“Pass me the bags.” Ethan held out his hands for them, his heavy black coat swishing about his legs and the sharp length of his sword glinting inside the draping folds.
She wriggled the bags out from under the seat where she’d stowed them. Bulky yet fairly light since they were filled with naught but wool, she lobbed first one sack to him and then the other before jumping onto the landing beside him. Taking care, she snuck a glance across the other side of the sea-gate where a war galley bobbed with two guardsmen keeping a watch from the bow. At the top of the center mast, a flag rippled in the breeze, one displaying the MacKenzie clan crest upon it.
“Keep your head down,” Ethan whispered in her ear.
“They are harmless enough to you and I considering our skills.”
“Still, we’ll take all care.” He slung the bags over his shoulders and motioned for her to go first along the landing.
Patting her woolen cap to make certain not even one errant lock of her long hair had escaped, she walked toward the beach then up the grassy rise in her black breeches and riding boots that laced all the way to her knees. On the higher land overlooking the ocean, the tavern sat with the forest rising sure behind it.
Uphill, she trekked and as she reached the gravelly courtyard, she halted as a squeal rang out from somewhere nearer the far trees. The moon highlighted the outline of a warrior standing under the canopy of a wide elm, his hand curved around the hip of a maid in a green kirtle. He groped her breasts, while another warrior leaning against the wall of the stables twenty feet away, hooted his encouragement.
Naught infuriated her more than seeing a lass being so terribly manhandled. She stormed toward them, determined to compel the warrior to leave the maid be and take his own cock in hand if he wished for some relief, only the lass giggled and rocked her hips against the warrior’s.
Ethan caught her arm, shook his head. “She wishes for his attention, Ella.”
The lass moaned as the warrior freed himself and hoisted her skirts.
Unfortunately, she’d stumbled across her fair share of warriors taking maids wherever they pleased. Either in a darkened niche in their chief’s castle, the stables, or some other such place. Ethan was right.
“Come.” Ethan nudged her toward the tavern. “We have bags to deliver.”
“Dinnae you ever tup a lass like that.” She snorted under her breath. “You’ll wait for your chosen one, just as I have and continue to do.”
“One day you’ll find him.” A sure look crossed his face.
“Aye, and when I do I’ll blast him for making me wait so long.”
“That I long to see.” Grinning, he looped one arm around her shoulders and steered her under the curved overhang of the tavern’s front door.
On the rushes at the entrance, she stamped the dirt from her booted feet, opened the large paneled door and walked inside. Along with a rush of warmth from the roaring fire came the riotous babble of voices which always infused this tavern. Within the main room warriors, farmers, and travelers aplenty enjoyed bread and stew as they chatted, each table separated from the other by wooden screens which allowed a touch of privacy.
“I’ll take these bags through to William. Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.” Ethan tweaked her nose.
“I always stay out of trouble.”
“Ha, of course you do.” Chuckling, he strode down the corridor leading toward William’s solar where he could always be found if he was not in the main room conversing with his patrons. William might be a MacKenzie, but he was also loyal to clan Matheson, his mother having been of fae blood. Mary, his wife, had been from their fae village and one of her mama’s dearest friends.
Mary swished around the tables in her blue gown, her lacy shawl slipping from one shoulder as she poured ale into tankards. Ella raised a hand and waved out.
Surprise lit Mary’s face as she caught sight of her. She set her jug down, hurried across and smothered her in a fierce hug. “’Tis so good to see you. Hannah didnae come with you?” She peered toward the front door.
“Nay, no’ this time. Mama has no’ been feeling her best, but she’s weaved a great deal of wool this month and Ethan and I have brought two bags full for you to take to the market. Ethan’s already gone on ahead to give it to William.”
“William has the coin from the last sale. We fetched a fair price.” Mary squeezed her cheeks. “Look at you all dressed as a lad again. When will I ever see you in a gown? I cannae remember the last time.”
“’Tis far easier to sail the seas this way, as well as remain unnoticed while I do.”
“Well, that is true and I wouldnae want you to take any undue risks, no’ that William or I would ever allow any harm to come to you here. Oh,” she babbled in a rush, “we also must speak of an important matter.” She lowered her voice and pulled her back into the darkened niche under the stairwell. “Word is a fae compeller halted the recent attack by Colin MacKenzie at Dunscaith. I take it that was you?”