Page 45 of The Guardian's Bride
“Excellent. I am in a rush to get there,” Aedan admitted. “At the council meeting, they said my nephew may never return to Fife as earl. He has been raised to believe in English might over Scottish right. And truly any of us who might have the blood-right of crowning could be in danger from Edward.”
Brian sucked in a breath, pushed a hand through his red-gold hair, and shot his friend a grim glance. “Which includes you, your sister Marjorie—and your lad.”
“Exactly.” A muscle punched in his cheek. “When Lady Rowena was at Lanercost in Edward’s presence, she overheard Edward order Malise to take Castle Black—and my son.”
“Jesu! We must get you there quickly. I am glad you came here for help.”
“You have always been like a brother to me.” Aedan smiled, though it felt flat with worry. “There are other matters I must tend to in Fife as well.”
Brian gave a grim nod. “I know Bruce gave you something of value at Scone, but I will not ask.” He lifted a hand. “They watch me too, the English. The less I know about your business, the better for all of us.”
“Something of value, true. And I may have to move it, but I cannot take it over water. Too much risk of losing it.”
“Huh. And a risk of pirates if they think a boat carries something they want. But a twelve-oar longship going for supplies will not catch attention.”
“Once I do what I need in Fife, I must get Lady Rowena safely to Kincraig. After that, I will find Bruce and see what he has for me next.”
“Ever the guardian, my friend. But this Keith girl adds more responsibility.”
“Not much. I owe her.”
“Ah, here are the ladies. Now we will eat. Hungry?”
“Always!” Aedan stood as the women entered. Rowena had changed, he noticed immediately, wearing a dark blue gown that skimmed her form and flowed with each step. He could look only at her, as if she had a glamourie around her, a spell of beauty and kindness and an allure of magic so strong, suddenly, that he stepped forward.
He was weary and easily distracted, surely, but the attraction felt deeper, compelling, as if he were caught in a glorious dream, reluctant to awaken. He had to resist that enchantment. Now was not the time.
The wind blewback his plaid and ran brisk through Aedan’s hair as he stood in the bow of Lauder’s longship. The sea lapped in frothy peaks, spray dampening his face while seabirds swooped and the sails snapped overhead. The boat skimmed low and swift through the water, just eight men pulling the twelve-oared ship. Ahead, Bass Rock rose massive and ancient. On its dark landward face, a flat plain supported a castle, while the summit and sides were covered in turf and more birds than a man could count.
He felt invigorated by strong winds and the powerful sea, ready for whatever might come next. But when he glanced toward Lady Rowena, he saw she was pale and silent, hunched at one side of the boat. He stepped over ropes and sacks to sit beside her on a cross bench.
“How are you feeling? We are nearly there.”
Her eyes were shadowed, cheeks sallow as she nodded, pushing at her dark hair as it whipped free, her white veil crumpled in her hand like a towel at the ready.
“You can cure nearly anything, but not this, hey?” he asked. “That great rock is the only steady thing ahead. Watch that. Does it help?”
“Not this time.” The prow rose and fell on the waves, and she tipped sideways. Aedan put a bracing arm around her. “I will be fine once we land.”
He looked up as Sir Brian approached and noticed the man’s concern. “The water is a bit rough. She dislikes sailing,” Aedan explained, and stood.
“Lady Ellen is the same, so I understand. The light is falling fast. You can stay the night on the rock rather than try to cross the firth this evening.” Brian looked at Rowena. “We have amédecinof sorts at Bass Castle. Perhaps he can help.”
“Seems the best cure for this is just to be on land. A physician, truly?”
“One of our Scottish guards worked as a barber-surgeon before he was pulled into knight service. Bruce sent him here, and when I learned of his training, I put him on that duty. We have a few prisoners on the rock, English lords who must stay healthy. Bruce intends to exchange them.”
“Ah.” Perhaps the captives were important enough to trade for his niece and the others. But Aedan knew better than to wish for stars to fall in his lap.
Brian glanced at Rowena. “Your lady could stay on Bass while you go to Fife. Then you could take her to Kincraig when you return. We could send word to her brother to come fetch her from the Rock if you prefer.”
“Henry Keith will want to know she is safe. We could send a messenger.” Aedan wanted to keep her with him; he had told her something about the hidden regalia, though he was not sure quite what she knew. He trusted her, but the men pursuing her—including Malise—would not hesitate to harm her to find out what she might know.
The captain called to Brian, who made his way to the bow, and Aedan turned back to Rowena. “My lady—”
“I heard. If we could send word to Henry at Selkirk and at Kincraig too, that would be helpful. But I would rather go with you to Fife than wait on Bass Rock.”
He was relieved to hear that. “We will go to Kincraig soon, I promise.”
