“What if I become with child before we go south?” She asked, her voice trembling.
“Then I deliver your revenge, I am an extension of you now Elisabeth. If you carry the next Laird of MacMillan in your belly, I will ride with the warriors to swiftly deliver revenge on your behalf”
Closing her eyes, she knew he was right, but it still hurt.
“Elisabeth, if your parents were here, and your brother, what would they say? Would they tell you that you must risk your life, and the life of a wee babe in your stomach should you be pregnant? Or would they tell you that your life and the life of your babe are far more important than if you are present when Kincaid dies?”
Although his words were not harsh, they were blunt, and honest. He had a damn good point, and she knew it. Her family would always want her to pick life, to not live in the past and embrace the future. She could almost hear Duncan’s very words when Broderick spoke.
“They would tell me to chose life, always life.”
“Aye they would lass, we do not know what the future holds for us, and we cannot predict the future. You may very well not be with child in a few short months, and you will ride at my side, where you belong. If by chance you do become with child before we descend upon Kincaid’s lands, you will ride in my heart when I go south.”
Chapter 12
The following week went quickly for Elisabeth, mornings were filled with drills and sword work in the bailey, and afternoons were spent with Isobel and her new bow. The evenings were filled with overseeing the castle, as was her new role. After dinner she and Broderick usually escaped to the north tower so he could work with her personally in the privacy of his study.
Since she had opened up to him, their relationship had grown immensely. Each night after they bathed together, they made love until their bodies collapsed in sated joy. Her heart had settled with the knowledge that if she indeed did become with child before they waged war, her husband would deliver swift justice to Kincaid and his men on her behalf. Although, it was not a perfect solution, she had made peace with it. Broderick had been right, her parents and brother would want her safe, they would want her to have a family, and they would not want her putting life on hold in order to seek vengeance.
Besides the few rude experiences with Siobhan, life was becoming a beautiful reality for her. She had made many new friends with women her age over the week, she had saw the warriors snap to attention when she walked past. Broderick never hovered while they drilled; he allowed her space and respect. Many times this week she could she him smile when she bested his men, one after another. There was no one who could best her arrows, not even Broderick. She had taken great pride in proving herself to her husband and his men, even though none had asked for her to do so. She felt she needed them to see her skill first hand; it had certainly helped quickly gain the warriors respect.
Broderick had taken her on frequent rides as weather permitted through the week, when time allowed. They had found a harmonious balance between being husband and wife, Laird and Warrior Queen.
Her afternoon sessions with Isobel were a delight; soon enough several other children had joined the sessions asking to be taught. With their parent’s permission she went from teaching Isobel, to teaching children age five to twelve. Before she knew it she had amassed a group of vivacious children all wanting to learn. It had been frustrating, humorous, and rewarding all at the same time. Soon enough Kendrix and Broderick came to help herd all the children while Elisabeth taught. The three held afternoon sessions for the MacMillan Clan children together in the bailey now on a daily basis. Seeing Isobel’s feelings hurt at having to share her aunt, Elisabeth promised Isobel an hour of private lessons behind the stables.
Over the weeks as she spent time with the children, and Isobel, the thought of having children didn’t make her panic. She knew she would be a mother soon enough, the thought of carrying Broderick’s children made her glow with excitement. She knew he would be a wonderful father, the thought of seeing Broderick holding their bairn made her heart burst with happiness. Her hatred and vengeance never disappeared, but she knew she could not hold onto it forever. Soon enough Kincaid would be dealt with, and after that she had a life full of Broderick and their future children to look forward to.
Elisabeth’s favorite part of the day was her private lesson with Isobel; little Isobel was a natural, just like she had been as a child. The bow Broderick had made for Isobel was a perfect fit. It hadn’t taken Isobel long to excel under her tutelage.
Earlier this morning Elisabeth had flown through the drills with the MacMillan warriors as usual. Afterward, the family had met in the kitchen where Rhona had prepared another hearty meal to get them through the cold winter day. While eating together, Broderick had been called to the front gate; an urgent messenger had arrived and required his immediate attention. He excused himself and left Kendrix, Elisabeth and Isobel in the kitchen with Rhona as he saw to his duty.
By the time they had finished their meal, Broderick still had not returned to the cozy kitchen. Silently Elisabeth wondered what had taken her husband away for so long, it was very unlike him. She had assumed he would return after he gathered the message from his guards.
Walking hand in hand with Isobel to the stables, she prayed everything was okay. Focusing on the lesson at hand, she was excited to teach Isobel’s lesson today, she was going to teach her a very dangerous shot, yet very important. Rounding the stables, they walked over to their training area that was always vacant and quiet, perfect for teaching her little niece in private.
“Isobel, I want to show you something my brother taught me at a very early age, much like you. For such a wee lass, you have amazing skill my love, I am very proud of you! Come sit next to me, I want to tell you the story so you understand why this is important to learn,” nodding to the wooden bench, she sat down and watched Isobel scramble up next to her.
Smiling down at the blonde angel, she told the story just like Duncan had, “Years ago there was a mighty hunter who found himself out of arrows in the midst of a formidable enemy, far behind him his loyal squire stood with one lone arrow in his quiver. They had trained many years; the shot was perfected over time. The squire raised his bow and gave the call of a hawk, alerting the hunter. The trusty squire pulled back his string sending the arrow flying towards the hunters back. As the enemy came down in his final blow, the hunter spun around and snatched the soaring arrow out of the air and slayed the enemy in one swift motion!”
“I cannae slay a beast Aunt!” Isobel looked concerned.
Chuckling at her, Elisabeth explained, “Nae my love, I do not want you to slay the beast, I want you to be able to shoot an arrow towards me so I may slay the beast!” Elisabeth watched as Isobel shook her head and furrowed her brows.
“What if I hurt you?”
“I will teach you Isobel, there is no rush to learn this my pet, I learned with my brother slowly before we mastered it. We use blunted arrows without tips to prevent injury, you have incredible accuracy with your targets love, it will nae take you long to learn.” Standing up, Elisabeth grabbed Isobel’s hand and pulled her onto her feet, “Come on, let me show you.” She smiled warmly at the young lass, giving her confidence in her reassurance of her extraordinary skills.
Elisabeth walked over to the targets and lifted one up resting it upon another creating a target as tall as a human. Pointing to her shoulder height, “Aim here Isobel, the shot isn’t powerful as the person has to catch the arrow in flight, concentrate on your speed and aim, block out everything around you. I had a few arrows blunted just for this exercise.” Walking back over to Isobel, Elisabeth pulled several blunted arrows from her quiver and handed them to Isobel as she looked down to instruct her.
Pulling out her own arrow, Elisabeth showed Isobel exactly what she wanted her to do, “Exhale before you let your string go, take aim and shoot.” Standing before Isobel, she notched her arrow and pulled her string back. “As the shooter must be true to aim, o
ne must have complete faith in the person standing yonder my love, the shot will only work if the two trust each other, there is no room for error when in battle.” Exhaling Elisabeth looked down the line at the target and released her string sending the arrow directly to the spot she wanted Isobel to aim for. It landed directly in the middle of the target with a thick thud.
“Your turn Isobel, do not rush, controlled movements my dear, ye shall do just splendid.” Stepping out of the way, she motioned for her niece to stand where she had been. Watching her prodigy get into her stance and pull an arrow from her small quiver. She observed with a watchful eye as Isobel did just as requested. Graceful, slow movements she notched her arrow and took aim. Releasing her string, Isobel’s arrow hit a few hands lower than Elisabeth’s arrow.
Behind them, they heard clapping, followed by Broderick’s deep voice. “Well done Isobel! Your lovely Aunt Elisabeth is a fine teacher I see, your technique is outstanding for your age my dear!”
***
He had been watching them from behind the stables for a while now; he had come in search of Elisabeth. He needed to talk to her. He couldn’t resist watching in secret as his radiant wife taught his niece, the sight was endearing to him. He was far enough away he couldn’t hear their words, but he could spot a lesson being taught.
Seeing Isobel turn at the sound of his voice, he opened his arms and knelt down as was normal, awaiting her to run into his arms for a hug.
“Uncle Broderick!” She smiled, running towards him with her arms open.
Catching the lass as she crashed into his chest, he chuckled as he picked her up and walked her back over to her teacher.
“Aunt Elisabeth is teaching me something her brother taught her, one day I’ll be able to shoot an arrow at her and have her catch it! Do you think that is possible Uncle Broderick?”
Looking over at Elisabeth and then back to Isobel, “Aye my dear, it tis possible indeed. Duncan Drummond and myself perfected it years ago, I’m sure he taught your Aunt Elisabeth exactly how to execute the move, would you like to see?”
“Oh yes! Can you show me?” Isobel pleaded, clapping her hands as he sat her back down.
“Elisabeth, would you do the honor of shooting at me so our sweet little niece knows it can indeed be done?”
***
In all the time she had been at Broderick’s castle, never once had he asked her to prove herself, to test her skills on him, or demonstrate her mastery of anything. Shooting an arrow at her husband made her nervous, not that she would miss her shot, but that he might falter and miss the catch. She had always practiced with Duncan since she was a child. She had never attempted this trick with anyone else.
Shaking off the worry, she refused to let Isobel see her concern, “Aye, please walk down by the target.” She motioned for her husband with a flourished hand. Pulling a blunted arrow from her quiver, she notched her bow as Broderick took his position at the end of the stable.
“Use a normal arrow Elisabeth.”
“Nae!” Her reply immediate and stern, she locked eyes with Broderick and saw him simply smile warmly at her.
“Elisabeth, I trust you, use a normal arrow my love. Aim at my chest.” He countered with growing amusement as he winked at her.
Watching him set his feet, he stood at the end of the stable facing her and Isobel, his eyes were focused on her as she dropped the blunted arrow at her feet and reached back into her quiver to draw an arrow.
Blocking out the world around her, she notched her arrow and brought the bow up, pulling back her string past her ear she exhaled as she took aim at Broderick’s broad chest. Seeing him nod, she released the string, sending the arrow soaring towards his unprotected chest. Like lightning, he snatched the arrow out of the air and smiled devilishly back at her in his triumph.
Beside her Isobel squealed in delight as she ran down to join her victorious uncle.
Throwing her bow over her shoulder, she allowed her heart to clam down as she slung the bow diagonal across her breast. Looking up she saw Broderick and Isobel walking back to her.
“Great shot Elisabeth, Duncan taught you well!”
“Thank you,” she whispered looking into her husband’s eyes. Turning her gaze back to the delighted child, “see, it can be done my pet.” She smiled down at Isobel who was glowing with excitement.
Clearing his throat Broderick explained why he had come to find them, “Isobel, your Da was looking for you, he is in the keep. Run along and find him dear, I need to talk to your Aunt for a little bit.”
As Isobel did as requested, Broderick entwined his fingers with her as they watched Isobel skip towards the keep. The rare winter sun peeked out of the clouds, the snow covered castle glittered in the sunlight. Squeezing her hand, he tugged her towards the castle. “Come with me Elisabeth, we need to talk. Lets go to the north tower.”
Walking together, the couple crossed the bailey and entered the keep, turning down the north corridor; they walked in silence as they moved up the spiral stairs to the Laird’s room.
Elisabeth could tell something was wrong, she could sense it in his posture, in his silence. Something was very wrong. Choosing to remain silent as they walked into his vast room, she waited for him to speak first; it didn’t take long for him to get to the point. Safely behind the closed doors of his tower room, he quickly explained what had happened.
“The messenger was from the King Richard, I’m being summoned to Inverness, he is not pleased and requested me to come with all due hast.” He stood in the middle of the room and crossed his arms. The worry in his face was evident.
“But it will take you weeks to travel there and back, in this weather it would be treacherous!” Her heart slammed into her chest, this could not be happening.
“Aye, he cares not for the weather, only answers. Answers he wants in person apparently, I will have to leave immediately.”
“I will go with you.” She stated.
“Nae Elisabeth, I want you to remain here, safe behind these walls. I will be leaving Kendrix behind as well.”
Shocked, she knew there had to be more to the story, he never traveled without his brother. “Why?” She knew she only had to ask, he wouldn’t lie to her.
“Kincaid lodged a formal complaint to the king over our marriage, stating he was betrothed to you. King Richard is irritated we did not gain his approval before marrying. He is demanding us to both appear before him to explain, I refuse to allow you to be taken from me, thus the reason why I want you to stay here. I want Kendrix to stay behind with you in the event that Kincaid attacks in my absence.”
“If he is demanding us both to go, I should go.” She did not want to displease the already agitated king.
“I forbid it Elisabeth. He could declare our marriage invalid and hand you over to Kincaid; I will not take that chance. The King of England is moody and volatile, with you safe behind these walls he cannae take you from me.”
She could hear the conviction and passion in her husband’s voice. “He could take you from me Broderick, did you think of that? He could have you executed for disobeying him, we know he’s had men killed for far less!”
Closing the distance between them, Broderick wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her close, she knew of the irrational behavior of the king, the stories were horrifying.
“He needs me Elisabeth, I am far more valuable to him alive, trust me. He will yell at me for not formally requesting your hand. Yes, he will be irritated you are not with me, but he will nae kill me lass. Kincaid has been a thorn in his side for years, he’s only entertaining Kincaid’s appeal out of obligation his anger has been pricked because he’s had to become involved. In the grand scheme of events, the King of England has no time for trivial matters such as Highland Laird’s marriages.”
“How long do you think it will take?” She knew King Richard would be concerned with her marriage, the reason why she could not divulge to her husband at this time. She knew he had to go, and he had good re
ason to leave her behind. She could not argue his logic.
“Less than a month, given the weather doesn’t slow us down,” rubbing her back he added, “When I return, we will prepare to descend on Kincaid and repay him for every life he took. Take this time while I am gone prepare, ready our warriors with Kendrix. While I’m gone, I will count on you two to draw up our battle strategy and prepare the men for war, once I return from my meeting with the King, we will go south.”
Closing her eyes she knew he was right, the King needed him, she knew first hand how much the Richard hated Kincaid. Staying back at Castle MacMillan would keep her from having to face the King of England, it also meant she wouldn’t see her husband for a very long time. The ride to Inverness was long and daunting and the weather had yet to break.
“When will you leave? How many men will you take? Have you talked to Kendrix yet?” She had so many questions.
“I spoke with him before I came to find you, he is not pleased I’m leaving him behind, but he understands. I plan to leave at first light tomorrow morning, I’ll take ten men with me.”
His voice was calming and reassuring as he held her, she felt something in the pit of her stomach that made her uneasy about the summons, “Are ye sure it was a true summons? That this wasn’t a ploy to separate you away from your warriors?”
“Aye, it was a royal messenger who had delivered the letter personally into my hand, I have seen him before. The letter was sealed with the King Richard’s signet ring, there is no mistake Elisabeth. However, we would be fools to think that Kincaid will not be notified of my departure from the castle. He is well informed by someone here, Kendrix and you will have to stay alert at all times. I have asked Kendrix to become your shadow, I know you do not need protection, but while I’m away I will not be able to focus not knowing if you are okay. Until we have found the enemy in our midst, you are to trust only Kendrix and Rhona with vital information. I will give you the key to this room while I’m away, use it as yours, no one will dare bother you up here, not even Kendrix.”
Branded By a Warrior Page 19