The Knights of Christmas by Suzanne Barclay Read Free Book Online

have depleted most of the game in the lands outside the valley where we used to hunt. We were forced to slaughter the sheep to feed our people.”
    â€œDid Fergus not return from hunting yesterday? How did he get into the valley without encountering the MacGorys?”
    â€œEr, well—”
    The door to the hut opened and a red-haired lass ran out, a babe in her arms. Three more bairns hurtled after her, the oldest a lad of seven or so. Their hands and faces were clean, their clothes much mended. Squealing in delight, they charged Kara.
    She laughed and knelt to hug all three rowdy bairns. From somewhere, she produced apples and handed them around. As the youngsters raced off with their treats, she stood and embraced their mother. “Una, this is Duncan MacLellan.”
    â€œâ€™Tis pleased we are to have ye here,” said the mother, curtsying to Duncan. “We’ve need of a strong warrior to stop those MacGorys from murdering any more of our men.” Her eyes misted, and she held the babe a bit tighter. “Thanks to them, my Thorn never got to see the last bairn he gave me.”
    Kara patted her shoulder. “I know it can’t ease your loss, but I’ve brought you a sack of oats and some roast venison.”
    Una’s chin came up. “We need no charity.”
    â€œYou are not getting any more than your due,” Kara said briskly. “Fergie took two deer, and we divided the meat just as always. I’ve brought your share myself since I had a strong man to help with the hefting.” She looked over at Duncan. “Please unstrap that pack behind Tessa’s saddle and bring it here.”
    Miffed at being relegated to the role of serf, Duncan nonetheless swallowed his irritation. Una had clearly had enough unpleasantness. He freed the bundle and laid it on the ground. Kara opened it, revealing not only the oats and a hunk of meat wrapped in oiled cloth, but cheese and a thick, woven blanket, as well. He recognized it as the one from his bed...Kara’s, actually.
    â€œI thought you might be able to use this,” Kara said as she stood and held out the blanket.
    Una touched the wool reverently. “Oh, I couldn’t.”
    â€œâ€™Tis an extra one, and the nights are getting colder.”
    â€œAye, they are.” A single tear oozed down Una’s cheek. “It’ll be a long winter, hard winter without Thom.”
    Kara wrapped the blanket about Una’s thin shoulders and hugged her. “You could move into the tower.”
    â€œNay.” Una knuckled the tear away. “The farm was important to Thorn. He would want me to stay and make a go of it for our wee lads. I’m bringing them to the fete tonight,” she added.
    Kara went still, then began refolding her pack with the same zeal she’d applied to winning the horse race. “Duncan, could you tie this down for me?”
    As he accepted the bundle, he made certain his hand closed over her wrist, trapping her. “What fete?”
    . Beneath his fingers, her pulse leapt then hammered like a hide drum. “Nothing of interest to you.” She slipped free and hugged Una. “We must be going. Duncan’s inspecting our defenses.”
    Una gave him an adoring look. “God go with ye.”
    â€œHe seems to be ignoring me this far,” Duncan muttered. He held his tongue till they were away from the farm, then growled, “Did you not hear me say I can’t stay and help?”
    â€œI heard, milord, but I do hope to change your mind.”
    â€œBy holding my treasure hostage?”
    She regarded him levelly. “I do not have these rubies.”
    â€œSomeone does.”
    Â 
    â€œYou’ve already searched my possessions and Fergie’s. Would you like to go through the rest of the tower, too?”
    Duncan winced, thinking of the way he’d violated Fergus’s store of personal mementos. “You’d not offer if you thought