Tarnished Honor by J. Lee Coulter Read Free Book Online

she was covered properly. “Warmer, wife?” She nodded. Her chattering teeth would not allow speech. He grun t ed…satisfied, and continued westward into the wind .
    Within an hour they had lost sight of the path co m pletely. The snow fell so hard that the men barely saw the horse before them. Robbie had two men go the length of their entourage, tying the horses to the tail of the one in front of them as a precaution. Many a man had gotten lost, neve r to be seen again until spring during such storms. The gale increased creating large drifts of snow in their path.
    Blacksword considered stopping and waiting it out, but one glance at his bride shivering in her sleep, dashed the thought. They must persevere until they reach shelter .
    It was growing dark when a guard on the castle walk perceived a long white snake approaching the gates. He rubbed his snow-blind eyes and looked again. Surely he was hallucinating! No…it was real. He called down to the gatekeeper.
    “Something approaches, Liam! I can nae swear as to what it be.”
    Liam shielded his tired eyes as he peered in the dire c tion the guard indicated. Blinking his grey eyes several times to rid them of flakes, a broad grin spread over his lips.
    “My Lord Blacksword!” He bellowed for all to hear.
    Connall’s head jerked up from his frozen stupor. Had someone called his name? Through narrowed eyes he b e gan to make out the walls of his fortress emerging from the white onslaught. Finally, we are home .
    “Look alive, men, afore your womenfolk think ye are naught more than specters!”
    One by one, the men straightened their spines and shook off the white mantles that had gathered on their backs. They entered the bailey in high spirits as the few clansmen who would chance the frigid weather greeted them.
    Liam hurried to Connall’s side after seeing to the clo s ing of the gate. He was spry for his age, nearing three score, and would have ridden with them if not for his cri p pled knee.
    “My Lord. I did nae believe ye would make it through this storm.” He gasped as Connall unwrapped Brighde to his view. He handed her down to him before he dismounted stiffly. Seeing that Robbie had his ward in hand, he r e trieved Brighde and strode into the great hall.
    He went straight to the hearth ’ s roaring fire barking orders along the way.
    “Bring blankets, lots of them, and uisge beatha…for the men as well! Prepare hot baths for my lady and the little mistress. Make haste!”
    He did not look to see if anyone listened. He knew they would obey. Connall settled on the bench near the fire, soaking in the welcome warmth. He quickly removed Brighde’s mantle along with her boots, stockings and gloves, as he inspected her carefully for signs of frostbite. Robbie followed suit with his charge.
    Brighde’s aqua eyes fluttered open as he tucked the dry blankets about her. She yawned as her eyes began focusing on the surroundings. Connall brushed sable hair from her face, smiling when she leapt up at the realization that there was a roof above her.
    “Aye. We are home, wife. Are ye warm enough?”
    “I am getting there. Oh! I must look a fright!”
    His face softened as he studied her dishabille. “Ye look beautiful, Brighde. Especially with mussed hair.” He picked up a goblet and ordered her to drink.
    “Nay, Connall, I do nae care for your uisge beatha.” She shook her head vehemenently.
    “Ye will drink it this time, wife. Twill take away the chill and ward off the ague. Now drink.”
    Seeing the stubborn determination in his eye, she swa l lowed the foul liquid…and chok ed as it burned a path downward. He patted her back to aide her. Soon , gentle warmth began seeping throughout her body. She drank more, without choking this time, giving him a lop-sided grin as the alcohol reached her empty stomach. She swayed in his arms , then drained the cup and held it out to be r e filled.
    Blacksword’s brow arched in surprise. I thought she did nae care for the