Highland Covenant

by Scott, B. J.

  Franc offered a sheepish grin. “You could say that. She is dressing as we speak.”

  Lazarus exhaled sharply, then thumped Franc on the back. “Excellent. I must say that I was concerned after she fled the hall in a rage. I wondered about the future of your relationship, and hoped you could set things to right. But given the way she bolted out of here last night, I am surprised she agreed to speak to you.”

  “I had my doubts that she would forgive me as well,” Franc admitted. “I did a fair bit of groveling, but she is worth it.”

  Lazarus lifted a brow. “Something tells me you did more than talk, and grovel. I am pleased to hear you both came to your senses. I knew this was meant to be.”

  “Am I interrupting anything of importance?” Giselle asked as she glided into the hall, smiling.

  The smug grin on Lazarus’s face broadened. “Not at all, lass. Judging by the glow in your cheeks, and the twinkle in my friend’s eye—” He elbowed Franc, then continued, “The two of you appear to have patched things up, and a wedding may in fact be in your future.”

  Franc encircled her waist and tugged her against his side. “Once we have broken our fast, we can prepare to leave for Fraser Castle.”

  “From what I just overheard, I must assume you have decided to turn down my offer of a position here at Rosslyn Castle.” Laird Sinclair entered the hall with his wife on his arm.

  After releasing Giselle, Franc faced Sinclair. “Oui. I do appreciate your generous offer, but Giselle and I are to wed once we reach Fraser Castle. I hope you understand.”

  Sinclair remained silent until his wife nudged him and frowned. “After giving it some more thought, I realized that even though your services would be greatly appreciated, what I asked is not fair,” he announced. “You have already honored your Templar vows, so I therefore release you from service, and wish you a long and happy life together.”

  Lady Sinclair smiled at Giselle, then clasped her hand. “I am pleased that the two of you will be wed, but hope you know what you are getting yourself into.” She looked up at her husband and clucked her tongue. “Being married to a former Templar isna an easy thing. It requires a great deal of patience, and some days, it can be a real challenge.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Men can be stubborn, but if they refuse to listen to reason, withholding your favors works wonders.”

  “Thank you for the advice, Lady Sinclair. I will keep it in mind, but I love Franc and am sure we will manage fine.”

  Sinclair grunted, then cupped his wife’s elbow and nodded toward the dais. “I see that Lady Giselle’s wee lad is already eating, mayhap we should join him.”

  Relieved to learn that Laird Sinclair understood and accepted his decision to leave, Franc clasped Giselle’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “He is right, it is time we ate. I am sure you are famished after last night,” he rasped in her ear, then ushered her to the dais.

  Following a hearty meal, and after saying goodbye to Laird and Lady Sinclair, they exited the castle and entered the bailey.

  Hugh strode toward them with several knights following closely on his heels. “It is a shame my father couldna convince you to remain at Rosslyn Castle and to join us. We really could use good men like you.”

  “He tried to convince me to stay,” Franc replied. “But my mind was already made up. I have honored my commitments, and plan to dedicate my life to making Giselle and Jean happy.” He took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

  “We missed you at the morning meal, Hugh, and feared we might not get to say goodbye.” Giselle stepped forward, rested her hand on his forearm, then stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you again for coming to our rescue and seeing us safely to Rosslyn Castle.”

  “You are most welcome, m’lady.” Hugh bowed then pointed at three destriers and a small palfrey. “My mother told me you were departing, so I took the liberty of readying the mounts you rode in on, in addition to a couple more. They should get you to Beauly with no difficulty.”

  “And I took the liberty of sending a missive home, informing Connor of our return, along with the need to start preparations for a wedding,” Lazarus announced.

  “I do not want them to go to any trouble on our account,” Giselle said.

  “My wife, sister, and sisters-by-marriage will be thrilled to plan your wedding,” Lazarus said. “I just hope they let you have a say in what you want too. Once they start on an idea, it is hard to stop them,” he said with a chuckle.

  “I have no doubt it will be lovely and am most grateful.” Giselle glanced down at Jean. “Are you ready for our next adventure?”

  Jean nodded. “Aye. But why are there so many horses?” he asked Hugh.

  Hugh lifted the boy, then placed him on the back of the palfrey. “You have a long journey ahead of you, and it will be much more comfortable if everyone has their own horse. There are separate mounts for Franc, Lazarus, and your mam,” he replied. “And I thought it was time a brave knight like you had a steed of his own. Her name is Mystic.”

  Jean’s eyes widened. “This is my verra own horse?”

  “Aye.” Hugh nodded, then handed the boy a wooden sword—the hilt adorned with a carved Templar cross. “And every knight needs a sword.”

  “I lost the one my da made for me.” Jean raised the toy blade and wielded the sword in the air, then peered at Hugh. “Where did you get this one?”

  “My da made it for me when I was about your age,” Hugh replied. “I dinna have a son, and I could think of no lad I would rather see have it, than you, Sir Jean.” He bowed, then stepped away and faced Franc.

  “That was most generous of you.” Franc grasped Hugh’s wrist and gave it a shake.

  “Oui,” Giselle said. “My son will never forget you or your kindness.”

  Hugh bowed. “I willna forget him either. God’s speed on your journey, and I hope you live a long and happy life.”

  After lifting Giselle into her saddle, and tethering Jean’s palfrey to his own, Franc swiftly mounted.

  Lazarus climbed atop his destrier and asked, “Are you ready to go?”

  Hugh summoned his men, then faced Franc. “If you dinna mind the company, we planned to ride along with you, making sure you get safely to Inverness. From there is it but a short journey to Beauly.”

  “We would be most grateful,” Franc said. While the threat of Bateau and his men no longer existed, that did not mean there were no other dangers along the way.

  Laird Sinclair appeared at the top of the stairs with four goblets and a jug of whisky. “Deoch an doris,” he exclaimed then trotted down the steps toward them.

  Puzzled, Franc shot a glance at Lazarus. “I do not understand.”

  “It is Gaelic for one last dram for the door,” Lazarus explained.

  “Aye. It has long been a Highland tradition for a host to offer his guests a wee dram of whisky once they are mounted and ready to depart on a long journey.” Laird Sinclair filled the cups and handed one to each of them, before raising his own in the air. “Sláinte Mhath, and may the Almighty guide your way and keep you safe.”

  “A fine custom.” After downing his drink, Franc handed the goblet back to Sinclair. “Thank you again for everything. We are eternally in your debt.”

  “You are most welcome, but I ask one thing,” Sinclair said.

  “What might that be?” Franc asked.

  “That in addition to loving and cherishing Giselle and her son, you continue to be the fine, honorable man that you are today.” He rested his hand on the neck of Franc’s horse. “Always follow your heart, lad.”

  “I will do my best, Laird Sinclair.” Franc gazed at Giselle and smiled. “As for promising to love and cherish my family, that is a vow I can make wholeheartedly, and a promise I fully intend to keep, m’lord.”

  “I will be ther
e to see he does,” Lazarus added. “Best we be on our way. We have a long journey and a wedding to plan.”

  Laird Sinclair lifted his hand and waved. “Should you have a change of heart, know that there is always a place for you here.”

  “I will keep it in mind, m’lord.” Franc clasped Giselle’s hand, then leaned over and kissed her. “Are you ready to start our new life as a family?”

  Giselle nodded. “Aye, let us go to our new home.”

  Epilogue

  Franc and Lazarus were in the middle of a training session with the Fraser warriors when Connor strode across the lists in their direction. “Impressive,” he said as he watched the men currently engaged in a mock melee.”

  “Aye, they are catching on fast,” Lazarus said. “Afore long, we will have them fighting like Templar knights, ready to take on and defeat any foe who dares threaten us.”

  “Keep up the excellent work.” Connor slapped his brother on the back, then addressed Franc. “When you finish up here, Giselle would like you to return to the croft.”

  “Is something amiss?” Franc found it impossible to mask the tremor of concern in his voice. “Is it Jean?” It wasn’t like her to summon him in the middle of the day without a good reason, so he assumed something was wrong.

  “Calm down. I am sure there is no need to fash. When Fallon and Cailin returned from visiting her this morn, my wife asked me to relay the message. She said it wasna urgent, but that Giselle did wish to speak to you when you had the chance.”

  “Go now if you wish,” Lazarus suggested. “I can oversee things here on my own, and I see no point in you brooding over what might be. Na when you can simply go and find out.”

  “I will return as soon as I have spoken to Giselle.” Anxious to find out what she wanted, Franc dashed across the bailey toward the croft he shared with his new wife and son. Upon his arrival, he threw open the door and hurried inside. “Connor said you needed to see me. Is something amiss?” he asked, then doubled over at the waist gasping for air.

  “Everything is fine.” Giselle moved to his side, then rested her hand on his back. “There was no need for you to rush home.”

  Franc straightened and frowned. “Then why did you summon me in the middle of the day? You knew that Lazarus and I planned to share battle tactics with the men and have them practice their mounted lance work, using the Quintain.”

  She looked puzzled. “The what? I am afraid I am not familiar with some of the weaponry used by the warriors in battle.”

  He laughed. “The quintain is a target on a pole. It swivels out of the way when struck and it helps to hone a knight’s skill with a lance.” He clutched her shoulders, holding her at arm’s length. “But you dinna summon me home to learn about training methods.”

  “No, I did not.” A wistful smile tugged at her lips. “I had a visit from Cailin and Fallon today.”

  “And you wanted me to know you had visitors?” He released her and scratched his head.

  “Not just visitors. They came for a reason,” she said. “I have not felt like myself for a fortnight or more, so asked Fallon to come.”

  “You said nothing about feeling ill? Why did you not tell me?” he asked, concern resonating in his voice.

  She cupped her belly and smiled. “Because I wanted to be sure before I told you we were going to have a babe in the spring.”

  Francs jaw slackened. “You are with child?”

  She nodded. “I was almost certain, but Fallon confirmed it today. I hope you are pleased.”

  “Elated.” Franc lifted her, then spun her around in a circle, before realizing it might not be wise. He gently set her down. “I am sorry. Lifting you like that in your condition was foolish.”

  “I am with child, Francois, not made of fine porcelain.” She giggled. “However, if things go like they did with Jean, it willna be long before I am as big as a sow and you will not be able to pick me up or find me desirable.”

  “You need not worry, ma chéri, je ťadore, and will always find you appealing. Especially when you are round with my babe.” He gently cupped her belly, smiling. “When can we expect our son or daughter?”

  “In about six months. I suspect I conceived on the journey to Rosslyn Castle or the night we spent there,” she replied. “But it does not matter when. Only that I am thrilled to be carrying your child.”

  Franc curled his arm around her waist and drew her against his chest. “You are not alone in your joy. I could not be happier.” He dipped his head and captured her lips.

  “Mama, Beau knows how to sit when I tell him to. Laird Connor’s son Keenan showed me how to teach him.” Jean burst through the door with a lanky deerhound puppy nipping at his heels. “Do you want to see?” He halted and peered up at Franc. “I dinna know you were home too. I can show you both.” He faced the animal and held his hand over the pup’s head. “Sit.”

  The pup sat on command, then cocked his head to one side as if waiting for another order from his wee master.

  “That was wonderful, Jean,” Giselle said.

  “Magnifique!” Franc exclaimed, then squatted beside his son and patted the dog on the head. “He is a clever pup, but your mam and I have something to tell you. Something we hope you find as exciting as Beau’s new trick.”

  Jean looked at his mother then at Franc. “What?”

  “We are going to have a babe in the spring, and you will be a big brother,” Franc announced.

  Jean beamed up at his mother and jumped up and down. “I am excited. I got a puppy and now I am getting a baby brother.”

  Giselle laughed, then replied, “We are having a babe, but will not know until it arrives if it is a boy or girl. We will all have to wait and see.”

  “If it is a girl will I still be a big brother?” Jean asked.

  “Of course, and I have no doubt that you will make a fine one too,” Franc said, then rose and looped his arm around Giselle’s shoulder.

  A broad smile crossed Jean’s lips. “A sister is fine too, and I will share my puppy with her.” He looked at his pet, then scampered toward the door. “Come on, Beau, we need to go tell Keenan and the others about the babe who is coming to live with us,” he said, then scooted out of the croft.

  “He is very happy here,” Giselle said to Franc, then snuggled against his chest.

  “As am I,” he replied and kissed the top of her head. “Three months ago, I never dreamed I could trade my life as a Templar on the run for one of bliss and joy. You made that possible.” He turned her in his arms to face him. “I thank the Almighty every day for reuniting us. And now we have another reason to celebrate our love and life together. I hope you have no regrets.”

  “None. I could not have imagined a more perfect life. And right now, only one thing would make me even happier,” she said, smiling.

  “What might that be, mon amour?”

  She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear.

  A wolfish grin crossed his lips as he scooped her into his arms and carried her toward their bed. “Your wish is my command.”

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