Page 112 of Laird of Smoke
In the shelter of the trees just outside the convent, Eve quickly changed out of her archery garb and into her habit.
She figured her encounter with the royal guard who’d followed her to the alehouse might have been by chance.But now she’d seen two more.That could only mean the king himself was near.
Was he looking for her?Surely not.He had far more important things to do.And yet…
As she strode through the gates of the convent, Sister Eithne rushed across the cloister.
“Och, Sister Eve!”she said by way of greeting.“Have ye heard?”
“Heard what?”
“The news,” she said, eagerly wiggling her thick brows.
Eve didn’t have the patience for this.Not today.The only thing Sister Eithne liked to cook up more than her famous pottage was scandal.“News or rumor?”
“News.”She drew close to confide, “The abbess got it from Sister Mary, who got it from Friar John, who got it from the nuns at the convent near Glasgow, who heard it from an abbot—”
“Fine,” Eve said, biting back impatience.“The news?”
The cloister was empty except for the two of them.Nonetheless, Sister Eithne paused to survey the space, making sure no one was listening.
“’Tis the king,” she whispered.
Now she had Eve’s attention.“The king?”
Sister Eithne nodded.“He’s comin’.”
Eve’s heart pounded.Maybe hewaslooking for her.She glanced around the cloister.“Comin’ where?To the convent?”
“Nay, nay.”She waved away Eve’s confusion with a laugh.“Wouldn’t that be somethin’, the king comin’ here?Nay, he’s goin’ to Galloway.”
“Galloway.”If that was true, then the presence of the royal guards must have nothing to do with her.Perhaps they were scouting the area to ensure the king’s safe arrival in Galloway.“Why?”
“They say he’s goin’ to attack Laird Fergus.”
“Fergus?Why?”
“No one knows.”
That was troubling.Galloway wasn’t far from the convent.If war broke out…
Sister Eithne’s eyes twinkled as she elbowed Eve.“Maybe we’ll get to see the king.”
Eve had already met the king.She hadn’t been that impressed.But she pretended to share the sister’s excitement.“Wouldn’t that be somethin’?”
Sister Eithne giggled and then hurried the rest of the way across the cloisters toward the kitchens.It was almost time for supper.She no doubt had preparations to make.
So did Eve.
As long as the king wasn’t looking for her, this seemed like a blessing.Now she wouldn’t have to travel to Perth to get the king’s seal.Malcolm had come to her.
She’d simply dress like a noblewoman, find the royal encampment, and request an audience with the king.
Since she’d left her red velvet gown at the byre, she’d need to procure a new disguise.Thankfully, she had enough coin left from her father to commission a fine gown in azure brocade from the village tailor, as well as purchasing a white silk wimple and veil, a simple girdle of silver chain, and a pair of tall wooden pattens to attach to her boots.
The gown wouldn’t be finished for several days.Meanwhile, she ventured forth doing charitable works as Sister Eve.All the while, she collected bits of information from alewives, crofters, beggars, and bakers, trying to determine the whereabouts of the king, but learning little.
She also performed one not so charitable act.She needed to make certain she looked very different from any other versions of Eve the king had seen.So when she happened to spy a fine white horse stabled at a roadside inn, she took the liberty of harvesting its tail hair to make a pair of braids.
