Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy Read online

  Bleeth had disappeared. She found him by a darkened corner of the lower bailey behind the stables. He handed over Chestnut’s reins and whistled low at the vision of her face. His cheeks flushed, becoming angry at the sight. Saying nothing, he strapped her satchel to the horse’s saddle. He eyed Doris and slunk into the stable. She realized a moment later, when he returned with another mount, that she hadn’t told him Doris was coming.

  They didn’t speak; to do so would send an alert. Bleeth helped her upon the mare and waited for Doris to mount her horse. When she had trouble doing so, he shoved her up and Doris gave a low shriek as she flew upward.

  Bleeth whispered, “The lads will keep the guards busy. They started a fracas and it will take hours for the guards to break up the fight. They were glad to help.”

  “Shhh, I don’t want to be caught,” Julianna whispered back.

  “The gates haven’t been locked yet, my lady. The fight started earlier.” Bleeth dismounted once they reached the gates and opened them quietly. Fortunately the sentry was in the barracks helping to control the young soldiers.

  “What would I do without ye, Bleeth?” Julianna rode on, not looking back at the place she so hated.

  The night’s dark cloak shadowed the trees and no animals sounded in the woods. They reached the woods and had made good distance. Her voice echoed amongst the trees when she asked, “Bleeth, will ye be missed? Edwena will be sure to note your absence. Have you thought of an excuse?”

  “I don’t plan to return, my lady.”

  “Where will ye go?”

  “With you,” was all he said.

  They rode in silence for a while and toward morning they stopped beside a small brook to drink and eat. She could never have gotten away without Bleeth’s help. If she had an older brother, she imagined he’d be like him. She felt guilty asking so much of him, but he insisted her mother made him promise to protect her.

  They continued the trek and as she traveled along, she wondered what Sara would say when she arrived. Remembering what Sara had told her the morning following her marriage made Julianna smile. Sara had preened like a cat that licked up all the cream. She wouldn’t tell her exactly what happened during the marriage act, but she let it be known that she would adore it. Julianna doubted that. Sara had found a good man, why couldn’t she?

  Those thoughts scattered when she recalled the warrior. What she wouldn’t do to see him again. Even seeing him from afar would be enough. But the warrior was long gone, back to the Highlands. Though she’d searched for him the next morning after Sara’s wedding, she hadn’t found him. Many had already departed and she believed he had as well.

  Their encounter was so brief and his kisses so intense; she barely remembered what they’d said. She couldn’t even recall his name. It had been so long since the encounter, but she would never forget the way he touched her. The warrior was too big, if ever he wanted to, he could kill her with one blow. But he hadn’t harmed her then. Nay, he wasn’t the sort to hurt a woman. Why she thought that, she wasn’t certain.

  “Lady, watch where you’re going,” Bleeth said.

  Absently riding and absorbed by her thoughts, she had veered from the path. After righting the horse, she thought about the king. She couldn’t allow him to discover her secret. If he found out, lord knew what would happen then. The stories she’d heard of his ruthlessness were enough to keep her from Londontown. He’d been cruel to his own family members. What would he do if he found out who she was? Though Julianna’s greatest wish was to marry and have a family of her own, she couldn’t risk it.

  The Highlands were a great distance from Londontown and surely neither the king nor her father could find her there. She and Sara had often stayed up late disturbing the girls in their dormitory whispering about that land. Sara would tell her fascinating stories and unbelievable tales of their warriors and romantic notions. Thanks to her father’s pressure, she was now on her way.

  Something came over her and sensing danger, she signaled to Bleeth. They peered into the darkness. How could someone be following so soon? But someone had to be there, she didn’t get her feeling if there wasn’t. Kicking Chestnut’s flanks caused the horse to raise her forelegs. Julianna tried to warn the others, but it was too late. Several horsemen came through the trees and rode in their direction. Chestnut got spooked and shot off. She held on for dear life for fear if she fell, she’d be at their mercy. Horses trailed behind her, but Chestnut was fast. She’d reached a good distance and directed her mare to stop next to high brush. Encased within a soft ewe, she stood quietly and waited.

  Sounds of cracking leaves in the distance told her they were close. Let them pass, she silently prayed. Chestnut was agitated and so Julianna pinched her nostrils so she wouldn’t make any noise. With her other hand, she held her dagger.

  “Where did she go?” she heard a man say.

  “Who knows? Keep looking.”

  “The Lord will be angry if we return without her.”

  “What do we do with the others?”

  “We’ll take them back and let the lord decide.”

  “He only told us to bring the lady back.”

  “We better find her. We cannot return without her.”

  The men rode away and she released Chestnut’s nose. Her mare’s nostrils fluttered and Julianna backed up. The men, well beyond her now, couldn’t hear her when she lunged through the thick brush, hell-bent to get as far away as she could.

  Disheartened that Doris and Bleeth hadn’t gotten away, she had to think of her own safety. She hadn’t recognized the men as her father’s knights, but they could have been new to his service. Her father couldn’t have known she’d left unless he’d had her watched. Why then would he let her get so far?

  As the night wore on, Julianna became lulled by the horse’s movement. She had to be alert, but sleep came upon her and she stopped to rest. Chestnut was secured to a tree branch and she found a nice spot of soft grass where she fell asleep as soon as she lay.

  A lapwing’s shrill from the trees above startled her awake. She’d jumped up and hit her head on the tree above. Things kept getting worse. A stream of blood trickled down her forehead. She pulled a cloth from her sleeve and wiped it away. Though Julianna was a lady of all modesty, she couldn’t help cursing at her rotten luck.

  When she walked to the opposite side of Chestnut, someone touched her arm. She screamed.

  “Sorry, my lady. Are ye hurt?”

  “Nay, you scared me, Bleeth. How did ye get away?” She hugged him, so happy that he was safe, that she almost knocked him backward.

  “My skills have improved. I had nothing to do when ye were away at the convent. I practiced.” He helped her up onto Chestnut’s back.

  “Doris?” He shook his head. “I hope she is unharmed. Mayhap we should go back for her?”

  Bleeth adamantly shook his head. “’Tis too risky. We have to trust your father wouldn’t harm a mere maid. Let us get to your aunt’s.”

  The sky lightened enough for them to continue, though it appeared it would rain. Fortunately the rain held off and the ride was uneventful. Julianna was exhausted and in need of medicinal aid. Aunty would take care of her. The closer they came to her aunt’s the more her spirits rose.

  She was hesitant to ride through the gate, because she wasn’t sure if her father had sent someone to fetch her. They rode to the back wall and entered through the back gate. The guard acknowledged her, giving her a welcome.

  As they rode between the cottages, she searched for anyone she didn’t recognize. “Do ye see the men who tried to abduct me?”

  Bleeth led the way to the stable. “I’m certain they went directly to Lord Bentley. Don’t worry, you’re safe now.” He helped her off Chestnut and took her reins.

  Julianna walked as swiftly as she could to the keep. Inside, there stood Aunty, wiping her hands on her apron, looking as cheery as ever.

  “Dearest, what brings ye? Have ye come for a visit?” Aunty huffed when she
noticed her face. “What happened?” She clucked and immediately helped her stand.

  She wrapped her arms around her aunt’s slim frame. “I’ll tell ye, but first I need to hide.”

  Mathilda wore her dark hair wrapped in a knot, her warm brown eyes smiled and her face always reflecting love.

  “Ye should give your uncle a kiss hello. He’s missed ye and asks daily when you’ll come.”

  “I cannot let Uncle Walden see me. Can we go to a chamber, I need to lie down?”

  “Let us get ye hidden.”

  Walking through the small keep that was more home than any place, Julianna looked admiringly at the banners hanging on the walls. The rushes were replaced once a week, on the sixth day. Aunty had certain ways concerning the care of her home and made it comforting. As they walked along, her aunt directed servants to ready a bath and bring food.

  Julianna walked through the doorway of the chamber and turned to face her aunt. “He did it! He arranged a marriage to a lord named Devlin. He all but said I should behave or be beaten. I cannot marry him. My father truly detests me. He’ll come looking for me. What am I to do?”

  Mathilda hugged her. “Worry not, my sweet lambkin, ye can hide here. Your father wouldn’t dare intrude on this place. My husband has many allies and a large army. Bentley is wary, especially since Walden is related to the Scots. Why did he beat ye?”

  “I refused to marry the lord he chose.”

  “My goodness, he’s a vicious man. Let us get ye cleaned and I’ll take care of your wounds.”

  After Julianna was bathed, dressed in nightclothes, her wounds tended to, and fed, Aunty tucked her into bed. “Get rest and I’ll return later.”

  “I forgot to mention that Bleeth came with me. He’s probably in the stables. Will you get him?”

  “Of course, sleep well.”

  Julianna had placed many people in jeopardy so she could escape her father and the worries of the king. Was it worth all this trouble? Perhaps she should have stayed and married the monster. She’d made the decision and would have to abide by it. Somehow she had to find an escort to the Highlands. Then her aunt and uncle would be safe if her father sent inquiries. She fell asleep with thoughts of green grass, purple heather fields and the sunshine on her face.

  Fitful sleep came, and with it dream upon dream. The warrior lifted her in his arms and kissed her. She felt light and airy as though she floated on a cloud. His strong arms carried her … She didn’t have a care because his warm, wet mouth settled on hers and a low groan came from her lips.

  “Aye, kiss me,” she mumbled in her sleep. Awaking with a start, she realized her aunt’s hound was licking her lips. “Uggg, be gone, beast.” She wiped the slobber away and giggled when the hound licked her face again. “Brutus, cease.” Pushing him off, she heard Aunty’s and Bleeth’s laughter from across the chamber.

  “I told ye Brutus would awaken her,” Bleeth said.

  “Are ye feeling better?” Aunty asked.

  “Aye, Aunty. Good morn to ye both.”

  Bleeth yanked her covers. “Good noon. You’ve been sleeping for two days.”

  “Ye need to rise and move about or you’ll become a stiff old woman like me. Your bruises aren’t as dark and the swelling has receded. Why don’t ye go see Walden?” Aunty shoved Bleeth through the doorway.

  Julianna rose and dressed. Aunty had told the most boldfaced lie when she said the swelling receded on her face, but she’d have to face her uncle sooner or later. She left the room and went in search of him.

  Uncle Walden, a dear man near to age sixty, often forgot things, and she worried for him. He loved to fish and could usually be found by the water. Many times they’d chased the fish away with their chatter, when she’d attended him. She spotted him as she neared the large lake beyond their home. He slept on his side along the bank. Not wanting to disturb him, she turned and headed back to the keep. She found her aunt in the kitchen, directing the servants.

  “Aunty, Uncle is sleeping. I didn’t awaken him.”

  “Sit here beside me, dearest. I’ve been thinking about your problem. I have friends in the Highlands that ye can stay with. You would be safe there until you can return.”

  “That was my very thought.”

  Her aunt smiled and went back to rolling dough. “I’ll arrange it then.”

  *****

  The following weeks Julianna recuperated and prepared for the long journey. She put off leaving because she wanted to spend time with her family. Once she left, she wouldn’t likely return for a long time. She took afternoon walks behind the keep, staying close to the walls. The evenings spent with Aunty and Uncle, and Bleeth, playing their favorite games, reminded her of her childhood. No one had come from Bentley’s manor yet. Her father knew she’d flee to Aunty’s and she wondered why he hadn’t sent anyone. She couldn’t avoid the journey to Scotland much longer.

  Julianna awoke when Aunty knocked at the door and came inside.

  “Dearest, dress yourself. I have news. We’ll meet in my solar.” Aunty left the chamber with her faithful hound following.

  Juliana tossed aside the blankets and put her feet upon the cold floor. She loved this place; leaving would be difficult. After she dressed and washed, she tidied the room. When she stepped into the hall, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the stairway. Men’s deep burrs rose from the hall. Her uncle greeted guests, and she heard his bellowed greetings. She’d have to stay hidden now. Approaching Aunty’s solar; she slipped inside, not bothering to knock. Memories flooded her, but her attention drew to Aunty’s voice and the boy who stood beside her.

  “Aunty, I’m here, I wanted … Oh, shall I come back later?”

  Aunty shook her head. The boy listened intently to her aunt. He was a tall Scot lad with light-blonde hair, and wore the woolen plaid the Highlanders favored. He didn’t seem to be more than two and ten.

  “Tell him I’d be eternally in his debt, and that he’s a good lad to do me this favor. Don’t speak to him in front of others because no one must know she’s here.”

  “Aye, milady,” he said, bowing. “I’ll deliver your message to my laird and return with his answer.” The boy gawked at her when he passed by. Before he closed the door, he grinned.

  Julianna took a seat beside the table where Aunty placed ale, bread, chunked cheese, and a few of her special sweet buns.

  “Eat, ye need your strength,” Aunty said, taking a seat. “I have news: someone came from Bentley’s manor this morn. We told him we hadn’t heard from ye and that we would send word if we did.”

  Julianna stiffened. “Did he believe you? I am sorry to involve you.” Her voice faltered.

  “Now, now.” Aunty patted her hand. “I can handle that rotter my sister married. I don’t see why the squire wouldn’t have believed me. He ate in the kitchens and should be convinced.”

  “I should leave at once. My father sent men after me, but I escaped when they rode at us. Doris didn’t get away. Bleeth tricked them and got away.”

  “I know all about Bleeth. Ye did the right thing coming here. I thought we would—”

  Julianna interrupted, “I want to go to Sara’s. She said I could come if I needed to. You’ve been so good to me these many years, and I cannot risk your safety. If anything happened to you, I couldn’t bear it.”

  “Such a sweet child, to be concerned for others. But ye need to worry about yourself.”

  “Does that boy know someone who could take me to Scotland? I have jewels my mother left me. She said if ever I needed to get away to use them as payment. Since Father gave them to her, she found irony in that.” She frowned, disbelieving what she told Aunty.

  “Aye, Joanna would. She was a wonderful sister and I miss her.” Her eyes filled with tears.

  “Aunty, I didn’t mean to distress you. I shouldn’t have mentioned my mother.”

  Mathilda wiped her eyes with her apron. “Thinking of my sister always makes me weepy. The lad will report back soon. I have no fea
r the laird won’t take you to Scotland. You’re a clever lass to think of that. Byron doesn’t know how fond of that place ye are. He deems he punished you by sending you here,” she explained. Aunty motioned for her to take a sweet bun, but Julianna shook her head.

  Her aunt continued, “Your mother feared Bentley. She often told me she worried for her safety. Our father would never have allowed her to remain with him if he knew how he treated her. Joanna made me promise to take care of you and died after our last visit.” Mathilda sighed.

  Julianna tried to offer some comfort. Mathilda stood and walked to the pitcher across the room. She poured water into goblets for them and returned to sit next to her.

  “The laird is a good man. My husband has dealt with him for years. You’ll be safe, but he’s a fearsome laird from a large clan, a giant among men and rather brisk. You’ll get used to them, they’re all that way. I admit their arrogance amuses me.”

  Julianna listened carefully. “Aunty, you are such a help. When do ye think he shall come?”

  Mathilda rose and paced the floor. “Some of his men are meeting with Walden, he must be close. Simon will find him and relay my message.”

  He’d take her to the Highlands and that’s all that mattered—if he ever showed up.

  Chapter Eight

  He showed up two days later.

  On the way to the Shelmore’s keep, Colin called a halt. Situated by the border and one day’s ride into England, he often took the risk. On this sojourn he needed to inquire the news of the never-ending scuffle betwixt the Scots and English. He had agreed to relay the news to the other clans on his return. Steven should have made the trek; it was his turn. But Steven asked him to go in his place. He and Steven were comrades long before they both became lairds and Colin understood that Steven couldn’t leave Sara and his bairn. He envied his friend because his home flourished and his clan was at peace, except for few skirmishes. Colin aspired to have his clan in the midst of peace someday. Until each and every one of the McFies were dead, that wouldn’t be possible.