Page 64 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
“The weather remains cold, but it is a clear day and ye will be able tae appreciate just how bonnie it is here.”
He had no intention of venturing beyond Eilean Donan, for the surrounding woodlands posed a serious threat of ambush – as he had unfortunately discovered.
As they finished their meal, Tyra and Annora headed back to their respective chambers for warmer clothing and their cloaks, while Ewan and Edmund strolled to the stables.
“If we’re nae venturing far afield, I’d enjoy sharing a steed with the Lady Annora.” Edmund said, smiling.
Ewan nodded approvingly. He, too, would enjoy the proximity that sharing his horse with Tyra would afford.
Once they had mounted, the portcullis was raised and they trotted out along the path leading to the woods, at the opposite end of the island to where the causeway crossed to the mainland.
“There’s little chance we will be disturbed in this peaceful place,” Ewan whispered to Tyra. “We’re safe here from any incursions MacDonald might attempt.”
She nuzzled into his chest, murmuring contentedly. “It is glorious here. I am happy tae be riding wi’ ye and me braither and sister.”
He smiled to himself as her scented hair tickled his chin and her warm body melded against his. He tightened his arm around her as the horses strolled lazily beside the dark blue waters of the loch.
All the same, he kept a close watch as they rode. From there he could see the path leading from the village down to the shore where the ambush had taken place. Today, there was no sign to suggest there were any intruders at large. Birds wheeled unconcerned in the clear blue sky, and only a soft breeze rattled through the still leafless trees.
“May we stop soon and dismount,” Tyra asked. “I would love tae stretch me legs and stroll along this rocky shoreline in the sunshine.”
“Of course.” Ewan was happy to agree to whatever she asked, enjoying the sparkle in her eyes and the color returning to her cheeks after so long. They’d never been together so peacefully – distanced from worries and the fear of attack.
For the first time, Ewan was able to simply enjoy being with Tyra without all their troubles weighing them down.
They dismounted, tethered the horses and strolled beside the calm waters of Loch Duich, relishing the warmth of the sun on their faces and filling their lungs with the cool, clear air. This was a welcome respite for all four, after the non-stop events of recent days.
Finding a sheltered spot, Annora and Edmund sank onto the grass in a puddle of sunshine, while Tyra and Ewan continued on, hand-in-hand, scarcely noticing that the others had stayed behind.
Ewan bent and picked up a smooth rock and skipped it across the water. Tyra looked on admiringly as it bounced several times before sinking.
“How did ye dae that? I’ve ne’er seen such a thing.”
He chuckled. “Of course. Ye were nae raised beside three lochs as I was.”
“Well, now I am tae make me home here, ye’d best show me how ‘tis done.”
They scoured around for a handful of rocks Ewan declared to be suitable and after he’d demonstrated with a graceful throw of his arm and a bouncing stone, Tyra endeavored to do the same.
He stood at her shoulder, taking her in his arms, reveling in her soft warmth and the press of her back against his chest, steadying her elbow, directing her gaze over the loch.
“Now, wi’ yer wrist, move so.” He moved her hand a little so that she could give it a twist as she threw. He drew back her arm, keeping an arm at her waist.
“Now. Throw.”
She flicked the stone across the water. It bounced once before it sank, causing her to laugh with delight.
“If ye practice every day, ye’ll be able tae make it bounce ten times before it sinks.”
Head down she was scanning for rocks when her feet slipped on the pebbles and she went sliding toward the water.
Ewan flung out an arm to grab her and just managed to save her from plunging head first into the water.
“D’ye wish fer a swim, Lady Tyra?” he said, laughing.
She squealed. “Nay, I would surely freeze tae death in minutes.”
“Ah, come now, surely ye’d enjoy a dip.” He seized her in his arms, lifting her so that she was suspended over the water.
