“Does he have a name? Or do ye call him Horse or Mount?” she teased.
Arran smiled to himself, before saying, “Actually, I call him Devil.”
Skye’s eyes went wide. “Why do ye call him such a horrible name?” She looked around him at the ebony stallion and laughed at her innocent reaction.
The horse stood at least seventeen hands high at the withers. His long, graceful neck flowed seamlessly into his strong back. His heavily muscled shoulders led to a well-defined chest. His rear quarter was equally powerful. He was beautiful.
But then he pinned his ears, and poor Callum had to dodge a vicious bite to his arm while he adjusted the saddle. Arran looked at Skye with knowing eyes.
“Ah, I see now. He’s a bit ill-tempered,” she stated plainly.
“Ill-tempered, me arse!” Callum exclaimed. “Half the time, he’s sweet-natured, but that’s just to trick ye into thinkin’ ye can trust him. That’s when he’ll stomp ye to death, me Lady.”
“Callum is right, Skye. Ye can come anytime and ask for Iona. But stay away from Devil’s stall. Only Callum and I handle him.”
“Why him, then? If he’s so unruly?”
“Because he saved me many times. He turns on Callum from time to time, but never on me, and always on the eneme. He trusts nae one, and that’s a good guy to have around when entering uncharted territory.”
Skye agreed, and soon she and Arran were riding away from Castle MacArthur.
“I’ve never been this far west,” she admitted. “Maither and I ran to many places, but this is all new to me.”
“Aberray is at the edge of MacArthur lands and only a short ride to several ports. Because of that, ye can find things there that arenae available in most of the Highlands.”
They rode side by side, and often their legs brushed. Devil sometimes pinned his ears and threatened to nip Iona, but she tolerated no bullying from the high-spirited stud.
“Yer mare is brave,” Arran commented.
Skye laughed. “I’ve seen many studs humbled by a herd of broodmares. The ladies seem able to teach the males some manners. Maybe Iona will iron Devil out.”
“I hope nae.” Arran shook his head.
She was right, though. Arran himself had used the technique. An overbearing rank stud didn’t stand a chance in a herd of seasoned broodmares.
The time passed quickly, and they reached the outskirts of town a little past midday. They left the horses at a stable livery and set out on foot.
Arran was amused each time Skye ran from one shop or booth to another, finding treasures she’d only heard about.
“What a wonderful place!” she exclaimed over and over as she discovered the finest leather boots, delicate trinket boxes and jewelry, and even a shop selling rare flowers and plants. She picked a few items from each, looking totally delighted with each purchase.
Finally, they reached a shop selling dresses and clothing, bolts of fine fabric, as well as threads of all colors and thicknesses. Skye wandered from bolt to bolt, delicately touching the linens and even some silk. Thankfully, there was a fair selection of ready-made skirts, tunics, and even a new shift.
She left the shop with a skirt, shawl and shirt, as well as a linen dress dyed the color of a gold leaf in fall.
“Arran, Maither will love these! The colors are just bonnie!” She lifted the hem of her dress and started feeling around the circumference.
“What are ye doing, Skye?” he asked, looking around to see if anyone was watching.
“I’m getting me coins, Arran. I sewed them into the hem of me skirt for safe keeping.”
Resourceful.
“Ye daenae need to use yer coins, lass. Pick out the threads for yer maither—I will pay for them with the rest.”
He was rewarded with a wide smile.
“Thank ye, Arran,” she said warmly.
