Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (reading women .txt) 📗

McEntee. I have offered them my protection until they can obtain safe passage back home.”

The man looked at the women but didn’t say anything. He eventually looked away and glanced at the boar. “We accept your hospitality.” He looked back at his men and they started unloading their bags.

Dorian took their horse and walked toward a stream and tied it up. He escorted Deanna and lifted the other women off their saddle. He leaned down to whisper, “Listen, lassies. That man is known as Cold-Heart, although his real name is Sir Ian Travis. I didn’t want to offend him and thought to invite him to sup with us. His men are notorious fighters. I am not sure if he is friend or foe. So be careful around him. They say he is ruthless in battle and unpredictable. Even his own family is wary of him. His reputation is real, and he is probably the most feared warrior in all of Scotland.”

Katherine snuck a look at the man they were talking about. He was speaking to one of his men in a low growling voice. The muscles in his arms bulged with definition and his tunic was stained with blood. “How does he know you?”

“I am acquainted with his older brother. I only met Ian once last year. I haven’t ever fought with him. He is a mercenary and hires out his skills instead of fighting with his clan. I have heard he is a bit brutal with his enemies who gave him the name Cold-Heart. His battle skills and size are already legendary even though he is young. People say he is not a man of many words—not the type to smile. He is also known for his very serious demeanor. But he seems to be on friendly terms today. Just stay clear of him and his men. Their reputation is not good. Keep your little sister in the tent, Deanna.”

Deanna nodded at his warning and took Katherine by the hand. The men built a small tent out of blankets and she made Katherine sit inside. Claudia helped gather some wild vegetables and roots to make a stew with the meat. Deanna took Dorian’s hand and sat on his lap, while Katherine watched them from inside the tent. The men started passing ale around, and she noticed the one that did not take any was the one they call Cold-Heart.

Katherine longed to take care of some private needs, yet Deanna never came to the tent to check on her. Growing frustrated, she lifted the side of the blanket and walked into the woods. The trees were all overgrown and she struggled with the branches as she tried to find an area where she could relieve herself quickly. After she finished, she walked back toward the fire not watching where she was going and tripped over a log causing her to lose the covering on her head. It was so dark, she couldn’t find it. Feeling around for it, her head bumped an object in front of her. Realizing it was the silhouette of a large man, she gasped, “Pardon me!”

A hand came in front of her face holding something and a deep voice sounded, “Did you lose this?”

Her voice cracked. “I … am sorry, I didn’t see you. Yes, I am looking for my cloak.”

He handed the covering to her. “It’s a shame you would cover yourself.”

Katherine’s heart went into her throat. The man looked even bigger close-up. She felt faint and stumbled again trying to back away. A massive arm caught her before hitting the ground.

“I am so sorry. You just frightened me.” She stabilized herself and he removed his arm.

“It was not my intention.” He looked at her studying her face. “Let me escort you back to the camp.”

Her eyes widened. “Um… My sister told me not to leave the tent. She mustn’t know that I left.”

He tilted his head. “What is your age?”

“Sixteen, my lord. I shall be seventeen in a month.”

“Then you are old enough not to be frightened by your sister.”

She smiled. “You don’t know my sister.”

He smiled back, and her heart skipped a beat. A serious man known not to smile just smiled at her.

He held out his elbow. “I will protect you.”

Katherine slowly took his elbow. As they approached the camp, Deanna stood up with a scowl on her face. Walking swiftly to Katherine, she yelled. “Katherine! Why are you out of the tent? Where is your covering?”

Katherine looked up at the man. He looked at Dorian behind Deanna. “I asked her to sit with me next to the fire. I assure you she is in capable hands. I assume you have no objections.” His menacing stare would quiet anyone’s protests.

Deanna reached for Katherine’s arm. “Pardon me, my lord. My sister is a very young maiden unaccustomed to men’s gatherings. I beg her leave and she will return to her tent.”

“Your request is denied. I will not hurt her, and neither will my men.” Deanna opened her mouth to object, but nothing came out.

His eyes looked over the group as he turned back to Deanna. “I can’t speak for Dorian’s men, but I will now.” He whistled for everyone’s attention. “Hear me now!” Holding up Katherine’s hand, he turned her around for all to see. “She is under my protection tonight. None will touch her.”

He looked at Deanna, “My word is final, and they will not harm her.” He then looked at Dorian and narrowed his eyes. “Excuse us.” He walked away pulling Katherine beside him as they reached the other side of the fire pit.

Katherine looked back and saw her sister raising her arms pleading with Dorian. He grabbed her hands and took her beside the tent to speak privately.

Katherine turned back around and looked up at the huge man—he looked down and patted her arm reassuringly. She trembled, as he grabbed a fur off his horse and placed it around her and then took her to sit by a tree near