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“Four,” she said through tears. “I do not understand. I thought we were safe on MacAlpin land.”
Bliss almost gasped, sensing the raging anger that ran through Trey. She wanted to reach out and calm him, but he stepped away from her so fast she had no chance.
Trey slipped off the rolled blankets and sack he carried on his back and dropped them to the ground. “Did you see which way they took Kevin?”
The woman pointed. “Away from MacAlpin land.”
Trey nodded. “I’ll find him. Get yourself and your son ready to leave as soon as I return. You’ll head to the MacAlpin keep, where you’ll be safe. You can return home once the true king takes the throne.”
The woman nodded while tears trickled down her face.
Bliss stood and placed a hand on his arm. Try as she might, she could not see the results of his sudden decision, and it frightened her. She wanted to warn him not to go, warn him to be careful, warn him that she could not see his fate, but she didn’t. His heart beat strong and steady with the strength and confidence of a Highlander warrior. There would be no stopping him; he would fight this day.
She did something unexpected, but that seemed natural. She kissed his cheek, and whispered, “Stay safe, husband of mine.”
He smiled and returned the kiss, only his kiss was on her lips. It was a light kiss, as if left unfinished. It sent a tingling shiver to the tips of her toes and left her waiting impatiently for more.
Bliss watched until he was gone from sight, then turned her attention to mother and child. Her name was Sara and the lad was Patrick. It was remarkable how different the pair was after Trey left. Tears subsided, and Sara hurried her son to be ready for his da’s return. She trusted Trey, believed his word, and had no doubt he would bring her husband home.
The lad wiped his tears from his smudge-ridden face and hurried to obey his mum. Bliss helped them scavenge what food they could find and shared some of what Trey and she had.
Sara informed her that they never had a chance to defend themselves. The soldiers swept down on them, one grabbing Patrick and threatening to take him if Kevin didn’t cooperate. They ransacked the cottage, winter garden, and field, then told Kevin he would now serve King Kenneth. He didn’t dare protest, for fear that his family would be hurt. They set the cottage on fire just before leaving.
Bliss wrapped a comforting arm around Sara. And though she didn’t see or sense anything, she encouraged with hope. “If anyone can free Kevin from the soldiers and return him home, it’s Trey.”
Sara nodded and wiped away threatening tears. She turned to her son, who had busied himself with a stick and a stone, and smiled. So did Bliss, for leave it to a child to find a sense of peace in simple play during troubling woes.
Time passed slowly, and the more it did, the more worry wore on Sara’s face and began to creep over Bliss. She reminded herself how confident Trey had been when he had informed the young soldier that he had no time to wait while the three gathered more help to fight him. He hadn’t boasted. He had been quite serious and quite confident.
Still, she worried for his safety, this Highlander warrior—this stranger—who was her husband for not a full day yet.
Hours passed, and Patrick complained about being hungry, and while he enjoyed his food, Sara and Bliss ate sparingly. Silence followed the meal, the lad returning to play and the two women lost in their worrisome thoughts.
It annoyed Bliss that she could not sense if Trey was safe or in harm’s way. And so she sat in silent vigil, hoping somehow something would come to her and relieve her concern. It wasn’t long before a smile lit her face, and she scrambled to her feet, urging Sara along with her.
Before she could explain to Sara, Patrick yelled, “Da!” And he went running into his da’s arms and was scooped up. Sara followed, her husband reaching out and grabbing her tight against him, their son’s skinny little arms winding around their necks and hugging, as if he would never let them go.
Joyful tears flowed freely, Bliss’s included, and she hurried to Trey. He spread his arms wide, and she ran into them. He hugged her tight, and she returned the embrace with just as much enthusiasm. His strength rippled through her, followed by comforting warmth. She closed her eyes, lingering in contentment and wishing for it never to end.
But it did. Kevin spoke up, saying, “Your husband is a brave warrior, and you are a brave woman. We are forever grateful for your help and protection.”
“Take your family and do as we discussed,” Trey said. “You will be safe there, and when all is settled, you will be able to return home.”
There were hugs and more words of gratitude before the family left, and Bliss and Trey were on their way.
His hand slipped around hers after they had taken only a few steps, and the vision hit her then. With a heavy breath, she said, “We don’t need to worry about meeting up with those soldiers, do we?”
He kept walking, and said, “No, they will not bother us—ever.”
Bliss made no comment; she continued walking alongside him in silence.
They walked for a few miles before Trey finally spoke again. “I’m afraid we won’t make it to your friend’s place today.”
“It can’t be helped. If we keep our pace steady until near dusk and leave with the rising sun, we should be there by noonday tomorrow.”
His lack of response drew concern, and she quickly sensed he kept something from her. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“I saw more tracks that indicate more soldiers in the area,” he said, shaking his head. “Something is wrong. Small groups of men are usually sent to scout and discover. King Kenneth is up to something.”
