Free Tarnished Honor by J. Lee Coulter

ye are what he desired.”
    Terror shot down her spine as she attempted to scream. Her mind raced to think of who might wish her harm. His hand squeezed her tender breast causing tears to spring to her eyes. She cried out against his grimy hand.
    “Ahh, lass. I just want a taste of ye. Nae one will ken the wiser.” He spun her around as he dragged her deeper into the woods. His foul mouth ground against her lips causing her to gag with revulsion. Her knee came up hard against his groin. But instead of releasing her, he drew back his fist in a dark rage, striking her chin full force. Blackness swathed her instantly as she crumpled to the ground.
    Liam swore an oath as he rubbed his throbbing bul l ocks. Damned wench! Now I have ta explain the bruise on her face. He carried her back to his palfrey after binding her wrists, tossing her limp form across its back. Moun t ing…he rode to the north to meet up with his laird.
    * * *
    Blacksword smiled as he walked back to the castle . Fergus’ training was coming along nicely. He was making fewer errors every day. Mayhap he should start looking for a new squire soon. His smile soon turned into a frown as he neared the front steps. What was Poppit doing out at such a late time of day? The air is growing chilled and she wears nae cloak! Tis nae like Brighde to neglect her so.
    Amy raised tear-filled eyes to him as he approached. Jumping up, she ran into his arms, sobbing. “Whoa Poppit! What has ye so distressed?”
    “Da! I woke from my nap and could nae find Mama! I have looked everywhere! And I could nae tell ye cause ye said to stay away from the field where ye train ! I thought ye would never get here.” She wailed in her misery.
    A sense of dread settled in his stomach. “Are ye sure ye just did nae miss each other in the corridors, sweeting? It can happen, ye ken.”
    “Nay, Da. She always brings me a mug of milk when I wake…. aallwwaayysss !” she stressed. “And I asked every gillie I saw. She is gone!” Amy sobbed in earnest as she gave him the dire news.
    Connall’s heart began to pound in his chest as fear that she may be right threatened to overwhelm him. He hurried inside with Amy in his arms, barking orders to search ev e rywhere for the Countess.
    Looking down at the bairn in his arms, he knew that as much as he wished to join in the search, she needed his r e assuring presence at the moment. They went to the great hall where he fed her while awaiting word from his men. He did not have to wait long.
    One of the maids informed him that Brighde’s cloak was missing and a short time later, Robbie told him that the postern gate was not barred. It did not take a genius to add up the facts. She had left the safety of the ca s tle…disobeyed him!
    His green eyes flashed with a mix ture of anger and fear. “Amy, when did ye last see Mama?”
    Her face scrunched up as she concentrated. “Right a f ter the nooning. She tucked me in for my nap, Da…like she does every day.”
    “Did she say anything about taking a walk?” Amy shook her head. He glanced at Robbie. “Send Fergus to me and ready the mounts. Have our best tracker check beyond the gate for any signs. We ride within the hour!” His ca p tain gave a brusque nod and rushed out.
    Connall glanced at his ward. “Poppit, I need ye to be very brave now. Ye must go with maid Mary and let her tend to ye while I go get your mama. Can ye do this for me?”
    “Ye will bring her home?” she asked meekly.
    “Aye, lass. On my honor…I will return her to ye…to both of us. This I swear!” He placed his hand over his heart in oath.
    Amy threw her wee arms about his neck in a fierce hug. “Then I will be brave , Da!” He hugged her in return as he forced the lump of fear down his throat, then kissed her head. More than anything…he wanted to keep this vow. The thought of losing his wife…of his empty bed…drove him to distraction. He could not…would not, accept it!
    “Run along now, sweeting, so I