Chapter 16
Hours later, through the open tent flap, Gwendolyn scanned the wash of stars flickering in the night, the soft breeze infused with the scent of smoke drifting past. Sadness built inside as she glanced at the moon lingering overhead. A silvery wash spilled across the treetops to underscore her misery.
The pad of steps grew louder.
She turned. Outlined by torchlight, Aiden and Cailin walked toward the tent. In the short time she had known Aiden, she’d come to recognize the way he walked and found pride in his being a man who stood behind his word regardless the cost. Gwendolyn smothered the ball of regret at the thought of not bearing his child.
On a sigh, she narrowed her gaze as the men moved closer. At the entry, they halted.
“I will see you at first light. I urge you to reconsider what we have discussed.” With a nod, Cailin departed.
Caught within the pale light, Aiden ducked and entered.
She stiffened as he moved past and made a pallet a distance from hers. She should have expected him this night. Though they had made agreements for the future, to those within the camp they were married. Neither did she miss the irony that ’twas their wedding night.
Again.
’Twice she’d married him, and ’twould seem the second oath would forevermore bind her to Aiden.
Shadows smothered his face. Unable to read his expression, she remained silent.
Blankets shifted as he settled. “Are you asleep?”
“Nay. I was thinking of the conversation with King Robert, you, and your men regarding how to capture my home,” she said, giving up the hope of seeing his muscled form in the darkness. “The plan is impressive. Never would I have thought of setting the ships ablaze, severing the mooring lines, and allowing the vessels to drift, then collide into one another.”
“’Twill destroy a good portion, if not all of the English fleet, plus provide a much-needed distraction.” Covers rustled as he shifted. “When the English bolt from the castle to try to salvage their ships, the Bruce’s main force will seal off any avenue of escape and attack. A moonless night will serve us well, sea fog even more so.”
“With the moon waning,” Gwendolyn said, unsettled by thoughts of the upcoming battle, “by the time we arrive ’twill be little more than a sliver when we attack. As for the sea fog, ’tis another matter.”
“I understand your reason for wanting to accompany us,” he said, “but I again ask that you disclose where the hidden passageways are, along with the location of your father’s secret ledger, and remain in King Robert’s camp.”
Though soft, she heard the worry in his voice. “I will go. I have done, and will continue to do, whatever I see fit to tend to my people’s well-being and restore my home.”
He gave a frustrated growl.
Let him be angry. After the events of this day, there was enough for them both. She turned on her side.
Through the opening in the tent, a falling star streaked across the sky, faded.
Gwendolyn closed her eyes to make a wish, then stilled. As if such existed. ’Twas naught but the dreams of a young girl, a time long past. However ill achieved, soon she would regain her home.
Unbidden, a child’s face whose laughter filled her heart shimmered to mind, a handsome lad with Aiden’s eyes. Regret twisted inside at what would never be.
She should be happy. She’d agreed to her husband’s offer and her future was set.
“Then accompany my force when we prepare for the attack,” he growled at last, “but remember your promise to remain within the secret tunnel until I send word that Latharn Castle is seized.”
Her hands tightened on her covers. “The only reason I conceded not to fight was your reasoning that if I were captured, I could ruin everything.”
“I have little doubt you would be a fierce opponent,” he said, his words tight. “’Tis the horrors of battle I wish to spare you.”
On edge, Gwendolyn tucked her blanket around her waist, sat up, and rubbed her arms. “I wish the fighting was over.”
“As do I. I am weary of battle, of the dying, of seeing the devastation brought by war.” Blankets shifted. “Nor did I wish to spend the evening talking of such horror.”
A feeling she shared. Silence fell between them, punctuated by a hoot of an owl and the tremble of leaves in the forest.
“Are you tired?” Aiden asked.
“Nay,” she admitted. “I am too restless to sleep.”
He stood. “Come.”
Curious, she pushed aside the covers. Her eyes accustomed to the night, she followed.
Silvery light flickered over the land like wishes cast, the gentle breeze filled with a hint of flowers, and the coolness of the night.
At the trees near the edge of the encampment, she hesitated.
Aiden took her hand, tugged her forward. “Dinna worry, we will be safe. “Several hundred more warriors loyal to the Bruce arrived this day. To ensure the enemy doesna infiltrate the camp, King Robert has increased our guard around the perimeter.”
“When did they come?” she asked, surprised she had missed the influx of such a large contingent.
“While we were discussing the plans for the attack with the king.” Aiden stepped off the path, weaving through the dense woodland without hesitation.
Moments later, the thick foliage broke away.
She gasped at the sharp drop off from the stone ledge paces away.
His grip on her hand tightened. “You are safe. Here, sit.” Aiden drew her beside him on the smooth rock. “Look up.”
Framed within the night, stars filled the sky in a magnificent array. Their glitter melded with the waning moon’s light spilling upon the land, exposing the wall of the cliffs and the endless miles of forest below.
Aiden gestured to the left. “See the milky swath of light smeared across the sky? ’Tis said the path is created from the sparks cast off the blades of warriors locked in mortal combat.”
As surprised as moved by his story, a smile touched her lips. “You are crafting a tale.”
“Mayhap,” he said, laughter touching his voice. “Do you have a better reason why the stars are set together in such a pattern?”
“Nay. Nor do I think you brought me here to discuss such mysteries,” she said, appreciating the way the light spilled along the cliff side and the forest below. “Regardless of the reason, ’tis beautiful.”
“I thought you might enjoy this view. ’Tis a favorite of mine.”
Secretly delighted, she teased, “What if I was afraid of being so high?”
The warmth of his chuckle slid through her like a caress. “Lass, I doubt you would be afraid of anything so simple.”
“But I could have been.”
His thumb caressed the top of her hand.
Awareness shot through her, and her breath caught in her throat as he turned to face her, his eyes dark with need.
He leaned closer, his mouth a breath from hers, and a sense of something important filled her, of a moment, a wisp of time that somehow could, if she allowed it, change everything.
“Do you ever wish for what you have nay right to ask for?” he breathed, the sadness in his voice breaking her heart.
Aye, of how much I want you, she silently replied.
As if coming out of a trance, Aiden stiffened, withdrew his hand.
Missing his touch, bereft even though she knew ’twas foolish to toy with the unattainable, Gwendolyn searched for something to return the moment to safer ground. “Does anything worry you?”
“I refuse to answer that and look weak in your eyes.”
“I doubt there is such a possibility,” she said, finding the statement true.
For a long moment he stared at her, and she caught the edge of sadness in his gaze. “You speak highly of me when we have known each other for but a short while.”
“Mayhap,” she agreed, “but during that brief time, I have discovered you are a man of your word, one who cares.”
“’Tis great praise indeed.”
“Praise you have earned. Even when I didna know your true name, your deeds exposed you as a knight of high regard.”
Quiet fell between them, broken by the soft sounds of the night, and she enjoyed the peace his company brought her. A serenity that, once he departed for Thorburn Castle, she would miss.
Leather scuffed rock as he stepped back. “’Tis late. We must return to camp if we are to rest at all.”
As if with thoughts of him stirring in her mind she could rest? Not wanting to end this time between them, but doubting ’twas wise to remain, she nodded.
* * * *
Several days later, as the sun slowly edged toward the horizon, Gwendolyn sat near a break in the dense brush, stared at her home in the distance.
Hundreds of tents littered the roll of land, livestock grazed in several places, and near the castle, a trebuchet was being built.
At the sounds of steps, she glanced up.
Sir Cailin moved up the incline toward her.
She arched a brow, refusing to allow Aiden’s friend to see her disappointment. Since the morning they’d departed for Latharn Castle, Aiden had kept his distance.
As the Templar neared the top of the embankment, Cailin crouched to keep behind the thicket, and then moved to where she sat. “You dinna mind company?”
“Nay.” She glanced toward the stronghold. “Though far from reclaimed, ’tis good to see my home.”
He settled on a nearby rock, gestured toward the mist-laden coast. “We are fortunate sea fog has begun to form. By dawn it should be thick enough to slice.”
“How did Aiden know the mist would appear?”
Cailin glanced at the clear sky, then to where the dense blanket of white hung over the water a distance out to sea. “The conditions are right.”
“How do you know that?”
“From our time at sea. If you sail enough, you notice a connection with wind, air, the sun’s heat or lack of it, and the resultant weather.”
“I canna begin to imagine all you and the others have learned over your years as Templars.”
“’Tis difficult to think the life we love is over.”
At the roughness of his voice, she shook her head. “I am sorry.”
“As am I. One day King Philip will regret his treachery to the Brotherhood.”
“He will,” Gwendolyn whispered, as would Comyn. She shoved aside thoughts of the noble, savored the gentle breeze sliding past edged with the scent of the sea. “When will Aiden begin the assault?”
“At the hour of the wolf.”
“A Templar phrase?” she asked with a smile.
“Nay. This expression was coined long before the formation of the Brotherhood. It means the hour before dawn.”
Her smile faded. “I have sailed with my father over the years but never heard that phrase.”
“Because ’tis a term familiar to warriors.”
“I see.” An icy prickle swept up her spine as she glanced toward the fortress. “I fear many will die.” Including Aiden. A tremor slid through her. No, he must live!
“Shielded by fog, we shall be able to position ourselves to gain the advantage,” Cailin explained. “During the attack, the loss of life will be minimal and, more importantly, belong to the English.”
“I wish ’twas over,” she breathed.
He grunted. “’Twill be soon enough.”
Torches flickered on the distant wall walk, and she faced the warrior, his eyes watching her in the fading light. “I doubt you have come to speak of tactics.”
He removed his water pouch, offered her a drink.
“Nay.”
After several sips, Cailin secured the top, stowed the sewn leather. “You care for Aiden.”
She smothered the surge of emotion. In her heart, she had reconciled herself to letting him live the life he desired. “He and I have come to an arrangement.”
“Arrangement,” he scoffed. “’Tis a situation neither of you want. Once Latharn Castle is seized, ’tis a mistake if you let him walk away.”
“He has told you the details of our arrangement?”
Cailin gave a curt nod.
Hurt he’d shared their private agreement, she stiffened. “Why?”
“In truth, I badgered him because he is my friend.”
Far from understanding, Gwendolyn frowned. “Then why are you not raising your concerns to him?”
He grunted. “I assure you, I tried. He refuses to listen.”
“And what makes you think talking with me will change anything?”
Blue eyes riveted on her. “If I didna believe you cared for Aiden, I assure you, I wouldna be here.” He raised his hand as she made to speak. “He is more stubborn than most.”
That she could attest to.
“Tell me, has he spoken with you since we left King Robert’s camp?”
An ache squeezed her chest. “Nay.”
“Nay doubt because he believes ’tis for the best.” He released a frustrated sigh, then stared at her for a long moment. “I am here to help you win Aiden. Do you want him?”
Heart pounding, she fought for calm, unsure what to say, or if she should admit her feelings for Aiden. She gave a shaky nod. “Aye.”
“Ask him about his past.”
Gwendolyn frowned. “As a Templar?”
“Nay, about his family.”
So caught up in the mayhem since Aiden’s arrival, the English seizing the castle, and their escape, she hadn’t inquired about his youth. “What about them?”
“’Tis his story to share, but one you need to know before he departs.”
A tremor ripped through her, and coldness wrapped around her heart. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you are important to him, more than he will admit.”
She stilled. “Why would you say that?”
“Because I see the way you stare at him when you believe others are not looking.” He paused. “And the way he watches you.”
She forced herself to smile, to ignore the slash of hurt. “You are mistaken. I am naught but a duty. A point he has made very clear.”
A muscle worked in Cailin’s jaw. “You are wrong.”
Hope ignited, but she smothered the feeling. But the mystery of Aiden’s past left her curious. What could have occurred to make Cailin believe ’twould change what was between her and Aiden?
“If he cares for me,” Gwendolyn said, “why has he kept his distance since we departed King Robert’s camp?”
“Because he promised to give you your life back.”
She frowned. “That doesna make sense. Aiden explained that the Brotherhood was everything to him, a life he will never relinquish for anyone, including me.”
“If you want him,” he said, his voice cool, “ask him about his family. I pray he tells you, helps you understand all he has overcome, the demons he battles to this day, the torment that began before he joined the Brotherhood.” He stood. “I have said enough.” With a curt nod, he walked away.
Confused, she watched him head down the steep slope. She scanned the bank in search of Aiden. In the distance, he stood alongside another man in deep discussion.
What had happened in his youth that had caused him such torment? If she learned what had happened, would things indeed change between them, as Cailin believed?
Did she want them to?
With a sigh, she glanced toward the castle, the home she loved, and for the first time, seeing the stronghold evoked a sense of emptiness.