So much had changed since Callum left Kielder Castle that final time. None of it good.
As if divining his thoughts, Callum leaned forwards, clasping his hands together. “Tell me everything that you could not say in front of my wife.”
Adam dampened his lips with his tongue. He was parched with thirst and wished he had not been so quick to turn down the offer of refreshments when he first arrived. But he had wanted to deliver his message as soon as possible, without the hindrance of niceties.
“It is much as you would imagine,” he answered carefully, biting back ‘milord.’ “Your father’s health has been failing this last year. At the harvest supper he took to his bed and has been unable to leave it since.” At Callum’s questioning expression, he offered more. “When I left, he was still able to take some bread and drink some watered wine. But the physician said you should be sent for.”
“I do not question your motives in coming for me,” Callum said quickly.
“I would not do so lightly.”
Adam paused to meet Callum’s eye, waiting for his nod of understanding.
“And what of Kielder Castle? What of my old comrades, Andrew and Arlo?”
Adam’s chest ached, though he had anticipated the question. “Andrew has moved away from us. He married a lass from the islands. I told him to grasp his chance of happiness.”
Callum smiled. “I am glad of it, though I am sure he is much missed.” He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. “And Arlo?”
“He was kicked by a horse last yuletide. His leg was broken, and I am afraid he has not fully recovered.”
Callum almost jumped from his chair. “Ye Gods. I had no idea.”
“He did not want to cause you any concern.”
“Has my father sent the physician to see him?”
Adam paused for a moment, then settled for the lie. “Aye. More than once. He made a splint for his leg and Arlo can get about tolerably well now. But his days of wielding a sword are behind him.”
In truth, Adam had summoned the physician and paid for his services with his own carefully saved coin.
“He has taken some other position in the household? Or has my father granted him a pension?” Waves of agitation rippled across Callum’s face.
This time, Adam could not bring himself to lie.
“There is little in the castle coffers to allow such a pension,” he said diplomatically. “Arlo helps in the stables.” He paused. “When he is able.”
Callum dragged a hand through his hair. “I know the rebuilding of the keep drained our reserves.” He referenced the siege some six years prior which had seen Kielder Castle all but razed to the ground. “But Arlo has served our family most faithfully. I do not like to think of him working when he is injured.”
Adam said nothing. The situation was more dire than he could aptly give voice to. Rory Baine had retreated further into spiteful parsimony since his son’s departure, and it was not unknown for the servants to go long weeks without receiving the coin they were due. But with no other settlement for milesaround, many had neither the wealth nor health to consider leaving.
And others, like himself, felt duty bound to stay and do what they could to help. The siege of Kielder Castle had left its scars: children without parents; warriors without limbs; and farmworkers with wounds—physical and mental—that refused to heal.
He fixed his gaze on the dapples of sunlight covering the plastered wall ahead of him. Laughter came through the adjoining wall of the great hall and outside in the courtyard, someone was singing.
A woman’s voice.Perchance it was Esme?
He shook his head to dislodge the notion. Foolish fancies for a young woman, some years his junior—and many ranks his better—would not aid him in any way.
Callum sat back in his chair. “What of this request from my sister-in-law? That you remain here whilst I visit my father?”
He was temporarily lost for words.
“’Twas impertinent, I know. But she is a lass who speaks her mind.” Callum grinned, clearly unaware of the impertinent steer of Adam’s thoughts. “I wondered if you might appreciate the chance of some days at rest?”
Adam lifted his brows. “Days at rest?” he repeated stupidly.
“Should you be of a mind to chop some firewood or exercise the horses, none would stand in your way. But as my wife said, we are ready for winter.” Callum shrugged. “You can take some rest. Or else renew your acquaintance with the land. ’Twas not far from here you were raised, I believe?”
