Aye, it was. Please do not let it be in vain!
Chapter 38
Breathe, Nella, see this done.
Behind a shuttered doorway the sound from footsteps echoed, with a limp, while heading toward her and Kameron. Kameron had already straightened his chainmail tunic a third time as they stood under the abbey’s entryway arch. She fiddled again with her braid beneath the veil. There was a true chance this Sir James could harm an innocent. What if this had been a mistake thinking she could see this lady safe?
“Nella,” the familiar voice summoned from across afar up in the hay loft, watching them prepare to be received. “There is nae need to fidget with the wimple. You are the most astute lady or lord I have ever encountered. Summon your keen mind and instincts – these are your weapons.”
Her hand lowered before she glanced over her shoulder at the stable loft. She couldn’t see Callum in the darkness which now enshrouded them like a fog cast of onyx, but he could see her by the lone torch outside the door.
“I believe in you, Nella.”Love you too, Callum MacCade.
The snap by a tiny hinged peek hole in the upper portion of the larger door turned her attention back toward the solemn task. Dark wide eyes peered through at them. Before she spoke, the door flapped closed. No! Prior to stating a plea for entry was aired by her, the doorway gave a heavy groan from use before she saw the features belonging to the gaze – an elder monk.
“Good eve,” Nella greeted, flashing a smile.
The weathered face’s expression became warm as the brighter light from torches flanking the passageway behind him. “Good eve, my lady.” His words ebbed by a full yawn at the hour.
“My brother and I seek but a wee bit of shelter for the night.”
He looked behind them. “Shall you require someone to tend to your mount at the stables?”
“Nae, my brother has seen to such.” She produced coins quickly. “We would care to make a donation for your trouble of lodging us.”
The monk’s drowsiness forgotten, his lashes leapt wide at the heavy amount Callum had bestowed for the task. “How very kind of you both, if you would care to follow me.”
She glanced over her shoulder once again at the stables. “Find her, Nella,” Callum said, “then send for me.” She nodded then turned back toward Kameron, who held the door wide for her entry as the monk took the lead.
***
Callum’s heart palpitated as he watched Nella vanish behind the thick oak door.
“The lady shall be fine.” Holger’s words poked at him same as the straw at his ankles as the three of them were settled within the open loft doors eyeing the silent terrains.
“She had better be, Northman,” Callum threatened, “or I shall take it fromyourhide.”
Holger gave a snort in reply, sounding like a swine who slept in the pen below them outside the stable.
“Once Sir James is placed in irons where do we venture then?” Sir Brayden inquired.
“You will not care for it.” Callum darted his eyes at the friend just seeing a hint from the whites of his eyes in the heavyshadows. “In an effort to make certain the northern delegation arrives safely to Perth, you shall accompany them with Lord Kolson, who shall also take charge of his sister’s care and Sir James in his shackles.”
“What of you, Scotsman?” Holger questioned, an edge in his tone.
“My lady and I shall take our leave once Lady Dagny is safe.”
“You mean to steal her away,” Holger accused.
“I mean to keep our sovereign safe,” Callum retorted. “Have you forgotten our highest duty as Scots is to protect our lord king? Nella feels the same.”She did.
Holger demanded, “When was this discussed?”
“As we tethered Luss before the walk here.”
“Let us see how the matters progress.”
The “matters” had better progress flawlessly or that thick hide was going to be skinned with the dagger pressing his hip. He remained silent, his eyes searching the structure before him. The shutters were closed, same as his life had been the last time he was here. He had paused for lodging years ago; alone and bitter and sad, thinking Nella had abandoned him. How different time was now, same spot, completely fresh hope for the future. His and Nella’s.Pleaselet her stay from harm.
