Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy) (21 page)

Colin
laughed and bowed his head to the king. “So we see, Henry. Did you have to
bring so many men? My soldiers won’t take it well that Englishmen are here on
our land.”

Henry
grinned. “You know I always travel with many. Keep your warriors in line,
Colin, because my men have been trained to deal with your sort.”

“My
sort? What exactly are you saying, Henry, that I’m—”

“Cease
bunching your plaid up your arse, Colin. I’m jesting. Where is my favorite
girl?” He looked around and spotted Bonnie sitting on Kate’s mount. With a tug
on the reins, he turned his horse and approached them. “My sweet little minx, I
see you’re well. Come to Henry.” He put out his hands and Bonnie threw herself
at him. Henry caught and hugged her.

“Honey,
I’m happy you’re here. Now Papa won’t make me sit in his chair.”

“What
could you have done for your father to make you sit in his chair? Nay, don’t
tell me. You look well, sweeten.” He kissed her forehead and rode back to
Colin. “I’m so relieved she was returned unharmed. I had to come and see for
myself.”

“Aye,
thanks to Kate. Come Henry, let us continue on.”

Kate
smiled at the king’s charming manner. He was a very young king and might be
considered handsome by some. She kept her gaze on him and followed the
procession, but she noticed that Brendan rode next to her. Before she knew what
was happening, he dragged her off her horse’s back and settled her on his lap.
He continued to ride toward the front of the procession. She didn’t say a word,
but when they neared Henry, Brendan kissed her, and it wasn’t the sort of kiss
one would expect, given that they now rode next to the king. Affronted by his
action, Kate pulled away and silently pleaded with him to behave. He laughed at
her. The scowling warrior laughed as though he was happy. She’d never
understand him, not today, not on the morrow, not ever.

They
reached the MacKinnon holding, and she left her horse at the stable for the men
to tend to. She quickly walked down the hill and entered her cottage. After she
changed her garments and washed up, she grabbed the medallion off the table,
and went back to the castle. As she walked up the hill, she could hear yelling.
Bravely, she went inside the hall and watched the goings on.

Henry
paced in front of the hearth, giving Colin and Brendan a ferocious look. It
didn’t seem to bother either of them.

“I
cannot believe Richard de Morris took my own cousin’s child from my castle.
What manner of man would do something so heinous? I’m shocked that he would go against
his king. Why would he do that?” Henry stopped pacing when he noticed her. “Oh,
you must be Lady Kaitlin, come, I wish to speak to ye.”

Kate
didn’t like the fact that the charming king was now onerous. She couldn’t
believe she heard the king speak Richard’s name. Colin must have told him that
her guardian took Bonnie, and the king knew who her guardian was. Now that the
information was out, she could speak to the king on her behalf and leave. She
did as he bid and stepped before him, curtseying respectfully. “Your majesty, I
am honored to see you again.”

“The
pleasure is all mine, my lady. I was very saddened to hear of your father’s
death. Lord Hawk was a worthy knight and a great vassal. He shall be missed.”

“Sire,
my father spoke graciously about you, and looked forward to your coronation.”
Kate relaxed when the king smiled at her from the other side of the table.

Henry
sat across from where she stood. “I would like to hear the details of—”

“I
will speak on my wife’s behalf.” Brendan dared to interrupt the king. He took
her hand and guided her to a chair. Against her better sense, she sat quietly.
Brendan whispered to her, “Katie, let me do the talking.”

“Nay,
I am not a child, Brendan. I don’t need anyone to speak to the king for me.”

“You
are my wife and will do as I say.” He gave her a feral frown.

Kate
almost laughed. If he were a bull, he’d be steaming at the nostrils. She placed
her hand on his arm and affectionately patted him in a condescending manner.
“Brendan, if you don’t let me speak to the king, I shall cast a spell on you
that will turn you into the most guileless husband.”

“You
wouldn’t.” He raised an eyebrow, giving her that stone-faced look.

“Wouldn’t
I?” She smiled, knowing her lie had worked effectively. Brendan grunted and
turned away. He now scowled at the king, instead of her.

Henry
and Colin watched them whispering to each other. “Brendan, did I hear you
correctly? Are you saying you married Lady Stanhope?” Henry asked.

“Aye,
Henry, I did.”

“You
would go against my edict, knowing I betrothed her to Angus Barclay?”

Brendan
nodded. “Why should the Barclay receive such a gracious gift, Henry? I admit at
first, I thought about returning her to you, but then she be
witched
me.”
Brendan smiled at Henry and laughed when she pinched his arm.

“I
cannot allow you to be married to her. I shall rectify this at once.”

“Sire,
I had hoped—”

Brendan
became ornery then and interrupted her. “I will not allow you to annul our
marriage. She’s pleased with the arrangement and will not gainsay me. Besides,
you owe me a favor, do you not, Henry? I’m asking for your approval, now.”

Henry
muttered something under his breath. To look at him, you’d think he was
delighted at hearing Brendan’s declaration. Kate hoped she was wrong.

“Why
did I ever promise you a favor? I should have kept my mouth shut that day, but
you know I was grateful to you for … well, if the lady is pleased to have made
such a match then of course I’ll honor it. You’ll enjoy living in England,
Brendan.”

Brendan
spit out the ale he’d been drinking, and turned the nastiest scowl at Henry.
Kate almost laughed. “What did ye say?”

“I
said you’ll enjoy living in England. Lady Stanhope’s, ah, I mean, Lady
MacKinnon’s land is beautiful and most prosperous. Her father took great care
of his people as will you. His knights are the best trained soldiers in all my
kingdom. That should please you, I imagine. Well, you can continue to train men
for my service, as her father had done. This has worked out well, and to my advantage.
I should have considered you for her husband, though it never crossed my mind.”
Henry nodded satisfactorily, as if the entire arrangement had been planed by
him.

“Henry,
I never said I was leaving the highlands.”

Kate
sat as emotionless as she could, but Brendan’s rejection sunk her heart. He was
too attached to his beloved highlands and his people to ever leave them for
her. She really wanted to yell at him, but the king smiled at her, then winked
as if he knew a secret.

“I
don’t know what I’m going to do about Angus though. What shall I tell him? I
know … how about Brendan MacKinnon stole your wife and lands …”

Colin
spoke up. “I’m sure you can find another situation that might be more
beneficial to the Barclay. If you need assistance, the MacKinnons would be
happy to make sure he desists the raids on the borderlands.”

Henry
looked to stifle a laugh. “We shall speak of it later. Right now, I want to
speak to Lady MacKinnon about Richard de Morris. My lady, will you please
enlighten us on why Richard would do something so horrid as to take my cousin’s
child?”

She
moved away from Brendan, and gave him a frown, before turning her attention to
the king. “Sire, I received a missive from Lord de Guylet saying I was to be
placed in Lord Richard’s guardianship. My overlord did inform me that I would
stay with Lord Richard until he returned and then I would be taken to my betrothed.”
Kate turned a heated look at Brendan before continuing. “Lord Richard said
something about not receiving lands from the regent and that he took the child
for revenge.”

“Revenge
for land? Oh, I remember now … Colin, when you and Julianna came, we were
settling the matter of Julianna’s father’s holdings, which were now hers by
right, but she didn’t want the lands and we … the regent didn’t approve of
Richard’s request. I cannot believe he would do something so harsh as to take a
child, a child under my own roof, because he was denied the land.” Henry
shouted the last and banged his hand on the table. He turned to Kate and she
leaned back, feeling someone behind her. She noticed Brendan.

Henry
leaned forward and looked confused. “I sent Richard a missive asking him to
oversee your father’s land until Lord de Guylet returned. I stated that de
Guylet would take you to your betrothed, and that you could remain at your
home. I didn’t want to upset you by having you leave, when you had only just
heard of your father’s death. I’m not heartless.”

“At
first, sire, I wasn’t certain why he made me leave my home, but then I
discovered the truth. Pardon me, I digress. Let me tell you what happened. I
arrived at Lord de Morris’ home and discovered Bonnie in the chamber next to
mine, and I knew the de Morris’ hadn’t any children …” Kate continued to
describe the events until she reached the part where she found Brendan in the
forest. “… I don’t believe Lord Richard ever intended on having my betrothed
contacted or for Lord de Guylet’s return.”

Henry
had folded his hands and sat listening. The only sign she could see that he was
affected, was the forceful movement of his nostrils, stirring the hairs of his
mustache. He rose to his full height, gripping his hair in frustration. He
knocked his chair over, with a loud bang.

“That
damned blighter, subjecting himself on an innocent woman and child. I knew he
wanted the holding adjacent to his and had been in a parley with the Regent.
The Regent decided against it, and told him the day of the faire, the day
Bonnie went missing. He sought revenge against me and used Bonnie to get it. I
cannot believe I just heard you say he attacked you in the woods.”

“He
hurt her badly, Henry. We must repay him for his injustices. Katie has more to
say, I believe.” Brendan nodded at her, but she stared at the king.

He
gripped the chair and vehemently moved it so he could sit back down. Once he
sat, he took a deep breath, and seemed to be trying to regain his composure. “I
apologize, Lady Kaitlin. Please, go on.”

Kate
nodded slightly, and handed the medallion to him. “I received this medallion
from my father. Inside, there is a note from him which says beware the friend
with the black heart. My father’s squire said that he and Lord Richard argued
over it. I also have letters from my father, which clearly indicate Lord
Richard wanted it. I don’t know its value, but I thought you should have it.”

“My
lady, your father was my loyal vassal, and he was killed for it, so its value
is nothing.”

Tears
gathered in her eyes, but she quickly gained control of herself. “I thank you,
sire.”

“Lord
de Morris will be punished for his foul deeds. I will send my armies to him at
once.” Henry pounded his fist on the table, making the cups rattle.

“That
is all I ask, my lord, justice for my father.”

Colin
stood, shaking his head. “Henry, there is no need to send your armies. Let me
and my men hunt him down. Now that we know his name, we can find him and seek
our own kind of justice. He took my daughter, for God’s sake, and almost killed
Brendan’s wife. It is our right.”

A
fierce look came to the king then, and Kate wasn’t certain if he agreed with
Colin. “My lady, will you please excuse us. I don’t wish to speak of such a
brutal subject of our retaliation in front of you.”

Kate
rose, but Brendan grabbed her arm. He walked her to the door and kissed her
before she left. She walked numbly toward her cottage. At least the attendance
with the king was behind her. She knew Richard was going to be killed, but it
really didn’t affect her. He deserved to die for all the evil deed’s he’d done
lately. Still, death wasn’t something she took lightly. Once she went inside
her cottage, she set her rope and candles on the floor. She couldn’t help but
cry, now that it was over.

It
was just the beginning—the start of an all out war against Richard de Morris.

Brendan
waited for Katie to leave before he put in his opinion on the matter. Henry
didn’t give him a chance to speak, because he rose from his chair and called
his scribe forward.

“I
shall send word at once. My army will find Richard no matter where he is.”

“Listen
Henry, I am Katie’s husband, with your own approval. You should let me handle
bringing de Morris to justice. We don’t need your army, nay, we can take care
of de Morris. It is only right that we seek retaliation.”

“But
it’s my fault, Brendan. It was one of my vassals who hurt Bonnie, killed Lady
Kaitlin’s father, and hurt her. If I don’t do something …”

“She’s
my niece and Katie’s my wife. Let Colin and me handle this. You have done
enough by giving me Katie. I haven’t thanked you yet, have I?”

A
smile tugged at Henry’s mouth. He broke out into laughter. “Brendan, I have
never heard you speak so, married life has changed ye. Colin, did I hear
Brendan MacKinnon thank me? I must be at my castle, tucked comfortably in my
bed, dreaming this. ‘Tis a day I never thought I’d see, the day Brendan became
gallant.”

Colin
lifted his cup and offered a toast. “You did right by accepting their marriage,
Henry. I didn’t think you would honor it, but how could you not? Brendan did
save your arse that day by the loch.”

Henry
gave a disheartened look at him. “You told them? I asked you not to, damn but
you’re a pain in the arse, Brendan MacKinnon. Me thinks the lady is not too
pleased to be your wife.”

Brendan
laughed. “Aye, but given time, she’ll come to accept me. She’s beautiful and
courageous.”

“Courageous
indeed. I cannot believe I have agreed to this atrocity. I should never have
betrothed her to the Barclay either. Nay, I should have met the woman first.
Fortune shined on you Brendan and your clan when you found her. She is
beautiful.”

“Aye,
but she’s more than that. She’s obstinate, beyond stubborn, and drives me to
distraction, and I can’t get enough of her. So tell me, where exactly does this
de Morris live?”

Henry
laughed and continued to tease him. “Colin, did he say that she was stubborn?
Sounds like a match made in heaven, if you ask me. Mayhap I should be relieved
you’re married to her and not I?”

“Do
not jest, Henry. We should be discussing retaliation plans.” Brendan began
pacing, wanting to learn the man’s whereabouts. He wanted to be on his way.

Henry
poured himself a cup of ale and started to speak when Burk, Walt, and Gil
strode into the hall.

“Forgive
us for interrupting, Colin, but we just received word that English forces are
sitting on our border, the McFies have them cornered.” Walt gave the report.

“Aye,
it must be de Morris. He’s been on our land, perhaps he’s waiting for Katie.”
Brendan took out his dagger and studied its sharpness. “He told Katie that if
she didn’t return to him with the medallion within a month, he’d send his army
to her home. I believe he’s been waiting to make sure she left.”

Henry
shot to his feet. “When the hell were you going to tell me that? I’ll send my
men to protect her home. Colin, you and your men have my permission to seek out
de Morris.”

Colin
nodded to him. “We’ll meet in fifteen minutes by the stables. Walt, get our men
ready. Give the order of arms.”

“I
have to take care of something first.” Brendan left the hall and walked down
the hill. He shoved the door to Kate’s cottage open and strode inside. She sat
in her circle, and he smiled seeing her there. He knelt down on one knee and
gave her a healthy view of what was beneath his tartan. He didn’t say anything,
but pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He tightened his hold on her,
lifting her against his body. She became limp against him, not being able to
fight the feelings he aroused. His kiss turned into a smile. Brendan pulled
back, setting her down on the floor.

“I
must go. I don’t know how long I’ll be, but I wanted to say goodbye. You’ll be
here when I return? I want your vow, wife.”

She
sucked in a breath at hearing him call her such. “I am certain I’ll be here when
you return, but I shan’t give you a vow.”

“Katie,
I don’t have time to argue with ye. I need to know you’ll be here when I return
and to know that you …” There he was, pleading again. He ground his jaw. Caring
for this lass would cause him much consternation.

“I
wish to discuss your not living in England, Brendan. My people need me and I
must return to them. I would expect—”

He
kissed her quickly. “I must go, we’ll discuss it later. Don’t get into
trouble.” He turned and strode to the door, thinking, mayhap a little time
would attune her to the idea of being married to him—mayhap a great deal of
time.

On
his way to the stable, Brendan was fit to kill. He took on his usual mien for
battle. The MacKinnon warriors rode out ready for war, fully armed, primed for
fighting. Many men wore the blue paint they favored. At least one hundred
soldiers rode down the hill. Colin had called up the Kerr clan and a few of his
other allies, because he wanted to confront the clootie that had taken his
daughter. The men were in a vengeful mood, many wore hardened faces, exhibiting
a serious tone in their speech.

“Brendan,
do you deem it’s them?” Gil asked.

“I
don’t know, it might be. We’ll see when we get there, I suppose.”

“Aye,
then we’ll set it to right.”

“Aye,
Gil, we will.”

“No
one kills him but me,” Colin commanded.

Brendan
wanted to dispute his claim, but he concluded he would take care of it when the
time came. Aye, the man was his and his alone to inflict vengeance upon. When
they arrived at the convergence, Brendan jumped from his warhorse, landed on
his feet and surveyed the foes in the distance. Ellic McFie awaited in the
clearing with many of his soldiers.

“Ellic,
fine day for a scuffle, wouldn’t you say?” Colin nodded a greeting. “How long
have they been here? Have they made a move yet?”

“They’ve
been here about two days. Nay, the Sassenachs sit in the woods, seem to be
waiting for something, but they haven’t made a move. There’s about a fifty of
‘em up on the rise behind us, and more beyond.” He tilted his head in their
direction. “I say we send them to hell. I don’t know what they think they’re
doing squatting on our land, but we’ll ask questions later.”

Colin
nodded in agreement.

The
highland warriors lined the base of the rise. They sat on their warhorses,
ready for battle. The English soldiers speckled the horizon with their colorful
banners. Their shiny armor reflected the sun, which sent a glare over the hill.

“It’ll
be easy to pick them off.” Brendan noted their attire.

Many
held red banners with a lion encircled by leaves. Colin indicated that he tried
to recall if he’d seen the emblem before, but he didn’t recognize it. The
English soldiers had their arrows notched at the ready.

“I’m
awaiting the Kerrs. Have they arrived yet, Ellic?” Colin asked.

“Nay,
they’re not here yet. Douglas sent word that he had troubles of his own at
present, and couldn’t come, but that he would send men with Cedric.”

“There
are many arrows pointed at us, they’ll likely darken the sky when they let ‘em
loose,” Robin said.

“Good,
then we’ll have shade on us while we battle.” Brendan paced before them and
stopped, shielding his eyes, looking to the rise.

Colin,
Ellic, and Robin grunted roughly at his remark. Brendan would say something
like that, and he hadn’t meant to make light of their impending battle, but the
comment did lighten the mood a bit. He held his sword in hand, moving it side
to side, as was his usual habit, and in his other hand he held a foot-long
dagger. Brendan always felt agitated before they warred, and he couldn’t stand
still. He continued to pace back and forth in front of them, a habit that drove
Colin daft.

“Will
you stop moving around?” Colin placed his arms over his chest, watching his
movement.

He
stopped and turned toward him. “Let’s go, I’m ready.”

“We’re
not,” Colin clipped.

“What
the hell are we waiting for?”

“I’m
waiting for our other allies to arrive.”

“You’ve
more coming?”

“Aye,
of course.”

“We
can take them now, why wait?”

“Brendan,
you’re always impatient. I’m waiting for—”

“All
right, Colin.” Brendan continued to pace.

When
the other soldiers arrived fifteen minutes later, Brendan insisted they forge
to the fray. Colin was never so happy to see them. Not because he needed them
for the war with the English. Nay, because Brendan knew he’d made him so dizzy,
he’d either fall off his horse or spill his guts in the grass.

Brendan
listened to Colin who sounded the battle cry, and for the next two hours, the
men fought tirelessly. Swords clashed. Arrows flew. Weapons collided. Blood
spilled. The Englishmen were no match for the highlander warriors, and their
forces were severely incapacitated. Several knights retreated into the forest
and Brendan lost sight of Colin in the foray. When he finally saw him across
the field, Brendan was slaying a man in his customary technique.

Colin
approached him. “Damn, Brendan, you’re more bloodthirsty than I am. Aye, you’re
a ruthless fighter. Have you found anything out?”

“Nay,
the bastards aren’t talking.”

“Why
don’t you leave some of them alive, so we can question them, Brendan?” Colin
frowned.

“That’s
a good idea, Colin. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that sooner.”

Colin
laughed. He turned to see a man come at his back, but didn’t have time to
react. Brendan’s dagger stuck from the man’s chest, and he fell backwards to
the ground. It happened in a split second, and Colin stood shocked for a
moment, probably amazed at the sheer force of his throw.

“Thanks,
didn’t see him coming.”

“Don’t
mention it.” Brendan went to the fallen man, and plucked his dagger from his
chest. He wiped the blood on the man’s tunic then returned to the fighting.

When
most of the Englishmen were either lying on the ground or running for the
hills, Brendan eased off the fight. The day was victorious in that the English
would at least leave their land. However, they had yet to find out who the
knights were and why they camped on their land. Brendan had hoped it was the
Englishman he sought. He carried a man by the scruff of his neck—the soldier’s
feet barely touched the ground. He all but choked the man, turning his face
red. When he reached Colin, he threw the man at his feet. Then Brendan
positioned his sword at the man’s heart.

“You’re
in a murderous mood this day. Your glare alone could kill the man.” Colin
folded his arms over his chest and took a relaxed stance. “Who is this,
Brendan, a friend of yours? A neighbor perchance?”

Brendan
glared at him. “That is not funny, Colin. Don’t speak to me about living in
England. I swear to ye, it will never happen. This man can talk, that’s all I
know.” Brendan wasn’t thrilled knowing Henry wanted him to live in England, and
he hadn’t even given it consideration. Nay, he’d not leave his homeland for
anything or anyone.

Colin
pushed Brendan’s sword away from the man. The man sat up and backed up a foot
or so. “Mercy, mercy …”

“I
want answers,” Colin demanded.

“Aye,
anything, just get him away from me.”

“Are
you Lord Richard de Morris’ men?”

“We
serve Lord de Morris. We came here with him, he told us to await him here.”

“Has
he returned?”

“He
told us we would be staying here, that he awaited someone. He fought today,”
the young soldier supplied. Sweat rolled down the side of his face, he swiped
it.

“Do
you see him, look around,” Colin commanded.

The
man leaned up from his position on the ground. He glanced around the field, and
shook his head. “Nay, he must have retreated with the others. We were told to
keep you busy.”

Brendan
approached with his sword in hand. He wanted to do the man in, but Colin
stopped him.

“I’ve
leaned a good lesson from Steven. We’ll send this man back with a message.”

Brendan
backed away from the man.

“Although,
now that I think on it, the last time I sent a message, it wasn’t heeded by the
Sassenach. Besides, why give him a warning?” Colin slapped him on the back and
walked away. “Lord Richard de Morris,” Colin said aloud. “Likely, he’s run back
to England with his tail between his legs, the coward. We’ll return home and
get his exact location.”

“Are
we going after him?” Robin asked.