A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) (17 page)

Nellie placed Maidie’s bonnet on her head, pinned it firmly in
place, then put the arisaid around her shoulders before picking up the food
tray.

Maidie assisted Sven with his wool jacket and handed him a
small cap for his head. He looked up at her while adjusting his cap. “Mam, we
must stop by the kitchen.”

Maidie looked at Davina. “I promised Sven he could say
good-bye to Dan and Effie and the pups.”

Davina pulled Maidie along. “No time, Maidie. Gavin and the
others wait.” She looked down at Sven. “I’ll tell the children good-bye for you
and give the pups a pat.”

Large tears formed in Sven’s eyes, but he said nothing. Maidie’s
heart broke for her son. How could he understand the feuding, taking hostages,
and ransom? He must leave those he held dear and the little pups that captured
his heart, never to see them again. Sven had lost much at such a young age.

Maidie followed Davina down the spiral staircase and through
the great hall. The servants were renewing the rushes on the floor and spreading
sweet smelling heather throughout. Maidie’s eyes found the dais where Andrew
sat. The feel of his lips on the back of her hand rushed to her memory. Without
thinking, she put the hand to her mouth. Sven lagged behind, so she grabbed his
arm, pulling him along. They followed Davina through the large door to the
baily.

Sadness soon left Sven when he saw the many mounted warriors
and prancing horses awaiting them. Gavin sat tall, dressed in a leather
ionar
,
great plaide, tall boots, a claymore strapped to his back with a pistol in his
belt. The other warriors were similarly outfitted. Some had targes strapped to
their horses and carried the shorter
claidheamh
.
Some carried long bows across their chest with quivers of
arrows on their backs. Several carts loaded with tents, cooking utensils, and
food stood by.

Tavish stood beside a horse with a sidesaddle, holding the
reins. The warrior smiled broadly when Maidie approached. He gave a bow of his
head. “Madam.”

“Good morn to you, Tavish.” Maidie returned his smile. She
heard Gavin make a guttural sound, but did not turn to look at him. The thought
of traveling for three days in his company gave her pause.

Maidie turned to Davina, embracing the young lass. Davina
returned her hug.

Gavin’s horse stomped and snorted. “Good-bye to you, Sister.
Take care while I’m gone.”

Davina released Maidie to look up at him. “To be sure, Brother.
And dinna come home without Andrew.”

With a shake of his head, Gavin led his horse to the front of
the group, turned around and waited for Maidie. Erskin moved up to join Gavin
while Tavish cupped his hands to give Maidie a lift. She placed her foot in his
hands with arms around his neck. His eyes searched hers as he lifted her to the
saddle. What did she see in those bright brown eyes? Surely Tavish felt no
attraction to her. From her observance when Davina and he danced, the chief’s
sister was smitten with the young warrior. Maidie determined to keep a good
distance. She arranged her skirt and arisaid as Tavish lifted Sven to sit on a
cushion behind her then mounted his own horse.

Tavish moved close to Maidie. “When you tire, Madam, the lad
may ride with me.”

“Thank you, Tavish.” She turned to Sven. “Hold tightly.” His
small arms encircled her waist.

The large gates opened to let the horses and their riders pass
through. Tavish stayed close to Maidie. She looked back to see Davina wave and
Angus standing in the doorway of the keep with the usual scowl on his face.
Angus should have a smile instead of a frown with her leaving. People stood
along the way through the outer bailey to watch the large party pass. More
warriors ahorse and caterans afoot armed with long spears and axes waited
outside the gates. Maidie thought Gavin must expect trouble of some sort with
so many armed men accompanying him to Castle Lach. Sven held tightly to her
waist. She patted his hand.

A heavy mist carrying a hard chill filled the air as the
sluagh
, and carts moved slowly through
the countryside. Maidie pulled her arisaid closer. Sven relaxed his hold around
her waist, resting his head on her back. She thought he might be more
comfortable riding in a cart. She would ask Tavish when they stopped. Maidie
could see the outline of leafless trees, stark across the background of white.
A surreal feeling of being in an unknown hinterland clouded her mind. The cry
of a sea gull from nearby Cromarty Firth added to the feeling. Then sadness
came with the realization she would never see this place again in her lifetime
– a place she had grown to love, a place she shared with her husband, and
then with Andrew. The chief’s face loomed large in the mist before her. She
squeezed her eyes shut, wiping them with the back of her hand.

Tavish moved his horse closer. “Are you fine, Madam?”

“Aye, Tavish. Only sad with leaving.” Maidie tried to smile at
the young man.

“I wish you dinna have to go,” he said with sorrow in his
voice.

“So do I, Tavish. So do I. This place is now my home.” Maidie
looked ahead, trying to avoid the doleful face of the warrior. This, indeed,
promised to be a long trip.

The mist dissipated with the sun’s midmorning light, and the
air grew warmer. Maidie felt relief that rain did not come. Sven’s arms grew
tired, and he let go of her waist. She turned the best she could to see him,
but could only view the top of his head.

“Do you want to ride in a cart, Sven? You would be more
comfortable riding atop the tents.”

“Nae, Mam. I want to stay with you,” he answered with a tired
voice.

Tavish moved closer, “We will stop soon, Madam, to let the
horses drink in the loch we are approaching. The lad can ride in front of my
saddle. He will be more comfortable.”

 
“Aye. I will ride
with Tavish, Mam.” Sven rallied at the offer.

Maidie could not refuse her tired son. “I suppose ‘twill be
good, Sven, if Tavish promises to stay close.” She turned to look at the
warrior.

“Aye, Madam. I will stay verra close,” he said with a grin. From
the pleased look on his face, Maidie felt sure Tavish would keep his word.

Finally, the signal to stop sounded from the lead when the
loch came into view. The warriors led their mounts to the water, dismounted,
and drank first from the cool water, then let their horses drink. Those on foot
lined the banks of the loch to drink their fill, while the cart drivers drank
then filled leather bags with water for their horses. They wanted to avoid the
carts getting stuck on the muddy banks. Tavish jumped from his horse, then
helped Maidie and Sven dismount. He took the reins for both horses to lead them
to the water.

“I’ll bring you a drink, Madam. You and the lad sit under this
tree until I return.” He pointed to a nearby oak, spreading its branches with
an inviting shade.

Maidie withdrew a small bundle wrapped in clean cloth from the
pocket of her arisaid. Nellie, being so thoughtful, had wrapped some of the
cheese and bread from the morning food tray for Sven and her. The two made
themselves comfortable on the damp leaves under the large birch tree. The scent
of blooming heather filled the air. With the lifting of the mist, Maidie could
see the hills, now covered with the last lavender blossoms of the season. The
small white heads of tansy peaking between the purple heather lined the bank of
the loch.

She sat for a moment drinking in the beauty of the Highlands
before carefully opening the small bundle and handing Sven a piece of cheese,
which he gobbled down. His face looked drawn, tired. She nibbled on her piece,
then they ate the bread. Tavish soon returned with the horses and a leather bag
filled with water. Sven and she drank thirstily. Maidie stood to stretch her
legs, looking for a place to relieve herself, while Sven ran to the loch to
watch the ducks. Tavish stood close by, ready to assist in every way. She
spotted a patch of brushwood, and walked in that direction. Maidie quickly took
care of her personal needs and returned to the group.

“How do you fair, Madam Munro?” Gavin approached her.

“I fair well, but Sven is uncomfortable on the back of my
horse. Tavish will carry him for awhile.”

“Aye. Mayhap Sven would like to ride with me at the front of
the line.” Gavin looked sideways at Tavish whose face remained expressionless.
The warrior knew not to question the tanist. “Sven will ride with me. I’ll
teach him the art of skillful riding.”

“I rather Sven stay close to me.” Maidie’s heart raced with the
thought of Sven riding with Gavin.

“Then you shall ride beside me.” He searched her face. “’Tis
settled then. Tavish, get the lady’s mount and help her upon it while I fetch
Sven. Time we were going.” Gavin mounted his horse and rode toward the loch.

Maidie turned to Tavish, who spun quickly away to fetch her
horse. He returned with haste, helped her mount, then mounted his own horse.

“You should ride on to the front of the line. Sir Gavin will
be waiting.” Tavish motioned with his hand.

Her plan to keep a safe distance from Gavin had vanished. She
nodded, displeased with the edge in the young warrior’s voice. Although his
lips formed a hard line across a stoic face, his hazel eyes pooled with dark
disappointment.

She extended her hand to touch his arm. “You have been so
verra faithful in serving Sven and me, Tavish. I canna thank you enough.”

He turned from her gaze, staring ahead. “I did my duty. You
must go now. The tanist will be waiting with Sven.”

Erskin galloped from the front of the line to rein in beside
Maidie. “Time we move on, Madam. Sven is safely seated on Sir Gavin’s horse.”

Glancing once more at Tavish, Maidie rode with Erskin to the
front of the column. The warriors afoot fell in behind those on mounts. Horses
stomped and snorted, ready to move forward. A blistering wind blew across the
glen, through the grey lifeless trees, stirring up dust that burned her
nostrils and eyes. Her heart filled with clouds like those passing over the sun,
dulling its light while keeping warmth from the earth. She pulled the veil of
her riding bonnet down over her face.

Gavin waited with Sven comfortably seated on a cushion in
front of his saddle. Sven waved to her with the excitement of riding on Maithe.

“Mam!” he called. “Sir Gavin is letting me ride with him.”

“I see, Sven.” Maidie rode close. “I feel certain Sir Gavin
will keep you safe.” She searched Gavin’s face as he did hers. She was thankful
for the veil that hid the fear of him in her eyes.

“Ha’ nae a fear, Madam. I’ll guard you and your son with my
life.” His gaze seemed to penetrate the veil.

“Aye, Sir.” Maidie turned her eyes toward the road as Gavin
moved his horse forward.

The long day of riding took its toll on Maidie. Sven fell
asleep in Gavin’s arms and slept most of the afternoon. The column did not stop
until the gloaming, with only enough light left in the sky to make camp and
start fires. The mounted warriors cared for their horses, then tethered them on
a rope tied between trees. They would sleep with their heads on the saddles,
wrapped in their great plaides around a fire. Those afoot would sleep in the
same fashion, but with no saddle for their heads. Several men set up a tent for
Maidie and Sven with another close by for Gavin. A fur robe topped several wool
blankets to comprise Maidie’s bed.

“May I go sit with the men beside the fire, Mam?” Sven asked
as Maidie removed her arisaid and bonnet.

“Aye, but mind you stay near the tent.”

When Sven left, she lay down on the fur fully dressed and
dozed while food was prepared over the campfire. Maidie ate in the tent while
Sven took his meal seated with the warriors beside the fire. Her son seemed
taken with the fighting men, their horses, and weapons. How would she be able
to keep him away from such in the house of her father?

Sven came into the tent smelling of smoke. He repeated the
stories about wars, battles, and heroes the men told. She had trouble settling
the lad down, feeling sure his company kept the rough fighters from speaking
their true minds.

***

The aroma of food cooking over an open
fire roused Sven and he wakened Maidie. “I’m hungry, Mam. May I go to the fire
and eat?”

“Aye, you may. Will you bring me a bite first? I’ll eat in my
tent this morn.” Maidie did not feel up to facing the men or Gavin.

Sven slipped on his outer garments and then left the tent.
Maidie snuggled under the warm fur for a few more minutes before rising to
dress. Her stomach growled, so she gladly assisted Sven when he came to the
tent opening with food in both hands. She took the tray of oatcakes, eggs, and
poached salmon.

“I’ll bring you some ale, Mam.”

“Nae ale, Sven, only water. I dinna think ale will sit well on
my stomach this morn.” Maidie’s stomach suddenly churned with the thought of
riding the horse all day once again.

“Aye, Mam. I ken how you feel.” Sven turned from the tent to
fetch the water.

Gavin’s familiar voice could be heard beside the campfire. She
heard bits and pieces of the conversation as she ate a small portion of food.
His words were not distinct enough to know what he said, but Maidie heard Sven
answer him. Suddenly, she saw Gavin’s boot protrude inside the tent opening,
and then his large frame followed filling the small tent. She scrambled to
stand and found herself face to face with the smiling tanist.

“Good morn to you, Madam. Did you sleep well?” His warm breath
fanned across Maidie’s face. She felt uncomfortable standing so close to him
and looked down at the tent floor.

“Aye. The bed was welcomed after riding in a sidesaddle all
day.” She continued to look at the floor, not wanting to gaze directly into his
eyes.