Page 73 of Keepers of the Highland Crown
“Nae bluster, my knight.” It wasn’t bluster but truth, which was the same as a dagger into her heart. “Are we prepared for our leave?” She averted her eyes toward Luss.
“Aye, Nella.” Callum took his finger under her chin to lift her gaze to his. “There isn’t any wish I wouldn’t grant for you, my lady, please remember this.” She bit her lip when a sob rose. That was just it; he would suffer any measure for her.This would not happen.
***
Nella spread her gown across Luss’s withers while he traversed the meadows which would lead them to the abbey before full nightfall with any luck. Callum was directly behind her with his arm about her waist while Kameron on their far left led her previous mount behind his. Unable to focus on Holger’s grim but true prediction, she focused on another matter entirely pertinent to their survival.
“Do you believe Clan MacHarris has slain Sèidrich and the gathered gallowglass?” she asked Callum.
Callum met her eyes. “The fire in MacHarris’s gaze spoke to me as a fellow Scottish chief that if Sèidrich has been within striking distance the few last hours, the enemy nae longer breathes.” He paused, studying Kameron. “Nella, I heard bits in what the lad bestowed regarding his lass and his title.”
Her lashes widened. “I thought you were arguing about the river with Lord Kolson?”
“I was, a seasoned knight can battle and hear those accompaniments surrounding. Many times ’tis the key to survival if an enemy approaches from behind,” Callum explained. “I have considered the lad’s circumstance, and his actions have been braver than many in my command at Stirling. My squire took ill a while ago. A bit of my soul broke when the young lad perished from fever. Thus, it was thedriving force behind why I have not yet sought another squire. I was considering…”
“Love it,” she broke in eagerly with a smile touching her lips. “’Tis a wonderful thought! Once we settle the matters at hand, we will speak with him alone?”
His grin matched hers. “Aye.”
“I have another task for the lad in mind as well,” she said to Callum. She then called out to Holger, who was on their immediate right flank, over the three beats pounding the soil. “Lord Kolson, I have been considering a great deal the task about to befall us.” Holger glanced at her then cocked a brow. “Everything you previously declared” – she darted her gaze between the Northman and her knight – “calls to mind Sir James is rash in his actions. Thus, it may be best if someone he does not know enters the abbey first. This person could speak with your sister, Lady Dagny, explain all that has occurred, then see her safely secured within her chamber before you seize him.”
“Do you have anyone in particular in mind, my lady?” Holger inquired with a knowing tone.
“Aye,” she replied, “two souls, actually. Those in this group who have never seen by Sir James.”
Holger’s attention dashed toward Kameron. “No, I would never have my sister near this foul-mouthed lowborn shit!”
Kameron shot back. “As opposed to a foul-mouthed highborn shite?”
“Enough,” she growled at them, “an innocent lady is in peril. I believe we may place lips closed upon insults for the greater good hopefully to come forth. Or shall we continue with the pettiness? Thus offering Sir James a chance at taking your sister as a bargaining piece or risking him slaying the northern clergy to incite full war once again.”
Silence fell. Callum had been unusually quiet.She looked over her shoulder at him. The tiny vein was popping on his neck. It was the same expression he had when he’d been forced to give up his prized charger to a rival clan as a peace offering. “You know I am not mistaken,” she said for his ears alone.
“I know,” he concurred through gritted teeth, “I am simply trying to conjure up another path which does not have you placing yourself in harm’s way with that traitorous devil.”
“What a gestr you will be, my lady,” an approving tone sounded off beside her from Holger. “Determined to do any and all to see the deed done. You were created for the task same as these pines were for this forest.” There it was, the real reason he was poisoning her future hopes with Callum. She gritted her teeth. It still didn’t make the Northman’s poison he’d said earlier any less true, dammit.
“Lord Kolson, I shallnotbe a gestr nor taking leave for King Magnus’s court nor seeking your bed chamber,” she said plainly.
He gave a snort. “Not yet, my lady.”
Never, you Northern wretch!
She continued sternly. “I am thinking of Lady Dagny who has only seen to her sire’s bidding in being betrothed to a monster. Something I amverywell acquainted with.”
“I have been to this abbey,” Callum said to them all. “There is a full stable with high hay loft that has twin doors which face the abbey itself. We may tether the horses at a distance. My lady, you venture into the abbey, locate Lady Dagny then secure yourselves into her chamber. While we keep watch from the stable for Kameron to emerge and signal for our approach.” All heads nodded, then Callum asked Holger, “I am assuming you are well acquainted with the king’s men-at-arms. Are there any others you deem a chance to have aligned with Sir James?”
“Not that I am aware of,” Holger declared. “He has not been well received which was a strong force behind my sister’s betrothal to him. Dagny can be quite” – he paused – “willful. All at court knew this. My sire rather pounced upon the titled knight when he appeared to make a match before he was told.”
Could she lash out at the Northman for the way he stated “willful” like it was a fungus? Not if she wanted to abide by her words regarding restraining from arguing for the greater good! She strongly bit her lower lip.
Callum met her eyes. “You shall require a purpose there.”
Nella offered, looking at the lad, “My brother and I are seeking shelter for the eve.”
“’Tis a sound choice,” Sir Brayden approved.
“Then allow me to explain the abbey’s interior to best prepare you,” Callum stated before stating for her ears alone, “This is a grand ask to leave your side, my lady.”
