The Laird's Captive Wife(75)

Ban was startled out of his thoughts by Iain’s voice.

‘Shall we try a little practice now?’

‘Why not?’

The blades engaged and they moved through the regular drills. Ban, tense at first, began to settle into the familiar rhythms. Though he had already seen Iain fight he was once again awed by the lithe power of the man, of the tireless repetitions and the grace of the movements in which the blade became an extension of his arm. Ban was a capable swordsman but all at once he knew he was seeing the standard to aim at. However, it soon became evident that it was going to take a while to achieve his goal for after a short spell of more vigorous use his shoulder began to ache and the weight of the weapon to increase dramatically. Seeing it shake in the young man’s grasp Iain lowered his own blade.

‘That’s enough for today, I think.’

Ban smiled apologetically. ‘I fear it is.’

‘Even so that shoulder has made remarkable progress.’ Iain sheathed his sword. ‘It will not be long before it’s as good as it ever was.’

‘I pray you are right for I hope to make my living thus.’ Ban brushed beads of moisture from his forehead, noting as he did so that his brother-in-law hadn’t even broken into a sweat as yet. With a rueful smile he sheathed his own blade. ‘I imagine my sister has told you as much.’

‘Aye, she did.’ Iain bent to retrieve his tunic. ‘She said you were thinking of going to Dunfermline.’

‘That’s right.’

‘Well, if you still wish to do so then I’ll gladly furnish you with an introduction.’

‘That is most generous, my lord. Particularly when I consider how much I already owe you.’

‘You owe me nothing.’

‘I think you understate the matter.’

‘Not so.’ Iain shrugged himself into the tunic and belted it. ‘Family must stick together.’

Hearing those words Ban felt a surge of pride and pleasure for in that one brief and casual comment he was brought into the fold, given a place and a sense of belonging.

‘You speak true, lord.’

‘That being the case I have a proposition to put to you.’

Ban stopped in the act of reaching for his own tunic. ‘A proposition?’

‘Aye. Stay here at Dark Mount. I can always use a good man.’

For a moment there was silence. Iain smiled faintly.

‘You don’t have to make up your mind now. Take your time. Think it over.’

The younger man reddened but recovered himself quickly. ‘You mistake, my lord. My silence was not due to hesitation but surprise. Do you really mean it?’

The dark eyes met and held his. ‘I should not have said it else. Besides, I would be loath to see you go.’

‘I would be loath to go, my lord.’

‘That’s settled then.’ The easy smile appeared again. ‘Now I need to speak to Dougal. In the meantime perhaps you should go and tell your sister.’

* * *

Ban found Ashlynn in the hall by the hearth. She looked up and smiled as he entered.

‘How was the practice?’

‘Well enough, but there’s a long way to go yet.’ He flexed the shoulder and winced a little. ‘It still lacks much of its original power.’

‘It is like to take some weeks, but there’s no hurry. You can’t leave anyway until the warmer weather comes.’

‘I’m not leaving at all.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘Iain has asked me to stay. To join him.’

‘What…what did you say?’

‘I said yes of course.’

For a moment she was speechless for the feeling of joy and relief was so intense that her throat was too tight for words. Then she was out of her chair and hugging him tightly.

‘I’m so glad.’

‘To tell you the truth I’m glad too.’

‘Are you really?’ She held him at arm’s length for a moment and her blue gaze met his. ‘You’re not just saying that? It’s not just because of me?’

‘No. When Iain made the offer to ride with him I was more than happy to accept. He’s a man I respect, a man I could follow.’

Ashlynn nodded. She had seen his growing admiration for his brother-in-law and had been glad to see the friendship between the two. However, she knew that Iain had not just made the offer because he saw potential in her brother. It had been done to please her. The knowledge warmed her to the core of her being. With that simple gesture he had made her happier than he could ever know.

Even as she was thinking about him he arrived with Dougal, and the two of them came over to the hearth where she and Ban were standing. Dougal beamed to see them and held out his hand to her brother.