by Kara Griffin
“Why is she unresponsive?”
“I gave her a tonic that helps to ward off pain. She should awaken soon for it only lasts a wee bit of time.”
His voice grew thick with emotion. “Her leg, hand … her bonnie face. My poor sweet lass.”
Kerrigan moved her lips and Gwenol stepped back. “I shall get her broth. Once she takes it, I will give her more tonic to ease her.”
“Nay, she wouldn’t want that. Kerrigan is strong. Let her wake fully.”
Gwenol wanted to dispute his claim for the injuries were serious. She’d known full-grown men who would welcome the relief of the medicinals and surely the lass would as well. She was about to speak her assertion, but then she heard Kerrigan’s voice.
“Graeme.”
Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT
His voice was like a bonfire, calling her toward the heat and warmed her heart. Kerrigan wanted to weep with joy. She opened her eyes and saw his handsome face. Tears escaped the edges of her eyes. He touched her gently; his fingers shook and lightly grazed her neck.
“You are hurt. Don’t try to move.” He took a cup from the woman who stood beside him.
“Drink, lass, for it will help your throat.”
Kerrigan took the cup from Graeme and set it against her lips. She let the liquid trickle over her tongue. It tasted sweet and moistened the dryness.
“’Tis but steeped honey and herbs,” the lady said when Graeme gave her an odd look.
“How did you find me?” She moved her hand and clasped his. That’s when she realized her other hand pained her.
“James. He found you here and brought me.”
“Why do you wear such a scowl, husband?”
He leaned forward and set a gentle kiss on her lips. “I thought I lost ye.”
“I thought so, too.”
“Do you need a remedy for the pain?” the lady asked.
“Kerrigan, this is Mistress Gwenol, James’ healer. She’s taken care of you.”
She looked at the woman and recalled her face. The woman was older with long graying hair. Her face was winsome with nary a wrinkle to show her age. She was slight and wore a grayed-fabric shawl about her shoulders.
“I do hurt, but nay, I don’t want anything. I am pleased to see you, husband. I must look a mess for I remember falling into the river.”
“You never looked more beautiful.” Graeme sat next to her. He lifted her hand and set it delicately on his thigh. “Gwenol, you may want to tell Kerrigan of her injuries.”
She closed her eyes and briefly remembered running through the woods and then slipping. “I don’t want to know. Graeme, when I fled the king’s envoy, they were attacked. You should tell James for he’ll want to know. He should warn King Robert.”
“They ken, lass, that the king’s family was captured.”
Another tear trickled over her cheek. “Marjorie, the king’s daughter was such a kindly lass. Is she well, unharmed? Do you know of their wellbeing?”
Graeme shook his head. “They didn’t fare well, but his daughter was sent to a nunnery. At least she is safe and will be protected.”
“King Robert must be distraught.”
“Aye, he must be. How did you escape?” Graeme turned to watch the healer as she left the bedside and stood near her tables.
Kerrigan took a sip of the mead and tried to smile, but her face felt tight. “I told James I would make my way back to you even if that meant I was in exile as you are. And so I made my plan …” She told him what happened. “… and I floated in the water like an angel does in the sky. I thought I died for I felt at peace. My last thought was of you and that I knew a great love like Annag said of Finley.”
He pressed his hand under her jaw and gazed at her with a look she’d never seen of him. “I was in complete anguish after James took you. I wanted to die, to end my torment. I love ye, Kerrigan. Can you forgive me?”
She reached up to touch his face. “Forgive you for what?”
“For allowing him to take you.”
“Can you help me to sit up?”
He shifted her by taking her under her arms and moved her to a semi-sitting position. The cover fell from her leg and revealed the board flanking her. Her leg turned a purplish color and swelled. She gasped when she saw it, but then realized Graeme stared at her. Hastily she covered herself.
“Graeme, I went with him but only because he threatened to kill you. If I didn’t I couldn’t bear that.”
“He told me what happened and why he did it.”
“You cannot be angry with James.”
“The hell I can’t.”
“Verily you cannot, but you know he tried to protect you and your friends. I am tired. I wish to close my eyes but I fear this is a dream and you won’t be here when I awaken.”
“I promise ye, my love, I will not move from this spot. Rest.”
Kerrigan sighed and her eyes grew heavy. She closed them and hoped with all her heart he hadn’t spoken a falsehood.
*****
Throughout the rest of winter, they stayed at Gwenol’s cottage. Graeme’s comrades, along with James and his followers made camp near the river and often came by. Kerrigan cherished the evenings with Brodin, Heath, and Liam, all tried their best to lift her spirits and keep her company.
Graeme was strangely quiet and kept his own counsel about her recovery. The only thing he insisted on was that she not partake the tonic to relieve her pain. Gwenol was likely the most talented healer she’d ever met. Even Annag was not as skilled with herbs as she. To appease Graeme, she declined the healer’s medicinals and bore the pain.
After weeks of being bedridden, she was finally bid to leave her bed. Her leg healed a great deal, and she was able to put weight on it. Her other injuries healed much sooner, and she felt much like her old self.
Kerrigan sat upon the rock by the river and watched Merlin fetch a stick Jay threw. The air warmed and finally spring approached. Soon they would depart for home. As much as she was grateful to Gwenol for her care, she longed to return to the cave and Annag. She worried for her old friend and wanted to see her again.
Graeme and his comrades rode out to meet with James for word reached them that James and his band of men attacked his keep and burned it to the ground. She was as concerned for James as Graeme was and gladdened he went to check on him. Graeme mentioned he would let James know their plans, but he’d as much told her naught.
Kerrigan suspected Graeme wanted to return to the caves, too. They’d used most of the coins they’d made in service to others and would soon need to hire themselves out. She turned when she heard a rider approached and saw Graeme. How handsome he looked. His hair grew longer and the whiskers on his face curled slightly. He looked invincible and fearsome.
“Are ye ready to depart?” He walked forward and threw a rock, skipping it over the water. She noticed his expression which appeared more displeased than she would’ve thought.
“Are ye unhappy at the thought of returning home? For I long to get back to the caves.”
He said nothing but peered at the water.
“Something is wrong. You’re beset with worry, husband.” She walked to stand beside him. But he stopped her and held up his hand.
“Sit, we will rest here.”
“I need no rest, Graeme. My leg doesn’t bother me much. What troubles me is what you’re not telling me.”
He visibly sighed.
“Graeme, please, you worry me.” Kerrigan retook her seat upon the rock and waited for him to join her.
He sat next to her and took her hand. “Why did you not tell me Moray betrothed ye?”
She placed her hand on his bicep, smoothing it in a consoled gesture. “Is this the cause of your troubled face? I wed ye with a free heart, Graeme. Moray never told me who he betrothed me to and never met him. I loved him not.”
“I am glad to hear that, lass.” He stopped her hand from moving over his arm. “Which is why I must leave you.”
“Why
do you speak such nonsense? You cannot leave me. You’re my husband and I love you.” Her eyes watered and she resisted the tears, but her chest felt heavy as though her heart sank like a rock.
“Kerrigan, love, it’s why I must send you away. I am beholden to the king and I must do my duty to him. I cannot do so and see to your protection as well. It’s a dangerous task I have before me and I won’t endanger you further. You mean too much to me. You have suffered enough.”
She stood and walked a few steps away, stopping a tree that flanked the river. She was certain he crushed her heart for her throat constricted and she couldn’t breathe. “You cannot send me away,” she drawled, and hastened to him. Kerrigan knelt and leaned on his thigh. “I cannot be without you. I will not allow you to send me away.”
“Brodin, Heath, and Liam will await me on the road. I will take you to my clan. They will keep you safe until I am free of my service.”
Tears escaped her eyes, even though she willed herself to remain composed. “Please, Graeme, I beg ye to reconsider. I don’t want to go to your clan. I don’t want to be without you. Remember what we promised each other under the stars? I meant every word.”
“As did I. But I cannot stand to have ye hurt again.”
She moved forward, between his legs and set her hands on his shoulders. “I shan’t ever behold you again. Something dreadful will happen to you, and you shan’t see your bairn.” Kerrigan couldn’t hold back her sob. Her heart shattered. All she’d went through and endured was for naught. She couldn’t cease weeping.
“Don’t cry, love, for I cannot stand to see you upset. I am as melancholy about this as you. The last thing I want is to be away from you.” He held her face in his hands and smeared her fallen tears with the pads of his thumbs.
“I wish to be with Annag for she’ll help me to deliver the babe.”
His arms tightened around her. “You mean you truly expect a bairn and soon?”
She nodded, but lowered her head. He tilted her face back, her dampened cheeks heated. “In a few months.” With her hands, she pressed the material of her overdress against her body and revealed the bump beneath.
“How, when … Why didn’t you tell me?” his voice grew incredulous.
“I suppose it happened on our journey to the Cameron land or perhaps on the return. I didn’t tell you sooner because with my injuries I wasn’t certain it would hold.”
He touched his head to hers.
“Mistress Gwenol says I’m well and my confinement in bed likely aided me whilst I healed. She says the bairn grows and there doesn’t appear to be any problems.”
“I am fearful, Kerrigan, for I never want to be parted from you and now … I only wish you safe.” He growled under his breath. “I am torn.”
“I am only safe when I’m with you. Please don’t take me to your clan’s land and leave me there. Take me home to the cave, to Annag, to our family.”
“I must return to the area for it’s the best location for us to do our duty and being close to the village aids us. I want your promise, wife.”
“What promise? Anything.”
“That you won’t ever scare me like this again.” He held her arms tightly.
“I promise. Now can we go home?”
Graeme kissed her longingly. When he pulled back, he smiled, and she knew he’d give in. “That is an empty promise, lass.”
How much she’d missed his touch. He still hadn’t come to her, but she knew he was concerned while she healed. “I will do everything I can to keep myself safe, Graeme. You have my word.”
“I should’ve known you would get your way. It was stupid of me to suggest you go to my clan. Och ye understand, do you not? It was my fault James took you for he wanted me and my comrades safe. What if it happens again?”
Kerrigan grinned. “Wives do have a way about getting what they want. It won’t happen again, Graeme. The king will deem I was taken with his family. ‘Tis doubtful he’ll search for me again. I shall be safe with you, your friends, and Annag.”
“Were your tears true, wife?”
“Of course they were. If I cannot be with you, I would despair. I never want to be parted from you, Graeme.” She hugged him close. “Come, let us leave, for I wish to get this journey over.”
“Will you be well enough to travel?”
She nodded and took his hand, leading him back to the cottage.
They said farewell to Gwenol and Jay. Graeme hugged the healer and after he gazed at the woman with affection. “I will send a gift for my thanks. For there are not enough riches to repay you for saving Kerrigan, tending her, and all you have done.”
Gwenol dipped her head. “I am pleased, Laird Cameron, to have known you and your wife. I am more pleased she is well and thrives. Fare well.”
Kerrigan was melancholy at leaving Gwenol for she had indeed saved her. She had the kindest heart of anyone she’d ever met. It made her feel good knowing there were such people akin to Gwenol in the land. She waved at her and Jay and smiled at their kindness.
Graeme helped her upon his horse and they rode swiftly and caught up to his comrades. They hadn’t gotten far and were only a few miles along the road.
“Mistress, I’m happy to see you.” Brodin handed her the medallion he’d made for her. “This is yours. I meant to return it, but forgot.”
Liam chuckled. “Well damn, Heath, you won the wager. Here,” he said and tossed a coin to him.
She smiled at the men, happy to be with them. “What pray tell was this wager?” They’d often spoken of the coin and she thought to ask about it.
“I ken Graeme would give in and bring ye home. Heath thought he wouldn’t balk for he was adamant about his decision,” Liam said.
“’Twas not easy to sway him. I assure you. Are you ever going to tell me of the coin and why you wager it?”
Brodin chortled. “Mayhap, milady, one day we will tell you the tale.”
“But not this day?” she asked and pouted when each shook their heads.
“Let us onward.” Graeme motioned for Heath and Liam to take the lead.
He rode next to Brodin. “James said he would come and give us news once he meets with the king. Edward’s been quiet. Perhaps he’s too busy warring with France to tarry with us.”
Graeme gave a firm nod, but didn’t comment on Brodin’s conjecture.
The men spoke little on their journey home. Graeme told her they were being vigilant and watched for foes. Most of the rests were taken by streams and once they stopped at an inn to procure foodstuff.
Kerrigan had forgotten how difficult it was to travel by horse. They rode for nearly three days before they reached the land where the caves were located. The hills took her breath away for there was no place more beautiful, at least to her. The caves were her home and where her heart longed to be.
Graeme stopped his horse by the first hillock. “I never thought I would be happy to view this land again, but I must say I am.”
“We should have a grand welcome home feast to celebrate.”
When they reached the second hillock, Kerrigan thought Gilroy would attend them, but he didn’t appear. She hoped he was in the cave with Annag for she’d missed the lad as well.
Graeme helped her from the horse. She rubbed her leg because it ached from holding it still during the ride.
“Shall I carry you?”
“I love being in your arms, but nay, I can walk.”
He took her hand and led her inside.
Annag sat in a chair by the fire. She looked to slumber. Kerrigan approached and set a hand on her arm. The old woman gasped and pulled a dagger from her sleeve. When she saw it was she, Annag dropped the weapon.
“Oh, Mistress!” she cried, weeping for several minutes before she gained control of her emotions. “I never expected to see ye again. I thought that devil would harm ye, but ye look glowing and as bonnie as ever.”
“Are you well?” She gazed into the woman’s eyes and saw fear, but now that they were
back, she hoped to assure her they wouldn’t leave her again.
“Aye, I am well, but I worried for ye. You were gone so long. How I missed your bonnie face.” She continued to hold her and didn’t seem to want to release her.
“I am sorry we worried you, Annag. But we are home for good, at least for a time.” Kerrigan kept her held in her embrace.
Graeme’s comrades bounded into the cave. They each took turns greeting Annag who beamed with delight at their return.
She sniffled. “You are all like sons to me and I am so gladdened to have ye home.”
“Where’s Gilroy?” Graeme asked.
“’Tis the strangest thing. I sent him to the village a fortnight past, but the lad never returned. I hope nothing dreadful happened to him.”
“Fear not, Mistress. We shall find him,” Graeme said.
“Come, you all must be hungry from your travels. I shall fix a fine supper and you shall tell me all that happened whilst ye were away.”
Kerrigan spotted Heath who sat upon the bench. He tied and untied strings from his boot. She sat next to him, curious to know why. “What are you doing?”
Liam nudged her. “He’s always counting those strings. He hasn’t told us why.”
“Do you have any string, milady? I need to replace two frayed ones?” Heath asked.
She dug into her satchel and pulled a long piece of wool that unwound from her tartan. “Will this do?”
“Aye, it’s perfect.”
“Will you tell me what the strings are for?”
“’Tis a secret, milady, something I keep betwixt God and myself.” Heath grinned as if the secret were wicked.
She smiled at him. “Very well. We all have our secrets.”
“Aye, we certainly do,” he said and winked at her.
Graeme leaned forward and tried to hit him, but Heath moved too quickly.
Kerrigan laughed and pulled Graeme’s attention back. She settled against him and merrily gazed at her family. When Moray died, she thought she’d been left alone. But now she realized she was blessed and had a family of her own. They were indeed hers at least until their service ended. Then a sad thought came, and she realized they would all return to their clans once the king no longer needed their protection. It mattered not, they would forever be her family.