Legacy of the Mist Clans Box Set (76 page)

“Good morrow,” he said and forced a smile.

Kenna tried to return it and failed miserably.

He rose and gave her a quick kiss.

“Aidan, please,” she whispered, grabbing his hand as he backed away.

“Dinna worry, lassie, I will speak tae the Bruce and return.”

She nodded and reluctantly released him.

Still sitting on the cot, she hugged her knees to her chin as she watched him.

Aidan straightened his shoulders, summoned his resolve, and strode out the door.

Needless to say, by the time he reached the tower house, he was in a foul mood, and it turned blacker with each step he took. His thoughts dwelt on Munro. Bloody hell! The man’s abrupt appearance as one of the Bruce’s spies rattled Aidan, especially considering they hadn’t encountered each other in so long. His presence kept Aidan off balance, and he hated it.

Aidan’s step hesitated as the realization struck him. That was the entire point, and Aidan was allowing him to get away with it. Rolling his eyes at his own folly, he stepped forward with a new confidence and determination. He announced himself at the gate and was escorted into the hall immediately.

The Bruce sat at the high table breaking his fast with Douglas and a few others. Aidan did not see Munro at the table, but out of the corner of his eye, he examined the shadowed alcoves lining the hall and spotted the bloody bastard in an instant.

Why was he spying in the hall of the king he served?

Aidan barely managed not to grin. The whoreson was playing both sides, and Aidan knew just how to end that game.

“Young MacGrigor,” the Bruce said, “welcome.”

Aidan bowed. “Yer Majesty bade me tae return this morn.”

“Aye,” the Bruce said and gestured to the table. “Please, break yer fast. We have much tae discuss.”

Aidan took the same seat as before. Servants brought his food, but his attention remained on the king.

The king waited until the servants finished, watching Aidan intently. “Perhaps,” the Bruce said softly, “I should call ye the Hawk instead of young MacGrigor.”

Aidan looked at him in confusion. “The what?”

The Bruce sat back and chuckled. “Come now, young MacGrigor. Ye saw Munro yesterday. He told me all about the spy network yer brother has at his fingertips. ’Tis a network ye control, and one that would make any monarch envious.”

Aidan blinked at him. “Forgive me, Yer Majesty, but I have no idea of which ye speak. I dinna ken the man who spoke with ye yesterday.”

The Bruce’s humor vanished and he glared at Aidan. “Dinna jest with me.”

“Yer Majesty, I wouldna do such a thing.”

The Bruce’s lip curled. “Ye would be wise not tae anger me, young MacGrigor. Munro told me of yer history. He kens ye be the Hawk because he helped ye set up yer nests of birds.”

“Pray pardon, Yer Majesty, but how did ye come tae know this Munro that he would tell ye such tales?”

“We served together under Longshanks.”

Aidan arched an eyebrow at him. “Ye have something in common then, turning against yer own country.” Aidan studied the man’s reaction closely. He knew he walked dangerous ground, and the Bruce had to be handled carefully, but he needed the man’s emotions to cloud his thinking and make him a bit more forthcoming with information.

“I mayna have been yer king then,” the Bruce growled. “But I am now, and I willna tolerate insolence.”

“Forgive me, Yer Majesty,” Aidan said, bowing his head slightly. “But I dinna ken this Munro. How is it that ye trust him so greatly that ye believe the yarns he be spinning?”

“He has served me well the past couple of years.”

“I see. Perhaps then, I should meet him so I may look him in the eye and ask man tae man why he be speaking these lies about me.”

“He isna here,” the Bruce snapped. “He will return this evening.”

Aidan rose, rubbing his chin, and began to pace the floor before the king. “I tell ye truly, I am quite vexed with this.” Each time he crossed the floor, he stepped closer and closer to the alcove Munro hid in. Catching another glimpse of the man out of the corner of his eye, Aidan saw Munro’s expression grow panicked. He had allowed himself to become overconfident and forgot one of Aidan’s most basic instructions: always allow an escape, never allow yourself to become trapped. But now he was. If Munro fled from his spot, the king would see him.

“Young MacGrigor, why—”

At that moment, Aidan reached into the shadow, grabbed Munro’s arm, and twisted it into a vicious hold.

“Yer Majesty,” he snarled, hauling Munro forward. “How can ye trust a man who would spy in yer own hall?” He shoved Munro to his knees before the Bruce but maintained his hold on his arm. If Munro struggled, Aidan could snap his arm like dry kindling.

The Bruce blinked, shocked, then the planes of his face hardened. His eyes narrowed and his knuckles whitened as he gripped the arms of his chair. “Munro, what be ye doing in this hall?”

“Forgive me, my king!”

Slowly the Bruce rose, his face florid. “I sent ye tae gain information, but here ye are spying on
me
?”

“I feared for yer safety, my liege, that the Hawk would bring ye tae harm. All ken MacGrigor hates yer family.”

“We’ve had our differences,” Aidan snapped. “But I would be foolish indeed tae betray Scotland’s king with my kinsman, two lassies, and a bairn in his camp.”

“Ye have a valid point, young MacGrigor,” the Bruce said. Abruptly, he motioned to the guards across the hall. “Put Munro in chains. I will deal with him later.”

“Nay, my liege! My words were true!” Munro struggled to break Aidan’s hold.

Aidan’s grip tightened, and he felt the man’s arm suddenly give way. Munro howled and lurched, but he stopped fighting. Aidan lowered his head enough to whisper in his ear. “Once a traitor, always a traitor. If the Bruce doesna kill ye, I will.”

The guards approached and Aidan released Munro. They hauled him up as he continued to howl over his broken arm. The guards dragged him from the hall, a door slamming shut behind them, muting Munro’s bleating.

Aidan waited until the Bruce returned to his chair, then Aidan did the same. The Bruce appeared suddenly weary as he sat and rubbed his eyes.

“Forgive me, young MacGrigor, but it seems I couldna trust him after all. I thank ye for discovering him and for yer actions at bringing his treachery tae light.”

“I was simply fortunate tae have spotted him in the alcove when I entered. I found it curious that a man would be eavesdropping in yer own hall, so I feared the worst.”

The Bruce nodded and rubbed his eyes again. “It seems I must distrust what Munro has told me now and that places me in an unsavory position.”

“How so, Yer Majesty?”

“I thought I had access tae a man with enviable skills in the matter of spy craft. I have a task that be perfect for yer talents. But if ye arena the Hawk, then this shall be troublesome indeed.”

Aidan was afraid to ask what he intended. He kept his jaw clamped shut.

“Unfortunately,” the king continued, “considering what has happened with Munro, I canna even trust the men he commanded. I fear ye will still face this duty, only ye willna be as prepared for it as I originally thought.”

“Duty?” Aidan asked, trying to keep his voice even.

“Munro has told me other rumors, these of a bairn of the English royal house.”

“An English bairn?” He thought for a moment then shrugged. “Distant from the throne? For Longshanks be an old man and . . . well . . . all ken the preferences of his son.”

“Munro learned that the son’s preferences may be exaggerated. This bairn is rumored tae be Prince Edward’s bastard.”

Aidan allowed his fear at how much knowledge the Bruce possessed regarding Adam to come across as shock. He shook his head. “Ye said it yerself, ye canna believe the man now.”

“Aye, but that’s what makes it obvious that I need ye even more.”

“I dinna understand.”

“I canna trust Munro nor the spies under him. But ye, ye have just proven yer honor.” He paused and leaned forward. “Ye will determine the validity of these rumors for me, and in turn, I will keep yer companions safe.” The Bruce inclined his head, gazing at him with an unnerving intensity. “Ye said it well, ye would be a fool tae betray yer king with yer kinsman, two lassies, and a bairn in this camp.”

A black, chilling dread clamped around Aidan’s heart as he realized the unspoken threat. The Bruce didn’t trust him one whit, but he would keep Kenna and the others close at hand. If Aidan failed him in any way, Kenna, Connell, and Mairi, along with her bairn, would pay the price. Bloody bleeding hell! What could he do?

“Yer Majesty . . . ” he began then snapped his jaw shut as another realization struck him. Aidan may have put doubt into the Bruce’s mind about just how much he could trust Munro, but he still suspected Aidan was the Hawk and could uncover the information he desired. There was no squirming his way out of this one. Aidan’s shoulders slumped and he stared at the floor. “As ye will, Yer Majesty.”

“Perhaps ye will wish tae speak tae the locals. I will allow ye tae inform yer kinsman and will order yer horse saddled. I will also provide supplies for yer journey. Ye leave within the hour. God speed.”

Aidan bowed, spun on his heel, and strode from the hall, wanting to scream his fury.

He returned to the hut only to discover Kenna pacing the floor nervously and Mairi sobbing in Connell’s arms. He looked at Kenna in confusion. She took his hand and led him back out the door, closing it behind her. “She’s exhausted and terrified, Aidan.”

Aidan lifted his head, staring at the heavens, worry and frustration threatening to choke him. He pulled Kenna into his arms and held her as tightly as he dared. Slowly, carefully, he explained all that had transpired with the Bruce.

Finally, he looked at her again. “I protected the knowledge of the Hawk and his birds as best I could. There is doubt, but not enough tae stop the Bruce.”

Kenna searched his gaze for a moment. “Then we are prisoners.”

“Aye,” he said tightly. “The Bruce canna risk ye escaping. He kens my brother. If we somehow manage tae flee and hide behind the walls of Castle MacGrigor, it would take a siege tae uproot us. With Longshanks breathing down his neck and his troops so few in number, the Bruce can ill afford that. He will keep his bird in the hand . . . he will hold my sparrow over my head tae ensure my cooperation.”

Kenna blinked rapidly, her eyes filling with tears. “Why is he so concerned over a bastard child?”

“I dinna ken.” He paused and shrugged. “Whatever it be, we canna risk it. I willna play the game of sovereigns with a bairn’s life hanging in the balance.”

“Aidan, that places ye in a terrible position. If ye dinna tell him the truth—”

“Munro played both ends against each other, so can I. Only I’m better at it. Kenna, the nest ye and Raven built, I have need of it now. Where can I find them?”

Although the dusting of fear around her eyes didn’t disappear completely, he caught a glimmer of hope in her emerald gaze. She quickly told him who the birds were and where he could find them. “Also,” she said quickly, “Raven said it would be important that ye have a way tae replenish yer coin if ye be so far from home. There is a merchant not far from the township we lived in. He has coin should ye have need of it. He is the one receiving a portion of our pay for maintaining the coin for ye.”

His lips lifted and he felt the heavy burden upon his shoulders ease just a bit. “My bonny sparrow, thank ye. I ken ye will worry, but I vow I will pick my way through this godforsaken path and return safely tae ye.” He cupped her face in his hands, watching the tears well in her eyes then trickle down her cheeks. “Please,” he whispered, “dinna cry.”

He lowered his head and kissed her with all his heart held for her. His emotions rose so powerfully within him they startled him. He never intended his kiss to grow so passionate, but it did and became a poignant farewell, telling her the words he could not speak.

HHH

Kenna vowed she would not dissolve into a storm of tears as she watched Aidan mount his horse and ride away. But they streamed down her face just the same. Two mounted guards flanked him as he headed down the road that led away from Glen Trool.

Aidan looked over his shoulder once at her, giving her a wave and a smile. She returned the wave, but the smile she could not muster no matter how hard she tried. She stood with his plaid wrapped tightly around her shoulders as his form grew smaller on the road. He ascended the trail leading out of the glen then disappeared down the other side.

Still Kenna could not move.

With Aidan’s departure, it seemed like all of her battles had been for naught. The agony of Raven’s murder was still a bleeding wound upon her heart. The pain and torment she had suffered at the hands of the brigands had not healed at all.

Aidan’s care and compassion had kept the terror within her at bay, now that he was gone, it returned, stalking her as a wolf would stalk a hart.

Her tears flowed faster, and she desperately fought to control herself.

“Kenna,” Connell said gently. “Come inside.”

She couldn’t move.

Connell gripped her shoulder. “Kenna, please.”

Mairi stepped forward and gripped her other shoulder. “Milady?”

Slowly, she allowed them to lead her back to the hut

Inside, the agony broke free and sobs wrenched through her. She flung herself onto the cot and cried bitterly, sending terrified prayers to the heavens that Aidan would return.

T
he next morning, all Kenna wanted to do was stay in bed. She had absolutely no desire to awaken and face the day. But she realized the worst thing she could do was wallow in her own misery. She roused herself and dressed, noting the man-at-arms had again appeared at the door with food.

She sat at the table with Mairi and Connell. Aidan had been forced to leave not long after telling her all that had transpired with the Bruce and Munro, so she related the entire tale to Connell and Mairi.

“I’m surprised we havena been thrown into the dungeon,” Kenna muttered as she picked at her food.

Connell glanced up from his food. “Nay, the dungeon be needed for those who actually deserve it. We’ll have a measure of freedom here, we just canna leave the camp.”

“That makes me even more tempted tae try.”

Connell surprised her with a laugh and a wink. “I’d advise against it, lassie. I understand yer talents since becoming one of Aidan’s birds, but while we be free tae move about the camp, rest assured the guards are watching us closely.”

She sighed miserably. “We have no idea how long this will take. I vow I will go mad like this.”

“Aye,” Connell said, chewing his food thoughtfully. “I feel the same. I considered speaking with the armorers in camp. I can sharpen blades and make basic repairs tae armor and equipment. I was hoping the duties would give me something tae do and keep me from going daft in the head.”

“I have absolutely no desire tae help the Bruce in any way,” Kenna growled.

“I look at it as helping the men. I wonder how many here would prefer tae be elsewhere, just like us. War is a troublesome thing. Even if a man has a mind tae support the Bruce’s cause, that can be poor comfort when one’s life is leaking away because their armor failed.”

“True,” Kenna said. She frowned, thinking for a moment. “Perhaps I could help as well. No’ with armor, of course,” she said quickly when Connell looked at her startled. “I can sew. I dinna doubt that these men have clothing that needs repair just as much as armor.”

“I will help as well,” Mairi said. “It would be easier than cooking for the lot. I can stay in the hut and tend tae Adam.”

Connell nodded and returned his empty bowl to the tray. “The man-at-arms should be returning for these soon. I will speak tae him.”

It seemed like only a few moments later when the man-at-arms returned for their bowls. He appeared quite enthusiastic when Connell mentioned their thoughts. He asked Connell to accompany him and led him deeper into the camp.

Kenna busied herself with cleaning the hut, although there wasn’t much to worry over. The morning was still young, misty, and quite chilly. The sounds of the growing activities in the camp had been increasing steadily, but suddenly shouts arose.

“What the devil?” Kenna asked and opened the door, looking outside. Mairi stood behind her and peered over her shoulder.

Kenna thought she heard footsteps sprint past the hut and stepped out even farther to see. About ten paces away, a man ran for all he was worth, headed for the dense tree line a good furlong or two behind their hut. He ran oddly, one arm swinging but the other held against him. He glanced over his shoulder, his expression a grim mask of determination.

Kenna suddenly recognized him. “Munro,” she snarled. “The bastard escaped.”

The shouts grew louder, and in a blink of an eye, men riding on horses galloped toward the hut, pursuing the fugitive.

She had half a mind to grab her biodags and give chase, but that would be folly. The men on horses had a far better chance of catching him. But that fact didn’t ease her desire. The mounted guards galloped past the hut, but Munro had already reached the trees and disappeared into them. The men pursuing checked their pace slightly but also entered the woods.

“Mairi! Kenna!” Connell barked, trotting up to them. “He didna harass ye, did he?”

“Nay,” Kenna said. “The guards would have been on him in an instant if he had tried.” She paused, watching more mounted guards gallop into the woods. “How did he escape with a broken arm?”

“I dinna ken,” Connell replied. “All I ken was I could hear the Bruce bellowing a hundred paces away.”

“I hope they catch him.”

Connell shook his head. “As do I, but I doubt they will. Aidan trained him.”

A terrible shiver passed through her, and she squeezed her eyes closed. “Mary have mercy,” she whispered. Aidan had no idea the man was loose. Kenna feared that even with a broken arm, Munro would seek vengeance. Between him and Hurstal lurking in the area, Kenna’s fear for Aidan levered upward even more.

HHH

Days had passed since Munro escaped. Kenna and the others fell into a routine, trying to keep their focus from their situation. There was little they could do; it all hinged on Aidan. But Kenna was certain her worry over him would drive her daft. It was late evening, and she and Connell sat with some of the guards and the men in the Bruce’s army near a fire, drinking and dicing. Ale and wine flowed freely, and the men seemed inordinately pleased that Kenna not only knew the rules but was quite adept at the game. Working with Raven at the tavern, Kenna had learned dicing and even a few drinking songs.

The men laughed and threw bawdy insults at each other, but at least all seemed relaxed. One guard sitting next to Kenna was Jamie, the man who brought the food to their hut and made sure they weren’t lacking for any supplies.

As the sun set, Jamie jested with her, flirting playfully. All of the guards had done the same as they grew to know her, but not a single one had crossed the line. Still, she made sure that Jamie and the others knew where the line was.

“Jamie,” Kenna said in gentle rebuke. She took a drink from her cup. “Ye ken Aidan be my man.”

“Aye,” Jamie said, gesturing to the group of guards surrounding the fire. “We all ken that.” He paused biting his bottom lip and looked at her, his face growing dusky. “We have ne’er met a lassie like ye, would ye perchance have a sister?”

Kenna’s expression fell and she stared at the ground. “I had a sister,” she whispered. “But she was murdered.”

“Nay,” Jamie murmured, taking her hand in his. “How could this be? If she had yer fire and strength—”

“Even the best can meet their match,” Kenna snapped, jerking her hand away.

Jamie stared at her, wounded.

Kenna sighed. “Forgive me, Jamie. My heart still bleeds for my sister.”

“Kenna,” Jamie said as she rose. “Who?”

“Brigands . . . on the trail. I sought vengeance, so did Aidan, but we are only two people in the face of overwhelming evil.”

Jamie studied her a long moment, his dark eyes glittering in the firelight. “How can I help ye, lass?”

“What I would ask would be impossible.”

Jamie rose and placed a hand on her arm. “I shall walk ye back tae yer hut.”

Kenna allowed him to lead her away. Jamie was the guard she had the most interaction with, and she had a measure of trust in him.

As they left the campfire circle, Jamie lowered his head. “Kenna, ye and yer kinsman have been faithful tae us, despite the MacGrigor history. My da had nothing but admiration for the MacGrigors; he disagreed with them when it came tae Balliol, but he respected the clan and their laird.”

She looked up at him, praying she wasn’t misreading his sincerity.

“What would ye have done that is so impossible?”

“I would send word tae Aidan that Munro be loose.”

Jamie frowned at her. “Rumor be rampant through the camp of this strange turn of events. Some of the guards said they heard the king believes young MacGrigor is a spymaster, a man they call the Hawk. From what ye be saying, ye give credence tae their whisperings. Young MacGrigor be what the Bruce says: the Hawk.”

“Why would ye think that?” she snapped, remembering what Aidan had said to her about trying to cast doubt. “Aidan be no’ a man familiar in spy craft. He saw a shadow lurking and hauled the bastard before yer king. Now he be faced with a task that none other dare take.” She paused, locking Jamie in her gaze. “Ye believe him the Hawk, but I say he is no’. Yet he didna quail from this duty. He shouldered it and ne’er complained.”

Jamie thought for a long moment. “He be out there, alone, and so be Munro.”

“Now ye have the right of it.”

Jamie grew even more pensive. “Aye, lassie, I see yer quandary. So yer wish is tae simply warn the young MacGrigor that Munro be loose.”

“Aye, and tae let him know we . . . I . . . want him back safe.”

Jamie looked at her and chuckled. “Ah, if only I had a lassie pining so after me.” He paused and looked around then lowered his head, bringing her hand to his lips. “I have a cousin in the village south of here. I make no promises, but I shall endeavor tae send word tae the young MacGrigor.”

Kenna blinked at him then a tear trickled down her cheek. “Ye would do that for me?”

“Aye, lassie.” He looked up and gestured to the hut. “Ye be here.” Jamie released her hand and turned his back to walk away.

“Jamie?” she called, smiling through her tears.

“Aye?”

“My sister may be gone, but I might have a cousin or two.”

Jamie chuckled and bowed with a flourish. “As ye will, lassie . . . as ye will.” He gave her a bright grin then strode into the darkness.

HHH

Aidan had returned to the village where Raven and Kenna once lived, but the journey had been long and lonely. He had traveled south, finding the merchant and replenishing his coin, but that had added a day to his travel.

Staying in Raven and Kenna’s old village made it easier for Aidan to reach out to the nest they had set up there. He also realized he was far more comfortable in this place. He knew the people and would more easily spot a stranger lurking about. The tavern owner, Baodan, was pleasant, the rooms were clean, and the food was good. But Aidan had to admit he suddenly had a difficult time staying in the tavern where Raven had worked, knowing her body was buried a stone’s throw away in a ruined castle yard.

Baodan had hired another lassie to fill Raven’s serving position. She seemed capable enough but a bit slow in the mind. Baodan sorely missed Kenna as a cook, and feared her dead as well. Aidan felt sorry for the man and told him he had heard Kenna survived the fire but was grief stricken over her sister’s death and had moved elsewhere.

Although Aidan was anxious to get this fool quest over and done, riding alone on the roads had allowed him to think through his predicament. At every township, village, and tiny community Aidan passed through, he had made the effort to speak with a few people to learn any rumors he could gain about Longshanks and his armies, the Bruce, the bandits plaguing the roads, even a maid traveling alone with only her bairn.

As to knights-errant or brigands, he was surprised to hear very little, especially the farther he moved from Glen Trool. Aidan suspected that Hurstal realized Mairi and Adam were still in the Bruce’s camp and was sticking close. While Aidan didn’t know what the Bruce had planned for the bairn, at least he knew Kenna and the others would be safe from Hurstal. He was also grateful because that meant it would be unlikely that he would have to deal with him and his cutthroats while away from the Bruce’s camp and alone.

Aidan had given Baodan enough coin to rent a room for a sennight, and the morning after his arrival, Aidan set out to speak to the first bird: a young man who had been an apprentice to Nevin, learning his carpentry. There was a small woodshop in town, and Aidan walked there first.

The young man, probably close to eighteen seasons, was working diligently, sanding a chair. He looked up as Aidan entered and smiled. “Well met,” he said, wiping off his hands then extending one in greeting. “I remember ye. Ye were friends with Nevin. I’m Fionnghall.”

“Aye,” Aidan said and gripped his forearm. “Well met.” He looked around the shop. “How are things?”

Fionnghall’s expression fell. “As well as can be expected. I still had much tae learn from Master Nevin. Now that he’s gone, I’m struggling tae keep the place open, but I try tae learn all I can as I go.” He paused and gestured at his project. “Ye dinna need a chair, do ye? I’m good at chairs.”

Aidan chuckled. “’Fraid not, lad, but if I hear of anyone, I’ll send them yer way.”

“Thank ye.”

“I do need tae ken what ye’ve heard about a lass traveling alone with a bairn.”

“Mairi?” he asked startled.

Well now, this young man might fill Nevin’s role well. He kept his eyes and ears open. Aidan nodded.

Fionnghall rubbed the back of his neck. “I dinna ken much,” he said, a frown blurring his brow. “I remember when she arrived at the tavern in the middle of a storm, soaked tae the bone and claiming brigands attacked her lady’s wedding train. Ye were there.”

“Aye. Anything else?”

“She worked for a time for Liam’s widow, but the old woman passed. I believe she was with Rhona and Kenna when the hut caught on fire. I dinna ken what happened tae her after that. I did hear a strange rumor though.”

“What was that?”

“That her bairn be important, perhaps even nobility. I dinna ken how that be possible, how anyone would allow a young maid tae travel alone if her bairn be of noble birth.”

“I heard something similar,” Aidan said. “But then I found out that be not true. Apparently, there’s another lassie and bairn out there somewhere, and the rumors are getting confused. Unfortunately, with the war killing so many of our fighting lads, I fear there be a number of lassies alone.” He regretted leading his birds in the wrong direction. They were paid to learn accurate information. But right now, it was more important that Mairi and Adam be protected. “The other is a big-boned lass,” he said, remembering what Kenna had said about Edana. He needed to cross the rumors and confuse the identities. “Strong as an ox, I hear. She was the one with a bairn that is of noble birth.”

“Really?” Fionnghall said and chuckled. “Well, that’s all I ken.”

“Verra well,” Aidan said and handed him some coin. “I’ll be staying at the tavern for a bit. If ye hear anything more, find me.”

“Aye,” Fionnghall said. He started to turn back to his work, but stopped and scowled. “Milord?”