Eighteen

 

 

 

The sky lightened enough and the sun almost made its appearance. Heath finished training with his fellow-guardsmen near dawn and exhausted every muscle in his body. He worked hard throughout the night on fighting tactics he wanted to try. Sooner or later the king would take to battle again and they vowed to be ready to protect him.

Even now with James’ threat, Heath would keep his vow to the king. If Robert found out about their so-called support these past years, would he still hold them as treasonous? Heath wasn’t certain, but he couldn’t risk his well-being. He was gladdened James left the eve before. Although now that he thought about it, his comrade departed rather quickly. He hadn’t tried to speak with Lillia during supper or demand she go with him. James left without word. His suspicious mind reeled with wonderment, for he was positive James was up to no good.

As he entered the main cave, he stopped at the table and poured a large cup of water. He drank down the refreshing liquid hastily and decided to get a few hours rest. His gaze wandered to the screen where his bed sat and he might even get a few kisses from his wife before he sought his slumber.

Heath stopped short when he stepped beyond the screen. Lillia wasn’t in bed. He turned and peered about the large cavern and didn’t see her about. Annag had awakened and readied the morning fare.

“Mistress, have you seen Lillia this morn?”

“Oh, not this morn, nay. I only just woke. Shall I help you search for her?”

He shook his head. “She’s probably gone to the stream to wash. I’ll fetch her.” Heath left the main cave and trudged off in search of his wife.

After looking for her for nearly an hour, he realized she was gone. James. That blighter took her. He should’ve suspected something amiss when his comrade accepted their assertion that Lillia remain with them. How did he take her? Had he returned when they were training? Heath’s body tensed at that thought. If James harmed Lillia he wouldn’t live very long to speak of it. Unlike Graeme, he wouldn’t be so forgiving. Although, it took Graeme a good two years to get over James’ misconduct of Kerrigan, he eventually excused him.

Heath entered the main cave and called to Graeme, shouted more like. Brodin bemoaned being awakened by his shouts and rolled off his bed pallet.

“What goes?”

His voice bellowed again, “Graeme, wake for I have distressing news.”

Graeme barged out of the antechamber. “What is the meaning of waking me? God Almighty, I’ve only just gone to sleep.”

“Lillia is gone.”

His comrade ceased walking in mid-stride. “Gone? Are you certain?”

Brodin scoffed. “He should know if his wife is missing. I’ll get the horses ready and fetch Liam. We should head out and catch up with James. He cannot be afar.”

Graeme shook his head. “James rides like the devil trails him. I’d say he’s made ground. He didn’t mention where the king winters. Wait, did he not say Turnbury?”

“There is someone who knows.” Heath retrieved his weapons from the trunk along the wall. “The friar. I detest the amount of time we’ll waste in going to him, but we must be assured of where James hailed to.”

Brodin had their horses ready when they ventured outside. It took a short time to ride to the abbey and speak with the friar.

Friar Hemm waved to them as they approached the entrance. “I must apologize profusely for telling James of Lillia’s whereabouts. My only excuse … the knave threatened me and ye ken I am not one to take to fisticuffs or arms.”

“Worry not, Friar, but we must find James. Where does the king winter?”

The friar nodded, and bid them to enter. He shut the door against the hearty wind. “He was at Dumbarton of late, but I was told he would soon leave for Turnbury. He has yet to leave Dumbarton for I would’ve heard from my brothers of the king’s travels.”

Graeme, Brodin, and Liam bowed their heads to Hemm as they left the abbey.

Heath set a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “James has taken Lillia to the king. But we shall find her.”

“Glory be, it is my fault.” Hemm crossed himself and when he looked up his eyes shone. “I shall pray for the lass, that she returns to you safe and well.”

“It’s not your fault, Friar, but aye, she will return to me. That I vow.” Heath joined his comrades, who stood in the muddy thoroughfare before the stables and retrieved their horses.

On the road again, Heath sat upon his horse, infuriated by the entire affair. James was a knave and he should’ve been prepared for his deceit. He’d let his guard down and guilt plagued him as much as his wrath. He couldn’t cease thinking of Lillia and hoped she fared well through the ordeal. They would rescue her from James and then Heath would have to consider hiding her somewhere the king, the Comyns, or James wouldn’t find her.

He loved her. It was high time he admitted it to himself. Aye, he loved her with his entire being. That thought astounded him for he was willing to give up everything he’d ever aspired to for her. For Lillia, he’d find another way to serve God, to appease his vow to the king, to keep his pledge to his comrades, to reclaim his clan.

“You’re being thoughtful. What are ye pondering?” Graeme sidled next to him.

“Just that I’m in the same way you were when we went after Kerrigan after James took her. Remember when ye finally admitted that you loved the lass?”

His comrades grinned.

Brodin chortled. “Are ye finally admitting you love Lillia?”

He nodded.

“It’s about damned time. I’ve been pondering the king’s location. I deem he’d take residence on his lands near Cardross for it’s early in the season. I hope the friar is right and Robert is at Dumbarton. He’ll not move to a more defensive keep until the weather grows colder. We should search for her there.”

Heath agreed. They forged ahead, but during the ride, they had to rest their horses several times. The ride to the northern area was afar and their horses hadn’t been exercised on the hillier climate of the north of late. With the weather colder and the climb tiresome, not only affected their horses but them as well.

Heath pulled on an extra tartan and peered behind him. He thought he caught the sound of someone following. But nothing was of particular note when he turned to scan the area. He rode ahead and his comrades followed.

By eve, three nights later, they reached the outlying area of Cardross. The king had a small fief in the wilds where he often stayed. Heath dismounted his horse and stroked his horse’s neck. The beast settled quickly when he gave him an extra helping of the special grasses Gilroy had put in his saddle bag.

His comrades stood about, none speaking their thoughts. Heath tried to reason the best course of action. He turned and found his comrades watching him.

“I should go alone. It is my wife that is being held. None of you should risk your necks for us. I won’t allow it. I will go and if I’m successful, we’ll meet you by the river we crossed yestereve. If not … well ye might hear of my execution.”

Graeme cursed, Brodin raised a brow, and Liam shoved him.

He was about to explain his reasoning when a rider approached. His comrades pulled their swords free. Heath did so as well, but as he peered ahead, he realized who had come.

Liam let the foulest expletive from his lips. “What the devil is she doing here? I will take a switch to her bonny arse for leaving the caves.” Makenna rode forward. She dismounted and embraced her husband, but Liam after a brief second pushed her back. “What in God’s name are ye doing here?”

“I came because I knew what you were up to and followed. You are not the only one skilled at tracking. I will not have you, Liam, or any of you risking your necks again. You cannot trust the king for he will have you tortured. Remember what he did to you, Liam? He will call for your execution. We ladies discussed it and are positive Lillia would agree with us.”

“Agree with what?” Liam asked.

“That such a rescue mission calls for a woman’s touch. If you rush in there with your swords drawn, you’ll only cause your peril. I shall enter without anyone being the wiser.”

The men stood dumbfounded and Heath would have chuckled because he found her gumption humorous. Yet the thought of how Liam almost had his head in a noose, didn’t sit well. He relaxed his stance.

“Makenna, rest assured the king’s guard will not be entering the king’s keep to save Lillia.”

She turned a disapproved gaze at him. “How do you propose to save her then?”

“I will go. She’s my wife and I am not willing to embroil my comrades in this rescue mission. Lillia is my responsibility.”

“Is she now? Well, I detest saying this, but Lillia is part of our family now. She is all our responsibility. The king doesn’t know me. I will go inside and bring Lillia to you.” Makenna snapped her fingers. “It shall be as easy as retrieving a bucket of water.”

The men looked at her as though she’d lost her mind. Heath stepped forward. “I cannot ask that of you. Nay, I should be the one to enter the king’s keep. Await me at the river as we planned.”

But Makenna wouldn’t have it. She shoved him back and Heath’s eyes widened at her gall. Liam was about to call her to task, but she shook her head.

“If you move one step toward that keep, I shall scream bloody murder.”

The men stepped back.

Makenna waggled her finger at them. “All of you have aided us women, and Kerrigan and I discussed it. We will not allow you to put yourself in danger again. I have a plan. It will be quite easy. Heath, you will have to resign yourself to the fact that I am more than capable of handling this matter.”

“What is your plan?”

His comrades gave appalled glances at him.

She smiled. “Night comes. Many will seek their beds soon. When they do, I shall go inside dressed as a servant. I’ll find Lillia and get her to safety, here to you. None will be the wiser. No one questions a servant lass and I’ll be free to roam the fief. They’ll think I’m one of the fief’s kitchen lasses. I will go. You all await me here. Promise not to interfere for you’ll put me in danger if you do.”

They nodded.

Heath stepped forward and set a hand on her shoulder. “If you succeed …”

“You may thank me later, Heath. Right now my friend is being held inside that fief and I mean to set her free.”

“Makenna, love, promise me you’ll take no risks. You’ll return here to me,” Liam said, taking her in his arms, and lifting her chin. “I love you, lass.”

She nodded and he set a kiss upon her lips. “As I love you. Worry not for me. Remember how I rescued you, Husband? I will be mindful.” Makenna waved at them as she strode toward the keep.

 

*****

Makenna entered the kitchens situated behind the main keep. She made herself appear busy and listened intently as the cook directed the servants. None took notice of her as many came and went throughout the hour she pretended to assist in the slicing of bread. The cook yelled for someone to clear away the earlier supper dishes. She followed two serving lasses and entered the main keep’s hall.

Once inside, she assessed the three corridors which led to other parts of the fief. She glanced at Sir James and the king in quiet conversation in the corner. Makenna kept her head down and her hair hidden beneath the wimple she’d worn. Graciously all disregarded her and paid her no heed. She left the hall and strolled down one hallway. There was none about and she spotted a sentry walking the length. As she passed him, she heard him speak to another at the end of the hallway.

“You’ll need to stay put near the king’s chamber. He bid us to ensure the lass there remains within. I am taking my leave for a respite.”

Makenna raised her chin. She stopped and pretended to fix her boot when the guards passed by. Cautiously, she followed them and discerned which hall they traipsed. She’d have to await until the remaining sentry sought their beds. She returned to the main hall and helped to pile the trenchers and handed them to the attending servant. Impatience wore on her and she decided she would use trickery to get the guard to allow her entrance.

Once all the kitchen items were removed from the table, she set off to the corridor she spied the sentry guarding. On her approach, she removed her wimple and pinched her cheeks. She placed an amiable smile on her face.

“Good sir, know you the chamber the lass is being kept in? I’m to see to her needs. The king wasn’t wont to be bothered with details.”

The man tilted his head in question, but before he could speak, Makenna set a hand on his chest. “I don’t want to be troubling to my lord. Please, I must see to the lass’ needs or he’ll be cross. He said to see if she had need of anything and I …” Her hand gently caressed the man’s tunic, and she kept the winsome smile on her face.

“She be in the king’s chamber. Surely he mentioned—”

“Oh nay, for he was conversing with the Good Sir James. I wasn’t about to question him or interfere with their discussion. He bid me to see that she has all she needs. I should go attend her, shouldn’t I? Can you unlock the door for me?”

The sentry did as she bid. “Hasten now. I’ll await here.”

Makenna stole inside and peered about the dark chamber. She reached the bed and gasped at the wound on Lillia’s face. With a gentle press of her hand to her shoulder, she shook her.

“Shhh … Lillia, ‘tis me, Makenna.”

“Makenna? What are you doing here?”

“Rescuing you.” She turned and peered at the door. “Are you well enough to follow? We’ll need to sneak out the back and there are many about.”

Lillia nodded. “Aye, I’m well. Let us go. I want to leave this place. Heath was right. The king won’t allow me to leave.” She scrambled from the bed pallet and stood next to her.

“I’m afraid there’s a sentry standing guard outside. We’ll need to subdue him.”

Lillia turned and picked up a porcelain pitcher. “Will this work?”

Makenna chuckled low. “I suppose. Once we get out in the hallway, stay close behind me and put this on.” She handed her the wimple. “I will pull my hood up and we’ll pretend we’re returning to the kitchens.” She took the pitcher from Lillia and opened the door. But the man stood right outside. She pushed Lillia back inside. “He’s right outside the door. I will distract him. You’ll need to strike him from behind.” She returned the pitcher to her and left the chamber.

“The lass says she needs nothing. Tell me, good sir,” Makenna said and pursed her lips. “When do you get off duty?”

The man grinned. “In a few hours. Why, ye be wanting to meet?”

“I would.”

The man’s head bobbed forward when Lillia struck him. He slumped forward. Makenna caught him and lowered him gently to the floor.

“Come, we must make haste.” She led Lillia through the corridor and at the junction that joined the main hall; she motioned for Lilla to go to the left.

The exit toward the kitchens was ahead and Makenna peered behind her to ensure they weren’t being followed or noticed. Outside, she rushed ahead of Lillia and bid her to follow.

“Heath and the king’s guard await us. We must run before we’re detected or they find our men in the woods.”

Lillia stopped short. “They are here? I cannot go.”

“You must. Come, I will not have us caught because of your pride.”

Lillia rushed forth. “Very well, but only because I wish for you to be safe.”

When they reached the woods, Makenna slowed her pace. “Why are you ireful that I rescued you? Surely you wanted to be free of that place.”

“I did wish to be free, but I wish you hadn’t come. Sir James will surely tell the king about the guard and where you are located. I didn’t want your safety to be jeopardized. I cannot return to the caves. The king’s guard must leave. You all must leave.” Her voice pitched with her panic.

“Lillia, be calm. We shall deal with that later.” Makenna’s shoulders slumped. “Are you certain James will tell the king where we reside?”

“Aye, he threatened to do so if I didn’t go with him. The king bid me to stay in that chamber. I was wont to offer my complete fealty but he wouldn’t hear of it. None can remain at the cave now for I fear the king will send men to apprehend the guard.”

“That whey-faced shanty. I cannot believe James Douglas would deceive his brethren. But I know James and he would do as he says. We’ll need to tell the men of this treachery.” Makenna reached the clearing where the men awaited. She hurried into Liam’s arms. “We must flee. And we’ll need to get the others from the caves.”

Heath pulled Lillia aside and caressed her face. “Are you hurt? Your face is injured.”

“’Tis a paltry wound from a fall. I’m unharmed. Did you not understand what Makenna said? Sir James is going to have the king send men to the caves. We must get Kerrigan and the others to safety. Oh, the poor bairns. This is all my fault.”

Heath grimaced and turned to his comrades. “We need to get moving. And whilst we journey to the caves, we’ll need to think of place where we can hide.”