Highlander's Bride: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 1) (8 page)

“Let’s dress. We need to return, immediately.” He aided her to her feet and gripped her shoulders. “Gordon’s presence here causes an issue, but no’ an irreversible one. We’ll return to the keep and once we have, you tend his wounds while I ride for Ardan. ’Twill be the quickest way to see my conversation with Duncan done. Is Coll still on his mission, as he was during my imprisonment?”

“Aye, he still scours the length and breadth of MacKenzie land in his call-to-arms. He wishes for men to join him, who will remain both loyal to him and hold sympathy for your clan.”

“Sympathy for my Matheson kin?”

“Aye, and please dinnae ask me anymore about that.” She wrung the water from her shift, flapped out her gown and pulled it over her head. Layers of midnight-blue velvet shimmered down to her ankles and she laced the front stays, belted her girdle at her waist and stuffed her feet into her slippers.

Ronan dressed beside her, belted his kilt, stripped his wet tunic off and donned a dry one from his bag before strapping his weapons on. He grasped Gordon, hefted the man up and over his shoulder then eyed the trail ahead. “Lead the way, my bride-to-be.”

Oh, what a dream that would be. She held his words close to her heart as she stuffed her belongings in her bag, snatched up Ronan’s satchel then dashed along the forest trail toward Carron. The wind rose as she made the quick trek back and once she broke free of the woods, the formidable stone walls of the keep rose high ahead. She hurried toward the postern gate where armed guards patrolled the battlements above.

“Kyla!” Hamish, Duncan’s closest confidant, a man who knew the truth about her and her brothers’ fae blood, lifted a hand. “Is that Coll with you?”

“Nay, ’tis Rand MacKenzie.” Over her shoulder, she whispered to Ronan, “Hamish is Muirin’s brother and one of the full-blooded fae. He also holds ‘the sight’ and receives visions when harm is about befall us. He’s been instrumental in ensuring all has gone well of late, his knowledge immense, the same as Muirin’s is. We should tell him the truth, allow him to aid you in your plight. He would never harm a Matheson.”

“No’ yet. I wish to see for myself that I can trust him. I willnae risk losing you a second time because I didnae take all care.” He waved out. “I’m told your name is Hamish. I stumbled upon the lady and this warrior in the forest. Unfortunately, he’s injured himself and needs tending. I ask to be granted access to Carron’s keep.”

“Wait right there.” Hamish disappeared from the battlements and tramped down the stairwell, appeared below and shoved the postern gate open. He cast his gaze over Gordon’s slumped form. “How did all this happen?”

“Allow me to explain.” She snuck in front of Ronan since he’d moved to place himself between her and Hamish. “Gordon, ah, tripped and fell, hit his head on a rock, and…” How did she explain his wrist wound? “Stabbed himself when he did, accidentally, of course.”

“I’ve never known the man to be so clumsy.” Hamish shook his head. “All these injuries came at his own hand?”

“Aye, Gordon had a wee bit too much to drink last eve.” She motioned to Ronan. “I’ve met Rand afore, during a clan gathering. He’s an honorable warrior, heard of Coll’s call-to-arms and traveled here to offer his sword arm. I’ve informed him that Duncan is at Ardan House and he would need to visit him there if he wished to speak to him afore joining our cause.”

“I didnae ‘see’ Rand’s coming arrival.”

“That would be because he means us no harm. Surely you wouldnae have ‘seen’ something unless he did, correct?” She held her breath, prayed fervently her word would stand.

“Aye, you’re correct.” Hamish cocked a brow at Ronan. “Where exactly do you hail from, Rand?”

“A village to the south of Kintail, and all is as the lady has explained. I’ve come to offer my sword arm, would like to speak to Duncan first to ensure his approval if I might?” He slipped in front of her again. Aye, definitely stubborn times two.

“Might we go inside?” She ducked around Ronan once more then with her back to him, stamped on top of his booted feet to keep him in place, all while smiling cheerily at Hamish. Let her chosen one try to whip in front of her now. Goodness. The males in the mated bond were notoriously overprotective, and her mate appeared no different even though she stood within a stone’s throw of a garrison of warriors who’d protect her with their very lives. He was one man against so many until he’d spoken to Duncan and fixed everything she’d set moving on the wrong path. Drat it all. If only he’d arrived yesterday. Her betrothal would be one less thing he’d have to fix.

“Aye, come inside.” Hamish stepped aside and gestured for her and Ronan to proceed him through the gate. “Never have I looked more forward to a vision as I do right now.”

“As I look forward to you receiving one too.” She desperately looked forward to it. Hamish could be trusted, implicitly.

“This way, Rand.” Kyla dashed across the inner courtyard toward the front doors of the keep, halted in the entryway and motioned for him to go up the side stairs so they could divert the great hall and those who would have already assembled there for the midday meal. At least she’d gotten her chosen one safely inside the keep without issue. Now to get him back out again and on his way to Ardan, and preferably with Hamish at his side. The seer would watch over him, his fae blood demanding he keep his own people safe. “Rand, take the first chamber on your right once you reach the first landing.”

“Will do.”

“You may have already secured the lady’s trust, but you’ve yet to secure mine.” Hamish pounded upstairs after Ronan and she chased them both.

“I came upon the lady by chance and I only sought to ensure she came to no harm, to return her safely to Carron and of course that her guardsman receives the care he needs.” Ronan swept inside the chamber she’d indicated, carefully eased Gordon over his shoulder and laid him down on the sheeted bed.

“Clearly Gordon is unable to give me an account from his own mouth.” Hamish moved to the other side of the bed and lifted Gordon’s closed eyelids. “Accidents happen, of course, but he is badly hurt.”

“His was a most unfortunate accident.” She set her bag and Ronan’s down in the corner, closed the door then crossed to the side table before the unlit fireplace where she kept her herbs and healing supplies. “I’ll have Gordon back on his feet in no time.”

She searched for the plantain she’d gathered from the forest only a few days ago. Various herbs still hung on a wire near the open window and from amongst the bunches, she plucked what she needed. She tore the leaves from the stem and along with a stone mortar and pestle, mashed and ground the plantain herb into a green paste, a salve she used for cleansing wounds and preventing them from festering. “Hamish, I need you to light the fire and set the pot of water to boiling.”

With a frown at Ronan, Hamish knelt at the hearth, pulled the stringy bark off of a log, struck flint with his dirk and coaxed the sparks to life. He added twigs and wood until the flames rose high then set the blackened pot of water over top.

“What do you need of me?” Ronan brushed in behind her as she stood at Gordon’s bedside, his hand smoothing discretely down her back.

“Remove Gordon’s boots and chainmail. When he awakens, I want him as comfortable as possible.” She delved deeper within Ronan’s mind and began to fuse a stronger link between them. Filaments of gold spun thicker as she created a merged link of the mind, one that would allow her to go beyond just reading his thoughts to speaking to him mind to mind, a link she’d only ever created with one other when her ability had strengthened enough to do so. Ten years of age she’d been, her friendship with Fiona steadfast and sure. Along the golden strands, she allowed her next words to flow to him. “
Take absolute care. Hamish’s seer ability means he misses little, and being one of the full-blooded fae, his skill is the strongest I’ve ever seen.
”

“
I’ll take every precaution, my mate.
” He eased Gordon’s boots off and set them against the wall out of the way. “
I’ve been waiting for you to build a merged link of the mind with me. Those who hold your skill always form such a link with their mate, as well as with a few of their most nearest and trusted.
”

“
I’ve only ever opened such a connection with a childhood friend of mine.
Fiona held a touch of fae blood, a skill as well, her father being the MacKenzie’s second-in-command. We played together often, got into a good deal of trouble when we did as well.
”

“
’Tis incredible to have you speak to me in this way, for me to be able to answer you in return.
” He lifted Gordon’s arm out of the heavy sleeve of metal, slid the protective mail over his head then down his other arm. With a clunk, he set it beside Gordon’s boots. “
You’ve never spoken mind to mind with Coll or Duncan?
”

“
Nay.
” It had seemed too intimate, and even though she currently wished to know how Coll’s mission fared and exactly where he was, she would never be able to cross the wide expanse of distance between them. She couldn’t even reach her parents, not that she would have done so even if she could. They would have come for her, placed their very lives on the line when they did. “
There are limits to my ability. Since I’ve been without someone to guide me in the use of it, I lack the skill to do all that I likely could.
”

“
A little training is all that will take, and I’ll ensure you receive that guidance the first moment I can. Tell me more about Fiona.
” His longing to know everything about her, all that had happened these past twenty years, flared strongly through his mind, just as she longed to know everything about him.

“
Somewhere within Fiona’s own line the blood of the fae had mingled with hers, although several generations removed. She was the first to have been born with a skill in quite some time, although her empath ability was one Colin MacKenzie considered weak and feeble. She was grateful though, that he showed no interest in her.
” She set the paste aside and gathered some clean cloths. “
She wed a warrior of her father’s choosing last year and soon after she and Matthew left for Rhue Castle to aid Jeremiah. I missed her dreadfully when she sailed away.
”

“
I’ve never met Jeremiah in battle, but I’m aware Colin’s third-born son is a warrior of immense strength and now holds his own stronghold to the far north of MacKenzie land.
” He loosened the ties of Gordon’s chausses and wriggled them down over his braies, his gaze flicking toward Hamish who checked on the bubbling water.

“
Jeremiah is a blackguard just as his father is. Thankfully I’ve never had to spend a great deal of time with him since he was fostered with the MacLennans.
”

“Does Gordon yet stir?” Hamish added another log.

“No’ as yet.” And he’d better not either until Ronan had ridden for Ardan and had gotten safely away. She hardly needed Gordon speaking of what had happened before they were ready for him to. Having her chosen one tossed into the dungeons by Gordon wasn’t permissible. She’d never allow it.

“What of you, Rand? How did word reach you of Coll’s call-to-arms?” Hamish rose and dusted his hands.

“Through word of mouth.”

“Hamish, Rand would never harm anyone within this keep. That I can assure you.” She motioned for Ronan to remove the bandaging from around Gordon’s head and wrist. “He has only ever aided me each time we’ve met.”

“You clearly champion the man, my lady.” He dipped his head in reverence to her.

“Aye, I do, for I already know he means us no harm.” She swished to the fire, dunked a cloth in the bubbling water and returned to Gordon. Ronan unraveled the bandages and she gently cleansed Gordon’s wounds before smearing the plantain paste she’d prepared across his flesh.

“
Will he awaken when you stitch his wounds?
”

“
Nay, and I’ll make certain of it.”
She selected a bottle of belladonna from her medicinal box, dabbed some onto a cloth and draped it over Gordon’s nose. The strongly scented sedative would ensure he felt no pain while she stitched his wounds, with the added benefit of keeping him in a deep sleep until she was ready for him to awaken.

She collected her needle and thread, pulled the three-legged stool across from the corner to Gordon’s bedside and rolled the sleeve of his brown tunic to his elbow. Carefully, she stitched his wounds closed with nice and neat stitches.

“Since it appears Gordon is at rest and shall be for a while we’ll leave for Ardan now.” Hamish crossed to Ronan. “Do you still wish to offer your sword arm to our cause?”

“Aye, and I’m more than ready to leave.” Ronan caught up his bag from where she’d set it.

“Good.” Hamish opened the door and motioned for Ronan to go through first. “Kyla, send word if any issue arises with Gordon, otherwise we’ll see you on our return.”

“Of course.” She snuggled deeper into Ronan’s mind. “
Be careful.
”

“
Stay right with me, for as long as you can. I already crave this connection and have no desire for you to close it off.
” He strode out the door and clomped downstairs, his booted tread drifting away.

“
Dinnae forget what I said afore. Hamish has been instrumental in ensuring all has gone well of late, his knowledge immense. Tell him the truth, allow him to aid you as needed. He would never harm a Matheson
.” Moving deeper within his mind, she tracked his thoughts and movements, her connection to him strong, far stronger than it had ever been with Fiona.

“
I willnae forget, my mate.
” Through the main door, he walked and as he crossed the inner bailey, he surveyed all, from the training warriors to the position of each and every guard along the battlements. “
I miss you.
”

“
I miss you too.
”

* * * *

The last thing Ronan wished to do was leave Kyla behind, but ensuring her betrothal to Duncan came to a swift end, that the man understood the two of them were mated and he intended on making Kyla his bride, was imperative. He had a great deal to do, would need to act fast. Seeking out her parents as well couldn’t be delayed.

Across the inner courtyard, he walked while a good score of warriors trained. Shirtless and sweaty, they fought partnered up, each strike of their blade landing with accurate precision against their opponent’s. These men were strong, fully prepared for the war which raged across these lands and throughout the Western Isles. Glad he was none would strike a Matheson, only why had Coll and Duncan made that stipulation with their warriors? Something was up, something he intended to get to the bottom of.

“This way.” Hamish led him toward the men’s barracks at the edge of the bailey. “I need to collect a few things afore we leave.”

“I’m afraid I didnae bring a horse since I had to cross the hills. The land is treacherously steep and heavily forested.” A truth. The land was rugged, dangerously so.

“Aye, even our men dinnae take to those hills on horseback. I’ll secure you a horse without issue.” Hamish walked inside the garrison’s front door and Ronan followed, passed dozens of bunked pallets as he strode to the far side.

An unlit fireplace stood at one end of the room and racks of armor gleamed under its flickering light. A young lad of mayhap eight or nine sat on a stool in a brown tunic and breeches. He meticulously cleaned chainmail and weaponry, a large whetstone at his feet and his fingers black with oil.

From within a shelved nook, Hamish snagged a satchel and stuffed a steel-studded coat inside before he hunkered down next to the lad. “I’m returning to Ardan House and taking with me a possible new recruit. Inform the guardsman on duty for me, and let him know I’ll return as soon as possible.”

“Aye, sir.” The lad scrambled to his feet then stumbled to a stop in front of Ronan and bobbed his head, his mop of unruly dark hair flopping forward over his brow. “My laird, welcome home,” he murmured then dashed out the door.

“He thinks you’re Coll, as I first did, and as I imagine a number of the men here will when they catch a decent glimpse of you.” Hamish tipped his head toward the door. “Come. We’ll head through the postern gate to the stables. That way we willnae draw too much unwanted attention to you.”

“How many men guard this stronghold?” With a brisk pace, he weaved around the perimeter of the yard and out the postern gate with Hamish.

“Over a hundred, with another hundred at Duncan’s keep a little farther along the loch, although our hope is to double our numbers at both strongholds.”

“Coll and Duncan prepare well.” He followed the stony walkway around the curtain wall toward the stables which sat at the edge of the forest where the trees butted up against the cliffs. A gangly-legged lad in loosely belted pants brushed down a sleek brown war horse, while two armed warriors mounted their steeds then galloped into the bordering forest.

“They must during this time of war.” Hamish nodded at the stable lad. “I’m in need of two saddled mounts, and be quick about it.”

The lad scurried inside and disappeared within the darkened depths of the stables.

Eyeing him with great curiosity, Hamish leaned against the wide doorway, tapped the heel of one booted foot within the dirt and hummed under his breath. “Interesting.”

“You’ve seen something?”

“That I have.” He touched his head. “Glimpses of you within visions, and enough to tell me that Rand isnae your true name.”

“My need to speak to Duncan is twofold, yet primarily involves Kyla.” The seer definitely held a strong ability.

“’Tis clear to see you hold her trust, unwaveringly so. She is a woman with a tender heart and gentle hand, and there isnae a warrior here who wouldnae lay down his life for hers. I also ‘see’ that you’d be the first one standing in line to do so.”