Page 20

It soon became an altered routine and Gwyn had definitely not planned it.

She never could have thought it would be true nor could she have ever asked for it to occur.

But then again, neither did Iver nor Donnan.

It was Durell who had begged for their presence behind the keep to continue.

And no one, at least any of those in attendance, could deny his pleading words nor his beseeching eyes.

The time upon the hillside for mother and son was to commence nearly each morn as it had for a long time in the past. The Lady Gwyn would go to their chosen place alone with Durell and together, they would ride.

At some time near the nooning hour and when the sun would near its apex, they would be joined by Iver and Donnan, if their duties elsewhere permitted.

Luckily for Durell, this seemed more often than not.

Because of this change, it was now rare that Gwyn would ever brandish her sword.

She now had no reason to when the two Highlanders would come and provide their expert guidance.

These two trained warriors were much more seasoned then she would ever be and had much more real life experience they could share.

Together, the four would sit upon the side of the hill and eat of the cheeses and dark loaves of bread that Gwyn had provided. Because Durell could usually not contain himself long, it was a quick meal before one or both of the men would begin their instruction.

Not only was Durell being trained in the use of a sword, but a bow was soon introduced. Gwyn could only watch in contentment as her son was being educated in the art of defense of himself and of his clan.

It was a fine day and nearly a fortnight later as the small group of four sat upon the ground while eating of the fare that Gwyn had prepared. As usual, it was Durell who was the impatient one as he rose and moved anxiously around them.

"Can I hold it, Iver?"

Iver looked quizzically up at the lad who was intently staring at the sword attached to his side. Smiling and understanding of his interest, he stood as he drew the sizeable weapon from within its sheath.

"I assume you mean this blade?"

Durell eagerly nodded his head in response to the question. Iver glanced down and knew it was considered a grand sword and was admired by many.

"This is a very treasured piece and is a family heirloom given to me by my father on my eighteenth birthday."

The handle was platinum in color and massive in size as the silvery shaft shone brilliantly in the afternoon sunshine. But Iver knew it was not the size nor the color that impressed the young one. It was the dazzling sapphire stone gracing its handle and the intricate carvings upon it.

As Iver knelt down beside the small lad, with both of his hands he cradled it before him so he could get a closer inspection. When his eyes lit up and a smile came to his face, he stood and moved his body behind the young lad.

"Here, I will allow you to feel of its weight."

Slowly, he took Durell's hands within his own and formed them around the base of the hilt and together they lifted it into the air. Iver knew the weight of the weapon was too great for the small lad to hold above his head for any length of time, but he wanted him to feel of it all the same.

"Some day when you become a man, you will be able to hold this on your own. To protect your own."

As they stood together with the blade held high, Iver glanced over his shoulder to the Lady Gwyn. Her face was radiant and the softness to her gaze left him spellbound. It was clear of the love and the pride she held for this child.

When Durell finally lost interest with standing stationary, it was Donnan who spoke next.

"I think, Durell, you may be ready. Come with me and let us walk into that stand of trees down at the base of the hill and see what we may find.

If we are lucky enough to come across some game and your arrow is true, perhaps we can supply your table with some meat.

I believe a hare or perhaps some venison would be appreciated.

Come, let us get started upon our trek."

"Oh, yes! Yes, yes, yes! Thank you!"

Gwyn could only smile at the excited reaction from Durell.

As she gazed at her eager son, she realized he had changed much in these last many days since the McColl had arrived.

And she could not have been more pleased at his transformation.

He was no longer the young and lonely lad he had been a mere few weeks before.

It seemed as if he had blossomed into a fine and confident young man and she could not have been more delighted.

"You must listen well, Durell, to everything Donnan says and you must mind him."

"You know I will, mother!"

As Gwyn sat upon the hillside watching the retreating backs of Donnan and her son, she realized for the first time since Iver had tended her wound, she was now alone with him.

Feeling a slight bit of nervousness for his presence, Gwyn closed her eyes to the warm sunshine as she breathed deeply in her attempt to quell the near edginess that threatened.

She silently chastised herself, knowing she was acting rather childish.

Iver gazed over at the blonde beauty as she lifted her face towards the warm sunshine.

As she stretched her chin upwards, he felt a unexpected heat inside.

He could not help staring when she arched her back and her generous breasts strained against the dress she wore.

He suddenly wished he could reach out and touch of her sweetness and capture her lips with his own.

'Christ, my lady, do you not understand how your actions affect me?'

Iver nearly groaned inside as he quickly moved his gaze elsewhere.

While he realized she was a very lovely woman and greatly appreciated her beauty, this was the wife of his uncle.

He had no right to think of her in this way, nor was she one he could ever hope to possess.

As he returned his gaze back to her, he realized if she were only to ask…

"Come, my lady."

Gwyn opened her eyes and found Iver standing above her, with his hand extended and a soft smile upon his face. As she reached upwards and allowed him to assist her in rising, he spoke once again and with the same excitement as had her son.

"Let us walk a short while. The day is rather fair and I fear I am a bit restless."

As they moved down the hill and in the same direction Donnan had taken, they soon found themselves at the border of the large forest. Gwyn entered tentatively and turned to speak in hushed tones.

"We best be careful and stay only at its edge especially since I do not wish to be anywhere near my son's arrow."

Gwyn smiled sweetly imagining the unpredictability of her son's draw. Iver smiled back in complete understanding.

"Nor do I wish to disrupt any chances he has for his first kill. I could never live with myself if it were deemed my fault he missed his first opportunity."

Gwyn smiled as Iver continued.

"I remember that time well from my youth. I think all young lads do. Presenting that first kill to your laird, demonstrating you can provide for your family is a monumental milestone. It is one of many on the quest for passage into manhood."

"I do understand the importance and want that so much for Durell."

As Gwyn leaned her back against a large oak, she drew in a contented breath feeling of the gentle breeze and the soothing warmth of the day.

With a sudden realization, she understood it had been years since she had felt such a sense of calm in her life.

And she owed this man before her so very much for this gift.

"I must thank you, Iver. You and Donnan have been exceedingly patient with Durell. I have tried to raise him the best I know how and teach him the skills he will need as he grows into a man."

With a wry smile, she gently rubbed her arm that had been injured as she looked up into the most fascinating blue eyes she had ever had the chance to gaze upon. When he smiled gently yet remained silent, she continued on meekly.

"But as you witnessed first hand, he needs so much more than what I can teach him. The time the two of you spend with him has made such a difference in his young life. He is happier and more content then he has ever been. And for that, I am deeply indebted to you."

Iver watched the emotions as they transitioned gently over the Lady Gwyn's face and it clearly marked her gratitude.

He also realized there was such a sadness that always seemed present within her eyes.

He wished he had the power to erase away her clear pain.

Without really considering his words, he spoke a question that had been upon his mind since the first day he had arrived and confirmed many times since.

"Why will the Laird Errol not train his own son?"

Gwyn swallowed uncomfortably as she quickly averted her gaze while attempting to think upon her response. Never before had she needed to voice any lies. This had always been the way of things and no one had ever questioned it before. Or at least not in her presence.

"The laird is so extremely busy with the affairs of the Chattan holdings and they keep him quite occupied. The laird does what he can, when time permits."

Gwyn was suddenly aware she had lowered her gaze and was now twisting her fingers before her.

She also realized the Highlander standing so near to her would believe none of her untruths.

She suddenly found it pained her she could not confide in him.

She could never reveal any of her secrets because her duty to her father and the MacLaren always came first. She had not worked this hard for close to ten years to throw it all away, regardless of the heavy emotions this one before her incited.