Page 16 of Fearless Heart
Chapter Five
Heath sat in the confessional in the small chapel of Sweetheart Abbey and crossed himself. He’d often made his confession to Friar Hemm. The friar was the only clergyman he’d trust with his secrets and sins. There wasn’t anything he’d hold back. He reiterated his sins, but didn’t ask for forgiveness and wouldn’t until the tassel strings of his boot was completely removed.
“The most heinous and affecting of my misgivings was leaving my brother behind in France. Not a day goes by I don’t think of Roderick or what befell him. I should’ve been able to save him. I should’ve gone back inside and—”
“Your brother was elder and should’ve ensured you were safe. Not the other way around, Heath. He was charged with leading your father’s men and the fight. I understand your guilt, because he is of your blood, but there was nothing you could’ve done.”
“I’ve thought of returning many times for him, but I know there is nothing I could do to gain his freedom. My thanks, Friar, for listing.”
“You ask not for penance. The tassel, even if you’re able to atone for the lives you’ve taken or lost, will not give you salvation. Your heart is too heavy, lad. Sometimes it is best to let the heartache go and move on.”
He sighed warily. “What will give me salvation? Serving the Templars as I am wont?”
“No one can answer that but you.” Hemm opened the slot betwixt them. “Heath, the Templar order is no more. All those in France and elsewhere have either fled or were murdered at the behest of France’s King Phillip. Those that escaped and made it to Scotland have laid their arms. They serve God with a different purpose now.”
He didn’t understand. What purpose was more important than fighting for the Trinity? “To what purpose, Friar?”
“Keeping Christianity’s secrets guarded. They preserve the knowledge and true story of Christ in their hearts. Some have been able to abscond with relics held dear by our faith. There is a way for you to receive God’s grace.”
“And that is?”
“All you need to do is ask for it.”
“You make it sound so guileless, Friar. And you tell me to give up what I have given myself to … to the order and now relent and … just ask for God’s forgiveness? That I should not suffer for my sins? I am not as pious to receive such forgiveness.”
“Aye, lad, you’ve suffered enough. But if it makes your heart lighter, finish your quest. Remove the strings of your tassel if you’re able. With each life you save, mayhap it will give you solace as you are wont.” Friar Hemm blessed him and left the confessional.
Heath stood outside the stall and bowed. “I am consoled by your words, Friar, even if I disbelieve gaining God’s grace will be easy.”
“Nothing is ever easy, except God’s grace. Have ye made progress in finding the king’s heir?” Hemm asked as he walked with him to the stable.
“We haven’t heard from James and await word on where the Comyns set out to. If we can figure out where they hide, we can hopefully find the king’s kin.”
“I worry for the king’s bairn. The peril that child is in astounds me. I pray continually that you and the guard find him before the Comyns do. Go in peace, my friend.” Hemm waved farewell.
Heath rode toward the fields and the caves he and his comrades made home, taking the now worn path. The caves were remote enough that passersby wouldn’t know they existed. High pines thickened the surrounding area. A few willows added seasonal greenery and offered added protection. With the cold season approaching, the trees would bare and offer less security.
He eased as he neared the ossuary where they’d made a stable of sorts for their warhorses. He was pleased to be at the caves and part of the brotherhood he’d come to count on. As he removed the harness from his horse, he realized how tethered it had become. He needed a new one and soon. Once he settled his horse, he trekked to the second cave where they lived.
Inside, he found Graeme, Liam and Brodin in deep discussion. “What goes? I just came from the abbey. There’s no new news. No word from James yet either.” He surveyed the mood amongst his friends and discerned something daunting must have happened.
Graeme scowled and sat back, close-mouthed which was unusual. His comrade never held back when giving his view, advice, or reprimand. Perhaps Brodin and Liam had done something to warrant a harsh lecture.
Liam’s face lightened and wasn’t as bothered as their leader. “Gilroy returned. He brought a lass with him.”
Heath had a good laugh over that. “Our Gilroy with a lass? He’s barely old enough to know what to do with the fairer sex. Did ye find out why he went to the festival?”
“Nay, we haven’t questioned him yet,” Graeme said.
“Why the hell not?”
Brodin touched his arm, drawing his attention. “The lass he brought … he says she’s here to seek the guard’s aid.”
“Aye? That’s well and good since we could use the coin. Our coffers are waning.” Heath poured himself a drink and kept his opinion to himself. But he verily wanted to retrieve the lad and make him confess why he’d taken off and what happened while he was at the festival.
Brodin shook his head. “We cannot expect payment from the lass. Gilroy insisted for she rescued him. Graeme wants us to take the lass to the village. He maintains she cannot stay here.”
Liam joined in, “Gilroy was hurt, beaten by the knaves that ambushed him, and the lass needed rest. I took them to Makenna and she’s tending them.”