Page 9 of The Guardian

Chapter Four

Ailith studied the flames in the hearth; her mind constantly going to Hendry. Why was he back in her life? It seemed that either on purpose or by happenstance, the warrior was showing up too often in her life.

It had been difficult not to think about the what ifs and recall their past time together when he’d been there, in her home. The picture of his body kept reappearing in her head. And as much as she tried to push the images away, her mind ignored it.

There had been a deep and abiding love between them. Then she’d married another. Ailith got to her feet and added a log to the fire though it really didn’t need it. She had to keep busy, not idly sitting about giving free rein to her thoughts.

Teller, who’d been dozing by the fire, stood and stretched, then went to the back door, scratching it with his large paw.

Since Hendry’s attack, she’d been wary of straying too far from the cottage. It was best to be within running distance in case those terrible men returned. They’d been very close to her home and may have noticed smoke from her chimney. If that was the case, it was possible they’d come to find out who lived there.

“Out ye go,” Ailith told the obedient dog, holding the door open. She stood in the opening, eyes scanning the dark woods. Thankfully the moon was full, so she was able to track Teller as he sniffed the ground, searching for the perfect place to relieve himself.

Later in bed, she stared up at the roof, sleep unable to come. Every sound outside made her jump, and she had already checked to ensure both doors were barred securely twice.

Teller’s barks woke her the next morning and she sat up groggy from lack of sleep. She threw on a skirt, tucked her nightshift into it, and left the bedchamber to quiet the dog.

Peering through a hole in the window covering, she noted that a young man on horseback rode toward the cottage. He was escorted by two fearsome warriors, who constantly scanned the area.

What were the laird’s guard doing there?

Suddenly her stomach plummeted. Had they come to inform her that Hendry had died? Or perhaps to inquire if he was there after he’d not managed to make it to the keep?

Ailith hurried to the door and flung it open. Teller rushed out and stood in front of her baring his teeth.

The lad hesitated to dismount until Ailith touched Teller’s head. “Down, Teller.” Teller lowered to sit, his wary gaze on the visitors.

The young man neared, his eyes moving from her to Teller. “Are ye Ailith?”

“Aye,” she replied.

“I am Sir Hendry’s squire, Tobin. He sent me to bring ye these items.” He motioned to the warriors who’d dismounted. Each held a large sack that they carried toward the door.

“Wh-what is this?” she stuttered. “What are ye doing?”

One of the warriors slid a look to her. “I dinnae ken what is in here,” he replied gruffly, brushing past to put the heavy burden just inside the door while she gaped at the audacity of the man, not bothering to ask if he could enter.

The second guard did the same, though with a bored expression. Upon walking from inside her cottage, his gaze roamed over her, more with curiosity than interest.

Tobin held out a small sack and placed it in her palm. “He asked that I tell ye he wishes to ensure ye are well provided for and have little need to venture far from the cottage.” He smiled down at her dog, who wagged his tail, seeming to ken the lad was harmless.

The squire turned to the warriors who were mounting. “The shorter one is my uncle,” he said with pride.

The warrior motioned to Tobin. “Come along. Dinnae linger. We have duties to perform.”

Tobin leaned and patted Teller’s head. “Take care, Mistress Ailith.” With that, he hurried back to the horse, mounted gracefully, and the trio turned their horses and galloped away. Teller racing after them, barking with excitement.

Speechless, Ailith shook her head. It was then she realized she still held her hand out, with the sack of coins in it.

“What just happened?” she asked Teller, who ran back, tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth, his face bright with joy at having performed a duty.

As dogs do, Teller couldn’t care less. Instead he trotted to the side of the house to find the garden water tub.

She went back inside and looked at the bundles. She opened one and gasped. Inside were a pair of thick blankets, two large sections of fabric, two wooden bowls, a small pot, and two goblets. It was an interesting assortment of items, she considered.

Now very curious, she went to the second sack, which had been placed on the table, and pulled it open. She was shocked by the bounty she found. Inside were potatoes, carrots, and onions. Wrapped separately was a loaf of crusty bread, a small block of cheese, and dried sausage. In two other bundles were a choice section of pork and a portion of beef. And lastly, there was a wineskin filled to almost bursting. It was truly a bounty like she’d not had in years.

Although she didn’t want to accept the items, it would be impossible to return it all. She didn’t own a mule or a wagon. Both had been sold long ago for much-needed coin for food and such.