Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
T hat night found them perched in strategic positions, Annabelle back in her dark pants and top, vigilant, and silent as they watched for any sign of the elusive thieves. The darkness was their ally, cloaking them in shadows as they lay in wait. The night was alive with the sounds of the wilderness — the distant howl of a wolf, the hoot of an owl, and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
Jamie had visited with the village guards earlier in the day and explained the situation to them. Luckily, it seemed the villagers were allies to the Donald Clan and though they were not vocal about it, disagreed with the Campbells and the monarchy. The guards had been on the lookout for the thieves as well, as there had been numerous complaints made over the last few weeks, but hadn’t had any luck. Now though, with Jamie and the others of the clan’s help, they agreed to step up their efforts to protect the village and catch them.
Between them, they created a network of surveillance that covered every nook and cranny of the village, ensuring that no movement would escape their vigilant eyes. Now they just had to wait for the bandits to make their move.
Several days passed with no activity from the bandits, which had Annabelle frustrated. She decided to ask Jamie if he could train her more with the weapons of the day since she was missing her firearm. She was used to being armed and though she had the dirk, she feared it might not be enough.
“What would you like to learn, lass?”
Annabelle thought about it a moment and then said, “I’d like to be more proficient with the bow so that I can use it while on horseback, and while I like the dirk as a backup weapon, I thought maybe a short sword might be better?”
“Aye, I can teach you to shoot while mounted, lass, tis tricky riding and shooting, but once you master it, you’ll be quite the threat.” Jamie smiled.
“And the short sword?”
He nodded. “If I can find a training weapon with the guards here, I think we can manage that too.”
“A training weapon?” Annabelle wasn’t sure what he meant by that. Wasn’t one sword the same as another?
“Aye, we use wood to train so you donnae hurt yourself.”
“Oh, that makes sense.” She wouldn’t want to accidently stab him or herself while practicing.
As the two worked together training, Annabelle realized that not only did it deepen their romantic relationship but it also solidified their commitment to their mission and their friendship. They shared knowing glances and exchanged silent cues, as their connection transcended words. They not only worked well together, but they understood one another on a deeper level.
A few days into the training, there still hadn’t been any sightings of the bandits. She and Jamie had taken the late afternoon and evening off from practicing and patrolling and were seated in the tavern, enjoying the camaraderie of the villagers who were telling tales and singing. Jamie had partaken of numerous tankards of ale and was more jovial than normal. It was then that Annabelle realized he was one of those happy drunk people. The kind who only got more boisterous and fun-loving the more they drank.
It took everything in her to keep the tears of laughter from flowing down her cheeks as Jamie tried to balance a tankard on his nose, much to the enjoyment of everyone around them. Eventually, she had to support him as they made their way up the stairs to their room for the night. It was an evening she would never forget because of how much fun they’d had.
* * *
The next day dawned in the village with a soft, misty light filtering through the curtains in the tavern. The air carried the tantalizing scent of a hearty breakfast, promising warmth and comfort. Jamie and Annabelle sat at a table with plates laden with freshly baked bread and bowls of creamy, buttery porridge drizzled with honey.
Jamie was nursing a slight hangover as he said, “Lass, tell me I didnae make you uncomfortable last eve with my silly minded drunkenness.” He gave her a remorseful look.
Annabelle grinned. “I thought you were quite fun and even though you were off your head, you remained ever the gentleman, Jamie, you’ve nothing to worry about.”
He blew out a relieved breath. “Oh thank the good Lord for small mercies. I’d not want to drive you away. I donnae usually drink so much I lose my head.”
“You were fine, Jamie. I had a good time with you. Not that I want you to drink to excess often, but you were having fun, we all were. It was one of the best evenings I’ve had in a long time.”
“I’m glad to hear it, lass.” Jamie smiled and reached for a chunk of bread as a young man approached. “Kieran, what troubles you lad?” he asked.
The boy handed over a note with a seal that Annabelle recognized as Cam MacDonald’s. “Tis nae good news, Jamie.”
Jamie took the letter and opened it. He read it over and passed it to Annabelle as he said, “Did you see the Campbells camped around the hill to the fort?”
“Aye, they’ve taken over the small village at the base of the hill.”
Annabelle read the missive that Cam had sent. He’d written to tell them that no more men could be spared because the Campbells were ready to attack and that he prayed Jamie would find these bandits quickly and bring them to the Laird before it was too late. A shiver of fear raced down Annabelle’s spine at his words.
“How many are there, Kieran? Did you see?”
"Aye. There must be at least a hundred Campbell guards camped outside the Fort. They said you’ve been given a fortnight, and you’ve only got a few days left. It seems they hold Clan Donald responsible for the attack upon the ones who stayed here."
Jamie clenched his jaw. “Aye, that they do. We’ve four days left to track down these bandits or the Campbells will destroy Fort Donald and any who claim the Donald Clan as their own.”
“What can we do to help?” Kieran asked. “You know the villagers here will support you.”
“Aye, that I do. We need to find Maeve Campbell. She may be our only real hope to saving the clan. The bandits who murdered the Campbell envoy stole her away. That is why we’ve been searching for them.”
“Then we shall have every man, woman, and child help keep watch. We donnae need another war between the Donalds and the Campbells.” Kieran laid an assuring hand on Jamie’s shoulder.
“Thank you, Kieran, your help is greatly appreciated.”
* * *
That night was draped in shadows, with only the moon casting its pale glow upon the village. Annabelle and Jamie, wrapped in their cloaks, stood watch near the stables. The world was shrouded in a deep, velvety darkness, alive with the symphony of nocturnal sounds – the whispering breeze through the trees, the distant hooting of an owl, and the soft rustle of leaves underfoot.
As they kept their vigil, Annabelle's gaze swept over the serene countryside. She felt the cool night air against her cheeks, a welcome respite from the day's heat. Her heart swelled with exhilaration, the thrill of adventure intermingled with the weight of their mission.
In the quietude of the night, Jamie turned to her with a mischievous glint in his eye. “You know, lass, these moonlit nights with you are quite enchanting."
Annabelle chuckled softly, her eyes dancing in the dim light. "Enchanting, indeed. Especially when you're not day-drunk and falling about like a wee bairn," she teased, using a few of the Scottish words she’d learned recently.
Jamie grinned, a playful sparkle in his eyes. "Ah, how I do love hearing those Scottish words fallin’ from your sweet lips, lass.”
They shared a light laugh, as Annabelle's fingers brushed against Jamie's hand and they both reached for the same spot on their watch post. A faint blush crept across her cheeks, hidden in the night's obscurity. Annabelle suddenly wished that they were back in their cozy room enjoying the bed as they entangled their bodies and let their passions rise, but she knew they had a job to do and their love making was going to have to wait.
She sighed. “You are very addictive, you know that?” she murmured, her brow arched at him.
Jamie chuckled. “Lass, you’ve got that topsy-turvy. You’re the addictive one and I’m arse over tea kettle when it comes to you.