The Promise of Peace

by Carol Umberger

  “Six weeks ago. One of the neighboring lairds. He has an heir, no need of a young wife. But he has allied himself with Keifer and Morrigan.”

  “So that even if Keifer should die, Morrigan will have a strong ally to defend her lands and hold them for her own son.”

  “Aye.”

  “And Keifer has Black Bryan Mackintosh as an ally as well.”

  “Doesn’t matter—I want Keifer dead.”

  Owyn had never heard his father sound so determined and it frightened him. “Da, ye don’t mean that. He’s Eveleen’s son, yer brother’s son.”

  Angus waved the words away. “Between the two of us we need to see it done, once and for all.”

  “I’m not killing him.”

  Angus slapped him, so quick Owyn had no time to react. His father’s hand split Owyn’s lip, and blood dripped onto his tunic.

  Owyn wiped his mouth on his sleeve.

  Then in a perfectly calm voice, as if he discussed the weather and not murder, Angus said, “No, I don’t suppose ye have the stomach for it. It’ll be up to me.”

  With sudden clarity, Owyn knew he mustn’t admit to his allegiance to Keifer. If Angus knew that, he would walk away and neither Owyn nor Keifer would be safe. In fact, the cold expression on Angus’s face gave Owyn reason to believe his father would see Owyn himself killed rather than serve Keifer Macnab.

  Owyn grabbed his father’s arm. “Ye need to start thinking clearly.

  Keifer’s death won’t make any difference. I don’t want the land.”

  “Not for the land. I have other lands that suit me well and a growing band of men who are loyal to me.”

  Other men? Men like his father who had ulterior motives for everything they did? Owyn didn’t like this and tried again to reason with his father. “Keifer has powerful allies. Ye can’t kill him and expect the king to hand over the land to me.”

  “I said it’s not about the land.”

  “Then what is it about? Help me understand.”

  “She won’t have me, never would have me. Now she will suffer as I have suffered for love.”

  He held his father’s arm. “Don’t do this, Da. Let it go. Go home and tend the sheep; lead yer men for Bruce. But forget about murdering yer brother’s son.”

  Angus pushed past him without a word. Owyn watched his father walk away, distressed at the man’s obsession and powerless to halt him. Their conversation haunted him.

  He must warn Keifer of Angus’s intent. Owyn was no saint, but he didn’t want the blood of an innocent man on his conscience. He would confront his cousin when he returned to Homelea.

  ANGUS STALKED OFF INTO THE VILLAGE and found the tavern. He went in and ordered a tankard of ale. The ale slaked his thirst for refreshment but not his thirst for revenge.

  He would bide his time, enlist Owyn’s help. The boy would change his mind. After all, the killing would benefit Owyn most of all. He had been wrongfully denied his birthright, no matter that Robert the Bruce himself had taken it.

  Aye, and given it to Eveleen and Ian’s son. Keifer. Ian had taken the woman Angus loved, and though Angus had married another, he’d never stopped caring for her. His woman, his land, his title. All taken from him.

  He’d lied to Owyn. It wasn’t just about Eveleen. The time had come to take things back. If she’d shown even the slightest appreciation for his honesty that day he’d confessed, he would have settled back and accepted her son as his laird.

  But she’d scorned him. And now she had married someone else. Angus had received no forgiveness nor honor, and he would give none.

  Keifer Macnab was a marked man.

  That would teach her.

  AFTER THE MEN LEFT to find Keifer, Lady Kathryn took Gwenyth and Nola into the hall. Da had made it clear that Nola was to stay with the women. She tried not to let her resentment show at being left behind. Lady Kathryn provided refreshments and introduced her children. Then she showed them to their guest chamber.

  Nola’s mother was nearly as anxious as she to see Keifer again, and both waited in anticipation for the men to return to the castle. After what seemed like hours, a knock came on the door of their chamber.

  Nola opened the door to Lady Kathryn. “Do you have news?”

  “Aye, the men have returned.”

  Nola raced to the winnock and looked down to the bailey where her father and the others were dismounting. She raced for the doorway and then remembered to walk. Until she reached the stairs. She ran down them, nearly tripping over her skirt, managing to resume a decorous walk when she reached the landing.

  She walked out to the bailey. The first person she saw was Will, a deep frown on his face. Her father and Sir Bryan stood between Will and a tall, broad-shouldered youth. His short hair, darkened with perspiration, was curled about his face and neck like a babe’s.

  Was that Keifer? The hair seemed too dark, but the curls were familiar. With all the discipline she possessed, Nola willed herself to walk like a young woman and not a child as she approached them.

  This couldn’t be Keifer. This man carried himself like a warrior, proud and erect. He seemed at ease with both Sir Bryan and her father.

  Sir Bryan pointed to Keifer and said something to Nola’s father. Adam beamed in that way he had when he was especially pleased with Nola or her siblings. It must be Keifer. She would know for sure when she looked into his mischievous eyes. Her heart stuttered, and she wiped her hands discreetly on her skirt.

  What would he think of her? Would he find her pretty? Had he remembered their promise?

  When she was but a few steps away, Will turned to her. She thought he called her name, but Nola kept her gaze on the handsome young warrior talking to her father. She stopped, and her father held out his hand to her. Taking it, Nola curtsied.

  She straightened, and her father handed her to Sir Bryan.

  Her father’s friend kissed her fingers. He said something, but Nola’s attention was on the man she thought was her childhood friend. She glanced at his wrist and saw the braided twine. She grinned.

  “You remember Keifer, don’t you?” Sir Bryan said.

  “Keifer,” she breathed, forgetting to curtsy, forgetting she was no longer a child, knowing only that her heart’s desire stood before her.

  But the boy she’d known was gone. There was no mischief in this man’s eyes. Instead she saw wariness, an aloofness that had never been between them. Hurriedly she curtsied. He took her hand and kissed it. “My lady.” No warmth in his voice, yet his gaze searched her. Where had her friend and companion gone? And why did his eyes reveal hurt?

  She dared not act the child, would not give in to the impulse to leap into his arms. She drew her shawl closer, warding off the chill of the day and of his eyes.

  Will’s scowl faded, his expression triumphant.

  Nola wanted to lash out at him. Just in time she remembered that if she spoke like a child, she would be treated like one. Curbing her tongue, she looked at her father. From his expression, Nola could see he was oblivious to the undercurrents swirling about her. And to the hostility raging between Will and Keifer.

  Nola was not about to stand here and be humiliated by either of these posturing peacocks. Despite being devastated that this long- awaited moment had been ruined somehow, Nola managed to say that she was needed in the castle. Head high and heart dragging, she left them both.

  Good riddance!

  KEIFER WATCHED AS BEAUTIFUL NOLA hurried away from him. Nola, his Nola, was all but betrothed to the gloating frog of a boy standing next to him. It was all Keifer could do to politely disengage from the group with the excuse that his horse needed attention. But in truth, his horse was in better condition than Keifer.

  He had not wanted to give a little girl false hope. But the little girl had become a woman. And that woman had chosen another over him. And yet why wouldn’t she? No matter that he didn’t want to marry. Seeing Nola was enough to make him question his resolve. He fingered the worn braid on his wrist. Had she
noticed it?

  Keifer led his horse to the stable. He offered the animal water, washed him down, and then turned him into a pen with some hay. He went to his quarters to wash off the day’s dust.

  Why had Nola run off like that? He threw his helm onto the bed. He’d been a fool to think a child would keep a promise. And what difference did it make? Recalling how she had looked standing there a few moments ago gave him his answer. Glory but she was every bit as beautiful as he’d foreseen. Had it been hurt he’d seen in her eyes just before she lowered her gaze?

  One thing he knew for certain; Will had gloated at her hasty retreat and Keifer’s evident acceptance of the impending betrothal.

  Keifer slammed his hand on the table. No! He did not accept it.

  Would not until he heard it from her himself. All he wanted was a chance to know her again, to be friends as they once were. But the friendship he had once treasured would never be the same if she married someone else.

  He would find her and talk to her before sundown, when he must return to the abbey. There he would be secluded with the other candidates to prepare for tomorrow’s ceremony.

  His stomach rumbled, reminding him of the fast he’d begun midmorning. He drank some water, knowing it would do nothing to assuage his hunger.

  The hours until his seclusion ticked away as his mother and her new husband arrived and took up his time. Dougal of Brodie seemed like a good man and obviously cared for Eveleen. Keifer was glad to see his mother so happy. Morrigan and Fergus were with them, but he had little chance to speak with them. He would remedy that tomorrow after the ceremony.

  Nola didn’t make it easy for him to speak with her—she seemed to disappear, giving Keifer no opportunity to come across her by chance. He was afraid to ask after her too often because if she truly was betrothed, his attentions would not be seemly.

  Guests continued to arrive, and Keifer kept busy greeting them and seeing to their horses. After caring for the latest group of horses, one of the pages found him and told him to report to Sir Bryan’s solar. When Keifer arrived, both the Earl of Homelea and his friend the Earl of Moray were there. They indicated that Keifer should sit down, and he did so gratefully.

  It seemed a bit odd to Keifer that someone like Sir Thomas Randolph would come to this knighting ceremony. Keifer couldn’t recall that any of the other fellows had ties to the man.

  He fought the urge to squirm, knowing he didn’t have much time until he must saddle up and ride to the abbey. He and the other postulants would spend this night in prayer. Keifer had much to pray about and wondered if this meeting would add to his burdens or lighten them.

  “The king sends his congratulations, Keifer,” Randolph said.

  “I thank you for coming to deliver his greeting. Please tell the king that I am at his service.”

  “I am glad to hear that, because I come also to tell you the king wishes for you to accompany me to Paris for the treaty negotiations.”

  “Paris?” Keifer recovered from his surprise. “I shall be delighted.”

  “You will act as a guard for the delegation of the king’s advisors.”

  Paris! An important assignment as well as a chance to travel. He could barely conceal his excitement at the prospect. “When do we leave?”

  “I’m afraid the ship sails from Edinburgh in two days’ time.” Randolph gave him details as to when and where to meet the ship and directions to his house in Edinburgh, where he could spend the night before departure. “There will be no time to go to Innishewan.”

  Keifer was thrilled to be part of the venture, but now he simply must speak with Nola, wish her well with her marriage plans, before he left.

  “I wasn’t planning to go to Innishewan for some time. My holdings are not rich, and I am in need of cash. I had thought to compete in tournaments for a year or so to increase my wealth.”

  “I see. A wealthy wife could solve that problem for you. Shall I look to arrange one for you?”

  Keifer tread carefully, not wanting to anger such a powerful man.

  “You would do that?”

  “Aye. Robert needs you to defend your holdings, not tour Europe for funds.”

  “In truth, Sir, I do not plan to marry. I will formally name my nephew as my heir tomorrow.”

  The earl seemed taken aback. “I see. You appear to be serious about this.”

  Keifer had been serious until he saw Nola. Now he wasn’t sure of anything. Still he repeated, “I do not wish to marry.”

  “Think on it,” Sir Thomas urged again. “A wife is a great comfort to a man, even a knight.”

  “I will.”

  Keifer headed for the stables. He found a rope and caught his horse. When the beast was securely tied, he went looking for a brush to clean him up before saddling. He had much to think about and not much time.

  But all he was sure of at the moment was that he must talk to Nola and set things to rights between them. As he cleaned the horse’s coat, his mind wandered through conflicting images and emotions.

  Tomorrow he would become a man, and once more he would pass a milestone without his father there as witness. Despite his success, despite the pride he felt, Keifer longed for something that eluded him. His father’s words of congratulations, perhaps.

  Marriage was another of the milestones of a man’s life, and Keifer just couldn’t see himself in the role. More to the point, he couldn’t see himself as a father. To have a son of his own seemed like too great a responsibility.

  He stopped brushing and sat on a bench. A son. Perhaps a son of his own would fill this empty space inside. He’d never thought of that. He shook his head. Seeing Nola again had him more confused than he realized if he was considering siring a child.

  He stood to finish saddling up and became aware of someone behind him. Slowly he moved his hand to the dirk at his waist and turned around.

  “Will.” Keifer took his hand from the knife hilt and faced his boyhood acquaintance.

  “Keifer.” He jutted his chin toward the horse. “You are leaving?”

  “Aye. I’m to spend the night in preparation for the ceremony.”

  “Ah.”

  Was that triumph in the other man’s voice? Relief? Keifer turned back to the horse and began brushing it. Though he would like to settle this here and now, he dared not be late. “I’m sorry I can’t stay and talk. I must be at the abbey within the hour.”

  Will took a lead rope off its hook and absently flicked the end of it. “Have you spoken to Nola?”

  Keeping his voice neutral, Keifer said, “No, I haven’t had time.”

  Will nodded. “You heard what I said? About us marrying?”

  “I heard you say so, yes. I’ve yet to hear what Nola or her father have to say on the matter.”

  Will slapped the rope against the boards, making the horse spook.

  “She’s mine, Macnab. Stay away from her. You saw how she ran from you today. Leave her be.”

  Keifer calmed the horse before saying, “Leave her to you, you mean. Is the betrothal set, then?”

  “I haven’t asked her father yet.”

  Keifer’s betrayed heart lightened at the news. If Will hadn’t approached Adam, it must mean that Nola hadn’t said yes to him yet.

  All the more reason to hear what Nola had to say. “I won’t time to speak with her tonight, but I will seek her out after the ceremony.”

  “You want to marry her?”

  “I want to talk to her. You’re the one who’s bent on marriage.”

  “I am.”

  “I’ll chat with Nola, and if she’s willing—if she’s willing—you can take her back north and marry her.”

  Keifer finished saddling the horse. Brushing past Will, he led the animal out of the barn, mounted up, and rode away. He needed to prepare his heart for the vows he would say tomorrow. But all he could think of was Will’s confidence that Nola intended to marry him.

  Why did the thought leave Keifer bereft?

  ELEVEN

>   OWYN CAUGHT UP WITH KEIFER on the road to the abbey. He reined his horse to a halt in front of Keifer’s, and Keifer had to pull hard on the reins to prevent a collision.

  “We must talk!” Owyn shouted.

  Annoyed at yet another disruption of his day, Keifer said, “Talk then, but keep the horses moving. I’m late. Are you concerned about your part in tomorrow’s ceremony?”

  Owyn didn’t move his horse. “Nay. I met with my father this afternoon.”

  Keifer attempted to rein his horse around Owyn’s. “Your father is no concern of mine. Can’t this wait?”

  Owyn grabbed Keifer’s bridle. “Nay. It cannot. My father intends to kill ye.”

  A chill of premonition went down Keifer’s spine. Had he been wrong to trust his cousin? “He wants you to kill me? Why?”

  Owyn explained. “My father is angry with yer mother for remarrying. He will punish her with yer death.”

  Angus is angry at Mother? Keifer had thought all this settled in the years since Angus got out of prison. “Is my mother in danger?”

  “I don’t believe so.”

  “Does your father want the land and title back?”

  “He says not, but I’m not sure I believe him. But he is determined to take revenge on Aunt Eveleen for choosing yer da, for rebuffing him when he got out of prison, and for daring to choose another man again.”

  Keifer tried to understand. “But most of that was years ago.”

  They sat on their horses in the middle of the road. Keifer checked the sun and knew he didn’t have much time. He gathered his reins.

  “Wait!” Owyn’s expression looked pained. “Ye would turn yer back on impending danger?”

  “Danger? Forgive me, friend, but your da is a powerless, foolish old man.”

  Owyn shook his head. “ ’Tis clear ye don’t know how yer da died. Ye are in real danger.”

  Impatient, Keifer said, “My da fell from a horse.”

  “No. That’s what my da told everyone. But the truth . . . our cousin Duncan says our fathers argued. My da knocked yers to the ground, and Ian broke his neck in the fall.”