Legacy of the Mist Clans Box Set (66 page)

“Peace,” Aidan said, his arms tightening around the struggling lass, but he looked at Raven in horror.

“From what I’ve heard of the man, she has it aright,” Raven said.

“Young MacGrigor,” Connell said as he entered the cave, blood soaked and terrifying to behold.

“Connell?” Aidan asked, his eyes widening. “Ye be all right?”

“Aye,” he said and looked down at himself. “None of it be mine.”

Aidan breathed a sigh of relief.

Connell hefted three large pouches. “The bodies, they had quite a bit of gold on them. Methinks someone paid the ransom.”

The lassie choked, trying to burrow closer. “Aye. My betrothed paid, but no’ all of it. The bastard was going tae return a corpse tae him.”

“Then we should return ye tae yer betrothed?” Aidan asked. To his worry, that was again the wrong answer, and the lassie cried even harder and tried to push away a second time. He looked to Raven for help.

Raven knelt beside the wee lass and tugged a lock of hair from her face. “Milady, peace,” she said gently. “We will take ye tae the inn. Yer maid awaits ye there.”

The lassie battled to choke down her sobs. She looked to Raven, blinking the tears from her eyes. “Mairi?” she asked hopefully. “She reached the inn?”

Raven nodded.

“And her bairn? They both be safe?”

“Aye,” Raven said. “She be how we kenned of yer plight and came tae help.”

“Saints be praised,” the lassie whispered. “I feared they killed her too.”

“She is safe,” Aidan said. “Terrified but safe. What is yer name, lass?” he asked softly.

She looked up at him, her beautiful green eyes staring straight through his soul. Aidan’s gut clenched. Unbidden, his fingers lightly traced over the soft skin of her bruised face. “Kenna MacLean.”

He smiled down at her. “Aidan MacGrigor,” he said and wrapped her in his cloak. “We’ll take ye tae the inn where ye can recover in peace.”

“Thank ye, Aidan.”

HHH

Kenna was grateful for Aidan’s cloak surrounding her as they entered the small inn. She didn’t want anyone to see her, terrified her father or betrothed would learn she was alive. But she marveled at the man carrying her. Never had anyone risked their life on her account. But Aidan had done so readily and had not even desired any of the gold they had taken from the brigands. He had said little on the ride to the inn but appeared to have a relaxed nature and a quick, warm smile.

She peeked through the folds of his cloak, disappointed to learn that Mairi, terrified, had left the inn with her bairn soon after Aidan and the others sought to find Kenna. The owner and his wife had tried to convince her to stay, but Mairi had been certain the brigands would learn her words had sent Aidan after them to rescue the laird’s daughter, and she fled.

Kenna looked up at her rescuer as he carried her. In the better light of the inn, her breath caught in her throat. He was a giant of a man, his long dark hair tied at the nape of his neck. At first she had thought it was black, but now she realized it was a rich mahogany with deep red highlights. His eyes were a pale blue, the spark that burned within them a brilliant contrast against his dark hair. He had high cheekbones and a strong jaw. His massive build boasted pure power, and she had just witnessed his amazing fighting abilities. She should have been terrified of him, but she wasn’t.

Still, suspicion jumped within her. She tried to fight it down, but it kept nagging at her. Why had he helped her? What did he want?

Aidan carried her to a pleasant room with two beds and a large hearth. He deposited her onto one of the beds, and Kenna automatically recoiled.

“Easy,” he said gently and reached to touch her cheek. She flinched away from him then cursed herself for it. His smile vanished and Kenna cursed herself even more. “I willna harm ye, lass,” he said gently.

“Aidan,” Raven said. “Off with ye. She’s been through hell.”

Aidan’s smile returned and he winked at Kenna. “I shall leave ye in Raven’s capable hands.” He rose and crossed the room, pausing in front of Raven. “Will ye be needing anything?”

“Dry clothes for her.”

Aidan nodded. “I think Connell managed to fetch what wasn’t ruined from the lassie’s trunks. I will send him up with it.”

“Thank ye.” Raven closed the door behind him.

Raven returned and helped Kenna to clean up and bandage her cuts. Her worst injury was on her ribs on her right side from when Hurstal had tossed her against the wall and she fell into the pile of rocks. Kenna wasn’t sure if they were cracked, but she knew at the very least they were badly bruised. A knock sounded on the door and Kenna flinched violently.

“’Tis all right, Kenna,” Raven said with an encouraging smile. “No doubt it’s Connell with yer clothing.” Raven answered the door but only opened it a small fraction. She saw the blond clansman, Connell, hovering outside.

“Here ye be,” he said handing her a small bundle. “How is she?”

“They beat the hell out of her,” Raven whispered.

Kenna tugged the folds of Aidan’s cloak even tighter around herself. She knew Raven had not meant for her to hear her words, but she had, and it only made the horror even more real. They had come so close to—

“Here be the gold from the brigands. All of it.”

“All of it?” Raven asked. “But surely ye—”

“I have plenty of coin,” Connell said sharply. “The lassie will need all of this if she doesna wish tae return tae her father or her betrothed.” He paused and drew in a deep breath. “From what I be hearing, I canna fault her.”

“Aye,” Raven said softly. “Thank ye, Connell.” She took the items from him and closed the door. She turned around and saw Kenna huddling in Aidan’s cloak. She sighed softly. “Here,” she said, handing her clothing and pouches. “Let’s get ye changed. That chemise be nothing more than a rag.”

Kenna nodded, grateful for Raven’s help. She shook so hard her fingers could barely grip the clothing. Trying to divert herself, Kenna focused her attention on Raven. She was pretty, taller than Kenna, but everyone was taller than her. But she was also petite, and still she had fought like a wildcat. Kenna had seen her slay at least two men.

“Raven,” Kenna said. “That’s a unique name.”

Raven grinned at her. “My name is Rhona.” She paused and grabbed the tail of her thick braid, wagging the end at her. “Aidan calls me Raven for obvious reasons.”

Kenna found her lips curving upward. “Where did ye learn tae fight like that?”

“Aidan taught me the basics. The rest I learned on my own with a lot of practice.”

“Aidan, is he—”
Your lover?
She wanted to ask but stopped herself. That would have been beyond rude.

“Aidan is my friend,” she said, watching her closely. “Kenna, I ken ye suffered terribly but did they—”

“Nay,” she said firmly, even though tears blurred her eyes again. Hurstal had been about to do just that. “Praise the saints ye arrived when ye did.”

“Good,” Raven said.

Kenna had to admit she felt much better after she had cleaned up and changed into a fresh chemise, but her belly rumbled. “Do ye ken what time it is?”

Raven paused and listened. “The patrons below stairs be into their cups, but the singing hasn’t started yet. It be late but no’ quite midnight.”

Another knock on the door caused Kenna to jump, and she chastised herself for being so flighty.

Raven answered it and Kenna saw Aidan. “Pray pardon, lassies,” he said. “But I brought some food.”

Raven allowed him into the room. Aidan’s gaze fell on Kenna. He blinked and a gentle smile tugged at his lips. “Ye appear much better, lass.” He handed her a bowl of thick stew.

“Thank ye,” she said gratefully.

“Raven,” Aidan said. “I fear the foul weather has driven even more people tae the inn. The innkeeper be asking for yer help.”

Raven looked to the heavens. “Kenna has been through a dreadful fright. I dinna wish tae leave her alone.”

Kenna had no desire to be the reason why the innkeeper was angry with Raven. “I will be all right.”

“Are ye sure?”

Kenna swallowed hard but nodded.

Aidan studied her for a moment. “If ye will, I can sit with ye for a spell.”

Kenna’s heart lurched again but for an entirely different reason. This man had been the first to show kindness to her; he had risked his life for hers. She nodded.

“Verra well,” Raven said. “But if ye need me, just call.”

“I will Raven, thank ye.”

Raven left, closing the door behind her.

Aidan moved to the small hearth, adding more wood to the fire. He glanced over his shoulder and saw her watching him. “Eat, lassie,” he said gently. “Before it grows cold.”

“What about ye?”

His smile grew. “Dinna worry over it, I already filled my gullet.”

Kenna felt her lips tug upward and concentrated on eating. Aidan finished with the hearth fire and sat at the table across from her, pulling out a boot dagger and whetstone. As she ate, she found herself studying the man before her. His clothing and weapons were fine in make, and she judged him to be nobility. The fighting skill she had witnessed from him also spoke to that fact.

“MacGrigor,” she said softly. “I fear I dinna ken of yer clan.”

“We be a ride of a sennight east of here,” he said, only flicking a glance in her direction. “In the Highlands.”

“Ye be a good distance from home, then.”

“Aye, I had business tae attend in this area.”

No doubt his rescue of her had interrupted that. “I apologize—”

He smiled and waved her off. “I was glad tae be able tae help, lassie.” He paused and shook his head, his expression growing more pensive. “I’ve heard frightful tales about those brigands since arriving here.”

Kenna nodded. “I hadna heard of them afore, but even if I had, that wouldna have stopped my father.” She shivered, again reaching for the cloak Aidan had given her, pulling it around her shoulders. She paused, looking at it, and frowned. “I should—”

“Keep it, lass. I have another.”

“Thank ye.” She finished her meal and sat back with a sigh. “I wish Mairi had stayed.”

“The lass was quite fearful when she arrived. My kinsman, Connell, be making discreet inquiries. Hopefully we can find her.”

“I hope so,” Kenna said. “This weather be dreadful for a lass with a wee bairn.”

Voices rose sharply below stairs and Kenna flinched, looking to the door in fear.

“Dinna worry over it, lass,” Aidan said gently. Slowly, he reached across the table and wrapped his fingers around hers.

A moment later, Kenna heard singing and she managed a smile in spite of her fear. “If they are singing, it must be well after midnight.”

Aidan nodded. “Ye need tae get some rest.”

She swallowed hard, her gaze again traveling to the door.

Aidan’s fingers tightened on hers. “I shall stand guard over ye this night.”

She ducked her head, the blush rising on her cheeks. “I’ve already been enough trouble, MacGrigor.”

“Aidan,” he said firmly. “And ye be no trouble.”

She nodded and rose, but her ribs protested the movement and she staggered. Aidan was at her side in an instant, stopping her fall.

“Easy,” he said and helped her to the bed. “Get some rest. I’ll be here if ye need anything.”

Too weary to argue with him, she allowed him to settle her into the bed, his plaid still firmly wrapped around her shoulders. She was certain the voices below stairs would not allow her to fall asleep, but within moments, her eyes closed as sleep claimed her.

A
idan returned to his chair with a soft sigh, but his gaze did not leave Kenna’s face. She was a bonny lass even with the bruises darkening her fair skin. Her hair, now clean and brushed, tumbled around her shoulders in loose curls, a rich honey gold in color. Although she had been through a dreadful ordeal, her green eyes had sparked with a fire that entranced him.

For now, she jumped at every little thing, and that was understandable. Aidan hoped the fight he had witnessed in her would carry her through. Yet he had to admit he worried more over the fact she did not wish to return to her father or betrothed. From the information he had gathered about both, he could not fault her, but the money they had acquired from the bandits would only last so long.

He placed his dagger and whetstone on the table, pulling a chair closer and propping his feet up. It had been a long night; he needed to get some rest as well. His eyes had just started to close when Kenna’s scream brought him instantly to his feet, his dagger in hand.

Aidan’s gaze landed first on the door, but it remained closed, just as he had left it. He swept the room but only saw the wee lass sitting up in bed, screaming, her hands clawing outward. He sheathed his dagger and crossed the room.

“Kenna, peace,” he said gently but firmly. He wanted to pull her into his arms but feared frightening her more. “Ye be safe, lassie.” He gripped her shoulders and watched as she opened her eyes, lost, confused, and terrified. “Peace,” he said again.

She blinked at him, huge tears welling in her eyes. Suddenly, she flung her arms around his neck and clung to him with a strength born of sheer terror.

Aidan pulled her closer as she sobbed against him. He murmured soft reassurances, his hand stroking her silky hair. Slowly, her sobs faded into hiccupping gasps. He tucked her head against his neck, unwilling to release her until she calmed. Finally, her breathing slowed as she quieted, but she seemed unwilling to move. Aidan continued to reassure her then finally tried to pull away.

“Nay,” she whispered, holding onto him even tighter.

“’Tis all right, Kenna. Can I get ye anything?”

She shook her head but otherwise did not move.

Despite his worry, his lips tugged upward. It appeared he wasn’t going anywhere for a while. He was more than willing to hold a bonny lass in his arms until she returned to sleep.

To his surprise, even when her grip eased on him as sleep finally claimed her once again, every time he tried to return her to the bed, she roused slightly and protested his movement. He finally leaned his back against the headboard and decided here he would remain.

She awoke with a cry only once more, but Aidan was able to quickly soothe her, and even though it meant he would probably remain awake for the rest of the night, he couldn’t begrudge her the comfort she needed in the face of her nightmares.

HHH

For the first time since the ordeal began, Kenna opened her eyes feeling warm and protected, knowing it was Aidan who continued to hold her close. For a moment, she simply savored the sensation of his strong arms around her, her head resting against his powerful chest. His heartbeat echoed in a slow and soothing cadence under her ear. She knew she should move, but she had no desire to give up such a wonderful sensation—one she had never truly felt before.

His back against the headboard, his long legs stretched almost the length of the bed. He didn’t move, and she wondered if he slept. She risked a peek up at him.

His arms tightened around her, and she cursed herself for moving.

“Ye be awake, lass?” he whispered.

She stubbornly shook her head and burrowed closer.

He laughed softly, and she felt his lips press against the top of her head. “As ye will, lass, I’ll no’ be moving until ye wish.”

Her face burned with embarrassment as she realized she was acting quite wanton with a man she barely knew, no matter what he had done for her. “Forgive me,” she whispered, sitting up and pushing away from him, even though everything within her begged her to remain.

“Dinna worry yerself,” he said gently and rose. He turned his head and rolled his shoulders, the bones in his neck popping softly. He rubbed the dark stubble on his chin. “Let me get cleaned up, and I’ll fetch ye something tae eat.”

“Aidan, thank ye, but ye’ve worried enough over me.”

He held up his hand. “Lassie,” he said sternly, but his pale blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “Dinna argue with me. I shall be back shortly.” He stepped through the door and closed it behind him.

“Well, if ye put it that way,” she muttered. Her gaze fell on her bundle of clothing, and she crawled out of bed. But she hesitated as her ribs and other bruises made themselves painfully known. She should probably stay in bed for the day but feared her stiffness would only grow worse if she did. Besides, this was only a little worse than the beatings her father had given her, she grimly told herself. She managed to find a warm, sturdy dress and clothe herself but sank into a chair shaking, her strength suddenly gone.

A knock that she recognized as Aidan’s sounded on the door. “Enter,” she called breathlessly as her ribs again protested.

He stepped through, looking at her in surprise, carrying a tray. “Yer face be as white as a sheet,” he said, placing the tray on the table.

She tentatively touched her swollen cheek. “Ye can tell that? Judging from the feel, I was certain my entire face was black and blue.”

Aidan again gave her a stern glance, but his lips twitched. She realized he had changed and was freshly shaved. “Eat,” he said, placing a bowl before her.

“Thank ye,” she said, but the smile that pulled at her lips made her wince. “I must be a sight.”

He sat next to her, pulling his own bowl from the tray. “Lassie, are ye certain it be nothing more than bruises?”

She nodded, focusing her attention on her food. “Did Connell find Mairi?”

Aidan shook his head. “He just returned when I was below stairs. But she needn’t fear the brigands any longer. It appears the roads are quite clear.”

Kenna grinned at him despite her bruises. “After ye slew his entire band, I should hope so.” But her smile faded as another thought occurred to her. “I hope Hurstal doesna decide tae seek ye out for vengeance.”

Aidan shook his head. “Dinna worry, lassie, I ken how tae handle the likes of him. I think he understands that now.”

She could only hope his words were true. She would hate to see any harm befall him after he had done so much for her.

“Raven should be up shortly.”

“I hope she didna have tae work all night.”

“Nay, she went home no’ long after they started singing.”

“Good. I feared the owner would be vexed with her for seeing tae me.”

“Nay, she has worked here for quite some time. The owner kens she be reliable.” He paused, studying Kenna intently. “But I asked her tae come up here for a reason.”

“What be that?”

“Kenna, I understand why ye dinna wish tae return tae yer sire or betrothed.”

She ducked her head, wondering if he could see the blush on her cheeks under the bruises.

Aidan gently took her hand in his. “The coin ye have gained, it will keep ye for a time, but only for a time.”

Kenna was spared a reply by a knock on the door.

Aidan rose and opened it.

Raven entered, smiling when she saw Kenna. “Ye are looking bonny this morn.”

“Liar,” Kenna said under her breath then covered her mouth in horror. She had not meant to say that aloud.

But Raven and Aidan only laughed. “I told ye,” Raven said as she moved toward the table. When she claimed her seat, Aidan returned to his chair and winked at Kenna.

“Aye,” he said warmly.

“Forgive me,” Kenna said.

Raven waved her off. “Kenna, ye made my point for me.”

“Yer point?” Kenna asked in confusion.

Raven and Aidan exchanged a pointed glance.

“Kenna,” Raven said gently. “I’ve heard rumor of yer sire. I ken he beat ye.”

Kenna ducked her head, blushing furiously. “After my mum died when I was five, I was an impulsive child.” Her father’s voice resounded in her head. She had deserved every blow, she could do nothing right, no man would ever want her. She stole a glance at Aidan, realizing how foolish she had been. He had rescued her because chivalry demanded he act, not for any true desire to help her. What a fool she had been to hope for more.

“Kenna,” Aidan said with surprising gentleness. He caught her hand in his and pulled it to his lips, kissing her fingers softly. “There are many men who might agree with yer sire, but I am no’ one of them. My da taught me tae never raise a hand against a lassie. I never have and I never will.”

She stared at him a long moment. “I’ve never met a man such as ye.”

Aidan winked at her then turned back to his meal. “We have gone tae great lengths tae make certain no one below stairs kens ye are the laird’s daughter. I managed tae convince them ye are simply a lass the bandits kept as a plaything, and the laird’s daughter was killed when her betrothed didna pay the full ransom.”

“Have ye given any thought tae what ye will do now?” Raven asked.

She started shaking so hard her spoon rattled in her bowl and she released it. Aidan still held her free hand, and his fingers tightened on hers.

“Nay,” she finally said. “I havena thought that far ahead yet.” She paused and looked at Aidan. “Raven told me ye taught her tae fight.”

“Aye,” he said, his pale blue eyes sparkling merrily. “And a bit more.”

Kenna’s jaw went slack as she looked from one to the other.

“I ken that expression,” Aidan said. “And it be no’ what ye think. Raven is one of my birds.”

“Birds?”

“A few call me the Hawk.” He sat back and studied her thoughtfully for a moment. “Perhaps ye have heard of the Demon Laird.”

Her eyes widened; tales of the Demon Laird were quite popular among the bards. “That be ye?”

“Nay, that be my brother. He is laird of Clan MacGrigor. My duty is tae discover information for him so he can manage our clan through these troubling times.”

“So ye be MacGrigor the younger?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

He nodded. “The work I do on behalf of him and our clan is of great import. But I canna do it alone. I rely on my birds and their songs.” He nodded toward Raven. “Raven be one of them.”

“So was Nevin,” she said sadly, “but the knights-errant killed him.”

“But I thought ye worked here at the tavern,” Kenna said.

“I do,” Raven replied. “But only for the information I glean. Aidan pays me good coin as one of his birds.”

“Ye keep saying birds, but I ken ye mean spies.”

Raven grinned brightly and looked at Aidan. “I told ye she was quick.”

Aidan nodded. “My clan never supported the Bruce, but now he has been crowned king of Scotland and reignites the war. I need tae rebuild the nest here.”

“Is this the business ye said ye had in this area?”

“In part. There is something else I must attend, but ye needn’t worry yerself over it.”

Kenna scowled. “Are ye offering me employment?”

Aidan laughed. “I suppose I am, lass, but this way ye will be able tae earn a living and not be forced tae return tae yer sire or betrothed.”

“I can teach ye what Aidan taught me,” Raven said.

“Including how tae fight?”

“Aye.”

“I wish tae learn tae fight like ye,” she whispered. “If I had been able, I could have helped Edana.”

“I heard that name mentioned afore,” Aidan said.

“Edana was another of my maids,” Kenna paused and managed a smile. “She was a big woman. Tossed one of our attackers flat on his back. But she was no match for Hurstal. He slew her.”

“Kenna,” Aidan said, his tone growing cautionary. “Even if ye kenned how tae fight, it is doubtful ye would have changed the outcome of that battle.”

“But the odds would have improved.”

Aidan thought for a moment then nodded.

Raven studied her bowl. “Kenna, who is Mairi?”

Kenna shrugged. “A young maid... she appears too young tae be a mother, but in truth, she has seen twenty seasons. I vow she kens nothing about caring for a wee bairn. I discovered her begging in the village near my father’s home. Her bairn cried so piteously I couldna bear it. I took her as one of my maids.”

“When was this?”

“About six months ago. Then, a month past, my brute of a father signed the contract betrothing me tae Laird Stewart.” She shivered violently. “After learning what happened tae his previous three wives, I didna wish tae become number four.”

Raven studied her closely. “So ye dinna ken much about Mairi?”

Kenna shrugged. “Only that she be a Lowlander and her husband was killed in the war. She fled to the Highlands, fearing what the English would do tae her and her bairn. That’s when I found her.”

Raven scowled. “Why would she flee from the safety of the inn?”

Kenna returned her frown. Why so much interest in a young maid with a bairn? She dismissed her own question and shrugged. “Mairi has always been flighty. It seems the tiniest things frighten her terribly. Perhaps she will return when she believes it safe.”

“She was quite vexed over ye.”

“Watching Hurstal slay Edana made us both fear for our lives.” She paused and shook her head. “I never heard of such a thing; usually even brigands would give a woman quarter. These didna hesitate tae slay any and all who came within their reach.” Kenna looked at Aidan. “If I learn what Raven can teach me, if I become one of yer birds, it will help ye?”

“Aye,” he said firmly. “I ken the Bruce, and even though things havena gone well for him, he willna easily forsake his quest. If Longshanks wishes tae ken what he faces in the man, he need only tae look in the mirror.”

Kenna thought for a long moment. “So what does being one of yer birds entail?”

“Mostly keeping yer eyes and ears open,” Aidan said. “’Tis amazing how much information is out there, but few ken this simply because they focus their attention elsewhere.”

She glanced at Raven. “And places such as taverns and inns are the best tae hear gossip.”