In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) (30 page)

Epilogue

Highlands Scotland

September, 1225

It was a perfect autumn day for a wedding. James rose early and noticed Emlyn had already left the cottage. She liked to be on the field before any of the lads. He hastened to the small kitchen in their cottage and set the flame to the logs that sat in the small hearth. Taking a small pot in hand, he began mixing a pottage to break his morning fast. As much as he was hungry, he only made a small amount for himself.

This day was going to be filled with happiness, for he would finally make Emlyn his wife. James thought the day would never come, especially given what they’d gone through to get to this event. They both decided they wanted everyone present when they bespoke the sacrament, all the Gunns, some of the McInnish clan, the Ross’, and unfortunately because the king was attending Donal’s keep about some issue he was having with a clan, Alexander himself. With all the duties of the harvest complete, all would attend the gathering.

Before the ceremony and feast, they also needed to swear in the new guardsmen James had selected. Grey wanted it done this day, and James hastened to get them ready in time.

The door opened and Emlyn strode inside. She set her sword and other training objects near the door. “It smells good in here. What are you making?”

“Pottage.” James added more mixture to the pot and stirred it. He’d been given the recipe from Sean, who used it whenever he traveled and had no cook to attend him. “You’re back early.”

“Aye, I let the lads go since they’re took excited for the day’s events. Duff released the seasoned soldiers as well.”

“The question is, are you excited?” He laughed when she sat wearily in the chair at the table.

“I am, ‘tis just … are you certain you want to wed me? I cannot cook, cannot mend a tunic. I’m useless as a wife."

James let out a bellowing laugh. “Not completely useless. And we can always find someone to cook for us and mend our tunics. You will say aye, this day, when Father Geoffrey asks the questions.”

“I will, worry not, James.”

They ate their morning fare in silence and Emlyn rose. She kissed him on the side of his face. “I must be off. Bree wants me to ready for the ceremony at the keep. I will see you later.”

“Wait, I shall walk with ye.” James closed the cottage door and took her hand. He walked with nary a limp and it rarely bothered him. The day had gone from chilly and misty to sunny and bright. He was glad they’d have a fair-weathered day for their wedding and the harvest celebration. When they left the lesser-known path, James released her hand. “This is where I leave you. You promise not to change your mind?”

Emlyn laughed. “Nay, I will be there. I do love you, James Gunn, and nothing will keep me from becoming your wife.” She kissed him passionately and when her lips left his, she smiled. “Now go and worry not.”

He turned and headed toward the stables and decided to ride out to exercise his horse. The white needed a strong hand to lead him for he was as wily as his soon-to-be wife. James laughed to himself for they both tended to need a strong hand. He had begun the horse’s training, but still had a ways to go before he could trust the horse to do his commands. When he approached the stables, he saw many had arrived given the amount of the horses within, and poor Jonny, who led two horses away, seemed to be out of breath.

James was able to get in and out without being seen. He led his horse by the reins until he reached the outside. Without saddling him, he mounted him and headed toward the gate. Grey approached on his horse and said nothing as he sidled next to him. Before he knew it, Duff, Kenneth, Colm, and Sean joined them. They rode silently along the trail outside the keep toward the sea.

“Seems we all had the same idea,” Grey said.

“Aye, you’re all here,” James said, as he looked at each of his comrades.

Colm grinned. “We wouldn’t miss this day for anything.”

Duff rode next to him. “Are ye running away, lad?” His grin attested that he was teasing.

“Nay, I just wanted a wee bit of quiet before the day begins.”

“They’ll be plenty of revelry this day, that is certain,” Kenneth said.

Sean shoved his arm and scowled. “Never thought you’d marry, of any of us, James. I’m gladdened you found someone.”

Grey turned his horse and faced in the direction of the keep. “The new guard will be awaiting us. We should return to …” His laird got that look, the one they all knew well, and James scowled, hoping he wouldn’t impart any bad news. “It is the end. How will I ever get on without all of you?”

James never saw Grey so emotional except for the time when his wife was being attacked by the dastardly MacHeth. It was rare for his laird to show his true feelings, for he’d always said a laird stands firm and just like the mighty oak. And James would’ve laughed, but Grey told him his father had given him that dictate and no one ever jested about Laird Mikal’s convictions.

“I’m still here, and within days of your call, we can all be here, Laird. You’re not losing us and it’s not the end.”

He nodded. “Aye but it is. Let us go and swear-in the new guard. I want to get it over with.”

They rode toward the keep and James kept silent. Each of his fellow-guardsman knew this day would come and finally it arrived—the day they would all go their separate ways.

Poor Jonny, still out of breath, ran toward them when they approached the stables. “See to our horses, lad.”

“Where is the ceremony taking place?” James walked next to Sean, who appeared well rested. His bairn must have settled into a better sleeping pattern. “How is wee James?”

Grey answered his initial question. “We’ll do it in the cottage Bree and I use. I want no one witnessing it save for the new guard, and there’s too many people in the hall, what with all our guests.”

Sean laughed. “Aye, but ye just want to be away from Alexander. And James, my lad is doing much better. Seems he didn’t take to Frances’ milk and we’ve had to resort to other means to feed him. But he’s well and growing.”

Grey grumbled under his breath. “I vow if Alexander speaks of any ill-deeds to send us on, I’ll take back my fealty and oaths.”

They all shared a laugh at that. The six guardsmen stood outside the cottage and waited for them. James selected a good bunch of men, guards who he knew would be just as zealous of their position as he and his comrades had been. Not only that, but they were the best at arms and were of renowned intelligence.

“Come, let us all inside and begin.”

Once inside, the six guardsmen stood in a semi-circle. Grey stood in front of them and he, Duff, Kenneth, Colm, and Sean stood behind their laird.

“Declan, Gavin, Ian, Robert, Sawny, Nevin. Do you swear upon your life to uphold the sacred morals of the laird’s guard?”

They declared “aye” and knelt when Grey bid them to.

“Do you vow with all that you are to always defend women, speak the truth, be loyal to and protect your laird and his family, be charitable and defend the poor, be brave, be on time for duty, uphold virtues of compassion, loyalty, generosity and truthfulness?”

The guardsmen shouted an “aye” and Duff stepped forward holding the special swords that had been made for each of them. Norman, their smith, only used a special process when erecting the guardsman swords and only those elected into their group had such a sword.

Duff handed Grey the first one and his laird touched the shoulders of the first in line, Declan. “I dub thee a Gunn guardsman, a position that holds more honor and weight of any within our clan.” He repeated the symbolism to each of them and when he was finished, Grey bid them to rise. “Your duty begins on the morrow. Don’t get too piss-arsed this night celebrating.”

With shouts the men vacated the cottage and James grinned to himself, remembering the day he and his comrades had gone through the same rites. They hadn’t listened to Laird Mikal though and got roaring drunk, and paid dearly for it the next day. He was certain the new guardsman would bear as much pain on the morrow as they had.

“Let us on to your wedding, James.”

“Aye,” Colm said, jesting, “Do ye deem Father Geoffrey will insist on joining you in your bedchamber to bless the union?”

“To hell with that,” James said.

Sean bellowed. “Mayhap Alexander will insist on being present so he can send a missive to Marshall that indeed she is no longer available.”

James shoved Sean’s chest. “Do not jest about that, Sean.”

Kenneth gripped his hand. “I told ye red-haired lassies were the most rousing in bed. I’d wager she must be, for you look akin to a shandy-clootie, James.”

They each slapped his back as he walked past them to leave the cottage. James kept his face devoid of the grin that he suppressed, for he’d dreamed of nothing but this day for a long time and finally his wish came true. This day, he would wed the warrior he fell in love with.

*Author’s Note*

As much as I would have liked to make the younger William Marshall more villainous than he appeared, I just couldn’t do it. His father, the elder, was renowned for his gallantry and is reputed to be the greatest knight that ever lived. I would expect some of his father’s chivalry rubbed off on the younger, and he would have been somewhat gentle when it came to dealing with Emlyn.

Indeed, there is a dog and an owl in Wales that have befriended each other. I thought they’d make perfect pets for our warrior princess. You can find out more about them at:

http://www.today.com/pets/magical-mates-owl-hitches-ride-dogs-back-739540

I have found Wales to be fascinating and magical in my research. I hope to one day explore its realms and see the awe-inspiring places that have enriched the folklore of that land. Additionally, Llywelyn, is said to be the last great chieftain to rule Wales. David, the chieftain’s son, was unable to keep Wales from the powerful English army and was executed for treason in 1283 by Edward I of England.

Happy historical reading.

Fondly,

Kara Griffin

Coming in 2015!

THE LEGEND OF THE KING’S GUARD

In the year 1306, the King’s guard is exiled for a crime they witnessed. In direct defiance, the guardsmen return to their beloved Scotland and hide amongst their enemies. All are destined for the hangman’s noose or the executioner’s ax if found. They survive as soldiers of fortune. If you’re lucky enough to run across them in the bonny hills, and are in a predicament, they just might give aid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kara Griffin was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she grew up with a vivid imagination. It’s no wonder she uses her creative muse to weave stories. She now resides in New Jersey with her husband and three daughters. Big sports fans of all the Philly teams, she and her family can often be found watching the games. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, chatting on various online groups, and most of all writing.

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