From this point on, Kevin had to choose his words very carefully. "Whom this lass agrees to marry is not within my power to command, but I will happily encourage a marriage to the lad who brings me the Englishman."
*
Charlet didn't know how long she had been asleep, but when she awoke it was morning, she was in Blair's lap, slumped against him and once more on a horse.
He felt her stir and was relieved. She hadn't moved all night and he was worried. In the light of the moon, he managed to get them safely away from his brother's cottage. His brother got his shoes, one plaid and a flask of wine to him, but no food.
"Do you want to stop?" He felt her nod and halted his horse. They were in a clearing, but at least he could see danger coming before the English got close enough to hurt her again.
She finally sat up. "Are we near water?"
"Nay, but I brought a flask of wine. You will need it for your pain." He let go of her just long enough to pull the strings of the flask loose from his belt. He removed the wooden stopper and handed it to her. The flask was heavy and she could only use one hand, so he helped her tip it.
It tasted bitter at first, but she was thirsty so she swallowed three times and stopped. She watched him put it away, get off the horse and lift her down. She wasn't any more sure she could stand on her own than he was, so she didn't mind at all when he didn't let go. And when she looked up, he looked disturbed. "What?"
"I did not protect you."
"Would you like me to yell at you?" She couldn't help but notice his wonderful smile.
"Can you walk?"
"I think so." She wanted to hold on to him, but she couldn't let go of her arm, so she was grateful when he took hold of her uninjured elbow. They walked through the tall grass for a while in silence before she finally said, "I have decided not to marry the Englishman."
Blair noticed his horse was walking away and followed. Perhaps the horse would lead them to water. "I thought you decided not to marry any lad."
"Oh I have, but him I have decided against much more than any other. How do you think they found us?"
"A Cameron told them."
"How do you know it was a Cameron?"
"They are the only ones who know of my brothers. It was a mistake to take you there. I will not make that mistake again."