In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) Read Free Page B

what he did, and my involvement ended with him the day he dropped me off on your father’s doorstep. Now let us forget this nonsense. It bothers me not.”
    “Nay? Seems to me it does bother you. Och if you wish, I won’t bring it up again.”
    “We’ve a war to ready for. How long before we leave?” James wasn’t thrilled by the news they’d received from their king, directing them to aid the Iorwerth clan. He didn’t trust the Welshmen, for they were just as passionate about battle as the Scots. They were just as battle weary as well.
    Warring with the English was a beguiling task, for they were often wily in their war practices, and the Scots liked nothing better than going against their enemy. That was at least something they had in common with Wales.
    “We’ll leave in a few days for Sean’s land. I’ll meet with the king and find out exactly what his message entails.” Grey moved aside, and Duff led the way out of the barracks.
    James had recently returned from his comrade’s keep near the border of England and Scotland. He’d gone with Sean to the Hume clan, where they were both astounded by the inheritance of lairdship given to his friend by Lord Hume, Sean’s uncle. James stayed on after troubles arose and Sean needed his protection of his family.
    Now that all had been settled, he returned to his normal life. Only that normalcy was intruded upon by his father’s visit. Family matters were inconsequential to what they were about to face. James wanted to put it as far out of his mind as he could.
    If only that was possible.

Chapter Two
     
     
    Garth Celyn, the royal House of Gwynedd
    North Wales
     
    With all the force she mustered, Emlyn hacked and advanced on her adversary. He was the best of all her father’s soldiers, and he’d boasted he wouldn’t hold back during their fray. Though they were only testing their skills, they both gave it their all effort, and appeared to want to kill each other. Emlyn would not be defeated.
    Rhun advanced and caused her to take a step back. Cheers arose around her when she deflected his strikes and advanced upon him in return. Her breath rasped and her arm waned a bit from the force of his sword, but she wouldn’t concede to the tall, angry soldier. Her eyes took in the form of her father watching the fight nearby. Emlyn had something to prove and she wouldn’t give up until she accomplished her goal. This day was long in coming and she wouldn’t disappoint her father.
    She tired and needed to put an end to this round. It had gone on long enough for they’d been at it for nearly a half an hour. He continued to strike her sword with his, lending to her exertion and exhaustion for he was much stronger than she. But Emlyn was quicker on her feet. She pulled a mace from her belt and threw it at Rhun’s feet, causing him to sidestep and become unbalanced. Then she ran at him, forcing him backward with the heels of her hands until he fell. The point of her sword pricked his neck.
    “Do you give?”
    “Aye,” he mumbled. “Aye.”
    With his acceptance of defeat, she removed her sword and turned to face her father. The crowd cheered and then quieted when he stepped forward.
    Her father, the mighty chieftain of their land, stood taller than any around them. He wore a simple bronzed crown on his head, which made him appear regal even though it wasn’t ornate. Emlyn was pleased with the look of pride in his eyes. She was wont to have his approval, and unfortunately for her, she’d been born female.
    That was the only reason she’d taken to arms at such an early age. Her father’s prideful words were oft given to her brothers for their ability with the sword and bows, but he’d had no such words for her. Why would a great warrior chieftain such as he be proud of a lass’ ability to sew a tunic?
    “Do not berate yourself, Rhun, for the lass has been under my guidance since she could walk. You’ve been beaten by my heart, and aye, should be as proud of her