He grunted, pleased that her voice had steadied. “A trait Ihave noticed.”
“How did you deal with losing your parents so young?”
Memories of his youth rolled through him, the old, familiar ache. “Years have passed, allowing the heartache to ease.”
“Mayhap,” she said, “but you remember, and however unwanted, are there not times your grief haunts you?”
“Aye, more than I wish.” He picked up a stick and drew a line in the dirt. “When I learned my parents had died in a hunting accident, outwardly I handled the loss, but inside I was inconsolable. Each day was a blur, my grief so strong that I didna live but existed. Every day, everywhere I looked—” he struggled for calm, “there was something I would see that was a reminder of my parents. A reminder of what I had lost.”
When he looked up, tormented eyes met his, the eyes of a woman who’d suffered, eyes that understood strife, and he found himself wantingto reveal more.
“Gaufrid assumed the duties of earl until I was of age to claim the title. Months later, when he advised me that he’d made arrangements for my education in Rome, I jumped at the opportunity to escape Tiran Castle, where around every corner 'twould be another memory, another reminder of the loss.”
She touched the braided leather hanging around her neck. “I would give anything to have a place to return to, to have at least memories of our time together, but there is naught.” Elspet lowered her hand. “As one of Lord Dalkirk’s men hauled me onto his horse, they torched our home.”
The bastard. Another sinful act to lay at his uncle’s feet. “A wrong I will right once I have reclaimed my title.”
“There is nay need. Once Blar is free,I will leave.”
Cailin frowned. “Where will you go?”
“I am pondering that question, but before I depart, I will see my parents buried.”
He touched her shoulder, and she stiffened. “Whatever happens, I swear I will ensure they are given aproper burial.”
“I thank you,” she whispered and sagged, as if a weight had been lifted fromher shoulders.
“As for your departing Dalkirk lands, now isna the time to be making such a decision. Know this: you will always have a place within my home.”
Her mouth parted. “’Tis a generous act after the mistruths I told you.”
“After your family’s fealty to mine, and now King Robert, ’tis an offer you deserve.” And one that brought Cailin a sense of peace. Once he returned to fight with the Bruce, Elspet would have protection.
A gust of wind howled outside, and she tugged her cape closer. “’Tis a cold night. I am thankful we have shelter and a fire.”
“As I. Once we reach Father Lamond, I will speak with him about finding a place you can remain until I have seizedTiran Castle.”
“I willna be left anywhere.” Her eyes narrowed. “My stepbrother is in Tiran Castle, and if he is still alive, I will be there todiscover such.”
He forced himself to be calm, given her recent suffering. “Though I admire your courage, I refuse to allow a woman to willingly place herself in danger. After I have spoken with the priest, whatever I decide, you will heed my decision.”
Such arrogance. “Though Father Lamond will be of great help, remember, he lives beneath the name of Finnean Howe and canna risk exposing his identity.” She angled her jaw. “However much you dislike the thought of my intervention, with your unfamiliarity of the people, you stillneed my help.”
Irritated she spoke the truth, Cailin dropped the stick and wiped his hands. Given the criticalness of the situation, the last thing he needed was a lass who believed she could make demands, one with a stubborn streak that prompted decisions far from sound.
“Iwill decide what needs to be doneafterI speak with the priest,” he stated. “For now, you are exhausted andneed to sleep.”
Loose strands of chestnut hair lay in frayed twists against her face, pale with exhaustion, but she didn’t look away or show any sign of backing down. “As do you.”
A grim smile tugged at his mouth. “You would arguewith a saint.”
“I state naught but fact.”
Unsure if her defiance amused or annoyed him, Cailin decided ’twas prudent to shift the topic to safer ground. “How does your ankle feel?”
Far from appeased but giving in to exhaustion, she followed his lead to change the subject and unwrapped the bandage, then rubbed the swollen joint. “It throbs, but less so than yesterday.”
“You are fortunate you didna break anything.”
