In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) (28 page)

“Emlyn,” Griffen called, and shook her. “Answer me.”

But she couldn’t respond as her throat felt aflame and even if she wanted to, she couldn’t speak. Her last wish would be that James knew her feelings for him, even if she couldn’t speak of it herself.

Chapter Thirty

Griffen spent two days by his sister’s side. She was in the thorough of her fever and he paced the chamber with worry. But the maiden, Anne, assured him Emlyn would recover as did her mother whenever she tended Emlyn.

“Is your land afar?”

He glanced up at the beautiful maiden and nodded. “Aye, it took us days to travel here, nary on a sennight. Do you know the guardsman my sister traveled with?”

Anne continued to dab Emlyn’s brow with a dampened cloth. “Aye, I’ve known the Gunn guard and know James well. He’s an honorable man.”

Griffen scoffed. “If he were honorable, he would’ve wed Emlyn as my father bid and not allowed her to return home.”

“Mayhap she didn’t want to wed him. Although I don’t know any lass who would reject him, for he’s perfect. I heard my father speak of her rejection when she was last here. She broke James’ heart.”

“She broke his heart? Nay, for certain he broke hers. I have never seen my sister so distraught. She is not one to be melancholy over such matters, especially those of the heart or a man.”

Anne shook her head. “I tell you if anyone did the heartbreaking, it was her.”

“I will find out for myself.” Griffen walked to the door.

“Wait, what do ye deem to do?”

“I’m going to confront the man in question.”

Anne laughed. “All by yourself? You don’t know where you are going. Besides, the Gunn’s would know the moment you stepped on their land and they would refuse you entry to their keep.”

Griffen returned to her side. “If only someone could aid me … mayhap be my guide, and get me into the Gunn keep. Do you know anyone who might be willing?” He flashed a smile at her, knowing his charm would work.

She giggled when she took his hand. “I would.”

Griffen laughed. “Would ye? I never would’ve guessed.”

“Besides, I want to see your face when you learn the truth. Come, we’ll have to sneak out the back exit of the keep for my mother would never allow me to travel unescorted with you.”

He followed Anne to the back gate. Night had come and they had the cover of night to hide them. At least it had ceased raining, and the night wasn’t too cold.

“I don’t want to bring you trouble, lass. Mayhap you can tell me what direction to head. I don’t deem your mother will be pleased when she realizes we’re gone.”

“I’ve been to the Gunn keep many times, Griffen, and know the way well. My mother will get over her anger. Do you not want my help?”

He pulled her near the palisade wall, after they passed through the gate. Griffen took her face in his hands and looked into her soft brown eyes. “Aye, more than you know.”

*****

As much as he wanted out of bed, James kept his promise. He hadn’t left the cottage for a fortnight and tried to count his infirmed time instead of how much remained. He didn’t lack for company for throughout the days, he had visitors aplenty.

James lay back, flipping through his parchments. The black etchings were beginning to fade, and he’d asked Grey to procure ink so he could make the images permanent. He’d just finished the last one and blew on the ink, but it was taking forever to dry.

A knock came and then he saw Norman’s head peek through the opening. The smith had shown him three swords so far and not one was good enough for his purpose.

“James, I wanted to show you the latest version.” Norman pulled back the swath of material and revealed the gleaming blade. “I made it as plain as ye asked and the pommel is a wee bit heavier, the guard lighter.”

James took it from him and held it up, studying the sword from its hilt to the tip of the blade. There were no elaborate details on the blade itself or on the handle. The leather wrapped around the handle was blackened and as he requested, a small metal heart was attached to it and dangled. The heart was a tiny thing, smaller than his fingernail.

“It is perfect.”

Norman let out a relieved sigh. “Finally, you’re a hard man to please.”

“My thanks, Norman. I will have Grey bring your payment on the morrow.”

The smith inclined his head and left.

James wrapped the sword in the material and set it aside. It was time to rub salve on his leg, for night had come and he was tired after a long day of doing nothing. He unwrapped the egg-soaked fabric which had hardened, and he decided he’d leave it off this night for his leg itched. The salve reeked of a pungent smell and he couldn’t wait until he was finished with it. The first thing he planned to do when he completed the treatment was to soak in the sea for at least an hour. He laughed to himself because although he had company throughout the days, they never stayed overlong.

A noise came from outside and he shifted his position, dislodging the roll of fabric that Bree set beneath his knee earlier.

When he saw who his visitor was, he frowned. “Anne? What are you doing here? Is your father visiting Grey?”

She stepped inside the cottage, but stood by the door. “I hope you don’t mind, but I had to come for I brought you a visitor.”

Behind her, a man stood and James was surprised to see Griffen, Emlyn’s brother. An instant dread came to him. He hastily sat up. “What is it? Is Emlyn well? Was she harmed?” Several dreadful images came to mind and he shook them away.

Her brother stood nary six feet from him and stared. “What is wrong with ye? Are you injured?”

“Aye, aye, but tell me of Emlyn. Is she well and what do you here?” He stood, and tried not to put weight on his leg. “Answer.”

Griffen tossed his head to the side and ambled to the bed. James reached him in two strides and gripped his tunic. He jerked him with a shake.

James didn’t like appearing weak, least of all to Emlyn’s brother. “Will you not answer me? If she’s been harmed …” Without thought, he released him and stepped to the head of the bed, and grabbed his sword.

“I’ve gotten the answer I came seeking,” Griffen said.

“Wait. I haven’t gotten an answer from you. Is she unwell?” James swore if the young soldier didn’t start answering him, his sword just may see some action this day regardless of how much it would affect him.

At that moment, Anne gently shoved Griffen into the cottage and closed the door. “Will you not tell him? For if you do not, I shall.”

Griffen nodded, his face brightened with chagrin. “Very well. You’re a lass to be reckoned with as is my sister.” He turned his gaze from Anne to him. “Emlyn is ill. ‘Tis only a chill from our travel. We had bad weather. Milady Ross—”

“Ross? Is Emlyn at the Ross’ keep?”

“Aye, she is. We arrived two days hence. My sister was banished by our mother and she had nowhere else to go. She thought the Ross’ might take her in. She asked me to bring her here.”

James raised his eyebrow at that, and took a quick glance at Anne to see if he was being truthful. She dipped her chin in response to his questioning gaze.

Anne stepped toward him. “I told him that she was the one who did the heartbreaking and he didn’t believe me.”

James sighed. “I deem we both might be guilty of such transgressions.” He retreated to the bed and sat woefully upon it. “If ye want to beat the cosh from me, Griffen, best do it now when I’m unable to fight back.”

Griffen shook his head. “I see that you are unable to. I won’t strike a man who is injured. What is wrong with ye?”

James’ jaw tensed for he understood her brother’s anger. If he’d had a sister such as Emlyn, he’d kill to protect her if necessary. He briefly explained how he’d come by his wounds and their excursion from Wales to Scotland, and their encounter with Marshall and his followers.

“Glory be. If she had listed to ye, you might have been able to thwart Marshall’s men.”

“Aye, but there is no sense in deliberating it now. What’s done is done. I am in need of a favor, Griffen.”

“I will only assist ye if you promise to mend this parting betwixt you and Emlyn.”

For the first time in weeks, James laughed. His laughter became contagious as Anne and Griffen chuckled and joined him in his mirth. “Aye. If only it were so easy. Och that’s the favor I’m seeking.”

Griffen pulled a chair and sat astride on it, leaning his forearms on the back. “Anne, await me outside.” His command was immediately followed as Anne left.

James was gladdened, because he didn’t want anyone overhearing what he wanted Griffen to do. He reached for a piece of parchment and scribbled some words on it. He folded it into the smallest square he could make, and handed it to him. “Give this message to her. I need ye to also give her this.” He handed the wrapped sword to him. “And, there’s a cart near the stables. See Jonny the stable lad, he’ll show you which one it is. Don’t look in it. I’ll have your word. Make sure she receives all three. It’s the only way she’ll concede to come to me.” James wouldn’t reveal what he was sending for it was only for Emlyn’s eyes and was between the two of them.

Griffen held the parchment and wrapped sword. He frowned wearily at him and then grinned. “You have my word. If I don’t see ye again, Gunn, be kind to my sister. She deserves nothing but the most honorable man.”

“I will. I only want to make her happy.” James hobbled to the door and opened it for Griffen. Soon he would hold his love in his arms again. That was if his message and gifts appeased her. God, he hoped they did.

Chapter Thirty-One

Emlyn awoke alone. She didn’t know how long she’d lain in the bed. She blinked and realized she was clearheaded. Besides her throat, which was scratchy, she felt much better. The fever was gone and nothing ached.

The bedchamber door creaked, and she sat up when Lady Ross entered.

“Ah, Princess, you’re awake.” She approached and touched her forehead with the back of her hand. “No fever. Appears you’ve recovered. You must be thirsty.” She held a cup out to her and she took it.

“I must apologize, my lady, for coming here without permission and falling ill.”

“Worry not, for Donal’s been pacing the great hall with guilt for yelling at you upon your arrival.” She smiled widely.

“I hope he is not too upset with me.”

“He is more worried that you will be well. My Anne seems to have run off with your brother.” Her words were spoken so nonchalantly that Emlyn almost didn’t understand what she had said.

Emlyn dropped the cup and water soaked the covering on her lap. “What? My brother and your Anne are gone? Where did they go?”

Lady Ross smirked. “I know not, but Donal has the sentry looking for them. Do you deem they might have gone to the Gunn keep?”

Emlyn sighed. “I hope not. Griffen doesn’t understand what happened between James and me. I am not even certain I understand.”

“Well, you still need to rest and they will return when they decide to.”

She couldn’t believe her brother would be so rash. Worry furrowed her brow, but until she knew where he went she would try not to fear. “I wish not to be abed any longer. I am better and only my throat hurts.”

“I shall have cook make a warm brew for you.  Would you care for a bath? I will have a tub brought and we shall get you garbed in a warm gown.”

“That sounds akin to heaven right now.” Emlyn retreated from the bed and noticed she wore a soft-worn night-rail. Lady Ross had taken such care of her. “My thanks, my lady, for everything.”

Lady Ross took her in her arms and hugged her. She wasn’t sure why the lady did so, but it made her feel awkward.

“You’ve had a time, haven’t you? I don’t want ye to worry for everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I’m sorry child that you were banished. That must have been difficult.”

Emlyn wanted to cry, for she’d been turned away from her family when she needed them the most. She couldn’t retort to Lady Ross’ words and remained silent for not only was her throat sore, but emotion clogged it.

“I will return soon.” She released her and went to the door. “Things will seem much brighter in the morn.” Lady Ross left her and closed the door.

Emlyn went to the window casement and looked out at the darkening sky. Dusk had settled on the land and the days were getting shorter. Mayhap morning would bring her solace. At least she felt better. She stood by the window for many minutes pondering what her brother was up to.

“Griffen, what have you done?”

After she was bathed, garbed, and her wavy hair detangled, Emlyn was bid to join the Ross’ for their supper. Laird Ross wasn’t in the hall when she entered. She sat next to Betany, who was a shy lass and didn’t speak much. But she smiled at her and slowly ate the fare that had been set before her.

The chieftain came, and his heavy footsteps alerted them of his arrival. He marched into the hall and removed his sword, setting it on a table behind the large trestle table they sat at.

“I’ve no word of them. Do you deem they ran off? Would Anne do something so reckless?” He rubbed his face and glared at her. “Your brother has stolen my daughter.”

Emlyn didn’t know what to say to that. “I … am sorry, my lord. It is unlike Griffen to do anything so impetuous. I pray that they return safely.”

“Are ye well now, lass?” Laird Ross set about eating his supper, his face devoid of friendliness, but that is what she should’ve expected.

“I am, my lord. I thank you for your hospitality.”

“Good then ye can be gone on the morrow.”

Emlyn set down the supper dagger she held. “Do you detest me that much, Laird Ross?”

He leaned back in his chair and stared at her. “I have never seen Grey so dejected. He was worried for his guardsman. They’d been friends since they were wee. When ye hurt my comrades, you hurt me.”

She stood and loosely held her hands at her side. Remarkably her voice remained calm when she spoke. “I never meant to hurt anyone. If anyone was hurt it was me. My family sent me away to wed a man who is our greatest enemy. And I akin to a court fool believed my father wanted my safety when he bid me to run away with the Gunn clan. When all he wanted to do was rid himself of me. I am sorry, my lord, if you deem you and your friends were hurt. But I am the one who lost everything.”

Laird Ross stood hastily, which caused his chair to fall back and crash to the floor. He marched to her and pulled her into an embrace. As much as Emlyn wanted him to release her, she couldn’t help the woe that overcame her. She wept, cried like a bairn on a Sunday baptism, all over the onerous chieftain’s tunic.

“I’ve been harsh with ye, lass. I don’t like seeing a woman distraught. Cease your tears. I will speak with Grey and see what we can do to get James to forgive ye.”

Emlyn wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands. “Nay, please let it be. I’ve caused him enough hurt. I won’t bring him more woe. I would that you allow me to stay here. I’ll do anything for employment in repayment.”

Laird Ross took her hand. “Get yourself better and then we’ll speak of it.”

*****

Emlyn wasn’t tired. She lay wide awake in the large bed she shared with Betany. The lass didn’t stir in her sleep. Emlyn tossed and turned the entire night and disturbed her more than once.

In frustration, she decided to rise. She’d rather sit in the great hall than lie in bed with nothing better to do than reason all the mistakes she’d made in the last few months.

After washing and donning a gown Lady Ross left for her, she went to the hall. No one had risen yet, and she decided to get some air. It was cool outside with a light breeze, but not cold enough to warrant wearing a cloak.

Emlyn ambled along and noticed several Ross clans people about. As she walked along the lane that led from the main keep, she kept thinking about Laird Ross’ offer to speak with Grey about her situation. Would that they could get James to forgive her? She didn’t know what it would take or how hurt he was.

He’d all but told her to go. She hadn’t realized that he was upset or bothered by her will to leave. If only he’d said something.

Take my heart with you when you go for it will always be yours.

She had to wonder if he truly loved her or if his words were spoken in haste. Emlyn gazed ahead and saw Laird Ross standing near the stables. It appeared as a lean-to, but the stalls and wood was sturdy and a wall of stone sheltered the animals. He held the reins of a beautiful white horse. There was nary a speck of any other color or markings on him.

“Good morn, my lord.”

“Princess Emlyn, you’re up early this day.”

When she reached him, she stood next to him watching the remarkable steed. “Pray, call me Emlyn. I don’t deem I’ve ever been a princess. I couldn’t sleep and decided to take a walk. Who does this beauty belong to?” She reached out to pet the horse, but it whinnied and side-stepped.

“He’s mine. Were a gift from Alexander, our king, for soothing the tempers of two rival clans.”

“Is he trained? Can I ride him?” How she would love that.

Laird Ross laughed. “He’s a warhorse, lass, and too big for the likes of you.”

Emlyn folded her arms and took on an annoyed stance. She was about to tap her foot in annoyance, when the laird grumbled something she didn’t catch.

“I forgot ye were raised to war. Och only its owner should ride him. He’s not trained yet.”

The noise of a cart drew her attention and she turned toward it.

Laird Ross moved her aside and braced his hips with his hands. “Where the hell have you been?”

Griffen and Anne sat on the bench in the front of the cart. They looked as if they hadn’t slept in days.

“Father, we just came from the Gunn keep.”

The laird’s voice rose. “I was not addressing you, lass. How dare ye take my daughter from my land without my permission?”

Griffen jumped down from the cart and helped Anne with a hand. When he turned, he cast a quick glance at her before responding. “Laird Ross—”

The laird approached her brother and gripped his tunic. He appeared to want to thrash him or worse. Emlyn was about to intervene when Anne stepped forward and set a hand on her father’s arm.

“Father, cease. We went to the Gunn keep to speak with James about Emlyn. That is all.”

Laird Ross slowly released Griffen’s tunic. He smoothed the material and stepped back. “And you vow you did nothing untoward my daughter?”

“Of course not. I would not,” Griffen said.

The laird remained quiet for all of two seconds. “Did ye see him?”

“See who?” Griffen said.

“James. The reason ye snuck out of my keep.”

Griffen looked at the ground when he answered. “Aye, we did.”

Emlyn gasped. “Why did you do that? Oh,” she said, with a punch to his arm. “I am wrath, nay more than wrath with you, Griffen.”

“Before ye stick a dagger in my heart, do you not want to know what happened?”

Emlyn was afraid to hear what James had to say about her. She wanted to shrink like a violet in the summer heat and couldn’t bear his rejection.

“He asked me to relay a message to you.”

She lowered her chin. If he sent a message, then all was lost, for if she had any hope of winning him back, he would’ve come to deliver the message himself.

Griffen nudged her with his shoulder. “He asked me to give you this.” He handed her a folded piece of parchment.

Emlyn held it as if it was the most fragile thing she ever beheld. She paced in front of the white horse’s stall, looking at the scrap of parchment, wondering what it bespoke. All the while she felt Laird Ross, Anne, and Griffen’s eyes on her.

She turned and faced away from them because she didn’t want them to see her face when her dejected heart fell. With shaking hands, she opened the parchment and read:

One for every moment I thought of you. My heart is yours if you want it. James.

Tears gathered in her eyes. She placed the parchment against her chest and turned. Laird Ross and Griffen stood dumbfounded, but Anne hastened to her and gathered her in her arms.

Emlyn’s cheeks soaked with jovial tears and her smile widened.

“Och then ‘tis good news?” Laird Ross asked.

She nodded. “I believe it is. What do you deem he meant by this first line?” Emlyn handed the parchment to Griffen.

“Mayhap it’s about what’s in the cart. James said to make sure only you received it.”

Emlyn stepped around them and advanced to the end of the cart. She took the fabric covering the items and pulled it until she revealed what was in the cart. She laughed until her eyes watered.

Tied into bundles were hundreds of perfectly carved arrows. Each end was fletched with three grey-goose feathers trimmed to exactness, all the same size. His gesture pleased her.

“What am I to do with them all?” she said more or less to herself.

Laird Ross stepped next to her and grinned. “I’ll take them, lass. James makes the best arrows of anyone.”

Emlyn turned and peered into the white horse’s stall. When she turned back to him, he shook his head.

“Nay, I cannot give him to you. You’d hurt yourself riding him.”

“He’s not for me. I mean to give him to James. He had to retire his horse and it would please him greatly. I will give you all the arrows save for one stack for the warhorse.”

Laird Ross lifted a stack and studied them. “Aye, cosh, they would cost a fortune if I were to pay for them anyway. We have an accord.”

Emlyn took the stack he held. “These are mine.”

The laird chuckled and nodded. “What do you need arrows for?”

“Have you not heard? I am the worst with the bow. But now that I see these, I wonder if mayhap it wasn’t my skill but the arrows I used.”

They shared a laugh.

Griffen walked to the front of the cart and retrieved something wrapped in fabric. “I almost forgot, James wanted me to give this to you.”

She handed the arrows to Anne and took the object from him. Emlyn carefully unwrapped the item and revealed a shining sword. “He does love me. Is this not beautiful?”

Laird Ross raised his brows. “’Tis the most plain sword I’ve ever seen. I’m surprised, for Norman, the Gunn’s smith, is renowned for making the most elaborate swords in this area. Many of my soldiers seek him out for theirs.”

“James knows me well, for I wouldn’t want an embellished sword. It is perfect. It fits my hand well.” She sliced it through the air, testing its weight. “Laird Ross …” Emlyn pointed the sword at the ground. “I must leave this day. Will you escort me?”