David laughed and shoved Griffen. “Better you than me. That hound always growls at me. He growls at all but you and Emlyn.”

Emlyn nodded. “I don’t deem he likes you much, David. I must to bed and shall see you in the morn?” She yawned and headed for the stairs at their nod.

Awaiting at the bottom steps stood Delyth. She walked toward her and her friend looked contrite with tears gathering in her eyes.

“Oh, Delyth.” She hugged her close.

“I am sorry, Emlyn. Please forgive me. Your mother forced me to tell her where you were. I tried not to, but you know how persuasive she can be.”

“That I do. Do not fret. I understand. And I cannot stay angry with you.”

To which Delyth cried harder and Emlyn did her best to console her.

In between sobs, she said, “You’re leaving and I shall miss you. Who will get Branwyn and I into trouble? We shall have no fun.”

“I shall miss you too. I must go. Come in the morn, before I leave and say farewell.” Emlyn had to get away before emotions got the better of her.

“I will.”

She waved and took the stairs. The entire farewell feast was emotional and exhausting. She wanted and needed her bed. Her sisters were already fast asleep when she entered. Anhard mumbled in her sleep as was her habit and it brought a smile to her. She’d miss her younger sister too, for she was much like her than Suzanna.

As much as she tried to be quiet, she banged the table and dropped the dagger Griffen had given her. She folded her gown and decided to take it with her, and placed it in the satchel that held her possessions.

Emlyn climbed into bed and closed her eyes. She’d get very little rest while traveling and needed to get as much sleep as she could. But she was too excited. Throughout the rest of the night she lay in a semi-conscious state, dreaming of what was to come.

Emlyn was awakened by Suzanna, who continuously shook her.

“They await you. ‘Tis well past morn. Father said to let you sleep. Your escort has readied all morn and disbanded their camp.” Suzanna stood by the window casement.

Emlyn stretched. “I am glad, for I didn’t think I’d sleep at all.”

“I can see soldiers. Mother is speaking with them, probably berating them for hefting your trunks without care onto the carts. She insists you ride in a carriage, the one she came to Father in. Oh, and you should see the amount of trunks she is sending with you.”

“Does she not realize the terrain we’ll travel?” Emlyn grumbled under her breath. “I shall hurry before she drives them all daft. Please tell Father that I will be down presently.”

Suzanna nodded and left.

Emlyn pulled on her breeches, then a white tunic. She yanked her satchel from beneath the bedding and added her cloak. After tugging on her boots, she looked around the bedchamber and made sure she hadn’t left anything behind.

In a hastened step, she carried her satchel and ran down the stairs. Everyone waited for her outside. She exited the keep and approach her father.

He said nothing but gave a firm nod. When tears gathered in her eyes, he set a hand on her shoulder. “Warriors do not weep.”

“Thank you, Father, for reminding me. I shall try to send a missive …”

“Worry not, sweet Emlyn, you’re in good hands. Go with Gwydyon.”

Emlyn wrinkled her nose and scrunched her eyes, for her father would send her off with prayers of the warrior God of their ancestors. How like him. She clasped his hand, curtseyed, and started off to the stable.

Aled whined to be released. She could’ve wept with sorrow, for she loved her pet. “Go, my friend.” She watched him from the stable door, and smiled to herself when Iona came. The feathered beast’s wings spread wide as she soared above. The two went off toward the path that they usually took. “I wish ye a good life.”

Emlyn hurried and found the satchel her father had gifted her. Curiosity got the better of her, and she opened it to see what was inside. She gasped. A small bow stuck out from the end, and she pulled a bundle of arrows out. They were tied together. There was also a short sword and an ornate body of mail.

It was heavy when she lifted it, but she’d carry it, knowing she may have need of the items. Much more so than the trunks of possessions her mother had packed for her. When she returned to the keep, Laird Gunn approached and took her satchel. His eyes widened, but he didn’t remark at how heavy her satchel was. He handed it to James who sat upon the most beautiful horse she’d ever seen.

It was an enormous beast and as pristine as snow. The horse whinnied when he dismounted and followed him as he stepped forward. James shoved at the horse’s snout and pushed him back.

“I deem that horse is in love with you, James,” his comrade said in a quip.

James scowled at his friend. “Now is not the time to jest, Colm.” He raised a brow at her and opened the satchel. “Emlyn, what have you in here?” A grin came to his beautiful lips. “Colm, you have room upon your horse. Hold this.” He tossed it up to him and Colm grunted from the force and weight of it.

“A gift from my father.”

“You won’t need such items, for we Gunns know how to protect. You should leave it behind. I insist.”

Emlyn shook her head. “I will do no such thing. And just so you Gunns know, I can protect myself. I do not need a band of overzealous warriors to keep me safe.”

James grinned and shook his head. “Is that not what you have asked of me?”

“I asked you to take me with you. I did not ask for your protection. Did I not beat you on the field? Did you not submit?” Emlyn loved how his expression darkened at her teasing.

Her question brought forth his comrades chortle and James frowned in obvious discomfort at being reminded of that day.

“It was she? She was the lad that won against you?” A large man whom she had not met laughed boisterously.

James stepped away and mounted his horse. “Aye, Duff, the same.”

He didn’t appear pleased by that admission. The Gunns waited quietly while she said goodbye to Branwyn and Delyth. Her friends’ despair was enough to make her bawl, but she withheld the urge to do so. Tears sprang to her eyes when her sisters stepped forward to offer their goodbyes. She hugged Suzanna and Anhard.

She stood leery to move, unsure what to do. Her mother stepped forward and smirked, her beautiful brows furrowed with disgruntlement. Emlyn would have dressed as she was wont, but she’d done so last night to please her, and she decided against riding in a gown. Without a word, her mother scoffed and walked away. Emlyn would’ve been hurt by her aloof manner, but she was used to it.

“Come, we need to be on our way.” James motioned her toward his horse with a wave of his hand.

“I must ride in the carriage. We’ll rid of it as soon as we can. But we should proceed with the plan.”

“Then come, for your carriage awaits, milady.” James spoke loud enough for all to hear.

How she wished she could ride with him or he with her, but her mother wouldn’t allow it. Emlyn stepped into the carriage and sat back against the cushion. She could see out the window and all those who assembled. With a wave, she resisted the urge to weep. For she’d likely never see her friends and family again.

James rode next to her on his magnificent horse. The carriage began moving and Emlyn looked ahead, refusing to gaze back forlornly at her home.

Chapter Fourteen

By nightfall, Emlyn was tired of riding in the carriage. Not only was she lonely, but her arse hurt from the many bumps along the way. When they slowed, she threw open the curtain and stepped off the plank before the carriage came to a complete stop. Her legs shook from inactivity, but she was able to stand. The army halted, and many dismounted their steeds. James walked toward her and she stared at the way he moved stealthily. His limbs were muscular and long. Her breath caught at the sight, for he appeared as a great warrior should. She realized at that moment she would never be as foreboding as he.