Chapter 15
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Where’s the third horse?”
Iris stood in the castle courtyard, looking between the two saddled horses and the three people who were supposed to ride them.
Elijah was already mounted on his black stallion, looking every inch the Highland laird in his formal clan colors.
But there was only one other horse, a gentle-looking mare with a sidesaddle.
Codie shifted nervously beside her, his small hands fidgeting with the straps of his traveling pack. “I... I cannae ride yet, Lady Iris,” he admitted quietly. “Faither says I’m too young for me own horse.”
“Too young?” Iris looked up at Elijah in surprise. “But ye’re ten years old. Most Highland children learn to ride before they can properly walk.”
“I was goin’ to teach him,” Elijah said curtly, “but there hasnae been time.”
Or ye havenae made time.
She smiled down at Codie.
“Well then, I’ll teach ye when we return. But for today, ye can ride with me. Would ye like that?”
Codie’s face lit up. “Really? Ye daenae mind?”
“Nae at all. It’ll be an adventure.” She helped him climb onto the mare first then mounted behind him, arranging her skirts as best she could. “There now, how does that feel?”
“Amazin’!” Codie practically bounced with excitement. “I’m so high up! I can see everythin’!”
Elijah guided his horse closer, his expression unreadable. “We’re travelin’ to Kilmartin village,” he said, his tone formal and businesslike. “There’s an annual harvest festival, and the Laird’s family is expected to attend.”
“A festival?” Iris felt her own excitement building. She’d always loved village celebrations—the music, the food, the sense of community. “But what about the village dispute?”
“Well, it’s nae much of a dispute,” Elijah responded sharply.
“The festival’s a way to gather some useful information.
Talkin’ to some of the villagers helps me ken if anythin’ is amiss, and we figure out how to take care of it.
Besides, I daenae attend the festival for pleasure.
It’s an obligation. The people need to see their leaders, to ken we’re present and involved in their lives.
” He shifted in his saddle. “In previous years, I attended alone. But now that I’m married, we must present a united front and show the clan that the McMurphy line remains strong. ”
Always duty with ye, nay fun. Just like a wet blanket.
“Of course,” she said aloud. “I understand the importance.”
But privately, she was already looking forward to it. When was the last time she’d been to a proper festival? Her parents had rarely allowed such frivolous outings, considering them beneath their station.
“Can we watch the dancin’?” Codie asked eagerly. “And will there be honey cakes? And puppet shows?”
“We’ll see,” Iris said, squeezing him gently. “But remember, we’re there to represent yer faither. We must behave appropriately.”
“I’ll be good,” Codie promised. “I’ll be the best-behaved boy in all of Scotland.”
As they rode out of the castle grounds, Iris felt a flutter of anticipation mixed with nervousness.
This would be her first public appearance as Lady McMurphy, her first chance to meet the people she was meant to serve.
What if they didn’t like her? What if she said something wrong, did something inappropriate?
Stop it. Ye’ve been managin’ fine with the castle staff. These are just people, like any others.
The journey to Kilmartin winded through rolling hills dotted with sheep and small crofts. Codie kept up a steady stream of chatter, pointing out landmarks and asking endless questions about everything they passed. His enthusiasm was infectious, and Iris found herself relaxing despite her nerves.
Codie leaned forward in the saddle, his small hands gripping the pommel as his eyes darted everywhere at once. “Look, Iris! See that stone wall? Henry says it’s been standin’ since the Romans.”
Iris followed his pointing finger and smiled. “The Romans? Here?”
“Aye,” Codie said with great seriousness. “Henry says they built roads all over Scotland. Do ye think ghosts of Roman soldiers walk on them still?”
“Perhaps.” Iris lowered her voice to a whisper, as if sharing a great secret. “But only when the moon is full. Otherwise, they sleep in their graves.”
Codie’s eyes went wide. “Truly?”
She hid a grin. “Truly. But daenae worry, they like children. They’d probably guard ye, nae haunt ye.”
He seemed satisfied with that and pointed toward a flock of sheep grazing nearby. “Which one do ye think gives the softest wool?”
“The dirtiest one, most like,” Iris teased. “The cleaner they look, the rougher the wool. Or so I’ve been told.”
Codie wrinkled his nose. “That’s silly.”
“Life is silly sometimes.”
He thought about that for a moment then pointed again, this time toward a distant hill. “See that big stone standin’ there? Henry says the druids put it up.”
Iris squinted. A single standing stone jutted from the hilltop like a sentinel. “Druids, hm? Did Henry tell ye why?”
“Nay.”
“Well,” Iris said thoughtfully, “some say the druids built stones like that to speak with the stars. Others think they marked the graves of great warriors.”
Codie’s brows furrowed. “Which one do ye believe?”
Iris considered. “Perhaps both. Maybe they honored their warriors by settin’ their graves where the stars could watch over them.”
“That’s what I’ll do,” Codie said solemnly. “When I grow up, I’ll fight in battles like Faither, and when I die, I want a stone that touches the sky.”
Iris looked over at Elijah and saw him smile. “I’d rather ye live a long life and never see battle at all.”
He tilted his head, puzzled. “But then I’d never be a hero.”
“Ye already are,” Iris said softly.
Codie blinked, surprised, then smiled, a shy, pleased little smile that made her chest ache.
“Look!” Codie suddenly exclaimed as they crested a small hill. “Is that the village?”
Iris followed his pointing finger and gasped. Below them, the village of Kilmartin was transformed. What was normally a quiet collection of stone cottages and shops had become a riot of color and activity. Bright banners hung from every building, and the main square was packed with people.
“Sweet Maither of God,” she breathed, unconsciously echoing her reaction to seeing the castle for the first time.
The festival was enormous. Stalls lined every street, selling everything from fresh bread to woolen goods to hand-carved trinkets.
Musicians played on street corners, their lively tunes mixing with the calls of merchants and the laughter of children.
The smell of roasting meat and fresh pastries filled the air, making her mouth water.
“Fresh pies! Hot mutton pies!” a woman called from a nearby stall as they rode closer. “Best in the Highlands!”
“Ribbons and lace! Fine ribbons for yer bonniest lasses!” shouted another merchant.
“Come try yer luck at the ring toss! Win a prize for yer sweetheart!”
The noise was incredible, hundreds of voices all talking and laughing at once, creating a joyful cacophony that made Iris’s heart race with excitement.
“It’s so busy!” she said, having to raise her voice to be heard over the noise.
“Too busy,” Elijah replied grimly, his eyes scanning the crowd with obvious wariness. “This many people in one place... it’s askin’ for trouble.”
But Iris was enchanted. She watched a group of children dart between the stalls, their faces sticky with honey and their pockets full of festival treats.
An old man sat on a stool playing the fiddle while his wife danced, her gray hair flying as she spun.
Young couples strolled arm in arm, stopping to admire the various wares on display.
“Six apples for a penny! Sweetest apples in all of Scotland!” called a red-faced farmer.
“Fine wool spun fresh this mornin’! Perfect for winter cloaks!” added a woman with calloused hands and a warm smile.
“Can we look at everythin’?” Codie asked, practically vibrating with excitement. “Can we try the games? And taste the food?”
“We’ll see,” Iris said though she was already planning their route through the festival. There was so much to explore, so much to experience.
As they made their way toward the village center, Elijah’s voice cut through her planning. “Iris.”
She looked over at him, noting the serious expression on his face.
“Daenae let Codie out of yer sight,” he said firmly. “Nae for a moment. And stay close to me.”
“Of course.”
“I’m serious.” His eyes swept the crowd again, and she realized he was looking for threats, not enjoying the festive atmosphere. “This many people, this much confusion, it wouldnae be strange if someone attempted to rob us… or worse. We’re obvious targets.”
The warning sent a chill through her despite the warm afternoon air.
She’d been so caught up in the excitement that she hadn’t considered the dangers.
But looking at the crowd with new eyes, she could see what Elijah meant.
There were plenty of faces she didn’t recognize, strangers who might see the laird’s family as opportunities rather than leaders to respect.
“I understand,” she said, her hand tightening protectively around Codie’s waist. “We’ll be careful.”
They reached a small stable on the outskirts of the main square where a young man was waiting to take their horses.
“Me laird! Me lady!” the stable hand called out with obvious delight. “Welcome to Kilmartin! We’re right honored to have ye here for the festival!”
“Thank ye,” Elijah replied, dismounting smoothly. “How has the day been so far?”
“Oh, wonderful, me laird! The best turnout we’ve had in years! People have come from three villages over to join the celebration!”
Iris carefully helped Codie down from their horse before dismounting herself. Her legs felt slightly unsteady after the long ride, but she managed to keep her dignity intact.
“There now,” she said to Codie, straightening his jacket and smoothing his hair. “Ready to meet yer people?”
“Are they really me people?” he asked, his eyes wide as he took in the bustling crowd.
“Aye, they are. Someday, ye’ll be responsible for their welfare, their happiness, their safety. It’s important that ye get to ken them.”
Elijah appeared at her shoulder, having finished giving instructions to the stable hand. “Are ye ready?”
“As ready as we’ll ever be,” she replied, taking Codie’s hand firmly in her own.
As they made their way toward the heart of the festival, Iris was amazed by the reaction they received. The moment people spotted them, faces lit up with genuine joy and excitement.
“It’s the Laird! And his new lady!” someone called out.
“Look how bonnie she is!” added another voice.
“And is that young Master Codie? How he’s grown!”
An elderly woman pushed through the crowd, her face beaming with delight. “Me laird, me lady! Such an honor to have ye here! And with the young master too, what a treat!”
“The honor is ours, Goodwife,” Iris replied. “Yer festival is magnificent.”
“Oh, bless ye for sayin’ so! We’ve been preparin’ for so for long!” The woman’s eyes sparkled with pride. “Have ye tried Moira’s honey cakes yet? They’re the finest in all the Highlands!”
“We’ve only just arrived,” Iris said with a smile. “But we’re lookin’ forward to samplin’ everythin’.”
“Honey cakes!” Codie whispered excitedly. “Can we really try some?”
Before Iris could answer, a middle-aged man approached, his hat in his hands and his expression respectful but determined.
“Me lady, it’s good to see ye.” He bowed respectfully, before turning to Elijah. “Me laird, if I might have a word? About the boundary dispute with MacLeod lands?”
Elijah glanced briefly at Iris, his expression immediately turning more formal as he responded, “Aye. We’ll need to discuss that properly, but nae here, nae now. Come to the castle next week, and we’ll resolve it then.”
“Of course, me laird. Thank ye.”
As they continued through the crowd, more and more people approached them.
Some wanted to pay their respects, others had minor complaints or requests.
Iris watched Elijah handle each interaction with patience and authority, and she began to understand what he’d meant about this being duty rather than pleasure.
But she also saw the genuine affection in people’s eyes when they looked at their laird. Whatever his reputation as the Beast of McMurphy, these people clearly respected and trusted him.
“Lady McMurphy!” A young woman with a baby in her arms approached shyly. “I’m Sarah from the mill. I just wanted to say... well, we’re all so happy ye’ve come to us. The clan has needed a lady for so long.”
“Thank ye, Sarah,” Iris replied warmly. “I’m honored to be here. And what a beautiful bairn ye have!”
The baby gurgled and reached chubby fingers toward Iris, making her laugh.
“She likes ye!” Sarah beamed. “That’s a good sign. Bairns ken who has a good heart.”
As they moved deeper into the festival, Iris began to relax. The people were welcoming, the atmosphere was joyful, and even Elijah seemed to be thawing slightly in the face of his clan’s obvious happiness.
“Three for a penny! Three sweet buns for a penny!” called a baker from his stall.
“Fresh churned butter! Finest quality!” added his neighbor.
“Win a ribbon for yer bonnie lass! Test yer accuracy!” shouted the operator of a game involving a player throwing metals at a stake.
Codie’s head swiveled back and forth, trying to take everything in at once. “Can we try that game? And can we buy some of those sweet buns? And look, there’s a puppet show startin’!”
“Easy, lad,” Elijah said though his tone was gentler than usual. “We’ll try to see everythin’, but we must greet the village elders first. There are protocols to follow.”
But Codie was not listening to his father. He tugged on Iris’ hand. “Lady Iris,” he whispered urgently, “there’s a man jugglin’ fire over there! Real fire!”
She followed his pointing finger and indeed saw a performer tossing flaming torches high into the air and catching them with practiced ease while a crowd cheered their approval.
“Me word,” she breathed. “That’s quite impressive.”
“Can we watch? Please?” he gasped, almost feverishly.
She looked at Elijah questioningly just in time to catch the way his eyes flickered with amusement.
“After we handle the formal greetin’s,” he said. “But aye, I suppose we can take some time to enjoy the entertainment.”
The smile that spread across Codie’s face was worth every concern Iris had felt about this outing. And as they continued through the festival, she began to think that maybe, just maybe, this day might turn out to be more pleasure than duty after all.