Once again she had turmoil inside her heart, the lady her mother raised with compassion battled with the warrior her brother had trained, no mercy.
In Broderick’s absence, both she and Kendrix would be in charge of the formal exile of Siobhan. She felt the clan’s eyes upon her as she stood next to Kendrix, god she missed Broderick. She missed the comfort of his arm, the nearness of his body and the security he wrapped her in. Kendrix was a mighty warrior indeed, but she wanted her husband home. She needed his strength right now, thinking of some of his last words to her, how he reminded her that she was The Warrior Queen, she stood a little taller and prepared herself for the exile.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Siobhan exit her hut, wrapped in winter furs, carrying her belongings neatly in a bag. Keeping her eyes on the vile woman, Elisabeth watched Siobhan like a hawk, she had no doubt the woman was capable of violence. With her weapons secured in place, Elisabeth watched the tall brunette slowly walk across the bailey in front of the entire clan as they scorned her.
With her head held high, Siobhan gracefully walked across the yard and made her way to the front of the castle stairs. Stopping directly in front of Kendrix and Elisabeth, Siobhan dropped her bag to the ground and looked up at them with hatred in her eyes.
Hundreds gathered closer to witness the event, in centuries no one had been exiled from the MacMillan lands. Today was a rare event, one that everyone would talk about and remember for the rest of their lives.
As the guard began to read the official decree of exile to Siobhan, the woman did not cry or beg forgiveness; she simply stared at Elisabeth with contempt and hatred. The cold winter breeze cut through the bailey, bringing a bitter chill to all those it touched.
Refusing to back down to Siobhan’s intimidation attempt, Elisabeth refused to look away. She stood tall beside Kendrix and met Siobhan’s gaze with her own venomous delivery. In her heart, Elisabeth knew that Siobhan was responsible for her poisoning, for the letters from Kincaid, and most assuredly abusing Isobel.
With the decree and banishment from these lands completed, Kendrix asked, “Have you anything to say Siobhan Murray?”
“Nae.” Siobhan’s voice chilly and crisp in the cold winter air.
“It is time for you to leave MacMillan lands Siobhan, you are never to return.” Kendrix ordered, pointing towards the horse waiting by the lowered gate. The crowd parted to allow Siobhan passage to the drawbridge.
Elisabeth watched carefully as Siobhan bent down to retrieve her bag and slowly straighten her shoulders before the vile woman spoke again. “I’ll be seeing you soon Elisabeth, very soon.” The words floated on a whisper so that only the few standing close enough could hear.
Gracefully smiling as she moved her fur to reveal her large broadsword attached to her hip Elisabeth replied in earnest, “Until then, Siobhan… until then.”
Siobhan gave her a malicious look as she turned on her booted foot and marched towards the gate. No one followed, only watched. Words of shame and scorn followed the exiled woman as she walked through the angry crowd. Soon enough the wicked woman was on her horse and over the lowered drawbridge, hundreds of eyes watched as she disappeared into the frozen forest.
Elisabeth jumped when Kendrix shouted for the drawbridge to be pulled up. Her nerves were shot. With her hand over her heart, she looked up at her new brother and shook her head. He was so like Broderick, yet so different.
“I will not be at drills today Kendrix, and if you could, either step in for me with the wee one’s training or cancel my session today, I need to lay down. I do not feel well Brother.” She spoke softly so only he could hear.
Beside her, she heard him sigh deeply, “You need to rest Elisabeth, don’t worry about drills or the archery lessons, I’ll see to them. Go upstairs old girl, today has been most taxing. I’ll send Isobel to collect you for dinner.”
Nodding, “Thank you.” She murmured as she walked back into the warm castle. Slowly she walked up to her solar, her hounds following closely behind her. She had noticed they had begun to hover closer to her side recently, more than normal. Maybe they too felt the stress she was feeling.
Patting their heads, she walked up the stone stairs to her solar, with Broderick gone, their bedroom seemed too empty without him. She had found herself avoiding the bedroom until it was time to sleep at night. She had grown to prefer her solar during the day. Arriving at her solar door, she swung it open and let the warmth of the room bring a smile to her face. Walking directly over to her chair by the fire, she slumped down into the cozy leather chair with a sigh. Her hounds settled in at her feet. Closing her eyes she sighed in pleasure as the heat radiated through her cold bones.
This morning had been bitter cold; she had begun to allow the hounds to sleep on the bed next to her in the evenings. She was so cold without Broderick sleeping next to her the large wolfhounds radiated heat allowing her more warmth through the bitter cold nights.
Pondering over the coming days, she knew soon enough Broderick would soon return, and together they would ride south to deliver sweet justice to Kincaid and his evil army. Over the weeks she worried over Broderick’s meeting with the king. She prayed the King blessed her marriage, and that Broderick would return home safely once again. She had not received any communication from her husband since he had left, that had worried her tremendously. In her heart she knew he was alive, praying that he had safe travels she shifted in her comfortable chair and let the warm fire warm her bones.
The warmth of the room intensified her drowsiness, pulling her feet under her dress, she tucked into the chair. Wrapping her warm sable tighter around her shoulders she rested her head on the side of the large chair and closed her eyes. She thought of Broderick, his face and his devastating smile. His god like body, and piercing green eyes that looked right to her very soul. She let their moments together calm her as she snuggled before the fire.
Awaking to a knock on her door, she stretched her toes out straight and opened her eyes quickly; she was in her bed in the solar room, not the chair she had curled up in earlier. Her sable fur was laid over her chair, and her boots had been removed off her feet. The fire was just a pile of orange coals, how had she gotten to bed?
The handle turned on the door as Elisabeth tried shaking the cobwebs from her head, looking over she saw Old Rhona waddling in with a welcoming smile.
“Morning lass, glad to see you awake, we was beginning to worry about ye!”
“Morning?” Elisabeth asked groggily as she yawned and rubbed her sleepy eyes.
Chuckling, Rhona shuffled across the room and tended to the fire as she continued, “When Isobel came to get you for dinner last night, ye was hard asleep my dear, Kendrix and I eventually moved you to the bed so you would be more comfortable.”
Rubbing her face Elisabeth sighed, she did feel better; maybe all she needed was sleep after all. Swinging down off the bed, she noticed her hounds were gone, “Where are Conn and Isla?”
“I sent them off with Isobel to run, are you hungry my dear?” Rhona asked as she turned around and walked over to Elisabeth’s wardrobe, pulling out a fresh gown.
With her stomach growling, she walked over to Rhona and let out a large yawn, “I am starving Rhona, I feel like I haven’t ate in days.”
“Lass, you didn’t eat at all yesterday, ye gunna waste away to bones if ye dinnae eat. Can’t have Laird Broderick upset with us for letting you waste away. Let’s get ye changed and go fill that empty stomach up, eh?”
“Aye, yesterday was so draining, I lost my appetite. I feel much better after sleeping so long, maybe t’was what I needed after all.” Shucking off her gown, she let Rhona help her into a fresh gown of beautiful ivory; a color Rhona always liked seeing her in. While Rhona laced up the back, Elisabeth slipped on her leather bracers and laced them tight. Picking up her leather belt, she fastened it to her slim waist and secured her weapons in their rightful place upon her left side as she did every morning.
“Sit do
wn lass, I’ll fix your hair right quick.” Rhona sweetly ordered, pointing back to the leather chair.
Elisabeth had grown so used to having Rhona fuss over her; she was like a grandmother to her now. Sighing with pleasure, she sat up straight and let the old woman fuss over her. Plus, she always loved her hair being played with; it reminded her of her own mother. Some of her earliest memories of her mother were sitting at her feet getting her hair plaited or put up into a crown.
The memory of her mother brought along with it the bitter agony of losing her mother so horrifically. Soon enough her mood shifted as she thought about Kincaid and his merciless massacre of her family and people. The horrific visions flooded her mind. Kincaid’s taunting letters and sadistic ramblings ran through her mind as she closed her eyes and let her vow reverberate through her once more. I will kill that bastard with my own hands.
Seeing Siobhan leave so easily yesterday morning told her a great deal. The young widow was not afraid to leave in the midst of a brutal winter, for a reason. Elisabeth had a long-standing suspicion that Siobhan was the connection with Kincaid. Elisabeth presumed that after she had married Broderick, Siobhan’s failed attempt at killing her prompted her into consorting with the enemy. One thing that was evident in Kincaid’s letters, he was given the information quickly. For a messenger to deliver a missive to his castle, it would take ten days to reach his outer most lands. Which meant, Kincaid was close. She knew he was not on MacMillan lands, they were patrolled daily. So, where was the soulless bastard?
“Elisabeth dear?”
Shaking her head she felt Rhona’s hands resting upon her shoulders, turning to look at the white haired elder, “I’m sorry Rhona, I was woolgathering.”
“Ye were grinding yer teeth lass, some woolgathering ye must have been doing.”
Sighing, Elisabeth stood up and left her black sable fur upon the chair, the castle felt warm, turning to Rhona, “Aye. Do ye have any of your special turnovers this fine morning Rhona? My belly could use a dozen of them,” smiling brightly at the woman who had taken such great care of her these past weeks, “and some of your lovely tea too.”
“Come lass, let us go feed that hungry belly of yours. I have some tarts cooling in the kitchens for you as we speak. I’m sure your hounds and Isobel will find you soon enough.”
Chapter 16
Elisabeth left the keep with Isobel in tow; they had broken their fast together in the warm cozy kitchen with Rhona this chilly morning. Elisabeth’s stomach felt much better after having a pot of Rhona’s special tea. Cramming as many sweet cakes as she could into her mouth, she was soon full and content. Rhona’s bakery items always left her feeling warm and happy. After missing yesterday’s drills she promised herself she would push through, drilling with the warriors was essential to staying her best.
Walking hand in hand with Isobel the cool fresh air felt wonderful in her lungs, the breeze felt like it washed away her sickness and drowsiness. Smiling down at the little blonde girl skipping beside her, she saw the men gathering in the bailey as they did every morning.
“Go take yer place Isobel by the stables, after I’m done we shall sneak off to train together,” pointing over to where Isobel had always stood while watching the army.
“Yes Aunt Elisabeth.”
Making sure she Isobel didn’t trip any of the gathering warriors on her way, Elisabeth watched the young lass skip across the bailey and stand in her position, far out of the way with her wooden sword.
Focusing her attention, she rolled her neck and prepared for the long day ahead of her. Pushing away her yawns and upset stomach, she spent the next several hours working side by side with the MacMillan warriors under Kendrix’s direction. She had never felt more confident in herself as a warrior, yes, her brother had taught her very well, but she had learned so much from the MacMillan clan. She had utilized the new techniques Broderick had shown her before his departure, with the combination of Duncan and Broderick’s lessons, she felt invincible. She had fully regained her strength she had lost after her brutal attack; her injury was healed and pained her very little anymore.
Making the most of the afternoon she breezed through private lessons with her adorable niece, sneaking off to the kitchens to fill their bellies before returning to the bailey for her group lesson with the rambunctious children.
Walking out the front castle door, Elisabeth noticed a small group of MacMillan mothers standing next to their wee ones in the training area. From the armory Kendrix appeared with a smile upon his face and hailed to her as she met the group in the bailey, his arms full of bows and quivers.
“Ah, Elisabeth, we have new students today! Our lovely ladies here would like to be taught by The Warrior Queen of Scotland as well, what say you?” He smiled, knowing full well she would happily teach them.
Smiling at the eleven women who stood in front of her, “I’d be honored. Welcome ladies, I am happy to see you here.”
A woman Elisabeth recognized as the wife of one of the warriors, and a mother of one of her students stepped forward, “Good afternoon My Lady, I hope you dinnae mind teaching us. Like our husbands and children, we too would like to learn to defend ourselves and learn from you.”
Elisabeth felt a wave of pure pride wash over her, before here was women her own age, mothers, wives, and they wanted her to teach them the bow. She knew they had been watching while they attended to their chores during the past weeks. She hadn’t even thought to ask the women of the clan if they’d like to join. In her heart, she felt that every woman should posses the basic skills in the event of an attack. No one should ever feel unprotected.
“Please, ladies, call me Elisabeth. Of course I’ll teach you, I’m sorry I dinnae think to ask you weeks ago,” turning to acknowledge Kendrix who was standing beside her now, “Take a bow from Kendrix and we shall get started!”
Elisabeth convinced Kendrix into taking over the children’s lesson today so she could personally work with the ladies, thankfully, he was more than happy to do so. A few of the fathers came out to help Kendrix corral all the wee ones while Elisabeth worked with the wives. It appeared their husbands were more than happy to see their wives taught by her, she was proud the men didn’t dissuade their spouses from learning how to defend themselves.
The afternoon flew by, and soon lessons for the children and the newly added ladies were complete. Elisabeth had gotten to know the ladies well in the time they spent together. She finally felt like she was able to make friends with these women, she laughed and enjoyed her time with them immensely today. Her time had been so demanding, she had very little time to mingle with the women of the clan during the day, making it hard to make friends. Laughing with the ladies this afternoon put a smile on her face; she forgot how nice it was to be around women of her own age. The women all promised to return tomorrow for their next lesson, Elisabeth allowed them all to take home their bows and quivers. She had never been more proud to share her knowledge as she was today. God had blessed her with a skill she could share to any who sought to learn.
Helping Kendrix put away the children’s bows in the armory she was humming a tune to herself when she heard him clear his throat, which meant he had something serious to talk about. She had known him long enough to know his mannerisms.
“We need to finalize our final plans today Elisabeth, the thaw draws near, as does Broderick’s return, we need to be ready to ride. He’ll expect our plans to be flawless; do you have time now to go over them before dinner?”
Feeling her stomach roll, she was used to Kendrix being lighthearted, but his tone told her all too well that within days they would be riding south to deliver sweet justice to that bastard Kincaid and his clan of perverse warriors.
Nodding, “Aye, we can go to Broderick’s study now if you’d like. I want everything to be ready for Broderick’s return. I miss that man far too much; I want him to be proud of our plans.” Turning to face Broderick’s brother, she bit the inside of her lip so she wouldn’t cry when she
said Broderick’s name. Damn her emotions were getting hard to control. She attempted to smile, even though she felt like crying.
Kendrix crossed his arms and sighed, “Elisabeth, I would imagine Broderick will always be proud of you, who wouldn’t? Come on Sister; let us finalize our plans for good, and maybe I’ll challenge you to a sword match upstairs if we have time before dinner. Today might be my lucky day, maybe I’ll win this time.”
He wasn’t blind; he could see the way her eyes welled up with tears at the very mention of Broderick’s name. He was sworn to protect his brother’s wife, over the past weeks he had seen immense changes in her that others might not notice. He had seen her battle with the absence of her husband, it was clear she missed Broderick terribly. Over the past weeks, he had observed changes in her, changes he was positive could only mean one thing, and he was sure she still didn’t know.
Yes, he needed to finalize the battle plans, but he had an ulterior motive for asking her up to Broderick’s private study.
“Brother, I know you take it easy on me when we duel, you cannot call it a challenge unless you stop holding back.” Elisabeth rolled her eyes as she exaggerated her words in jest.
“Come on Elisabeth, I’ll promise this time, I’ll give you everything I’ve got.”
The two walked silently up to the north tower, leaving the gate unlocked as normal while they occupied the space should the guards or Rhona need them. They had turned it into their command post for their battle plans. Maps and diagrams were on every table and space available, they had worked tirelessly on these detailed plans.
With nightfall and dinner hours away, the two sat down at the large table and hashed out the final details quickly, Kendrix and Elisbeth both were positive that their plans were indeed flawless. Everything was set; they only needed Broderick to return.
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