“What is that?” Garrick asked.
“Rosemary.” Chanse lifted a branch and sniffed it, then handed it to Garrick.
Garrick smelled only to ease back at the strong scent. He couldn’t help but rub his nose as the odor lingered in his nostrils. “Smells a bit like pine. Hard to believe something like that will flavor the soup.”
“Used sparingly it does indeed. Herbs are good for more than healing.”
“Don’t tell our grandmother.” They shared a laugh as their grandmother, Lady Alyna, was a gifted healer. She preferred to use herbs in remedies to heal rather than to season food.
Soon enough, an appetizing aroma scented the air, causing Garrick’s stomach to growl as he gathered more firewood so they’d have plenty for the night. Darkness fell quickly as clouds rolled in, hiding the moon and stars.
Braden retrieved another bag, pulling out wooden bowls and some bread.
The men settled around the fire, their chores done for the moment, with nothing to occupy their time other than waiting until Chanse declared the soup ready.
“What made you two decide to join me?” Garrick asked. He’d seen them at a family gathering nearly three months past. They hadn’t mentioned anything about going to Scotland then.
“We’ve been a bit restless, and Mother suggested we needed more of a purpose for the coming months than driving her mad,” Braden said with a smile.
Garrick well knew his Aunt Cristiana didn’t have an idle bone in her body and would want her sons to serve a purpose. Braden was a year younger than Garrick and Chanse two years.
“Father wanted us to visit his other holding in the south. But when we heard where you were going, we thought that sounded much more interesting,” Chanse added as he stirred the simmering soup. “We decided you might need us.”
Garrick frowned. “Did my father put you up to this?”
“Nay.”
Though they denied it, Garrick couldn’t help but question how they’d known when he was leaving. If his father had so little faith in his ability to succeed that he’d sent his cousins to watch over him, Garrick wondered if he should’ve taken this mission. It would be a difficult one, of that he had no doubt. He and his older brother, Rylan, had discussed the delicate situation at length. Rylan had no second sight but hoped that Garrick’s ability would aid him in this quest.
Rylan had not accompanied King Edward on his march to Scotland two years past. After hearing of the devastation the king’s army had caused, Rylan was pleased he’d missed it. In his anger at Scotland’s agreement with France, Edward had ordered seven thousand lives to be taken—men, women, and children alike—to teach Scotland a lesson. The king had told his men he wanted the mills to flow with the blood of the people of Berwick. He’d insisted that a strong show of force would prevent further deaths.
While Rylan had fought with the king in France and found much to admire about the man and his courage, his brutality in Scotland was difficult to understand. Garrick had to agree. No wonder unrest was spreading. Getting to the bottom of who was causing turmoil and perhaps even stopping it was Garrick’s daunting mission.
Chanse declared supper was ready and ladled generous portions of the savory soup into bowls. As the three men ate, they discussed the massacre and what it might mean for those who had survived.
Braden shared Rylan’s view—that the king had gone too far. “If such deeds had been committed against my family, I would seek revenge.”
“Indeed,” Chanse agreed. “His actions created a deep, burning hatred that may cause many to seek retribution.”
“The leaders of Scotland are surely against riling the king again,” Garrick argued, “though many desire Scottish rule rather than English.”
“Either path will leave some unhappy. Another revolt will no doubt come soon unless Scotland can unite in its goal.” Braden set aside his empty bowl. “We will need to tread carefully.”
Garrick nodded. “Rylan cautioned against asking too many questions. When we arrive, we will focus solely on forming a trading agreement. As English wool is prized for its fineness, that should be fairly simple. Once we’ve gained the trust of some of the townspeople, we will see what we can discover.”
“Father said he’d be pleased to have an additional market for his wool as well,” Chanse offered. “Between both our families, we should have more than enough wool to pique someone’s interest.”
“We’ll mention we’re dissatisfied with the prices offered in London, which is true. Transporting the wool north to Berwick instead will not cost much more, assuming the price is right.” Garrick had gone through the details in his mind many times. He needed to treat this trade agreement as if it were his sole purpose.
“Were you given any names as to whom they suspect?” Chanse asked.
“Though Sir William Douglas was removed as governor of the city and remains imprisoned, his family still lives in Berwick. They are among the suspects.”
“Who now serves as governor?”
“Sir Gilbert de Umfraville, and he is under suspicion as well. He has strong ties to England but often sides with Scotland, depending on which side offers more benefit.”
“Have you seen anything to hint as to what we’re up against?” Braden asked, brows raised to emphasize his meaning.
Garrick shook his head. “Nothing clear yet.” He’d had several visions of a strange city, of different people, but nothing on which he could act.
As his cousins’ voices continued, a mist clouded his sight, muffling the sounds around him. The sensation was familiar, as though he were swimming underwater. Everything slowed. An image filled his mind, the location unclear. He saw the back of a woman, her long dark hair unbound. She turned to him, smiling as she looked up at him, her warm brown eyes alight with joy. Her slim figure curved in all the places that pleased a man.
His chest tightened as he drank in her beauty. Her large eyes were framed with dark brows that arched slightly in the center. Her lashes were long, her cheeks pink with good health. He reached out and she placed her hand in his, holding tight. Desire, strong and swift, poured through him, filling him with need. Her eyes heated as she drew nearer, her gaze catching on his mouth. He leaned closer, anticipation washing through him, for he knew her passion would match his. As his lips met the softness of hers, the vision vanished abruptly.
“Garrick?” Braden’s voice jerked him back to the present.
He rubbed a hand across his face. This was one vision he had no intention of sharing. “My apologies. I must be more tired than I realized.” The desire pulsing through his body was impossible to ignore. Who was that woman?
“I was asking if you wanted more soup.”
“Nay, I’m full.” He patted his belly. “I’ll rinse the dishes since Chanse prepared our meal.”
He quickly gathered the bowls and spoons and carried them to the stream, anxious to have a moment to gather his thoughts. The problem with visions was that he rarely had a sense of time with them. It might be years before he met her, or it could be on the morrow.
He hoped for the latter as he was most anxious to meet the mysterious woman who stirred him so.
Buy A KNIGHT’S QUEST today!
Other Books By Lana Williams
Regency Romances
The Rogue Chronicles
Romancing the Rogue, Book 1
A Rogue’s Reputation, a Christmas Novella, Book 2
A Rogue No More, Book 3
A Rogue to the Rescue, Book 4, Coming October 2020
A Match Made in the Highlands, a Novella
Victorian Romances
The Seven Curses of London Series:
Trusting the Wolfe, a Novella, Book .5
Loving the Hawke, Book I
Charming the Scholar, Book II
Rescuing the Earl, Book III
Dancing Under the Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book IV
Tempting the Scoundrel, a Novella, Book V
Falling For the Viscount, Book
VI
Daring the Duke, Book VII
Wishing Upon A Christmas Star, a Novella, Book VIII
Ruby’s Gamble, a Novella
Gambling for the Governess, Book IX
Redeeming the Lady, Book X
The Secret Trilogy:
Unraveling Secrets, Book I
Passionate Secrets, Book II
Shattered Secrets, Book III
Medieval Romances:
Falling for A Knight Series:
A Knight’s Christmas Wish, Novella, Book .5
A Knight’s Quest, Book 1 (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Temptation, Book 2 (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Captive, Book 3 (Also available in Audio)
The Vengeance Trilogy:
A Vow To Keep, Book I
A Knight’s Kiss, Novella, Book 1.5
Trust In Me, Book II
Believe In Me, Book III
Contemporary Romances:
Yours for the Weekend, a Novella
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About the Author
Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created.
The Rogue Chronicles, where rogues meet their match in the most delightful way, is a Regency era series. The Seven Curses of London series is set in Victorian times and shares stories of men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find along the way that truly gives them something worth fighting for.
Her first medieval trilogy is set in England and follows heroes seeking vengeance only to find love when they least expect it. The second trilogy begins on the Scottish border and follows the second generation of the de Bremont family.
The Secret Trilogy, which shares stories set in Victorian London, follows three lords injured in an electromagnetic experiment that went terribly wrong and the women who help heal them through the power of love.
She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two growing sons, and two labs, and loves hearing from readers.
Lana loves hearing from readers! Stop by her website and say hello! You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Copyright © 2020 by Lana Williams
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A Rogue No More (The Rogue Chronicles Book 3) Page 24