Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy) Read online

  Praise for Lass’ Valor

  Ms. Griffin’s story was impossible to put down. Her characters popped off the pages. The dialogue held me while not overpowering me with the Highland brogue and still grounded me within the time-period. The conflict between all the characters was strong and believable, adding richness to the setting. Definitely a historical not to be missed by Ms. Griffin’s fans or lovers of Highlander tales.

  Kimber

  Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

  * * *

  Lass’ Valor

  Kaitlin Stanhope learns of her father’s death delivered with a strange medallion and a cryptic message. He warns, beware the friend with the black heart. She is wrenched from her beloved home and sent to live with her guardian. A believer in the ancient ways, Kaitlin has a vision of a warrior which brings comfort and many questions. Once at the home of her guardian, all is not what it seems. Escaping his clutches, she embarks on a dangerous mission, one that could mean the death of both her and the child she rescues.

  Brendan MacKinnon, protector of his Clan and doting uncle, is devastated when his niece goes missing. His mission is to find her however long it takes. When he comes across Kaitlin, the violet eyed fairy enchants him. The woman risked everything to save his niece’s life, and courageously she stands up to his obstinate nature.

  How could the LASS' VALOR not touch his heart?

  Lass’ Valor

  by

  Kara Griffin

  Lass’ Valor

  Lass’ Valor

  Copyright @ March 2012 by Kara Griffin

  This e-Book has been previously published.

  This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made of places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

  This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction fines and/or imprisonment. This e-Book cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this e-Book can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the author.

  Published in the United States of America

  Second publishing March 2012, second edition.

  First publishing February 2006, first edition.

  Dedication

  This story is dedicated to those who make it their goal to protect children

  no matter what the cost. And to Trixie for 19 years of love and friendship.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Epilogue

  In men of the highest character and noblest genius there is to be found

  an insatiable desire for honour, command, power, and glory. Ciecero

  Prologue

  Whitehall Castle, England

  June 1221

  “Hell, I’m caught.” The edge of Henry’s golden threaded, gray cape caught the bottom of a lance held by a vacant suit of armor that stood sentry beside the wall. He sighed woefully, yanking his cape free, rattling the armor, and hurried on. His official crowning as king would be delayed until he reached his majority. At six and ten, he wasn’t old enough to sit on the throne, and the regency ruled the kingdom. Steven Langton and Pope Innocent influenced Hugh de Burg—the highest regent. Hugh complied with their demands lest he send the country into an uproar again with the church. England couldn’t risk excommunication again. Clergymen had only just accepted that the edict had been lifted and returned. England came into the church’s good graces just before his father, King John, had died.

  Henry put aside his thoughts of England’s turmoil as he turned the corner of the hallway. He was beside himself because his beloved cousin, Julianna MacKinnon, had come for a visit. Henry met her in his father’s court when he’d turned nine. She lived in Scotland, but they kept in contact though letters.

  He’d just received word of her arrival and was anxious to see her. Julianna came with her husband, Colin MacKinnon, a powerful Highland laird, and their daughter, Bonnie. Bonnie had just turned seven. Henry loved the little girl more than anything. Even when she had poured milk on his chair on purpose, all she had to do was look at him with her innocent eyes and say it was an accident. Who was he to dispute it? He chuckled—he being the unofficial King of England.

  Sweet, sweet Bonnie. The adorable girl looked like her mother, with her light colored hair and bright-blue eyes. Who would ever think she’d do something so wicked? Alas, he knew the truth—the little lady was a hellion. She made him smile with her endearing antics. It had been a year and a half since he’d visited them, so he’d sent a summons for them to come during his summer retreat. He laughed aloud at that, because his cousin wasn’t one to abide his summons, nor his father’s, when he’d been alive.

  Now that Julianna was here, he could discuss the lands held in her name, which became the heated debate among his council. Henry had spent most of the morning cloistered with several lords, all speaking on their behalf for the grant of those lands. The most arrogant lord, Richard de Morris, insisted he be given the property bordering his, but Henry wanted to speak to Julianna before he allowed the Regent’s proceedings.

  He scurried down the hall and rapped at the door. Colin MacKinnon opened the door and stood scowling. Highlanders were an ornery bunch.

  “Colin, you’re here at last.” Henry strode past him. “Where’s my sweet, lovely lady?”

  Julianna held out her arms, but he bypassed her. He didn’t stop until he reached his dear-heart. Henry lifted Bonnie in his arms, throwing her high in the air. She squealed when she landed against his chest, and he placed a loving kiss on her baby soft cheek.

  “Sweeten, give me a hug.”

  Bonnie wrapped her hands around his neck, giggling in delight. “I missed you, Honey.”

  Her nickname made him grin broadly. Henry finally noticed Julianna. “Greetings.”

  “You finally welcome us, Henry. I don’t know why we bothered to come, Colin, we should have just sent Bonnie for a visit.” Julianna laughed heartily.

  Henry smiled in his charming, roughish sort of way, much like his father’s look. Even though he dressed regally in flamboyant fabrics, the current trend of the courtiers, he tried to be cordial. He continued to hold Bonnie and gave her another hug.

  “I’m glad to see ye and you too Colin, but I’ve missed this little minx. Have you been behaving, sweeten?”

  “Oh, aye, Honey, I’ve been a good lass. Papa hasn’t punished me since yesterday.” Bonnie’s innocent tone told him that she must have caused trouble on the journey.

  “What could you have done to warrant punishment?” He smiled at her then frowned at her father. “Colin, I think you’re being too harsh on the poor little mite.”

  “Poor little
mite! She knotted my horse’s reins so badly, I had to remove them and get a new harness, but I can’t stay angry with her. Look at her innocent face, she’s my bonny button.” Colin spoke affectionately, not in his usual gruff manner.

  “Perhaps ‘tis a good idea to be strict. How are you, Julianna? Are ye well since delivering Colin his son?” Henry took a whiff of Bonnie’s sweet scent.

  “Aye, I’m well. Kevin is well, and safely at home. You know he’s too young to travel. I had to beg Colin to let Bonnie come. He doesn’t like our children away from our home, and it was bad enough traveling with …” Julianna’s rambling ceased when she realized Bonnie listened intently.

  Henry squeezed Bonnie and laughed. “It’s really good to see you, all of you. It does my heart good to see ye happy, Julianna. Father would have been fond of your children.”

  “’Tis good to see you, too. All goes well in your kingdom, Henry?” Julianna asked.

  “Hugh rarely lets me know what’s going on, but I find a way to enforce my rule. I don’t worry too much about it yet. Now, I have a surprise for you, many have been invited to a tourney, even some of those Scots you favor, Colin. I must settle a betrothal contract for a woman whose father died in the holy lands and I’m considering Angus Barclay. What do you know of him?”

  “Only that he’s a rough sort, and causes a bit of mischief among the highlanders.”

  Henry sighed, because he didn’t want to place the woman in a bad situation. Her father was a great noble. “Is he honorable, there’s rumor of his clan raiding the borders?”

  Colin nodded. “As honorable as any other. I’m not aware of his activities.”

  “Well, we shall attend the parties and games and I’ll assess this Barclay for myself and decide whether to gift him with the lady later. I want you to enjoy yourselves whilst ye are here. How long are you planning to stay?”

  “I thought we would stay a fortnight.” Colin stood beside Julianna and took her hand.

  “Then we shall have a long visit. I’ll see you at supper. We must speak of your mother’s lands, Julianna. Hugh wants to gift them to a knight in his service, but we can discuss it later. Get rest from your travel.” Henry left, feeling elated that his family arrived.

  *****

  The following day, the castle filled with fanfare as Henry’s summer festival began. Bonnie stood by her nurse, watching the activity around her. A group of men played beautiful melodies, their chairs cascading the steps that swept the palace’s lawn. Everyone hurried outside because the weather was sunny and warm. Trumpeters sounded in the distance, declaring Henry’s arrival at an event, games were being played on the expanse of the lawn, and an archery contest held in the lower courtyard drew crowds of spectators. Knights placed their names on the lists for the event of the day, the joust. Their shiny armor reflected the sun, sending blinding streaks toward the onlookers.

  Bonnie couldn’t contain her glee as she watched arrows flying though the air. She ran off, and in her excitement, she forgot her nurse. Her attendant, Emma, couldn’t keep up with her. Emma held her skirts and chased after her all morning. She gave up and decided to ask her laird for his help.

  She pulled Bonnie along, holding fast to her arm. “Now you’re in for it. If I can’t get ye to listen to me, I’m sure your laird father will.”

  “Pray, Emma, don’t tell Papa on me.”

  “Ye have not listened once this morn, wee lass. I’ve chased after you eight times, no more. You’ll answer to your papa now,” Emma chided, giving her a stern look.

  Her plea hadn’t worked. Bonnie knew Papa would be disappointed. Emma tugged her along, and she tried to pry her arm free. They reached the tent where she was pulled inside. When they entered, Bonnie saw her papa kissing her mama. She hoped Papa was in a good mood, he usually was after kissing Mama. He turned, giving her a warning glance.

  Her mama strode to her and knelt. “Bonnie, listen to your papa, now give me a kiss.”

  Bonnie kissed her mama’s soft cheek, and she waved goodbye as her mama exited the tent. Emma, in the meantime, regaled the tale to her papa. Bonnie nervously fiddled with her plaid, waiting for him to look at her.

  “Papa,” she called softly.

  “Don’t Papa me, lass. Emma says you keep running off. You’re supposed to stay with her for your safety. What do ye have to say for yourself?”

  She was glad they weren’t home, because she would surely be put in papa’s chair. The chair was uncomfortable, and she didn’t like sitting in it, mostly because there was nothing to do but sit there and wait until papa said she was punished enough.

  “Aye, Papa, I know och …” Bonnie didn’t finish giving her excuse, because her papa frowned and she didn’t like it when papa frowned.

  Bonnie lowered her eyes, gave her sweet little pout, and tried her hardest to mellow him. She hoped it would make him forget her punishment. Her papa looked as though he wanted to laugh, but he didn’t. His melodic voice was soft, but she knew he wasn’t pleased.

  “I’m going to have to punish ye, lass. Where is that chair when you need it? You will stay in the tent for one hour. Give poor Emma a wee break, take a rest, Button.”

  “Aye, Papa, I’ll rest, but I want to see the people walking on the sticks.”

  “Sticks? Oh, you mean the stilt walkers.” Bonnie nodded. “All right, I’ll take you myself if you pledge that you’ll behave and rest for an hour.”

  “Really, Papa, you will take me?”

  Her papa lifted her in his arms. She always liked it when papa picked her up and held her in his strong arms. His familiar scent comforted her, and she saw love in his eyes. Even though she was about to be punished, she hugged him.

  “Aye, now give me your pledge.”

  Bonnie smiled; her face against his neck, smelling him, he always smelled so good. “I give my pledge, Papa.”

  “Pledge what, Button?”

  Papa always made her repeat her punishment and promises, something he’d learned the hard way—he’d told her. He hid his smile because she was just like her mother, or so he’d said many times. She smiled widely, having no choice but to obey.

  “I’m supposed to rest and give poor Emma a wee break.”

  “That’s right, lass. Give me a kiss and I’ll come back for you later.”

  Bonnie lifted her head and gave him a wet kiss on his rough cheek. Her papa set her down, and she scrambled to the pallet. She placed her head on the plaid atop a pile of coverings, and as was her habit, she pulled nubs of lint from her plaid and rubbed them on her face. Her papa smiled at her action and soon after, he left the tent.

  The tent grew hot and she grew restless awaiting Emma. Her nurse had nodded off and snored loudly. She snickered in laughter at the sound. Bonnie looked across the tent, but wasn’t at all tired. An idea came and she slunk to the tent’s flap and peeked outside.

  People walked around, and she could hear laughter from across the grounds. Excitement called to her and not being one to wait, she slipped through the opening.

  Why doesn’t she come out? She’s inside that blasted tent with the nurse. Ah, I must wait. She’s the one, the child I need, a MacKinnon. I stalked her all morning and almost snatched her, only to be foiled by the damned nurse. I must wait, but my patience is gone. Maybe I should return later? Nay, I need the child. The Regent did not grant me the land, and I shall repay them for the atrocity. Mayhap the child’s disappearance won’t affect them, after all, she’s just a Scottish lord’s daughter. Nay, the king looked fondly at the child. I must do it, I must take her.

  Nothing has gone as I hoped of late. I came away from my travel with nothing for the effort, and must find the medallion Hawk hid. If I cannot gain wealth by finding the map or joining my land with Bentley’s, the child will serve my purpose of revenge. Aye, the child is perfect and not from England. I heard her speech, none would refute the tale I’ve spun. I grow weary waiting.

  There she is! She’s sticking her head from the tent. Ah, the nurse is not with
her. Perfect, she’s alone. She’s played right into my hands. Now I shall snatch her without anyone being the wiser. I’ll follow along at a slow pace. Don’t rush …

  Bonnie gawked as she skipped along. She looked everywhere at once, but didn’t notice the man who followed closely. A row of high green yew shrubs blocked her view of the tournament.

  Perfect.

  She rounded the corner of a hedge, when a man suddenly picked her up. At first, she thought it was her papa and she turned to him. Only it wasn’t her papa. The man’s hand clamped over her mouth when she tried to scream. She fought him, kicking, and squirming. The man ran, jostling her, and he almost dropped her as he ran to his tethered horse. He laid her across his lap.

  “Be quiet and I won’t hurt ye.”

  Bonnie was so scared, butterflies fluttered in her tummy. She couldn’t get free from the man’s grip, twisting she watched the castle moving away. Tears streamed from her fear-stricken eyes and she whimpered against the hand that covered her mouth. How she wished she had listened to her papa and had stayed in the tent with Emma. All she could think was that papa was going to be very angry when he returned and found her gone.

  Chapter One

  Cheshire, England

  July 1221

  Bright wild flowers speckled the green fields that lay beyond Kaitlin Stanhope’s home. Fifty men protected the small fief, but the modest home didn’t attract attention by passing knights. Twelve flags flew, bearing the family’s coat of arms and that of its overlord, Aldwyn de Guylet’s insignia. Cheshire’s brilliant sunshine made for a glorious day. Various makeshift tents nestled between trees, where a caravan of travelers occupied the land with Kate’s permission. With her father gone, she willingly let the travelers camp on her land, because none would gainsay her.