Page 35 of Fearless Heart

They neared Dumfries and Heath slowed his mount. He’d take a few minutes to rest his horse and eat a small bite before setting off for Bothwell. They rode hard and had taken little time to care for their needs. Brodin pulled several hunks of bread from his saddlebag and sat quietly.

“We should stop by the caves on our way to Bothwell. Graeme and Liam will want to come and take part in this mission.”

His comrade nodded and finished eating. “Will ye tell Lillia of her brothers’ misfortune?”

“I don’t want to cause her pain, och she should know. I will think on it. If we can retrieve the lads, we’ll need to take them back to their home. Come, the sooner we fetch our comrades, the sooner we can infiltrate Bothwell.”

They arrived at the caves early in the morning. Dawn hadn’t yet made its appearance. All slept except for Graeme who nestled William on his lap. The bairn often awakened before emergence of the sun much to his da’s displeasure. William babbled and said da repeatedly until Graeme set the wee lad on his feet. The lad wanted his freedom and he scampered to the trunks along the wall, tottering onward.

“You’re back. What did your da want?”

Heath sat beside Graeme and watched William cruise along the chests. The lad shrieked at his lack of restriction and grinned as if he won a great victory. “The report was more troubling than I expected.” He lowered his voice because Lillia slept on his pallet across the cave. He pointed at her. “Her brothers were taken by the Comyns to lure Lillia. They likely hold the lads at Bothwell. At least, that’s where we’ve discerned they’ve taken them.”

“Aye, it’s the last of the keeps the Comyns occupy besides Stirling and Roxburgh.” Graeme lifted William who ran at him and yelled da and held him against his chest. His large hand brushed the bairn’s soft head.

“They’re just wee lads, Graeme, but seven winters. I mean to rescue them.”

Brodin approached the table. “I have all we need.” He set a sack on the table which contained the oils they used to conceal themselves. Added to the sack, he placed a good many daggers and their bows, and a ration of arrows. “We should make haste.”

Graeme stood. “Let me take William to Kerrigan and I’ll fetch Liam.”

Brodin grabbed the objects from the table. “I’ll ready the horses.”

When they left, Heath went to his trunk and retrieved two extra tartans. The weather cooled and the lads would need extra warmth during the trek home.

“You returned.”

He pivoted at the sound of Lillia’s voice. “Aye, but I’m off again.”

“I’m a light sleeper and heard every word. You should’ve remembered that from when we were children … that time when you and my brothers hid in the barn, trying to elude me.” She folded her hands in front of her.

“I’d forgotten.” Heath was too afar to see the tears in her eyes, but the tone of her voice gave him an indication they were there. He ambled forward and took her in his arms. “Worry not, Sweetness.”

“How can I not? My brothers were taken. They might be harmed, all because …”

“Nay, the Comyns wouldn’t hurt them. They need them to barter them for you.”

Her embrace tightened. “You’ll get them to safety?”

“I shall. Lillia, we will rescue the lads and take them home. I vow to see them safe.”

She pulled back. “Bring them here before you journey home. I want to ensure they are well and unharmed.” A sob escaped her. “I won’t rest until I see them.”

He sighed. “Very well, I shall bring them here. But I want ye to rest. Stay here and try not to worry.”

“I shall pace the caves until your return. Heath,” she stopped him from going. “… please, be cautious for I trust not these knaves. Don’t risk your own wellbeing or the guard’s. Promise me.”

“It will be dangerous, och we’re used to such missions.”

“I mean it. If ye cannot rescue my brothers without endangering yourself or the king’s guard, I want you to flee and return. I shall gain their release.”

He gripped her arms. “By giving yourself to the usurping Comyns? Nay, I won’t allow you to sacrifice yourself to those blighters. I will bring your brothers back.” He kissed her forehead and left her standing in the cave.

At the ossuary, Heath approached Gilroy. “Lad, I am charging you with a task.”

“Aye, m’lord? Anything …”

“Keep watch on Lillia. Do not allow her to leave the caves. I don’t care what the reason, she must remain here. Even if you have to use force and tie her to a damned chair, to get her to stay.” As direct as he could, he wanted to ensure the lad understood his instruction. “Am I clear enough?”