Page 3 of Fearless Heart
Heath grinned, as did the rest of the guard at the friar’s scold. “Did I hear the friar aright? You were sleeping? In a bed? Inside the abbey? Is this the same warrior who burned down his own fief rather than have the English occupy it?”
James grumbled and shoved Liam out of his seat. “Aye, jest if ye are wont, but I deserve a wee bit of comfort for I’ve slept on the hard ground for the past fortnight. Hell, for the past few fortnights. Listen, I come with distressing news. It’s about Robert.”
Heath folded his arms and waited. When James hesitated, he sat forward and shoved his shoulder. “Get on with the telling, James. We’re in a hurry.”
“You ken I have lads entrenched within a few of the Comyn holdings … One of my emissaries told me he overheard a plot to overthrow Robert.”
He wasn’t surprised to learn of such news because the Comyns would do anything to oust King Robert. They continually plotted to usurp Scotland’s king. “And how do they plan to do this?”
“You remember Alexander’s wife … Yolande had a bairn after our sovereign perished, but unfortunately the babe died during birth. Some speculated the bairn lived and Scotland’s Guardians took possession of the babe to keep it safe from those who wished to ill-use the king’s successor.”
Graeme whistled low. “And now the babe is old enough to put on the throne?”
“Aye. I ken not whether the child was a lad or lass, but the Comyns seem to know the identity of the child. They are in haste to abduct the child and be its advisors so they can rule the kingdom by proxy.”
“Christ Almighty, that child is in great danger if the Comyns succeed.” Brodin rubbed his eyes and face until he pressed back the dark strands of his hair. He looked as put out as the rest of them.
“Not only is the child in danger, but our king is as well, and Scotland too, for if they find Alexander’s heir, the child will have rites to the kingdom. Most would support the claim.” James sighed outright as his dejection.
“Does Robert ken their plan? Have ye told him?” Graeme asked.
“Nay, I have not spoken to him yet. I rode swiftly to get here to enlist your aid. I was hoping you could find the child before the Comyns and bring him to me so I can have Robert put Alexander’s bairn in his safety. The Bruce would do right by the child.”
Heath detested hearing such news. If Alexander’s kin lived, the row over the monarchy would continue with much more strife. Too many vied for the kingdom as it was. Yet Alexander’s relation would have first right to rule. Would that matter to the Bruce? If anything, the Bruce was devoted to their former king. He would give his fealty to the rightful leader, whoever it was. “Alexander’s child would be safer in Robert’s keeping than the Comyns. If the Bruce bends a knee to a new heir, it’d be best he take on the role of advisor. Do you have any knowledge where the child might be?”
“None at all. All I ken is the Comyns have set out to different locales to search for the child. My lads followed discretely of course.” James threw his legs upon the friar’s desk, to which he received a harsh reprimand. The friar didn’t speak a word, but showed his affront with another frown. James removed his legs and sat forward, his dark, almost soulless eyes beseeching. “Will you aid me in this task? There are no others I trust more than you.”
Graeme spoke up, “We should for we promised to see to Robert’s succession and this would definitely impact his sovereignty. Och we’re on our way to Ayr to search for Gilroy. He’s gone missing again. We’ll keep our ears and eyes open during the journey. If we catch any news, we’ll let ye ken. If you find out where we might look for the king’s child, send us a message and we’ll head out directly.”
“I need to go and relay this news to Robert. If my lads gather more details, I’ll definitely send word. You will retrieve the child when we find out where he or she is?”
Heath rose, he didn’t want to waste any more time discussing the matter. “We will. But now we must go. Enjoy your rest, James.” He motioned to his comrades and each of them departed the friar’s office.
James followed and yelled out, “I cannot rest now. Damnation, I must see the king and impart this troubling news.”
They left the abbey and journeyed swiftly on the road that led to Hunter land where the king’s autumn festival was being held. Heath insisted they rest the horses but once during the ride. His warhorse tossed his head in objection at the constant ride and he noticed the harness was beginning to wear. He mended it as best he could, but would have to replace it at the soonest. Once he’d seen to the care of his animal, they set out again.
On the road toKilbride, they crossed a large meadow and noticed a man sleeping in the field. Heath glanced across the vast meadow and chuckled to himself. The man slept bare arsed and took no care for his safety. He sidled next to Graeme and pointed toward the man.
“What make you of that?” Graeme asked.
Heath turned his gaze to the high brush along the meadow and noticed thicker stalks swaying. A huge beastie of a boar burst through the grasses and ran straight at the sleeping man. He twisted around and plucked an arrow from his satchel and set it in his bow. Heath kicked his horse’s flanks and bounded toward the vile animal. Just as the boar reached the man, the man sat up and crawled backward, trying to escape the inevitable horns and sharp fangs.
Heath took aim and released the arrow. The boar’s combat call screeched and echoed through the field. His arrow struck the animal in the neck and it ran two more steps before it fell to the ground unmoving. He reached the man and dismounted.
“Glory be, ye saved me arse.”
“You didn’t smell it coming? It reeks.” Heath plucked his arrow free and pivoted to return to his horse. No wonder he hadn’t smelled the boar, the man reeked of stench of the like he’d never experienced. Obviously he hadn’t bathed in possibly years. He chuckled to himself for it was probable he sniffed the man’s odor and not the boar’s.
“Wait, you’ve my thanks. The name’s Angus … Angus Sinclair.” He threw out his arm and greeted him with a grunt.
Heath grabbed hold of the man’s arm and helped him up. “The name’s Heath Fraser.”
“Who are those men? Friends of yours?” Angus motioned to his comrades.
“Aye, we’re passing through. Enjoy your supper for there’s enough meat to feed ye for days.” Heath turned and signaled to his comrades that all was well. They sat on their horses across the field awaiting him with astounded gazes.
“Won’t ye join me for supper. As you say there’s enough meat for you and your friends.” Angus kept his eyes fastened on his comrades far afield.