Highland Warlord - Amy Jarecki Page 0,24

the priory loomed above the church walls with the stained glass sparkling over the bailey walls. Unfortunately, the warhorse bounded ahead of the others and they arrived at the nunnery’s gates well before anyone else.

After James dismounted, he held the reins and offered a hand. “Allow me to help you.”

“I can do it.”

“Aye, you can.” He patted her thigh, making gooseflesh skitter across her entire body. “But I’ll not be here to assist you the next time you dismount, m’lady.”

“Very well.” Leaning forward, she placed her hands on his shoulders as his enormous hands clamped around her waist.

His face didn’t register the slightest strain as he lifted her clear out of the saddle and brought her against his chest. Ailish couldn’t breathe as she slid down the length of his body until her toes touched the ground.

“I…ah…” he said as breathlessly as she felt.

“You’re back!” Harris yelled from behind the iron grille of the gates.

Ailish hopped away from Sir James’ grasp. “Aye,” she said, suddenly at a loss for words.

Florrie stepped into view. “Where’s Coira?”

“Here I am,” said the maid, reining her horse to a stop beside the palfry with Torquil and Caelan close behind. “Heavens, when that mammoth beast has a mind to run, there’s no stopping him.”

“I’m glad you made it home in one piece,” said Sister Louisa as she used an enormous key to turn the lock. The young novice had become one of Ailish’s dearest friends.

“Did you meet the king?” asked Harris, his brown curls flopping about his head as he bobbed up and down.

“I did, and told him everything,” Ailish replied before she made the introductions. Then she squeezed Sister Louisa’s hand. “Would we be able to invite Sir James and his men in for a meal? ’Tis the least we can do after he risked life and limb fighting the English to see us safely home.”

“I’ll ask,” said the novice, stepping aside and ushering everyone into the courtyard.

“You battled the English?” Harris’ eyes grew round as if instantly captivated. “Did you fight them with your great sword?”

James mussed his hair. “I did, m’lord.”

“And that was afore we met up with Torquil and his da,” said Coira, pointing to the Younger.

“What an adventure you had. Please excuse me while I ask the prioress permission to feed you,” said Sister Louisa, gesturing to a bench. “You may wait here.”

“I’ll stay with you,” said Ailish, giving Sir James a polite smile.

Harris took the knight by the hand and pulled him to the bench while the other two followed, though Torquil and Caelan opted to stand. “Ye must tell me everything about your adventure. ’Tis ever so dull living with nuns.” The lad thumped his chest. “After all, I’m a man, ye ken.”

Sir James sat and pulled Harris onto his lap. “Aye, you’re an earl, and you have one brave sister who made certain your fealty was pledged to the new king.”

“When can we move back to Caerlaverock?” asked Florrie.

“As soon as my army rids Scotland of the English vermin,” said Sir James.

Ailish bit her lip. There was no use telling the children James first must raise an army, train them, then fight a great many battles, all which would undoubtedly take years.

Harris’ jaw dropped to his chest as he gaped. “You have an army?”

“I will have now that I’m close to clan and kin.”

“Did you hear that Ailish?” said the lad. “Sir James is from Galloway, too.”

“He’s actually from West Lothian, just north of here,” she said. Sitting back, she watched her brother hang on the knight’s every word. Of course, any lad would pine for an audience with a real knight. And the Maxwell Clan could certainly benefit from allies such as Douglas. Even the Cunninghams would make good allies after Torquil and Caelan had behaved with utmost respect during their journey south.

Sister Louisa returned with the gate’s key in her hand. “The prioress will allow you to bed down for the night in the stable’s loft. There’s a well out the back where you can wash afore the evening meal.”

Sir James stood and set Harris on his feet. “Thank you. We’re grateful for your hospitality.”

“I’ll show them where to go,” said Ailish, taking the key from the nun.

Harris was already rattling the gate. “I’ll come, too.”

Ailish’s sprits fell. She desperately wanted a wee moment to speak to Sir James alone and now it seemed her chance had slipped away.

Chapter Eight

After Ailish kissed Florrie and Harris goodnight, she tiptoed down the rear steps of the abbey’s