Page 39 of Fearless Heart
She scoffed. “Do not jest, Heath. I am grateful and realize there is no way to ever repay you for rescuing them.” For the first time in days, her heart eased.
Heath knelt next to her and pulled her into his arms. “It’s what we do.”
“Was it dangerous? Was your safety in jeopardy? Did you have to kill …?” She ceased the thought in midsentence.
“Danger always abounds. We were safe enough. Astoundingly we didn’t have to kill a single man. There were a few that would have a headache, oh and one that would need to be patched up for he was left bleeding, but his life not ended.” Heath grinned and seemed satisfied with the mission. But his eyes darkened and she considered he’d spoken a falsehood, but she wouldn’t reproach him for it.
“When will you return them home?”
Heath continued to hold her, and she reveled in his touch. “We’ll get a night of rest and head out in the morn.”
“They’re young. Be patient with them on the journey.”
He set his hand along her jaw, his eyes alight with intensity. “They are mischievous lads to be sure. We cover ourselves with soot to blend in the night when on missions, and the lads made us wash to prove we weren’t clooties.” He laughed and she found herself smiling at his mirth. “On the way here, they put a huge worm in Brodin’s bedroll, untied Liam’s harness and took my bow. They didn’t bother Graeme one wee bit, but he’s been surly lately and they probably didn’t want to test him.”
“Is your friend perturbed because he has another child on the way? If that is so …”
He shook his head. “Nay, Sweetness. Graeme is overjoyed, but he worries for his wife. William is but a year and a half. I would say he feels guilt at begetting her with child again so soon. Kerrigan will bear it well. She’s a strong woman. He doesn’t give her enough praise.”
She tightened her hand on his. “I suppose he has reason then for being distressed. As soon as the lads finish their supper, I shall get them settled to sleep.”
“Lillia …”
She looked away from her brothers.
“You ken the Comyns will be wrathful now. I will take the lads to my da and tell him to relate the severity of the situation to your father.”
“Will the Comyns invade my home?”
He shook his head. “’Tis doubtful. Your father has called upon his allies. Most search for you as well. But your father’s lands and fief are protected.”
“When you relate the news, don’t tell your father or mine where I am. It will only bring trouble here and I will not have the ladies and children be harmed.”
“I agree. We won’t speak of you. If asked, we’ll deny knowledge of your whereabouts. The lads will need to be told to keep it a secret. Can they be trusted to do so?”
She bit on her lower lip before agreeing. “Aye, I’ll speak with them, but they are young and for them to keep such a secret would be troublesome for them.”
“You must stress the urgency that they not speak of you to anyone. The lads can sleep on my pallet. I’ll find somewhere else to sleep this night.”
Lillia nodded and set off to settle her brothers. “Miles, Macon, we’ll go to the stream and wash.” She almost laughed because they’d made the king’s guard wash and yet their faces reflected their affront at having to do so.
“Do we have to?” Macon asked.
“You certainly do.”
“Och I’m not dirty, Lillia, honest,” Miles said.
“Nevertheless, you will wash. And you are too dirty. Your faces are covered with filth.” Outside the cave, they scampered after her.
Once they were good and clean, she led them back to the cave. “You will both lie here and rest. If you move from this spot, I’ll have Da make you muck out the stables for a fortnight.”
Macon clasped her hand. “We won’t move. Lillia …?”
“Aye?” She pulled the covers back and motioned for them to get in.
“I was scared. Ye won’t tell Da will you?”
“I was scared, too,” Miles added. “He’s going to be ireful that we were afraid. ‘Cause you know why, he says a Hunter never fears.”