Page 17 of Highland Guard
Naomi was almost at the great hall, then yelped in surprise when, for the second time that day, she was thrown into the air and hoisted over Kieran’s shoulder. Naomi tried her maneuver to free herself, but this time Kieran was faster. His arm clamped down hard along her back just before he whacked her backside to stop her from squirming. “Done!” was all he said in response to her challenge.
As Kieran walked through the large doors and down the centre of the hall, all eyes were on him. Whilst some would say the crowd was startled by the unruly scene before them, the real reason the assembly was shocked was because without realizing it, Kieran was grinning from ear to ear. Something the onlookers had never seen before.
***
The Glen
“YESENDA, THE MAN ISa brute. He carried me into the hall like I was a sack of grains. Whacked my bottom and practically threw me into a chair, demanding I eat something to get more ‘meat on my bones.’ What heathen says such a thing to a woman in front of the entire clan?”
Naomi was now pacing up and down the length of Yesenda’s longhouse cottage in the glen. A cottage Yesenda now shared with her husband, Iain Henderson, and their baby son Oban.
Yesenda replied, “Kieran MacKenzie, that’s who. The man has no tact with woo-ing a woman.”
“There was no wooing involved. He hates me, I tell you. Ever since I thwarted his plans, the last time I was here.”
“Well, you left without a word, Naomi. From what I heard, the locals say, he was a little out of sorts. Did anything happen between the two of you before you left?” Yesenda asked with a raised brow.
“Nothing of note. We argued mostly.” Naomi shrugged her shoulders.
They were interrupted when a baby’s cry could be heard from the adjoining room.
Naomi stilled for a moment and asked, “What is that?”
“Thatis someone I have been meaning to tell you about since you arrived. Wait here, I’ll be back.” Yesenda disappeared into the room and a few moments later came out carrying a baby boy who was yawning, and half awake, his head rested against Yesenda’s shoulder.
Naomi gasped and asked, “Is that ... is that your babe?” Tears were already gathering in her eyes, and she could scarcely breathe.
Yesenda smiled with matching tears in hers. “Aye, this is my son, Oban.” She addressed Oban, “Hey my wee lad. Tis time you met your aunt, Naomi.” Oban sleepily looked up at Naomi then gave her a toothless grin. Without prompting, he lifted his head and stretched out his arms.
Yesenda burst out laughing. “It seems he likes you already.”
Before she knew it, Oban was in Naomi’s arms and his head now rested on her chest. Naomi held her breath and paled for a moment.
“Naomi, are you all right?” Yesenda asked.
She whispered, “Aye, I am fine.” Just before the tears began streaming down her cheeks. Naomi kissed Oban’s head, snuggled into him, and held him tight. When she composed herself, she said, “Yesenda, he is beautiful and so precious. My heart is full to bursting with love for him already. Why did you not tell me about him the moment I entered the cottage?”
“Naomi, you ken no one can get a word in when you’re on a tear about something.”
“Well, I would have stopped immediately if I knew this precious babe was sleeping nearby. Oh, Yesenda, he is truly beautiful. I love him.”
Yesenda smiled and replied, “Aye, I understand the feeling. He has become our world.” Oban began pulling on Naomi’s braid and tried to put the tip in his mouth. That had the women laughing over the struggle with his powerful little baby fist. Soon he began fussing with hunger, so Naomi returned him to his mother.
The women sat in companionable silence as Naomi watched Yesenda nurse then burb her babe. She was happy for her friend, but similarly it pierced her heart, knowing that she would experience nothing close to it.
Still, Naomi rallied as Yesenda caught her up on all that had happened since she had married into the Henderson clan. Naomi could see that Yesenda had settled well into clan life with the Henderson’s and Iain was proving to be a supportive husband regarding any tasks given to her from theOrder. Apparently, Iain also doted on their child, and according to Yesenda, baby Oban was enthralled with his father.
“It is clear Iain is Oban’s favorite,” Yesenda said. “Whenever Iain is home, he will only go to him, and the annoying man barely allows me a look in.” No sooner were those words spoken; Iain entered the cottage. He took one look at his wife and babe, and his eyes softened with a look Naomi could only describe as pure love.
She ceased to exist in that moment as Yesenda exchanged a similar look at her husband. Just as Yesenda had described earlier, baby Oban’s entire face lit up at the sight of his father and his whole body began jumping and fussing, reaching out for Iain.
Iain was there immediately, kissing Yesenda on the cheek, then hauling his son into his arms and kissing his forehead. Father and son became lost in their own world of mutual admiration.
“See what I mean?” Yesenda said with a sigh. “I am just the source of food. Iain is his world.” They all chuckled together. Then Iain greeted Naomi with a smile and announced he was taking Oban to do manly things. Yesenda just shook her head but kissed her husband and son before they disappeared out the door.
When the women were finally alone, Yesenda asked, “Now tell me, how goes everything at the abbey? Where do your travels take you now?”
“All is well. However, Abbess Murdina asked me to warn you that theBrotherhoodhas a new leader. He goes by the name of FitzOsbern. He has wrested control from Bishop Odo, and he has no qualms hurting anyone associated with theOrder.”
