8
The soundof the horses’ hooves echoed loudly in the night.The pair splashed through puddles and flung mud with their hooves, and Fergus was certain he had never been so wet and filthy in his life.
The sentries gave a cry of welcome when they approached the gates and immediately opened one portal to them.The horses trotted through, tossing their heads with impatience and casting rain water in every direction.
“We feared you would not return this night, sir,” the porter said.
“I am late, to be sure, but would not let my wife and father worry until the dawn.”Fergus did not need to urge Tempest to trot toward the stables, for the stallion knew where to find food and shelter.
“The smith will have a tale for you of your wife, sir,” the porter cried merrily and Fergus looked back in curiosity.He did not slow Tempest, though, who was resolved to reach the stable as soon as possible.The ostler met them at the door, his chemise hanging loose as if he had tumbled from his bed to tend the steed.
“Hamish!Here, boy!”a man shouted, and Fergus saw Farquar waving to Hamish from outside the smithy.
“Go then, and let us all be dry as soon as possible,” Fergus said to the boy.“I thank you for your company this day.I will have some hot stew sent from the kitchens for you and your aunt and uncle.”
“Thank you, my lord.”Hamish bowed his head and rode on to the smithy.
Fergus saw Farquar seize the palfrey’s reins and lead her into the smithy, then heard his rumble of concern.
“Such a night!”Stephen declared as he guided the stallion into the middle of the stable.“And such mud!My lord, you look to have ridden through an untilled field.”He divested Tempest quickly of his saddle and blanket, putting them both aside and beginning to rub down the horse.“Every item soaked beyond compare.It will take a week to see it dry!”
“It was less than an ideal day for this journey, to be sure, but my obligation is completed now,” Fergus acknowledged.At a minute sound, he pivoted and caught a glimpse of a woman peering out from the stairs to the loft.
It looked like Agnes.
But the ostler had a wife.Had he imagined that face in the shadows?
When Fergus looked more closely, the maid was gone, if she had ever been there in the first place.“Are you alone this night, Stephen?”
The ostler gave Fergus a quick look.“Of course, sir.I waited for your return before going home.”
Fergus frowned, for he sensed an untruth, but he said no more.He reached for a brush, but Stephen waved him off.“Go the hall, my lord, and see yourself warmed.I can manage this one well enough.”Tempest tossed his head and whinnied, as if in agreement, and Fergus headed for the kitchens.
In truth, he was most intent upon seeing Leila, though there were responsibilities to be tended first.Fergus was met in the kitchens by Xavier, who chided him for taking such a risk with his health.He requested that a pot of hot venison stew be sent to the home of Hamish’s aunt and uncle.
The boy should have a sip ofeau-de-vieas well, Fergus reasoned, then continued into the hall.He smiled to see his father and Leila sitting by the fire, their heads bent together.His heart glowed that Leila had done just as he had envisioned and he was reassured to see his father at ease.
Then Leila rose to her feet, her delight clear.“Fergus!”
“Tell me you did not fear for me,” he said, but she ran toward him, her concern more than clear.He caught her in his arms and held her tightly, feeling that she was trembling.“Did you not remember that I promised,” he whispered into her hair.
“You promised that you would return for the evening meal,” she chided, pulling back from him a bit.“Which was completed hours ago.”She dropped her voice to a whisper and he saw her relief in her eyes.“I was most concerned.”
“I thank you for sitting with my father, so he did not dwell upon my delay.”
“He invited me to join him.He is a delight.”Leila held his gaze for a moment.“And your quest?”she asked with care.
“My obligation is served,” Fergus said firmly.“And I was most vexed that I could not return to hearth and wife with greater speed.”
“You just wish to know what the King of Samarkand saw in his brother’s garden,” she teased and Fergus laughed.
“I did, indeed, though we have another matter to attend first.”He bent and kissed her, intending to reassure her, and heat flared within him when she surrendered to his touch.
“Aye, I see the reason for your return!”his father teased and they ended their embrace with reluctance.Leila’s eyes were sparkling in her relief, and Fergus resolved in that moment to spend the night showing her the extent of his regard for her.
She plucked at his cloak, disapproval replacing her fear.“You are wet to your very marrow, sir.”She turned and clapped her hands.“Iain, my lord must have a very hot bath, if you please,” she said slowly, her Gaelic perfect, and Iain nodded agreement.
“Thank goodness you yet have a measure ofeau-de-vie,” she continued in French to Fergus.“It will drive away the chill.”
