A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) by Hildie McQueen (best story books to read .TXT) 📗

up at the half-moon. “Even now, there is enough light to see.” He guided her in a circle around the camp, ensuring they remained close enough that Catriona could see the fires.

She had so many questions and yet, in his presence, her thoughts evaded. All she could think about was what Lady Fraser had stated. That it was possible she’d allow herself to love and be loved by Ewan.

“Ye’re quiet this night,” Ewan said. “How was the first day of travel?”

“Better than I expected. I have never traveled so far. I cannot believe it. To be so far from home.”

Ewan bent and picked up a small stick and threw it. “I suppose it can feel strange. From my home on the Isle of Uist to Ross lands, it took me ten days.” He picked up a second stick and threw it. “I was taking my time, not sure of what my reception would be.”

“Why did ye leave Uist?”

His face hardened for a moment, but then he relaxed. “I am fourth-born son. A future of farming or guarding my father’s keep was all that I could hope for.”

“So ye left hoping for more?” Catriona sensed there was more to the story. “Is that not what ye do now? Guard?”

“Aye, a bit, on a much larger scale. I have a group of men under my command. I have the power to make decisions that impact important things. Not just what pig to slaughter for the next meal.”

Catriona remained silent for a moment, not sure whether to ask another question about his decision. She looked up at him. “One day, perhaps ye will tell me why ye took it upon yerself to carry out revenge against the men who attacked me. I hope that ye explain it to me, because I do not understand.”

“I have told ye. Because it had to be done. For too long and too often, men have mistreated women. There is no reason for it to happen. I do not stand for it.”

Catriona was shocked at his anger. “It is true. I know others who’ve been mistreated, beaten and taken by force. I doubt it will ever change.”

“It should not be allowed.”

When she placed her hand on his arm, Ewan stopped walking and turned to her, questions in his gaze.

“I often wonder if yer vengeance has anything to do with me.” Catriona kept her voice calm. “It worries me that ye could have died because of it.”

His lips curved, the smile unconvincing. “Ye should not worry so much. My reasons are nothing that ye should concern yerself with. All is fine. We should go and see about the meal.”

Despite wanting to continue talking, Catriona was very hungry. She allowed him to guide her to sit with Lady Fraser. They’d brought several stools for them to sit to eat. The food was flavorful and throughout the meal, Lady Fraser kept those that sat nearby entertained with a story of her uncle’s travels across the sea to a wild isle.

Every so often, Catriona would look to where Ewan sat eating with several of the Ross guardsmen.

He seemed at ease with the men. He listened to whatever the other men said, his head falling back with laughter. Whatever had caused him to leave Uist and not wish to return had to have been something horrible. Perhaps it was the same reason he’d killed the men who’d held her prisoner. Or perhaps, she was overthinking the entire situation.

By the time they went into the tent and removed their dresses, both she and Lady Fraser could barely keep their eyes open.

Catriona lowered to her cot and unbraided her hair. Using the comb Ewan had given her, she pulled it through her stands and then once again braided the long strands. With care, she placed the comb into her satchel and lay back onto the cot.

Lady Fraser looked over to Catriona. “I am so proud of ye. Ye did well.” The woman blew out the candle in the lantern and the interior went dark.

The bonfire outside gave sufficient light that she could see just enough. “Thank ye for allowing me to travel with ye,” Catriona replied.

Someone outside called to another and Catriona started. The men seemed to have a problem keeping quiet.

“They speak loudly to keep beasts and the like away,” Lady Fraser said. “When they are walking, they will throw rocks or sticks for the same reason.”

Catriona recalled what Ewan had done during their walk. “Men can be quite smart.”

“Some of them, yes.”

Catriona giggled.

***

The next day was a repeat of the first, except somewhat more tiring. Catriona shifted in her seat, wishing for the next stop to happen so she could stand upright.

“It seems we should be stopping soon,” she complained, peering out the window.

“Ye can ask Ewan or Broden. They will stop for ye,” Lady Fraser said, looking up from her embroidery. “What has ye so restless?”

Catriona didn’t want to admit that the foreboding sense from the day before was growing stronger. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head. “Nothing. I am just very nervous. It is almost as if I sense danger.”

“Stop!” Lady Fraser called out and, moments later, the entire party came to a full stop.

“What is it?” It was Broden who came to the door.

Lady Fraser motioned him closer. “Please ask Gilda to come at once.”

The woman came to the door and glanced first at Lady Fraser and then to Catriona. Lady Fraser motioned for Broden to help her inside.

“What is wrong?” Gilda climbed in and then cupped Lady Fraser’s face in her palms. “Do ye feel unwell, Lady Fraser?”

“No.” Lady Fraser pushed the woman’s hands away. “Miss Catriona has a sense of foreboding. Since ye know more about this sort of thing, I thought to ask ye. Do ye