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The lad blushed and lowered his chin, but Davina could see the taut lines of pain pulling at his mouth. Hoping she was judging the dose accurately, she bade Edgar to drink the medicine she held to his lips, knowing its numbing effects. After giving Harold an even larger dose—as he was nearly twice the size of Edgar—she returned what was left of her torn shift and the medicine to her trunk.
Sir Malcolm followed her to her horse. “I’ll not feel safe until I’ve put ye behind the walls of McKenna Castle,” he explained. “Unless ye’d rather return home?”
His question surprised her. She was used to being told what to do for so long, it felt strange to have her opinion considered. “I’d like to continue to McKenna Castle, unless ye advise against it.”
Briefly, he looked pleased, then he grew solemn. “There is a less traveled, more direct route to get there, through the jagged mountain range. The terrain is difficult to negotiate, with steep cliffs and rugged ledges. Do ye think ye’ll be able to cross it?”
“I’m not afraid of heights,” Davina answered, almost embarrassed to admit that was one of the few things that didn’t cause her fits. “What about the wounded? Will they be able to manage such an arduous journey?”
“We will make certain to rest as often as they need and watch them closely to see if they take a fever. Beyond that,’tis in God’s hands.”
Davina nodded and prepared to mount her horse. Sir Malcolm turned away, but not before she caught the worried look in his eyes he tried to conceal.
Sir Malcolm kept his word. Though the pace was harsh, he stopped frequently to rest the horses and check on his wounded men. They made camp each evening just as darkness was setting and rode out at first light. Davina and Colleen tended the men’s wounds as best they could, pleased that no fever had claimed them, relieved the wounds had not opened.
The final day of their journey, the weather turned bitterly cold. Teetering on exhaustion, Davina’s spirits were lifted when one of the men announced they had crossed over to McKenna land. The pounding sound of the horse’s hooves mingled with the relieved sighs of the men, jubilant at returning home.
It took several hours before they climbed the final ridge and at last the castle came into view. For a moment, Davina was speechless. McKenna Castle was truly a sight to behold.
The square towers and turrets were massive in size. Elegant in design, they spiraled toward the heavens, with pennants snapping in the wind above them. There were walkways connecting the numerous towers and armed guards patrolling the parapets. The pale gray stone curtain wall that protected the castle was the tallest Davina had ever seen, surrounding the entire structure, making it a nearly impenetrable fortress.
At the base of the wall stood a large village, the cottages and shops a labyrinth of winding paths. Though the hour was late and dusk was fast approaching, the clan came out of their homes to greet them. They waved and shouted words of welcome, cheering raucously as they rode past.
Sir Malcolm smiled and waved back, calling to several men and women by name. There was little doubt that he was the McKenna heir, destined to one day lead and protect these people. ’Twas also clear that he had already earned their loyalty and affection.
They passed through the large gate and into the bailey, which was a hive of activity. Servants scrambled forward to take charge of the horses, while maidens greeted their men and boisterous soldiers called out to their comrades.
For a moment, Davina wondered about Sir Malcolm’s wife, but then remembered that Lady Aileen had written that her older son was a widower, having lost his young wife to a harsh illness two years ago.
As Davina contemplated how she was going to dismount from her horse without her tired legs collapsing beneath her, she spied an older couple standing at the entrance to the great hall. Clearly they were awaiting their arrival, welcoming smiles upon their faces.
“My parents,” Sir Malcolm whispered, though Davina had already surmised their identity.
Sir Malcolm had the same commanding demeanor as his father, his body tall and full of strength. The protective way he hovered over the lady at his side made it obvious that she was Sir Malcolm’s mother. James’s mother.
Davina’s heart began to race and her hands felt cold and sweaty beneath her gloves. She was so distracted by her nerves at meeting Laird and Lady McKenna that she barely took notice of Sir Malcolm when he grasped her around the waist and hauled her off her horse.
Feet unsteady, muscles tingling, Davina held on to him and allowed herself to be led to his parents. Still clinging to Sir Malcolm’s arm for support, she dipped into a low curtsy.
When she rose, Lady Aileen took her hand and squeezed it affectionately, then embraced her like a long-lost relative. “I’m so happy that ye are finally here.”
Davina felt her emotions rise to the surface. Unable to find her voice through her constricting throat, she smiled broadly and answered by returning the hug.
Her smile faded, though, under Laird McKenna’s appraising scrutiny. His sharp eyes took in every aspect of her appearance, eventually forming an opinion that Davina feared was not nearly as favorable as his wife’s. The tight grin he finally bestowed upon her did little more than bare his teeth. Then he turned to his son. “I see that young Edgar and Harold are wrapped in bandages. What happened?”
“Nothing we could not manage,” Sir Malcolm answered, bending down to kiss his mother on the cheek.
“Come inside out of the cold,” Lady Aileen admonished, ushering everyone through the thick oak door.
The pleasant scent of beeswax mingled with the aromas of freshly baked bread and roasting meats assaulted Davina’s nose. Her belly rumbled and she realized she had eaten very little for the past few days.
“I’m afraid there’s barely enough time fer ye to wash away the travel dust before the evening meal is served,” Lady Aileen said. “But I can have a warm bath prepared fer ye to enjoy in yer chamber later tonight.”
“A bath sounds like pure heaven,” Davina replied.
“Good. Megan will show ye to yer chamber, but please hurry back. The McKenna men dinnae like to be kept from their food.”
Her chamber was lovely. A woven rug covered the stone floor, a pair of colorful tapestries hung on the walls. A welcoming fire blazed in the hearth and the fragrant dried herbs and flowers sprinkled in the bed linens perfumed the room. ’Twas too dark to admire the view, but Davina suspected it would be as spectacular as everything else.
