Highland Light (2 page)

There was a slight smile on her father's face, which told her the answers to his query had pleased him. 'Good!' They were half way to victory. Now, was anyone else interested in the lad?

Gideon had slipped into the deepest shadow he could find. This whole matter smacked of a slave market. He did not like the feeling of being on the block. Mayhap at any moment they would all be asked to remove their shirts so their muscles could be viewed. He was leaning against the back wall of the partially destroyed building with one foot braced against the wall.

He had not bothered to put on fancy attire for the occasion. Gideon's dark eyes roamed the hall. Reluctantly he had agreed to this show and to the bargain driven by the man fighting to gain this kingdom. All must agree to the bargain or it would not take place. Robert the Bruce wanted no hint of what was taking place here to reach the ears of either the English king or the Pope. Gideon had given his word on his honor. As a man of honor, a Knight Templar, he would marry whichever woman was finally decided upon.

Marriage in its self was fraught with pitfalls for him, as Gideon had never been with a woman. In the language of the Book, he had never known a woman. There had been a few times he had dreamed of the act. Several times more than he wished to think on he had been forced to take action to relieve a pressing need he did not fully understand. He had gone to his mentor to ask to be given penances for the action, as he understood it to be unholy. He had been reassured he was only a normal youth.

He understood procreation in animals. Having witnessed mares being put to stud, he intellectually grasped what was to be done. It was the actual doing which concerned him. Gideon doubted a female would appreciate being approached as if she were a mare in heat.

It felt as if hours had passed before each of the other men had reached an agreement with one of the clansmen. The women were then presented to each man. Gideon wished he could leave the hall or disappear into the stones behind him. Ill at ease, he shifted his weight as he lowered his foot. One of the last clansmen present stood. The woman sitting next to him came to her feet as well. They both looked in his direction. Gideon had felt their intense observation. He feared his time had now come. Shutting his eyes for a moment, Gideon said a short prayer then watched the pair make their way toward him.

The man was of middle years, perhaps a half a head taller than he. The woman, partially hidden in a gray wool cloak was nearly as tall as the man she was walking with. Gideon watched her move. She did not mince along. Her stride was easy and confident. The light was not good where he and the couple coming toward him had taken their stand. He could not see her well.

The man with her was more easily observed. His hair was red with gray here and there. The man wore it quite long. Braids swung on either side of his head. Trim and well muscled the man also moved with the same easy grace. The two of them walked in step. Both of them were comfortable with each other.

The man stood back a bit from Gideon, allowing a bit of space.

"Yer name tis Gideon I ken."

Gideon nodded.

"Well, lad it seems you are the last knight left here."

Gideon was not sure the statement required an answer. He nodded again.

"Ailene, my lass and I,"

The man gestured to the woman next to him.

"Have need of a husband for her, a son to look after our people. Are ye of a mind to agree to this?"

Gideon eyed the both of them carefully.

"I gave my word on my honor to serve, protect and defend the woman and all under her protection upon being wed on the morrow. I will do so. My word, once given, will not be broken.

"I'm called the MacGrough. We are but a wee clan and my lass, Ailene and I have thought carefully on this matter. We are of a mind to take you, if ye will have us lad.

Gideon smiled slightly.

"As it appears there is none left other than I, I am at your service Sir."

Cadell caught the humor in the statement he chuckled.

"So it would seem lad."

The woman had remained silent through the conversation. Gideon was aware that she was focused entirely on him. He knew his measure was being taken by the silent figure.

"What might be your surname?"

The MacGrough asked.

"I am only Gideon. I have no other name. After tomorrow I shall be Gideon MacGrough."

"Aye. That will do. Have ye a mount Gideon?"

It was the first time the woman had addressed him. It was softly spoken. Her voice was well modulated. He liked the sound of it."

"None, my lady."

"Well then, we shall supply yer need. Our lands are a wee bit ta the north. After the marrying on the morrow we shall be off. Have ye an objection to being first done and gone?"

"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 any 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.