Highland Hellion (Blades of Honor #1) (11 page)

Garrett focused on his enemy. “Because I gave Arya my word that I wouldna leave Scotia unprotected. I’d be there with her now, but she insisted I hide from the Campbell. Stubborn woman.”

“Good thing she is. Getting yourself killed or captured would have been a waste. You wouldna stand a chance against so many, and all hope of bringing Arya home in the near future would be lost.”

“And why are you still here? You’re a wanted man too,” Garrett asked.

“Hard heads run in the family, I guess,” Logan said. “I figured you might have stayed behind and decided you could use my help. Not that I fancy having my neck stretched any more than you do.”

Garrett brought a finger to his lips. “Shhh, keep talking and we will both be swing from yonder trees.” He returned his attention to the Campbell.

“Do you have any idea who helped the chit to escape from your Castle? Maybe they can shed some light on her whereabouts.” one of the warriors asked.

“She obviously had help,” Campbell said. “But from who is a good question. Had Connor Fraser not remained at my castle after the lass escaped, furiously demanding he be notified immediately when she was found, I would suspect he had something to do with her disappearance.”

“And you dinna think that now?”

Campbell shook his head. “Connor is a sly man. I wouldna put anything past him, but he came alone. And while it mayna seem like a coincidence that the woman vanished when he was at my stronghold, right after he asked me to turn her over to him, I have no solid proof he had anything to do with her escape.” He scratched his chin. “I suspect it was her clansmen who set the fires as a distraction then facilitated her get away in the commotion. When I find out who is responsible, they will be punished accordingly.”

“Do you wish to expand the search, m’lord?” the warrior asked. “We can return to the castle for fresh horses, and I can gather a group of men and set out again at first light.”

“Nay. Two days will have passed, and by the time we regroup and start again, they will be far and away. I think it best we lay low and wait for her to come to us.” Campbell threw his leg over his horse’s back and hauled himself into the saddle.

“Her, m’lord? Do you not wish to punish the other scoundrels who attacked the village as well?”

“The raid happened quickly, and I’d be hard pressed to prove the identity of every man involved. But I have no doubt about the lass’s guilt. Punishing her will get my point across nicely,” Campbell said. “I will post a few men on the road leading into and out of this area, and wait to see if she returns. If she is foolish enough to come back, she will rue the day.” He pressed his heels into the animal’s sides and the horse bolted off, the rest of his warriors following.

Garrett and Logan waited until the last of the Campbell warriors rode out of site, then made a dash for the back entrance to Scotia’s croft. Certain the coast was clear, Garrett slipped inside, leaving Logan to watch the door.

“Is she all right?” Garrett asked Isla as he rushed to Scotia’s bedside.

Scotia peered up at him and frowned. “What are you doing here? The Campbell could return and if he finds you—”

“They’ve gone. We waited and made certain of that before we approached the hut,” Garrett said.

“We? Who was fool enough to stay here with you?” Scotia asked.

“My cousin Logan. He is watching the hut as we speak, in case anyone returns.” Garrett crouched beside the bed and lifted Scotia’s hand. “I feared the worse when I heard the Campbell tell his men you were on death’s doorstep.”

“I figured it best to let him think so. I doubted even a scoundrel like him would pester a dying woman with questions. And it appears to have worked. He left after a few minutes.” Scotia’s smile quickly changed to a look of concern. “But not before vowing to find Arya and see her arrested if she ever returns. She must never come back. You must see to it.”

“She is safely away and you can rest easy that she willna return until it is wise to do so. Connor has gone to ask the Bruce for a pardon and once granted, the Campbell would not dare carry out his threats,” Garrett reassured her.

“I hope you’re right. And I pray she will find a home at Fraser Castle with her brothers and their families.” Tears welled in Scotia’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “She is a good lass, and deserves to have a wonderful life. One her father would wished for her to have. Had he known about her, that is.”

Garrett had his doubts that Arya would find happiness amongst her enemy, and knowing her fierce, unselfish loyalty to her mother and her clan, he feared she might return before it was safe to do so. He missed her more than he could ever imagine, and longed to hold her in his arms. But for now, a part of him was relieved to know she was safe.

“Letting Arya leave with the Frasers was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. When she pleaded with me to let her say, I nearly gave in, but sadly, I must admit she is safer with them than here.” Garrett hung his head. “I would be lying if I said I dinna hope she would return home where she belongs. But I also know that isna likely to happen any time soon.”

Scotia squeezed his hand. “Part of loving someone is letting them go if it is in their best interest. I know you’d hoped to marry my daughter someday, and it would have pleased Ronald and me immensely to see her settle down with you. But she needs to be somewhere safe. In a place where she can learn to be a lady and curb her wild ways. Otherwise, she was on a straight path to destruction and we both know that.”

“Arya is out of harm’s way, so you can rest easy. This ordeal has been a very trying day for you too.” Garrett released Scotia’s hand, then tucked a pelt around her shoulders. “Sleep now. I will stay here with Isla in case you need anything.”

“Are you certain the Campbell willna return? I wouldna want you to put yourself in danger on my account. He will be looking for you.” She peered up at him.

“We will keep our heads on a swivel, but from what I overheard, the Campbell is not going to pursue those of us who got away, and will leave Arya alone as long as she does not return to the area.” Garrett knew he may have twisted the truth a little, but she needed to rest. “Sleep, Scotia.”

Once she’d settled, Garrett stepped away from the bed and sauntered over to the window. He peered outside, darkness now blanketing the area. While he was certain the Frasers had Arya well-guarded, he wondered if she was happy.

He tried to purge the image of her face from his mind, the look of utter shock and glower of anger she cast in his direction before he turned his back on her, leaving her with the Frasers. But it was no use. And while there was a good chance she now hated him, sending her away was for the best. Or so he tried to convince himself. He chuckled. The Frasers had a real challenge on their hands if they thought for a minute they could control Arya or turn her into a lady. Heaven help them.

In fact, it wouldn’t surprise him if Arya came strolling through the door of her mother’s croft any minute.

Chapter 12

After three days in the saddle, sleeping on the cold hard ground at night, and being forced to listening to Bryce’s barrage of spiteful comments, Arya was actually relieved when Fraser Castle came into view.

“It will feel good to be home.” Bryce urged his horse onward.

Home
. Her stomach did a quick flip. The impressive stone keep looming on the horizon was massive, at least double the size of the Campbell’s stronghold. But it would never feel like home. Thoughts of her mother crossed her mind, as they often had during the journey. Was Scotia all right? Had she made a huge mistake by leaving her behind?

“Bryce is right. A hot meal and a tankard of ale sounds good about now. You must be famished,” Alasdair said to Arya.

“I know I am starving. And I canna wait to see my wife and bairns,” Ian added, then spurred his mount. His brothers followed.

“Well, there is no point in wasting any more time, lass. Let’s go,” Alasdair said, then raced after the others.

As they approached the portcullis, the guards atop the parapets waved them onward. The huge ironclad gate yawned before them, and beyond that, the bailey and Fraser Castle. The lair of her enemy.

“Welcome home, Lord Alasdair. Can I take your horse?” A young lad of about thirteen summers ran toward them.

“Aye, Rory, and make sure mine get a hardy helping of oats and a good rubdown. I will be leaving in a couple of hours so once he has been fed and tended to, have him saddled up and ready. I have a two-day hard ride to Sinclair Castle, and I want to be away before dark.”

Arya’s chest tightened at his words. While she did not fancy spending time with any of the Frasers, she found Alasdair the most pleasant and accommodating of the three brothers. To look at his huge frame and rugged, angular features, one would think he’d be the gruff, short-tempered one, proving looks can be deceiving. Once he departed, there was no telling what would transpire between her and Bryce. The thought left her cold.

Arya dismounted and took a minute to stretch out the kinks in her back and legs before climbing the castle steps. Upon entry, she was pleasantly surprised at the warm, welcoming atmosphere that greeted her. Brightly colored banners, tapestries, and pennons adorned the walls. A huge crest with the Fraser Clan motto hung over the fireplace that occupied most of the entranceway, and a roaring fire blazed on the hearth. Servants scurried about, seeing to their chores while others laughed and cajoled with each other.

“There are the ladies and bairns.” Alasdair pointed to a group of people standing near the hearth, talking to Bryce. “I’m sure they’re most anxious to meet you.”

Arya wished she could say the same thing. As they approached the women, she suddenly became very self-conscious of her attire and appearance. She had no idea why. These people were strangers, her enemy, and impressing people had never been a concern before now.

But these two women were stunning. One had jet-black hair and the other a rich shade of auburn. They wore fine clothes, their porcelain-like skin, and upswept hairstyles reminding Arya of two princesses. She quickly ran her fingers through her tangled locks, then smoothed her palms down the front of her dust-covered tunic. She glanced at her hands. They belonged to a woman who toiled in the soil, chopped wood, and rode without gloves. Her nails were rough, and the skin weathered. She tucked them behind her back.

“I have matters to tend to and will return shortly.” Bryce kissed the dark-haired woman on the cheek, then stormed off.

Alasdair watched his brother’s retreat before proceeding with introductions. “Arya, these lovely ladies are my sisters-by-marriage, Cailin and Fallon.” He smiled down at the bairns. “And these whelps are their offspring.”

So many
weans
, Arya thought as she studied the brood clinging to their mothers’ skirts. She counted at least eight of them. If nothing more, the Fraser men had no problem procreating.

“I’m so pleased to have you with us.” The one he called Cailin stepped forward with her hand outstretched.

Arya nodded at the ladies, but kept her hands hidden.

“Mother, why is she dirty and dressed like a man?” one of the bairns asked. “She has a dirk and a sword too.”

Cailin crouched down to answer the lass’s question. “That is not polite, Leslie. Arya has been on a very long journey and has not had time to freshen up or to change her clothes. When traveling in unknown territory, it is wise to carry a weapon to protect yourself.” She looked up at Arya. “I am sorry. Please forgive my daughter, she meant no disrespect. She is six and the only lass Connor and I have been blessed with so far. I’m afraid she can be quite outspoken at times.” She tousled Leslie’s fiery curls.

“There is no need to apologize,” Arya replied. “I am pleased to meet you, Leslie, and I understand what it is like to be the only lass in a group of lads.” The pouting bairn was the image of her mam.

“And these are my other four bairns.” Cailin placed her hand on the oldest lad’s back and gently shoved him forward. “This is Andrew. He has seen nine summers.”

Andrew puffed out his chest and raised his chin. “I am not a bairn. I am almost grown, and soon will be able to ride with my da and the men when they go hunting or to visit the other strongholds,” he said proudly. “Someday, I will be laird of Clan Fraser.”

“I’m sure you’ll make a fine leader too,” Arya said. “You look very much like your da. I am sure he is very proud of you.”

“And these are my other bairns. Keenan is eight, and the twins Braxton and Brenden just turned four,” Cailin said.

“You have so many, it must keep you very busy.” Arya could not imagine raising one babe, let alone five.

“Connor would like to have another come spring. A lass would be nice, but we would be pleased with another lad.”

“As Alasdair mentioned, I’m Fallon. Bryce’s wife. The woman with raven hair bobbed a curtsy. “You are every bit as lovely as I envisioned in my dreams.”

“Your dreams?”

“Fallon is
da shealladh,”
Alasdair whispered.

“Second sight.” Arya said. “I have an aunt on my mother’s side with the gift.”

“Aye,” Fallon replied. “It is both a curse and a blessing.”

“And you saw
me
in a vision?” Arya asked.

“Aye, More than once. I saw you sitting beside the bed of an older woman who was very ill. I also saw you with a handsome ginger-haired man who I believe loves you very much.”

Arya was speechless, which, from what Garrett claimed, did not happen often. How could Fallon possibly know about her mother and describe Garrett? “My mam has been ill for several months. I was reluctant to leave her and hope to return very soon. And I do know a man with ginger hair. But we are just friends,” she quickly added.

Fallon offered a knowing glance, but did not pursue the issue further. “These are my bairns. Elise is seven, Tristen, five, Jamie, three, and our babe, Jeanne, is asleep upstairs in her cradle.”

“You have a lovely family.” Arya turned to face Alasdair. “And you told me on the trail you have two sons and another babe on the way.”

“Aye, but they are at home with their mam. David is six and Robbie is five. And if I dinna get there soon, I will miss the birth of my third.”

“It must be bedlam when you all get together in one place,” Arya said, laughing. The longer she spent talking to Fallon and Cailin, the more the tension she’d felt upon entering the castle and her apprehension about meeting them lifted. The two women were delightful, warm and welcoming. For the first time in many days, she started to relax. But that feeling passed quickly when Bryce returned carrying a crying baby.

He strode across the room, then handed the bawling infant to Fallon. “I think she is hungry.” If you’ve finished with pleasantries, perhaps you could nurse her. I’ll watch the others while you do.”

“Why did you wake her?” Fallon brought the babe to her shoulder, then patted her back. “She isna due to eat for at least another hour, maybe more. When I peeked in on her about fifteen minutes ago, she was sound asleep.”

“I have been gone for several days. Is it a crime for a father to miss his bairns and to check on his babe?”

“Of course not. I’m glad you care so much about them.” Fallon pressed her lips to the babe’s brow, then smiled at Bryce. “Jeanne seems to have gone back to sleep, so I will feed her when she awakens. But, I will also hold you to your promise, and expect you to watch the
weans
while I do. They’ve missed you as much as you’ve missed them.”

“And what about you, wife? Did you miss me as well?” Bryce slid his arm around Fallon’s waist, then hauled her against his chest. Obviously forgetting for a moment that he had an audience, he lowered his head and kissed her soundly.

Tristen tugged at the leg of Bryce’s trews, interrupting his parents’ reunion. “Da, there is a new foul in the stable. Do you want to see him?”

Bryce groaned, then cleared his throat. “I will go with you in a wee bit, son. But first I must speak with your uncle Alasdair.” He glared at Arya, but spoke to his brother. “In private, if you dinna mind.”

While he interacted with his family, Arya caught a glimpse of a Bryce she could learn to like. But he quickly buried that gentle, caring man beneath a mantle of arrogance.

“If you feel we must speak privately, so be it,” Alasdair blew out a heavy sigh. “But once you’ve told me what you refuse to discuss openly, I plan to grab a quick meal, a cold tankard of ale, then be on my way.”

Bryce faced Fallon. “I will be back to take care of the bairns after I’ve spoken with my brother. Perhaps you and Cailin can convince Arya to wash up and to change into something more appropriate.”

Arya bit back the urge to comment. How dare he treat her like she was one of his minions or not even there? And in front of the bairns no less. She balled her fists as the anger and frustration of being forced to go with her enemy came flooding back.

Fallon waited for Bryce and Alasdair to leave facing Arya. “Dinna let him get to you. Believe it or not, Bryce is a wonder man.” She smiled, then patted Arya’s arm. “He is a terrific husband and father, but unfortunately doesna warm up to new ideas well. I also think being in charge of the keep while Connor is away weighs heavy on his mind. Once you get to know him, he is very sweet.”

Arya found it hard to imagine there was anything endearing about Bryce Fraser. But there had to be something for a woman like Fallon to fall head-over-heels in love with the man, which was obvious when the two of them were together.

“Bryce is right about one thing,” Cailin said. “You must be exhausted after your long journey, and I’m sure you would fancy a hot bath and some clean clothes. Do you have a satchel or trunk with you?”

Arya lowered her gaze and nibbled on her lower lip. “Nay, I have the clothes on my back and nothing more. I have never needed anything else.”

“Not to
fash
. I have plenty of gowns that will suit your lovely figure, garments that I have not been able to squeeze into since I had Andrew.”

“I wouldn’t want you to trouble yourself,” Arya replied. “If you have a chemise or one of Connor’s tunics, I could borrow, I can wash these, then hang them by the fire. They will be dry by morning and will do just fine.”

“Dinna be ridiculous,” Cailin said, smiling. “I have plenty of clothes to share. Once you’ve bathed, had something to eat, and have taken a nap, you will feel like a new woman.”

“That is what I am afraid of,” Arya mumbled under her breath.

“Did you say something, Arya?” Cailin cocked her head as she waited for a reply.

“Nay.”

“Then let us show you to your chamber. Once settled, I will have a bathing tub sent up and a lady’s maid to assist you.”

Arya followed Cailin to the foot of a winding staircase. It was about to begin. The thing she feared the most. Like everyone else, they were hellbent on turning her into a lady. And she had no idea how to prevent it from happening.