A wince came when he remembered being put upon the table and his back felt akin to being stabbed with a hundred daggers. His breath came harshly at that memory and he tried to calm by taking slower breaths. Wherever he was, it wasn’t in the chamber, and he noticed he lay upon a comfortable bed. The hideous warder was nowhere in sight.
He opened his eyes again and saw a woman standing next to him.
“James, be calm, lad, you’re safe.”
“Where am I?” He barely recognized his own voice as his throat was beyond parched.
“Emlyn brought you.”
James groaned as pain began to spread through his limbs. “Where is she?” he asked low, barely able to get the words out.
The woman leaned forward and set a cup against his mouth. “Drink slowly. Emlyn went to get us something to eat. She’ll return in a few minutes.”
“Who are you?” His voice returned, and he watched the woman, hesitant to trust her for he didn’t recognize her and she had yet to answer his questions. Several seconds went by and he wasn’t sure she would tell him.
“You do not remember me? I understand. It has been many a year since you saw me. Why the last time I saw you, you sat upon my knee. I’m your mother.” Her eyes grew shiny, and she set a cloth against her cheeks.
His chest hurt, and he wasn’t sure if it was from what she’d told him or if it was caused by his injuries. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember you.”
“I haven’t seen you since you were wee. I don’t expect that you would remember me.”
“Is Emlyn unharmed?” James tried to move, but his bounds kept him from doing so. “How did we get here?” He moaned at the horrible pain in his calf and desperately wanted to rub it.
“Aye, she’s well, but has worried for you. She hasn’t left your side except for a few hours when you first arrived. But I bade her to get rest. She rode for days trying to get you to safety. The Gunn sentry found you and brought you here.”
“Did she mention she was the reason we were in danger?” James firmed his lips, for he recalled none of which the woman spoke of. “How did she rescue me?”
“I deem she’ll want to speak of it. Now listen to me lad, you have injuries that require you to remain still. You mustn’t move.”
“Is that why I’m strapped down?”
“Aye, son, I had Joseph help set your arm and leg and they’re restrained now so you can begin to heal. I was afeared we’d have to remove your leg, but Emlyn forbade me from doing so. I am not certain we set it to right. You mustn’t move, promise me.”
“I won’t. You’re a healer?” James was astonished he’d been cared for so thoroughly.
“I am. I’ve been since before I wed your father. My own mother was a healer as well.”
“I’ve some of your skill,” he said, stunned by their conversation, for he’d had an affinity for healing and never knew why.
“I’m not surprised. You used to watch me tend people from when you were a bairn. Fy Hogyn hyfryd,” she said, and tried to hand him the cup. “You may drink a little more.”
“What say you? I want to know.”
She pressed the cup against his lips. “I bespoke the endearment I used to call you when you were wee. My lovely lad.”
James didn’t like being confined, but he realized he would have to remain still in order to heal. “My leg hurts.”
“Aye and it should. Do you wish for something for the pain? I’ve mixed herbs that will make you more comfortable, but ye shall sleep again.”
“Nay, not yet. I sorry, Mother.” James’ chest tightened, and he looked at her closely trying to see her as he had when he was young. But the years faded those memories, and he had no recollection of her.
“‘Twas no trouble.”
“Nay, I do thank you for your care. But I speak of something else. I am remorseful for not coming back to visit you. I was angry at Joseph and stayed away.”
“I know you were.” She patted his shoulder gently. “We shan’t speak of that. I would like you to rest.”
The door opened and Emlyn appeared. She set the trencher of food on a nearby table and walked slowly toward him. James took his time looking at her. She didn’t appear harmed. But he became conflicted.
“James, you’re finally awake.” She hastened to his side, her green eyes softening as she looked into his eyes. He saw the worry there.
A much as he was relieved she was well and unharmed, he wasn’t pleased by the danger she’d put them in. He needed time to consider his regard on the matter.
“Have you nothing to say to me?”
“I’m displeased. You risked our lives when I told ye to not to. Mostly I’m discerning why you would put yourself in such danger and travel that distance alone.”
Emlyn backed up and scowled at him. “What else was I supposed to do? Leave you to be killed in that perilous place? I had to get you out of there, James, and if you’re angry—”
“How did you escape Marshall? I heard the men speak his name and knew that’s where they were taking us. Tell me you did not kill him.” James moaned, knowing if she’d harmed the man an entire army could be breathing down their necks.
“I played coy. You remember how I dressed at my farewell celebration?” Emlyn leaned closer and set her hand on his chest. “I did so to please my mother for she always harped at me about how a princess should conduct herself.”
James grinned. “So you dressed as a princess and pretended to be coy?”
Her eyes shone with her devilry. “Oh aye, and you can imagine how disappointed Marshall was when he was met with a princess and not a warrior. My father mentioned that the only reason he’d wanted me was because of a traitor who told him of my feats.”
“And he let you go without any corollary?” James wanted to laugh, for his lass was a wily one and only she would be brave enough to trick the renowned knight.
“I didn’t give him time to do so. He had to leave for a meeting with the king and told me to make myself comfortable. I deem he meant I wasn’t to be held so I … I left. I found you and used deceit to get the guard to help me.”
He chuckled low. “It seems I owe you my life again. I am forever in debt to you, Emlyn. And what shall be my forfeit?”
“When you are better we shall discuss it.” Her smile turned sensuously teasing.
“I hate to break this up, but I’m sure James could do with some food.” His mother’s eyes shone with mirth. “Emlyn, I’m sure you can see to him.” She turned and left the cottage.
“I am ravenous.”
Emlyn started to hand-feed him, but he was wont to do it himself. He tried to pull his good arm free, alas he was unable to.
“Unbind me. I need to move.”
She frowned and knelt next to the bedding. “I cannot. You’ll move and undo all the tender care we’ve done.”
James flashed a grin. “Then you won’t mind scratching my balls? Because honestly, lass, I hate being bound more than anything.”
She laughed. “You are verily crude when you’re recovering. Very well, I shall unbind your one arm, but you must promise to remain still.” Emlyn unlatched the strap holding his arms in place.
James stretched his arms over his head. “My arm hurts nary as much as my leg. God if feels good to move. Hand me that cup.”
She did as he bade and refilled it before placing it in his hand. James chugged the contents hoping to abate his thirst.
“Emlyn, lovely, I am at a loss for words. You are a cunning woman, och I am still wrath you placed yourself in danger to save me.”
Her eyes lowered and she reached for his hand. “When I saw what they did to you, I couldn’t leave you there. And you saved me by trying to keep me from Marshall. I say we are even.” She reached for the trencher. “Open your mouth.”
James chuckled and took the spoon from her. “I can feed myself, lass, and if I weren’t in such a deplorable position, I’d have you sprawled on your back.”
“Promises. I shall rememb
er you said that. Now sate your hunger and you’ll feel better.” She held the bowl for him.
James made quick progress at finishing the stew and bread. His stomach hurt from eating so fast. He relaxed back and watched her as she moved about the cottage. His eyes became heavy and he was wont to close them.
But his father entered the cottage and stood next to his bed. Emlyn moved aside and pretended to clean up the chamber.
“Lad, your ma tells me you’re awake.”
James didn’t like being in the position he was in. He tried to shift himself so he could look his father in the eyes. When he had trouble, Joseph moved in. He unbound him completely and lifted him by the underarms to help him sit up.
“Don’t tell your ma I unbound ye. She’ll harp at me all eve. Just stay still. How do you feel?” Joseph poured a drink from a flask he held and offered it to him. “It’s a mite harsh, lad, a brew that will dull your pain more so than that watered-down ale or herbs your ma concocts.”
“Nay. The last time I was offered such a drink, I did something I’ve come to …” James closed his mouth for he wouldn’t insult Emlyn, especially given she stood closely and could hear everything he said. “Will ye give us a few minutes, Emlyn?”
She left without argument.
“Your woman explained things to me and I … I am proud of the man you’ve become, James. I understand why ye want to be a guardsman, especially when you’ve company such as her. She’s stunningly beautiful. I haven’t seen such a bonny lass in years, besides your mother, that is.”
James nodded, but remained silent. He wasn’t sure what she’d told him and decided he’d leave that between them. “My back hurts a wee bit and my leg, a lot of bit.”
“I’ll have your ma bring salve to put on your back. How’s your arm?” His father swigged the drink and took the chair next to the bed.
“My arm’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Just bruised, mayhap. I was going to come,” James said, the last in a rushed out breath.
“Emlyn told me as much. I believe ye. I’m gladdened because I didn’t want more time to pass between us without making amends. You will allow me to make amends?”
James nodded slowly. “I was angered and I … I do wish to know my family but I cannot break my vow to my laird. I promised to stand by him and protect his family. I do not take my duty lightly.”
“I expect not. I admire your fortitude.”
His father continued to sip the drink and James almost gave in and asked for some. For he could use a drink, something strong to dull the pain.
“I thought you wanted me to take over the farmstead.”
“I did, if ye wanted to. But your brothers can do well without you. I expect ye to come and see us from time to time.”
“I’ve brothers? Were you going to speak of them to me?”
Joseph guffawed. “Of course. I was waiting for you to come. I’ll bring them by later so you may meet them. The older is named Mikal after my brother and the younger is called Donal.”
“You named them after our laird and Laird Ross?” James was astounded by his father’s honorable gesture.
“Aye, they were my comrades and Laird Ross is still is my comrade.” His father set his flask down and leaned forward. “I’m ashamed of what I did, James, and I tried to make penance for it. I deem Mikal forgave me in the end. I admit my sin of greed. The lairdship was dangled before my nose and I did the worse thing imaginable.”
“Da, you don’t need to explain. Grey told me of Laird Mikal’s last words and you were encouraged to be vindictive. I would that the clan understands and will have Grey make sure they do.”
“I only cared what you thought, lad, and that is why I stayed away until that day I went to the keep to confront you. I didn’t know what you were told and alas some of it I am guilty of. But I digress …”
James nodded. “Aye, we should leave it in the past. As long as you understand I will keep my vow and will remain a guardsman.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
*****
A blanket of white carpeted the ground. His horse ran at him at break-neck speed and stopped before the wood fencing of the corral. James leaned against the beam and watched his steed. How he wished he could ride him again. But his horse looked aged and he knew his loyal steed would soon be gone. He couldn’t bring himself to put him to rest as he should and allowed him the past two months to live free of burden.
“Are you certain you want to leave him here?”
James turned at the approach of his father. “Aye. Let him live a docile life for he’s done his duty.”
“That’s commendable of you, lad. Spring is coming. It was a harsh winter. I long to see green fields again.”
He nodded. It had been a long winter, most of which he’d been confined to bed. James was filled with joy the day his mother and Emlyn allowed him out of it. He used the thick stick his father had carved for him to lean upon. His leg hadn’t healed and he needed assistance to walk. Although it pained him still, he forwent the desire to rest it as he should.
“Grey will be calling me back soon.”
“I suppose he will. I want ye to know that I’m glad you came and that we spent this time together.”
James retook his position by the fence and leaned on it. “There’s no need to explain. I shouldn’t have been so affronted when you came to the keep. You surprised me by risking your life, for many of the Gunns still hold ye in contempt.”
“Let me speak my peace. I did try to kill my own brother and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God I wasn’t successful. He was more a laird than I could’ve ever been. I knew that then and now. And so is his son. You respect him. If you did not, you would not be so loyal.”
“I do respect him. As much as I would return here, I have my duty and I cannot let Grey down.”
Emlyn came from his parent’s cottage. She held a bow in her hands and approached. Her stride intent, he wondered what she was about.
“Where do ye think you’re going?”
“I need to practice if I’m to master the bow. I can’t seem to get it right.” She marched toward the stable. “Your father set a target for me.”
He raised a brow at his father. “You encourage her.”
“Mayhap. I’m off to see what Alys is up to.” His father ambled away with a wide grin on his face.
James trailed after Emlyn and when he got to the stable, he saw the sack sitting on a block of wood afar. Emlyn set her bow and arrow, and she missed the target. He would’ve laughed, but she appeared to take the matter seriously, and he wouldn’t cause her affront. After watching her for five minutes, he grew impatient. “You’re doing it all wrong. Who taught you to shoot arrows?”
“My brother Griffen did. He is the best at it and taught me.”
“If he’s the best, your father’s archers must be …” James groaned, unable to say what he was really thinking. He approached her and stood behind her. His positioned his cheek next to hers. “Forget everything your brother bespoke.”
She turned and her lips were a scant away from his. James wanted to kiss her, but she turned back to face the target. “What do you know about arrows?”
He laughed. “I know a wee bit about it. Now keep your eyes ahead. Set your arrow and lift it until it is in line with your nose. Aye, now you need to lift your elbow.” He’d set his hands on her waist and turned her so she was standing sideways. He nudged her elbow with his hand. James moved closer, pressing his body against hers.
She turned again and leaned her head against his chest. “I fear I will never get the hang of this.”
“You will. Set again.”
Emlyn turned sideways, raised the bow until the arrow was in line with her nose. She raised her elbow and pulled back on the arrow. “Akin to this?”
“Aye, now use your sight to position the tip of the arrow with where you want it to strike. Keep still and pull the arrow back. Release it when you’re ready.”
Sh
e did as he instructed and released the arrow. It hit the sack and actually made it fall from its perch on the log.
“Good shot, lass.”
Emlyn turned in his arms and kissed him. It was the kind of kiss he’d wished for in the past few days, and he pulled her against him. James had spent much time considering his dilemma with her and the more he thought of it the more befuddled he became. But she damn well tormented him with her bonny body and sweet lips.
She pulled back and whispered, “I did it.”
“Aye. Just remember what I told ye and you’ll hit the target every time.”
“I will.”
His father approached and shouted. “James, come.” His held his hand above his eyes, shielding the glare from the snowy field and looked far off. “Someone comes.”
James turned and peered behind him. Upon the hillside he saw the riders advancing. Several only approached the farthest wall and one lone rider moved forward. As the man got closer he could tell who it was. “It is Gordy. He must have a message from Grey.”
When Gordy reached them, he continued to sit his horse. “James, I’ve a message for you.”
Emlyn stood next to him, smiling at the young soldier. “Gordy, how goes it?”
“Milady,” he said and bowed his head. “It goes as well as it can. Darned cold though. I’m happy spring is coming.”
“Aye, me as well.”
“Can we dispense with the pleasantries? Where’s the message?” James held out his hand. He would’ve laughed at the young soldier, but kept a serious demeanor.
“Apologies, James, I just can’t help looking at her. Ah, here’s the message.” Gordy handed the missive to him and bowed his head again.
“You can cease looking at her. You’ve your duty and have no time for such cosh.”
“Aye, you’re right. I’ll be off. Good day, all.” He kicked his horse’s haunches and trotted off to the awaiting sentry in the field.
James watched him retreat until he disappeared beyond the hill. He used the wood and leaned on it and hobbled toward the cottage. He sat upon the bedding and pulled the covering aside of the window casement to afford light. Emlyn came inside and sat next to him.
In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) Page 20