A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6)

by Hildie McQueen

  A quirk to her lips, she rolled her eyes and he smiled. A warmth seeped through her and she was sure her cheeks had turned bright pink. Catriona looked away and pulled the curtains closed so she and Lady Fraser could rest.

  When they came to a stop, Catriona was grateful. She and Lady Fraser, escorted by two Fraser guards, went away from the others to relieve themselves. It was a bit uncomfortable to do so with the guards so close, but Catriona understood the need to keep the laird’s wife safe.

  Upon returning to the carriage, many of the men were walking about, stretching their backs and legs. Ewan remained astride his horse. He and a group of men, including Broden, were grouped and talking.

  When she and Lady Fraser returned to the carriage, Broden and another man came to them.

  It was Broden who spoke. “Lady Fraser, we will ride until sunset to ensure we are away from Mackenzie lands before setting up camp.”

  At the mention of being on Mackenzie lands, a tremble traveled up Catriona’s spine. Immediately, she was on high alert, searching the area for any movement or sound.

  Broden must have realized his mistake because he moved closer to her. “We are not on their lands...”

  “We should go,” Catriona managed to say past the chattering of her teeth. She stumbled sideways and Broden reached for her. Immediately, she slapped his hands away and began walking backward.

  “Catriona.” Ewan’s voice sounded behind her. “Was yer pillow comfortable?”

  She turned to look at him, sure that her eyes were wide. “What?” The tunics, of course. She’d enjoyed using them. The thought that they belonged to him seemed to help her nerves.

  “Oh...yes. It was.” Studying him, she recalled it was his first time riding for so long since the injury. “How do ye feel?”

  His wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “A bit sore,” he answered, walking her to the carriage door. “I will be ready to rest when we reach the place we will camp.” His gaze met hers. “Mayhap ye can join me in walking about then. I will need to stretch out my back and legs.”

  The woods that surrounded them seemed to close in. She looked to Ewan, meeting his gaze, and everything settled within her. “Very well. I may need it myself.”

  He opened the door to the carriage, and she turned to Broden who watched them.

  Broden took a careful step toward her. “I apologize for not thinking before speaking.”

  “It is not yer fault,” Catriona said. “Thank ye.”

  She waited for Lady Fraser to be assisted in and then allowed Ewan to take her elbow and assist her to do the same.

  Once settled on the bench, she let out a long sigh. “It was not as bad as it could have been.”

  Lady Fraser nodded. “It is fortunate that Ewan is here. He seems to know exactly what to do or say to ye.”

  Catriona considered what Lady Fraser was saying. “I suppose ye are correct. He does have a way of calming me.”

  “Can I guess it is because ye have feelings for him?”

  It was useless to deny it to herself or anyone. “I do care for him. It is not fair.”

  “What do ye mean?”

  “To him or to me,” Catriona said, her breath catching. “It is doubtful that I could ever allow a man to touch me in an intimate manner.”

  “Bah!” Lady Fraser exclaimed. “I will venture to guess that ye have kissed him. Am I wrong in that ye have been held by him?”

  At once, her face became so heated that she covered her cheeks with both hands.

  “I am right!” Lady Fraser shouted. “I knew it.”

  “Ye should lower yer voice,” Catriona said at noting men on both sides of the carriage were leaning down to peer at them.

  Lady Fraser waved them away with a wide grin. “If ye have already allowed the handsome man those liberties, it will not be hard to let yerself go. Live, sweet girl. The years fly by and before ye know it, ye will be old and crying for the wonderful things ye allowed to pass by.”

  Considering the woman’s words, Catriona sat back and closed her eyes. With her right hand, she reached for the bundle of tunics and pulled them against her leg. She did care for Ewan a great deal and wished for nothing more than to be in his presence constantly. The reason she was traveling, despite her horrible fear, was him.

  When she opened her eyes, the sun was setting. As darkness fell, dread rose. All her self-talk about not being afraid left to be replaced with doubts and a terrifying foreboding. What had she done?

  Too soon, they came to a second stop. Broden came to the door and instructed them to remain in the carriage until everything was set up for them.

  Lady Fraser sighed. “It is much too dark to see what I’m doing,” she complained. “Where did I put...?”

  Moments later, the interior of the carriage was lighted by a candlestick Lady Fraser held. “There, that’s better. Now, we will only need something to sleep on. Once the tent is set, we can undress and get our travel dresses aired out.”

  Lady Fraser’s companion, an older woman named Gilda, had opted to ride with her husband, who drove the wagon with the foodstuffs. Now she neared and grinned at them. “I am sure ye are ready to walk about and then sleep.”

  Catriona looked out into the dark forest. “I am not sure I can sleep out there. I should probably stay in the carriage.” The lower the sun fell, the darker the forest became.

  “Nonsense,” Lady Fraser said. “No one will be here with the carriage. The horses will be unhitched and given a place to rest. We will be a few yards away.”

  Outside, a tent had been erected, a fire started, and people milled about. Not too much later, a second bonfire came to life, illuminating the area so that it was easy to see.

  “I suppose it does look safe enough,” Catriona said, not moving.

  Lady Fraser rapped on the door to tell whoever was outside she wished to go out. “Our tent is in the center. We will be thoroughly protected.”

  Catriona was pleasantly surprised that upon exiting the carriage, the surroundings did not intimidate her. Instead, it was as Lady Fraser said. It felt safe.

  Chapter Eight

  “How do ye feel?” Ewan had come to fetch her, asking if she’d like to walk a bit. He’d invited both her and Lady Fraser, but the older woman refused saying she’d rather remain in the tent and walk in it.

  “The tent is much too small for her to get any proper walking done,” Catriona said as they walked a short distance to a nearby creek.

  “I do not believe she plans to walk in there,” Ewan replied. “Lady Fraser will probably go see about her companion and oversee preparations for the meal.”

  Catriona stopped and turned to Ewan. “I should go help her.”

  “Ye can, after we walk a bit,” Ewan prompted. He gave her a sad look and she finally relented.

  “Very well, but only for a bit.” The shadows grew larger and she shivered. “I could never travel alone. It is so dark out here.”

  “Not so much when the moon is full,” Ewan said, pointing up at the half-moon. “Even now, there is enough light to see.” He guided her in a circle around the camp, ensuring they remained close enough that Catriona could see the fires.

  She had so many questions and yet, in his presence, her thoughts evaded. All she could think about was what Lady Fraser had stated. That it was possible she’d allow herself to love and be loved by Ewan.

  “Ye’re quiet this night,” Ewan said. “How was the first day of travel?”

  “Better than I expected. I have never traveled so far. I cannot believe it. To be so far from home.”

  Ewan bent and picked up a small stick and threw it. “I suppose it can feel strange. From my home on the Isle of Uist to Ross lands, it took me ten days.” He picked up a second stick and threw it. “I was taking my time, not sure of what my reception would be.”

  “Why did ye leave Uist?”

  His face hardened for a moment, but then he relaxed. “I am fourth-born son. A future of farming or guarding my father’s keep wa
s all that I could hope for.”

  “So ye left hoping for more?” Catriona sensed there was more to the story. “Is that not what ye do now? Guard?”

  “Aye, a bit, on a much larger scale. I have a group of men under my command. I have the power to make decisions that impact important things. Not just what pig to slaughter for the next meal.”

  Catriona remained silent for a moment, not sure whether to ask another question about his decision. She looked up at him. “One day, perhaps ye will tell me why ye took it upon yerself to carry out revenge against the men who attacked me. I hope that ye explain it to me, because I do not understand.”

  “I have told ye. Because it had to be done. For too long and too often, men have mistreated women. There is no reason for it to happen. I do not stand for it.”

  Catriona was shocked at his anger. “It is true. I know others who’ve been mistreated, beaten and taken by force. I doubt it will ever change.”

  “It should not be allowed.”

  When she placed her hand on his arm, Ewan stopped walking and turned to her, questions in his gaze.

  “I often wonder if yer vengeance has anything to do with me.” Catriona kept her voice calm. “It worries me that ye could have died because of it.”

  His lips curved, the smile unconvincing. “Ye should not worry so much. My reasons are nothing that ye should concern yerself with. All is fine. We should go and see about the meal.”

  Despite wanting to continue talking, Catriona was very hungry. She allowed him to guide her to sit with Lady Fraser. They’d brought several stools for them to sit to eat. The food was flavorful and throughout the meal, Lady Fraser kept those that sat nearby entertained with a story of her uncle’s travels across the sea to a wild isle.

  Every so often, Catriona would look to where Ewan sat eating with several of the Ross guardsmen.

  He seemed at ease with the men. He listened to whatever the other men said, his head falling back with laughter. Whatever had caused him to leave Uist and not wish to return had to have been something horrible. Perhaps it was the same reason he’d killed the men who’d held her prisoner. Or perhaps, she was overthinking the entire situation.

  By the time they went into the tent and removed their dresses, both she and Lady Fraser could barely keep their eyes open.

  Catriona lowered to her cot and unbraided her hair. Using the comb Ewan had given her, she pulled it through her stands and then once again braided the long strands. With care, she placed the comb into her satchel and lay back onto the cot.

  Lady Fraser looked over to Catriona. “I am so proud of ye. Ye did well.” The woman blew out the candle in the lantern and the interior went dark.

  The bonfire outside gave sufficient light that she could see just enough. “Thank ye for allowing me to travel with ye,” Catriona replied.

  Someone outside called to another and Catriona started. The men seemed to have a problem keeping quiet.

  “They speak loudly to keep beasts and the like away,” Lady Fraser said. “When they are walking, they will throw rocks or sticks for the same reason.”

  Catriona recalled what Ewan had done during their walk. “Men can be quite smart.”

  “Some of them, yes.”

  Catriona giggled.

  ***

  The next day was a repeat of the first, except somewhat more tiring. Catriona shifted in her seat, wishing for the next stop to happen so she could stand upright.

  “It seems we should be stopping soon,” she complained, peering out the window.

  “Ye can ask Ewan or Broden. They will stop for ye,” Lady Fraser said, looking up from her embroidery. “What has ye so restless?”

  Catriona didn’t want to admit that the foreboding sense from the day before was growing stronger. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head. “Nothing. I am just very nervous. It is almost as if I sense danger.”

  “Stop!” Lady Fraser called out and, moments later, the entire party came to a full stop.

  “What is it?” It was Broden who came to the door.

  Lady Fraser motioned him closer. “Please ask Gilda to come at once.”

  The woman came to the door and glanced first at Lady Fraser and then to Catriona. Lady Fraser motioned for Broden to help her inside.

  “What is wrong?” Gilda climbed in and then cupped Lady Fraser’s face in her palms. “Do ye feel unwell, Lady Fraser?”

  “No.” Lady Fraser pushed the woman’s hands away. “Miss Catriona has a sense of foreboding. Since ye know more about this sort of thing, I thought to ask ye. Do ye feel the same?”

  “I am not a seer,” Lady Fraser. “What I tell ye is what I feel.”

  When Lady Fraser didn’t reply, the woman looked to Catriona and held out a hand. When Catriona took it, Gilda let out a long sigh.

  “I think what ye fear is not out there.” She motioned to the carriage door with her head. “Ye hold it inside and it is not good. There is nothing to fear on this trip. All will be well.”

  For some unexplainable reason, Catriona’s mind settled at the woman’s words.

  They left the carriage, taking advantage of the unplanned stop to walk about. After relieving themselves, Catriona and Lady Fraser returned to the carriage.

  Ewan walked up to them. “Is all well?”

  Turning to Catriona, Lady Fraser replied, “Catriona is a bit nervous. I thought it best that she get some fresh air.”

  Holding out his arm, Ewan looked to her. “Care to walk about a bit?”

  It felt odd to slip her hand into the crook of his arm. They walked slowly and she had to admit that stretching her legs and taking in the fresh air helped as much as Gilda’s words.

  Swaying slightly side to side, Ewan’s steps were not as steady as the day before.

  “Are ye feeling unwell?” she asked. “Ye should be resting and not walking about with me. I will be fine. Just all of this, knowing how close we are to the Mackenzie lands...it is unsettling.”

  “I can imagine,” Ewan replied. “Ye are protected. Nothing will happen. The Mackenzies are busy with other matters. They’ve made many enemies and their latest tactics to turn smaller clans against one another failed.”

  Catriona consider it. “I do not understand the need of some for so much power. Yes, they should control their land and should protect it, but why kill and cause harm to so many to gain more?”

  “I suppose it is the nature of some,” Ewan replied and slowed.

  Pride was something men held dear. It was obvious that Ewan did not feel well and, yet, he did his best to hide it. “I think ye are in pain,” Catriona told him.

  “A bit sore, but nothing unbearable. A night’s rest will help,” Ewan told her, his gaze colliding with hers. “This slow walk is actually helping.”

  A short while later, Ewan covered her hand. “Ye were very unsettled earlier. Did something happen?”

  “The mention of Mackenzie lands as well as nerves, feelings of foreboding.” She looked to the side where men were mounting again. “I thought I saw some new faces.”

  “I should have informed ye and Lady Ross that a small party of guards heading to Ross Keep have joined us. Forgive me.”

  “It is not yer fault that I am easily affected.”

  He shook his head. “I promised to keep ye safe.”

  “And ye are,” Catriona insisted. A part of her was still in disbelief that she’d allowed herself to be taken away from all she knew and everything familiar. Now, so far from her village and home, it was surreal. As if adrift in a large body of water, unable to see the shoreline, she fought for a foothold. When Ewan pulled her against him, every feeling of disorientation evaporated.

  “How do ye do that?” she asked, pulling away, afraid they’d be seen. “Why does yer touch settle me so? I do not understand.”

  “Come.” He took her elbow and guided her to sit on a fallen tree. “There is something I must tell ye.”

  Her heart began to beat faster. Was he about to declare his love? If so,
would she be able to let him go?

  “Ye have asked me a question several times and I have not responded. It is time ye know the reason why I left Uist.”

  Chapter Nine

  The expectant look in Catriona’s eyes made Ewan reconsider what he was about to tell her. Was it a good time? No, he’d not been thinking. It was stupid to do it while out on the road.

  “I’m sorry,” he began. “I do not think I can speak of it right now. I thought I could.” He blew out a long breath. “I will tell ye, just not now.”

  When he lowered to sit next to her, she laid her head on his shoulder. “Did ye have a love in Uist?”

  The unexpected question caught him off guard but, at the same time, he was grateful that Catriona had not insisted he divulge his secret. “I did at one time.”

  “Why did ye not stay and marry her?”

  The memory of what happened remained vivid. “There were circumstances,” he replied cryptically.

  Catriona looked up at him, and he kissed the tip of her nose.

  “So ye were heartbroken then?”

  “Aye, I was.”

  He then gave her a quizzical look. “What about ye? Ye are a young beautiful lass. I bet ye turned down many who attempted to court ye, because ye found them lacking.”

  “Oh, no,” Catriona exclaimed. “I was so busy thinking that I was in love with Keithen that I barely gave notice to anyone else. I am glad for him and Ava, and now for the realization it was merely an infatuation of youth.”

  Catriona studied him. “Do ye think ye will ever return to Uist?”

  As calming as it was to be away from Uist, he did miss his home at times. “I do miss my mother and my siblings. We are very close.”

  “Am I to assume then that they had nothing to do with ye leaving?”

  His lips curved at her attempts to find out the truth. Ewan shook his head. “I left because I needed to. I wish for more than fishing and the simple life on Uist.”

  They were quiet for a long while. Ewan fought the urge to kiss her, to hold her close and demand she stay with him that night. However, it was impossible and once they arrived at Ross Keep, time alone with her would be hard to come by.