Page 63 of Fearless Heart
ChapterNineteen
Disheartened and dismayed, Lillia rode beside Heath. She blamed herself for their fleeing the caves. If only she could go back and wed the Sinclair, these good people wouldn’t have to leave their home or be endangered by the king’s men.
Their procession stopped to rest by a stream. Lillia knew where they headed and didn’t have to ask. She sat quietly, stewing in her angst at Heath’s aloof manner. Poor Annag, as aged as she was, packed her belongings and declared she was ready for an adventure. This was no adventure. It was the daunting result of her actions.
Why the guard decided to leave Gilroy behind concerned her. The lad shouldn’t be left on his own, but the guard insisted he keep watch of the caves and be abreast of news from the friar. Such a task endangered the lad because he would have to get word to them if James visited the caves or if the Comyns were seen in the village. Lillia worried for Gilroy being alone in such a desolate place or possibly being followed if he came with apprises.
They traveled with two carts which contained their goods and possessions. Kerrigan drove one cart with Annag and William safely resting in the back, and Makenna with Darcy and her in the other. All readied to continue the journey.
“Come, we’ll reach home by nightfall.”
Lillia gazed at Heath and unfolded her hands. “Are you certain your da will welcome us?”
Heath grinned. “Aye, he will. Cease your worry.”
“I cannot help but worry. What if James comes? What if he searches for us at your father’s keep? What if the king sends his men to seize you and your friends? I wish you’d left me at the king’s fief for we’re all in peril now.”
Heath helped her to stand. “Lillia … Sweetness, you don’t ken our oath to each other. We’ve sworn to stand by one another regardless of the danger. When one of us needs aid, we’re all in support. It’s the way it’s always been since the day we joined the Bruce’s service and were placed in the same unit.”
“Your vow doesn’t include me. You shouldn’t have come for me. Aye, you should have left me there and none of you would be taking this journey.”
Heath pulled her into his embrace. “Your concern is for naught. We shall be safe on my father’s lands. Once the threat subsides, we’ll return to the caves.”
“It’s your home.”
He shook his head. “Nay, my home is yonder on Fraser land. Graeme’s home is on Cameron land, and Liam has his clan as does Brodin. The caves are a temporary refuge. We knew the day would come when we’d have to leave.”
“I detest being the cause. They’ll abhor me now.”
Heath took her hand. “None abhor you. Honest to God, Lillia, will you not listen?”
“I heard every word you spoke. Still, if I were your comrades, I would—”
“You are not they, and they would do all within their power to ensure our women are safe. That includes you, Sweetness.”
Lillia lowered her gaze, humbled by his words. “We’re close. If your father doesn’t allow us to reside within the walls, I will—”
Heath gripped her shoulders. “If I wasn’t so irked with you, I’d kiss you. You’ll do nothing, lass, for I tell you he will support us. He always has. My da has been privy to our secrets since the battle at Methven. He’s never spoken of us to anyone and he certainly won’t open his gate to the king’s soldiers or any knave akin to James that comes.”
“By all that is holy, the king shall besiege us and we’ll starve to death for he’ll await until the end of time before he gives up his search of me. We’re doomed.”
Her husband had the gall to chuckle. “I doubt that. My da has enough stores to last for years. He’s always been precautious. Now come along and cease your arguments.”
They reached the horses and Lillia didn’t feel appeased. She still was ireful that they wouldn’t leave well enough alone and her to her fate. The ride throughout the afternoon progressed slowly. Dusk appeared and shadowed the trail. By the time they reached Fraser land, night fell. Two torches sat beside the gate, the flame high and lit the area well.
At the gatehouse, many sentry stood guard. Lillia was relieved by their presence. If the walls were guarded with as much command, they might be safe. Although she knew not how large was the king’s army. If he tracked them, all the Frasers and the king’s guard would be endangered. They seemed not to take the threat seriously which brought forth more unease. Lillia discerned the king’s mood when she’d met him, and she suspected their sovereign would do all within his power to retain his kingdom.
Heath rode ahead and spoke to the men. Soon after, the gate rose and their progression proceeded. At the main building, Heath bid them to go inside the great hall. The large hearth was welcomed warmth. Lillia grew chilled from the crisp night air. She saw Heath leave the hall, but she waited by the hearth with the king’s guard, women, and children.
Only a few servants sat about the hall. None ever slept inside the keep, for Heath’s parents forbade the soldiers to sleep inside the laird’s living quarters. Most of the sentry slept in the garrison or in cottages with their families. The servants were given lodging within the main keep if needed, but otherwise, they too stayed in cottages.
Heath took long in returning. When he reappeared, his face reflected a sadness she’d never seen of him. Yet she refrained from asking what caused his melancholy.
“My da bids all welcome. You may all rest here in the hall this night and on the morrow, we shall find you cottages. My da tells me there are a few vacated we can use whilst we stay here.”
The king’s guard nodded and immediately set out to get their family situated about the hall. They were too tired to care, to eat, or to argue. Bedrolls were placed and all settled in for the night, except for Heath. He knelt by the hearth and banked the fire. Graeme, Brodin, and Liam joined him and they spoke briefly before joining their wives for the night’s rest.
She waited for the men to step away before she approached him. “Heath …” she set a hand on his shoulder.