Fraser 01 - Highland Legacy (23 page)

Fallon pressed her hand to Cailin’s forehead and frowned. “Your face is flushed, and I worry your fever might return.”

“I am fine. A little tired is all. When will I be well enough to travel? It can’t be wise for us to tarry in one spot for too long. Borden will surely be searching for me.”

“You’re safe and have no need to worry. Laird Scott will protect you as long as necessary. Once I have dressed your wounds, you’ll need to rest.” Fallon placed the tray of dressings on the bed. “I’m afraid this is not going to be pleasant. I’ll try to be gentle.”

Cailin ground her teeth and closed her eyes as Fallon lifted the edge of a dressing and eased it from her back.

Once the task was completed, Fallon gathered up her supplies and covered Cailin with a fur pelt. “You need to try and get some sleep.”

Fallon was right; she needed to rest. If not for her own sake, for the babe.

But how can I rest? Borden will not give up easily. This very moment he could be lurking outside the castle walls, plotting how to capture me and exact his revenge.

She shuddered at the thought. Her presence at Buccleuch put her in peril, but also endangered everyone who lived within its castle walls. When Connor returned, she would try to convince him to leave as soon as possible. The more distance put between them and their nemesis, the better.

In the week that followed, Cailin regained her strength. Connor agreed that the longer they remained at Buccleuch, the greater the risk of being discovered. While he appreciated the sanctuary offered by his friends, aiding fugitives was a treasonable offense, and he did not want to put them in danger. After discussing their options with his brother, the decision was made to return to Beauly before winter set in and heavy snow made traveling impossible.

“I wish I could convince you to wait until after the babe is born.” Lady Scott frowned. “I dinna think it a good idea for you to travel so close to your laying in.”

“While we’re grateful for the offer, we’ve already overstayed our welcome and must be on our way. If we leave now, we can be home before the worst winter weather sets in.”

“You are welcome to stay as long as necessary. I dinna like the idea of you traveling at this time of the year with a woman who is breeding.” Michael Scott pointed to a cluster of dark clouds on the horizon. “You never know when things will change.”

“Our presence at Buccleuch has put your clan in danger. I dinna want to be responsible bringing Longshanks’s wrath down upon your heads.” Connor slid his arm around Cailin’s waist and drew her against his side.

“Nonsense. Buccleuch is well fortified. My husband’s army numbers close to three hundred men and more are available from neighboring clans should the need arise.” Lady Scott glanced up at her husband and sighed, a look of longing in her eyes. “I was actually looking forward to having a wee one in the Castle again. Our bairns are growing so fast, and I miss having a babe around.”

“Dinna be getting any ideas, woman,” Scott replied curtly, but his attempt to appear gruff fooled no one.

“Are you ready to go?” Bryce asked as he joined the group. “I’ve prepared everything you requested. The horses are saddled, and the men are anxious to mount.”

“Men?” Connor glanced across the bailey. Six men with heavy horses waited by the cart.

“Since you insist on leaving, I’m sending some of my finest warriors to accompany you,” Michael replied.

“Again, I’m grateful.” Connor grasped his friend’s forearm and gave it a shake.

Bryce stepped forward. “I’ll drive the cart for the first part of the journey, and mayhap Alasdair can spell me after a few hours.”

“Cart?” Cailin asked. Her brow rose in question, and she glanced from one brother to the other.

“Aye, for you to ride in,” Bryce replied.

“We will be traveling over some rough terrain, and I want you and the babe to be comfortable.” He slid his hand over her belly and smiled. “Humor me in this.”

Cailin covered his hand and sighed. “As you wish.” She didn’t want to be coddled, but she had to admit, his attention and concern for her and their unborn child caused her heart to soar.

Michael stepped forward and patted Connor’s shoulder. “I hate to see you go, but if you must, it’s best you be on your way. If the weather holds, you can travel a good distance before nightfall.”

Connor grasped his friend’s forearm, giving it another hardy shake. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”

Lady Scott hugged Cailin. “Take care of yourself and the wee one. Send us a missive when the babe arrives.”

“Mayhap you could visit in the spring,” Cailin suggested.

“That sounds wonderful.” Lauren smiled.

Connor clasped Cailin’s elbow. “Come, we’ve said our goodbyes and must leave.”

Bryce tied Lucifer to the back of the cart and climbed into the driver’s seat. As he waited for the others to mount their horses, he glanced around the bailey. “Have you seen Fallon this morning?” he asked Lady Scott. “I thought she might come to see us off.”

“Nay, she has gone to help with a birthing. The last time Fiona gave birth, she labored for almost two days. Knowing her husband, he likely panicked with her first contraction and summoned Fallon far too early. Once there, she will not leave until the babe is born.”

Bryce nodded. “When she returns, tell her I said goodbye.”

“I’ll do that.” Lady Scott grinned. “I’m sure if you are in the area again, Fallon will be most please if you stopped in for a visit.”

“It sounds like Fallon has caught your eye.” Alasdair laughed and slapped Bryce on the back.

Bryce grumbled under his breath, but offered no response.

Cailin smiled at Connor. “Your brother dinna deny his feelings for Fallon. Do you think he has fallen for her? Mayhap we should invite her to come for a visit as well.”

Connor pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. “My brother is a grown man and doesn’t need a matchmaker.” He lifted Cailin into the cart, handed her a fur pelt, and drew a plaid curtain across the rear opening.

Two hours into the journey, they entered a small clearing. The horses slowed to a walk, and Connor called to his men. “We’ll rest here.”

“So soon? We’ve not been on the road for long. At this rate of travel, we will reach Beauly by mid-summer,” Alasdair grumbled.

“I said, we’ll stop here.” Connor’s eyes flashed in Bryce’s direction. “And what have you to say about my decision, brother?”

The wood groaned as Bryce shifted his weight on the seat of the cart. “I dinna say a word. I know better.”

Cailin sat up when Connor drew back the curtain. “Alasdair is right. It will take forever to reach Beauly at this rate.” She giggled when the babe tumbled and kicked, as if in agreement.

“Are you warm enough?” Connor asked.

“Between the straw and the furs, there is scarcely enough room for me in the cart.” She laughed. “Since you insist on stopping, mayhap you could help me down. I might as well tend to my needs.” Strong hands lifted her from the cart. Once her feet touched the ground, she pressed her hand to the small of her back and twisted from side to side. A bothersome ache had settled low in her spine, but she’d not admit that to her husband. “Yonder grove of trees looks to be suitable.”

“Not without me to accompany you.” He took her elbow and escorted her across the clearing. But as they reached the tree line, he stopped abruptly and turned his head in the direction of the horses.

“What’s wrong?” Cailin craned her neck in an attempt to see what had caught his attention, but saw nothing.

He brought his finger to his lips. His eyes scanned the nearby forest and surrounding area, and he listened intently.

“Connor, what is it? You are making me nervous,” she whispered.

Alasdair lumbered toward them. “There is nothing amiss, but an overactive imagination. You fret like an old woman, brother.”

“Who’s keeping watch?” Connor snapped.

“I’ve posted one of the Scott warriors at every possible entrance to the clearing. Things are secure.” He pointed to the sentries standing guard around the perimeter of the forest.

“You’re overreacting, husband. Now if you two will give me some privacy, I must attend to my needs.” She moved toward a thicket at the edge of the clearing and ducked behind the bracken while Connor stood watch a few feet away.

After completing the task, she rejoined her husband and his brother. “Mayhap, we can travel three hours before we stop again,” she said in jest.

Bryce joined the trio. “If I dinna know better, I would swear you were an old married couple.”

“You know not—” Connor began a quick retort, but stopped mid-sentence when a flock of startled pheasants took flight. He spun around, facing the horses. Thor raised his head, his eyes wild and his nostrils flared.

“Do you think it might be a deer?” Bryce asked.

“Mayhap a fox or a boar?” Alasdair added.

“I dinna know what it is, but I have a gut feeling we’re not alone. Bryce, see Cailin to the cart, and make ready to depart. If anything happens, dinna leave her side.”

“I’ll guard her with my life.” Bryce held out his hand.

“Take her to the cart, now!” Connor placed her hand in that of his brother, turned abruptly, and ran toward the edge of the forest.

“Best we make haste and do as he says.” They hurried across the clearing, but as Bryce was about to lift her into the cart, all Hell broke loose. English soldiers burst from the forest on all sides, engaging the Scott warriors. The odds were two against one. Connor and Alasdair rushed to their aid.

Her heart raced with fear, but Cailin dug in her heels and refused to get into the cart. “We can’t leave without them. Connor and Alasdair need our help.”

Ignoring her protest, Bryce lifted her from the ground and placed her on the bed of straw. “Lie down and hold on.” He climbed into the driver’s seat. After a sharp crack of the reins, the cart lurched forward.

When the sound of clashing metal and men shouting faded into the distance, Bryce slowed the cart to a crawl and turned to face her. “This should be far enough. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine, and we are well out of harm’s way. Please leave me here and see if you can assist Connor and Alasdair.”

“I promised Connor to see you safe.”

“You’ve kept your promised. Please go back and see if there isn’t something you can do to help.” Determined to remain strong, she fisted her hands in her skirt and fought back tears.

“I won’t leave you unattended,” he replied adamantly.

“Will you see my child born without a father? I beg of you, please help them.”

“Connor is right. You’re a
thrawn
woman.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Stay here and dinna leave the cart. I’ll go back and see how things fare. But, I won’t risk your safety. If there is nothing I can do, I’ll return and we’ll leave immediately. Do you understand?”

Cailin nodded. “Aye. Please hurry.”

Bryce pulled the dirk from the sheath at his side and handed it to her. Her fingers wrapped around the hilt as she stared down at the weapon in her hand.

“Use it if necessary, and aim to kill.” He untied Lucifer from the back of the cart, threw his leg over the horse’s back, and pulled himself into the saddle. “Dinna leave this place. I’ll be back and, God willing, Connor and Alasdair will be with me.”

As she watched Bryce ride out of sight, Cailin drew her cloak around her shoulders and begged the Almighty to spare her husband and his brothers.

“I didn’t think finding you would be this easy.”

Her prayers were interrupted by the sound of a familiar male voice.

Borden stood behind the cart, blocking her only means of escape. “I’m surprised the fools left you unprotected. This will be like taking sweets from a bairn.” He laughed and moved forward. “You’ve led me on a merry chase, but it is time to pay for your sins.”

“Why won’t you leave us in peace? Surely you have better things to do than to traipse across Scotland looking for an innocent woman.”

“
Tsk, tsk, tsk
.” Borden shook his head and clucked his tongue, his expression menacing. “I can’t believe you are still claiming your innocence.”

“You know very well I was falsely accused of your brother’s murder.”

“We have been through this before. There was a witness to your crime, and the tribunal’s sentence of execution stands.”

“The so-called trial was a mockery of justice.” She faced her nemesis with her chin held high. “You pursue this because I wounded your pride by denying your advances.”

“No one humiliates me and gets away with it!” He absently stroked the scar on his cheek. “I have waited a long time to settle the score. Do you think I would forget your insult so easily, or that you did this to my face? I will see justice served...my justice.”

“How did you find us?”

“I have my sources, but if you must know, a peddler came to me a weeks ago with news that he thought might reap him a hefty reward. He told me that while he was selling his wares at Buccleuch, he’d heard rumors that Michael Scott had visitors staying with him, including a woman heavy with child. I sent spies to check out his story. My suspicions confirmed, I was on my way to arrest you when I learned you had already left the village and were heading north.” He leered at her and tried to grab her leg. “Get out, or I will drag you out. You’ve already caused me enough trouble.”

“Nay, I refuse to go with you.” She defiantly drew her knees up and scooted out of his reach. “When Connor returns, he’ll—”

“I can assure you, we are very much alone. At this moment, my men are making short work of your lover and his pathetic band of Scottish rabble. They are no match for my soldiers. In fact, he might already be dead.”

“I dinna believe that to be true. Connor will come, and if you dare lay a hand to me, you’ll live to regret it.”

This time when he reached into the cart, Borden caught her around the ankle and pulled her toward him.

She screamed and fumbled for the dirk, but dropped it in the straw. Frantically kicking out, she tried to fight back, but to no avail. She clutched at the walls of the cart and held on, but was no match for his brute strength. Splinters pierced her palms as they slid along the wooden planks. Why didn’t Connor or Bryce come when she called for help? Could Borden be right, were they dead? She screamed again. No one came.

Borden wrapped one arm around her protruding belly, covered her mouth with the other hand, and dragged her from the cart. He held her against his chest, her feet dangling in the air, but she’d not give up without a fight. Cailin bit down hard, her teeth sinking into flesh. She tasted blood.

He yowled in pain, released his grip, and let her fall to the ground. “Bitch!” he snarled as he examined his hand. “You will pay dearly for this.” Without warning, he kicked out at her.

She turned in time to protect her stomach, but the blow hit her squarely in the back. She saw stars and gasped for air—the wind knocked from her lungs.

“Get up!” Borden grabbed her by the upper arm and pulled her to her feet. “There is nowhere to run, and no one will help you.”

“Where are you taking me?” She bit back a sob.

“I am taking you back to England. There, you’ll be executed in accordance with the sentence handed out by the tribunal, and I’ll redeem myself with the crown.” A lascivious grin tugged at his lips. “You’ll hang, but not until I have settled our old score. I intend to see myself fully sated before you die.”

He tightened the bruising grip on her arm and pulled her across the small clearing. She dragged her feet, offering as much resistance as she could muster. Her mind raced. She had to do something. In a last ditch effort, she tried to bite his arm, but he retaliated with a backhanded slap that sent her tumbling to the ground.

“You got away with that once, but you’ll not do it again.” Borden pulled a dagger from its sheath and waved it in front of her face. He took a menacing step in her direction. “Mayhap we should finish this here and now.”

“As long as there’s a breath left in my body, you’ll not harm her or the babe.” Connor stepped out of the woods and blocked the path. Despite the rage he felt when he saw the dirk in Borden’s hand, he managed to keep his anger in check. Cailin’s life depended on it.

Borden glared at him, his lips drawn back in an evil grin. “Your death can easily be arranged.”

Using Borden’s momentary distraction, Cailin tried to crawl away, but he grabbed her by the hair and snapped her head back. “Where might you be going?”

Connor gave a low curse when the blackguard pulled her to her feet and twisted her arm behind her back. With Borden holding her like a shield, he could not risk the bastard harming her or his unborn babe.

A quick survey of the area revealed a steep cliff overlooking the river on one side of the path and a rocky ravine on the other. Connor took a step forward with his sword drawn, blocking Borden’s only viable means of escape.