound that made him look ten years younger, Ella thought as she leaped on to Apollo’s back. After dismounting on the bank of the burn, she rolled down her pants and put on her boots, then joined Gavin on the boulder he perched upon.
“I believe that beast of yers would follow ye to the ends of the earth,” he chuckled.
Looking over her shoulder at Apollo nudging Gavin’s mount out of the way to get to some fresh grass, she said. “Aye, I believe you are right.”
“Paen tells me that ye have taught him many useful skills that would benefit our own horses, especially in battle.”
“Apollo is well trained to defend himself as well as his rider if the need should arise.”
“Will ye show me?”
Tilting her head to the side, she asked, “You are truly interested?”
Gavin was interested in anything she would show him, so he replied honestly, “Aye, verra much so.”