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“I don’t want to bring you trouble, lass. Mayhap you can tell me what direction to head. I don’t deem your mother will be pleased when she realizes we’re gone.”
“I’ve been to the Gu
He pulled her near the palisade wall, after they passed through the gate. Griffen took her face in his hands and looked into her soft brown eyes. “Aye, more than you know.”
*****
As much as he wanted out of bed, James kept his promise. He hadn’t left the cottage for a fortnight and tried to count his infirmed time instead of how much remained. He didn’t lack for company for throughout the days, he had visitors aplenty.
James lay back, flipping through his parchments. The black etchings were begi
A knock came and then he saw Norman’s head peek through the opening. The smith had shown him three swords so far and not one was good enough for his purpose.
“James, I wanted to show you the latest version.” Norman pulled back the swath of material and revealed the gleaming blade. “I made it as plain as ye asked and the pommel is a wee bit heavier, the guard lighter.”
James took it from him and held it up, studying the sword from its hilt to the tip of the blade. There were no elaborate details on the blade itself or on the handle. The leather wrapped around the handle was blackened and as he requested, a small metal heart was attached to it and dangled. The heart was a tiny thing, smaller than his fingernail.
“It is perfect.”
Norman let out a relieved sigh. “Finally, you’re a hard man to please.”
“My thanks, Norman. I will have Grey bring your payment on the morrow.”
The smith inclined his head and left.
James wrapped the sword in the material and set it aside. It was time to rub salve on his leg, for night had come and he was tired after a long day of doing nothing. He unwrapped the egg-soaked fabric which had hardened, and he decided he’d leave it off this night for his leg itched. The salve reeked of a pungent smell and he couldn’t wait until he was finished with it. The first thing he pla
A noise came from outside and he shifted his position, dislodging the roll of fabric that Bree set beneath his knee earlier.
When he saw who his visitor was, he frowned. “A
She stepped inside the cottage, but stood by the door. “I hope you don’t mind, but I had to come for I brought you a visitor.”
Behind her, a man stood and James was surprised to see Griffen, Emlyn’s brother. An instant dread came to him. He hastily sat up. “What is it? Is Emlyn well? Was she harmed?” Several dreadful images came to mind and he shook them away.
Her brother stood nary six feet from him and stared. “What is wrong with ye? Are you injured?”
“Aye, aye, but tell me of Emlyn. Is she well and what do you here?” He stood, and tried not to put weight on his leg. “Answer.”
Griffen tossed his head to the side and ambled to the bed. James reached him in two strides and gripped his tunic. He jerked him with a shake.
James didn’t like appearing weak, least of all to Emlyn’s brother. “Will you not answer me? If she’s been harmed …” Without thought, he released him and stepped to the head of the bed, and grabbed his sword.
“I’ve gotten the answer I came seeking,” Griffen said.
“Wait. I haven’t gotten an answer from you. Is she unwell?” James swore if the young soldier didn’t start answering him, his sword just may see some action this day regardless of how much it would affect him.
At that moment, A
Griffen nodded, his face brightened with chagrin. “Very well. You’re a lass to be reckoned with as is my sister.” He turned his gaze from A
“Ross? Is Emlyn at the Ross’ keep?”
“Aye, she is. We arrived two days hence. My sister was banished by our mother and she had nowhere else to go. She thought the Ross’ might take her in. She asked me to bring her here.”
James raised his eyebrow at that, and took a quick glance at A
A
James sighed. “I deem we both might be guilty of such transgressions.” He retreated to the bed and sat woefully upon it. “If ye want to beat the cosh from me, Griffen, best do it now when I’m unable to fight back.”
Griffen shook his head. “I see that you are unable to. I won’t strike a man who is injured. What is wrong with ye?”
James’ jaw tensed for he understood her brother’s anger. If he’d had a sister such as Emlyn, he’d kill to protect her if necessary. He briefly explained how he’d come by his wounds and their excursion from Wales to Scotland, and their encounter with Marshall and his followers.
“Glory be. If she had listed to ye, you might have been able to thwart Marshall’s men.”
“Aye, but there is no sense in deliberating it now. What’s done is done. I am in need of a favor, Griffen.”
“I will only assist ye if you promise to mend this parting betwixt you and Emlyn.”
For the first time in weeks, James laughed. His laughter became contagious as A
Griffen pulled a chair and sat astride on it, leaning his forearms on the back. “A
James was gladdened, because he didn’t want anyone overhearing what he wanted Griffen to do. He reached for a piece of parchment and scribbled some words on it. He folded it into the smallest square he could make, and handed it to him. “Give this message to her. I need ye to also give her this.” He handed the wrapped sword to him. “And, there’s a cart near the stables. See Jo
Griffen held the parchment and wrapped sword. He frowned wearily at him and then gri
“I will. I only want to make her happy.” James hobbled to the door and opened it for Griffen. Soon he would hold his love in his arms again. That was if his message and gifts appeased her. God, he hoped they did.
Chapter Thirty-One
Emlyn awoke alone. She didn’t know how long she’d lain in the bed. She blinked and realized she was clearheaded. Besides her throat, which was scratchy, she felt much better. The fever was gone and nothing ached.
The bedchamber door creaked, and she sat up when Lady Ross entered.
“Ah, Princess, you’re awake.” She approached and touched her forehead with the back of her hand. “No fever. Appears you’ve recovered. You must be thirsty.” She held a cup out to her and she took it.
“I must apologize, my lady, for coming here without permission and falling ill.”