Highland Defiance - By Sky Purington Page 0,34

the horizon. Unlike Bruce’s it didn’t sit on the sea but a fraction of a mile inland. Pine trees were thick and protective here, long grass filled small fields in between. So it was clearly not winter though the air felt as much.

This holding had no drawbridge or moat, no wall walks. It was but a decent size, square building. Mildred thought it looked incredibly welcoming compared to Bruce’s castle. A few women and children appeared as they approached, welcoming the clansmen. Besides that, all seemed rather quiet and peaceful.

No wonder Bruce didn’t want her here before him.

It might just give her the wrong idea about the Highlands.

The sun was setting as they dismounted in the small courtyard.

Iosbail’s husband seemed an entirely different man now. His cold indifference had all but vanished as he came over and held up his hand. Unsure but left with no other choice, she took it and came down off her horse.

“My name is Logan, welcome to my home.”

Mildred nodded. “Thank you.”

When he turned away and walked with his men into the keep, she didn’t stop him to ask him why he seemed so kind now. No, she looked right at Iosbail. And Iosbail looked right back.

Suddenly furious, Mildred yet again asked of her, “What’s going on?”

Nobody seemed particularly phased by a strange woman yelling in their courtyard. Was this an everyday occurrence for them? Tired, hungry, Mildred found it all infuriating.

“Let me explain, Mildred.”

Stunned, she spun.

Adlin?

It couldn’t be. But there he was on horseback, framed by the setting sun, a fur cloak wrapped over his strong shoulders. Before she could release a healthy stream of words, he got off his horse and strode her way. Though she shook her head avidly she allowed him to pull her into his arms, allowed him to shelter her trembling body.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered into her hair. “So sorry.”

“You should be,” she muttered but didn’t pull away. He felt too good.

“We must go in and eat, brother,” Iosbail said softly.

Adlin pulled back slightly and cupped her face in his warm hands. “This is a place of shelter for us but one that will only last for a day. Then Bruce will be here.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him to transport her home but it suddenly felt like if she said it then it might happen. Looking up into his intense eyes Mildred knew the very last thing she wanted to do right now was go home. She needed a few more hours at least… with him.

“All right,” she whispered.

When was it that she’d gone from being petrified of being in medieval Scotland to wanting…no, needing, to stay here?

“Come with me, lass.”

Adlin took her hand and led her into the keep. A reflection of the outside, the inside was square, very tall and toasty warm. Thin steps led up to several levels but as a whole it was a very open concept with a fire in the center. Bread and sweets baked, meat roasted, filling the air with a rich, heady aroma. A single pipe trilled from somewhere unseen.

Tables were placed randomly with large torches stemming out from the walls. Well-armed clansmen hung their weapons on wall hooks to sit with family. Women and elderly smiled. Children played happily.

She’d never felt so comfortable.

And safe.

Wind whistled through thin arrow slits stemming up the whole of the structure but instead of seeming cold and lonely, the eerie sounds somehow only added to the coziness of everything.

“It’s amazing,” she whispered.

“Aye,” Adlin responded and pulled her further in. “It’s the highlands, lass. The real highlands.” He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “This holding is at the truest peak of Scotland. The northern most point. ‘Tis special.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

Their eyes met. She really would see, didn’t doubt it for a second.

Logan walked over. He and Adlin shook hands in the way of the Scots, hand to elbow. “’Tis been too long, old friend.”

“Aye,” Adlin nodded. “You have done well by the MacLomain clan with this. Many thanks.”

“Despite my brother’s beliefs, I know you’ve been good to the MacLeod’s as well over the years.” His eyes flickered to Mildred then back to Adlin. “You know that Bruce is trying to find a reason to go to war with you.”

Adlin chuckled, his hand on the small of her back. “He has been for years.”

Logan’s eyes appeared haunted for a moment before he smiled and looked Iosbail’s way. “She hasn’t changed a bit. Still as feisty as ever.”

Mildred’s eyes widened as