Taming a Free Spirit

By Cait Perez

Sean MacFee found that highwaymen were more trouble than they were worth. He found himself caught up in a chase, a small lad pulled him to safety, hiding him from the thieves. Little did he know what he was getting himself into.

Blair McKenna was not looking for a husband. She was looking for adventure, action, and the wide open spaces of the Scottish lands she loved.

Ignorance of how the woman felt, Sean lived his life as he always had. Blair had another idea about that, however, and Sean learned quickly how spirited the young lass was.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Byron Rider
• Release date: Mar 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310680137

Cait Perez

About Cait Perez. That is a big story. Born in the 1960's, she was taught to be a housewife and mother. She was creative most of her childhood, although her talents lay in visual art, painting, coloring, and drawing. By the time she was a teenager she read everything she could get her hands on. She also found out she was quite the convincing storyteller. Writing has never been a problem for Cait. She was quite good at putting words together on paper. She loves different styles of writing, from adventure, to academic, to fantasy and historic. Using her vast tastes she decided one day "What the heck?" and wrote a book. From there another and another. Currently she has completed many books and has been told she is prolific if nothing else. Her life is full of change and diversity,too. As a shy and understated child, she kept to herself and was only pulled out of corners by others who wished to spend time with her. Low self-eseem made her think very low of her own value, but it seemed that other children and adults saw something in her that she didn't see in herself. No matter her own low self-image, Cait understands how intelligent and capable she is. She is kind of an oxymoron in that way, bu it's alright--it works for her. She enjoys history so much that her genre is Historic fiction adventure with a bit of love and romance. She tries to use historically correct landmarks and names as much as is possible, but of course with the literaray license she can use. Scotland is her love. She has never been, but one day will go, only because she's never been. The Highlands, with the rough mountains and rougher people,compels her. Writing books is now something she does a lot. She gets up and writes. Comes home from work and writes. She takes most of her time reading for ideas and then writing. Her hope is that you will enjoy what she writes. After all, Cait is a giver, above all things.

Book preview

Taming a Free Spirit

By:

Cait Perez

Copyright 2015 @Byron Rider

Published by Byron Rider at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer

The locations, movies, products, and such, are mostly all real. I looked up much of these using internet search engine, Google. The active story characters, however, are not. If I accidentally managed to make any one of my characters seem like you, it was not intentional, and I hope they are the good guys.

Dedication:

This dedication is for all those readers who are giving me a chance to entertain you. I know that all books that are available might make people too busy to live their real-world lives, but without fantasy and extraordinary stories, we may not know how far we can go on our own.

Thank you to all of you.

Acknowledgements

First, I would like to thank anyone who has given me a chance to share my words with them. I love to write and hope that my stories resonate in the minds of my readers.

Second, I would like to thank my relatives. Those who supported me have been invaluable. Those who chose to turn their backs on me? Without you I would never have been able to say Watch me.

Third, I would like to thank anyone and everyone else. I have learned a lot through reading the works of others, have learned through my experiences in day-to-day live. I appreciate the love you taught me and I hope I have brought it to life in the pages of my story.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Disclaimer

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Epilogue

To My Readers

About the Author

Prologue

Ye are one of the most delightfully vexing women I have ever met. Shane told her, his green eyes glistening in the firelight. Ye should stand down and let me kiss ye, lass, and get it over with. Ye ken ye want this as much as I do.

Nay, if I give in to ye, I amnae more than any other wench who ye have bedded. I amnae yer plaything, M’ Lord. She whispered to him, nearly out of breath by being so close to the naked chest of the man who has been causing searing heat in her for so long.

Ye are going to be mine. I vow this to be so. As a mon of honor, I cannae be expected to break this vow, lass. Ye will ken that soon enough. Now kiss me.

Chapter 1

He was breathing heavily. His head was pounding and his feet were rushing across the glen and then through the trees. His eyesight was blurry, blood running down from a wound on the top of his head.

Sean MacFee continued the pace for several leagues, from what he could measure. The rievers were catching up to him and he had to find a place to hide.

Suddenly someone grabbed at Sean’s ankle and he fell to the ground. At first he thought maybe he had tripped on a tree root but then he saw a dirty small hand wrapped around his ankle. He kicked at the hand and he heard a young voice scream out.

The small hand began pulling Sean toward a heavily wooded area full of ferns and bushes. Another hand emerged and beckoned him into the foliage with a finger waggle. On his stomach he scooted backwards until he was hidden under the ferns. The small hand covered his mouth before he was able to say anything. The other hand was gently touching the skin around the wound to his head.

As soon as his mouth was covered several horses pounded the ground beside their hiding place. After the last of the horses ran past, Sean pulled the hand from his mouth and looked around to see a small boy. He was dirty, his clothes were ripped in several places and the bonnet on his head was oversized and worn at a tilt. The child’s eyes were the brightest blue that he had ever seen when he smiled at Sean it was like the sun shone through the dense foliage. The boy’s hair was wavy and a light auburn color. It seemed to curl under somewhat at the ends. Sean thought him to be a very pretty child, almost feminine.

The boy put his hand lightly over Sean’s mouth once more. When Sean moved to take the boy’s hand off his mouth this second time he was given his voice. Who are ye? he asked.

The young lad smiled again and put his finger to his lips. There are more. Was all he whispered.

Sean’s eyebrow lifted. More? he asked softly.

Aye. There are more. The rievers ride in two groups. The first group chases and when ye are tired the second group comes up and takes yer things. I hear them coming. Hush! he ordered.

Sean was not in the habit of taking orders from children but this boy seemed to understand the ways of the thieves. He would have to ask him how he knows so much.

Several moments later three riders came by. They were riding slower than the first group and were thrashing the underbrush with their swords. The boy pulled Sean further back into the brush that they used to hide and pushed Sean’s cheek into the moss that covered the ground under the ferns. They lay face-to-face, the boy looking knowingly at Sean, who stayed down.

The riever’s sword barely nicked Sean’s ear with the tip and the young boy covered Sean’s mouth once again to keep him from shouting out.

When the three horsemen were convinced that their prey was not in the vicinity they rode off into the next heavily wooded area. The young boy sat up and watched as Sean stood.

Now, lad, I thank ye for yer help. Whatcher doing in the woods all alone? Sean asked.

The boy stood, he was very small, barely reaching the middle of Sean’s rib cage. I live around here, M’ Lord. He said. Name’s Blair McKenna. Very pleased to make yer acquaintance. He bowed after first pulling his hands gracefully outward to his sides.

Sean bowed in return. Sean MacFee, young lad. Ye live around here? Is yer da and mum near, then?

Nay. I havenae a da. Me mum is at the great keep across the woods.

Ye dinnae have a da? What happened to him?

Rievers. was the answer to the simple question. Then the boy shrugged and began walking in the opposite direction of the horsemen.

Mayhap I could follow ye for a while. I find meself quite tired from the run I just took across the glen. Sean offered.

Ye can do as ye please, M’ Lord. I amnae here to stop ye on yer travels. Where were ye headed?

I was headed to the McCloud keep. Do ye ken where that is? Sean asked.

Och, aye. I ken it well. The young boy answered. ‘Tis just over that wee hill. He pointed to a high mountain to the north. Ye will be needing a horse and some food, I suspicion, to get there afore ye die of exhaustion.

I had a horse and quite a bit of food and coin before our friends came across me. I will have it again, soon, too. Me horse should be along soon. He is the loyal sort, the rievers will find they willnae be able to control him a’ tall. Sean grinned with pride. Me horse is a warrior, ye ken.

A stout mon and a stout horse. Our best hope for Scotland to stay free under the Stewart king, I suspicion. I wonder, mayhap ye could teach me some warrior fighting? Blair asked.

Aye. I suspicion that, if ye havenae another place to go. I could use a squire. Are ye bound to a clan?

Nay. I amnae bound to a clan to work. Blair replied. I would think that a braw mon like ye would be in need of a squire. I accept yer offer.

Sean held out his hand to the boy and they shook hands. Fine lad. Ye will do. Ye dinnae have fear like many lads. How old are ye? he asked.

I have seen ten and two summers, M’ Lord. Blair bowed when he answered. I am old enough to squire.

Aye, ye are a fine age to be me squire. Sean smiled. Let us sit here for a spell and wait for me horse to come back.

Blair looked at Sean curiously but shrugged and sat down on a log near their hiding place. Ye are certain that yer horse will return?

Aye. He always does. Sucellus is a very fine horse.

Sucellus? What a fine name. What does it mean? Blair asked.

Sucellus is the Celtic god of love. I think that love be powerful and so I felt that a horse that loves his master will do more for him than a horse that doesnae. Sean answered.

That is a lov… grand way to see things. Blair said then, his cheeks turning pink as he turned away from Sean.

Do we needs tell yer mum that ye will be me squire? Sean asked as they waited.

Nay. She isnae in a place that she can truly care for me. We havenae money to pay to keep us both. I left her a fortnight ago. She will worry less about me than ye think. She will think I’ve been kilt or taken. Blair replied and shrugged when Sean looked at him.

Soon the sound of a single horse was heard from far away. The sound came closer and then a horse, the color of sunset, bearing snow-white socks and mane, ran through the trees and stopped abruptly in front of Sean.

Sean stood and Blair stood beside him. ‘Tis a mighty fine horse, M’ Lord. Blair said as he stroked Sucellus’s snout. The horse turned his head toward Blair and puffed through his nostrils blowing Blair’s bonnet off his head.

Blair rushed to pick up the hat. Sean had not noticed it, too intent upon checking his horse for injuries. Blair quickly donned his head covering and moved away.

What will I ride, M’ Lord? I dinnae have a horse.

Ye can ride astride me horse for now. We can purchase ye a horse in the next village. Do ye ken where that may be?

Aye, ‘tis naught more than a league toward where ye were heading. They have a fine inn with a good cook and clean rooms if ye are so inclined. Blair said.

Aye, that sounds like a very fine idea, Blair. Lead the way. And Sean mounted Sucellus, pulling Blair up behind him, astride on the saddle. Blair wrapped his arms around Sean’s waist and they rode in the direction that Blair indicated.

A half an hour later the horse and riders emerged in the small village indicated by Blair. They stopped by the inn and Sean dismounted with Blair right behind him. Please care for me horse, Blair. Sean asked.

Blair nodded, taking the reins, walking to the stables. He was skipping, happy to have found a way to earn his keep. I hope that me bonnet doesnae come off again, Sucellus. That wasnae very nice of ye to blow it off. What if me hair had come loose?

Sucellus snorted at Blair again. When they got to the stables Blair pulled the bonnet off his head and his hair indeed fell loose.

Blair, the younger daughter of Lord McKenna, rushed to braid her hair and pin it back under the shorter top hair inside of the bonnet she wore. Even with her unusual cut, keeping the outer layers of her hair shorter, the longer under locks were difficult to keep braided and pinned beneath the loose hair that was to hide it.

Grabbing a brush and a bag of oats, Blair stood near Sucellus and began brushing his coat after giving him the bag of oats. The god of love, ye say? Ye love yer master? Will ye love me, too? she asked. Dinnae give me away, friend. Blair requested as she gently brushed the dust and mud from the horse’s haunches. Sucellus leaned against Blair’s slight shoulder and nuzzled her neck. Och. I ken ye are sorry. I willnae fash o’er it. Ye have learned, aye? Let me keep me secret and I will find ye some sweet apples. Sucellus nodded and swept his front left hoof upon the stable floor.

Ye are a smart one, arenae ye? Blair smiled. Again, the horse nodded and nickered.

Once the horse was cared for and watered Blair walked into the inn to meet with Sean. I have secured us a room for the night, lad. Come, sit, sup with me.

Blair was handed a mug of watered wine and a tray full of breads and meats. ‘Tis a fine meal ye have given me, M’ Lord. Blair said.

Ye will be well cared for. It seems me intended thieves didnae have time to strip me fine stallion of the saddlebags. All me coin was still there. Sean smiled, holding out a pouch of coins and jingling them in front of Blair’s eyes.

Glad I am, to see that ye arenae without funds now. Blair said and then shoved a large chunk of bread into her mouth.

Ye said ye secured us a room? Blair asked.

Aye, ye can bed down on a pallet. I got us a bath, too. Ye are fair on filthy, lad. Sean said, and pinched his nose.

I dinnae stink. Blair said defiantly, lifting her arm and smelling under it.

Nay, ye dinnae. Sean grinned at what Blair did. Ye are, howbeit, quite covered in dirt and mud.

Aye, that I am. I can run to the burn, howbeit, and rinse me clothes along with me body. Then ye can have privacy in the room while ye bathe.

First thing, we must get ye a horse and a change of clothes. I cannae have me squire looking like he lives in the fields.

Blair looked at Sean and nodded after taking a cursory glance at her clothes. I suspicion that would be a good idea but I havenae earned either, yet, M’ Lord.

Ye will. Trust me on that. First we will visit the stables and find ye a suitable mount. Sean said. Come, are ye done eating?

Aye. Blair said as she stood and followed Sean to the stables.

‘Tis a fine horse, mon. Blair, what say ye? Will this suit ye?

Ye ask fer me opinion? Well, if that be, then aye, ‘tis a fine mount. ‘Tis smaller so I shouldnae have trouble riding her. Will I be bareback?

Och, nay. Ye will have a fine blanket and saddle to be comfortable, lad.

Then ‘tis fine, indeed. Thank ye, M’ Lord. Ye are too generous and too kind. She nearly curtseyed again, but remembered and bowed. Sean did not notice the mistake as his back was turned haggling over the price of a saddled horse.

Where do we go now, M’ Lord? Blair asked.

We go to buy ye some new clean clothes. Can ye sew? Sean asked then.

Aye. But why would ye want to ken that? Blair asked.

I want to ken how much I can count on ye to mend clothes and bodies.

Blair’s eyebrows raised at the last part of his comments. Bodies? she rasped.

Aye. I did tell ye I am a warrior.

Oh, aye. She said and then added Aye, I can sew torn skin, M’ Lord, as well as I can sew a torn tunic.

‘Tis good to ken. Sean said as they walked into a shop.

I’ll need ye to clothe me new squire, please? he told the merchant.

Aye, M’ Lord. How many suits of clothes will ye be needing?

I suspicion the lad should burn those clothes… he said as he pointed at Blair. Two sets should do him for now.

Aye, master! the merchant said as he sized Blair up. He then went about setting two full sets of clothes for her. Will ye be needing boots as well?

Aye, the lad could use some new boots and a good jacket, too. We will be heading north and ‘tis still cold in the mountains.

The merchant gave Blair and Sean a wide, toothless grin as he pulled the requested items.

Do ye have a blade, lad? Sean asked.

Nay, M’ Lord. I willnae need one, will I? Blair asked, choking at the thought of wielding a sword.

Ye did ask to be taught warrior ways. Ye will need a dagger and a sword.

Oh, aye.

Package those clothes up for us, if ye could. We have another shop to visit. Sean instructed the happy merchant who packaged the clothes and eagerly opened his hand to receive coin for the items.

Thank ye, M’ Lord. More than generous, M’ Lord. The merchant bowed low and exclaimed.

Sean bowed to the merchant as they walked into the sunny road.

When they walked to the blacksmith shop Sean saw that there were three men waiting to have their swords sharpened or repaired. Blacksmith, when ye have a mo’ can ye meet me at the inn? I needs dagger and a sword fashioned for me squire, here. They will need be smaller than that for a mon, but I willnae take ye from your current needs.

Aye, M’ Lord. I will be eating at the inn in an hour. May I find ye there then?

Aye, but afore I leave, can ye have a sword and dagger completed for me wee companion afore the night? We have travel on the morrow.

I can do it, M’ Lord. The blacksmith smiled, pointing at some unfinished sword and dagger blades on the wall.

Very good then. I will meet ye in an hour at the inn. Bring a few samples. Sean bowed to the men waiting for their sword repairs and left, clasping Blair firmly on the shoulder.

Blair buckled under the impact of Sean’s manly grasp.

When the two arrived at the inn the bathtub was already delivered to the room and buckets of hot water were waiting by the fireplace. Ye can go first. Sean told Blair. Ye looks to need it worse than I. he smiled.

I told ye I can go to the burn and bathe there.

Nonsense. The water in the burn comes from the mountains and there is still snow atop the tips. Ye will freeze yer bits and pieces off in the burn.

I willnae mind.

Ye will mind in five or six years, I suspicion Sean said and winked.

Blair blushed but agreed to bathe in the room. She turned her back to Sean and began to slowly take her clothes off, making certain to not show her front to Sean. She had not yet taken off her tunic or bonnet when a knock came at the door.

M’ Lord. The blacksmith has come to speak with ye. The innkeeper told him.

The mon is fast. I will be back in a mo, Blair. Get yerself clean and I’ll be back soon. Sean told Blair as he walked out of the room.

Blair gave a sigh of relief and pulled her tunic and bonnet off quickly, she unbraided her hair and hurriedly washed her hair and body. She knew she had a few minutes at least because Sean would be talking to the blacksmith about her weapons. She scrubbed quickly with the soap that was on a table near the tub and rinsed the soap from her hair and skin. I dinnae ken how I will be hiding this hair when I sleep. I suspicion I’ll needs keep me bonnet on me head.

She was out of the tub and into her clean clothes before Sean came back into the room. Her hair had been braided and pinned under the shorter hair that she cut. Ye didnae take long. Sean said.

Doesnae take much time to wash loose dust from the skin, M’ Lord. She told him.

Sean shrugged and said I suspicion as much. Ye dinnae bathe often, do ye? he asked.

Nay. No more than once a month, usually. Water is hard to carry to me hut and as ye say, ‘tis cold in the burn.

Sean nodded, agreeing with the logic and began taking his overcoat off. Blair was sitting on the small pallet with her feet tucked under her legs. When Sean began disrobing she feigned a yawn and remarked I am sorely tired, M’ Lord. I will be getting some rest if ye dinnae mind.

Nay, get some sleep. When yer sword and dagger are done we will be leaving. Sean said as he pulled off his boots and stockings. Blair snuck a peek at him through her eyelashes. His legs were muscular and tanned, she masked a gasp with a cough when she looked up further to see his knees were parted and she could almost see what was hidden in the shadows of his kilt. When Sean removed his under tunic she felt her cheeks turning red from the heat. His skin was smooth and shiny, tanned and perfect. She watched him as he unbuckled his belt and his plaid began to fall to the floor. She closed her eyes tightly, not wanting to see all of the man she was squiring for.

Sean looked to the tub and poured another bucket of hot water into it. He stepped easily inside, his legs too long to stretch out. She peeked at his back and shoulders. She could see his knees sticking out of the water above the edge of the tub. Beautiful. She thought as she nodded off to sleep.

Sean looked at the young girl sleeping on the pallet on his floor. He wondered how long the boy had been without food. He seemed so small. No matter, I’ll have him building on those wee muscles soon enough. He thought to himself and then began scrubbing his shoulders and chest. I shouldnae have let him go to sleep until he scrubbed me back. He thought and then pulled opposite corners of the cloth and tried to run it over his back. He did well enough.

Washing his hair was less complicated. He lathered the soap into his hands and then ducked his head into the water to rinse. His black hair gleamed from the water running down over his face. He put his hands into his hair and washed, scrubbing the dust from his scalp. Once he was done