Highlanders Short Story Collection Read online

  Silence fell between the two men, each lost in thought.

  Sloan finally spoke. “Go to your wife and finish what I interrupted.”

  Cree wanted to make love to his wife more than anything, but the events of tonight had cast a dark shadow over him, and he did not want to bring that to his wife.

  He finished the last of his ale with one swallow and stood. “You ordered men to watch the woman?”

  “Of course, though you know as well as I do she will not lack visitors. The women of the village will hear of this soon enough and be curious to meet her.”

  “Tell Elsa to go see Tallis and the lad and let them know she is the healer in the village if they should need anything,” Cree ordered. Once Elsa heard that, she would know that Cree wished to be informed of anything concerning the pair. Elsa was an exceptional healer and a loyal friend.

  “Old Mary might get to Tallis first,” Sloan warned.

  “Then I will learn more of the truth,” Cree said and walked to the stairs, thinking of the old woman who some thought a witch. She shuffled when she walked and her hands were gnarled with age and yet her mind was sharp and her aged eyes saw more clearly than those younger than her. Most of all, she was a true friend to Dawn.

  Cree stopped at his bedchamber door. He did not want to discuss this matter with Dawn, not just yet. He knew she would have other ideas. He could always distract her with a few kisses and intimate touches that would have them making love in no time. But he did not want to make love to her to distract her.

  He opened the door and charged in ready to take on whatever awaited him as he had done in battle, and stopped abruptly. His wife lay asleep on the bed naked, a blanket wrapped around one leg. He walked over to the bed, admiring her body. His hand itched to cup her full breasts, tender with milk for their twins, and he so wanted to stroke her narrow waist and down over her hip, and damn if the tangle of soft, dark red hair between her legs did not beg to be explored.

  He shook his head. It was better she was sleeping. One of the twins would have her up in a few hours to feed and she would barely fall asleep when the other one would wake. They never seemed to feed together and his son Valan was a hungry lad, demanding more than his sister Lizbeth. Dawn needed her rest, and she did not need the added burden of this woman claiming that he was the father of her son.

  Once Cree disrobed, he joined his wife in bed. No soon as he reached out to wrap her in his arms, she turned and snuggled into them. Her one leg slipped between his legs, settling near his manhood and he groaned silently. This was going to be a difficult night.

  Dawn looked down at her daughter suckling at her breast and smiled. She was so relieved to have had her daughter born with a voice. She had feared passing her affliction on to her child. And while some women complained about their babies crying too much, Dawn was happy each and every time her daughter cried, not that she cried much. She seemed a content baby, unlike her brother who was as demanding as his father.

  Dawn smiled, thinking of Cree. She had intended to talk with him when he returned to their bedchamber last night, but then thought better of it. He would be stubborn and refuse to discuss the matter of the woman and child, who she had unwaveringly claimed Cree fathered.

  The news had been a shock to hear as she stood in the shadows last night in the Great Hall. And though the lad could be Cree’s son, he would be a bastard son and that was a terrible fate to bestow on any lad. She had to learn more about this woman to determine if her tale was true or false and if false, why so?

  As usual Lizbeth fell asleep as soon as she had drunk herself full and Dawn returned her to her cradle, next to her brother. They had placed the twins in separate cradles when first born, but both had cried endlessly and it was only when Dawn had laid them beside each other did they stop.

  Cree had ordered Paul, her best friend Lila’s husband and a fine carpenter, to craft a double cradle for the twins. The twins had slept peacefully once in it and Dawn wondered if they would always be so inseparable.

  With both babes sleeping and the sun up, Dawn had no intentions of returning to her bedchamber. If she did, Cree and she would make love, not that she did not want to. She actually ached to, but she preferred to learn what she could about the mother and child first before Cree could distract her. And since he refused to discuss the matter with her, she would have to find out about it herself.

  Flanna stopped her when she entered the Great Hall. “What is this I hear about Cree having a bastard child?”

  Flanna had been the cook in the kitchen, and Dawn a servant there, before Cree took control of the village, claimed the land and all its holdings, and was granted the title, Earl of Carrick, by the King. Now Flanna was in charge of the keep’s servants and Turbett’s, Cree’s cook, had complete control over the kitchen and had won Flanna’s heart. That was why she and Flanna were more friends than servant and master, though it was that way when Cree was present.

  Dawn gestured that she knew little of the situation.

  Flanna leaned in close and whispered, “I will find out everything and let you know.”

  Dawn smiled, nodded, and patted Flanna’s arm in appreciation. Flanna had eyes and ears everywhere and she had helped Dawn before, so she was glad to have her help again.

  “Sit,” Flanna urged, “I will have food brought to you.”

  Dawn motioned as if she carried a basket.

  “You want food to take along with you.” Flanna nodded, understanding her and as she hurried off said, “I will have a basket made ready.”

  It was not long before Flanna returned with a full basket and Dawn smiled and nodded. The woman knew her well and had packed enough food for more than one person.

  “I brought this shawl for you. There is a slight chill in the misty morning air,” Flanna said, draping the finely weaved blue shawl over Dawn’s shoulders.

  Dawn squeezed Flanna’s hand in thanks and gestured that they would talk later and headed out of the keep. A light mist settled over the village along with a slight chill, and Dawn hoped that the sun would soon break through and rescue the day. There was much work to be done in the fields and Cree had planned on going to see how the clearing of the land was going for the new castle and village not far from here. She wondered if he would alter his plans due to the woman’s arrival and news.

  Dawn rapped on Old Mary’s door.

  “Welcome, Dawn,” the old woman sang out and Dawn entered.

  Old Mary always had a knowing about her and Dawn had been glad for it. The old woman had helped her to stay strong in the hardest of times and she would always be grateful. Though age had stooped her over and slowed her down, her mind was remarkably spry, as if it had not aged a bit.

  “These old bones protest more each day,” Old Mary said with a laugh. “Sit, I have fixed a nice hot brew for us.”

  Dawn would never be able to spring a surprise visit on the woman. She always knew when someone would visit. She always knew things before they happened and Dawn wondered if she had known about the woman and lad.

  Old Mary chatted about what a lovely day it was going to be as she filled their tankards with a minty brew and Dawn took food from the basket to place on the table.

  “Meat pies, my favorite,” Old Mary said eagerly waving at Dawn. “Sit, sit, the pies are best when warm.”

  Dawn wished she could feel as equally enthusiastic about the pies, but she was hungrier for anything Old Mary could tell her about the situation than food.

  “There is not much I can tell you about her,” Old Mary said as if hearing Dawn’s unspoken question. “She poses no true threat, but then you would know that yourself, for you know Cree would never allow her to. As for the truth of her claim? I can tell you the child was conceived from love. The rest is for you to find out.”

  Dawn’s shoulder slumped with the weight of Old Mary’s words.

  The old woman reached out and rested her gnarled hand on Dawn’s. “You, above all, know what a harsh world this can be for anyone who
carries a burden upon them. And your generous heart has lifted many a burden off others. But this is not your burden to lift—it is your husband’s.” She smiled. “Though, knowing you, sweet child, you will help him lift it.”

  Dawn patted her heart, then hugged herself.

  “I know you love Cree with all your heart and your bairns as well, remember though, this woman feels the same.”

  A catch to her heart had Dawn gripping at her chest. Could this woman possibly love Cree?

  “Love can be troublesome,” Old Mary said, then took a sip of her drink. “Nothing is perfect and true love has a way of being tested from time to time, but then true love has a way of surviving even the harshest of tests.” After she took another sip of her brew, she said, “You brought enough meat pies for the young lad and his mother, did you not?”

  Dawn smiled and gestured.

  Old Mary grinned. “Aye, you are right, I know you well. Now be off with you. The woman and lad were settled in Dunmore’s cottage, since it has become too small for him, his wife, and his growing brood of soon to be six.”

  Dawn’s smile grew, thinking of the large family that seemed forever cheerful.

  Old Mary laughed softly. “You already have a good start on the large brood you will have one day.” Her laugh turned hardy. “Though, I do not know if Cree will survive all the births.”

  Dawn felt a soft laugh bubble inside her, though it could not be heard. She slipped the basket over her arm, gave the old woman a hug, and left the cottage.

  The mist was dissipating and the chill already gone. The sun would soon be shining and it would be a lovely summer’s day to enjoy. And Dawn intended to enjoy it, for no matter what the woman told her, it would make no difference. Cree and she loved each other and nothing—absolutely nothing—could change that.

  Chapter 4

  Dawn approached the door of the cottage with apprehension. Part of her was eager to learn the truth and another part did not want to know. It disturbed her even more that she felt a twinge of jealously toward this woman. Giving birth to the twins had made her feel that she had given something to Cree that no one ever had, and it had made the birth of her bairns special. Now with the possibility that Cree may already have a son, the twin’s births seemed less important.

  She smiled and shook her head. That was a foolish thought. Nothing could make the birth of the twins less important.

  What if he had loved this woman?

  The thought startled her and sent more than a twinge of jealousy racing through her. She did not want to think that Cree could love another woman let alone make love to her. Though, one was a possibility if the lad proved to be his, but had love been involved or had it simply been a night of lust that meant nothing to him?

  Dawn knew only Cree could be the one to answer that and the time would come, whether he liked it or not, when she would have her answer.

  Fortified with curiosity, Dawn’s apprehensive steps turned eager and she hurried to the front door and knocked.

  The woman’s eyes turned wide upon opening the door and seeing Dawn standing there. She shook her head as if trying to regain her senses, then acknowledged Dawn with a respectful bob of her head and said, “My lady.”

  Dawn smiled and raised the basket, then pointed to the woman.

  “For me?” she asked.

  Dawn nodded and also placed her hand in front of her as if demonstrating a small height.

  “For Aidan as well.” The woman grinned, pleased with herself for understanding Dawn’s gesture. She stepped aside. “Please come in and meet my son.”

  Dawn grew alarmed when she saw that the lad lay in bed, looking pale, his eyes fluttering between wake and sleep. She turned a concerned expression on the woman.

  “The trip here has been difficult and the last couple of days he has not been feeling well. He needs rest.”

  Dawn’s hands started flying, for she felt he needed more than rest, a brew to start with and perhaps a chest poultice.

  “I am sorry, my lady, but I do not understand you.”

  Dawn held up her one finger, pointed to the door and then back again.

  “You are going to go and come right back?”

  Dawn nodded and hurried out the door. She took only a few steps when she spotted the woman she needed...Elsa. She hurried to the plump woman and took her arm and gave a tug.

  Elsa understood there was someone in need and quickly followed Dawn.

  Upon entering the cottage, Elsa eased the startled woman’s concern when she saw her take a protective stance in front of the child in the bed. “I am Elsa the healer and was on my way here to see if I could be of any help to you and your son after your long journey.”

  The woman’s shoulders slumped as if in relief. “I am Tallis and this is my son Adian. He has not been well for the last few days. He is but two years and the journey has not been an easy one. I would appreciate any help you could give him.” She stepped aside, giving Elsa permission to approach the lad.

  The lad stirred when Elsa laid a hand on his head and gave a small cough.

  “Has he had the cough long?” Elsa asked.

  “A day now,” Tallis informed her with concern.

  “He is warm to the touch and we do not want him growing warmer. He also needs a chest poultice to keep that cough from getting worse,” Elsa explained.

  “What can I do to help?” Tallis asked.

  “Sit with Dawn and rest, while I prepare what I need, then I will show you what to do to help your son.”

  Tallis loving brushed her son’s hair off his forehead, kissed it, then placed her cheek to his before joining Dawn at the small table.

  Dawn felt her heart ache for the woman. Anytime a child took ill a mother worried, and she silently prayed that the little lad would get well soon.

  Tallis squared her shoulders and lifted her chin after taking a seat at the table. “I mean you no disrespect, my lady, but I felt that my son had a right to know that his father is the mighty warrior Cree.”

  Dawn nodded as if she understood, though she wore no smile. She gestured to the woman slowly and as clearly as possible.

  “I am sorry, but I do not understand you.”

  “Repeat it, Dawn, and I shall tell her what you said,” Elsa said as she took items from the pouch that hung from a belt at her waist.

  Dawn nodded and gestured once again, and Elsa spoke. “You understand that my husband will question your claim and seek proof?”

  Tallis looked to her son, his pale face bringing tears to her eyes. “The proof is there for him to see.”

  Dawn shook her head and moved her hands, and once again Elsa spoke for her. “It will not be enough for him. He will want more information from you. Tell me about the day you met him.”

  Tallis seemed reluctant to answer, but after another glance at her son, she spoke. “He appeared at my family’s croft one day, requesting shelter and food.” Her cheeks flushed red. “I could not keep my eyes off him—he is so handsome—and his eyes lingered on mine as well. I could not deny the attraction between us and I cannot say I regret it. It was but one night we shared and I shall never forget it. The memory remains in my heart and soul and keeps me warm and safe through difficult times.” Tallis bowed her head to Dawn. “Forgive me, I do not wish my words to hurt you.”

  Dawn shook her head as if she understood and yet her words did sting, though she reminded herself that they still needed to be proven true. She rolled her hand, urging Tallis to continue.

  Tallis patted her chest. “I wanted him. I could not help myself. That night I took food and drink to him in the stable and sat to talk, though he never invited me to do so. I did not leave until sunrise and even then I did not want to go. I never wanted to leave his loving arms and I—”

  Though Tallis had quickly stopped herself from saying more, Dawn knew what she had intended to say... she still missed his arms and she imagined Tallis missed much more.

  Tallis suddenly rushed to finish. “I am grateful for
the time I had with him. He was mine for one night only. He belongs to you now.”

  The door burst open and Cree stepped in, the breadth of him filling the doorway. His eyes went directly to his wife.

  Tallis hurried out of her chair and over to her son, the smoldering anger in Cree’s dark eyes frightening her.

  Elsa spoke before anyone could. “The lad is ill, my lord.”

  Cree’s eyes went to the lad, looking small and vulnerable in a bed that was not that big but looked as if it devoured him. “What is wrong with him?” he demanded.

  “The start of a fever and it appears there is a heaviness in his chest,” Elsa answered and Tallis gasped.

  “See to his care and make sure they both stay away from others until you are certain that it is not something that can spread,” Cree ordered.

  “I am well,” Tallis insisted.

  “But what of other children?” Cree said. “I have seen villages where only the children perished from an illness. I will not chance the lives of the children here.” He looked to Elsa. “Keep me abreast of how the child does.”

  Elsa nodded. “As you wish, my lord.”

  Cree went to his wife, placing his hands flat on the table in front of her and planted his face a breath away from hers. “Did I not tell you to let this be?”

  Dawn scrunched her brow and tapped her cheek, as if she was trying to recall.

  Cree chuckled low, though it sounded more like distant rolling thunder of an approaching storm.

  Dawn knew no way of quelling such a storm, but she had had practice, though truthfully she had not always been successful, in quelling her husband’s temper. There was one thing that always worked best with him—the truth. The scrunch in her brow faded and her eyes softened as her hand moved to rest against his cheek for a moment, then she dropped her mouth open slightly, traced her finger slowly over her lips, and then did the same to his, letting him know that she longed for his kisses.

  His dark eyes instantly sparked with heat. “Outside now,” he whispered roughly, though he did not give her a chance to disobey. He grabbed her arm and hurried her to her feet. He turned to look at Tallis. “This is between you and me, and I will see it settled soon, for I will have the truth from you.”