A Warrior's Promise (22 page)

Bryce pushed to his feet and turned away from her for a moment, running his fingers through his hair, then rubbing his chin before turning around again. “What do we do if we come upon this prison? How do we penetrate its forces? How do we fight against its many guards?”

“If we hurry and stop dallying, we could reach my da before he is locked away, making for a more successful rescue.”

“And if we don't reach him, what then?” Bryce asked, not wishing to discourage her but hoping she would see reason. “Old John wasn't only adamant but fearful when he told us that no one escapes that prison.”

“He did,” Charlotte said. “There is an entrance; therefore, there is an egress.”

“But not a safe one. It will take planning and more men, and we still have to find where this prison is located.”

“If we get moving, we could possibly find my da before all that is necessary,” she said.

He grabbed her bundle off the ground and flung it over his shoulder to carry for her. “We will continue to search for your da, but if we turn up nothing soon, we return to my home and formulate a plan before proceeding any farther.”

He waited, expecting her to argue with him.

She didn't. She picked up her bow and cache of arrows, then yanked her bundle off his shoulder to swing over her own. She walked off without a word, Odin trotting right beside her.

Bryce shook his head. This was going to be a challenge, and he had a nagging suspicion that he would wind up having to forcibly carry her home.

Chapter 26

T
hey had to avoid two small troops of soldiers, had to forgo a campfire, and had to rely on their bodies' heat to keep them warm throughout the night. Though Charlotte had hoped for adequate shelter where they could make love without worry of the weather, it was not to be.

They rose with the sun, and it was another day of constant walking and remaining alert, with little time to spare for conversation or to steal a kiss. With signs that soldiers lingered in the area, they remained vigilant. It continued such for three endless days.

Charlotte found no messages from her da and, worse, the few people they met along the way hadn't come across soldiers with prisoners. It was as if her da had simply disappeared.

And so the argument began on the fourth day.

“We go home, gather help, and devise a plan,” Bryce said, as they took to the road once more.

Her da had often reminded her of her stubborn nature; she was aware that it could interfere with making rational decisions. And Bryce's decision made sense. However, her guilt over not having saved her da from the soldiers coupled with not being able to find him turned her more obstinate than ever.

“I won't give up,” she said, stepping past Bryce to walk several feet ahead of him.

“I'm not asking you to,” he said, catching up with her in two easy strides.

She was glad she would never need to run from him, for he would certainly catch her in no time, his long, powerful legs more than a match for her short, thin ones. No matter how many times, out of sheer annoyance that she strode past him, he was at her side in an instant.

She almost smiled, for in a sense it was a good thing to know. He would always be there beside her. And while she was accustomed to spending much time alone, she found that she rather favored his presence. Actually, her heart sank at the mere thought of his not being beside her.

“Be reasonable,” he said. “We do not retreat. We regroup and build strength to fortify victory.”

“I know it makes sense, but . . .” She shook her head letting her words trail off, fighting the thoughts of how her da must be suffering.

Bryce grabbed hold of her arm, stopping them both. “I know how helpless you must feel, but think about how your da would respond to this situation. After time spent searching for you, would he continue or stop and reconsider?”

Of course, he was right, but that didn't matter; she felt that she had failed her da, and nothing he said would take that pain away.

He ran a finger beneath her chin and gave a lift. She hadn't even realized her head had drooped.

“You carry too heavy a burden. Stop struggling with it and let me lift it off you.”

He didn't let her answer; he leaned down and kissed her.

She had never known something to be so welcoming. She needed this kiss from him as much as she needed to breathe. And though normally and instinctively her arms would shoot around his neck to pull him closer, this time they didn't. This time she simply stood there and welcomed his kiss.

It wasn't a demanding kiss that would ignite their passion. It was a kiss that asked for nothing but gave everything. It was a kiss of love.

Slowly, Charlotte's arms wound up around his neck as he eased her up against him. She lingered in his nourishing kiss, and, for a moment, all her worries slipped away. There was just Bryce and her, and their love.

When the kiss finally ended, she didn't want to open her eyes and once again be thrust back into her worries. She would much rather have remained in his arms, where her concerns dissipated, and she felt safe. It would be nice to think that she could live like that forever, but it wasn't possible. She had responsibilities; she had a mission just like he did. And soon, his mission would separate them. And then what would she do?

Do not be afraid to depend on yourself.

Her da had taught her that, and it had helped her face many a difficult time with strength. This time would be no different.

“I will let you help with my burden, but I will carry it,” she said.

He grinned and gave her cheek a quick kiss. “You can be impossible.”

“I beg to differ,” she said. “I do what reason dictates.”

“Then reason instructs us to go home.”

“That would depend on how one reasons it,” she argued.

And so the argument continued until they came to a fork in the road, a point in their travels where one road would take them home and the other would again have them searching for her da's trail.

It pained Charlotte to think they would separate, but she wasn't ready to give up on her da or drop her burden completely on Bryce. He had enough of his own concerns to worry about, she needn't add to them.

“Tell me you will be reasonable and do as I suggest,” he said.

“Tell me you will let me do what I must?”

“I thought you would say that,” Bryce said with a nod and a firm set to his jaw.

She realized too late his intention, and, besides, it would be a useless endeavor to try to outrun him. She was scooped up and flung over his shoulder so fast that everything around her spun.

Odin gave a protesting bark, but a sharp command from Bryce quieted him.

“You leave me no choice,” he said, and walked with her slung over his shoulder like a sack of grain.

She debated fighting him, pummeling his back and kicking to get free. After giving it some thought, it didn't strike her as the best course of action. She could wait until he grew tired of carrying her, but she didn't believe she was a heavy burden to him and, therefore, he would not tire easily. By the time he did release her, they would be a distance away, and it would take her time to return to this spot.

“If you were reasonable, you would see that what I propose is our best course of action,” he said, walking along, as if carrying her in such a fashion was a common occurrence. “I do understand your misgivings with it. But your da has proven that he is well able to survive until you find him.”

“You're right.”

“Finally, you admit it,” he said on a laugh. “Then we can be done with this nonsense, and you will come home willingly with me?”

“You would assume so and yet you ask me if that is what I will do.” She waited and when an answer wasn't forthcoming, she said, “We both know the true reason for my refusal to cooperate.”

He continued to remain silent.

“I will say what you refuse to admit. You take me home and expect me to stay there.”

“You'll be safe there.”

“I'll be a prisoner.”

“You certainly will not be a prisoner,” he said sternly.

“I will join you then on the mission to rescue my da?”

“It is not necessary. I will see him safely returned to you.”

It was her turn to be silent. He might think as he wished; she would make plans of her own.

“Your silence tells me that I will not be able to trust you when it comes to allowing me to rescue your da.”

She saw no reason to lie when he already suspected her intentions. “You're right again.”

“I will not waste time arguing this point with you. We will settle it once home.”

“Good,” she said. “Then there is room for debate, and I will sway you to my cause.”

Bryce laughed. “You can try.”

“I can succeed.”

“And how will you do that?” he asked.

“I will make you see just how strong love can be, so that you will know that there isn't anything I wouldn't do to rescue you if you were in the same position.” She poked him in the back. “And don't bother to warn me about putting myself at risk for you. I would fight the devil himself to see you safe.”

He laughed again. “I have no doubt the devil would surrender posthaste just to be rid of you.”

She gave him another poke, harder this time. “Make fun all you want, but one day you may be grateful for my tenaciousness.”

“There is one place I'd welcome your resolute nature.”

She waited to hear where that was, but instead felt his hand stroke her backside. She was about to snap at him when a familiar tingle rippled through her. She silently cursed his magic touch. And it had to be magic for her to respond so quickly. She couldn't say when she had first noticed it, or perhaps it had been like that from the first, and she hadn't quite understood it. All she knew was that his touch sent pleasant tingles through her.

Her response surprised her, though she meant it. “Put me down, and I'll show you just how determined I can be at making love.”

She smiled when his steps faltered, knowing her remark had affected him just as potently as his touch had affected her.

“Be careful what you ask for,” he warned. “You may just get it.”

“I want it,” she said. “I want you.”

“Not a good time or place.”

“It hasn't been for the last few days, and I grow eager to make love again.”

His hand stopped stroking her. “When we get home—”

“How long before we reach your home?”

“Two or three days.”

“Too long,” she complained.

“We can't take a chance with soldiers spotted so frequently in the area.”

“Don't you wish to make love before we reach your home? And what will your parents think of me when you take me to your bed? I like the privacy of only the two of us knowing what we share.”

He stopped and swung her down off his shoulder and onto her feet. “My mum will assume I found the perfect woman to be my wife, and my da will not comment, leaving the decision mine. And you and I will do as we please regardless of opinions.”

What pleased them was to enjoy each other while they could, then they would return to their respective missions. It was what followed those missions that had her more curious than worried. She didn't believe that, given how much they loved each other, they would ever part. But life as she had sadly discovered was unpredictable and did not always bring equals amounts of joy and sorrow. So there was no foreseeing what the future held; therefore, it was best they enjoyed and savored the time they had together.

“Now who's being stubborn?” She smiled. “We are more alike than we think.”

He shook his head, grinned, and grabbed hold of her hand and began walking again. “We are different.”

“Not as much as you think,” she said. “And there is no reason to hold my hand. I will not run. I will go home with you.”

“I like holding your hand.”

She laughed. “Perhaps, but that is not why you hold it now.”

“Give me your word you won't run?”

“I have said I wouldn't. Isn't that enough?” She hoped it was, for she didn't want to believe that he thought her a liar.

He released her hand, and she smiled.

“Now about shelter for the night,” she said.

“We had best find something suitable, for I cannot wait any longer to make love to you.”

Her smile spread, and, remarkably, the tingles returned without his touching her. “How wonderful it would be to come across an abandoned cottage. Not that I wish to benefit from someone's misfortune.”

“We may very well find one though we still must consider the soldiers in the area. No doubt they search for crofts as well.”

“Then what are we to do?”

“We have time until nightfall, we'll think of something,” he said.

She dashed in front of him. “Time for a bit of privacy.”

“Take Odin with you and don't be long. I'll wait here.”

She hurried off, Odin following as he always did unless she or Bryce ordered otherwise. She went a good distance in and when she was nearly finished, she saw Odin's head suddenly rear up. He sniffed the air and immediately took a guarded stance.

Someone was about.

She motioned for Odin to be quiet and took a moment to listen. When Odin issued a small whine, she knew it wasn't her he was concerned about.

“Bryce?” she asked softly.

Odin whined again, and, with swift light steps, they both took off.

Chapter 27

B
ryce spotted Charlotte running toward him. He ran at her, grabbed her by the arm, swung her around, and said, “Keep going.”

She did exactly what he ordered, Odin quick to change directions along with her.

When they were a good distance away, still keeping a good pace, Bryce said, “There were two soldiers. Don't know if more followed. We need to get home fast. There are too many soldiers combing these parts.”

“It isn't about enlarging his troops that King Kenneth seeks men and lads, is it?” Charlotte said. “It's about him searching for the true king. He wants him found.”

“It would appear that way,” Bryce said, hating to admit the implications of the obvious.

“Your home may not be safe.”

“We are well fortified, and the Picts border our land. The king will not dare tread there.”

“Why not?” she asked. “He claims the right to sit the throne, and all know that the rightful king is born of a Pict mother. King Kenneth should have no qualms about asking those of his blood to help him.”

“Therein lies the problem,” Bryce said. “King Kenneth is no descendant of a Pict.”

“You have to get home and warn your people, so they will be prepared,” Charlotte said.

“All those who fight for the true king must prepare,” Bryce said. “Battle is on the horizon.”

They kept up a hectic pace, taking time for only one brief rest throughout the day.

His legs began to burn, his body tire, and he could only imagine how Charlotte must be feeling, the bruises from her last two altercations still fresh on her body.

He needed to find them a place to rest for the night, and as soon as the sun rose tomorrow, they would leave, setting a pace as quick as today's.

The rain had left behind a chill that had grown decidedly colder, and it suddenly felt like winter had returned for one last sting. They had draped their blankets around them as they walked, but they could do with the warmth of a fire.

Bryce had hoped to come upon an abandoned croft where they could seek adequate shelter for the night, but so far there had been nothing. Being forced off the well-worn trail hadn't helped. Rarely had he come across a lone cottage in the woods.

Charlotte plopped down on the ground. “I can't go much farther.”

Even Odin looked exhausted, spreading out beside her to rest his head on her thigh.

Worried, since she had never claimed she could not go on, he knelt beside her. “Does something pain you?”

“Everything pains me.”

They both jumped at the sound of twigs cracking, and, without hesitation, stood back-to-back, his sword drawn and her bow ready. When Bryce saw that Odin hadn't moved, his worry faded though it did disturb him that Odin lay where he was, watching a squirrel scampering about. Usually, he would be chasing it, which meant the dog was fatigued.

He hated to say it, but he had no choice. He wanted them closer to home, closer to safety. “A bit more, then we'll settle for the night.”

Charlotte groaned but started walking, and Odin reluctantly got up and joined her.

“A couple more days, and we'll be home,” Bryce said. “Then you'll have a bed to sleep in.”

“And sleep I will,” she said with an annoyed toss of her head.

Bryce strode up beside her, and she stepped away from him.

“So then,” he said, “you'll be sleeping in your bed alone?”

“No.” She grinned. “Odin will be joining me.”

He laughed. “There'll be no dog in my bed.”

“And no woman either,” she shot back.

He moved closer to her though he didn't brush against her this time. “Come on, lassie, you know you want to share my bed just as much as I want you to.”

She sighed. “Can you imagine the pleasure of having a bed beneath us?”

“I can imagine the pleasure of having you beneath me.”

She gave her head a tilt to look at him. “How about me on top of you? You did—”

“Stop,” he said, taking a step away from her. The vision was enough to make him grow hard.

“It's only fair that we each—”

“Enough,” he warned, thinking how much of a handful she would be in bed and growing harder with the thought.

He stomped past her, ending the debate, though the image of her naked on top of him refused to fade away.

A few hours later, with his thoughts finally his, they came upon a cottage the land had partially reclaimed. It wasn't what they had hoped for, but, with a little bit of work, it would lodge them sufficiently for the night.

Bryce got a fire going in what remained of the fireplace, so that Charlotte could keep warm as he worked. With the sun ready to set soon and the air continuing to cool, it would be a cold night.

Thick pine branches served as a partial roof and helped plug holes in what was left of the wattle-and-daub walls. Though it wasn't possible to enclose the structure, his effort would at least provide them with a snug area that would keep them from being fully exposed to the cold.

When Bryce finally finished, he wasn't surprised to see Odin curled in a ball, snug against a sleeping Charlotte. Crumbs, remnants of their meal, lay sprinkled around them. He had to smile. Hungry and exhausted, they had eaten, then fallen asleep.

He took some food for himself though he found he had less of an appetite than he had thought. When he finished, he cuddled up against Charlotte, wrapping his arm around her. He had hoped this night would end differently, but their frantic pace had completely worn them out.

He couldn't wait to get home, spend time with her while plans were made to search for her da. She'd give him a difficult time, no doubt, when she learned that there would be no debate about her remaining home. He'd handle that when the time came.

Until then, he intended to enjoy the time he had with her. He didn't know what the future held for them. He hoped that they would share it together. But there was so much standing between them that no matter what he wanted or how many promises he made, he wasn't sure if he could keep them.

Except for finding her da . . . that was a promise he intended to keep.

M
orning came too soon and with it another long day of travel. Bryce kept them going at a rapid pace, and night, no doubt, didn't come soon enough for Charlotte, sleep claiming her before she had a chance to eat.

It was on the third day, the sun high in the sky with hours of travel yet ahead of them that she stopped.

“I've had enough,” she said. “I ache from my head to my toes. I want a respite even if it is only a short one.”

Bryce smiled, reached out, and scooped her up in his arms, then started walking.

“You can't carry me,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder, “even if it does feel good. It's not fair. You will grow tired.”

“I've told you before. You are no burden.”

“Still—”

“Shush,” he ordered. “It's not far now.”

“We'll be there by nightfall?” she asked with a bit of desperation.

“Sooner.”

“How soon?”

“Just over this rise.”

Her head shot up. “You can't mean that.”

He laughed. “That happy to be home?”

“No. No. Put me down,” she said, squirming to be free.

He released her, and she stood in front of him, her hands planted on her slim hips. “I can't meet your family looking like this.”

He glanced over her from top to bottom. She did look a bit the worse for wear. Her clothes were dirty and dust-covered, her hair lacked shine, and her face was spotted with grime, and though the bruises had faded, they were still visible. But to him, she looked beautiful.

He reached out and rubbed a spot of dirt off her chin, holding it up for her to see. “The dirt you wear and the aches you suffer are badges of your undaunting courage, wear them with pride.” He smeared the dirt back on her chin. “Besides, no amount of dirt can hide your beauty.”

The kiss wasn't planned, it never was, it simply happened. It was quick though thorough, the kind that let you know there was more to come but not just yet.

“We should hurry,” she said when the kiss ended.

He smiled. “Eager for nightfall and bedtime?”

“Must we wait for nightfall to make love?”

His smile remained firm as he shook his head and took her hand. “How did I get so lucky?”

“You met me,” she said, her small hand closing tightly over his.

They walked hand in hand up the rise, Odin scampering ahead of them. At that moment, Bryce felt more content than he ever had, and he wanted to keep a firm hold on it and never let it go.

As soon as Odin spotted children at play, he took off and Charlotte wasn't far behind. Bryce smiled and shook his head watching the pair. The big dog wanting nothing more than to join in play with the children, and Charlotte worried that the sight of him charging toward them would frighten the children.

His eyes rounded when he saw Reeve run forward, and his heart slammed in his chest when he watched Charlotte spot his attack charge. Odin was oblivious to it all, his only interest to play with the children. Bryce knew Charlotte would never let anyone harm Odin, and she picked up a speed that astonished Bryce and headed straight for his brother.

Bryce took off, but knew he'd never be able to prevent what was about to happen. He watched as Reeve positioned himself, ready to take Odin down with one powerful and possible deadly swing. He was amazed when Charlotte vaulted over Odin, rolled, and came up with her booted foot to Reeve's face, sending him flying up in the air to land with a bounce or two right on his back.

Before his brother could get to his feet, Charlotte had her dirk to his throat.

Duncan was hurrying forward as was his father, Carmag, though Mara, his mum sped past both.

“Get that dirk away from my son's throat,” Mara ordered with a sharp tongue.

“Not until your son gives me his word that he'll leave my harmless dog alone,” Charlotte challenged.

“He was set to attack the children,” Reeve spat.

“Odin would never hurt a child. He only wanted to play with them, and if you weren't so ready to condemn and harm, you would have learned that for yourself,” Charlotte said. “Now your word, or you stay where you are until I have it.”

Bryce joined them, grinning, though not saying a word and ever so eager to see Reeve's reaction when he learned that a woman had bested him.

“You dare threaten me when surrounded by my family?” Reeve said, his face flushed red with anger.

“Odin is my family, and I protect him as your family protects you,” Charlotte said.

“Give her your word,” Mara ordered. “The dog already plays with the children, and they are delighted with him.”

Reeve reluctantly said, “You have my word.”

Charlotte slipped her dirk back in her boot.

“You protect him, so why didn't your dog help you when you attacked me?” Reeve said, once on his feet.

“He knew I required no help to take down the likes of you,” Charlotte said.

Bryce cringed, though he continued grinning.

Reeve went right up to Charlotte. “You're a cocky lad who needs to be taught a lesson.”

“Let him be, Reeve,” Mara said. “He's just a lad, and I'll have him whipped into shape in no time.”

Reeve laughed. “Now you're in for it, lad.”

Charlotte turned to Bryce. “I don't think I like your family.”

Bryce went to her, slipped his arm around her, and tucked her against his side. “I want you all to meet Charlotte, my woman.”

C
harlotte's heart soared with delight. Bryce had all but announced he loved her by claiming that she was his woman, and she couldn't have been happier. Though she wasn't sure about his family; they hadn't been at all what she expected.

She remained close to Bryce's side and wasn't surprised to see that eyes rounded, mouths dropped open, and silence reigned, though not for long.

Duncan laughed. “You were bested by a wee bit of a lassie, Reeve.”

“She doesn't look at all like a woman,” Reeve shouted at him.

Charlotte tensed, hurt by his remark.

Bryce gave her a comforting squeeze, and said, “Believe me, she's more woman than any man can handle in more ways than one, which she has demonstrated on you, Reeve.”

Duncan laughed again.

Reeve whipped his head around to glare at Duncan, who didn't stop laughing though he calmed it some.

“There must be a good tale to why you're dressed like a lad and how you've come to learn to defend yourself so well,” Mara said. “I'd like to hear it. And as soon as my son sees past his embarrassment, he'll no doubt realize you're no longer an adversary but a woman to be admired for her courage.”

Charlotte saw the warning Mara shot Reeve, and though he remained annoyed, he did attempt to seek a truce between them.

“I'd like to hear the tale myself,” he said.

Charlotte hoped they all would understand once they knew her story. She didn't want difficulty with Bryce's family. It would not be wise, especially with her having longed for a family since she was young.

Charlotte left the support of Bryce's arms, wanting to offer something of a truce to Reeve as well. “Odin looks intimidating, but he truly is a lovable animal. Let me introduce you.”

She called out to the dog before Reeve could object, and he came reluctantly, sitting next to her leg. She bent down beside him and rubbed behind his ears while he licked her face. She stood, looked down at him, and said, “Odin, this is Reeve, and he's a friend.”

The dog walked over and licked Reeve's hand, then walked back to Charlotte, his big eyes begging to let him rejoin the children.

“Go have fun,” she said with a laugh.

He ran off with a bark, and peals of delightful laughter filled the air as he once again joined the children.