Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“ A nd ye’re sure there was naught ye could use tae identify where the arrow came from? Nae design or coloring o’ the fletchings, or any colors on the shaft?” Ryan was frowning. “’Tis odd.”

“Nae if ‘tis bandits. Or someone who doesnae want tae be kent.” Darren rubbed the bandage on his hand as he leaned back in his chair, waiting for the rest of the Council to arrive. He’d sent Adrian to summon the full council as soon as Evina had released him. This matter was too important to wait until the next day.

He was a little surprised that Bard hadn’t already arrived. Usually, he would have been close as a shadow as soon as he heard the summons go out, or the first rumor from the walls. It was strange that he hadn’t made an appearance.

Adrian returned a few minutes later, his expression grave. “I couldnae find Bard anywhere. I’ve left word with the door guard tae send him here immediately whenever he’s found.”

Strange, that Bard should be absent, especially since he’d given no indication of plans to go anywhere, and he wasn’t scheduled to patrol the borders for the day. Usually, his advisor was good about leaving him some sort of word when he planned to be gone from the keep for any length of time.

Still, this was no time to worry about it. Perhaps Bard had merely gone on some personal errand or other, and been unexpectedly delayed. Darren knew he could find out the truth of the matter easily enough. In the meantime, he had more important concerns.

A map of the MacLean lands was set across the desk. Darren pointed out where he’d been, and a rough area he thought the shooter had occupied. Ryan studied it. “Ye think there was more than one?”

“Nae. Both shots came from about the same angle. I didnae see anything tae indicate there was another attacker. And there were nae more attempts once we entered the trees.” Darren frowned. “Didnae seem like it was a well-planned attack.”

“Even so, it doesnae mean we can afford tae ignore it.” Darren scowled. “The worst o’ it is, I cannae guess who it might have been. There’s been nae declaration o’ a feud. Likewise, there’s been nae sign o’ bandits.”

“’Tis troubling.” Ryan agreed.

Adrian surveyed the maps. “I ken we likely need extra guards on the wall, but should we have extra border patrols as well?”

“Wouldnae hurt.” Ryan agreed.

The door opened, and Bard stepped into the room, his expression somber and slightly flustered. “Me laird. I apologize, I’ve only just returned tae the keep. I was on business elsewhere, and I didnae receive yer summons.”

“’Tis well enough.” Darren told Bard about the incident on the cliffs. They continued planning, but Darren felt a lingering sense of unease.

Why was Bard away from the keep? What business did he have?

Alayne was waiting when Darren finally returned to their shared chambers. She’d gotten a soothing scent from Evina, and reviewed all the things she’d learned for helping Donall. She’d also asked the maids to deliver a light repast and a flagon of mead, in case he hadn’t had a chance to eat.

It wasn’t all that late when Darren entered the room, but he looked weary, as if he’d been fighting a battle the whole time. Alayne met him at the door to the bedchamber. “Are ye well? Is yer hand all right?”

“Aye.” He held up a bandaged hand. “’Twas nae more than a scratch. ‘Twill nae even scar.”

Alayne nodded. “I had the maids bring up some food and drink fer ye, if ye havenae had a chance tae take yer supper.”

“Bard had a meal brought up. But the mead wouldnae go amiss.” He offered her a wan smile. “And then I was thinking tae retire.”

“Ye should take the bed.” Alayne offered. Darren stilled.

“I dinnae want tae disturb ye.”

Alayne huffed. “I didnae say I’d be sharing it with ye. But I thought it would dae yer back some good tae sleep in the bed. And if ye like, I can give ye a massage as well.”

“Ye can? And ye’d be comfortable with that.” His tone sounded uncertain, as if he wasn’t sure she meant the offer.

“I wouldnae have offered if I wasnae comfortable with the idea.” Alayne huffed and turned the covers on the bed back for him. “Ye said earlier ye were sore from sleepin’ on the floor. As I’m the one responsible fer it, ‘tis only fair I help soothe the injury. Besides, ye can consider it a repayment fer ye saving me earlier.”

There was a sparkle in Darren’s eyes, as if her words amused him. He did however, move into the bed chamber and remove his sash and sword belt. Alayne watched as he carefully removed his boots, and a myriad of weapons from his person. When he went to remove his shirt, however, she stopped him. “That’s nae necessary.”

Darren blinked at her. “I thought ye were going tae give me a massage.”

Alayne huffed and thumped his shoulder with a fist. “Aye, and ye dinnae need tae be shirtless fer me tae dae any such thing. I can manage well enough through the cloth, so leave the shirt on and lie down, where I can work on ye properly.”

He definitely looked amused at that, but Darren complied and lowered himself onto the bed with an easy motion, to sprawl on his stomach. Alayne studied the broad expanse of his back for a moment, then reached for his shoulders.

The muscles underneath the thin cotton were tight and hard, and Alayne winced in sympathy as she felt the coiled knots. She’d had such knots once or twice, and knew how painful they could be. She started with gentle, smoothing motions, then applied more pressure until Darren gave a grunt. “Och, that…”

“Did it hurt?”

“A bit. But nae in a bad way.”

Encouraged, Alayne pressed a little harder. Darren gave a low groan, then seemed to collapse into the bedding as the knot released and his muscles loosened.

Alayne rubbed the muscle a little further, imparting some warmth to keep it from tensing up again. Then she shifted her attention to a different part of his back and repeated the process. To her surprise, she was almost enjoying the task, and the soft noises Darren made - groans of contentment and relief as she loosened the muscles, and hums or muttered words of contentment as his body slowly relaxed.

She’d never seen Darren so relaxed and unguarded. It made her feel somewhat proud of her ability to make him feel better. It also made her feel warm, that he was so comfortable in her presence. It wasn’t that long ago that he would have been too wary to fully relax in her presence.

She had to admit, he might have had good reasons for that. She wouldn’t have wanted him to be comfortable in her presence. Now she was enjoying being able to do something for him.

Alayne worked her way across his shoulders, up across the nape of his neck, then down his back, taking care to completely loosen and smooth away each knot. By the time she reached his waist, Darren looked as if he was on the verge of falling asleep. She shook his shoulder. “Here now, ye need tae roll over so I can take care o’ the muscles on yer shoulders and chest.”

Darren blinked groggily at her. Then his gaze sharpened as he shifted his weight. “I think I’m well enough.”

“Ye said ye were sore. I can help ease the tension in yer sides and chest as well.” She tugged, trying to get him to roll over. “Ye’ll feel better.”

“I’m sure I will, but that’s nae the point. I cannae…”

“Och, stop being such a stubborn fool.” She got a hand under his shoulder and shoved. Darren swore as he rolled over onto his back. Then he rolled further, tumbling off the bed.

It wasn’t until he came to a stop on the other side of the bed that she saw the bulge in his kilt and realized there was a reason for his stubbornness.