Highland Destiny Read Free

she had sworn to make the laird of Duhblinn pay dearly for the wrongs he had done them. She had carefully prepared for everything—poor weather, lack of shelter, and lack of food. She had never considered the possibility that a battle would impede her advance.
    Maldie sat down at the edge of the deeply rutted wagon track and scowled toward Dubhlinn. For a brief moment she considered drawing closer. It might be useful to know which one of the bordering clans was trying to destroy Beaton. She shook that tempting thought aside. It was dangerous to draw too close to a battle, especially when one was not known to either side. Even those who were trailing their clansmen, known to friend and foe alike, risked their lives by lingering too close to the battle. There was, however, always the chance of meeting with Beaton’s enemies later, she mused. All she had to do was convince Beaton’s enemy that she was his ally, and a good and useful one at that.
    Idly drawing a pattern in the dirt with a stick, Maldie shook her head and laughed at her own foolishness. “Aye, and doesnae every fine, belted knight in the land cry out his eagerness to call wee Maldie Kirkcaldy his companion in arms.”
    After a quick look around to reassure herself that she was still alone, Maldie dragged her hands through her thick, unruly hair and cursed herself. Although slender and small, she had survived three months alone wandering lands she did not know. Itwould be madness to lose the caution that had kept her alive, especially now when she was so close to fulfilling her vow. She had never spent so long a time so completely alone, her only companion her own vengeful thoughts, and decided it was starting to affect her wits. Maldie knew she would have to be even more careful than she had been thus far. To fail now, when she was so near to gaining the revenge her mother had begged for, would be bitter indeed.
    The sounds of battle grew less fierce and she tensed, slowly rising to her feet. Instinct told her the battle was ending. The road she stood on showed clear signs of a recent passing. That army would soon return along the road, either heady with victory or bowed with defeat. Either mood could prove to be a threat to her. Maldie brushed the dust from her much mended skirts even as she backed into the thick concealing shrubs and wind-contorted trees bordering each side of the road. It was not the most secure shelter, but she felt confident that it would serve. If the army that would soon pass her way had been victorious, it would be little concerned about any possible threat. If it had lost, it would simply be watching its rear flanks. Either way she should be safe if she remained still and quiet.
    After crouching in the bushes and staring down the road for several moments Maldie began to think that she had guessed wrong, that no one was coming her way. Then she heard the faint but distinct jingle of horses’ harnesses. She tensed and frantically tried to decide what to do. Although a prideful part of her stoutly declared that she was doing very well on her own, she knew that an ally or two could be very helpful. If nothing else she might be able to gain a more comfortable place to wait as she decided the best way to use all the knowledge she had gained in the last three months.
    She had just convinced herself that Beaton’s enemies were her friends, that it could only benefit her to approach them, when she caught her first sight of the army and her confidence in her decision faltered. Even from a distance the army marching away from Dubhlinn looked defeated. If an army of trained knights, weighted down with armor and weaponry, was not enough to defeat Beaton, what hope did she have? Maldie quickly shook aside that sudden doubt in herself. She could not so easily cast aside or ignore her doubts about the men stumbling toward her. If Beaton could win against them with all their strength and skill, what use could they be to her? As they drew near enough