Page 72 of The Scottish Bride
Sir Hugh nodded. “Meticulously kept. A cross for those who support Edward. A cross and star next to—those we can trust,” he murmured. “Best keep it on your person.”
“Aye then.” Liam heard the warning.
By the followingafternoon, traveling south and then east since morning, they neared the bridge over the River Annan below Moffat, a considerable day’s journey from Thornhill. Throughout the day, Lady Kirsten had proved uncomplaining, a lady with an adventurous spirit and a lively wit. Finley seemed taken with her, Liam noticed, for the lad was increasingly solicitous of her comfort. They stopped twice at an inn for rest and fresh ale, making the journey longer, if less arduous.
“How is Lady Tamsin?” Lady Kirsten had asked almost as soon as they left Thornhill, after she bid her father farewell and wiped away a tear. “I thought she was at Dalrinnie. Papa and I began to worry when we heard more soldiers had gone there.”
“She is well, and escaped Dalrinnie of her own accord—a bold thing and a good decision. She is at Holyoak now,” he explained. “She will tell you the whole tale as soon as I can bring her to you.”
“I want to know everything. Sir Malise came to Dalrinnie, we heard that too. I am concerned about Thornhill and I wish Papa had come with us. He has been ill, you see, and does not travel well. But it could be more dangerous for him to stay.”
“They may not take your castle. So far, there are only rumors.”
“Did Tamsin leave Dalrinnie because she got the king’s orders? She was expecting to hear something soon.”
“She did not like the word that Sir Malise brought. We happened upon her and brought her to the abbey, where she has friends.”
“Thank you for helping her, Sir William. She must have been as surprised as I was to see you alive and well.”
“Oh, she was.” He pinched back a smile.
“You showed us great kindness at Lochmaben and now. We are both in your debt. I know Tamsin never forgot you. She was distressed when you were taken that night, and heartbroken when she saw your harp in pieces. She wept so then, convinced you were dead. She had a vision of—but I should not say.”
He saw that Finley and Gilchrist were well ahead of them, and spoke more openly, for they did not know the half of Lady Tamsin’s worth as yet. “I know the lady has the Sight,” he said.
“Aye then. She told me she had seen you on the ground, dead, before we even left the castle. The broken harp confirmed that for her.”
“She did not tell me.” Liam frowned.
“Nor would she. Her ability—she hesitates to share it, you see. But I can tell you she cared about you. And then somehow your life was saved, and you two found each other, and now you are married! It is a miracle.” Kirsty gave a grand sigh. “A tale of love and destiny like in a Frenchroman.” She gave him an impish, teasing smile.No wonder, Liam thought,Finley was falling for the lass. “You, sirrah, were saved for a reason.”
“To rescue lovely ladies, like every good knight in a tale of chivalry and honor.”
“Where is the dragon? Oh! Edward of England,” she decided.
Liam laughed outright.The miracle that had saved him, he thought,was the king’s impulse to find Lady Thomasina and her wee book. But in his opinion, finding that book was hardly as important as saving the lady.
Stopping at a third inn to refresh, they sat and spoke of the distance to travel before they reached the outskirts of the forest before darkness. Liam brought the leather bags inside, setting them for safekeeping between Finley and Gilchrist.
Glancing up as another patron entered the inn, Liam saw a tall man, brown-haired with keen blue eyes, in a wide brown hood and leather hauberk. Recognizing him, Liam stood and signaled for the man to meet him outside.
“Jesu, it is a relief to see you, Liam!” James Lindsay said moments later. “Looking heartier than expected, considering what we had heard of you. Well done for finding a way out of it. What happened, and what are you doing out this way?”
“I would ask you the same. It is a long way from the castles of Wildshaw and Aberlady.” Liam explained briefly that Edward had seen fit to release him, and that a covert errand for Bruce brought him from Thornhill to Ettrick Forest. His old friend would realize much was left unsaid for now. “How is Cousin Isobel?” Liam finished.
“Content and beautiful, and expecting a child.” He grinned at Liam’s quick congratulations. “Aye, another cousin for you, lad. Isobel is with us in the forest, but I want her safe in Wildshaw as she advances. We have been keeping close watch on Edward’s soldiers,” he added. “They are removing timber from the forest, thinning the fringes and encroaching on places where refugees have been hiding. Not just our few. More people are fleeing into the forest.”
“So I understand. By the Rood, it is heaven’s own luck to see you, Jamie. We are headed into Ettrick to seek refuge for the girlwith us—Lady Kirsten, daughter of Douglas of Thornhill. Bruce wants her safe, along with other Scotswomen.”
“With good reason. I am meeting Quentin Fraser to head back that way. We would be glad to accompany you into the woodland. Our center has moved since you were with us last. Come anywhere near the Eldin Linn and we will find you, for good or ill.” James gave him a wry smile. “But you will always have safe passage.”
“Appreciated, sir. Another matter,” Liam murmured. “I have a delivery that must go to a messenger that Bruce will send. That fellow will convey it discreetly to the king. My cousin Finley,” he said, indicating the inn, “can bring the lady to the forest for safekeeping, and these bags too, if you agree. Gilchrist and I should return to Holyoak.”
“Ah, I understand. We can help. Bruce sent a message recently that he expected something from you and asked for my assistance. He will be glad to know you are well, lad, when we can get word to him.”
Liam nodded. “I must meet this messenger when he arrives. Can you help with that? Aye, good. Also, if the others can remain with you in the forest, I want to bring another lady who is in my keeping.”
“Also under Bruce’s protection?”
