Knight's Legacy (34 page)

Gavin left to do as Roderic bid. The King's messenger, a warrior named Robert had arrived, and arranged to speak with Roderic alone. They talked at length about the meeting with Kincaid.

“King Alexander knows of the threat ye face. He sends his greetings, Sir Roderic.”

“When shall he and his men arrive?”

“Soon, but he has been delayed. He must travel first to Melrose Abbey. Sir Alec was murdered weeks ago.”

“I feared as much. I sent him to the King, and had no word.”

“King Alexander bid me say little of the matter. He wants to inform ye himself, and share his proof. I fear there is more amiss. The colors I wear gave me quarter as I rode through the armies of Mackay and Kincaid, but there is another army moving strong to the west.”

“Did you see the colors?”

“Nay, I saw no one, but I have been in many battles. I know the sounds of many warriors when they move in a distance.”

Roderic once again wrestled with an abiding fear for Catherine's safety. Sir Raven waited at the cottage with her. He had proven well his skill at taking her from harm's way and had promised fervently to move them to a safer position if anyone approached the cottage. Even so, it was with foreboding Roderic viewed the coming confrontation. Kincaid was not one to attack without proof of the wrong. But Mackay had a powerful ally in the traitor in Roderic's own camp.

“The Kincaid Laird has the respect of the King. Alexander bids you hold fast and do naught until he arrives,” Robert said.

“Aye. I will do as he commands. But, there may be no time. If the armies of Mackay and Kincaid attack, will you see to the safety of the women here?”

“Sir Roderic, I fear not the wrath of these men. Kincaid is an honorable mon, a Laird well known for his integrity in matters of war. Though he is blinded by grief and Mackay's lies, he willnae be a part of a slaughter of women and children. Mayhap he will render Mackay bound until the King arrives. 'Tis his own army, his warriors that pose the threat.

They have no allegiance to Mackay. They ken the King is eager for peace with England, as his own wife is the sister of Henry. Alexander knows well the hatred many Scots bear him for that alone. He took you as his own, Sir Roderic. That, I fear, bred a hatred that has festered until the King wants an end to it.”

“As do I,” Roderic said.

“As do we all!” It was a gruff shout.

Roderic looked up, the sound of Cameron's voice had come from the ceiling. There, on the landing stood Cameron, Catherine at his side.

“Did ye ken to keep her from me?”

His wife was gagged, and he saw evidence of their struggle. His little warrior had fought. There was a purple bruise above her eye. Cameron held her tightly by her braid, his dagger at her throat, forcing her to walk along the landing, then down the stairs to the great hall. The King's emissary drew his sword.

“Nay, he is mine!” Roderic turned to Cameron. “I will send you to purgatory this day.” His rage erupted in a hot mist before his eyes. The man in whom he had placed his trust stood before him, once again trying to hurt his wife.

“Coward!”

Cameron pushed Catherine to the floor and faced Roderic, sword drawn.

Roderic stared at the bloody scratches on Cameron's face and glared at his enemy with burning, reproachful eyes. “So, you did not take her with ease, and she a mere lass.”

Cameron advanced toward him, stepping over Catherine.

“The bitch will pay for that slight. Alas, though, that pleasure will have to wait. I have longed for this day, English dog.”

The man's eyes were a reflection of his hatred, stripped bare, no cloak of deceit to hide it.

“ 'Tis the way of one lacking courage to nip at the heels of an enemy rather than challenge, as men of honor favor,” Roderic said.

Their heavy swords came together as they circled each other. The serenity Roderic displayed while he fought for his life incensed Cameron, for he himself had never mastered the warrior's calm in the face of death.

“You did your best to bring war, in spite of my orders,” Roderic said.

“Aye. Think we would lay down and have a Norman rule us like children? Able-bodied Scots, all warriors true, should be set aside while ye reap all the lands? Ye have no right to the woman, or such reward!”

“But had he bestowed the same to you, you would have had my fealty,” Roderic said.

“I'll have it now, stained in your blood and braced by your bones!”

Catherine moved, moaning. Sir Robert, the King's emissary, made as if to go to her.

“Nay! Dinnae go to her. You, Sir Robert, must die with this one. Alexander will believe it the work of the Mackay.”

“The King is no fool, Cameron. Ye understand him so little, though he be part of your own blood,” said Robert.

“Aye! The mon has no justice or integrity! Alexander ignored us to show pity for his pet and pay homage to Henry!” His gaze rested on Catherine. “She will pay, indeed, when ye both are dead. Think of me, English. Ponder me havin' her with your body only steps away.”

Roderic strove hard to stamp down the anger the image evoked. “You wanted her dead! Why not come at me?”

“I wanted to destroy her first, for ye care for the witch. Blind to all save her charm, ye dinnae let them burn her as a heretic.”

Roderic parried another thrust meant to disable him as he continued to speak.

“Tell me, Judas, why did you not try to kill her all the times you were alone with her? When you guarded her?”

“We were never alone! That cursed half-wit boy was forever underfoot. I ken he couldnae hide his fear of me did he see me kill her, no matter he cannae speak. Ye would have known.”

Cat closed her eyes, trembling as she thanked God for Kenneth. His constant presence had saved her life.

On and on they struggled, muscles straining as their swords came together. Cat kept still lest Roderic be distracted. Cameron seemed to be tireless, although he went on to further inflame Roderic.

“No doubt ye ken I killed your messenger. Alec interfered, so he felt my dagger in his chest.”

Roderic let out a roar and finished it. Cat was shaking inside when she watched her husband. The warrior, the knight capable of a fury born by a deep sense of justice, was a fearful sight.

Roderic saw his opening when Cameron once again stepped back, and sliced his opponent above the elbow. Cameron howled in pain, and moved in an attempt to remove the head from Roderic's shoulders. Roderic's movements were swift, full of grace and power. Ducking, he surged forward, and his sword pierced Cameron at his ribs. Roderic stood over him and stared into Cameron's eyes.

“For Alec,” he whispered fiercely. Roderic placed his foot on Cameron's belly, and pulled the sword from him. Cameron slumped forward and died, eyes open, staring at nothing.

Robert removed the leather strips and gag to free the lady, helping her stand. Roderic caught Catherine in his arms when she rushed forward.

“Glyniss made her way to the cottage, and she tried to help. We must send someone to help her. She could be badly hurt.”

Roderic set Sir Robert to the task, and the man left the keep immediately.

In less than an hour, Cat had Glyniss safely tucked into bed. Cat struggled, but managed to mix medicine to the healer's instructions, and Edna was especially tender and kind as she helped. Glyniss was peevish when Edna insisted she take a bit of soup, but swallowed a few sips with the potion. Finally she slept, and Cat walked downstairs to be with Roderic.

He sat on the bench across from Robert. Cat sat next to him, and tucked her head under his jaw, sighing.

“Sir Raven gave me his word he wouldn't leave you.” Roderic was irritated.

“He had no choice. He went to assess the threat of the new army.”

Kenneth sat down on the other side of Cat. She caressed the boy's cheek.

Gavin entered the hall. “May ye have peace, Lady Montwain. I vow this one be content to have ye back with us.”

“Aye, Gavin. As am I,” she said.

“I disposed of the traitor's remains,” he said, glancing at Roderic.

“Aye,” Roderic said.

“I would share in your joy, but we have another messenger. I think you, too, should see him, Lady Montwain.”

“Bid him enter,” Roderic said. They stood.

The tall man had a touch of gray sprinkled in his black hair. He had a full beard and wore the blue and yellow plaid of the Maitland colors.

“Lord and Lady Montwain. I offer ye greetings from my Laird, Robert Maitland. He commands me to speak thus. ‘May ye have peace. It seems ye have a bit of trouble. I stand at your west flank; my armies number nine-hundred strong.

May I offer my assistance'?”

Roderic was amused by his wife's cry of joy. Cat jumped up to wrap her arms about his neck. He, too, smiled as he held her. Roderic silently thanked God, for they were granted a short reprieve from the siege. It would buy them time.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

~Proverbs 28:13

T
he King and his party arrived eleven days after Sir Robert. They came late in the evening, and were so exhausted they had retired immediately. The King had a secluded council with Roderic for an hour. Roderic did his best to reassure Cat that his trust in the King was not misplaced when he returned to their chamber.

“He commands that I go with him to meet with Kincaid at first light. He has evidence as to who killed Alastair Kincaid. The witness is one beyond reproach.”

“Who is it?”

“The King would not divulge that for fear of the man's safety. His warriors surround the witness at all times. But he has assured me he wishes an end to this conflict with peace for all.”

“And our marriage?”

“He has decreed his wish to speak with you. The King knows Mackay forced you to marry me, and why, and he is concerned that you were forced. He will speak to us both when this is settled with Kincaid.”

The King sent his messenger to both Kincaid and Mackay, and commanded an audience. He and Roderic were gone the entire day, and into the night.

Roderic returned and wasted no time to inform Cat of Alexander's decree.

“Mackay is in exile. He has been sent from Scotland, escorted by the King's guard, and Kincaid is no longer a threat. We will meet the witness on the morrow, and you will understand.”

“But, Roderic,” she protested.

“Nay, fear not. All will be well, my love. You must trust Alexander.”

Cat was so nervous about meeting the King, she rose early, being unable to sleep. Dressed in her best gown, a deep blue brocade, she stood with Roderic as the King came downstairs. Roderic grasped her hand.

The King was not alone. He walked into the great hall with a young woman at his side. Dressed in a brown tunic, and scapular, she also wore a black cappa and a novice's white veil.

King Alexander was a handsome man, much younger than Cat had expected. She made and awkward curtsy, and smiled at them both.

“Come, sit down, Lady Montwain; we must talk,” he said.

Cat looked at Roderic apprehensively. Her husband winked at her, and he was so relaxed in his demeanor, she breathed easier. They all sat at the table in the great hall.

“Lady Montwain, I would like to present my ward, Brianna Mackay,” Alexander said.

Cat gasped in shock.

The young woman had lovely green eyes, and pale skin. She shook her head slightly and raised her hand. “Nay, Brianna Mackay is dead. I will be Sister Michael once I return to Melrose Abbey, and in time I will take my vows. I dedicate my life to the Lord and take the name of Michael the Archangel. He protected me, and kept me alive when others perished.”

Tears spilling from her eyes, she turned to Roderic. “I tried to warn Sir Alec, Sir Montwain. The good mon … he tried to help me, and he died upon my chest.”

Cat reached out and took her hand.

“Are ye certain the one called Cameron is dead?” the novice asked.

“Aye, lady, he will never kill again,” Roderic said.

The young woman crossed herself. “Amen,” she whispered.

“I will respect your wishes in this if you are certain it is what you want, Brianna,” the King said.

“Aye, I have no wish to stay here, sire.”

“You needn't go to the Church. Kincaid has offered you a home with his clan, and he wishes you to return with him.”

“Aye, he is very kind. But Alastair is dead, and I wouldnae care to live with his memory made manifest every day. It would be a misery, and the holy sisters are gracious. I feel safe at Melrose.”

“Very well. Therewith you need only send word to me if you wish to come to court. The Queen shall welcome you.”

“I am very grateful, sire, but I will decline.”

The King turned to Cat. “What is your name, young woman?”

“Catherine, of the house of Terrill.”

“Roderic has explained that Mackay forced you to wed him. I have spoken to those of the clan. They feel you have made many sacrifices on their behalf, and wish me to pronounce no judgement upon your deception. I must therefore ask you now, do you wish to remain his wife?”

When Roderic began to speak the King silenced him with a wave of his hand.

Cat was filled with emotion as she gazed at Roderic.

“Aye, my King. It is my hope, with your blessing, I may remain Lady Montwain. Now and forever,” she said, smiling.

A long moment passed while Roderic held his breath. Finally, Alexander spoke.

“So be it.”

R
oderic walked slowly through the apple orchard behind his son, and Hope. He smiled as he observed the two, one a pretty wee lass with hair the color of corn-silk, and the lad, a sturdy toddler with a bright shock of auburn hair. The two chortled, screaming in delight to run to Sir Raven.