Read Online Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) by Aury Dobsyn - Free Book Online Page A

ten,
and had a few days of hair growth on their granite-like faces. Their colossal
size made her feel small and very vulnerable.
    “My men have more important matters to see to than
entertaining ye,” Gavin announced, bringing her out of her stupor. “Ye will
ride yer own horse, but if ye try to escape, I will see yer arse black and blue
for a sennight. Do we understand each other, wench?”
    Ella’s eyes widened as she digested his acerbic words,
and then she nodded, indicating that she understood.
    It was ludicrous not fear this man, but Ella sensed
that Laird Macleod would not harm her, even though his words suggested
otherwise. What she did fear, however, was her father if he learned of her
presence in Scotland. With great effort, she turned the somber thoughts of her
sire, the man who had banished her years ago, to her current situation.
    Needing to put distance between her and the formidable
laird, Ella walked over to Apollo. She mounted without assistance, but with
extreme discomfort. Believing she disguised her pain, that is until she looked
over and saw Osgood’s look of concern.
    “Lass, are ye well?”
    The burly man’s sweet disposition contrasted greatly
with his fierce appearance. He had been nothing but courteous and respectful to
her from the start.
    “Aye, Osgood,” she said with a smile. “Thank you.”
    “Finest horse flesh I’ve seen in a long time,” Osgood
stated as he looked over her mount. “He has stamina, speed, and strength which
are qualities we Highlanders look for in our horses. Where did ye acquire him,
if ye dinna mind me asking?”
    Taken back by his obvious appreciation for Apollo, she
answered with pride. “Westshire Abbey. We breed some of the finest horses in
all of England. Apollo was actually caught in the wild and sold to the abbey
over a year ago.”
    Raising his eyebrows, Osgood asked, “We?”
    “Aye, every afternoon for the past five years I’ve
worked at the abbey to help with breeding and training the horses.”
    His bellow of laughter drew everyone’s attention, and
instantly made Ella regret being so open.
    “Why would Greystone have ye work with fine horse
flesh rather than do what’s norm to ladies, like making soap and tapestries?”
    Conscious of the men staring at her, Ella lowered her
head when she responded. “It was decided by Aunt Eleanor, Uncle James and
Abbott Davis that it was the safest place for me. And for allowing this,
Greystone is given many fine horses as payment for my work.”
    Her statement did not settle well with Osgood who,
along with Tavish, now rode beside her.
    After a moment of silence, Tavish asked, “Why would ye
need a safe place? Safe from who?”
    At that moment Ella wished she had been born mute,
especially since this was a topic she avoided like the plague. She had no
desire to discuss her life at Greystone with the men who had kidnapped and were
taking her against her will to Scotland.
    Her gaze settled on the distant horizon when she
replied, “It does not matter.”

7
    A few pale streaks of mauve were all that remained of
the sunset when Ella and the Macleod warriors rode into the cloud of pine-
scented forest. Ahead of the group, Gavin spoke privately with Edric and Paen
in regards to his conversation with Abbott Davis.
    “Sir James is the illegitimate brother of Lady
Eleanor, and is well-favored by King Henry for his service to the crown when he
fought in the crusades. By order of the king, Sir James commanded Greystone’s
army for the past five years and during that time gained more loyalty from the
men-at-arms than the baron himself. The Abbott believes that King Henry is
eager to find fault with Philip in order to replace him with Sir James.”
    “We canna trust the English in this, that much I ken,”
Edric emphatically stated.
    “Aye, even the Abbott,” Paen agreed.
    “We will nae ken until we reach home in a few days,”
Gavin interjected.
    “Ye should still ransom her even if Gabriel has
miraculously