Fraser 02 - Highland Quest (7 page)

Fallon crawled onto a pile of flat stones surrounding the base of a tree. At least she’d be off the dew-soaked ground. With her back resting against the gnarled trunk, she tugged her brat around her shoulders, trying to generate some warmth. But her body trembled and her teeth chattered as the temperature continued to drop.

What she would not give for a fire and loaf of bread.

When she closed her eyes, she could almost taste the baked treat. Too hot to handle as it came out of the stone oven and dripping with sweet, fresh honey. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. Wishing for things she could not have only made the longing worse. But forgetting about the gnawing emptiness of her stomach was not that easy. The only thing surpassing her hunger was her thirst. Fallon slid her tongue across her dry lips, but the act provided little relief.

The hoot of an owl caused her to jump. Ominous shadows crept over the ground, consuming everything in their path. While she didn’t frighten easily, she’d never spent the night in the forest alone. Her nerves on edge, she inched the length of plaid up over her head and squeezed her eyes shut. With any luck she’d be able to sleep and morning would arrive quickly.

Bryce tossed another log onto the fire. As he stared into the glowing embers, he heaved a deep sigh. The cacophony of thoughts racing through his mind made sleep impossible. His decision to join the Bruce was the right one, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Fallon. He reached for his throat and stroked the talisman she’d given him. Praying she was safe, and that no one found out she’d aided in his escape. If anything were to happen to her, he’d never forgive himself. Had he let her down the way he did—
“You’re brooding, brother.” Alasdair sat on the log beside him.

“I dinna brood,” Bryce snapped. He picked up a stick and stirred the fire.

Alasdair laughed and thumped Bryce on the back. “You sound exactly like Connor did when he was pining for Cailin.”

“This is different.” Bryce countered. “I’m not in love. I don’t want a woman in my life, and have no intention of settling down with a wife and family.”

“Even if it meant being with Fallon?” Alasdair raised a brow. “A man canna always control what is in his heart.”

“I have no heart. The English saw to that when they slaughtered our parents and two brothers. When they joined with the MacDougalls, ransacked our camp in Methven, and executed Simon, they crushed what was left of it. When the blackguards murdered—” Bryce rose and began to pace. “I willna rest until Scotland is free. I’m not worthy of a wife. Any woman who falls in love with me is a fool.”

“You’re not responsible for what happened to Ashlen.” Alasdair moved to Bryce’s side and slid his hand over his brother’s shoulder. “When the blackguards raided the village, you were but a bairn. There was nothing you could have done, and you must stop blaming yourself.”

Bryce shrugged away and continued to pace. “I’m not a bairn now and dinna want to talk about the past.”

“Then you will never be able to put it behind you.”

“There is no need for you to be concerned. Once Longshanks’ forces are driven back, I plan to go to France and tender my sword for hire, earn a title and some land of my own.”

“If it is land you desire, Connor will give you as much as you need. A castle and men to guard it are not a problem. Robert can grant you a title and holdings for service rendered.”

“I intend to earn my fortune and title.”

Robert the Bruce joined them. “Am I interrupting a private discussion?” He stretched his arms over the fire and rubbed his hands together.

“Nay, Alasdair was spouting nonsense as usual. He can prattle on more than an old woman. It gets to a point where it hurts my ears.”

“After your long journey and recent injury, I’m surprised you’re not asleep.” Robert studied both men before taking a seat on a large boulder on the opposite side of the fire.

“It seems my little brother is smitten with a lass he met when we were holed up at the castle of Michael Scott. But for the life of me, I canna understand why a man who is right in the head would want to tie himself down to a woman.” Alasdair spat on the ground.

Robert stroked his beard and cocked his head to one side. “Is that so?”

“Dinna pay Alasdair’s ramblings any mind. I never sleep before a major battle—especially when I don’t know the details. I’d hope to speak with you after the evening meal, but was told you had retired early.”

“I was taken aback by the news about Alex and Thomas and needed some time alone. Like most Scots, this war has taken a huge toll on my family. In addition to losing three brothers—God bless them—” Obviously choked with emotion, Robert lowered his head and crossed his heart. “My sisters, wife, and daughter are being held prisoners by the English. Now that I’m back in Scotland, I’ll not rest easy until they are released.”

Bryce sat on the log beside Alasdair and lowered his voice as he addressed Robert. “Your return to the mainland was a supposed to be a secret, yet you attacked the English at Clatteringshaw, alerting Aymer de Valance to your presence. Would it not have been a better plan to sneak in unannounced, establish yourself in Carrick, and then launch your attack?”

“Mayhap. But after Methven, de Valance chased me across Scotland, then hounded me relentlessly on the Isle of Arran, boasting to all that he had me on the run like a frightened rabbit. By launching our attack, we showed those sympathetic to the cause that I am indeed ready to resume my role as king. His failed attempt to strike back at Glen Tool proved we’ll not be easily defeated again. Offers of alliances and support from the clans are mounting.”

“That may be, but do you think it wise to tarry in one spot for too long? The MacDougalls are no doubt headed to Turnberry as we speak, and the Earl of Pembroke canna be far behind.” Bryce understood the reason Robert needed to make a stand, but he also knew first hand how determined his enemy was to stop him.

“Our departure must be timed perfectly or it will appear as though I am running scared and not prepared to fight. This camp is strategically situated and well guarded. There are spies in the village, along the routes leading to Turnberry, and the surrounding area.”

“Robert spent many months preparing for his return,” Alasdair interjected. “Given you’ll be leaving for Fraser Castle in the morning, you’ve nothing to worry about.”

Robert cocked a brow. “You are leaving?”

“Damnation, Alasdair. I’m not going anywhere.” Bryce crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his brother. “Why is it you canna listen for once, instead of trying to dictate? I’ll be joining Robert’s forces when he confronts de Valance. My mind is set and I won’t discuss this with you again.”

Alasdair sprang to his feet and towered over Bryce. “You’re injured. I’ll not have time to watch your back or coddle you.”

“My wound is almost healed.” Frustrated beyond control, he lurched forward. As a show of strength, he shoved Alasdair, causing him to stumble backward. He glared down at his brother, sitting in the dirt with a look of shock on his face. “I dinna need a nursemaid, and if I do, I’ll find one who is qualified.”

Robert stepped between them. “Save your anger for the battlefield. Bryce is a grown man. Best you allow him to decide for himself, Alasdair. I need every able-bodied warrior I can get.”

Bryce faced Robert. “When do we depart, and where will we make our stand?” The sooner he honored his commitment to the cause, the sooner he could check to make sure Fallon was safe. A mix of guilt and trepidation tugged at his belly. He had no solid reason to think otherwise, yet something in his gut told him she could be in danger.

While he did not want to lead her on or give her false hope that there could someday be a relationship between them, he’d never forgive himself if anything happened to her and he had not been there to stop it. Or mayhap he was destined to habitually let people down when they needed him the most?

“We leave two days hence. Loudon Hill is situated in the heart of my earldom, and the perfect place to wait for de Valance’s attack. This time, he’s in for a surprise.” Robert paused. “Are you listening to me, Bryce, or woolgathering?”

Bryce shook his head, his thoughts returning to the issue at hand. “How do you know he’ll fall for your trap?”

“He’s too pompous to ignore an open invitation to fight. Longshanks charged de Valance with thwarting the Scottish rebellion. If he wishes to remain in good favor with his king, he’ll not decline a challenge he believes he’ll win. With any luck, the MacDougalls will join him. I’ll have my revenge for Dahl Righ and the deaths of my brothers.”

Alasdair stood, stretched, then yawned. “I’m on guard duty in a few hours so need to get some sleep. Best you do the same, little brother.”

“I’m not tired.” Bryce tossed more wood on the burning pile. He was still annoyed with Alasdair, but his temper had cooled to a simmer. “You get some rest, and I’ll take your watch. There’s no point in both of us being awake all night.”

Alasdair nodded and left. Robert accompanied him.

Alone with his musings, Bryce tugged a length of plaid around his shoulders and moved closer to the fire. Like the Bruce, he relished the idea of facing Dungal MacDougall again. If only he could be certain Fallon was safe.

“Do you think she’s a faerie? If we catch her, she must grant us a wish.”

Fallon shifted her position, and struggled to open heavy-lidded eyes. She shivered, her clothes damp from the dense morning dew. Rays of sunlight filtered through the treetops, caressing her cheeks. She inclined her head toward the welcomed warmth.

“She moved,” someone squealed.

Fallon sat up with a start. This was not a dream. Two young lads stood a few feet a way, the eldest wielding a wooden sword. Her heart in her throat from the sudden fright, she studied the two young men as they returned her questioning stare.

The older lad puffed out his chest and stepped forward, shielding his younger companion. “This is Kennedy land. You’re trespassing. Dinna try any tricks, Faerie, or I’ll not hesitate to run you through.”

“I’ll get Da.” The younger lad raced off, disappearing over a nearby ridge.

“I was on my way to the coast, but got lost when night fell. I thought it best to wait until morning to resume my journey. I had no idea where I was, let alone on Kennedy land.” Fallon stood and brushed the leaves from her skirt. “If you please, I’ll be off.”

“Stop, Faerie! You’re not going anywhere until my brother returns with our da. I’ll warn you, he dinna take kindly to uninvited visitors on our land.” He pointed his toy weapon at her chest.

“I’m not a faerie.” Fallon fought the urge to laugh at the lad’s bravado, but she was not certain she relished the idea of meeting his father. What if he was an ally to the MacDougalls, or worse, a minion of the English king? Many of the borderland castles were now controlled by Edward’s men. Would he hold her prisoner and wait for Dungal to come and claim her?

The lad quickly scanned the area. “Are you alone?”

“Aye.” Fallon sat on a tree stump. “No one is with me.” She warily watched the lad, waiting for him to drop his guard, at which point, she intended to make a dash for the woods. Surely she could outrun a bairn.

He studied her for a moment before he spoke again. “The coast is too far a venture on foot. Where’s your horse?”

“I have no mount, so I must be off if I wish to reach my destination.” Fallon rose.

“Over here!” The younger lad returned and stumbled to a halt beside his brother. Winded, he doubled over and gasped for air.

A robust man with pleasing features crested the hill and joined the lads. “Who are you, and how did you come to be in the forest without an escort?”

Too late to escape, but still uncertain if he was a friend to the MacDougalls or a supporter of the Bruce, Fallon chose not to answer. The burr in his voice was definitely Scottish, but that didn’t mean anything in a country torn apart by war and upheaval.

He narrowed his eyes and planted his hands on his hips. “Well, what have you to say for yourself?”

Deciding it might be better to respond than to risk his wrath, she cleared her throat and answered. “As I explained to the lad, I was on my way to Turnberry, but when the sun set, I found myself disoriented, so decided to rest here.” She pointed to the rocks where she’d spent the night. She provided no more information about herself or her destination than was necessary. Hopefully it was enough to satisfy his curiosity and he’d let her be on her way.

“The village is at least a full day’s hard ride. To walk would take you a close to a sennight. In addition, for a lass to travel alone is far too dangerous. You’re lucky my sons found you, and not thieves, scoundrels, or the English. I canna believe you slept in the woods alone.”

“There was no choice.” Fallon wrung her hands, her eyes downcast. “I have an important missive to deliver to a friend and there was no one to accompany me.”

“I am heading to Turnberry today. If you wish, you may ride along with me and my men. Does this friend of yours have a name?”

Fallon shook her head and backed away. “I appreciate the generous offer, but I dinna know you, and it is best I travel alone. It would not be proper for me to be seen in the company of strangers.” While it sounded like a weak excuse, especially since she was traveling unescorted, it was the first thing that came to mind.

“John Kennedy.” He bowed. “I am laird of Clan Kennedy and father to these two fine lads.” He placed a hand on each of the boys’ shoulders and smiled. “I am more concerned about your welfare than I am appearances. I promise to escort you safely to your destination. You have nothing to fear.”

“My uncle, Douglas MacCrery, has mentioned the Kennedy Clan’s contributions to the Scottish cause.”

“I know your uncle well, and am proud to call him a friend. I am surprised he allows you to make this journey alone.”

Fallon lowered her head and crossed herself. “My uncle is dead.” She choked back a sob.

John looked puzzled. “Dead? I saw him in Turnberry little more than a fortnight ago, and he was as spry and ornery as ever.”

“He was branded a traitor for aiding a Scottish patriot following an attack at Loch Ryan and hanged by Dungal MacDougall.”

John cursed and slammed his fist against a nearby tree trunk. “The day that bastard meets his end canna come too soon. It’s bad enough he opposes the Bruce’s claim to the throne, but his clan’s traitorous acts of aggression against their fellow Scots and their affiliation with the English is inexcusable.”

The older lad waved his wooden sword in the air. “Let me at him, Da. I’ll teach the MacDougalls a lesson they’ll not forget.”

“I think your mam would have something to say about that idea. You’ve only seen ten summers and have more growing to do before you go off to do battle.” He patted the pouting lad’s head then looked at Fallon. “My offer to see you to Turnberry stands.”

Judging by his comments, John’s loyalty lay with Robert the Bruce. With his help, she might be able to reach Bryce and warn him before Dungal arrived. It was now clear that if she continued on foot, she didn’t have a prayer. “I am grateful for your kindness and will accompany you.”

“A wise decision. First, we must return to the castle.” John turned and headed down the path.