Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders)

by Jennifer Siddoway

  Bridget glanced up at Valan’s approach and he sat down next to her. With the danger past, he allowed himself to relax and kissed her tenderly on the lips. She kissed him back and placed her arms around his waist while letting out a contented sigh. When she pulled back and rested her head against his shoulder, Kent leaned down to ask. “What now, Captain?”

  “Home. We sail fer Castlebay.”

  The quartermaster nodded. “Aye, and the crew needs tae have words with the captain before we arrive in the Barra. Mayhap we should find a place tae camp.”

  “Agreed.”

  Valan glanced down at Bridget, who rested her head against his shoulder. All at once his heart was overwhelmed with the realization that he’d almost lost her. If things had gone differently, if they hadn’t been able to escape…

  Yet, she had been the one to change things, she was the one who saved him.

  He promised himself right then that he would never take her company for granted again. She was his destiny—just like it was his destiny to find her on that ship and bring her back with them. The stars had all aligned to make that happen.

  Sleep well, lass. Ye’ll need it.

  As soon as land became visible in the distance, they rowed ashore. The crew was even more exhausted than before and in need of rest. Valan carefully lifted Bridget’s head from off his shoulder and woke her from her slumber. He stood up when the water was shallow and walked to the front of the ship. A few others and himself jumped out into the shallows and helped to pull the ship aground.

  With the boat secure, they each found places in which to lay their heads. Valan eagerly returned to Bridget’s side and wrapped his arms around her before falling asleep.

  A ll of them slept deeply that night.

  It was the sleep of physical and emotional exhaustion—the turmoil of having nearly died. When she awoke, Bridget was delighted to find a strong pair of arms wrapped around her. Valan’s warmth enveloped them both, and he had a blanket wrapped around their shoulders. Bridget smiled as she looked up at him and nuzzled her head against his chest.

  The pale, grey sky grew brighter by the minute and the sun peeked out over the horizon. The light of morning came streaming across the shoreline and the other seamen began to stir. Bridget could hear them yawning and starting to get up, so she knew it wouldn’t be long until they’d be forced to get up also. Everywhere she looked the men had settled into nooks and crannies along the ship, too tired to convert the sail, and let themselves sleep out underneath the stars.

  “Mmm…where are we?” she mumbled sleepily. “I could nae see in the dark last night.”

  Valan yawned, pulling himself up onto his elbow. “I dinnae ken, somewhere off the Isle of Mull. We had tae stop fer the night and rest, ye were already asleep.”

  “And now we continue on tae Castlebay?”

  The captain nodded, stretching his arms before getting up onto his feet. “Aye.”

  “Not quite,” Kent interrupted. “First we need tae discuss the mess ye got us into yesterday and come up with a plan.”

  Bridget pursed her lips and nodded, running her fingers through her brunette hair and then tucking it behind her ear. “I understand.”

  Valan rolled his eyes at him and scoffed. “Come on, Kent. Dae we really need tae get into this?”

  By now the rest of the crew had woken up and listened to their conversation. Kent stared at Valan in disbelief and shouted, “Aye! Ye appointed me as yer quartermaster, and that makes this my purview. ’Tis nae just my right, but my responsibility tae challenge ye when ye lead us into trouble. I’m responsible fer speaking up fer the crew, especially when our captain is acting reckless.”

  Valan sighed, scratching the back of his neck and saying, “I meant nae harm. ’Twas nae my place tae be revealing Bridget’s secret. Besides, how were we tae ken that her betrothed was a conniving devil? I thought I was doing the right thing.”

  Kent scoffed, gesturing around to the angry faces of his crew. “And now? Dae ye still think ’twas the right decision? We agreed tae follow ye out of respect, because we’re brothers and we value yer opinion. We rely on yer sound judgement tae lead us in times like this. How are we supposed tae trust ye again?”

  The words came out harsh and cutting when he first spoke them and Bridget felt Valan tense beside her.

  Kent continued, saying, “Valan, I’ve kent ye longer than anyone. Ye’re like family, and I would follow ye tae the ends of the earth if I had tae. Yet, still ye dinnae think tae trust even me with the truth about our journey. I’m offended by yer lack of faith, and I think I have a right tae be.”

  “That’s what ye’re upset about? Nae that I endangered the crew, but the fact I dinnae tell ye?”

  “Aye!” the crew all murmured in agreement.

  “We would have helped ye.”

  “It’s my fault,” Bridget told him, taking Valan by the hand. “I asked him nae tae tell anyone.”

  “Why?”

  She gulped. “Dinnae ye understand? My ship was attacked by pirates—horrible men who killed my father and abused me. When I woke up in Castlebay I was surrounded by yet another group of pirates. I dinnae ken that I could trust ye, after what I’d been through…maybe I should have, and that’s my fault. But cannae ye understand why I was scared? I thought if ye found out ye’d treat me the same way the others had. I dinnae think that this would happen. I am so…so sorry that it did.”

  Valan hung his head in shame and glanced over to Bridget solemnly before addressing them. “Forgive me, men. I understand that what I have done is unforgiveable. If ye wish tae dispose of me as captain, I understand. Perhaps there is one more suited fer leading our crew. But I promise ye, from this day forward I will ne’er keep another secret like that again—whether I’m yer captain or nae. I should have trusted ye.”

  Kent crossed his arms in front of his chest and nodded. “Glad we’re in agreement. Now what are we going tae dae?”

  Valan turned to Bridget. “We could take ye tae Castle Varrich, lass, return ye tae yer brother,” he suggested.

  Bridget shook her head. “Nae. If I went home, Fionn would ne’er let me leave. He’d just try tae marry me off tae some other lord. I love him, but that’s nae the life I want. I want tae be with ye.”

  Valan sighed, looking down to brush his fingers across her cheek. “Bridget, he’s yer family. He needs tae ken about Rodrick’s betrayal.”

  She kissed him gently on the lips and said, “And he will. I’ll write him a detailed letter when we return. Ye and Ailsa are my family now. I’m coming with ye tae Castlebay.”

  “Are ye sure that’s what ye want?”

  “Aye.”

  While they stared at one another, Kent cleared his throat. “Captain, if she’s coming with us tae Castlebay, what are we going tae tell the laird?”

  She glanced up at Valan and smiled. “It’s like ye said, Bridget MacKay died the night my ship was attacked. Nae one in Castlebay will have tae ken of my lineage. I’ll be of nae consequence.”

  Kent nodded in agreement. “Good. Then we should shove off and continue on our journey. Once we reach Castlebay, the name Bridget MacKay is nae tae be uttered again.”

  Bridget nodded in understanding.

  “Of course nae,” Valan responded with a grin. “There will be nae reason tae. Bridget will be a MacNeil forever after. I plan on taking her tae wife as soon as we arrive. Father Garrity will be delighted.”

  The men went about their business, getting themselves food and stretching before dragging the birlinn back into the sea. Before long, Bridget and the others were sailing to the Barra.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Castlebay Village, The Barra

  L ater that day, Bridget gazed out across the water as they approached the isle of Barra. She could make out the village of Castlebay nestled in the rolling hills along the coast, surrounded by deep blue water.

  Castle Kisimul stood firm in the center of the bay in front of it, a formidable warning to passing
ships and anyone that dared attack. She hadn’t seen the MacNeil stronghold from this vantage point. Her only experience had been from within the village itself or as they left. It was an impressive sight, a community of pirates living amidst the isles of the western Hebrides. As she took in the sight before them, Valan walked up beside her and took Bridget by the hand. They stood on the bow of the ship together as the men rowed behind them, eager to return home.

  When they drew nearer to the castle, one of the heralds sounded their arrival with a horn. Valan glanced up stoically and nodded at their welcome. Kent maneuvered the ship alongside the landing dock at Kisimul and they were met by three guards. “Captain Valan, I’m glad tae see that ye’ve returned.” The man’s eyes flicked to Bridget before continuing, “I see ye’ve brought a visitor as well…shall I inform the laird?”

  Valan nodded, glancing over at her with a smile. “Please do. I’ll be in presently tae speak with him.”

  The guard nodded stiffly, before retreating back into the castle. Bridget’s stomach was full of butterflies and she was nervous to finally meet the man Valan had told her so much about. Her palms were sweaty, and she fidgeted uncomfortably. Valan turned back to his men and said, “Go and return tae yer wives and homes. There’s nae treasure tae be accounted fer. Bridget and I will row back tae the village ourselves.”

  Kent nodded before pushing off again and continuing on across the bay. Bridget and Valan watched them leave, crossing the water to the village dock. By the time they got there, the guard returned and cleared his throat uncomfortably. “The laird will see ye now. He’s in the great hall with his daughter having their midday meal.”

  Bridget looked up at him uncertainly as he took her by the hand, and they proceeded into the halls of Kisimul castle. The butterflies in her stomach returned and she was concerned about what the laird would have to say.

  Their footsteps echoed on the stone floor as they passed through the iron gate. They emerged in the courtyard, with patches of grass growing out between the stone floor. The entry to the great hall was flanked by guards and they nodded at their approach. “Good day, Captain. The laird is expecting ye.”

  Valan acknowledged them with a tilt of his chin before leading her inside. Both he and Bridget stepped into the formal chamber and greeted the nobles with a bow. Claire and her father both glanced up curiously when they arrived. They were seated at a wooden table, enjoying their meal by the light of the hearth.

  Laird MacNeil chuckled when he saw them. “Well, Captain Valan. I see ye’ve brought a guest. Is this the lass ye brought back from the raid several weeks ago?”

  Valan nodded. “Aye, yer lairdship. Her name is Bridget.”

  The laird sat back in his seat and rested his hands against his belly, while looking her over carefully. “Bridget, eh? What can I dae fer ye lass? Make it quick, I’m very busy.”

  She looked up at Valan uncertainly, not sure how to proceed.

  “We wish tae be married, lord.”

  The laird raised an eyebrow, now clearly intrigued, and said, “Married?”

  Bridget nodded. “Aye, my laird.”

  “Ye wish tae join our clan?”

  She exhaled with such relief that it came out as a laugh. “Very much. I love Valan with all my heart.”

  Laird MacNeil leaned forward in his chair. “Dae ye understand what that means?”

  “I-I think so. I’m willing tae submit tae whatever ye deem fit. All I ken is that I want tae spend the rest of my life with Valan—tae be his wife.”

  The man’s eyebrows crinkled as he looked back and forth between them. “Lass, one thing ye need tae understand is that my captains are the most valuable asset of our clan. I dinnae consent tae their marriages lightly. It’s quite a bold request.”

  Valan opened his mouth to speak when Bridget stopped him. “I understand. ’Tis a tremendous sacrifice, and I fully understand yer hesitation. But if ye can find it within yer heart tae allow this, I will be forever grateful.”

  The laird raised his eyebrow in amusement and looked as if he were about to speak when Claire interjected. “Lass, he’s only jesting. Of course my da will consent tae the marriage. Unless there’s a compelling reason why he would object…”

  Laird MacNeil glanced over to his daughter with forced a smile and spoke through gritted teeth. “Of course. My daughter ken’s me well. I wish the both of ye years of happiness.”

  She blinked in shock, and for a moment it felt like she was weightless. When reality struck her, tears of joy started streaming down her cheeks.

  “Thank ye, my laird,” Bridget told him with a curtsey.

  He dismissed them with a wave and turned his attention back to the meal. Bridget could scarcely contain her joy as she and Valan rushed from the hall. Her heart raced as they made their way back toward the ship. Valan took her in his arms and kissed her once they were outside the gate. She laughed when he released her and smiled up at him.

  “Come on, let’s go find the priest.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “Ye mean tonight?”

  “I can see nae reason why not. Unless…ye’re having second thoughts.”

  “Nae! I want tae be yers—forever.”

  They stepped into an empty rowboat and paddled their way across the bay. When they arrived at the docks, his entire crew was waiting for them—more in fact. Ailsa stood next to Kent and waved to them excitedly. Valan chuckled at their enthusiasm and maneuvered the ship into the harbor, carefully bringing it to a halt.

  “What are ye doing here?” he asked them. “I told ye tae go tae yer families.”

  Iain nodded. “Aye, and we have. They wanted tae be a part of it.”

  Bridget stepped out onto the dock and glanced over to Ailsa, saying, “Part of what?”

  Kent gave a full belly laugh as he clapped Valan on the shoulder before the woman could respond. The next thing Bridget knew, she was being picked up and carried down the road by a group of them. When her feet first left the ground, Bridget let out a yelp of surprise and glanced around confused.

  “Ahh! What are ye doing?”

  She turned her head to see Valan being carried along as well. Though he was slightly larger, and it took more of them to carry him. Ailsa jogged along beside them laughing and blowing kisses all the while.

  “Ailsa! Where are they taking us?”

  The woman reached out her hand to grasp Bridget’s fingers slightly before they were pulled apart by the crowd. “Dinnae worry, my darlings! I’m coming with ye.”

  Bridget’s eyes grew wide and she called out, “Valan, what’s happening?”

  “I have nae idea!”

  “We’re taking ye tae the kirk of course,” Kent told them in a laugh. “Ye dinnae think we’d let ye marry without the rest of us being there, did ye?”

  “Oh!”

  Suddenly Bridget realized what was happening, and she was touched—it was a show of support. The crew wanted to be there for the ceremony. Her heart swelled at the outpouring of love on their behalf and she felt her eyes misting over with tears. Valan looked over at her and grinned as the others carried them down the street. “We may as well.”

  Bridget laughed out loud as they made it down the road, partially because it was so ridiculous, and partially because for the first time she was completely happy. As they got closer to the kirk, the crowd made a tremendous scene, and with every cottage they passed people came out to see what was happening. Word travelled fast in their small community, and soon the entire village was out to join them.

  On the edge of the square was the village kirk. The building was lit with candles, and Father Garrity was on the front steps sweeping away the dirt. He heard the commotion coming and looked up at the crowd in surprise.

  They were still a block away when Kent called out to him, saying, “Father Garrity, ye’re needed tae officiate a marriage.”

  Wide-eyed, the priest set down the broom and came toward them asking, “What is this?”

  Kent gestured to Bridg
et and Valan still hoisted in the air and said, “These two would like tae be married. We’ve come with them tae celebrate.”

  Father Garrity raised an eyebrow and looked up at the captain in surprise. “Captain Valan is this true?”

  Niall and Geoffrey set him on the ground, and Valan said, “Aye, Father. I’ve found the lass I wish tae be bound tae in the eyes of God.”

  The priest shifted in his robe uncomfortably, unused to having so many eyes on him. “Well, I would be delighted. Is…the laird aware of yer intent?”

  Valan nodded. “Aye, and he’s given his consent. We came here straight away, as ye can plainly see.”

  Father Garrity chuckled, clasping his hands together and glancing back over his shoulder to the doors of the kirk. “Well then, I had better get a few things.”

  The crowd hooped and hollered while the priest retreated into the chapel and finally set Bridget down on the steps beside Valan.

  A few moments later, the priest returned with a book in his hands and a piece of rope. Father Garrity looked back and forth between them and grinned. They were surrounded by friends and family, members of the community all wanting to share in the couple’s joy. The priest cast his eyes to Valan and said, “Lad, I’ve kent ye since the day ye were born. I ne’er thought I’d live tae see the day when ye chose a bride, yet here it is.”

  Bridget’s heart fluttered as Valan took her by the hands and they came together at the steps. Valan stared back at her, and it felt as if the entire world around them melted away.

  The priest joined their hands with the piece of rope and said the vows, reciting the verse of scripture in Latin. Bridget didn’t make out a single word of it, because her heart and thoughts were completely enraptured in the moment.

  Her trance broke when the priest concluded, saying, “I now pronounce ye, man and wife.”

  Valan kissed her on the steps of the village kirk and ran his fingers through her hair. “My wife.”

  Father Garrity nodded, saying, “Go. Be one in the eyes of God and this community.”