Kara Griffin - Gunn Guardsmen (21 page)

Kenneth shook his head and opened his mouth to respond but the woman wasn’t about to let him.

“So you wedded, have you? Brought your bride home to meet your mother? Ah at least you chose a good bonny woman. She’s appealing and looks to be able to birth a bairn. Aye, nice wide hips she has. Good news for you, eh?”

Elisa was about to curtsey but the woman wouldn’t let her. She flapped a hand at her indicating she didn’t want her to be forthright.

“Greer would have come sooner. Aye, he would have wed a fine lass, too. Och, you want to rest do you? Well, come inside and take the laird’s chamber. Lord knows I’m an old woman and don’t need such comforts.” She pointed to her walking stick and Elisa hastened to pick it up and handed it to her.

“Well come along then. You shan’t be standing there gathering wool.” The woman observed the sheep and then looked each one of them in the eye. As fast as she’d appeared, she disappeared.

“Your mother is … lovely,” Elisa said.

Sean burst forth in laughter. “You are jesting, Elisa. I didn’t realize you were so humorous.”

“Stepmother,” Kenneth corrected. “Now you know why it took this long to return.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Patience is a virtue. Kenneth had heard that somewhere before and he kept reminding himself of that old adage. He wasn’t wont to being virtuous, but needed patience. His tolerance wore thin and soon he’d lose what temperament remained. His clan members most unwelcoming and the one person who should have been gladdened at his return wasn’t.

During supper that night, Kenneth sat at the largest trestle table in the great hall and watched apprehensively at the manners and behavior of his clan. Several guardsmen fought by the hearth. No one bothered to remove the men or stop their fray. He was about to intercede when the men bounded out the door and took their fight outside.

Not only were their manners atrocious, but they didn’t give a cosh that they sat inside the laird’s home or in front of the women. Twice he’d spied someone throwing bones to the floor and spitting food or drink, he wasn’t sure which, on the floorboards. The hall’s filth didn’t appear to bother them either. Sean and he shared a look of disgust, but Kenneth wasn’t about to reprimand them yet, for they didn’t know who he was or why he was there. All in good time.

He’d asked for Aiden and Duncan, the Gunn clansmen, who were sent to protect the clan, to be brought to him so he could get a report of the latest happenings. But the men were apparently on sentry duty and weren’t expected back until the morn.

Hastily, he left the great hall. He didn’t feel remorse or guilt for taking the laird’s chamber. Eventually he would have to rid the chamber of its furnishings and redo it for Elisa. Though Helena didn’t care about the filth she lie upon, he did, and had two of the keep’s maids come and do a quick cleaning and change the bedding before he’d occupy it. The woman was going to be difficult. If that wasn’t bad enough, he’d hoped she would help him win over the clan. That didn’t seem to be in her interest.

Kenneth almost felt guilt-ridden about it, but Helena knew far better than anyone his father’s treatment. She should have known why he didn’t wish to return. And for her to ingrain Greer into the conversation wasn’t right. He should have said something to defend himself but she wouldn’t let anyone get a word in upon their arrival.

This day started off with him trying to be optimistic, but after one hour, he lost his zest and sanguinity. For every command he’d made, Helena counter-commanded it. He wanted to respect the old bird, but somehow he needed to explain that he was laird and she was not.

When Kenneth had enough, he sent out the ‘fiery cross’ and decided he’d make his statement to one and all of the McInnish clan at once so there would be no mistake who was in charge. They began gathering in the courtyard, most standing around in small groups.

He went from building to building, cottage to cottage, having Sean make a note of what needed to be done. He was so absorbed in his duties he hadn’t seen Elisa since he’d left her slumbering. Kenneth had gotten too early a start to the day, and set about his tasks at dawn. He’d been too busy to take a moment to see her. Kenneth flinched at his thoughts. He’d brought her to a foreign place and left her to her own. He did own to being a wee bit guilty over it and decided he’d check on her.

“Sean, keep at it. The clan should be gathering soon. When Aiden and Gordon return from sentry, tell them I want to see them. I’ll return shortly. I wish to see what Elisa is about.” Kenneth apprehensively entered the keep, ensuring Helena was nowhere in sight. He wasn’t sure he could take another encounter with her.

As he approached his bedchamber, he heard no noise within. Surely Elisa still wasn’t sleeping. He entered and found her sitting in a chair facing the window.

“Elisa, what are you doing?” He advanced and stood next to her.

“Nothing, Kenneth, absolutely nothing. Actually, I lie. I’m looking at the heathens.”

“Heathens? Aye, you mean my clan?” He wasn’t offended by her remark for they did resemble a bunch of outcasts.

She turned to face him, her downcast gaze cautioned him. For she appeared not to be in a teasing mood this morning. Tension filled the chamber, and he wasn’t sure if he should stay.

“They are rough, but with a little time they’ll come around.”

“I don’t see how you can change them. Even with time.”

“They’ve been on their own for too long and need guidance. It’s also just bluster. They aim to intimidate me before accepting me. I expected this.”

“Are you?”

“Intimidated? Nay, they don’t threaten me, Elisa. I’m calling a meeting this afternoon. I will have to be firm with them, but they’ll come around.” Kenneth gazed out the window and saw several of the clansmen lazing around the courtyard.

“Shall I attend?”

Kenneth’s attention focused on two of his clansmen who wrestled in the dirt in front of the keep. He wondered if there was any hope to bring them around. Mayhap it was futile. If he were a lesser man, he’d consider hiding out with Elisa until the threat was over and then returning to the Gunns. But he wasn’t sure Grey would welcome him back. Besides, he was never one to back down from a challenge and the last thing he would ever do was to give in to their reprehensible behavior.

When he and Sean were assessing what needed to be done, he got the feeling the clansmen could care less that their laird returned. Verily, Elisa might be right and they were untamed heathens now.

“Kenneth?”

He shook his head. Kenneth was stuck with this lot of conundrum men and women. “If you want to join the meeting, come. But I don’t see how you can help. I will need to meet this challenge on my own.”

“I’m your wife. Is it not my duty to stand by you and help any way I can? Besides it’s better than sitting around here with nothing to do.”

Kenneth sighed. “I don’t need your help. These miniscule problems are in no comparison to what I face out there. I will see to the clan. You will see to the keep.”

Elisa laughed derisively. “That won’t be happening, Kenneth, anytime soon. For I’d sooner stay in this chamber than deal with your mother.”

“Stepmother,” he corrected. “By God, Elisa,” Kenneth raked his hands through his hair as more frustration irked him. “Can you not deal with one aged woman?”

“I haven’t seen you fare well with her either.”

“That is different. She was the support of the clan and they don’t trust me yet.”

Elisa sat back in the chair. “I shouldn’t have come. You don’t need me.”

Kenneth swore his eye twitched, for he was about to lose his temper. “You’re the very damned reason we are here, Elisa. You best get used to it and make the most of it.”

Elisa lowered her face. When she lifted her chin a lone tear rolled down her cheek. Kenneth sighed again. He could tell she tried not to cry. His actions made him feel like a roguish clotpole. She didn’t deserve his hurtful words.

“I didn’t mean that. My patience is being sorely tested this day. We’ll figure out how to deal with Helena. I don’t like seeing you upset.” He pulled her from the chair, sat, and pulled her onto his lap. “I am unsure how to handle the clan.” Kenneth loathed admitting to anyone his shortcomings.

“Did you know they were like this?”

Kenneth leaned his head back and closed his eyes, wishing he had never awoken this morning. One problem after another and now he had to deal with his displeased wife. “Nay, I haven’t been back here for many a year. After my training started I came back only once … when my mother was laid to rest.”

Elisa touched his face. “Kenneth, I’m sorry. That must have been a difficult for you.”

“Aye it was. She was a good woman and mother. Greer and I cared for her a great deal.”

“How did she die?”

“It was an accident. She’d been riding and her horse spooked. My father was filled with anguish over it and it changed him.”

“Do you wish to speak of this?”

He shook his head. “Nay I don’t. I must get back to my duties. If you wish to be present at the meeting then come. Otherwise, I’ll see you this eve.” Kenneth kissed her cheek and left her in the chamber.

This day was going to hell and not at all how he’d planned it. One thing was certain; he needed to rid the keep and clan of Helena before she ruined them all. How did one rid themselves of such a harridan? Kenneth was unaccustomed to dealing with such an issue and wished Grey was present. His good friend would give him sound advice. But he had no one to guide him, a situation that did not sit well with him. He’d always had his trusted friends around him. Yet he’d never faced such issues as he had now.

Kenneth met Sean behind the keep where he was using water from a barrel to wash. He leaned against the wall and waited for him to finish.

“Have you a dagger, Sean?”

He nodded.

“Do you want to end this torture now? Aye, thrust the goddamned thing through my heart.”

Sean laughed boisterously. “Never seen you so … plagued, Kenneth. Worry not. It’ll all work out. You just have to have faith.”

“Faith I have aplenty, Sean, but not the patience to deal with these tottering arses. Come, the clan is starting to gather. Let us get this meeting over with.” Kenneth went around to the front of the keep where many had assembled. He pulled a cart toward the entrance of the keep to which to stand upon and Sean assisted him.

He jumped upon the cart and noticed Elisa had come to stand in the doorway. She didn’t appear content, and he couldn’t blame her. He brought her to hell in the highlands. Sean took his place next to her and said something to her which he couldn’t hear. When he looked back at the crowd, he rested his hand on the butt of his sword, and tried to assess their disposition. They appeared uninterested.

“Clan of McInnish, I call your attention.” Many of the men stood around and didn’t pay him any courtesy. Kenneth had to get their attention somehow and so he unsheathed his sword and jumped to the ground. He approached the strongest looking McInnish warrior and knocked him on his arse with a shove to his chest. He hadn’t had to use his sword but at least it got their response.

“He knocked Robert on his arse,” someone said, snickering.

He resumed his position on the cart and looked though the crowd assessing their interest. “I am Kenneth, son of Joseph, and am Laird of the McInnish. Do you refute me?”

Two elder men threw disgruntled waves at him and spoke to the crowd behind them.

“Who amongst you thinks they can do a better job? Anyone?” Silence met him. “Aye I see you have no balls do you? You would rather let an aged woman lead you than I? My family has ruled this clan for generations. My own father, Joseph, whom you all loved, chose me to replace him.”

“What took you so long?” a woman shouted.

“Aye you left us to fend for ourselves. We don’t need you, we’re doing well on our own,” a man said who stood to the left of the crowd.

“Why should we need you, a second son?” a man said from afar.

Kenneth was about to use his sword for by God they asked for it. As his hand tensed on the hilt of his weapon he saw Sean jump upon the cart. “Kenneth, don’t. You’ll regret it.”

“I mean to run these motley-minded weasels through, Sean, if they don’t start listening.”

Sean lowered his sword with his hand. “Patience, my friend. They are angry at being deserted. Remember that.”

Kenneth realized Sean was right. He had no right to be annoyed with the clans’ people and their questions were somewhat justified. Instead of being short-tempered with them, he should be remorseful since it was his fault they’d come to such an end. Why didn’t he consider the McInnish would falter without a leader? All clans needed someone to guide them. Fair job he’d done. In all his days, Kenneth felt the words of his father hitting him and deservedly so.

He looked back at the faces seemingly interested in him now. “I am your laird,” he said to the crowd, “whether ye like it or not.”

“What are you going to do for us?” a woman asked to the right of the crowd.

Kenneth jumped down from the cart and handed his sword to Sean. He’d take away the temptation to start swinging. “I mean to be a fair laird, but I will take no cosh from any of you. If you don’t want to follow me or the rules set by the McInnish council then you are welcome to leave.”

“What council?” a clan member asked.

“I want three men chosen who will be the clan council and my guardsmen. They must be the most trustworthy amongst you. They will report to the hall first thing in the morn to begin their duties.”

“Can they bring their wives?” another woman asked.

“Nay, they cannot be married. What I ask of these men is a sacrifice.”

“You want us to sacrifice ourselves for the likes of you?” another man asked.

Kenneth felt as if he talked in circles. “Not a sacrifice in that you would die. But a sacrifice as in you will give of yourselves for the better of the clan. You must be strong, intelligent, and resourceful.”

“Why should we men work for the likes of you?” a brawny man yelled from the center of the courtyard.