Read Online In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) by Kara Griffin - Free Book Online
Authors: Kara Griffin
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began to run it over the hair on his face.
Kenneth laughed his arse off when he saw what he was doing, and fell back upon his tartan. “If I weren’t wed, I’d probably be doing the same thing.”
Colm joined them and noticed their revelry. “What’s the jest?”
“James is shaving,” Kenneth said, continuing to chuckle.
“I deem the lassie’s words affected him.” Sean handed each of the men a bowl, and waited patiently for James to finish before handing one to him.
James took it and balked at the pottage. For it wasn’t as flavorful as their laird’s wife made or the Hume keep’s cook’s. But he ate it anyway, knowing it might be a while before they’d eat again.
“Where’s Grey?” he finally asked, after setting his bowl aside.
“Angus, take these and wash them. Put them back inside my tent.” The lad Sean had brought along did as he bode and set off with an armful of dirty bowls. To him he said, “He went to meet with Llywelyn and should return soon.”
No sooner had Sean spoken; Grey came traipsing through the encampment. He stopped to speak to a few of the men he passed. He didn’t appear displeased. When he reached them, he took the bowl Sean offered.
“I’m to bring my closest guardsmen into the keep. We’re to meet to discuss tactics. Later this day, our men will join with his in training. We’ll do so for the next week, mayhap a fortnight. I will discuss Marshall’s proposal when we sit down.” Grey watched him closely and raised a brow.
“You haven’t told him yet?” James felt Grey’s eyes on him and shook off the meaning of his gaze, for Grey wouldn’t be forthcoming. Either a plan formulated in Grey’s mind, or he was hesitant to tell Iorwerth of Marshall’s demand.
“There hasn’t been time yet. I will soon enough.”
James hastened to retrieve his clothes by the loch, and he quickly donned his tunic and belted his tartan. Once he’d secured the belt, he sheathed his sword, and rubbed a good amount of water over his face. For he’d slept little and when he had, the lass effectuated him to a state of arousal. He may as well have stayed awake for as much rest as he got.
He ran back to the awaiting guardsmen and when everyone was ready, Grey led them to the fortification. Many stayed behind, and only Grey’s personal guard and ten troop leaders went along for the meeting.
On approach of the fortification, James eyed the castle enshrouded by a heavy morning mist. Its location appeared strategic given that the garrison was able to block any movement into the heart of the fortification. The high round towers looked sturdy and were at least thirty feet in height. The surrounding wall at least eight feet thick and would verily take any attack and sustain its ability to protect.
Akin to Sean’s holding, this one had steps leading to the main tower keep. As he ducked under the portcullis, he noticed that if the bridge was pulled to upright position, it would cover the upper window casements. It was a protection tactic and one he hadn’t seen before.
James followed behind Duff, toward the enclosed entryway, and rounded the stairs which were opposite of what he’d expect. But he suspected it was a defense stratagem as well. There was only one level above, but the lower level appeared spacious.
Llywelyn rose upon their arrival in the great hall. His family stood behind him, his wife, Siwan, called Joan by the English, was a handsome woman. Their children stood beside her, and James looked at each one until his eyes reached and fastened on the water nymph.
She kept her gaze serene and on the back of her father as she stood there for inspection. Llywelyn cleared his throat and turned to address them.
“Welcome, one and all. My family,” he said, and motioned to those standing behind him. Without further introduction, he bid them to leave. They immediately followed his order and vacated the hall.
James kept his gaze on the red-haired lass until she disappeared. He
Kenneth laughed his arse off when he saw what he was doing, and fell back upon his tartan. “If I weren’t wed, I’d probably be doing the same thing.”
Colm joined them and noticed their revelry. “What’s the jest?”
“James is shaving,” Kenneth said, continuing to chuckle.
“I deem the lassie’s words affected him.” Sean handed each of the men a bowl, and waited patiently for James to finish before handing one to him.
James took it and balked at the pottage. For it wasn’t as flavorful as their laird’s wife made or the Hume keep’s cook’s. But he ate it anyway, knowing it might be a while before they’d eat again.
“Where’s Grey?” he finally asked, after setting his bowl aside.
“Angus, take these and wash them. Put them back inside my tent.” The lad Sean had brought along did as he bode and set off with an armful of dirty bowls. To him he said, “He went to meet with Llywelyn and should return soon.”
No sooner had Sean spoken; Grey came traipsing through the encampment. He stopped to speak to a few of the men he passed. He didn’t appear displeased. When he reached them, he took the bowl Sean offered.
“I’m to bring my closest guardsmen into the keep. We’re to meet to discuss tactics. Later this day, our men will join with his in training. We’ll do so for the next week, mayhap a fortnight. I will discuss Marshall’s proposal when we sit down.” Grey watched him closely and raised a brow.
“You haven’t told him yet?” James felt Grey’s eyes on him and shook off the meaning of his gaze, for Grey wouldn’t be forthcoming. Either a plan formulated in Grey’s mind, or he was hesitant to tell Iorwerth of Marshall’s demand.
“There hasn’t been time yet. I will soon enough.”
James hastened to retrieve his clothes by the loch, and he quickly donned his tunic and belted his tartan. Once he’d secured the belt, he sheathed his sword, and rubbed a good amount of water over his face. For he’d slept little and when he had, the lass effectuated him to a state of arousal. He may as well have stayed awake for as much rest as he got.
He ran back to the awaiting guardsmen and when everyone was ready, Grey led them to the fortification. Many stayed behind, and only Grey’s personal guard and ten troop leaders went along for the meeting.
On approach of the fortification, James eyed the castle enshrouded by a heavy morning mist. Its location appeared strategic given that the garrison was able to block any movement into the heart of the fortification. The high round towers looked sturdy and were at least thirty feet in height. The surrounding wall at least eight feet thick and would verily take any attack and sustain its ability to protect.
Akin to Sean’s holding, this one had steps leading to the main tower keep. As he ducked under the portcullis, he noticed that if the bridge was pulled to upright position, it would cover the upper window casements. It was a protection tactic and one he hadn’t seen before.
James followed behind Duff, toward the enclosed entryway, and rounded the stairs which were opposite of what he’d expect. But he suspected it was a defense stratagem as well. There was only one level above, but the lower level appeared spacious.
Llywelyn rose upon their arrival in the great hall. His family stood behind him, his wife, Siwan, called Joan by the English, was a handsome woman. Their children stood beside her, and James looked at each one until his eyes reached and fastened on the water nymph.
She kept her gaze serene and on the back of her father as she stood there for inspection. Llywelyn cleared his throat and turned to address them.
“Welcome, one and all. My family,” he said, and motioned to those standing behind him. Without further introduction, he bid them to leave. They immediately followed his order and vacated the hall.
James kept his gaze on the red-haired lass until she disappeared. He
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