The Unquiet - J. D. Robb [127]
For long moments there was no sound in the cottage except for the hiss and snap of the log on the fire. Bree watched as Jamie disappeared from view, only to reappear across the room. His figure shimmered and faded, then grew stronger before drifting around the cottage, landing by the fire, then sailing toward the bedroom, then returning to stand before her. It was a sure sign that he was highly agitated.
“I’ve never spoken of this before to any mortal. You must bear with me as I recall it as precisely as possible, for it’s been a while since the actual deed.”
She nodded, afraid of what she was about to hear, but determined that she had to know the truth, now that she’d forced his hand.
“I was the son of a laird. The grandson of a laird. And great-grandson of a laird.” His voice rang with passion. “I was proud of my trusted position with my good people. From the time I was very young I’d been trained in the art of battle, and could handle broadsword, dirk, and longbow with ease. And from childhood on, my dearest friends were young Flora, who later became my wife, and Ewen, who became my man-at-arms. I trusted Flora with my heart, and Ewen with my life.”
He fell silent, and Bree waited, knowing there was much more to his story.
“My men and I were often gone for weeks, even months, as we drove off the barbarians who tried, without success, to steal our flocks or our women and children. And always, Ewen was beside me, and Flora was awaiting my return to our stronghold. It was the way of things until Ewen was gravely wounded in battle. Together Flora and I nursed him back to health. When next I left to fight the barbarians, I ordered him to remain behind so that his wounds could better heal. In return, I asked him to see to the safety of my wife and the other women of the village. When I returned weeks later, he was once again strong and hale and ready to resume his position as my man-at-arms. As if that news weren’t enough to flood my heart with happiness, Flora told me that she was expecting our first child. It was a time of great rejoicing.”
Bree wondered at the way her heart skipped at his news. She fought the conflicting feelings of both excitement and dread at what he would reveal.
“ As the time drew near for Flora to deliver our child, Ewen reported that barbarians had been spotted in the hills. Though I was reluctant to leave my beloved, Ewen suggested that he and I ride ahead and scout their numbers, then return to the stronghold and permit him to lead the rest of our warriors to drive them off, while I remained by Flora’s side. I agreed. When we reached the high meadow, we saw the signs of invasion everywhere. Paths in the tall grass, made by horses that were not ours. Bits of coarse cloth and animal hide clinging to the bushes that seemed strange to the eye, and obviously worn by barbarians.
“While I was looking toward the ground, studying the tracks in the heather, I felt a sharp blow from behind and was knocked from my steed. I landed with such force it snapped my arm like a twig. I looked up in surprise. Ewen was standing over me with his broadsword lifted. He admitted that these were old tracks that he’d discovered while I was off doing battle across the river. He’d tricked me into coming to this place alone in order to kill me.”
Bree sucked in a breath. “But why?”
“I asked if he wanted to be laird. He told me that he would take that honor, if the others thrust it upon him, but what he really wanted was Flora. Ewen said calmly that they had become lovers while he lay recovering in my chambers, and that even now she carried his child. I couldn’t believe that Flora, my sweet bride, would betray me. At first I was merely incredulous, but as he brought his sword down again, barely missing me, I knew that he must be speaking the truth. Why else would my dearest friend wish me dead? I knew, too, that I was in for the fight of my life. With one arm useless, and my judgment blinded by fury, I was no match for Ewen, who had spent weeks preparing himself