Once a Warrior by Karyn Monk Read Free Book Online Page A

“They have gone to the river to bathe and prepare themselves for our arrival.”
    Malcolm stretched, cursed at the pain the action caused him, then belched loudly. Seating himself by the cloth, he grabbed a chunk of bread and began to eat. Gavin, Duncan, and Andrew approached from the river, their faces freshly shaved and their hair wet. Malcolm regarded Gavin’s pink cheeks with amusement. It had been a long time since he had seen his friend without the dark growth of a beard.
    “Makes you look years younger,” Malcolm commented dryly as Gavin sat down. “I’d never guess you to be past forty.”
    Gavin self-consciously stroked his smooth cheek. “I am curious to see what you look like beneath yours, my friend.”
    “I have no intention of shaving,” Malcolm assured him, reaching for a chunk of cheese.
    “But you must!” exclaimed Rob.
    Malcolm raised an eyebrow.
    “What I mean to say is,” the boy hastily amended, “my clan is anxiously awaiting our return with the mighty Black Wolf. They have heard stories of your exceptional courage and strength, and your many glorious feats over the years. They are expecting to welcome the arrival of a magnificent warrior. You cannot possibly ride into their midst looking like a—”
    “Like a what?” prodded Malcolm ominously.
    “Like a warrior who did not have time to bathe,” supplied Duncan. “We MacKendricks are rather particular on matters of cleanliness.”
    Malcolm cast a sardonic eye at Rob. “You would never know it.”
    “We are not so particular when it comes to children,” qualified Andrew. “Only adults and warriors.”
    “That’s your problem,” stated Malcolm with a shrug. “I have no intention of either bathing or shaving.”
    “How do you expect my clan to respect you if you arrive looking like a filthy, savage wild man?” demanded Rob impatiently. “Do you think they will believe you are the Black Wolf?”
    Malcolm felt his irritation deepen. “They can believe whatever they goddamn—”
    “It is going to be a warm day,” interrupted Gavin pleasantly. “A swim would be good, Malcolm, before we begin our journey.”
    Malcolm glared at his friend, furious that he was taking their side. No one said anything in the silence that followed, but Malcolm was acutely aware of their disapproving scrutiny.
    “Fine,” he finally growled. “I’ll have a bloody swim.”
                      
    A short while later Ariella saw Gavin and Malcolm returning from the river. The Black Wolf’s ragged beard was gone, revealing a strong, square jaw and well-formed cheekbones. He was naked except for the worn plaid wrapped carelessly around his waist. His chest, shoulders, and stomach were thickly muscled, and although his body bore many scars, it was obvious this was a man of considerable strength. It was only pain, she realized, not weakness, that limited his abilities. His dark-brown hair was dripping wet, causing rivulets of water to trickle down his sun-bronzed chest and shoulders. Ariella watched in fascination as the shimmering streams slid across his body before disappearing into the fabric at his waist.
    “Better?” demanded Malcolm sourly.
    She nodded.
    “You might want to try a bath yourself, lad,” he suggested. “A pound of soap and a stiff brush might strip away some of that filth.”
    “My clan is uninterested in my appearance,” she replied tautly. “But they will be very interested in yours. Which is why I must trim your hair. If you will permit me,” she swiftly qualified as his newly shaved jaw clenched.
    “After you have cut Malcolm’s, you may cut mine,” said Gavin, before Malcolm had a chance to respond. “Living alone for so long, I fear we have neglected our appearance. We do not want your clan to think we are uncivilized.” He gave Malcolm a meaningful look.
    “Hurry up and cut it, then,” Malcolm snapped. “The morning is wasted with this nonsense.”
    Ariella fetched her comb and scissors and