Page 42 of Claimed Highland Brides

20

OF COWARDS AND BATTLES

D elwyn was not one for torture. The whole process was terribly savage in his eyes but in the case of Jamesina’s abductors, he was willing to visit the Wrath of God upon them in a way they’d never seen before. He knew his emotions were in the ascendancy and so let Daividh take the lead.

He was impressed at Daividh’s ability not to let the men’s taunts get to him. The things they were saying about Jamesina made him want to slash every last one of them to pieces.

“Delwyn, take yer wife back tae the horses. I believe I have some fresh bread and hot cider in my saddlebag. Perhaps some cheese as well. I’m sure she can do wi’ more nourishment.”

It was only the reminder of how poorly Jamesina had eaten since she was taken that got him moving. He took his wife’s hand and prepared to lead her away but she dug her heels in. “No. I’m nae going. I need tae be there when ye finish this.”

She looked at Daividh and he looked back, his eyes thoughtful. “Very well then. Ye may stay. I will send some men for the horses because ye need to eat.”

Jamesina nodded her agreement to this plan.

Delwyn pulled her to his side, rubbing her arm soothingly and savoring the chance to hold her again. When Daividh went back to his interrogation, she turned her doe eyes to look at him. “I didnae think I’d see ye again.”

He nodded, consumed with guilt. “Yes, I can imagine why you would think that. Believe it or not, I am—usually—an honorable man. I do not go about lying to people for pleasure. This was not an easy thing for me to do. But my sister was relying on me and I could not let her down either. It’s cruel that fate chose this way for us to meet but I cannot regret it because we did meet and that is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

She smiled sadly. “Those are pretty words indeed, Lord Barton. I prefer actions mysel’. People can say anything when pressed.” She turned, looking towards the prisoners as Daividh slashed a line beneath one of their eyes. “He’ll get them tae tell him something. Will it be the true thing? Can we trust it? I daresay we cannae because he also sent oot scouts.”

Delwyn took a deep breath, accepting that she had the right to doubt him, but feeling the pain of it anyway like an open burn wound. “You’re quite right. I pray for the chance to show you that I am as earnest as a robin on the first day of spring, happy that the winter is over at last.”

She smiled, albeit slightly. “I do owe ye tha’. A chance. Because ye came for me. And…well...” Her lashes dropped to cover her eyes as her cheeks colored. “I am wi’ child.”

He put his hand beneath her chin and lifted her head so he could look into her eyes. “I know. The wise-woman told me.”

Her eyebrows quirked. “Wise-woman?”

“Yes. Mistress Aifric. She said that you know her well.”

Jamesina nodded. “Aye. She kens much that happens that others dinnae see. Some say she’s a witch, but if she is, she’s a guid one.”

“I have no doubt. After all, she led me to you.”

Jamesina startled, remembering the reason Delwyn had left. “An’ yer sister? Did ye get her back?”

“Yes, I did. I left her in Drumacree when Aifric told me you were taken.”

She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Ye left her alone?”

“Aifric promised to keep watch. She said that Maegan would be alright.”

Jamesina nodded. “If she said so, then ye can believe her. But…wha’ happened, Delwyn? Why did they come for me?”

He sighed, holding onto her arms, his head bent in shame. “They came for you because they wanted the deed to the goldmine. Jamesina, I am so sorry. I don’t know how to ask for forgiveness. I brought this trouble to your door. I put my wife and child in danger. I?—”

“Hush.” Jamesina put her finger to his lips. “The Hunters have coveted our mines long before even I was born. This isnae yer fault.”

He looked up hopefully. “It’s not?”

“No. Ye were just another pawn in a very long game they have been playing.”

“Well…” He swallowed, thinking hard. “I never thought the fact that I was insignificant would fill me with so much relief.” He huffed a little in laughter as he said it.

She squeezed his hands where they rested on her arms. “Never insignificant,” she whispered gently. “At least not to me.”

He sighed in agitation. “I want to get you home and tuck you into bed. Rub your feet and attend to your every need. I cannot wait to be done here.”

She giggled. “Tha’ sounds lovely. But I expect Daividh will keep ye too busy tae wait on me all day.”

“Then I shall do it all night at least.”

She giggled harder, covering her mouth to muffle the sound. “Dinnae make me laugh while my brother-in-law is cutting off ears not five steps away.”

“Oh, my apologies.” He bowed gallantly. “I shall save my declarations for another time.”

Daividh stepped up to them, his hands bloody, chest heaving. “We have a location. We’ll set out at first light. Get some rest.”

* * *

Simon rode silently, occasionally getting off his horse to ensure they were still on the right track. The Hunters might have covered their tracks but Delwyn and his guide had not. Furthermore, it seemed as if they were followed by at least six more people. If Simon were to guess, he would say that the laird had ventured out to rescue his sister-in-law.

Of course he has. Daividh would not sit at home if one of those lassies were in trouble .

Simon felt heartened by the numbers because it increased their chances of success. He spurred his horse onward, wanting to go faster. He had expected Delwyn’s sister to complain about the lack of rest stops but she rode stoically, keeping up with the rest of the men without effort.

Suddenly he heard horses snuffling while a soft voice tried to soothe them. He put a hand up, to stop the forward motion of his men, and quietly slid off his horse.

“Stay here,” he whispered before melting into the underbrush, in an effort to sneak up on the other person. Still, it came as no surprise to him, to find a sword at his throat.

“State yer business.”

He smiled, recognizing the voice at once. “Sawney mo charaid . Put down the sword and greet yer captain like a proper soldier.”

The sword didn’t move but Sawney came closer to peer into Simon’s face. Slowly, he dropped his hand and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I dinnae ken ye were behind us.”

“I came from the opposite direction. Heard of Mistress Barton’s plight from the wise-woman.”

“Aye weel, ’tis a good thing for we might need ye tomorra.”

“Wha’s happening tomorra?”

“We’re a-going tae the Hunters’ camp.”

Simon nodded. “Ye’ve found the trail?”

“No, we found the girl but Neacel is no wi’ them.”

“That is guid news.”

“Aye. The laird’s very relieved.” He held up a package he was holding. “I mun’ get back. Mistress Barton’s awaiting this food.”

“Aye o’ course. Hold a minute while I get th’ others and then we can go.”

* * *

The soft neighing of horses had them all tensing and everyone had their weapons at the ready as the clip-clopping sounds came closer. Whoever was approaching, they were not trying to be silent. Suddenly the grass parted and Daividh caught sight of Simon. He huffed in relief, put down his weapon, and went to hug his cousin.

“Where did ye come from?”

“Drumacree. The wise-woman sent us to help yon Sassenach.” He pointed with his chin to where Delwyn had Jamesina wrapped securely in his arms. Sawney was bending over them, handing over the package of food that Delwyn proceeded to hand-feed to his wife. Simon and Daividh’s eyes met, eyebrows raised. They both smirked before Simon turned to more pressing issues. “Ye have the location of the camp.”

Daividh pointed at the prisoners. “We have a location. We shall see tomorra if it is correct.”

The newcomers were silently made welcome as the fire was rebuilt and the various groups shared what food they had with the others. Jamesina fell asleep in her husband’s arms as he continued to cradle her, pensively staring into the fire. He seemed a bit put out that his sister had come along but did not blame Simon for it.

“She’s headstrong and used to getting her way. If you hadn’t taken her with you, she probably would have followed behind.” He gave a long, tired sigh. “We have to watch her. I am not entirely sure she would not betray us to this Neacel fellow. She seems quite taken with him.”

Daividh had been gratified to hear him cast his lot with them even over his sister’s desires. It soothed his ire when he saw how well the Englishman tended to his wife.

Perhaps there is hope for him yet .

They set out the next morning just before the sun rose. “We cannae go canny. They likely are expectin’ their men tae bring the lassie t’them. So we shall ride hard and fast, and try tae cause as much damage as we can afore they realize we’re no their friends. Above all, we mun’ get the leader. Neacel Hunter must die.”

There was a cheer and a thunder of hooves as they all rode forward, prisoners tied to the horses in the same way that they tied Jamesina. She rode next to Delwyn’s sister, trying to engage her in conversation while her husband rode to Daividh’s left.

“I cannae imagine what ye’ve been through these past weeks. I’m glad yer brother was able tae rescue ye at last. Rest assured ye’ll be welcome tae stay at Braenaird Keep for as long as ye like.”

The girl ducked her head, her cheeks pinkening as if she was shy of Jamesina. She could not imagine why Maegan would be shy of her. She was not much older than the girl and surely after running away with?—

Oh .

Jamesina realized the girl was embarrassed and resolved to put her at ease by talking about absolutely anything else. She told of her sisters instead, the scrapes they got into, and how loud they were. “I expect I shall be subjected to a great deal of fussing when I get home. I dinnae ken if’n I am looking forward tae it.” She grinned at the lassie who regarded her with solemn eyes.

“My father would not pay my ransom.”

Jamesina blanched, not knowing what to say to that. “Weel, yer brother saved ye.”

Maegan nodded slowly. “He did.” She shook her head sorrowfully. “And now he is stuck in a marriage with you whether he likes it or not.”

Bile rose up Jamesina’s throat at those words and she thought she might vomit. Taking a few deep breaths, she spurred her horse forward, so that she was riding beside Simon, leaving Maegan to ride by herself.

* * *

The prisoners had been telling the truth because they came upon the Hunter camp, just as they were awakening. Delwyn was torn between storming the camp and killing every single man therein and staying with his wife, who had been looking a bit peaky. He slowed his horse so he could walk beside her. He leaned anxiously towards her. “Are you alright?” he whispered. “Do you need anything?”

Her face lit up and her eyes grew soft as she looked at him. “I am well. Ye should worry aboot the coming battle, no me.”

“I’ll always worry about you. You are mine to care for.”

Her smile widened and she reached out to squeeze his hand. “As ye are mine. Now go. Daividh needs ye.”

He kissed the back of her hand, holding her eye before spurring his horse forward. Daividh suddenly stopped, turning to the men behind him. “Here we are about tae charge. Remember, Neacel must not escape. The women will stay here. Goraidh and Sawney will stay with them, keep them safe. The rest of us, charge !”

They took off down the hill, hooves thundering, swords waving in the air, hair flying. Jamesina watched them go, breathless with awe. She turned to Maegan and found her staring open-mouthed after the men.

“I have to warn him,” Maegan whispered, and then she was slipping off her horse and trying to take off down the hill. “Neac?—”

Goraidh scooped her up, covering her mouth at the same time. “Oh no ye dinnae,” he murmured, knocking her out with one blow. “Ye wilnae betray us the noo. Not when we’re so close.” He looked up at Jamesina and she nodded. It was the right thing to do.

* * *

It was as if a red mist took him over and all Delwyn could do was hack and slash, sparing no one. The camp tried to fight back but they were nowhere near as dangerous as they tried to make it seem. With fury and righteousness on their side, Daividh and his men decimated the camp within minutes. A few men tried to run but were rounded up by Campbell soldiers. There were a few women and children in the camp and they huddled together, guided by a grim-faced Simon. Two soldiers approached, dragging a man between them. They threw him at Daividh’s feet. “We found him trying to escape into the forest.”

The man panted, his voice hitching as if he was crying. “Please, let me go. I shallnae come anywhere near ye ever again.”

Daividh lifted his foot and pushed the man over so that he was lying with his face to the sky. “No such a fearsome lad when ye’re surrounded are ye Hunter?”

Neacel simply panted. Daividh looked up at Delwyn. “Will ye take yer vengeance?”

Delwyn looked thoughtfully down at the man before turning to Daividh. “My sister needs to see him. Kindly send for her please.”

Daividh nodded to one of his men, who immediately mounted and rode back up the hill to where they’d left the women.

While they were waiting, Delwyn squatted down by Neacel’s side. “What did you think would happen when you took my sister, eh? Did you think I would not find you?”

Neacel just continued panting and crying. “Please, I’m sorry. The laird, he promised us that gold. We were just trying to get what’s ours.”

“What’s yours? The gold is not yours!” Delwyn growled.

“ Aye, it dinnae belong tae Padraig or any Hunter,” Daividh added angrily.

“I-I’m sorry. Please, just let me go. I wilnae disturb ye again.”

Delwyn snorted, getting to his feet.

“Neacel!” The screech startled them all as did the lass hurtling towards them. Maegan skidded to a halt beside Neacel and got to her knees. “Are you alright? Did they hurt you?”

Neacel looked up at Delwyn, his eyes wide and terrified. “Leave me be, woman. I dinnae ken who ye are!” He grabbed Maegan by the arms and was about to push her roughly away.

“Don’t touch her!” Delwyn growled. “ Ever. And if I find out you have touched her in any way…”

Immediately, Neacel let go. “I didnae touch her! I swear. She’s as pure as the day she left London.”

Both Delwyn and Daividh ignored him. Both were watching Maegan. She stared at Neacel in horror, as if she had never seen him before. “Neacel?” Her voice was small and she looked very young.

“Take her away,” Delwyn said to the soldier who had fetched her. He nodded and tried to pull her away.

“No! I won’t go. Please don’t kill him! I love him.”

Both men stayed silent as the soldier dragged her away. Delwyn took Daividh’s sword and waited.

“Get to your feet.” Delwyn ordered.

Neacel only cowered in on himself, shaking his head. “Please, no. Let me go, and ye shall ne’er see me agin.”

“Get on your feet, soldier. You will be given a sword and a chance.”

Neacel slowly rose, and one of the soldiers handed him a sword. Delwyn stood straight as a circle was cleared around them.

Before the duel could even begin, Neacel rushed Delwyn, aiming the sword at his stomach, and slashed.

Delwyn gasped in surprise but his hand rose of its own volition, swiping across Neacel’s throat so that it gaped like an open red mouth.

Neacel fell like a stone to the ground and lay there, unmoving. A pool of red flooded the ground under his head and neck.

Delwyn dropped his sword, holding his stomach, and dropped to one knee.

Daividh was right there next to him. “Let me see how bad,” he murmured to Delwyn as he looked at his stomach

Delwyn slowly moved his hand, which was already red with his blood.

Daividh peered at the wound. “’Tis no so bad, if we can get ye to a wise-woman in time.” He turned, looking for Simon. “Help me, mo charaid . We mun’ get him tae Aifric.”

They tied Delwyn’s stomach with a piece of cloth and got him on a horse, Simon riding behind to support him. They took off up the hill, towards Drumacree. As they reached the summit, they saw Jamesina waiting, but she was not alone. A small fire was burning, and a woman was bent over a steaming cauldron.

She looked up. “Hurry up. I mun stitch his wounds before he loses too much blood.”

Daividh and Simon helped him off the horse and laid him down so that Aifric could work. Jamesina came to lie beside him, tears running down her face. “She told me that she was here to see to me but also that I should not worry, for she would save you.”

Delwyn turned his head to her with a weak smile. “That’s good then. You are my treasure. Kiss me better, my dear, so that my wounds don’t hurt anymore.”