True to the Highlander(35)
Someone patted Alethia’s cheeks. She woke to find Hunter’s face mere inches from hers.
“I’m hungry,” he signed.
“You’re always hungry.” Digging her fingers into his ribs, she tickled him until he rolled into a ball and giggled. The sound filled the room with music far sweeter than any she could ever make with her violin. “Today we go to the village. I’m going to buy you a bow. It’s time you started earning your keep,” she teased.
Hunter hopped around the room. “And a sword?” he signed, eyes bright with eagerness.
“No. You’re too young. In a few years, maybe.”
Her refusal did little to dampen his spirits. He tugged her covers off. “I’m hungry.”
“Wash.” While Hunter washed and brushed his teeth with the torn twig as she’d taught him, Alethia opened the trunk and fished around for the velvet bag holding her jewelry. Dumping the contents on the bed, she surveyed the contents. The pearl earrings and gold bangle bracelets had belonged to her mother. No way would she trade them away for daggers and a bow.
Helplessness and despair flooded through her in a deluge as she lifted the pendant Giselle had foisted upon her. That damn witch had robbed her of any control she had over her own life and forced her into an impossible situation. Her despair turned to resentment, and the choice to trade the pendant away overwhelmed her. She wanted nothing more than to be rid of it and the memories it evoked of Giselle’s betrayal.
Once they were ready, she took Hunter’s hand and led him to the great hall. Elaine, Robley, and Malcolm sat at the long table before the hearth. Hunter broke free and ran to them. Jumping up on the bench to stand eye level with Malcolm, he signed a quick greeting to Robley and Elaine, and tugged on Malcolm’s shirt.
She knew hero worship when she saw it, and her insides warmed. Malcolm rubbed Hunter’s head and gave him his undivided attention, as Hunter told him his name and asked for his.
“Good morn, Lady True. The lad wants something, aye?” Malcolm asked.
“He’s telling you his name is Hunter,” Elaine said before Alethia had a chance to reply. “He asks for your name.” Elaine showed Malcolm how to spell his name.
“Impressive, Elaine.” Alethia filled two bowls with oatmeal from the large cauldron by the hearth. She added honey and thick cream from pewter pitchers on the table and fixed Hunter a piece of dark bread and butter. “You’ve been reading the alphabet book I made for him.”
Hunter patted Malcolm on the shoulder and signed to him. Malcolm turned to her and asked, “What does he say?”
Alethia touched Hunter on the shoulder and asked him to repeat himself. “Oh.” She frowned. “He’s asking you to teach him how to fight with a sword. It seems to be his latest obsession.” She signed for him to sit and placed his food in front of him. “He’s too little.”
“He’s no’ too little for a wooden sword. ’Tis time he started training.” Malcolm gave Hunter a manly pat on the back. Hunter beamed.
“Elaine has been telling us about the language you’re teaching the lad. I would ask a favor of you.” Malcolm stood to offer her a place beside him.
“OK.” Alethia sat down to her breakfast.
“What is the meaning of oh-kay?” Elaine asked.
“It means yes, or all right, depending on how it’s used, two letters.” She signed the letters in the air. “OK.”
“OK.” Elaine smiled as she tried the word out.
“I want you to teach some of the men in our garrison the signs.” Malcolm continued. “I wish to learn as well.”
“I’d be happy to teach anyone interested in learning. It would be helpful for Hunter to have more people to talk to.”
“Good. ’Tis settled. We will begin our lessons after my father’s departure.” Malcolm rose from his place. “I have much to do. Robley will accompany you to the village today. Galen is already there and will join you.”
Once Malcolm had gone, Robley turned to her. “Elaine explained your dilemma. I know what you seek from the blacksmith and the cooper.” He grinned and winked. “I vow to protect all of you with my life, and I’ll turn a blind eye to your doings. I dinna agree with my cousin on this. Every woman should carry a weapon. ’Tis foolhardy no’ to be prepared for trouble.”
“Malcolm will have a fit if he finds out,” she warned.
“Aye.” He grinned. “I’m counting on it.”
Alethia studied the village during the ferry ride to the mainland. Several thatched cottages hugged the shore, and a large stable stood a distance away from the other buildings. Along with a number of unpleasant smells associated with habitation, the scent of something fermenting filled the air, indicating a brewery.