After a day spent in Maureen’s company Selene was tired. She’d been grateful for Maureen’s chatter and her warm, welcoming manner.
As Callum had suggested, the two women had strayed to watch the sparring in the training ground. Even though they were well armed with their flintlocks, great value was still placed on the warriors’ skill in swordsmanship and archery.
Callum was in charge of a group of young squires and pages demonstrating different sword thrusts and footwork. The youngsters were all keen and eager, each outdoing the other with their skill. With Maureen beside her explaining the moves, Selene had enjoyed observing several short fencing bouts taking place.
They were making ready to leave when Kenneth appeared. Selene’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him, observing his powerful shoulders and his height as he towered over the group of younger boys.
Like Callum, he stripped off his jacket and tailored vest leaving a loose linen shirt over his kilt. He pulled off his boots and, like the others, was barefoot. Both men donned thickly padded vests for protection.
The bout between Kenneth and Callum was meant as training so the boys could see what they’d been taught in real-life action. But although it was friendly, Selene held her breath as the two fierce warriors sparred together.
They were well matched, and the fight was fast and furious, with Kenneth having a slight edge over Callum due to his height and obviously superior strength.
Selene found it impossible not to admire Kenneth’s lithe movements and the strength of his arms as he skillfully maneuvered his broadsword.
After the bout, Kenneth sparred with one of the older squires. The boy fought hard, but he was no match for Kenneth’s strength and skill. Yet Selene could see how Kenneth held back just a little once or twice, allowing his young opponent to land a blow. Despite herself, she felt a slight thaw in her heart as she watched his generosity.
Damn it, this barbarian is a man tae be reckoned with.
She glanced at Maureen, who was watching intently.
“Me braither is a fearsome warrior,” she whispered, giving Selene a mischievous grin. “Much admired by the ladies.”
Selene looked around. There were several of the castle maids watching the bout, their gazes transfixed on Kenneth’s every move. She felt a strange sensation under her ribcage as sheobserved them watching him. Was her gaze on him the same as these women’s? Blatant with admiration and… she gave a slight shudder as the word sprang into her head. Lust. Yes, these women lusted after him.
“Yet your brother has not taken a wife?”
Maureen shook her head, her eyes clouding over.
“Indeed. He has ne’er wed.”
“Oh?”
“Aye. ‘Tis a sad story?”
Selene held her breath, waiting to see if Maureen would continue to enlighten her. But she was not going to pry.
“’Tis nay secret, Selene, so he cannae complain if I tell it ye.”
Waiting for her to go on, Selene nodded.
“Me braither had nay wish tae marry and was nae in love wi’ any lass. Yet, as our faither’s power began tae wane there was great concern from the Clan that we might be overrun and lose our lands. Or, as he’d lost the position he’d held fer many years as Lord of the Isles, the King might intervene and take our lands.” Tears welled in Maureen’s eyes as she spoke.
“You don’t have to continue, Maureen, if it is difficult for you to speak of the past.”
Maureen shook her head and went on. “It was determined that me braither should marry in order to strengthen our clan and ensure our lands were safe.”
She sighed and one tear trickled down her cheek. “The lass who was called upon tae marry me braither was Eilidh Fraser, the daughter of the laird of Clan Fraser of Philorth.”
“What happened?” asked Selene, her attention now thoroughly captured by the story.
“Eilidh was courted by Aidan MacLeay, who loved her dearly, but her father demanded the alliance with our clan and so she was bade tae wed against her will wi’ Kenneth.
“She set out tae make the long journey from the Lowlands, but she fell ill wi’ fever along the way. She waited and rested at Mallaig before setting out tae sea but she was sore ill. She lived but a day longer once her ship had berthed at Duntulm.” She sniffed.
“That is a truly sad story.” Selene’s thoughts flew back to her own journey and the difficulties she had encountered. Her heart went out to the poor young woman who had suffered such a dire illness on her trip.
Maureen lifted her gaze. The men had finished their bout and were donning their jackets and boots ready to depart.
