Page 2 of Fearless Heart

Chapter One

Sweetheart Abbey

Dumfries, Scotland

Late August, 1309

His heart’s desire was within reach. Heath Fraser wanted to put behind him all the turmoil of the last few years: war, treason, family disseverment, deception, and most of all, the dishonor of his faith. Soon he would be able to win the king’s forgiveness and move forward with his plan.

He dismounted his steed and handed the reins to an abbey stable lad. Sweetheart Abbey was of great solace to him. It comforted him to be there, but there had to be a woeful reason the friar sent for them.

Graeme Cameron, the leader of their guard, finished tending his horse, and turned to face him. “What make you of this, Heath? Friar Hemm didn’t indicate what was of import.”

He shrugged his shoulder in answer and awaited his comrades, Brodin and Liam. The four of them banded together and were more akin to brothers than comrades-in-arms. When all were ready, they headed for the main building of the grey-stoned sanctuary.

As usual, Friar Hemm greeted them before they could knock on the massive wooden door. How he knew they arrived impressed him. “Ah, ye came. I’m relieved for I have a grave matter to speak of.”

Graeme grinned. “All your matters are grave, Friar, but of course we came as soon as we received your message.”

Heath led the way to the friar’s offices. He noticed right off the clergyman added chairs to his small domain. There was a chair for each of them. Usually they stood around his desk, sending glares or mirthful gazes at whatever news the friar delivered. This day it appeared the news was foreboding for Hemm averted his eyes. He didn’t wear a smile or even a wee grin.

When all sat, Heath leaned forward. “Friar, we’re on our way to Ayr to find Gilroy. We shouldn’t dally. If you’ll speak your news—”

“Our young squire went missing again,” Brodin said with a touch of ire to his voice. “We need to find him before the king does. And when we do, I’m going to thrash the wee buggar until his arse is as crimson as the Bruce’s tartan.”

“Are you saying the lad’s gone to the king’s autumn festival?” Friar Hemm’s brows rose, his voice pitched.

“Aye,” Liam said, “And we’re eager to find him before he’s found and tortured for information. The lad doesn’t ken his peril.”

Hemm sighed. “He certainly is in danger for the Bruce will recognize him. Your squire is young and foolish. Do you deem the king will pardon you soon?”

Graeme shook his head. “’Tis unlikely for we heard King Robert is more concerned with continuing his parliamentary meetings. I doubt we’re significant enough to matter to him now that he’s regaining the kingdom.”

Liam leaned back in his chair. “Better he attends to the country than searches for us.”

Heath, along with his three comrades, found themselves in a dire situation. He thought back to when they traveled with the Bruce on the night of his unfortunate deed–when Robert had killed his only rival to the crown. Robert the Bruce betrayed by Robert Comyn, took matters into his own hands, and at the time, heated emotions instigated the Bruce’s deed. He’d killed Comyn near the high altar at Greyfriars Abbey with the thrust of his dagger. They’d fled with Robert, for if they were caught, it was unlikely there’d be justice. The English king sided with the Comyns and he would’ve been pleased to have one less enemy.

When the Bruce returned to Scotland after their imposed exile, he bid Heath and his comrades to stay on the isle. But he and his brethren took a sworn oath to protect the Bruce no matter what the cost. That oath wasn’t taken lightly. Even if it meant their death, they returned to the mainland and took up secretly protecting the now King of Scotland.

With their defiance, also came the threat that the king would set an example by them for disobeying his command. They’d be sentenced to execution for treason against the king, their lives no more. In the meantime, Heath continued to abide by his pledge to see the Bruce succeed in retaking Scotland. One day they’d be relieved of their duty and mayhap pardoned. He hoped that day came soon.

“Gilroy risks more than his own neck by going to the king’s festival. All want to know our whereabouts. It is imperative we keep hidden and if the lad is tortured, he’d surely give our location away. When I get my hands on him …”

Heath grinned at Liam. Their affront at the lad’s misdeed was warranted. Each had their own reason for not wanting to hail off to find him. Heath hoped to take on a few more jobs. Being a mercenary paid well, and he needed the coin, especially if he was to go forth with his plan once he could get back to his life. Liam recently wed and with his newfound family, wanted to stay close to the caves they’d made their home. Likewise, Graeme wanted to ensure his family was safe. Brodin, like he, was free of commitments and relished any employment where they could put to good use the skills they’d attained in recent years, namely their sword arms.

He tensed at the friar’s delay, but kept his voice free of irritation. “Friar, what news have you? We should leave at the soonest to search for the lad.”

Friar Hemm ran a hand through the short strands of his muddy brown hair and scoffed. “I received a missive from James …”

Heath shared a daunting look with each of his comrades. James Douglas was their only ally and connection to the Bruce’s movements. But he was formidable and definitely not trustworthy. The man was likened to a savage warrior, one who cared not who lived or died – as long as he prospered. “And why do you sound despaired by this? Does his message bode ill news? Is the king in danger?”

Hemm shook his head and fiddled with the hem of his sleeve. “He’ll tell you himself. He arrived shortly after his missive. I’ve sent one of the lads to awaken him.”

Graeme bellowed in laughter. “Are ye saying James Douglas is sleeping within the abbey?”

Their surly comrade bounded into the friar’s office before the friar could reply. His face in its usual everlasting glare and he opened his mouth to speak his disgruntlement at being awakened. But when he saw them, James muttered a curse and closed the door. “I’m gladdened to see you, relieved more like.”

Hemm frowned and gave a stern, silent warning at James’ blasphemy.