Page 59 of Fearless Heart
ChapterEighteen
The sky lightened enough and the sun almost made its appearance. Heath finished training with his fellow-guardsmen near dawn and exhausted every muscle in his body. He worked hard throughout the night on fighting tactics he wanted to try. Sooner or later the king would take to battle again and they vowed to be ready to protect him.
Even now with James’ threat, Heath would keep his vow to the king. If Robert found out about their so-called support these past years, would he still hold them as treasonous? Heath wasn’t certain, but he couldn’t risk his well-being. He was gladdened James left the eve before. Although now that he thought about it, his comrade departed rather quickly. He hadn’t tried to speak with Lillia during supper or demand she go with him. James left without word. His suspicious mind reeled with wonderment, for he was positive James was up to no good.
As he entered the main cave, he stopped at the table and poured a large cup of water. He drank down the refreshing liquid hastily and decided to get a few hours rest. His gaze wandered to the screen where his bed sat and he might even get a few kisses from his wife before he sought his slumber.
Heath stopped short when he stepped beyond the screen. Lillia wasn’t in bed. He turned and peered about the large cavern and didn’t see her about. Annag had awakened and readied the morning fare.
“Mistress, have you seen Lillia this morn?”
“Oh, not this morn, nay. I only just woke. Shall I help you search for her?”
He shook his head. “She’s probably gone to the stream to wash. I’ll fetch her.” Heath left the main cave and trudged off in search of his wife.
After looking for her for nearly an hour, he realized she was gone. James. That blighter took her. He should’ve suspected something amiss when his comrade accepted their assertion that Lillia remain with them. How did he take her? Had he returned when they were training? Heath’s body tensed at that thought. If James harmed Lillia he wouldn’t live very long to speak of it. Unlike Graeme, he wouldn’t be so forgiving. Although, it took Graeme a good two years to get over James’ misconduct of Kerrigan, he eventually excused him.
Heath entered the main cave and called to Graeme, shouted more like. Brodin bemoaned being awakened by his shouts and rolled off his bed pallet.
“What goes?”
His voice bellowed again, “Graeme, wake for I have distressing news.”
Graeme barged out of the antechamber. “What is the meaning of waking me? God Almighty, I’ve only just gone to sleep.”
“Lillia is gone.”
His comrade ceased walking in mid-stride. “Gone? Are you certain?”
Brodin scoffed. “He should know if his wife is missing. I’ll get the horses ready and fetch Liam. We should head out and catch up with James. He cannot be afar.”
Graeme shook his head. “James rides like the devil trails him. I’d say he’s made ground. He didn’t mention where the king winters. Wait, did he not say Turnbury?”
“There is someone who knows.” Heath retrieved his weapons from the trunk along the wall. “The friar. I detest the amount of time we’ll waste in going to him, but we must be assured of where James hailed to.”
Brodin had their horses ready when they ventured outside. It took a short time to ride to the abbey and speak with the friar.
Friar Hemm waved to them as they approached the entrance. “I must apologize profusely for telling James of Lillia’s whereabouts. My only excuse … the knave threatened me and ye ken I am not one to take to fisticuffs or arms.”
“Worry not, Friar, but we must find James. Where does the king winter?”
The friar nodded, and bid them to enter. He shut the door against the hearty wind. “He was at Dumbarton of late, but I was told he would soon leave for Turnbury. He has yet to leave Dumbarton for I would’ve heard from my brothers of the king’s travels.”
Graeme, Brodin, and Liam bowed their heads to Hemm as they left the abbey.
Heath set a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “James has taken Lillia to the king. But we shall find her.”
“Glory be, it is my fault.” Hemm crossed himself and when he looked up his eyes shone. “I shall pray for the lass, that she returns to you safe and well.”
“It’s not your fault, Friar, but aye, she will return to me. That I vow.” Heath joined his comrades, who stood in the muddy thoroughfare before the stables and retrieved their horses.
On the road again, Heath sat upon his horse, infuriated by the entire affair. James was a knave and he should’ve been prepared for his deceit. He’d let his guard down and guilt plagued him as much as his wrath. He couldn’t cease thinking of Lillia and hoped she fared well through the ordeal. They would rescue her from James and then Heath would have to consider hiding her somewhere the king, the Comyns, or James wouldn’t find her.
He loved her. It was high time he admitted it to himself. Aye, he loved her with his entire being. That thought astounded him for he was willing to give up everything he’d ever aspired to for her. For Lillia, he’d find another way to serve God, to appease his vow to the king, to keep his pledge to his comrades, to reclaim his clan.
“You’re being thoughtful. What are ye pondering?” Graeme sidled next to him.
“Just that I’m in the same way you were when we went after Kerrigan after James took her. Remember when ye finally admitted that you loved the lass?”