Page 38 of Fearless Heart

Chapter Eleven

Lillia couldn’t eat, sleep or do anything meaningful while she awaited the return of her brothers. The weather grew colder and even with the chillier late autumn breezes, she paced the hills without a cloak or tartan to offer warmth. For three days, she kept watch. The ladies tried to get her to eat, but she couldn’t stomach food. Thoughts of her wee brothers held captive turned her stomach and her chest heavy with despair.

What sort of knaves abducted small children and used them as pawns? The same sort who thought to use her to take the kingdom. They were dangerous rogues and men who cared not for the lives of others. Determined more than ever, Lillia swore she wouldn’t be part of their scheme even if she had to do the unthinkable and leave Heath.

If Heath succeeded in rescuing her brothers, she had to consider making her way to King Robert. The king should know of the threat and perhaps he would protect her and her family. Lillia’s heart held guilt for putting the king’s guard in a perilous position. They shouldn’t have to attend her problem when it was imperative they see to their own troubles.

“Out walking again? You’ve been wearing a path betwixt the caves.”

She glanced at Gilroy, but continued to wander ahead.

“You need rest, m’lady. Mistress Annag worries you’ll waste away if ye don’t eat. And m’lord Heath will be cross with me if ye fall to illness.”

“I shall eat later. How long do you deem they’ll be? They’ve been gone so long. I cannot await much longer.”

“Bothwell is a few days’ ride. They’ve been gone a sennight. I’d think they’d be close to returning by now.”

“I wish they’d come.” She gazed to the sky in prayer and the sound of a whinny came. “I hear horses. It must be them.” Lillia turned and peered toward the ossuary, but couldn’t tell if her brothers were amongst the riders. They stopped at the cave where they housed their horses. The men dismounted and she gasped.

Her brothers spotted her and sprinted in a full-out run. She rushed forward and opened her arms and caught them when they reached her.

Lillia held them close and closed her eyes at the emotion of them against her. “Miles, Macon, you’re safe and unharmed. How I worried for you.”

“Och the scary men came for us,” Miles said.

“Aye, they frightened us,” Macon said, “But Heath said ye awaited us. And ye ken what?”

“What,” she said, barely able to voice the word.

“He was aright. Da is going to punish us,” Macon said in a sorrowful voice.

She petted their heads, content to see they appeared unharmed. “Why would he punish you?”

Miles looked at his feet. “Cause he told us to stay in the keep—”

Macon cut him off, “But we heard you were missing and we went to find you.”

Miles grinned. “And ye ken what, Lillia?”

“What?” she said, her heart nearly bursting with joy at having them safe, and at their obvious concern for her. They’d disobeyed their father in hopes of finding her and unfortunately put themselves in danger.

“We did find you. Mayhap Da won’t be as ireful when we tell him.”

“You certainly did find me.” She glanced up and found the king’s guard watching them. The ladies stood outside the main cave and wiped their eyes. Lillia continued to kneel in front of her brothers and noticed the smudges of dirt on their faces. They were quite filthy and needed to wash at the soonest, but first they needed to be fed. Who knew how long it had been since they’d eaten a meal.

“Is all well?” Heath asked, from the distance he stood.

Lillia nodded, waved, and took a calming breath so she wouldn’t weep. “Have you thanked the men for rescuing you?” They shook their heads. “You must. Go on, give your thanks.” They rushed to the men and spoke low and hastened back to her. “You must be hungry. Come and let us fill those gullets.”

They giggled at her choice of words.

She introduced the lads to everyone and led them inside the main cave. “Be on your best behavior and be sure to use your manners. These people are kind and generous for sharing their home and food with us.”

Her brothers bowed their heads to Mistress Annag, who smiled widely before handing them each a bowl of stew. “Oh what sweet winsome lads they be.”

Lilia noticed Heath across the large chamber. He stooped next to a trunk. She approached and sat on the chest next to his. “How am I ever to repay you?”

“Marry me.”