Fraser 02 - Highland Quest (8 page)

Fallon followed. Finding it difficult to keep up with his long strides, she scrambled to stay in step. They exited the forest. In the distance stood the Kennedy stronghold, an impressive castle surrounded by a moat and high stone curtain wall.

John slowed, allowing Fallon to catch up. “This is one of only a few lowland castles that have not fallen under Longshanks’ rule. The English took over most of the coastal holdings, including Turnberry Castle, the former home and birthplace of King Robert.”

Her empty stomach rumbled and the heat of a blush rose in her cheeks.

“Along with your lack of a mount, I noticed you carry no supplies.”

“I had no time to gather any. I left with the clothes on my back and nothing more.” She glanced down at her wrinkled attire then ran her fingers through her windblown hair.

“We can break our fast before we depart, and I’ll ask my wife to fetch you a clean gown. Are you able to ride?”

Fallon squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “Aye, I learned to sit a horse when I was but five summers and ride as well as any man. Some say I have a way with horses.”

“Good. The journey takes us over some very rough terrain. To reach our destination before nightfall we must move quickly. While honorable, I have no doubt my men will find a comely lass distracting. I dinna want to contend with temptation if we are forced to make camp for the night.” He resumed his trek toward the keep.

As they neared the drawbridge, a brawny warrior with graying hair stepped out of the shadows, blocking the entrance to the castle. “The wee laddie claimed he and his brother found a faerie in the woods.” He peered at Fallon, then threw back his head and laughed. “Is this her? She dinna appear fae to me. With her dirt-smudged face and tattered clothes she looks more like a homeless waif.”

Consumed by embarrassment, heat rose in her cheeks. She smoothed her hands down the front of her soiled skirt. “I must look a fright, but have been traveling since yesterday.”

“The lass can wash up before we leave for Turnberry,” John informed the sentry.

“You’re not thinking of taking her along, are you? She will only slow us down. We are going to meet—” The older man stopped speaking when John raised his hand.

“Enough. She is welcome to go with us, but must keep up the pace. After we’ve eaten, we’ll be on our way.” John moved through the castle gate. Fallon tagged along.

They crossed the bailey and despite the murmurs and stares of the crofters milling about, Fallon held her head high. They entered the keep and a stunning woman with titian hair greeted them.

“This lovely lady is my wife, Lillian.” John took the woman’s hand and kissed it. “Fallon will be accompanying us to Turnberry. But she will need to change her clothes before we break our fast.”

Lillian smiled. “I would be very happy to help.” She placed her hand on Fallon’s forearm. “Come with me, I’ll show you where you can clean up. I’m sure I have something that will fit.”

John gave a curt nod, turned, then left them alone so they could tend to Fallon’s needs.

Grateful for their kindness, she welcomed the offer of a clean gown, the chance to wash her face, and to comb her hair. A bowl of porridge and tankard of ale never tasted so good. Refreshed and her needs sated, she anxiously awaited their departure. The quicker they got to Turnberry, the sooner she’d see Bryce.

Despite the grumbling and wayward glances, none of the Kennedy warriors openly voiced their objection to taking a woman on the trip. Astride a black destrier and looking every bit a leader, John wore a padded linen gambeson, leather gauntlets, and hauberk of mail.

“If you plan to join us, lass, best you mount.” John pointed to a palfrey tethered to a post. “Her name is Sage and like most woman has a mind of her own and needs a firm hand.”

Fallon pulled herself into the saddle with ease then dug in her heels, prompting the spirited animal to lunge forward.

They rode nonstop for hours, covering many grueling miles before the sun dropped to just above the horizon and twilight’s shadows crept across the path.

John slowed his horse to a walk and twisted in his saddle to face her. “You’ve done well, Fallon, but you must be getting tired and hungry.”

“I’m fine,” she lied. Her legs were numb, her back ached, and her stomach had been growling for the last two hours. “Will we reach Turnberry before dark?” Her pulse sped up at the thought of seeing Bryce.

“If we maintain the pace, we should arrive within the hour. You failed to tell me the reason for this urgent trip. It must be very important to risk your life.”

Fallon chewed on her bottom lip. “Why do you journey to the coast with one hundred heavy horse and armed men?” she countered.

“I’ll be joining with other Scottish forces in an endeavor to drive out the English. We will take you to the edge of the village, but you must complete the last part of the journey alone.”

“The Bruce is not in Turnberry?”

“I dinna mention King Robert.” John frowned.

“There was no need to say his name. I am aware of his return to Scotland and need to speak with him on a matter of great importance.”

“Is he the friend you spoke of?”

“Nay.” Fallon shook her head. “But the missive I need to deliver involves the king.”

John reined in his horse. With a wave of his arm, he motioned for the men to halt. “Mayhap you should explain yourself, m’lady. Out of respect for your uncle, I dinna push the issue, other than to ask your name, when we were at my keep. Mainly because I believed you were going to Turnberry to meet a friend and it had nothing to do with Robert. Now that you have revealed the reason you travel, I refuse to take you any further without full disclosure. I’ll not put the king in jeopardy.”

Fallon swallowed past the lump in her throat. Her heart pounded as she tried to decide what to do. She had already said too much.

Dare she tell him the rest?

Her uncle warned her that the MacDougalls were not the only Scottish clan who refused to endorse or accept Robert the Bruce’s claim to the throne. For that reason, he told her to trust no one and not to reveal her secret to anyone but the King. True to his word, Laird Kennedy had seen her safely to Turnberry. He’d also declared his loyalty to the Bruce.

“I’m waiting.” John drummed his fingers on the pommel of his saddle.

“Until recently, I lived with my uncle in his croft near Loch Ryan. While hunting, he and his companions found a wounded man following the MacDougall raid on the Bruce’s brothers. Everyone else was dead. What he dinna know was that the man he rescued and I were acquainted. I’m a healer and he needed my help.”

“I know about the attack on the loch, but how does this involve the Bruce?” John shifted in his saddle and waited for her reply.

“My uncle was arrested for offering aid to an enemy of King Edward. While being held prisoner, he overheard news of the Bruce’s return and that Aymer de Valance, the MacDougalls, McCann’s, and a few other clans who supported John Comyn were planning a surprise attack on the patriot’s camp. He bid me leave before his execution and warn Bryce . . . warn the king.” She averted her gaze in an attempt to hide her tears, the thought of Donald’s sacrifice still too fresh in her mind.

John leaned forward and clamped a meaty hand on her shoulder. “You’re a brave lass. Donald would be proud. I will arrange for you to speak to the Bruce and your friend.” He raised his arm and shouted to his men. “We are almost there. Ride hard and fast.”

Laughter, rancorous curses, and the sound of clashing swords grew louder as they wove their way through the trees and along a steep rocky cliff.

“Are you certain this is the way to the Bruce’s encampment?” Fallon blew the hair from her face and urged her horse forward.

“The camp is well hidden. No one can enter or leave without his knowledge.”

“Halt!” a man shouted from atop a ragged ledge. “State your business.”

“I’m John Kennedy, laird of Clan Kennedy, and these are my men. We come to offer our swords to the Bruce.”

“And what of the lass?”

“She has an important missive for the king and poses no threat,” John replied.

After a moment of silent deliberation, the man allowed them to pass.

Following the interrogation of three more guards along the way, they entered a clearing. John quickly dismounted and circled Fallon’s palfrey. Strong hands enveloped her waist and before she could protest, she found herself placed on the ground.

Her limbs weak from the lengthy ride, she stumbled when she took her first step. John’s arm immediately encircled her shoulders to steady her.

“Easy. It will take a few minutes to regain the feeling in your legs,” he cautioned.

“John! I’m glad to see you, my friend.” Robert the Bruce approached with his arm outstretched. After exchanging greetings, he looked at Fallon. “This is not your lovely wife, Lillian. Who is this young woman, and why does she accompany you?”

“Fallon!”

She turned. Her heart soared when she spotted Bryce, but her relief quickly sank like a stone in a loch when he stomped across the clearing, the expression on his face as dark as a thundercloud.

Chapter 8

“What in damnation are you doing here, lass?” Bryce threw his hands in the air, then turned his attention to John. “Are you daft? A man with half a brain would never bring a maiden into a camp full of randy warriors, especially when the enemy might attack at any moment.” Bryce balled his fists at his side, anger twisting his gut.

John slid his arm from around Fallon’s shoulder and stepped forward. “She was traveling alone and hell-bent on reaching you. Would you rather I’d left her to fend for herself?”

“I’d rather you dinna bring her here at all. You should have sent her home.” Standing toe-to-toe with John, Bryce didn’t bother to hide his disapproval. It took every ounce of self-control not to throttle the man for putting Fallon is such danger. But what infuriated him even more, was the familiarity with which he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Fallon stepped between the two men and placed her hand on Bryce’s chest. “Please dinna speak as if I’m not present. Laird Kennedy tried to help—”

“A respectable woman doesna travel unescorted with a band of strangers, nor does she allow them to take inappropriate liberties.” Based on emotion rather than logic, the rancorous words left Bryce’s lips before he could curb his tongue.

The color drained from Fallon’s cheeks. She clutched her throat and gasped. “What are you suggesting?”

“John is a married man, yet he held you in his arms,” Bryce snapped.

While he had no claim on Fallon, he could not abide another man touching her. His attempt to rationalize his reaction as one that a brother might feel for a sister failed miserably. Despite his effort to tamp down the ire churning in his belly, he wanted nothing more than to draw his sword and run Kennedy through.

“I showed her the utmost respect, as did my men.” John’s voice rumbled from deep in his chest as he reached for the dirk at his side. “I’ll cut out the tongue of any man who implies otherwise.”

“How dare you accuse me of indecent behavior?” Fallon stiffened her posture and planted her hands on her hips. “Laird Kennedy was kind enough to escort me here and nothing more. My uncle overheard the MacDougall’s plan of attack and bid me warn you. They are aware the Bruce is in Scotland and Dungal is planning to join forces with Aymer de Valance. Together they intend to stop King Robert before he has a chance to reach his earldom. They—”

“We already know about their plans,” Bryce interrupted. “I canna believe you were fool enough to make this journey alone, or that your uncle would allow it. I demand you go home. I’ll ask Robert to arrange it at once.”

Tears welled in her eyes and she lowered her head. “I canna go home. My uncle is dead. Dungal saw him hanged for helping you.”

Her words hit him like a kick to the gut. “Fallon . . . I—” How could he be such a fool? Unable to find the words to express his sympathy, he reached out to her, but she backed away. His heart plummeted when he saw the tears in her eyes. He knew how much she loved her uncle. And he was to blame for Donald’s death. Now that her entire family was gone, what would she do? Where would she go?

“I hoped you would be pleased to see me, but I was mistaken. I delivered my missive and honored the promise I made to my uncle. But I willna stand here and have you make false accusations. Nor will I allow you to insult Laird Kennedy.” Before he could respond or apologize for his behavior, she fisted her skirt and ran.

“You’re the one who is daft.” Alasdair shoved Bryce, knocking him off balance. “You may not want her here, you may not want her at all, but you dinna have to act like an arse. Go after her and tell her you’re sorry.”

“I’ve no reason to apologize,” Bryce growled at his brother, but his eyes remained focused on Fallon’s retreat.

“You’re wrong. Dungal hanged her uncle for aiding in your escape and was about to arrest Fallon, unless she agreed to be his leman. True, she took a great risk coming here, but she obviously cares more about your sorry hide than she does her own life. Something I fail to understand, given the way you just treated her.” John said, his palm still cupping the handle of his dagger.

Bryce blew out a sigh of frustration and gave his head a shake. What John said ran all too true. He’d allowed jealousy to rear its ugly head and said far more than he had a right to say. But the fact she’d put herself in danger made it difficult to remain calm. “I’m only concerned for her safety. I canna believe she risked her life to come here. It is too dangerous.”

“That may be, but you best go after her before she wanders off or gets lost.” Alasdair gestured in the direction where Fallon had disappeared into a dense copse of trees.

“Alasdair has a point. I chose this spot because of its strategic location. The terrain around the camp is treacherous in daylight, and almost impossible to navigate at night.” Robert, who’d remained silent up until now, voiced his opinion. “Best you be off. The sun has almost set and it grows darker as we speak.”

Bryce nodded then trotted after Fallon, uncertain how he’d make amends when he finally caught up. Mayhap he had jumped to conclusions when he saw her in John’s embrace. But the sight of her with another man’s arm around her caused his blood to boil.

He cursed and quickened his pace.

Overtaking Fallon was harder than he’d anticipated. He prided himself on being physically fit, but her determination to avoid him proved stronger.

Dry leaves crunched beneath his feet as he raced along the overgrown path. He dodged small boulders and leapt over fallen branches. Insidious shadows crept over the forest floor. Soon it would be too dark to see. He prayed she’d remain on the trail, or he might never find her.

The farther they got from camp, the more Bryce worried about Fallon’s safety
.
His heart hammered in his chest and his breathing became labored, but he refused to give up the search.

“You’re a damn fool!” he chastised himself out loud. “Fallon is the bravest, most amazing woman you have ever met. Yet, you doubted her honor? You’ve no one to blame but yourself if anything happens to her. Just like—”

Bryce stumbled to a halt at the edge of a small clearing, relief washing over him when he spotted Fallon standing where the trail branched off in two directions.

Not wanting to startle her, or to cause her to bolt, he moved with stealth, hoping to get within arm’s length before making his presence known. “I fancy the path on the right, but the one to the left might be more to your liking.”

Fallon spun around to face him, the beams of light from a full moon highlighting her delicate features. Wide sapphire eyes blinked several times, her mouth drawn in a straight line. He wanted to kiss those pouty lips, to lower her to a soft bed of moss, and make her his own. But he knew better than to try.

“What are you doing here, Bryce?”

“You ran off in such a hurry, I feared you might get lost.” He closed the gap between them, but Fallon countered by backing up until her spine rested on the trunk of a tree.

“I thought you had no use for a wanton woman. Please go back to the encampment and let me be. I dinna need your help. I dinna need any man.” She made no attempt to hide the anger in her tone.

“My words were poorly chosen. Forgive me.” Bryce softened his voice and lightly stroked her cheek. “You may not want my assistance, but along with the darkness comes many perils.”

“I’m not afraid. Please leave.”

“I care about what happens to you, Fallon.” He slid two fingers under her chin and caressed her bottom lip with his thumb. “I’m sorry. Can you ever forgive me for being such a buffoon?”

He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest. Before she could protest, his mouth brushed her lips. “You’re so beautiful. No wonder I canna purge you from my thoughts.” He kissed her again, this time with purpose, but to his surprise, rather than melting in his arms as she had in the past, she brought her hands up and pushed with all her strength.

“Let me go! Despite what you think, I’ll not surrender to licentious advances. You canna speak to me as if I were a shameless chit, embarrass me before the king, and then expect me to fall into your arms. Go back to the Bruce’s camp and let me be.”

She struggled to break free, but he tightened his embrace. “I never meant to offend you and should have let you explain. When John touched you, rage consumed me. The thought that he might have taken advantage of you was all I could think about. I know now that I was wrong and beg your forgiveness. If I could take back what I said, I—”

“What is it?” Fallon glanced over her shoulder when Bryce abruptly stopped speaking.

“Shhhh. Dinna move,” he whispered in her ear. He slowly moved so his back angled toward the woods. “Listen to me carefully. Beyond the trees on the north end of the clearing is a large rocky ledge and cave. Run when I tell you to. No matter what happens keep going and dinna look back.”

“Why? Tell me what’s amiss.”

“A wild boar is rooting around in the thicket to our right. I heard him snorting and caught the reflection of the moonlight in his eyes.” Bryce kept his voice low and slowly shuffled Fallon backward. “We canna both outrun the beast, so I will distract him while you seek refuge.”

Fallon clutched his arms, her nails digging into his flesh. “I won’t leave you. We can both get away.”

“There isn’t time to argue. I need you to do as I request now.” He pushed her toward the edge of the clearing. “Go to the cave and stay there until I come for you.” He hoped for once she’d listen. He could not confront the boar knowing she was at risk of being gored.

Relieved when she did as instructed, Bryce pulled the dirk from his boot and turned in time to see the feral beast charging toward him. Widening his stance, he prayed for strength, and raised the weapon above his head. He’d have but one chance to hit his mark.

His heart hammered against his ribs and baited breath lodged in his throat. Sweat beaded on his forehead as the animal lurched forward, his tusk catching his leg and sending him crashing to the ground.

Fallon reached the perimeter of the clearing, then plowed through the thorny bracken and brush. Using the moonlight to guide her steps, she broke free of the trees, immediately catching sight of a stony incline and at the top she spied the opening to a cave. She hesitated for a moment and considered going back. But Bryce had been adamant she flee while he dealt with the boar. What if he was injured and needed his help? Her mind raced with questions. In the end, despite strong reservations, she decided to do as he asked.

She wasted no time climbing the weatherworn boulders, her fingers grasping jagged ridges to aid her grip. Her toes dug into loose dirt and gravel as she attempted to secure solid footing. The first few rocks were relatively flat and easy to scale, but the final two required her to climb them on hands and knees.

Grappling for the final ledge, Fallon pulled herself atop, and collapsed in a trembling heap.

An ear-piercing squeal broke the eerie silence.

“Bryce!” She rose to her feet and called out his name. Panic squeezed her chest, stealing her breath. Where was he? Had he defeated the animal or, Heaven forbid, had he lost the battle?

Nausea twisted her stomach as she contemplated possible scenarios. Overwhelmed by the urge to return to the clearing and render her assistance, she teetered at the lip of a rocky crag, coming dangerously close to toppling over the edge. Realizing her perilous position, she backed away. Bryce had stayed behind, allowing her time to escape. She honored his wishes and had fled. Now, despite her need to go to him, she had to stay put.

She narrowed her eyes, trying to see beyond the trees and through the darkness that shrouded her surroundings. Her efforts were useless.

She refused to believe he was dead, but where was he? What was taking him so long?

Her anger with Bryce had dissipated the moment he kissed her. Now she might never have a chance to tell him. She blinked away the tears, dropped her chin, and prayed. “Please, see him safely back to me. I beg of you. Dinna let him die.”

“It’s all over. We’re safe.”

Fallon’s head snapped back at the sound of Bryce’s voice. Caught up in her anguish, she didn’t hear him approach. Her heart leapt at the sight of him. Without hesitation, she climbed to her feet, threw herself at the shadowy silhouette, and released a sob. “I feared you dead.”

“Feared or wished.” Bryce chuckled as he dragged her against his chest and tucked her head beneath his chin.

Fallon struggled to break free, but he tightened his hold. “How can you say such a thing?”

“You were very upset when I found you. But I’m glad you put your anger aside and did as I asked.”

“What makes you think I’ve forgiven you?” Fallon pressed her hands to his chest and tried to break free of his grasp. “You were a fool for staying behind to face the boar. The beast could have killed you.” She did her best to remain focused, to tamp down the urge to kiss him repeatedly, to hold him, and never let him go. He’d risked his life to save her and could have died.

“And you find my demise an upsetting prospect?” He cocked his head to the side and smiled. “Not long ago you were cursing me.”

“I’m a healer. It is not in me to wish anyone harm. Even a
thrawn
fool like you.” She drew in a deep breath and continued. “Your cruel words and accusations hurt me deeply. But I should be accustomed to that by now.” She lowered her eyes and stared at her feet.

“You always put on such a brave front, Fallon, but something tells me you are not as strong as you appear.” Bryce grazed her brow with a kiss.

“I dinna know what you’re talking about.” She scrubbed a tear from her cheek with the back of her hand. Aware of his scrutiny, she turned her head and tried again to wriggle free. But he’d not allow it.

“What happened to you in the past? You are a spirited, independent woman, unlike anyone I have ever known, yet I sense an underlying sadness. Tell me. I’m willing to listen if you wish to share.”

“Why do you persist in badgering me? I—I don’t want to discuss my past. It is not important.” Fallon moved away when he dropped his arms, giving her some space. The sudden emptiness and sense of loss when he released her took her by surprise. She turned her back and blinked away the tears welling in her eyes.