A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) by Hildie McQueen (great novels TXT) 📕

Ewan maintained a distance as he had his own items to prepare. He now had more tunics and other things that he’d not had on his way there, which presented a problem. Already, the bags that he’d thrown over the horse were full.

After consideration, he yanked older tunics that he’d hoped to keep for sword practice out of the bags and replaced them with neatly rolled newer ones.

He went to another guard who seemed to be finished packing. “Do ye have room for these?”

The guard shook his head. “No, I had to leave items behind.”

Just then, he noticed Catriona standing by the wagon where items were still being loaded. He went to her, feeling silly with his old tunics.

“Do ye have room anywhere for these?” He looked into her wide eyes. Clearly, she was nervous but doing her best to stay busy.

“Put those there,” she told a lad who emerged from the kitchen with a basket filled with flat bread covered in a white cloth. “In the corner.”

She then grabbed the tunics from Ewan, not looking at him. “If there is anything else ye need a place for, I may have a bit of room under the bench in carriage.” She hurried to the door of the carriage and set his tunics on the bench. She wrapped them with a shawl and then smiled at him. “A pillow for my head.”

Ewan wished he’d brought the newer tunics. “I do not have anything else. Thank ye.”

This time, she lifted her gaze to him. “Of course, I wouldn’t wish ye to leave anything behind that matters to ye.”

Searching her face, he was glad that some of the nervousness seemed to dissipate.

“Miss Catriona,” someone called from the wagon and she hurried away.

He helped carry a few more things from the kitchen and soon it was time for the party to begin the trek to Ross lands.

Ewan mounted and called for his men to line up outside the gates. In lines of ten men each, he gave instructions for how they’d move forward.

Ten Frasers and ten Ross warriors would ride in front of the party. A group of six, including Ewan, would flank the carriage. Broden and a mixed team of warriors and archers would bring up the rear.

Once positions were assigned, everyone realigned, and they were ready.

Ewan rode back into the courtyard to see Lady Fraser and the laird bidding their farewells.

The couple hugged openly, followed by Ava and Keithen who bid both Lady Fraser and Catriona their farewells.

The women were then assisted into the carriage by the coachman’s assistant, who would ride on the back of the wagon.

Finally, after the lead guards called out, the coachman urged the horses forward, and the carriage went through the gates.

Ewan wasn’t sure why, but he turned back to the entrance. Standing in the doorway, next to Keithen, Ava watched him intently.

There was much that had been left unsaid between them. He wondered if she learned the reason behind his actions, would she understand. Probably not. It was her father, after all, that he’d killed.

Whether the man was evil or not, he represented a place in her heart. Ewan lifted an arm in farewell. Laird Fraser, Keithen and Flora, who wiped at her eyes, all returned the gesture.

Ava did not.

***

Catriona sat back in the carriage. As nervous as she’d been when packing and getting everything settled, now that they were moving, calmness overtook her.

“I do detest the traveling portion of travel,” Lady Fraser said, peering out to the passing landscape. “We can barely see anything with the horses in the way.”

Following the woman’s line of vision, Catriona had to agree. To her right was a black horse, to the left, Ewan’s silver stallion. “They could move a bit forward and allow us to see better.”

Lady Fraser chuckled. “True.” She then settled back and closed her eyes. “I will sleep for a bit and then work on the embroidery I brought with me.”

For a long while, Catriona kept watch. Although she was sure the men who escorted them had a better vantage point, she still wanted to ensure to catch sight of some kind of threat.

Ewan leaned down and caught her looking. He motioned for her to sleep by putting both hands to the side of his head and leaning to the right.

A quirk to her lips, she rolled her eyes and he smiled. A warmth seeped through her and she was sure her cheeks had turned bright pink. Catriona looked away and pulled the curtains closed so she and Lady Fraser could rest.

When they came to a stop, Catriona was grateful. She and Lady Fraser, escorted by two Fraser guards, went away from the others to relieve themselves. It was a bit uncomfortable to do so with the guards so close, but Catriona understood the need to keep the laird’s wife safe.

Upon returning to the carriage, many of the men were walking about, stretching their backs and legs. Ewan remained astride his horse. He and a group of men, including Broden, were grouped and talking.

When she and Lady Fraser returned to the carriage, Broden and another man came to them.

It was Broden who spoke. “Lady Fraser, we will ride until sunset to ensure we are away from Mackenzie lands before setting up camp.”

At the mention of being on Mackenzie lands, a tremble traveled up Catriona’s spine. Immediately, she was on high alert, searching the area for any movement or sound.

Broden must have realized his mistake because he moved closer to her. “We are not on their lands...”

“We should go,” Catriona managed to say past the chattering of her teeth. She stumbled sideways and Broden reached for her. Immediately, she slapped his hands away and began walking backward.

“Catriona.” Ewan’s voice sounded behind her.