Page 77 of Bride Takes a Charmer
Aela caressed her face and smiled. “Sorry for what, My Lady?”
“I do not deserve to be called ‘My Lady’ because I should have protected you and had Shaw go and retrieve you from the Chattans sooner…”
Aela clicked her tongue. “Bah, I was safe enough there at Tor. I was more worried about you than for myself and was gladdened you were able to flee to Edinburgh. ’Twas difficultthough, the not knowing what happened to you. When Laird Shaw came to retrieve Gillian, my heart nearly burst with happiness knowing you fared well and that he would reunite you with your daughter.”
“Still, Aela, I did not know that Shaw was going to bring Gillian home. If I had, I would have insisted that he bring you and Lister here too. You both have helped me and I care for you like family.”
“We understood, My Lady, that you were unable to at the time. If you had done so, it could have spurred Geoff’s wrath and we bided our time there. Now, no guilt for either of us. We are all safe and amongst a devoted clan.”
“What did I ever do to deserve you?” Sorsha smiled at her winsome friend pleased beyond words to be reunited with her.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Just as dawnbroke over the horizon in the distance, Shaw sat upon his horse gazing at his land.Home at last.It had taken days to remedy the situation at Tor and to make certain that his mother’s clan was well settled with a new laird. The clan bickered about who would best lead their clan, and finally, most of the elders and soldiers agreed that Leonard would make the best laird. It took coercion on his part to get Leonard to agree to accept. Now that their commander was put in charge, Shaw hoped there would be no further strife between them.
Home.He was never so pleased to see the bridge and gate to his fief. Many times, he thought about Sorsha and prayed that she would begin healing. He would go to her soon enough but there was one matter that he needed to handle before he could seek his wife.
He waved to Clovis as he and his followers rode past the gate. When he dismounted, Trey approached and took the reins of his horse.
“I shall have someone tend to your horse, Laird.” Trey turned and whistled to a young soldier who hurried forth to do his bidding. “I suspect ye want to tend to that task ye’ve been putting off?”
Shaw nodded to his comrade. “Aye, but first we will find Walen. I want ye both there when I question her.” He marched onward to find his friend, intent to have support when he spoketo Corliss. Before he reached the barracks, Walen rounded the building and came from the direction of the tower fief.
Walen held out his hand and greeted him with a smile. “’Tis good to have ye back. I have news aplenty if ye wish to hear it now…or it can wait.”
Shaw stopped walking ahead and turned to him. “Is Sorsha well?”
“Oh, aye, she is healing. Her attendant Mistress Aela is seeing to her. From what Louis tells me the woman is irksome but och I think there is a bit of rivalry betwixt them. He says she seems to know what she is about so I am pleased to report Milady mends.”
“That is a great relief.” Shaw started to walk on when Walen pulled him back with his hand to his bicep.
“I also wanted to tell ye that I have a son, a handsome lad, who thank God above, appears more akin to me than his mother. I would not want to have a red-haired lad with a temper.” Walen chortled with laughter.
Shaw embraced his longtime comrade and pounded his back. “Congratulations, my friend. I cannot wait to see him. Have you named him yet?”
“We shall when the clergyman comes, och I was thinking of naming him Samuel.” Walen’s gaze fixed on him until he shook his head. “Unless ye want to use that name for your son.”
Shaw was taken aback. “Ye want to name him after my da?”
“Aye, I do. Laird Samuel was a good man and raised a fine son, a man who now leads us with good grace and with firm guidance.”
He was astounded by his friend’s kind words. “My da would be pleased by your honoring him. Aye, the name Samuel it is then. Now, I ask ye and Trey,” he said with a nod to Walen’s brother, “to come with me. I must speak to Corliss and could use the support.”
Both brothers followed him inside the barracks. They made their way past the many bunks where the men slept, past the areas where the garrison was kept until they reached the steep steps that took them below. Down beneath the barracks, several cells were made to house those who committed crimes. The cells were hardly used to hold any of the Mackintosh clan and only a few enemies had ever been confined there.
As Shaw approached the cell where his sister was kept, he drew in a resigned breath as he motioned to the soldier who guarded Corliss. The man stepped back and retreated.
Regardless of how much he detested what he was about to do, Shaw had to continue. Corliss must’ve heard their approach and stood by the iron bars, clutching them. He stood before her and glanced back at his brethren who remained ready to support him. Walen and Trey stood only a few steps behind him.
“Shaw…ye finally came. The soldier told me that ye put me here. Why have ye kept me here in this filthy cell?” Her voice betrayed her indignation.
“Ye know well why. Corliss, that ye are my sister sickens me.”
She scowled hard with hatred in her eyes. “Why do ye not enlighten me then because I do not deserve this horrid treatment? What have I done? Ye condemn me without giving me a reason…”
“Mamo always said ye were a selfish lass, and by God, she was right. That ye tried to have me harmed and my wife… I must tell ye that your husband no longer breathes. Aye, for my clansman killed him. He deserved to die and so do ye for what ye have done.”
She stepped back from the bars. “What exactly have I done?”