Highland Light: The MacGrough Clan, #1

By Cherime MacFarlane

She wanted the young one. Done. Now he must fight to keep them alive

No. 2 Listopia's Scotland the Brave and then some.
Reviews from previous publication: 5.0 out of 5 stars "Fall in love with Templar knight and a strong highland lass!"

4 out of 5 stars "This the first book by Cherime MacFarlane that I've read. Without giving spoilers, I enjoyed the twist in the beginning as well as Gideon's inexperience-that's something not often seen in a romance."
5 out of 5 stars I was drawn in by the opening line, "She was not pretty." In just about everything I read, everyone is so damn pretty it seems as if all characters in books are clones. Finally something else!

HIGHLAND LIGHT is a historical romance set in 1308 during the Scottish war for independence.

A young Scots girl cannot find a man who appreciates a headstrong plain woman. A small group of Knights Templar escape to Scotland to hide and start new lives. Among them is a young man, a ward of the Master of the Temple. The men have brought a treasure to Scotland. In exchange for a large share of the treasure, the knights may marry and be adopted into certain clans. No one must know of the agreement. Each man has a duty to the clan they are adopted into, and a duty owed to Robert The Bruce.

One young man has been with the Templars since the age of ten. He knows nothing of relationships or women. Their wedding is a business arrangement. Having no experience of sex or marriage, the young couple make a game of loving and learn of life together.

Let the games begin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paper Gold Publishing OLD
• Release date: Sep 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386387039

Cherime MacFarlane

Meet Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author Cherime MacFarlane. A prolific multi-genre author, she has a broad range of interests that reflect her been there-done that life. Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, all sorts of characters and plots evolve from a vivid imagination. As a reporter for the Copper Valley Views, Cherime MacFarlane received a letter of commendation from the Copper River Native Association for fair and balanced reporting. She was part of the Amazon Best Selling in Anthologies and Holidays, and Fantasy Anthologies and Short Stories. The Other Side of Dusk was a finalist in the McGrath house award of 2017.

Book preview

chapter 1

She was not pretty. Angular and hard, her legs were firm and strong from working with the sheep and cattle. Arms muscular from practice with her bow, Ailene stood on the abbey grounds holding a basket of yarn. As she watched, the men made their way from the coast up the path to the ruin of Kilwinning, her gaze settled on the youngest one.

His skin bore the color of dark honey. Cut short, the thick dark hair barely covered his ears. The ever-present breeze lifted the black strands which drifted into his eyes. He raised a hand to brush the strands from his dark, watchful eye.  His gaze saw everything. Windburned and curiously unlined, his youth lay evident on his features. He appeared quite young.

So intent on watching the strangers was she, Ailene did not realize the basket of freshly dyed wool she carried had slipped in her hands. Some of the skeins began to fall, and she shifted forward trying to keep them in the basket. As she stumbled, his hand reached for Ailene, grasping her by the shoulder.

The strength of the hand which steadied Ailene caused her to gasp. As the lad helped her right herself, then settle her basket at a reasonable angle designed to keep the wool where it belonged, she realized she wanted him. Nearly a physical pain, it settled somewhere in the region of her womb.

She mumbled words of appreciation for his help before she quickly turned away. The urge to touch her body where the ache throbbed was hard to overcome. She held the basket closer as she moved away from the crowd of men grouped here and there along the path.

The girl closed her eyes and relived the brief touch of his hand. It took only a moment for her to realize he did not appear affected by their contact. The youth did not feel it. Those dark eyes had been on her but did not see her. He simply reacted as a warrior would to something happening within his ken.

The realization allowed her to make small adjustments to her skirt with fingers that trembled only slightly. She had grown adept at hiding her feelings. Ailene walked away from him toward the weaver's cottage with her typical briskness.

But everything changed after the incident. Not once before this moment did the urge to bed a man take her. Few men appreciated a woman more male than female. Raised by men, her whole outlook was practical and a bit hard. She wanted the youth, and by God, she would have him somehow.

Ailene's father sat firmly in Robert The Bruce's camp. Tired of fearing for the existence of his clan, The MacGrough came to the meeting with high hopes of finally being able to rid Scotland of the usurper's domination.

Few women were aware of the importance of this gathering. Only men with marriageable daughters and kinswomen, reliable Bruce supporters, received a summons to the gathering. Those from the ship traveled a great distance looking for sanctuary from the hounding of Philip the Fair of France.

Her father brought her to the meeting after fully informing her of its purpose. She realized the importance of the cargo which sat in the hold of the ship beached on Scotland’s west coast. The identity of the travelers, Knights of Templar, stirred her curiosity. She knew they had barely escaped from Phillip with the treasure in the hold of the ship and their lives.

They had nowhere else to seek sanctuary. The Pope in Rome excommunicated the entire order and declared them heretics. The Bruce, excommunicated for the killing of Comyn had no reason to betray the men. Further, seasoned warriors, they brought valuable skills to the King’s army.

All of them but the young one, were married and probably widowed. After turning their estates over to their heirs, and pledging their loyalty to the Order, they joined the Templars. Most who became Templars brought a large donation to the order.

Now, the exiles must choose brides from the eligible women brought to this meeting. They would become Scotsmen, by marriage and adoption. Each would swear to support The Bruce. A percentage of the treasure in the hold of the ship would go to the King. Each knight would keep a portion of the wealth as a sort of dowry. A reasonable agreement, each party gained something of value.

For Ailene and her father, this was their last resort. None of the young men who approached her father with marriage on their minds pleased her. She felt nothing for any of them. For that reason, she found herself almost unable to think after the chance meeting with the young one.

Ailene never expected a chance touch would result in her reaction. Never having experienced the like before, Ailene failed to understand what took place. She could not begin to analyze her response to one touch. That he appeared unaware of his effect on her was a godsend. That any man might have that kind of power over her terrified Ailene.

She straightened her spine as she forced herself to continue across the field to the weaver's cottage. She agreed to undertake the errand for one of the other women for a reason. It allowed her to watch the men arrive at the ravaged abbey.

Other women would think it unseemly to hurry too much or blatantly survey the offering. Ailene did not bother with such foolishness.

She crossed the green with ground-eating strides in a rush to be done and back inside. She found what she sought. Unlike the other women hiding in the shadows surreptitiously peeking at the arriving men, Ailene chose to take a proper look. Her boldness served her well.

Cadell, The MacGrough gratefully accepted Ailene’s cooperation. He sat in the small cell on the second floor of the partially destroyed Kilwinning Abbey. Cadell considered the information The Bruce's man hastily imparted.

This opportunity to find her a steady, canny man to take over the leadership of their people would never come again. Ailene was capable, but as a female, he doubted anyone would allow her to do what she had been doing for some years now.

Ailene ran the clan unbeknownst to all but a few. A blow to the head in a fight several years before injured Cadell MacGrough in ways not immediately apparent. At times although he looked hale and healthy, he lost the ability to function. His mind became foggy, and dizziness claimed him.

MacGrough hoped to find a protector for Ailene. One who would understand she would not be a brood animal content to be stuck inside tending to bairns, and housework without voicing any opinions of her own.

A drover, a planner, and as Celtic women of old, Ailene was a warrior. With no son, Cadell trained her as a lad. Proficient with a sword and dirk, her real gift was archery. Scotland did not have a dearth of archers; most men preferred swords and daggers. Ailene could take the eye from a roe deer at a distance which amazed even him.

These men, these Templars, would honor her. An older man would see the value in a woman like Ailene. Cadell loved her beyond anything else in his ken. He wanted her happy when he finally joined her mother in the grave. Both he and Ailene understood their need and what they hoped to gain.

Cadell also carried a contract tucked away inside his pack. Any man who would marry his daughter must sign the document, or there would be no wedding. In a short discussion with the King, Cadell expressed his needs. The Bruce sanctioned Cadell’s wishes and stipulations. MacGrough procured the King's blessing on the contract as well as his word to enforce it if Ailene found it necessary to appeal to the Crown for help.

Nearly as tall as her father, Ailene strode into the quarters the MacGrough clan occupied. Well Fayther, I know tha one I want.

Direct and to the point, no shilly shalling for my lass, he thought. And which might he be, Luv?

Here! Ailene took his hand, urged Cadell to his feet and over to the window. The men stood in a tight knot on the green near one ruined wall of the building.

That one! Tha black-haired one.

He is tha one ye want? I thought ye did not care for lads? With some consternation, Cadell viewed the young man who stood to one side.

And what if he is no part of those who are ta be a party ta this gathering?

I care not! Her chin lifted in the gesture her father understood all too well. Ailene would not give one inch. She would have that one or none.

He put an arm around her shoulders and the big Highlander pulled her to his side in a hug. Ah, lass! Whatever am I ta do with ye? Pour us some uisge beatha. Ye are driving yur old fayther ta drink.

Well, 'tis no ah particularly long road, 'tis it?

The girl possessed a droll humor, and much as he hated to admit it, her tongue danced a bit on the bawdy side. Cadell acknowledged the fault to be his for having raised Ailene as he had. He missed his Grier, his lovely woman and Ailene's mother beyond measure.

His daughter did not have a mother's presence to tone down her temper or provide a feminine example. Ailene favored him far too much. Further, he indulged her more than he should have. No one would crack the whip over her and change her now. At twenty, Ailene stood a woman full grown.

She poured two drams of the whiskey before drawing up a third chair for them both to put their feet on. They must map out a strategy for the meeting which would take place at the evening meal.

I am of ah mind that tha older warriors will be chosen first. Cadell sipped the whiskey.

Aye. It seems reasonable. An untried youth is no likely ta be snapped up. Her long frame slid down a bit in the chair as she sipped at the golden liquid.

Unless some other lass is interested in tha lad. The MacGrough decided to tease her a bit.

As she understood him quite well, Ailene only laughed. Aye, he is pretty enough. Would no surprise me if all ta lasses drool on him ah wee mite. She refused to be baited.

Cadell tossed back the last of the whiskey. Then we shall wait until all have been taken. If tha lad is still available, then we shall...

Corner him an proceed from there. Ailene finished the sentence for him.

And will ye be dressing up for this gathering?

Ailene gave him a long hard stare. Are ye daft, Fayther? Why would I be putting on airs?

Cadell MacGrough looked at his long, lean daughter with a sigh. Why indeed, lass? What might I have been thinkin?

The hall was full. The newcomers took places along one side of the long table which sat in the area where The Bruce held court. The Scotsmen in attendance scrutinized the others carefully. More attention went to the knights than the meal.

Cadell looked around the room, making a quick head count. With the lad added, the total came to eighteen men. Several women peered from corners. Likely they wondered which of these men they would wed the following morning. His lass made her choice, the others would not be so lucky.

Once having given it significant consideration, for their purposes the young one would be the best choice. Surely the lad could be no older than Ailene, perhaps a bit younger. Some of his opinions would certainly be already graven tightly into his mind.

But Cadell thought him likely trainable. MacGrough guessed being younger; the lad probably would outlive him. Ailene would not be left to fend for herself when Cadell died.

MacGrough looked around for the leader of the knights. On seeing him, the Highlander purposefully accosted the man. They spoke in English as the Templars knew no Gaelic.

Sir, I have ah question or ta regarding yon lad.

MacGrough inclined his head in the direction of the youth. Having eaten, the young man quietly slipped away from the table to stand in the shadows against the wall.

I will do my best to answer them, replied the older knight.

So how did tha lad come ta be in yer order?

He is the son of a fellow I served with. A good man, he left the order for the love of a Jewess. With both parents murdered; we never discovered the culprit, I took him in. He is a good boy, a trained warrior although young. The older man sighed, I will miss him.

Cadell glanced over to where the young man stood back against the wall in the shadows. My lass is near tha same age. I seek ah son, ye ken? We are but ah small clan, so I need ah young lad for my lass an for my people. One who will be able ta guide an defend both.

The old knight nodded. Then ye would be well served with Gideon. He has need of a place. Once he has it, Gideon will hold.

Thank ye. 'Tis tha information I sought.

Cadell walked back to where Ailene waited. She would insist on hearing the answers to the questions he asked. The responses would surely please her.

She stood alone, not wishing to join the giggling groups of women talking nonsense. Ailene drew the cloak tighter. Silly talk, she caught bits and pieces of their twitterings. Ailene wanted the lad. She would accept no other warrior from those gathered in the hall. But she must know this would be the right move for her people. If not, they would take their search elsewhere.

A slight smile on her father's face told her the answers to his query pleased him. Good! Half way to victory the only remaining fly in the tankard lay with others. Now, did any other show an interest in the lad?

***

Gideon slipped into the deepest shadow he could find. This whole matter smacked of a slave market. He did not like the feeling of being on the block. Mayhap, at any moment, they would all be asked to remove their shirts so their muscles could be viewed. He leaned against the back wall of the partially destroyed building with one foot braced against the stones behind him.

He didn’t bother to put on fancy attire for the occasion, the precious little he had. Gideon's dark eyes roamed the area. Albeit reluctantly, he did agree to this show, and the bargain driven by the man fighting to gain this kingdom. All must accept the agreement, or it would not take place.

Robert The Bruce wanted no hint of the meeting held here to reach the ears of either the English King or the Pope. Gideon gave his word to The Bruce. As a man of honor, a Knight Templar, he would marry whichever woman chose him, however much he might dislike the situation.

Marriage itself was fraught with pitfalls for him as Gideon had never been with a female. In the language of the Book, he had never known a woman.

Occasionally, Gideon dreamed of the act. Several times more than he wished to think on, he found a need to relieve a pressing urge he did not fully understand. Gideon went to his mentor to ask for penances for a deed he understood it to be unholy. Sir David reassured Gideon that as a typical youth, it was normal.

He understood procreation in animals. Having witnessed mares put to stud, he intellectually grasped the physical concept. But the actual doing concerned him. Gideon doubted a female would appreciate being approached as a mare in heat.

It seemed as if hours passed before the others of the order reached an agreement with the clansmen. After the formalities concluded, the women met the husbands chosen for them. Gideon wished he could leave the hall or disappear into the stones behind him. Ill at ease, the young man shifted his weight as he lowered his foot.

One of the last clansmen still waiting in the empty hall stood. The woman sitting next to him came to her feet as well. They both looked in his direction. Gideon felt their intense observation throughout the ordeal. He feared his time had now come. With both eyes shut, Gideon said a short prayer as the pair made their way toward him.

The man appeared to be of middle years, and perhaps half a head taller than he. The woman, partially hidden in a gray wool cloak, stood nearly as tall as the man she accompanied.

Gideon watched her move. She did not mince along. Her stride appeared both relaxed and confident. The light was not good where he and the couple coming toward him had taken their stand so he could not see her well.

The man with her was more easily observed. Red hair peppered with gray here and there caught the eye first. The man wore it quite long with braids swinging on either side of his head. Trim and well-muscled, the man also moved with the same natural grace. The two of them walked in step. Comfortable with each other, the pair had an accord.

The man stood back a little from Gideon, allowing a bit of space.

Yur name 'tis Gideon I ken.

Gideon nodded.

Well, lad, it seems ye are tha last knight left.

Gideon didn’t believe the statement required an answer. He nodded instead.

Ailene, my lass an I, the man gestured to the woman next to him, have need of ah husband for her, ah son ta look after our people. Are ye of ah mind to agree ta this?

Gideon eyed them carefully. I gave my word on my honor to serve, protect and defend the woman and all under her protection upon being wed on the morrow. I will do so. My word, once given, will not be broken.

I'm called The MacGrough. We are but ah wee clan, an my lass an I have thought carefully on this matter. We are of ah mind ta take ye if ye will have us, lad.

Gideon smiled slightly. As it appears there is none left other than I, I am at your service, Sir.

Cadell caught the humor in the statement, and he chuckled. So it would seem, lad.

The woman remained silent through the conversation. Aware she focused entirely on him, Gideon understood his measure was being taken by the silent figure.

What be yur surname? The MacGrough asked.

I am only Gideon. I have no other name. After tomorrow I shall be Gideon MacGrough.

Aye. It will do. Have ye ah mount, Gideon? The woman addressed him for the first time. The question put to him was softly spoken. Well modulated, he liked the sound of her voice.

None, my Lady.

Well then, we shall supply yur need. Our lands are ah wee bit ta tha north. After the marrying on tha morrow, we shall be off. Have ye an objection ta being first done an gone?

None, my Lady. My share has already been set apart. We may leave as soon as ye please.

The MacGrough took a rolled parchment from his belt. Ailene, have ye tha ink and quill?

Aye.

The clansman led them over to the long table. Do ye read, lad?

I do, Gideon replied. He wondered what The MacGrough held.

'Tis ah marriage contract between yurself an my lass. Ailene is nae ta be relegated ta ah slave in yur union. She is ah trained warrior. I nae want her ta be treated as anythin other than ah valued asset in ah marriage. This document gies her tha right ta appeal ta tha King should she be thinkin she is ill-treated.

Gideon could tell how much this meant to The MacGrough as his accent became broader with the emotion fueling it.

I have had a taste of the slave market myself this eve, and I have seen slavers touting their wares. I have no wish to use anyone against their will. This devilment which has come upon the Templars has forced other circumstances upon us than I thought to live under. Vows of chastity will no longer apply.

Gideon shrugged. On the subject of marriage, we must look to Christ. The Book says we are to love our wives as Christ loved the Church. We are to give our lives for them if need be, to honor them as we honor ourselves. To the best that I can, I will do so.

MacGrough grunted. Aye. Gie him tha quill an ink, lass. There is no better answer I could have for ye.

Gideon quickly scanned the contract and dipped the quill in the ink. How do I spell 'MacGrough'?

Cadell gave him the spelling as Gideon signed the document.

MacGrough handed both copies to Ailene. Take one ta Tha Bruce's man an keep tha other close.

The woman Gideon now knew as Ailene quickly turned, leaving the two men alone.

Be warned, lad. Ailene is ah braw woman, none better. All that she has ah stubborn streak wide as tha Clyde. But treat her well an she will guard yur back ta tha bitter end. Mind she is nay shrinkin violet. She is ah jewel, lad, aye ah rough one.

Gideon considered the MacGrough's words. He never had any intention of marrying. That being the case, he possessed no idea of what the generally excepted duties of a husband and wife might be.

The older knights in the order did speak of such things now and again. Almost all had been married; but he paid no real attention to any of it as it did not apply to him. All he knew were the things he learned from the Book. As a rule, marriage did not form the basis of teachings in the Temple where he grew up.

Gideon shook his head. I fear I have little or no concept of marriage, Sir. Other than what I have already stated, I never anticipated marriage to be something I would be a part of.

Cadell contemplated Gideon's words. Well now. It appears the lad is a blank page ready to be written on, he thought. His lass was an honest woman with little or no wiles to ply. This could be interesting indeed. It might be highly entertaining as well.

The three of them settled for the night in the chamber Ailene and Cadell had occupied the prior three days. Gideon and Cadell made up pallets on the floor before the fire. Ailene 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 seemed amiss. Once, he tossed another log on the fire before cuddling back into the warmth of the bedding.

Everyone at this meeting understood the gathering had taken place under the nose of the Sassenach. They got away with it only because of the knowledge of the area held by The Bruce.

If the enemy acquired any information regarding the treasure which had been divided between the knights and the contender to the throne of Scotland, a swarm of soldiers would descend on them like 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 performed the ceremonies. They waited in line as the third couple. Bishop Robert Wishart himself presided over the affair to keep any local parish priest from discovering the secret.

With no pomp and a hurried recitation of vows, their joining quickly went forward. In a matter of moments, Gideon found himself married and a MacGrough. Before daylight flooded the West Coast of Scotland, the three started on the journey northeast to the MacGrough holding.

Bundled into cloaks and plaids, they rode in silence. A significant step in each of their lives, none was of a mind to chat.

After the sun rose, Ailene finally removed the hood of the dark gray cloak which shielded her from all eyes including Gideon's. When she pushed back the covering, he rode slightly behind her and The MacGrough.

A long, heavy braid of dark red hair lay partially revealed by the absence of the hood. Gideon still had not had a good look at the woman's face in daylight. Curious, he found himself wishing she might turn so he could see