Page 63 of Keepers of the Highland Crown
“Per… perhaps,” she stammered, “we would wish to seek Chief MacHarris. I believe he would care to know of this.” She handed the parchment from the top of the pile toward him. His fingers brushed hers hidden beneath the parchment’s folds and her eyes remained locked on him. Only him.Aye, lass, nae one shall speak ill of you, ever.
***
Callum stood strong.He had stood strong for her! There had been moments since they had reconciled but she had never seen a Scotsman declare it so boldly in her honor as at the Northman. The same Northman whose crass offer in journeying with him to Norway had made her bite her tongue on the reply she truly wanted to say which was unfitting for the young lad’s ears present. Her skin burned from Callum’s touch in the secret exchange between them. She took a breath.
After Callum read the missive, his lashes widened while he glanced at her. “’Tis brilliant, my lady.” If it were any other time she would have smiled at his compliment, but what they were about to endeavor upon was wrought with danger. “LordKolson, you are to ride with us upon this stretch and meeting Chief MacHarris.”
Holger raised a brow. “Meet with a chief and an unknown amount of warriors flanking him.”
“Over three dozen,” she enlightened. At least that was how many voices had been in the chronicle.
“Three dozen?” Holger’s second brow met the first at his hairline. “I believe the daft title falls upon you, Sir Callum.”
Callum replied to Holger somberly, “We shall know soon enough.” Looking at Nella, he advised, “My lady, remain close. Lads,” he called upon the three at their back, “we are to journey forth into an enemy encampment. If you wish to seek your leave, I shall not hold it against you.”
Kameron spoke with the two young lads in hushed tones.
“I want to return to my kin,” the first whispered at Kameron as the second declared, “Kam, as do I.”
Kameron nodded, and the copper hairs brushed across the young smith’s eyes as he replied toward Callum, “They seek to take their leave for home. I will remain at your side, Sir Callum.” Kameron’s wide shoulders set. “Your lady saved my kin.” He nodded at her. “I shall help you keep ’er safe.”
Nella’s brow furrowed. “Lads,” she said quietly at those planning to leave, “journey eastward first.” She pointed toward the landscape filled by many boulders. “’Twill take you away from those who would hunt us.” The pair nodded before Kameron bequeathed a share in provisions and flagon of ale for them. As they rode away, Kameron turned toward her. “Kameron, you need not feel any obligation toward me about your kin. If you wish to take your leave as well, I shall harbor nae ill feelings.”
“Nor I,” Callum added.
Kameron regarded them then winked. “There is a selfish root in my purpose, a yearn to impress my lass when I returnto her side with tales of glory.” His lass was a fortunate one indeed.
“As you wish,” Nella whispered then paused. Never had she declared her instinct in senses so quickly or openly. That was about to change right now.
The lad’s eyes doubled moments later. “Shite,” was his reply once she had explained the element in her grasp.
Brayden grinned. “’Tis more ‘harkening’ than shite.”
“P… pardon, my lady.” The lad’s cheeks matched his hair. “I have heard the rumors upon the Highlands. I always thought it was a simple bluff in gaining a superior air from one clan toward another who was an enemy.”
“Are we to take our leave or discuss matters in clan warfare?” Holger groused.
Nella glanced at the Northman. “Warfare, Lord Kolson.” She tilted her head slightly in a full chronicle.
A moment later she explained the findings. “Regarding the encampment’s occupants. Chief MacHarris is southwest beyond your shoulder, Lord Kolson.” She pointed at the section only bearing bramble at their current angle. “Warriors are making use of nature’s chamber pot by watering the trees northwest from us, over there.” Her hand motioned past Kameron, who bore an open-mouthed expression. “So, if my knight wishes to unleash a surprise upon our arrival, this would be the best path.”
Holger huffed to himself under his breath as he turned his charger. “The lady is definitely returning with me and my sister back to King Magnus’s court.” His breath caught when he snapped his head back up toward her, realizing his mistake at saying his thought out loud.Not happening, Northman.
“My lady?” Callum summoned in low voice.
“Aye.” She rode her charger directly alongside his till they touched as they ventured southwest. Callum sought the chief first. Bold and determined and forthright. That was her knight.
He handed her back the missive. “Be ready to unleash this upon Chief MacHarris.” His fingers once more held hers a brief moment more than needed to hand off the parchment. “You are a most formidable lady,” he said for her ears alone.
He released her fingers. She folded the precious missive separate from the other remaining parchments before tucking them all carefully into the satchel strapped across her shoulder. Her pulse raced like the breeze ruffling her cloak. Was it caused by the chance they were about to undertake or Callum’s touch with declaration? Hard to tell.
Chapter 33
Nella was safest beside him.Leaving her behind chanced Sèidrich happening upon her in the mayhem, andthishe would not risk, but was he daft? Perhaps the Northman was right. Here he was entering an enemy encampment with his soul’s most treasured find. A lady whose mere brush from her skin gave way to a want unlike any he’d ever encountered. Yeah, he may be fool in knight’s armor.
His lone weapon against the enemy. Not a sword nor dagger nor arrow,nawww, a parchment!
Splash. Splash.The first dirt-streaked warrior from Clan MacHarris spotted them after they cleared the pines flanking the stream Luss had sloshed through. The enemy promptly drew his sword. Shite.
