Elisabeth’s movement was so quick, no one saw it coming, especially Siobhan. As the last words came out of Siobhan’s ruby lips, Elisabeth pulled her dagger gracefully from her waist and in one motion sent it flying straight into the base of Siobhan’s throat.
Kincaid silently watched as Siobhan sunk to her knees gasping for air as she spurted blood from her neck. Her death did not come quickly.
Elisabeth had not come to play. Signaling Isobel to run to her side as Siobhan lay dying at her feet. Seeing the Douglas warriors draw their blades as Isobel ran over to her Elisabeth swung her bow up and strung an arrow in seconds, aiming it directly at Kincaid’s blackheart, stopping their advancement in one swift moment.
“Ah ah ah gentleman, move once more and your precious Laird dies right now!” Her vow rich with truth stopped each man in his tracks as Isobel ran to her side and hugged her waist. Elisabeth felt Isobel slowly pull her dirk from her belt she addressed Kincaid; she needed more time for her archers.
Broderick had never seen his wife in action until this very moment, the stories of her valor and dominance were grossly inaccurate, she was far superior to any of the tales. In one swift movement, she secured Isobel to her side, and took control of the situation with the regal command of a queen. She wore a royal green gown, draped in his kilt and sable, armed to the hilt with her weapons and bracers, even the gold circlet she wore upon her head added to the vision that was she. Beside him, his wolfhounds sat at his feet, a small glint caught his eye on the hounds. Looking down, he saw attached to their backs, hidden deep within their scraggly fur, was a shortsword. Elisabeth had attached a weapon on each hound and placed the dogs right at their feet.
“If you kill me now Elisabeth, you will die soon afterward my dear. I’m not sure if ye can count my love, but I’ve got you outnumbered.”
“Aye, but I can die knowing ye died at my hand Kincaid.” She spat.
The flame haired warrior eyed her with growing irritation, he was unaccustomed to not being in control, grasping the handles of the throne, he challenged, “Did you come to surrender Elisabeth, surely even ye do not believe you can take on my army alone?” Sitting back in his chair he grinned at her.
Lowering her bow, “I will never surrender to you Kincaid. I came to challenge you for their release!” She snapped, raising a brow as she spoke.
“A challenge, aye, I accept your challenge woman, name your terms.” Kincaid growled. His dirty hands clawed the handles of the throne.
“I challenge you or your best warrior to a battle of swords. If I win, I will take my family and leave, but allow you to live.” She bargained in a cool voice, the wind whipped across her face, behind her she could hear Broderick growling in discontent.
“When I, or my warrior wins?” Kincaid asked, leaning forward in his chair, he eyed her with his one good eye. The other marred by a vicious scar across his face, an injury Elisabeth had single handily dealt him years ago.
“Isobel is to be set free with Kendrix, Broderick and I are yours.” Enunciating every word with regal authority, she stood tall.
Kincaid smiled and stood up, looking behind her he called to Broderick, “Do you stand behind your woman’s word Broderick? Does the Laird of Clan MacMillan allow his woman to barter with his own life?”
Without turning around to see Broderick’s face, she heard his resounding immediate reply “Aye, I accept the terms of her challenge Kincaid, however, you will allow me to speak with her one last time, that is my only request.” He added in a chilling tone.
Keeping her eyes on Kincaid, hearing Broderick’s response sent her confidence soaring, he did not reject, he did not beg her to stop, he, without hesitation agreed.
“Agreed,” Kincaid mused as a grin crept upon his scared face, “seek counsel with yer wife Broderick, for soon enough she shall be mine.” Kincaid taunted, shouting for his best warrior, “bring forth Ivan, he shall be the arm that challenges and defeats The Warrior Queen!” Turning to look directly at Elisabeth, he sneered, “he had no issues laying yer brother Duncan low, I’m sure he’ll have no problems with a wee woman.”
“Watch your tongue Kincaid, I would hate to cut your other eye out like I did the first one,” she seethed, turning to face Broderick and Kendrix, the ice in her heart melted as soon as she looked upon her beloved husband. He stood straight and proud, tied to the large post, their eyes locked and her soul reached out to him as she slowly made her way to him, holding hands with little Isobel along the way.
Keeping her eyes on him, she stopped before him and squeezed Isobel’s trembling hand, the clouds shifted allowing the bright moon to illuminate the makeshift courtyard of the camp.
Sliding off her quiver, she quickly adjusted it, kneeling down beside Isobel she attached it to the lass as she spoke, “Remember what I taught you Isobel, I need you to focus and remember, stand between your Da and Uncle Broderick, I know you have my dirk, use it wisely my love.” Leaning forward she placed her hands upon Isobel’s cheeks and kissed her forehead, whispering, “I love you” as she stood back up and handed the small child her trusty bow.
Turning to Broderick, she knew her time was limited, taking a bracing breath she straighten herself to her full height and looked upon her seething husband.
“Do nae do this Elisabeth, ye sword arm is injured. If Duncan could not best him, you will surely fall, please my love, cut me loose, let me fight him. The man is a goliath, he is larger than me Lis, please…don’t do this.” He pleaded as he looked down at her.
“I will be okay, I am quicker and smarter than that giant, I have debt to repay him for taking Duncan from me.”
“Elisabeth Rosslyn MacMillan, do ye really believe Kincaid will let us live when you win?” He countered, quickly scanning the activity behind her back, the giant Ivan appeared from the shadows; he was one of the biggest men he had ever seen.
“I suspect Kincaid and his men will be dead within moments, it was never my intention to barter with him Broderick, I’m simply buying time for your men who are taking position in the woods around us. De ye think I would truly come alone? On my signal the warriors hidden around us will rain hell down upon these scum, see yourself and Kendrix keep Isobel safe.”
From beside her, she heard Kendrix, “I told you she had a plan Brother.”
Turning to smile quickly at Kendrix, “Indeed Brother I do.” Turning back to Broderick, she saw his jaw clench with anger as she began to whisper to him “Broderick, allow me to seek revenge for Duncan, and I shall let you kill Kincaid. Allow me this and I’ll hang up my sword after this night forever, for you.”
His eyes flashed with understanding, she was entrusting him to seek vengeance for her, her offer sounded like heaven to him, the only thing standing in the way was a giant of a man with arms like trees. His heart pounded as he calculated her plan, his heart and head argued. Besting Ivan the Beast would be an immensely hard challenge for him, let alone his slim and injured pregnant wife.
“Do not fail Elisabeth, I cannae live in a world without you. Slay the giant my love, and let us bring vengeance upon these maggots once and for all.”
Kincaid beckoned, “Enough Broderick, send forth your wife so my giant can cut her down in one slice, my men could use some entertainment for a change.”
“I love you Broderick Ian MacMillan, I will nae fail you.” Winking, she turned to face Kincaid and Ivan, now standing in the middle of the camp.
Behind her, she heard his last words to her before she walked forth to conquer the giant, “Remember who you are my love. You are the goddamn fucking Warrior Queen of Scotland, no mercy Elisabeth!”
Smirking, she faced Ivan as she slowly focused on him; unbuckling her sable she let it fall upon the snowy ground. Pulling her shortsword and broadsword from her belt she saw Kincaid sitting in his throne beside the dead body of Siobhan, smiling with anticipation.
Shutting out the others, Elisabeth walked forth with determination on her mind and vengeance in her heart, the man before her had t
aken her beloved brother from her, for that, he must die. Gripping her swords firmly in her hand, she prepared her mind for the battle ahead of her.
Large, with the strength of ten men, Ivan was a notorious warrior among the Highlands; he was a giant brute, all muscle and power. He towered over her by four heads, at least. Keeping her distance from him, she circled as he brandished his weapon and taunted her as if she were a mere child.
“Come on me wee one, I will make this fast so ye dinnae suffer like Duncan did.” He sneered as he bounded towards her.
Stepping easily out of the way of his blade and body, she hardly moved as she landed a blow across his rib as he passed her with one graceful slash of her shortsword. Turning to face him as he howled, she cocked her head and grinned as he touched his gash. Red blood dripped from his fingertips as he snapped his full attention back to her.
Around her she could hear the crowds murmurings, shutting out their voices she readied herself for his next assault, he was now angry and embarrassed, his next pass would be violent and calculated.
As suspected, he twirled his blade in his hand and spat at her feet as he circled once again, watching him intently she knew what was coming, hearing his battle cry she stood her ground as the giant rushed towards her, blow after blow her sword matched his, the force of his swings pushed her back time and time again. He was the strongest man she had ever fought in her life. Purely on defense she countered his powerful blows one at a time, seeing her chance, she once again delivered a blow, across his sword arm.
In one swift movement he reacted and knocked her short sword out of her hand as he landed a blow to her hand. A scream slipped past her lips as her leather glove was sliced through down to her hand; he had finally drawn blood from her.
Spinning around he didn’t take time to set up another attack, he pounced forward and swung a barrage of wild slices through the air as he ran at her, she could feel him taking control of the fight, her sword arm stung with each attack. She had never taken such an onslaught from a warrior such as this. He was a damn leviathan. Behind her she heard Kincaid laugh with delight. Ivan’s constant battering was making her weaker than she wanted to admit.
Regaining her footing after a vicious rebuttal by Ivan, she watched him grin as he dropped his second sword and tossed his broadsword in the air and twirled it, pointing it directly at her.
She had yet to hear the call she was waiting for, for the first time tonight she became worried she might not be able to last. Readying herself once again, she focused on the warrior as their swords clashed in the dark night, the sound of metal echoed off the mountain range. Ivan moved fast for such a large man, she had underestimated his speed, in horror, she watched as he spun around and swung with his broadsword with both hands, she simply could not match his strength. Her broadsword was ripped from her hands as he swung with his entire force, sending it flying far away.
Weaponless save a few hidden daggers in her skirt and boots, she circled as Ivan laughed, he turned to face the crowd, hearing them roar with support.
While Kincaid and Ivan cheered, she quickly signaled Isobel who was directly behind her, hoping to God the lass was watching, and steady.
***
Broderick watched his wife take blow after blow from the Douglas warrior, it ripped him apart to watch the vicious assault upon his pregnant wife, and now without any sword she stood defenseless against the giant. Straining against his ropes, he looked down at Isobel, “Isobel, cut me loose child, now!”
Without looking at him, she shook her head and pulled her Aunt’s bow over her shoulder and pulled an arrow from the quiver, “Not now Uncle, Aunt Elisabeth needs me.” Isobel whispered as she notched the arrow, focusing on Elisabeth and the giant.
Beside him, he heard his brother, “Broderick, shh, listen and watch,” nodding to Isobel who was aiming directly at Elisabeth.
No one was paying attention to them, or Isobel, all eyes were focused on the giant as he celebrated disarming the Warrior Queen.
Watching Elisabeth intently, he heard the call drift through the woods, the signal he knew she was waiting for; all she had to do was signal his men.
As Ivan turned around to taunt her, he sauntered forward. Elisabeth’s back was turned when he saw her signal Isobel behind her back. Broderick watched in slow motion as his niece responded to Elisabeth’s signal with the call of the hawk. The wee lass pulled back the string of Elisabeth’s bow and shot the arrow directly at his wife’s back just as Ivan descended upon her.
Isobel’s aim was true; Broderick watched in awe as Elisabeth in one smooth movement snatched the speeding arrow from the air just as Ivan raised his sword above her head. It happened so quickly, no one saw it coming, especially the giant. Using all her force, Elisabeth snatched the arrow and shoved it directly into Ivan’s chin towards his brain, dropping the giant to his knees in one swift movement. His weapons fell from his hands as he choked.
Before him, stood his wife, the giant kneeling before Elisabeth as she pulled the shortsword she had made him out of Ivan’s belt. Without hesitation, he heard her words, “This is for Duncan!” as she beheaded the choking Douglas warrior with one jerk of her sword. Spinning around, holding the sword she had made him, he locked eyes with his beloved. She was covered in blood and sweat, her gown torn and breathless.
Broderick had never been so scared in his life, the Douglas warriors and Kincaid stood motionless in complete shock before Kincaid screamed, “Kill all of them!”
Watching Elisabeth move like lightning, she gave the signal to unleash hell to the warriors hidden in the woods. She picked up her fallen swords as she ran directly to him, a sea of arrows blocked out the night sky as closed in on him. Sliding in next to him, she quickly took the dirk from Isobel, cutting them loose as the Douglas warriors fell victim to MacMillan archers. In the cold distance, the hail of the MacMillan battle cry sounded, hundreds of warriors stormed out of the frozen forest shadows and waged war on the Douglas warriors.
Lost in the middle, Kendrix quickly grabbed the short sword from Conn’s back and put Isobel directly between the two great wolfhounds.
Broderick did the same, except he pulled his wife against him quickly and claimed her mouth in a passionate kiss as war raged around them; time had stopped when their lips touched, “You damn near killed me making me watch that Elisabeth, Jesu.”
“Your swords my love.” Bestowing him with his shortsword she beheaded Ivan with, the sword she made for him for their wedding day, still covered in the giant’s blood and his broadsword she had recovered. He squeezed her one last time before stretching his sore arms, being tied to the large post had taken its toll on his muscles. Standing together, Kendrix, Broderick and Elisabeth surrounded Isobel and the hounds as they watched MacMillan warriors easily combat their enemies.
From across the camp, he caught eyes with Kincaid who was arming himself and walking towards them. Broderick quickly looked down at his wife and kissed her forehead, “I love you Elisabeth Rosslyn, watch my back love, I have someone to kill.” He growled as he turned and walked towards the Douglas Laird who was now waiting for him where Ivan’s body lay.
Around them the battle ensued, swords clashed into the night as the MacMillan warriors stampeded into camp and waged war upon the outnumbered Douglas men.
***
Bloody and injured from fighting with the giant, Elisabeth watched Broderick twirl his broadsword, followed by shortsword. Rolling his neck he made his way towards Kincaid, slashing down Douglas warriors along his way.
Reaching down, she took her bow and quiver from Isobel, all while keeping an eye on her intimidating husband. Tucking Isobel between Conn and Isla, Kendrix protected their back against attack. Eyeing the battlefield she scanned the chaos until she saw her husband once again.
Standing in the center of the storm she began to systematically exterminate Douglas warriors with her bow, pulling back arrow after arrow she showed no mercy as she struck down warrior after warrior, in her sights s
he kept an eye on Broderick as she would not hesitate to put an arrow into Kincaid if need be.
***
Across the battlefield, Broderick reached Kincaid. The one eyed laird sneered as he gripped his hilt. Shutting out the war that surrounded him, Broderick focused on his goal-to rip this man’s heart out for the pain he caused his beloved Elisabeth. For her he would kill this man. This man had murdered innocent babes, women and children all over Scotland. He was a heartless tyrant; one Broderick could not wait to kill.
Pointing his sword at Kincaid, Broderick grinned as he saw the red-haired Laird take in the scene around him, “Time to die Kincaid.”
“Ye think I fear you Broderick? I dinnae fear ye or your bloody bitch wife? I dinnae fear death, it is my home!” Kincaid bellowed in arrogance, gripping his swords with his arms outstretched.
“Then to hell you shall return!”
***
Across the field Elisabeth watched Broderick and Kincaid, locked in an epic battle of swords. Both equally matched in height and weight, it was obvious who the better swordsman was. Broderick exerted little energy as Kincaid wildly slashed his blades towards Broderick. Like he was swatting flies Broderick easily blocked each of Kincaid’s lunges as if he was practicing with a child. Laying blow after blow on Kincaid, Broderick was easily handling the arrogant bastard.
Behind her, Kendrix easily kept Douglas warriors away from his daughter as Elisabeth picked off warriors with her skilled shooting, bodies lay bleeding into the white snow as the moon shone upon them under the shadowy mountain.
Beside her she heard Conn growl, turning a moment too late, Elisabeth screamed in agony as a arrow pierced her on her right side, directly into her rib, effectively dropping her to her knees.
***
Hearing her scream pierce the night sky, Broderick turned around to see Elisabeth fall on her knees, a long arrow protruding out of her side. Locking eyes with her across the battlefield he watched her pull the arrow out and scream his name, behind him he felt Kincaid move.
Branded By a Warrior Page 27