Page 16 of To Tame a Wolf

When Kat was released, no one spoke or said goodbye. She rode out of the courtyard with her head held high and her face stoic, masking the mental and physical pain she had to be feeling. There were no tears. Alexandra’s heart filled with sorrow and pride for her new friend.

The Campbell laird sent them on their way with supplies, and two good horses, as a gift to the McGregor. He did not send any men to escort them as he said he doubted they’d return alive, and he needed every man he had.

Alexandra had no idea which direction to take, so Kat took the lead. They galloped away from the stronghold, and as soon as they were well out of sight, they slowed their pace to a canter. It was obvious to Alexandra the horse’s movements were causing her friend extreme discomfort. Pain was etched on her face, and she grimaced as the horse shifted beneath her.

“Why don’t we stop so I can change your bandages?”

“We are going to be traveling in the dark as it is. I can make it,” Kat said.

Alexandra nodded. She’d make sure those bandages were changed as soon as they were safe within the McGregor keep. She couldn’t wait to see Ian. It seemed as if weeks had passed instead of a day and a half. What was he thinking? What was he doing? Did he think Niles was behind her kidnapping as she had, or was he on his way to the Campbell stronghold? Maybe they would cross paths. Her thoughts drifted to the babe growing within her.

****

The anticipation of getting back to Ian made the journey seem unbearably long. Darkness descended hours ago, and their progress slowed. At every clearing, Kat gazed at the stars and adjusted their direction accordingly. Alexandra had full confidence in her abilities, but as the day progressed, she watched the strength drain from the woman. Alexandra prayed Kat would stay conscious. Surely the McGregor stronghold was not much farther.

Finally, Alexandra saw the moonlight reflect off the lake by the keep. They were on the opposite side and would have to ride around it, but at least she knew where they were.

“We’re here!” she exclaimed, “I can lead the way. It’s just beyond the lake.”

Kat’s shoulders and head dropped at the news. “Thank God,” she said, and slumped even farther over the horse until her head rested alongside its mane.

As the women approached the keep, Alexandra noticed the gate to the village wall was closed. She continuously called out as she got closer, “It is I, Alexandra.” It would be a real shame to get shot by her own clan after all she’d been through. When she was right in front of the gate and she could be clearly seen, the gate opened and they entered. Immediately, a group of warriors surrounded them. Her eyes scanned over them looking for the McGregor. Where was he? She thought she saw him parting the gathering crowd, but as the figure drew closer she saw it was James.

“Welcome home,” James said and helped her to dismount, “We have much to discuss.” James’s attention turned to Kat still slumped over her horse.

“I should have guessed the Campbells had something to do with this,” he said with contempt in his voice and grabbed Kat’s arm before Alexandra could stop him.

Kat awoke instantly on guard. Alexandra watched in horror as Kat kicked James hard under his jaw-line, snapping his head back. They all watched as he fell backward to the ground like a cut tree.

Several things happened at once. Clan members drew weapons and pushed forward. Alexandra screamed, “No. No. No! Don’t hurt her!” She lifted her arms high and threw herself in front of Kat.

“Her?” James yelled, “What the…?” He rose to his feet rubbing his jaw and moving it side to side. He glared at Kat and she glared back at him. Several people stifled chuckles until someone yelled out, “It’s not often you’re bested by a man, let alone a wisp of a woman,” and then the rest of the crowd joined in the laughter.

“Please. She’s my friend and she’s hurt. We need to get her inside,” Alexandra explained as Kat slid from her horse. “Where’s Ian?”

“We’ll talk as soon as you get her settled,” James replied.

****

Alexandra took Kat’s hand and pulled her into the keep’s main hall where more clan members, mostly women, surrounded and greeted her. Debra was one of the first to step forward.

“I had no idea an ambush was waiting for us. Poor Robert is dead,” Debra sniffled.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Alexandra squeezed her hand, noting the woman’s battered face.

Maddie rushed forward and gave her a hug. “Thank God you are okay. We were so worried.”

“I’m fine. I just need to see to my new friend’s wounds. Can you please bring some hot soapy water and fresh bandages? I will introduce you all to her later,” Alexandra said and pushed her way through the gathered women. She led Kat to her and Ian’s bedchamber and had her lie down while they waited for Maddie.

“Who was the red-haired woman with the bruised face?” Kat asked.

“Debra McCaw. I was at her home when I was abducted.”

“You were betrayed by a red-haired woman. I did not see her. I only heard about her later. She came to my laird with a plan for us to kidnap and ransom you. There’s something about this woman—” Kat stopped when Maddie entered the room with supplies.

Alexandra instructed the girl to soak Kat’s bindings with hot soapy water before removing them. She quickly mixed together the healing paste and told Maddie how to apply it.

“I am sorry to leave you, but you are in good hands. I must find out what’s happened to the McGregor. We will talk more when I return,” she said anxiously, bending to give Kat’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Go,” Kat mumbled into the pillow, already fading into sleep.

Alexandra knew Kat wouldn’t be sleeping for long, once those bandages were removed, but she hoped the pain would be more tolerable this time. Hurrying down the steps, she saw James watching and waiting from their usual table. The hall was deserted other than for a few servants cleaning up.

“Ian?” she asked and slid into the chair across from him.

“He has taken most of our warriors, and he’s headed after Niles.”

“But it was the Campbell who took me.”

“We found evidence of a Sullivan tartan at Robert’s cabin, and we followed a trail leading south toward Niles. Ian and our warriors left this morning at dawn. He instructed me to stay behind to defend our home in case Niles and Sullivan have set a trap. One of Ian’s couriers arrived back here at dusk with news. Scouts sent ahead reported back that Niles and a large army are on the move, headed north toward us. My men and I will leave at daybreak to join Ian.

Alexandra was so confused. She covered her face with her hands and said, “This is like a chess game I can’t comprehend!”

The only thing she clearly understood was that Ian was in danger. Fear grabbed and squeezed her heart. She couldn’t breathe and the room started to spin. Putting her head between her legs, she tried to keep from passing out.

James knelt by her and put his hand over her trembling shoulder. “There is no better leader than the Wolf. Our men are each worth ten of theirs. This will all be over soon,” he said with confidence. There was no worry in his voice.

“I do need to hear how the Campbells are involved,” he said and moved back to his seat.

She took several more breaths and lifted her head to detail everything she remembered about her abduction and what she’d seen or heard at the Campbell stronghold. When she spoke of learning Kat was the Campbell laird’s daughter and of how terribly the woman had been treated, James said nothing, but she saw his eyes harden. She didn’t know if it was because he was still angry at being kicked or if it was due to Kat’s treatment at the hand of her father.

After answering all his questions, Alexandra went to check on Kat, and James left to get a few hours’ sleep before he had to set out in the morning with his warriors.

Maddie had just finished changing Kat’s bandages and was cleaning up when Alexandra returned. Kat was awake and lying on her stomach, but she was not crying. The strength and self-control of this woman simply amazed Alexandra. She thanked Maddie for her help and arranged for a permanent room to be prepared in the morning for her new friend.

Alexandra sat down on the bed next to Kat. “Back to Debra, you think she is involved somehow?”

“There is something about her demeanor I don’t trust. Warning prickles crawled down my spine as she talked to you. I know that sounds silly, but I’ve grown use to observing people since I’m usually left out and avoided. I’ve learned to trust my instincts. I’m not saying she did it, but she bears watching.”

“We did get off to a poor start. She sent me some hateful looks, but I’d thought we moved past that and were heading toward friendship. And there are many red-headed women here, including Maddie who I adore.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Kat said, “Just watch your back around her, okay?”

“I will. Try to get some rest now.” Alexandra smothered the candle. “I have too many thoughts chasing around in my head to sleep.” She curled up in the chair next to the window and looked out into the darkness. She spent the night pleading with God for her husband’s safe return.

In the pre-dawn light, she watched from the window as the men gathered below. The sound of warriors and horses woke Kat, and she stirred and propped herself up. “Have you been up all night?”

“Most of it. I nodded off several times. I hate this waiting and worrying. What if I never see him again? What if he never knows about the babe I carry? Surely, God will have mercy?” Her eyes teared up before she added with building anger, “Is this a woman’s lot in life? To wait for news of life or death? To do nothing to help the man she loves, but sit and pray?”

“Does your God not allow action?”

Alexandra looked at her puzzled.

Throwing back blankets, Kat slowly sat up and simply said, “Let’s follow.”

Alexandra stared at her in astonishment.

Kat shrugged and started to dress. “Why not? No man rules me. I doubt if they’d let us join them, but they can’t keep us from following.”

“Are you sure you’re well enough?” Alexandra asked, holding back hope, “I know I should not let you, but I wholeheartedly want to go.”

Kat smiled, “I don’t want to miss this myself.”

They dressed and gathered supplies while they waited for the men to leave. Alexandra grabbed her bow and handed Kat her dagger.

Kat wryly stared at the small blade and said, “It’s better than nothing, I suppose. My own weapons were not returned to me.”

The women watched from the window and waited until the warriors left before heading to the stables. Readying the horses they’d ridden the night before, they were soon on the trail. It wasn’t hard to follow and Alexandra probably could have tracked it herself, but she was very glad to have Kat by her side.

For the rest of the day, they pushed their horses, stopping only to rest and water them as needed. By late evening, the McGregor warriors finally stopped and set up camp. The women slept rolled in blankets on the ground within sight of the warriors’ campfires. Alexandra was exhausted from all the riding and the stress of the last few days. She did not expect to get much sleep on the hard, cold ground. Surprisingly, once her eyes closed, she remembered nothing until Kat shook her awake before dawn to tell her the warriors were already on the move.

By midafternoon the next day, James and his men caught up with the rest of the McGregor fighters, but they didn’t stay long. James’s group pushed on under cover of the forest. Perhaps, she wondered, to attack from the rear?

Kat stopped and positioned them on a ridge with the forest at their backs and a clear view of the valley and meadow before them. The McGregor warriors were spread out at the north end and faced off against Niles and Sullivan to the south. Alexandra easily recognized the McGregor, riding back and forth on his black stallion in front of his men. She heard his voice yelling instructions, but the wind carried his words away before they reached her. He bent to accept a white flag from one of his men, and galloped alone to the center of the meadow between the two armies.

“What is he doing?” Alexandra anxiously looked at Kat.

“It looks like he is asking for a parlay. He wants to talk to the other leaders.”

As Alexandra watched, she saw Niles, accompanied by guards, trotting out on their horses to face the McGregor.

****

Niles was extremely disappointed he had not been able to ambush the McGregor clan with a surprise advance on them. Who had tipped them off? Oh well, he obviously had three times as many men as the McGregor. It should be a simple enough victory, and then he’d bring back that bitch, Alexandra. He wished he could make sure she died in his attempted ‘rescue,’ but she was worth far too much money. Better to let the Sullivan kill her slowly, he thought and smiled.

The McGregor unexpectedly took the field, and Niles was curious as to what he had to say. Perhaps so outnumbered, the man was willing to concede victory and offer compensation. Niles ordered his inner guard to accompany him. With anticipation, he rode out to meet the McGregor.

“Give me Alexandra,” the McGregor demanded, “and you can take me as prisoner in her place.”

Niles was taken aback, both by the intimidating stature of the large man up close on his beast of a horse, and by the words that came out of the man’s mouth. Careful to conceal his astonishment, he quickly calculated his options. He thinks I have her! Where is Alexandra?

“Alexandra is my ward. It is my duty to protect her,” he answered smugly.

“She is my wife!” the McGregor shouted, eyes flashing, “So she is of no use to you now.”

Niles was speechless. The possibility hadn’t occurred to him. Furious at being outwitted, he stalled several moments to consider his choices before he accepted the offer.

“Send Alexandra over first,” the McGregor ordered.

“No,” Niles said coldly.

The McGregor started to dismount when both men spotted movement on the ridge. A horse and rider charged down it straight between the two armies. The rider was small. Gold hair billowed like a flag behind her.

****

Alexandra saw the McGregor draw his sword while Niles’s inner guard surrounded him and attacked from all sides. Please God , protect him! She crouched low over her horse’s mane and urged him to fly. Niles maneuvered his horse behind the McGregor and lifted his sword over his head with both hands, ready to plunge it into the McGregor’s back.

With no time to spare, she charged her horse into Niles’s steed. The two horses collided and time slowed. Piercing sounds of her screams combined with the horses’ high-pitched squeals as horses and riders rolled in a ball of horseflesh and hooves.

Alexandra felt herself sailing through the air and instinctively tucked her head. A hoof skimmed her cheek, and she landed with a teeth-jarring thud onto her back. She couldn’t breathe. Was the McGregor okay? Where was Niles? She started to panic and willed air back into her lungs so she could move.

Niles’s face loomed above hers, and she struggled to rise. He knocked her back down and straddled her. Blood dripped from a wound on his forehead. He snarled and gripped her throat in his hands. With eyes wide with hate, he cursed her. Spittle dropped in her face as he squeezed her throat. She clawed at his hands but she couldn’t loosen his grip or pry his fingers away. She went for his eyes, but his arms were too long and he pulled his head out of reach. Her vision started to fade. She feared she was going to die… But did the McGregor live?

Suddenly, Niles was gone. Or at least his head was. Was she seeing things? She rasped in air as his headless body dropped to her side. The McGregor’s frowning face appeared over hers, and she felt herself lifted to her feet. Tears of relief streamed down her face, and she grabbed him tightly. She never wanted to let him go.

They stood holding each other, ignoring the wave of clan warriors who ran around and past, screaming blood-curdling war cries. The moment the McGregor had pulled his sword, his warriors had charged toward their foes. Having witnessed their leader’s beheading, the enemy fought only moments before retreating straight into James’s army.

“Thank God, you are okay,” Ian said in her ear, before kissing her. Holding her face in his hands, he asked, “Woman, you scared the life out of me. When are you going to start staying out of danger?”

She looked up into his dark eyes and her words tumbled out hoarsely. “I had to see you. I had to tell you that I love you. What if something had happened and I never got to speak those words?” Tears of joy ran down her face. She was so happy he was alive. “I am so sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”

“Aye, you are trouble! I didn’t want to give you my heart, but you have stolen it from me. It’s because of who you are that I love you. You are a most courageous woman, one who risks her life for others. A laird could not ask for a better wife. I am proud of you, and I wouldn’t want you to be any other way,” he said and kissed her again.

It took a moment for his words to sink in. He was saying he loved her! He really loved her! Tears began flowing in earnest now, and she couldn’t control them. She laughed at herself for laughing and crying at the same time. The McGregor laughed with her and grabbed her around the waist to lift her high in the air, only to release and catch her, pulling her close for a long, passionate kiss.