Highland Light Read Free Page A

took the small bed as her father had insisted at the beginning.
    Gideon woke several times in the night. He listened to the night sounds for a few minutes to make sure nothing was amiss. He once tossed another log on the fire then cuddled back into the warmth of the covers.
    Everyone at this meeting was aware the gathering had taken place under the nose of the Sassenach. They had gotten away with it only because of the knowledge of the area held by The Bruce. Had the enemy any idea of the treasure, which had been divided between the knights and The Bruce, a swarm of soldiers, would have descended on them as flies to a kill. Everyone was eager to be up and away from the area as quickly as possible.
    The MacGrough contingent was not the first to appear before the Bishop of Glasgow who was performing the ceremonies. They were third in line. So secret was the entire matter that it was the Bishop himself, Robert Wishart, presiding over the marriages. It was quickly accomplished. In a matter of moments Gideon found himself married and a MacGrough. Before daylight flooded the West Coast of Scotland, they were on the way northeast to the MacGrough holding.
    Bundled into cloaks and plaids, the three of them rode in silence. This was a major step in each of their lives. No one was of a mind to chat.
    After the sun rose, Ailene finally removed the hood of the heavy gray cloak which had shielded her from all eyes including Gideon's. When she pushed back the hood he was slightly behind her and the MacGrough. A long heavy braid of dark red hair was only partially revealed by the absence of the hood. He still had not had a good look at her face in daylight. Gideon found he was curious. He wished she might turn so he could see her in the morning light.
    The horses were being ridden at a fast walk. Gideon knew that given the nature of the circumstance they found themselves in, it was prudent to do so. The animals would have some resources left if needful. As they rode he kept careful watch on the terrain around them. Trouble could come from any direction. His weapons were at the ready.
    Ailene was also ready. Gideon had noted the bow and quiver she carried along with sword and shield. He was vitally interested in learning more about his bride, but was obligated to keep careful watch instead. He did not know the country they were traveling through so he needed to make sure his mount did not come to grief due to inattention.
    He had been allowed to keep his share of the treasure on the animal. It lay packed in two leather bags draped over the withers of the animal. The horse was a solid beast with bottom. It had danced a bit when he first mounted. Gideon was aware that it was certainly worth a great deal. The quality of the mount had surprised him pleasantly. It would not have surprised him to find he was given a lesser animal. All in all he was being treated as a kinsman would.
    What did concern him was how the two of them would approach the consummation of the wedding. As there was nothing to be done regarding the matter at present, he pushed it to the back of his mind along with several other bothersome matters. Unfortunately that particular concern refused to stay banished. Gideon found he occasionally needed to tamp it back down.
    Ailene was very aware of the rider behind her. She did not need the occasional jingle of the bridle or the noise made by the horse to remind her. Refusing to acknowledge his presence effected her in any way, she refrained from looking behind her. Her father did so now and again. Cadell smiled encouragement to the lad.
    'Gideon, I must call him Gideon.' She reminded herself.
    The trio was heading toward Glasgow. In order to cross the Clyde they would need to ford it at Glasgow. When the water was low there was a lesser know place to cross the river, but not when the streams were beginning to flood from snowmelt.
    They might have found an inn but with the present situation in Scotland, a cold camp in the forest was