Page 44 of Fearless Heart
Chapter Thirteen
Lillia listened intently as Gilroy explained his duties. She’d never been allowed near the stables at home and was fascinated at the extent of the animal’s upkeep.
“M’lords keep good care of their steeds. They insist they be looked over at least once a day.”
“Looked over for what?” She sat upon a wooden trunk which held the tools of Gilroy’s trade: shoes, old harnesses, currycombs, and buckles. Behind her stood the sickle used for cutting high grasses he fed to the beasts, and a pitchfork he used to clean out the stalls.
He explained with patience what the items were and their use. “We check to ensure they didn’t incur injury when last out, their hooves are free of debris, and their coats free of pests. M’lords paid an excessive price for their horses and they take pride in owning them.”
“Mayhap they are a mite obsessed? They’re just horses used to get from one place to another.” She laughed at her jest. “Can I be of help? I wish to learn.”
“A horse is the most important thing a knight or soldier possesses. The horses are of great value, m’lady. Without them, they couldn’t travel or take part in some of the battles where mainly horses are used. Aye, come, I’ll show you what to do.” He handed her a currycomb, a dull-bladed instrument used for cleaning the horse’s coat. “Brush along his coat in the same path to smooth it.”
Lillia did as he directed and she was gladdened for the chores. She’d hoped he would occupy her so she wouldn’t continually think of her brother’s trek home. Not only was her brother’s journey on her mind, but she missed Heath and hoped he returned soon.
“Someone comes. Get behind the stall, m’lady.” Gilroy reached for a pitchfork and stood at the ready.
She dropped the brush and hastened behind the stall. The king’s guard came and their voices filled with mirth as they entered.
Gilroy was about to greet them, but she pulled him back and gestured to him to be quiet. The men led their steeds into the stalls.
Liam laughed and rounded his horse. “Best go see to the chore, Heath. There’s no reason to dally. The longer you do, the more fearsome you’ll be.”
The rest of the men laughed. Lillia wanted to hear what they found comical and what Heath was fearful of and placed a finger on her lips to indicate Gilroy keep quiet.
Brodin chuckled. “Aye, might as well get the noose fastened nice tight whilst you can.”
Graeme smirked and Lillia raised both brows in wonderment for their leader wasn’t one to laugh openly. What chore did they refer to? Perplexed, she continued to listen.
Graeme said, “If ye ask me the lass is fortunate if you wed her. It’s better than being ill-treated by the Comyns or imprisoned by Robert.”
Brodin scoffed. “Your hands will never be free again, Heath, once their tied. At least you somewhat like her.”
Liam snorted a laugh. “Aye, but she’s more akin to a sister than a sweetheart.”
Graeme bellowed a laugh. “He wasn’t acting brotherly when I found him naked in your cave, Liam. Nay, she’s his sweetheart all right.”
Heath threw up his hands. “Enough jesting. Lillia is as far from a sister as can be. She’ll agree to wed me. Damnation, she better.”
The ossuary became quiet as they left. Lillia rose and watched their exit. She pursed her lips and found their banter distasteful, it certainly left her mouth dry. He wanted to wed her … for all the wrong reasons.
“M’lady, go. I’ll see to the horses.”
She did as Gilroy requested and ventured out of the ossuary, but she stayed away from the main cave. Avoiding Heath was foremost in her mind, especially since she wasn’t ready to face him with her answer.
After a good tromping about, it became too cold to stay outside. Lillia forgot to bring a shawl or anything to keep warm. She hadn’t intended to stay out in the cold for long. Avoiding Heath took longer than she’d hoped. What did she expect? Him to leave the caves again?
She peered ahead and noticed him watching her from the cave entrance. He stood near the thick vines that protected the entry from wind, leaning casually against the rock with his arms folded. He didn’t appear angry or pleased.
Lillia drew a resigned breath and approached. “Heath, you returned. Did my brothers arrive safely and unharmed?”
“They did. Your father was at my keep when we arrived and he took them home straightaway. Where were you? I’ve been home for hours. Gilroy said you went for a walk. I was about to come after you.”
“Aye, that’s what I was doing. I do like to walk about the meadow. Has Mistress Annag prepared supper? I’m famished.” She tried to move past him, but he blocked her entry.
“It’s on the table. Everyone ate already, but she saved you a trencher. Are you avoiding me?” He frowned as if he found his question displeasing.
She shook her head and hurried past him in her haste to get to the table. All sat about the cave, quietly conversing. Lillia wouldn’t look one of them in the eye. She sat and pulled the trencher forward, taking a moment to smell the delicious fare Annag made.