“Really?”
“Aye, he has come by every day to see how you’re doing,” Agatha said. She went to another room, then returned with a trencher. “Here is some food for you, milady. You must be hungry. I’ve not been able to get you to eat anything but a few sips of broth.”
Siena gratefully ate breakfast consisting of bannocks, butter, and blackberry jam. It was the first time that she’d had a bannock. It reminded her of a scone with a nutty flavor. After the first bite, she sighed. She couldn’t remember when food had tasted so good. She licked the butter from her fingers, then drank a glass of goat’s milk before saying to Agatha, “I would like to go outside for some fresh air after we dress. I’m not sure how far I can walk, but I need to get my strength back somehow.”
“I’m sure that would be wonderful.” Agatha stood. “I’ve not been outside much myself. I’ll go and fetch our cloaks and gloves for it’s very cold outside this morning.”
* * *
Siena grabbedher dark purple cloak lined with silver fox and slipped it on. It was the warmest thing she’d ever had and her nicest garment. She had been told that it belonged to her mother making it a cherished belonging.
They stepped through the castle’s doorway into a bright winter’s day. Siena shivered as the first blast of cold air hit her face. She squeezed her eyelids tight against the bright sunshine. When she finally opened her eyes again, she could see much better after she dashed the tears away from her eyes. Evidently, she’d been in a warm room too long, and that made the wind seem so much colder, but this morning she didn’t care. It felt glorious to be alive. “Isn’t it wonderful to be outside in the fresh air?”
“Aye, you were never one to stay inside for long periods,” Agatha said, pulling her hood over her head.
“It was easier to escape my brother when I was outside.” Siena laughed, realizing for the first time that she was free of his torture. Maybe that was why she felt so happy today. She no longer had that sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. It felt good to be alive.
A commotion sounded behind them, causing Siena to turn. There was an ox-drawn wagon loaded with barrels coming to a stop outside the great hall. Siena nodded to the driver but didn’t receive any acknowledgement in return. She wasn’t sure what she expected since no one here knew her.
“I believe the Scotts like their drink, if that wagon is any indication,” Agatha said.
Siena nodded. “I think you’re correct. Let’s walk a while before we have to go back inside. I must stretch my legs to get the blood flowing again. I feel as if I’ve been inside for weeks.”
They stopped at the stables where Siena went inside to visit her horse and found Hercules was there as well. She rubbed Hercules’s soft muzzle. The man she’d seen when they first arrived approached her. He wore a brown jacket and the red plaid that the Scotts wore. His cap was also a red plaid.
“I see he likes ye, lass. Ye must be good wi’ horses, cause Hercules dinna let anyone touch him.” He shook his head. “Nope, no one at all except me and the laird. His name suits him as he is a devil of stallion.”
“I do love horses,” Siena said, rubbing the horse’s muzzle. “I don’t believe we were introduced the other day. My name is Lady Siena.” She didn’t bother with a last name not wanting to make enemies before people got to know her.
“My name is Garvin. I be the head groomsman, milady.” He bowed his head curtly, and added, “I’ll take good care of yer horse. Ye needn’t fear. I think she’s taken a fancy to Hercules. After ye arrived, I put her in a stall at the end and she pitched a right good fit.” Garvin paused, then chuckled. “So, I let her out. And you know what she did? She sauntered down to Hercules’ stall and stood there.” He nodded at the horse. “Guess the lass was tellin’ me what she wanted, so I put her in the stall next to him and she settled right down.”
Star stuck her head out upon hearing her mistress’ voice. Siena moved over to the other stall. Star nudged Siena. “I’m sorry, she has caused you so much trouble,” Siena said, kissing the animal. “She is a bit feisty.”
“What do ye call her, milady?”
“Her name is Star.”
“Aye, it fits her wi’ her silver coat. She’s a rare one,” Garvin held his palm out, so the horse could have a carrot. “Not sure I’ve ever seen another horse like her. Most are white but she’s silver.”
“I thought so, too.” Siena gave Star a final pat. “Thank you for your time, Garvin. We won’t trouble you any longer.” Siena smiled at Garvin and asked, “Do you know where your laird has gone?”
“Aye, he is training wi’ his men in the outer bailey, milady.” Garvin pointed to his left. “Just follow the road to the end and ye’ll be on a hill that overlooks the training field. Ye can’t miss it.”
“Are you feeling all right, milady?” Agatha asked when they turned to leave. “You look a little pale.”
“I’m fine,” Siena sighed, but admitted to herself that she was very tired. However, she wasn’t ready to return to the keep. “That rest at the stable helped.”
They passed the blacksmith who was hammering on a horseshoe. They heard the sizzle as he shoved a finished horseshoe into water to cool. Next was the master shoemaker where the smell of leather was strong. There were several other stalls, everyone busy with their daily chores, but they took time to glance at the ladies. Finally, they reached the outer bailey where cottages were scattered about.
“Have ye noticed how everybody has turned to stare at us?”
Agatha nodded. “Aye, but I do not know if it is because we’re strangers or maybe they know who we are. I’m sure Fidach wasn’t well liked here.”
Siena sighed. “Aye. I don’t want to have to go through that again. I want to feel as though we belong someplace.”
Making their way through the little village, they climbed to the top of a hill, overlooking the brown field down below where men were training. They were throwing spears and fighting with swords; the clanging of metal upon metal sounded loud, even at their distance. It wasn’t long before Siena spotted Roderick among his men. He was the tallest, of course, and there was something about him that made you know that he was the commander. She liked his long, brown hair and the way it curled just under his ears. The bright sun brought out the red highlights in his hair as he moved through his drills. When he turned, she saw his firm jaw and the way he carried himself. Aye, he was the commander. Siena smiled. She couldn’t wait to talk with him again, and that was something she had never thought about any man before. She usually kept her distance where men were concerned, thinking most might be like her brother.
“No wonder they don’t get hurt, milady,” Agatha commented. “They fight as if it’s a true battle and they don’t seem to notice it’s cold outside.”
