Highland Light Read online

  "None my lady. My share has already been set apart. We may leave as soon as necessary."

  The MacGrough took a rolled parchment from his belt.

  "Ailene, have ye the ink and quill."

  "Aye."

  The clansman led them over to the long table.

  "Do ye read lad?"

  "I do."

  Gideon replied. He wondered what it was the MacGrough held.

  "This is a marriage contract between yourself and my lass. She is not to be relegated to a slave in your marriage. She is a trained warrior. I nae want her ta be treated as anything other than a valued asset in a marriage. This document gies her the right to appeal to the king should she be thinking she is ill treated."

  Gideon could tell how much this meant to the MacGrough as his accent had become broader with the emotion fueling it.

  "I have had a taste of the slave market myself this night. I have seen slave markets. I have no wish to use anyone against their will. This devilment which has come upon the Templars has forced other circumstances upon us than I had thought to live under. Vows of chastity will no longer apply."

  Gideon shrugged.

  "On the subject of marriage, we must look to Christ. The Book says we are to love our wives as Christ loved the Church. We are to give our lives for them if need be, to honor them as we honor ourselves. To the best that I can, I will do so."

  MacGrough grunted.

  "Aye. Gie him the quill and ink Ailene. There is no better answer I could have for you."

  Gideon quickly scanned the contract and dipped the quill in the ink.

  "How do I spell 'MacGrough?"

  Cadell gave him the spelling as Gideon signed the document.

  MacGrough handed both copies to Ailene.

  "Take one to The Bruce's man, keep the other close Ailene."

  Ailene quickly turned leaving the two men alone.

  "Be warned lad. She is a braw woman, none better. All that she has a stubborn streak wide as the Clyde. Just treat her well an she will guard your back ta tha bitter end. Mind she is nay shrinkin violet. She is a jewel lad, aye a rough one."

  Gideon considered the MacGrough's words. He had never had any intention of marrying. That being the case he had no idea of what the generally excepted duties of a husband and wife might be. He had heard talk by the other knights in the order. Almost all had been married; he had paid no real attention to any of it, as it did not apply to him. All he knew were the things he had heard from the Book. As a general rule marriage had not been a great topic of the sermons in the Temple where he grew up either.

  Gideon shrugged.

  "I fear I have little or no concept of 'marriage' sir other than what I have already stated. I had not thought a marriage would ever be something I would be a part of."

  Cadell contemplated Gideon's words. 'Well now. It appears the lad is a blank page ready to be written on'. He thought. His lass was an honest woman with little or no wiles to ply. This would be interesting to watch. It might be highly entertaining as well.

  The three of them settled for the night in the chamber Ailene and Cadell had occupied the previous three days. Gideon and Cadell made up pallets on the floor before the fire. Ailene took the small bed as her father had insisted at the beginning.

  Gideon woke several times in the night. He listened to the night sounds for a few minutes to make sure nothing was amiss. He once tossed another log on the fire then cuddled back into the warmth of the covers.

  Everyone at this meeting was aware the gathering had taken place under the nose of the Sassenach. They had gotten away with it only because of the knowledge of the area held by The Bruce. Had the enemy any idea of the treasure, which had been divided between the knights and The Bruce, a swarm of soldiers, would have descended on them as flies to a kill. Everyone was eager to be up and away from the area as quickly as possible.

  The MacGrough contingent was not the first to appear before the Bishop of Glasgow who was performing the ceremonies. They were third in line. So secret was the entire matter that it was the Bishop himself, Robert Wishart, presiding over the marriages. It was quickly accomplished. In a matter of moments Gideon found himself married and a MacGrough. Before daylight flooded the West Coast of Scotland, they were on the way northeast to the MacGrough holding.

  Bundled into cloaks and plaids, the three of them rode in silence. This was a major step in each of their lives. No one was of a mind to chat.

  After the sun rose, Ailene finally removed the hood of the heavy gray cloak which had shielded her from all eyes including Gideon's. When she pushed back the hood he was slightly behind her and the MacGrough. A long heavy braid of dark red hair was only partially revealed by the absence of the hood. He still had not had a good look at her face in daylight. Gideon found he was curious. He wished she might turn so he could see her in the morning light.

  The horses were being ridden at a fast walk. Gideon knew that given the nature of the circumstance they found themselves in, it was prudent to do so. The animals would have some resources left if needful. As they rode he kept careful watch on the terrain around them. Trouble could come from any direction. His weapons were at the ready.

  Ailene was also ready. Gideon had noted the bow and quiver she carried along with sword and shield. He was vitally interested in learning more about his bride, but was obligated to keep careful watch instead. He did not know the country they were traveling through so he needed to make sure his mount did not come to grief due to inattention.

  He had been allowed to keep his share of the treasure on the animal. It lay packed in two leather bags draped over the withers of the animal. The horse was a solid beast with bottom. It had danced a bit when he first mounted. Gideon was aware that it was certainly worth a great deal. The quality of the mount had surprised him pleasantly. It would not have surprised him to find he was given a lesser animal. All in all he was being treated as a kinsman would.

  What did concern him was how the two of them would approach the consummation of the wedding. As there was nothing to be done regarding the matter at present, he pushed it to the back of his mind along with several other bothersome matters. Unfortunately that particular concern refused to stay banished. Gideon found he occasionally needed to tamp it back down.

  Ailene was very aware of the rider behind her. She did not need the occasional jingle of the bridle or the noise made by the horse to remind her. Refusing to acknowledge his presence effected her in any way, she refrained from looking behind her. Her father did so now and again. Cadell smiled encouragement to the lad.

  'Gideon, I must call him Gideon.' She reminded herself.

  The trio was heading toward Glasgow. In order to cross the Clyde they would need to ford it at Glasgow. When the water was low there was a lesser know place to cross the river, but not when the streams were beginning to flood from snowmelt.

  They might have found an inn but with the present situation in Scotland, a cold camp in the forest was preferable. If there was no fire then there was nothing to draw either soldiers or other unwanted guests to their camp.

  At the last of the twilight, they stopped. The horses were tied out without removing their bridles nor saddles, only the packs. It would still give the animals rest, but they would be ready to be instantly mounted for a quick leave taking. There was water from a small burn for themselves and the animals. Cadell knew the location well having used it when taking animals to the Maybole fair. They ate their cheese and oatcakes quickly and quietly. Cadell took the first watch. Ailene was to take the second and Gideon the third.

  Gideon felt he had been made the keeper of the packs containing his share of the treasure. They became his pillow after being padded out with a blanket. Each member of the party kept their weapons close to hand.

  For a short time before the light faded, he had been able to catch a quick glimpse of her face. She had high cheekbones and almond shaped eyes. Not that it had really mattered to him at this point as there was nothing to be done in a
ny case, but she was not ugly or scarred. He thought she might have brown eyes but could not be sure, as the light was nearly gone when they stopped.

  Gideon had just lay down and covered himself when he heard her whisper to him.

  "Ye know ye will need to learn the Gaelic quickly?"

  There was a lilt to her low voice that he liked.

  "I will?"

  He whispered back.

  "Oh aye. Few of our people speak the English. So you will be needing to work hard on coming up to snuff with it."

  "Do you speak French?"

  He spoke it, but was not happy to do so, not after the trouble with the French king.

  "No well. Me fayther and I have enough words to get by but none to chatter in."

  He heard a slight rustle as she settled into her nest.

  "Well then. I will need to work hard to learn as you pointed out."

  Gideon turned toward the sound of her voice.

  "Give me the words for 'danger', 'sword' and 'wife'."

  She laughed softly in the darkness.

  "An odd combination to be sure!"

  Ailene was smiling to herself as she thought about the best way to proceed. She gave him the Gaelic form then the translation then the Gaelic again for each of the three words he had chosen. He pronounced each after her until he came fairly close. She liked the sound of his voice.

  She considered reaching out to touch him and then thought better of it. Not yet. They would be home soon enough.

  "Sleep well Ailene."

  The words were a slight whisper which told her that he was quite close to her now. She wondered what he would do if she did reach out to him. She quashed that as inappropriate in this time and place.

  Chapter 2

  They started early in the morning after a quick bite of bread and water. Gideon realized they had camped quite close to the town of Glasgow. Neither Ailene nor Cadell tarried as they made their way to the ford of the Clyde River. No one spoke as they maneuvered their horses carefully through the people and carts thronging the streets. Ailene and Cadell kept Gideon and his mount between theirs as they picked their way down into the water then up the other side.

  There was a drover waiting on the other side for several carts to ford the river before he took his flock of sheep across. They carefully skirted the sheep. Gideon watched the drover and his dog work the sheep. With hand signals and a series of whistles, the man and his dog kept the sheep bunched up until it was time to cross. There was a great deal of noise along with mud spattering everywhere as the animals milled around.

  Well before mid-day they were away from Glasgow. When they were once again alone, Gideon felt comfortable riding forward to engage Ailene in conversation. He wanted to know in which direction they were traveling. How far they were planning to travel this day and when they would reach their destination. He also wished to get to know his wife better.

  Each time he thought about her as his 'wife' he tended to shy away from the subject. There were so many things attached to the thought it was almost terrifying. He had no information on the matter, no training in dealing with a wife. Therefore, he wanted to 'scout out the territory' so to speak. Slightly anxious but more curious than anything else, Gideon proceeded.

  Before they had resumed their journey in the morning, she had washed her face in the stream which he had learned was called a 'burn'. More quickly that he thought possible, she had combed out her long dark red hair and braided it. Ailene's wide mouth broke into a smile often. She and The MacGrough joked and teased each other. They had an easy relationship. Gideon began to relax around them. He was not of a mind to attempt to insert himself into their relationship but was happy to quietly observe.

  Cadell had watched the lad as they readied themselves to continue on to MacGrough lands. Once they were away from Glasgow, the lad urged his horse closer to Ailene. Cadell allowed his animal to drop back a little so as to give them room. Gideon was so quiet one could easily forget he was always watching and listening. Those black eyes never stopped searching the horizon. Even when he rode next to Ailene, he still kept watch.

  Cadell liked that the lad was cautious. He hoped he was as canny as he was cautious. The MacGrough clan was small. They could easily be caught between neighboring clans. The Campbells in particular were as rapacious as a sea eagle at snatching up land. They reproduced like rabbits. Campbells were constantly encroaching on other clans.

  Cadell was grateful to not be in the position of the MacGregors and the MacFarlanes, both far too close to the Campbells. The other two clans were acting as buffers between MacGrough and the Campbells. It was to Cadell's benefit to have that situation continue.

  Two days would see them safely on MacGrough land. Then they would need to introduce the lad to the clan. He and Ailene had kept their own counsel. He was fairly sure Gideon would be a shock to certain parties. The lad was not a Sassenach, which was in his favor. Had Ailene taken an Englishman as husband he would likely have faced a rebellion.

  Looking at the lad it was difficult to put a label on him. The leader had not indicated what land the lad's father had come from, but with his mother a Jew; no one could label him a Sassenach. Cadell smiled at the thought. Certain folk he would have to face would probably be struck dumb when he let drop that little piece of information.

  But the lad had quoted the good Book. He knew scripture. This was a good thing. Cadell felt Gideon would be subjected to a good quizzing by any priest. Cadell and the priest had come to loggerheads on occasion over Ailene. The priest thinking Ailene was violating certain portions of the Book, they had privately had several heated discussions through out the years.

  In the end Cadell, being the head of the clan won. He would not allow strictures to be put on her as a woman. The strictures all men faced laid on them from their Maker were another matter. Cadell had not replaced the priest when that worthy man had died. They were so small supporting a priest was difficult. When they needed one, a priest was usually easy to find.

  Gideon liked the look of her face. Ailene's almost russet colored eyes had surprised him. He had never seen eyes that shade of brown before. Her skin was tanned a golden brown from all the time she had spent in the sun. She was not a plump, curvaceous woman. Ailene was all angles. But those angles interested him. Her voice was another matter. The tone, the vibrancy of it slid over him like warm honey. Gideon discovered she had more of the French than she had led him to believe.

  They spoke in French for a bit then switched to Latin. Gideon raised an eyebrow at that. He had not known women were taught Latin. Ailene had smiled broadly at his surprise, her wide mouth quirking up at the corners. Russet eyes wrinkled up into laugh lines as she smiled at him.

  "Ye thought perhaps we Scots were an uneducated lot of savages?"

  Gideon shook his head.

  "No. But the few females I have encountered were not interested in learning. They were more interested in other things."

  "Females?"

  Ailene's voice questioned him.

  "Ladies? Would you prefer that term?"

  Gideon asked. He was not looking at her as he once again scanned the territory they were traveling through. Gideon turned in the saddle. He observed that Cadell dropped back a little, giving them a bit of privacy.

  He turned back to her.

  "Forgive me but I have little experience of women or Scots."

  Ailene laughed.

  "Then you have more to learn than just the Gaelic I take it?"

  Gideon was a warrior, not a man used to dissembling.

  "All I know is fighting. I have the usual education. I can read and do sums, but I have little knowledge of anything other than weapons and their use."

  Ailene was quiet for a moment as she considered this bit of information. This husband of hers was not one who boasted. Could that mean she could believe what he told her? 'Interesting thought that'. She would need to test this a bit more before trusting him completely.

  Ailene continued to work wit
h Gideon on learning his new language. She was pleasantly surprised to find he could manage the fully guttural sound which often made the word 'loch' so hard for others.

  With a shrug, he explained he spoke Hebrew, his mother's tongue. Scots had a similar sound. Ailene asked him to acquaint her with Hebrew by using a few words. Gideon was happy to do so.

  "How old were you when you went to live with the Templars?"

  Ailene inquired. She wanted to know as much as possible about Gideon.

  "Do you want the truth or the lie I told so they would not send me to a home?"

  Ailene looked at him in astonishment.

  "Lied, did ye? Why wa they have sent ye to a orphanage?"

  Gideon gave her his full attention. They needed to get this one falsehood of his behind them.

  "When I came to them at my parents death, it had been some time since Sir David had seen my father. My father had been training me early on. I was quite young when he started but we were not in the best of positions. It was necessary for me to learn to defend myself. My mother was a source of aggravation to certain people. Compounded with their dislike of her was the fact that my grandsire had money which had passed to my mother. I told Sir David I was ten and two. That was a lie. I was only ten. I feared he would send me away as too small to be fostered by him."

  "God's breath! Gideon, that makes me older than ye by two years."

  Gideon laughed at her.

  "So, does it disturb you terribly? I should think our ages have little bearing on matters."

  He laughed harder at the look of consternation on her face. Her wide mouth now in a thin line.

  "At least I am grown sufficiently to have attained warrior status, elsewise you would have not found the man you were looking for."

  "I find it ta be the problem here! Ye are only a lad."

  Gideon's amusement at the situation she now found herself in was not shared.

  "God's teeth! And I will be tha laughingstock of the glen."

  Ailene had raised her voice quite a bit and it drew her father's curiosity.

  Cadell trotted closer.

  "Lover's quarrel so soon?"