Page 30 of A Fierce Archer

“I suppose it does look safe enough,” Catriona said, not moving.

Lady Fraser rapped on the door to tell whoever was outside she wished to go out. “Our tent is in the center. We will be thoroughly protected.”

Catriona was pleasantly surprised that upon exiting the carriage, the surroundings did not intimidate her. Instead, it was as Lady Fraser said. It felt safe.

Chapter Eight

“How do ye feel?” Ewan had come to fetch her, asking if she’d like to walk a bit. He’d invited both her and Lady Fraser, but the older woman refused saying she’d rather remain in the tent and walk in it.

“The tent is much too small for her to get any proper walking done,” Catriona said as they walked a short distance to a nearby creek.

“I do not believe she plans to walk in there,” Ewan replied. “Lady Fraser will probably go see about her companion and oversee preparations for the meal.”

Catriona stopped and turned to Ewan. “I should go help her.”

“Ye can, after we walk a bit,” Ewan prompted. He gave her a sad look and she finally relented.

“Very well, but only for a bit.” The shadows grew larger and she shivered. “I could never travel alone. It is so dark out here.”

“Not so much when the moon is full,” Ewan said, pointing up at the half-moon. “Even now, there is enough light to see.” He guided her in a circle around the camp, ensuring they remained close enough that Catriona could see the fires.

She had so many questions and yet, in his presence, her thoughts evaded. All she could think about was what Lady Fraser had stated. That it was possible she’d allow herself to love and be loved by Ewan.

“Ye’re quiet this night,” Ewan said. “How was the first day of travel?”

“Better than I expected. I have never traveled so far. I cannot believe it. To be so far from home.”

Ewan bent and picked up a small stick and threw it. “I suppose it can feel strange. From my home on the Isle of Uist to Ross lands, it took me ten days.” He picked up a second stick and threw it. “I was taking my time, not sure of what my reception would be.”

“Why did ye leave Uist?”

His face hardened for a moment, but then he relaxed. “I am fourth-born son. A future of farming or guarding my father’s keep was all that I could hope for.”

“So ye left hoping for more?” Catriona sensed there was more to the story. “Is that not what ye do now? Guard?”

“Aye, a bit, on a much larger scale. I have a group of men under my command. I have the power to make decisions that impact important things. Not just what pig to slaughter for the next meal.”

Catriona remained silent for a moment, not sure whether to ask another question about his decision. She looked up at him. “One day, perhaps ye will tell me why ye took it upon yerself to carry out revenge against the men who attacked me. I hope that ye explain it to me, because I do not understand.”

“I have told ye. Because it had to be done. For too long and too often, men have mistreated women. There is no reason for it to happen. I do not stand for it.”

Catriona was shocked at his anger. “It is true. I know others who’ve been mistreated, beaten and taken by force. I doubt it will ever change.”

“It should not be allowed.”

When she placed her hand on his arm, Ewan stopped walking and turned to her, questions in his gaze.

“I often wonder if yer vengeance has anything to do with me.” Catriona kept her voice calm. “It worries me that ye could have died because of it.”

His lips curved, the smile unconvincing. “Ye should not worry so much. My reasons are nothing that ye should concern yerself with. All is fine. We should go and see about the meal.”

Despite wanting to continue talking, Catriona was very hungry. She allowed him to guide her to sit with Lady Fraser. They’d brought several stools for them to sit to eat. The food was flavorful and throughout the meal, Lady Fraser kept those that sat nearby entertained with a story of her uncle’s travels across the sea to a wild isle.

Every so often, Catriona would look to where Ewan sat eating with several of the Ross guardsmen.

He seemed at ease with the men. He listened to whatever the other men said, his head falling back with laughter. Whatever had caused him to leave Uist and not wish to return had to have been something horrible. Perhaps it was the same reason he’d killed the men who’d held her prisoner. Or perhaps, she was overthinking the entire situation.

By the time they went into the tent and removed their dresses, both she and Lady Fraser could barely keep their eyes open.