Page 144 of Laird of Flint
Riding away from Darragh through the woods on a stolen horse, Hew questioned whether he was doing the right thing.
He’d arrived for the wedding just this morn with the rest of the Rivenloch clan. But he’d begun plotting the daring escape days before then.
He’d secretly enlisted the services of an old acquaintance, Sister Eve.
Sister Eve was a nun with whom he’d accidentally—and temporarily—fallen in love years ago. Despite their mishap, they had remained friends. And though she was a less-than-devoted nun whose abbess had a hard time containing her within convent walls, when Eve put her mind to something, especially when there was adventure to be had, she was highly reliable and good at what she did.
It seemed as if all was going to plan. Sister Eve had replied to his signal. She would slip out of the castle with Carenza, and they would flee to her convent. Once the two of them were safely away—but before Gellir noticed his bride was gone—Hew would ride out after them.
But while procuring weapons for the journey from Darragh’s armory, Hew had been waylaid by Gellir, who was already looking for Carenza. Anxious about his missing bride, Gellir was eager to alert both clans so a wider search could be started.
That was the last thing Hew needed. So he begged Gellir not to tell anyone just yet. He explained that the laird of Dunlop would go mad if he thought he’d lost his daughter, having already lost his wife. He said there was no need to panic the clans. Hew would volunteer to ride out and look for her quietly himself.
His cousin, however, was stubborn and principled. Gellir deemed it was his fault his bride had run away. Therefore it was his responsibility to recover her.
In the end, since Gellir refused to take nay for an answer, Hew had to resort to brute force. He imprisoned his cousin in the armory.
Gellir was naturally furious.
Hew understood. He felt sorry for him. But he wasn’t about to let him go.
So he assuaged his cousin with a partial truth. He gently explained that Carenza was in love with someone else. He told Gellir he meant to reunite her with her lover. And in the meantime, he pledged to keep her safe.
Gellir, however, sternly reminded Hew he was not only aiding a runaway bride. He was defying the king.
Hew didn’t need reminding. The idea already chilled his blood.
But despite all his misgivings, at that instant, Hew felt he was doing the right thing. He recited the Rivenloch motto back to Gellir.Amor vincit omnia.Love conquers all.
He doubted Gellir or anyone else would see things his way. But Hew’s intentions were honorable. Carenza needed to have a father for her bairn, and she deserved to have a husband she genuinely loved. Gellir needed a wife who wouldn’t mar his impeccable character, and he deserved to have a firstborn that actually belonged to him.
As for Hew, he cared little about his reputation. He wasn’t important enough in the Rivenloch clan to worry about a fall from grace. As long as he could live with the woman he loved and be a father to their child, he would stay inconspicuous until the king’s wrath blew over.
Still, when he thought about defying the will of two famously powerful clans—Rivenloch and Dunlop, absconding with the bride of the tournament champion of all Scotland, and disobeying the king’s orders, he wondered if he’d brought enough weapons.
Carenza paid little heed to her traveling companion as they tramped along the rocky southern road. Sister Eve seemed awfully chatty for a nun, especially considering their perilous circumstances. She was going on and on about her sundry adventures, which seemed like more than one could squeeze into a lifetime.
As for Carenza, she was too nervous for conversation.
Sister Eve’s gift of prattle and unruffled demeanor, however, were a blessing a few hours into their trek. A trio of Rivenloch men rode past, asking about a runaway bride. Eve did all the talking, pretending to give their questions long and thoughtful consideration, until they gave up and rode on.
From then on, Carenza had new respect for the woman. She wished she’d listened more closely to the young nun’s colorful stories.
Indeed, she had to admit she was rather surprised when, a few hours before nightfall, they arrived at an actual convent.
“Sister Eve.” The abbess looked weary, as if she’d been worn to a shadow. “What a lovely surprise.”
“I told ye I’d be back. This is my cousin, Sister Agnes,” she said without flinching, indicating Carenza. “She’ll be stayin’ with me for a wee bit.”
The abbess actually looked pleased to see Carenza. “Welcome, Sister. I’m glad to see Sister Eve has kin for company. Someone to keep her on the straight and narrow path.”
Carenza felt sick. She was hardly the one to keep anybody honest. Now she was defying royaltyanddeceiving the church. Nonetheless, she managed a weak smile.
Eve rubbed her hands together. “We’re starvin’. Is Sister Eithne makin’ her famed leek pottage this eve?”
Sister Eithnewasmaking her pottage. Carenza was so hungry, it tasted as good as her favorite roast salmon. Fortunately, her hunger and Eve’s chattiness prevented “Sister Agnes” from having to answer awkward questions. The nuns conversed in hushed tones around her, and soon Carenza grew sleepy.
Her eyes had almost drifted shut when Eve clamped her thigh under the table, bringing her awake again.
