“Have you nothing to say to me?”
“I’m displeased. You risked our lives when I told ye to not to. Mostly I’m discerning why you would put yourself in such danger and travel that distance alone.”
Emlyn backed up and scowled at him. “What else was I supposed to do? Leave you to be killed in that perilous place? I had to get you out of there, James, and if you’re angry—”
“How did you escape Marshall? I heard the men speak his name and knew that’s where they were taking us. Tell me you did not kill him.” James moaned, knowing if she’d harmed the man an entire army could be breathing down their necks.
“I played coy. You remember how I dressed at my farewell celebration?” Emlyn leaned closer and set her hand on his chest. “I did so to please my mother for she always harped at me about how a princess should conduct herself.”
James grinned. “So you dressed as a princess and pretended to be coy?”
Her eyes shone with her devilry. “Oh aye, and you can imagine how disappointed Marshall was when he was met with a princess and not a warrior. My father mentioned that the only reason he’d wanted me was because of a traitor who told him of my feats.”
“And he let you go without any corollary?” James wanted to laugh, for his lass was a wily one and only she would be brave enough to trick the renowned knight.
“I didn’t give him time to do so. He had to leave for a meeting with the king and told me to make myself comfortable. I deem he meant I wasn’t to be held so I … I left. I found you and used deceit to get the guard to help me.”
He chuckled low. “It seems I owe you my life again. I am forever in debt to you, Emlyn. And what shall be my forfeit?”
“When you are better we shall discuss it.” Her smile turned sensuously teasing.
“I hate to break this up, but I’m sure James could do with some food.” His mother’s eyes shone with mirth. “Emlyn, I’m sure you can see to him.” She turned and left the cottage.
“I am ravenous.”
Emlyn started to hand-feed him, but he was wont to do it himself. He tried to pull his good arm free, alas he was unable to.
“Unbind me. I need to move.”
She frowned and knelt next to the bedding. “I cannot. You’ll move and undo all the tender care we’ve done.”
James flashed a grin. “Then you won’t mind scratching my balls? Because honestly, lass, I hate being bound more than anything.”
She laughed. “You are verily crude when you’re recovering. Very well, I shall unbind your one arm, but you must promise to remain still.” Emlyn unlatched the strap holding his arms in place.
James stretched his arms over his head. “My arm hurts nary as much as my leg. God if feels good to move. Hand me that cup.”
She did as he bade and refilled it before placing it in his hand. James chugged the contents hoping to abate his thirst.
“Emlyn, lovely, I am at a loss for words. You are a cunning woman, och I am still wrath you placed yourself in danger to save me.”
Her eyes lowered and she reached for his hand. “When I saw what they did to you, I couldn’t leave you there. And you saved me by trying to keep me from Marshall. I say we are even.” She reached for the trencher. “Open your mouth.”
James chuckled and took the spoon from her. “I can feed myself, lass, and if I weren’t in such a deplorable position, I’d have you sprawled on your back.”
“Promises. I shall remember you said that. Now sate your hunger and you’ll feel better.” She held the bowl for him.
James made quick progress at finishing the stew and bread. His stomach hurt from eating so fast. He relaxed back and watched her as she moved about the cottage. His eyes became heavy and he was wont to close them.
But his father entered the cottage and stood next to his bed. Emlyn moved aside and pretended to clean up the chamber.
“Lad, your ma tells me you’re awake.”
James didn’t like being in the position he was in. He tried to shift himself so he could look his father in the eyes. When he had trouble, Joseph moved in. He unbound him completely and lifted him by the underarms to help him sit up.
“Don’t tell your ma I unbound ye. She’ll harp at me all eve. Just stay still. How do you feel?” Joseph poured a drink from a flask he held and offered it to him. “It’s a mite harsh, lad, a brew that will dull your pain more so than that watered-down ale or herbs your ma concocts.”
“Nay. The last time I was offered such a drink, I did something I’ve come to …” James closed his mouth for he wouldn’t insult Emlyn, especially given she stood closely and could hear everything he said. “Will ye give us a few minutes, Emlyn?”
She left without argument.
“Your woman explained things to me and I … I am proud of the man you’ve become, James. I understand why ye want to be a guardsman, especially when you’ve company such as her. She’s stunningly beautiful. I haven’t seen such a bonny lass in years, besides your mother, that is.”
James nodded, but remained silent. He wasn’t sure what she’d told him and decided he’d leave that between them. “My back hurts a wee bit and my leg, a lot of bit.”
“I’ll have your ma bring salve to put on your back. How’s your arm?” His father swigged the drink and took the chair next to the bed.
“My arm’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Just bruised, mayhap. I was going to come,” James said, the last in a rushed out breath.
“Emlyn told me as much. I believe ye. I’m gladdened because I didn’t want more time to pass between us without making amends. You will allow me to make amends?”
James nodded slowly. “I was angered and I … I do wish to know my family but I cannot break my vow to my laird. I promised to stand by him and protect his family. I do not take my duty lightly.”
“I expect not. I admire your fortitude.”
His father continued to sip the drink and James almost gave in and asked for some. For he could use a drink, something strong to dull the pain.
“I thought you wanted me to take over the farmstead.”
“I did, if ye wanted to. But your brothers can do well without you. I expect ye to come and see us from time to time.”
“I’ve brothers? Were you going to speak of them to me?”
Joseph guffawed. “Of course. I was waiting for you to come. I’ll bring them by later so you may meet them. The older is named Mikal after my brother and the younger is called Donal.”
“You named them after our laird and Laird Ross?” James was astounded by his father’s honorable gesture.
“Aye, they were my comrades and Laird Ross is still is my comrade.” His father set his flask down and leaned forward. “I’m ashamed of what I did, James, and I tried to make penance for it. I deem Mikal forgave me in the end. I admit my sin of greed. The lairdship was dangled before my nose and I did the worse thing imaginable.”
“Da, you don’t need to explain. Grey told me of Laird Mikal’s last words and you were encouraged to be vindictive. I would that the clan understands and will have Grey make sure they do.”
“I only cared what you thought, lad, and that is why I stayed away until that day I went to the keep to confront you. I didn’t know what you were told and alas some of it I am guilty of. But I digress …”
James nodded. “Aye, we should leave it in the past. As long as you understand I will keep my vow and will remain a guardsman.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
*****
A blanket of white carpeted the ground. His horse ran at him at break-neck speed and stopped before the wood fencing of the corral. James leaned against the beam and watched his steed. How he wished he could ride him again. But his horse looked aged and he knew his loyal steed would soon be gone. He couldn’t bring himself to put him to rest as he should and allowed him the past two months to live free of burden.