A Simple Thank You

A Simple Thank You

By:

Kathryn D. Perez

Published by Byron Rider at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer

The locations, movies, products, and such, are mostly all real. I looked up much of these using internet search engine, Google. The active story characters, however, are not. If I accidentally managed to make any one of my characters seem like you, it was not intentional, and I hope they are the good guys.

Dedication

Sometimes you come across that one friend who will be there for you regardless of how inadequate you think you are. My friend, Karstina Poff, is just such a friend.

I appreciate your attention to me, my writing, and helping me to locate those things within myself that guide me toward my own improvement.

Thank you.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Disclaimer

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Epilogue

To my Readers

About the Author

Prologue

Sweat was pouring down Alexander’s face and burning his eyes. His commander, Galen, and many other soldiers fought valiantly against the siege that was laid two weeks prior. His sword arm had been flayed open by an arrow and he had a length of his tunic torn and tied over it. He moved the sword to his left arm and continued to swing at the men trying to climb the walls.

Do we still have what we needs below? Alexander asked his first in command.

Aye, Lord. Only ye would be concerned with food at a time like this. Galen grinned at his lord. "Howbeit, the stores are still full of grain the livestock is hale and plentiful. I amnae certain of the water howbeit the well below seems to be flowing well. I suspicion we can hold them off for at least another fortnight without feeling the stings of human need.

Aye, ‘tis good to hear. Alexander said as he ducked for cover from another barrage of arrows beneath the protective curtain wall. Now what do we do about the Ogilvie? he asked then.

Two more men cried out from a few meters to his left. One fell dead, an arrow in his eye, the other held an arrow in his shoulder. Alexander looked at the men, saddened and concerned, but he did not have the time to think about the loss of men.

Galen walked to the man who was still alive. He braced the man’s shoulder on his boot and shoved the arrow through, broke off the tip and pulled the arrow back through. I suspicion they will run out of food earlier than that. The wild boar and rabbits seem to have vanished. Mayhap they are afraid from the noises the Ogilvie and his men are making? Galen asked.

The men on the wall heard a crack. A battering ram had been shaped from a tree. Several Ogilvie clan members were holding it and rushing toward their gates.

Do ye think it’ll hold? Galen asked.

I dinnae ken but I suspicion that it will for a wee bit. Mayhap we should bring our weapons that way and shoot some of those men? Neil, one of the lord’s trusted soldiers, asked from beside Galen.

‘Tis a good idea. Get some archers over here. Galen commanded. Neil nodded and was off and out of sight before the next crack of the gate.

Within what seemed only seconds the archers ran from both sides of the castle along the curtain wall. They had their arrows notched and were ready to let go.

Fire at will, men! Galen commanded and they let loose arrows.

Some of the arrows were wrapped in cloth and doused in oil and lit afire. Those arrows were aimed at the log, the others were aimed at the men holding and covering the battering ram.

Screams cried out from men who were hit and from those whose hands became burned by the fiery log. They let go and retreated into the woods.

Several other men followed them. Get back here. Ye are Ogilvie! Ye arenae cowards! a man riding astride two other soldiers cried into the retreating throng.

M’ Lord. Mayhap we should reconsider this siege. The Lindsey seems very able to keep his castle for a very long time. We dinnae have the resources for a long siege. Gordon, his captain of the guard, advised.

Aye. I suspicion ye are right. Ogilvie said. Then he turned to the wall. Lindsey. Ye have won this day but this ‘tis nae over. I will take what I want and ye willnae stop me.

Alexander Lindsey smiled and nodded to the Ogilvie lord. He thought the idle threat was humorous. None had ever taken Lindsey castle and a small greedy man with only two score men could not take it today. He waved. God speed, then, John Ogilvie. Alexander said as he turned his back and climbed down the stairs to the bailey.

Come. Let us celebrate our win and mourn our lost men. We will have a feast and a burial this eve’. Alexander commanded. Men were being helped or carried from the battlements. Most were only superficially injured but some could die from their wounds. Alexander did not wish to think on that.

Chapter 1

Before dawn, Maighread was on her knees, scrubbing the mess that was left behind by her father’s guests during the previous evening’s celebration. Lord Lindsey and his soldiers fought back a two-week long siege by the Clan Ogilvie and celebrated because they finally were able to breathe easily.

She smiled as she worked. She liked having a clean hall and she enjoyed having something to do with her time. Even though she was a young lady of noble birth she had never been given to the expectation that others should clean after her. She also sought out her father’s approval and love.

She finished scrubbing the floor after having removed the soiled and grease-laden rushes. She stood and wiped her brow of dirt and sweat. Another well done job, Mairghread she told herself as she put her hands on her back and leaned backwards to relieve the kinks from hours on her hands and knees.

As soon as she could move without stiffness she left the great hall and walked to the front steps of the keep. She went to the fresh rushes she had collected earlier set beside a basket of wildflowers near the door. She lifted the rushes and then thought better of it. She set those down and picked up the flowers. I will put these down first so that when I lay the rushes atop them, the lovely scent will lift into the air.

After the flowers and rushes were laid gently across the great hall floor her father walked in with the captain of his guard and three other soldiers. They tromped through her fresh rushes, indeed lifting the smell of flowers into the air, but it was tainted with the stench of manure from the stables. Maighread smiled as her father walked in, hoping he would notice the work she had done on the hall.

Forever seeking Alexander’s approval, the girl spent most of her time working, cleaning, sewing, mending, gardening and otherwise caring for the keep. Alexander did not ever show any acknowledgement, let alone approval, for what his daughter did. Following the lord’s example, his men also did not show her any consideration. It was many times as though he did not even know the girl existed.

When Alexander and his guards reached the dais, Alexander scraped manure from his boots onto the step, knocked it loose, and then kicked it into the rushes. The other men followed suit, each man mashing the previous man’s manure into the flowery rushes, completely eliminating the sweet scent.

Maighread, once the men were on the dais, immediately removed the offensive rushes, meaning to throw them out through the kitchen and pushed the remaining rushes into place to reduce the stench. As she stepped into the kitchen door her father shouted to her to bring them all some ale and food to break their fast. Maighread curtseyed, looked to the floor with her arms full of ruined rushes, and did her best to rush back with her father’s requested sustenance.

Several moments later she returned with a tray holding mugs, a pitcher of ale, and some bread and cheese from the scowling cook. Lass, ye should be maun proud of yer da. He has kept us safe again. Cook told Maighread. The girl took the criticism. She had been mumbling against her father.

If only I could get a kind word from only one of these men, she thought to herself as she brought the food to the high table.

Father? She asked sweetly.

Aye? Alexander scowled in her general direction without really looking at her.

I wanted to ken if I could leave and visit the stream. She asked.

Do what ye will. Ye arenae of any use here. He growled at her.

Maighread nodded and turned her eyes to the floor. Thank ye, papa. She mumbled.

Her lack of spirit in arguing with her father caused the others to laugh. Ye have a wee little mousie there, Lord. They guffawed and slapped their knees as the girl stepped out of their view and out of the keep.

Following the trail of manure from the boots of the men now in the great hall, Maighread stepped toward the stables. She walked inside, saw that the two stable boys and stable master turned and looked busy elsewhere so that they did not have to assist her. She shrugged, used to the neglect, and put a saddle on a small mare. She did not have her own horse, her father did not think she was worthy of one, being only a lass. However, since they all but ignored the girl, she was able to leave on whichever horse she knew her father would not care much about. A brood mare was her usual choice, and today was no different as she overturned a bucket and climbed onto the back of Muirgen.

She rode from the stables and out through the bailey. The guard looked down to watch her as she rode through the gate, astride her horse, which was not the typical method for a lady to ride. Mairghread preferred it to riding sidesaddle. The guard nudged another man who was looking out into the woods and directed his attention to the girl. Both men laughed and shook their heads. The girl brokered no respect, regardless of the workload she undertook. The entire inhabitant population seemed to find her somewhat a laughing stock.

As Maighread continued to ride, the wind blowing through her sunshine-orange hair wiped away the loneliness she felt continuously while in the walls of her castle home. One day, Muirgen, I will have a husband. I am ten and five, plenty old enough to wed. Mayhap me da will find me a great mon to share me life with. One who will love me and appreciate all that I do for him. She said. Continuing, however, she added But I am certain that ‘tis merely a dream. Me papa would find a mon for me to wed that is just like he. She frowned.

As Muirgen brought her to the stream she pulled on the reins to slow the mare to a walk and then to a stop. She looked around for the felled tree stump she used to dismount. It was nowhere to be found. Now, isnae that curious? Muirgen asked. Och, well, I can jump from yer back. If I cannae find a way to mount again I will merely walk ye back, me friend. She sighed and then slid off the back of the rather large mare.

Her father was a warrior and expected to have horses that could withstand heavy men in heavy armor for long periods of riding and fighting. The mares needed to be large to carry the size of foals they were to birth for the herd.

Once Maighread was on the ground she walked her horse to a large field of sweet clover for her to eat. When ye are done eating, ye can join me at the stream for a drink. She told the mare as she stroked her mane. Ye are a bonny thing, arenae ye? she kissed Muirgen on the nose.

Now, isnae that a pretty sight? a man said from behind her. Maighread jumped at the unexpected voice. What brings ye out here on this day? he asked.

I.. uh.. I… This is me da’s land. She finally spoke.

Yer da? Do ye mean ye be Laird Lindsey’s bairn? We heard ye are a lazy, doing naught at yer keep. Is that ye?

Maighread’s cheeks reddened at the insult and she became defensive. I suspicion that t’would be me, but nae as ye say. Maighread said then, jutting her chin up, feigning pride and confidence.

Weel, I will be the one to decide that, I suspicion.

I suspicion ye would have to be near me more oft’ then. Who are ye, and why be ye on me papa’s land? she asked as she took two steps backwards, stepping into the stream.

I be Lord Tomas Cockburn, at yer service. He bowed. I was travelling to the east in hopes of finding a bride. He leered at the girl as he took steps forward.

Maighread looked from the man to his horse and then to her own. She was too far from Muirgen to reach her and mount before the man caught her. Besides, she was too short to mount on her own without help. She reached for the dagger she had earlier to cut the rushes, but she did not seem to have it anymore. As she pondered that, she recalled she had set it onto the table when she picked up the soiled rushes from her father that morn. Instead of defending, she felt a strong retreat would do her better. She turned into the stream and ran for cover of the woods. Tomas ran after her for a small while but gave up when she had ducked into a small covering of brush. I willnae chase ye lass. Ye are on yer own. I have things to do better than ruining wee innocent nobles. He shouted into the woods. Then he left abruptly and she sighed in relief.

Maighread stooped under the brush until the sun was high in the sky before venturing out to be certain the man was gone. She saw her horse had moved to the edge of the stream and was drinking her fill.

Well, Muirgen, ‘tis certain, I am, that we should go home afore that mon returns to see if he can espy me. She told the mare. But, luck is on our side. I saw a felled tree a wee bit into the woods that will help me get mounted upon yer back. Come, Muirgen. Are ye finished?"

The horse nodded her head and lifted from the stream to follow Maighread. Once the girl was mounted on the horse’s back, she rode quickly back into the safety of the castle. She rode straight to the stables to dismount onto the bucket that she left behind but the stable boys had removed it. Instead she looked around and found a watering trough. Maighread rode to the trough and stepped down onto the edge to dismount. At that moment a loud clang of swords sounded to her right and she jumped and turned. Her foot slipped on the mossy edge of the unkempt trough and she fell, completely under water, into the trough. Her mare nickered and nodded her head, as though laughing at her. Ye too? she said and rolled her way out of the water.

She walked, dripping, into the stable and removed the mare’s saddle and blanket. She brushed down the horse and gave her a sack of oats before returning to the keep, dripping still, from the water of the trough.

Before she ascended the steps into the keep she twisted her gown to remove as much water as she could. After all, she had already cleaned the hallway and was not inclined to clean it again so soon.

Once she reached the doors of the keep and pulled them open, however, she saw that more of her hard work had been for naught. The hallway leading to the stairs and to the great hall was covered with mud, dirt, manure, and spoiled rushes that had stuck to the boots of those coming and going from the keep. She frowned and lifted her skirts as she quietly walked past the great hall door and up to her room to change into dry clothes.

She breathed a sigh of relief as she passed by the doors without anyone seeing her, although she did think that they never truly see her at any other time. She ascended the stairs and turned down the hallway, working her way to the end and her small chamber.

Her father was disappointed that he had a daughter and that his son had died in childbirth. The distress of that caused him to banish his own wife from his castle and blame his first child for damaging his wife so she could not give him a healthy heir. He felt if the woman could not give him an heir then she was not worthy to be wed to such a great man as he thought he was.

However, in punishing the wife further, he told her that she could not take their firstborn, Maighread, with her. She was to stay with him and never have communications with her mother. The alternative was to be set into the dungeon and fed once every two days and her daughter would be told that she abandoned her. His wife chose the first option and left, moving back in with her own parents, disgraced.

Maighread was only two years old when her mother left and, even though never told so, did believe that she had been abandoned by her. That was the beginning of her decision to do whatever she could to earn her father’s love so he, too, would not abandon her. So far she knew that she had not pleased him, even in the last ten and three years that she has been trying to do just that.

Once Maighread was disrobed in her small chamber, she pulled a linen from her bed to dry her skin and hair. She lay the wet cloth in front of the empty fireplace and put on a dry chemise. Once she was partially dressed she lit a fire to begin drying her gown and the cover before bedtime. She donned a simple green dress with a leather rope tie and put on her wet shoes. She only had the one pair, and sat in front of the fireplace on the hearth to dry her hair.

Once she had tried to bring an unused chair in before her fireplace but she was punished by her father for a week. She did not try that again. After all, who wants their gowns all torn to a state of near destruction? She shuddered as she recalled the hours and days spent repairing all the shredded fabric. The green dress she currently wore had eight or nine scars from her stitching. She absent mindedly ran her fingers down one of the repairs.

I dinnae ken how I can make that mon happy! she cried. I try everything. I work, I dinnae work. I wash meself, I dinnae stay personally clean. I obey, I disobey, I stay silent, I speak up. Naught works. What can I do? she asked to the air above her head. It did not respond.

Och well, ‘tis nay matter. Ye arenae any different than anyone else here, then. She sighed and continued brushing her hair, the strands glistening in the firelight, until it dried.

Maighread descended the stairs for the nooning and went directly to the kitchen. Her father would be expecting her to direct the serving. She felt that it would be better to serve his meal by herself, again showing her gratitude for being given a lovely home and showing how much she cared for her father.

When she set his over-full trencher in front of him, he swiped the table and cleared the trencher off of it, spilling the contents onto the floor. Wench! Ye waste food. Ye ken that we have many men to feed and yet ye give me the lion’s share. Dinnae ye ken that ye should take care of yer men better than yerself? Ye are a wastrel. Be gone from me face! he screamed at her as she stooped to pick up the mess of the food.

Maighread shuddered and slunk back into the kitchen at his words. She wondered how much better it was that he wasted all the food than for her to give him too much but was too timid to say such.

I suspicion ye did something to make the lord angry, then? the cook asked, fisting her hands on her waist.

What do ye mean? Maighread asked. She was forever being disrespected by the servants.

I didnae mean naught, lass. I spoke out of turn. The cook said and turned her back on the girl who just shrugged.

Well, I suspicion I will be taking me food in me room. If I could have a wee bit of cheese and bread I will take it meself.

Aye, weel, here ye are, Lady. Yer food. The cook said and shoved a small tray into her hands. Now, off with ye. She demanded.

Aye. I will go. She pouted and spoke quietly as she left through the servant’s exit and up the stairs to her chambers.

Once again in her room, much warmer now that the fire was blazing nicely, she sat on the floor near it. She ate her fill and drank from the pitcher full of water used for washing. Uck! she exclaimed as the water touched her tongue. How long has that water been there? she spit it onto the floor. Now look what ye have done, Maighread! Another mess to clean! she told herself and then bent down to wipe away the water.

As soon as she was done she returned to the great hall, hoping all the men were done eating and had returned to the lists to train. She was relieved to see only a few people in the hall. As she looked to the high table she saw her father sitting there with another man she could not identify. She turned quickly to leave but was called by her father to approach.

Lass, I would like ye to meet someone. He told her and her mouth gaped open.

Ye! she shouted. Why be ye here in me home? she asked then.

I have come to ask for yer hand, Lady Maighread. The man smiled and reached for her hand.

Maighread snatched her hands back and held them behind her back. She looked the man in the eye and said I willnae wed ye.

Ye blasted will, and ye will like it! her father shouted at her. The man sitting beside Alexander Lindsey was smirking, lifting a goblet of wine to his lips.

She is a bonny one, as ye said, Lord. The man sitting beside Alexander said. Does she have the spirit to match her fiery hair? he asked.

Nay. She is as meek as a wee mousie. Ye willnae needs fash over her speaking over ye. Alexander said. But, mind, she isnae a very useful whelp. He added.

Maighread frowned at this last bit. She supposed that her father never truly noticed what she had ever done and was trying to reduce the dowry he needed to supply to the man who wished to wed her.

Lass, now ye will come and greet yer betrothed. Lord Tomas Cockburn, Lady Maighread Lindsey, yer betrothed. He said, cordially, more for the man’s benefit than to be kind to his child.

Yer Lordship. Maighread curtseyed and allowed the man to take her hand and kiss the knuckles. The moment that his fingertips made contact a jolt of something that could be described no less than a lightning strike ran up her arm. The second his lips touched her skin she felt her knees buckle under her weight.

She lifted her other hand to balance herself on the back of a chair and breathed in his scent. He smelled like leather and fresh cut wood. When she chanced to truly look at the man who she first met near the stream, she saw that he had laughing lavender eyes that were trimmed in very long brown eyelashes. His brows were well shaped and dark like his lashes. His nose was straight with a scar running across it. Maighread wondered where he got that scar. Then she looked further. His light brown hair was wavy and rested easily onto his broad shoulders. His lips… She stopped investigating when she saw his lips. Even when smiling at her they were full and she wanted to reach up and touch them.

Tomas finished his second kiss and turned his back on Maighread. And what a back it was! Broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist. His blue and red tartan plaid hung lazily across his hips and ended right above his knees. The strength of his thighs could be seen at the edge of the tartan and his calves appeared strong and muscular under the stockings and laced boots upon his feet.

Maighread thought about wedding this man and considered it could not be worse than her life at Lindsey castle. Aye, papa. I misspoke. Me apologies, M’ Lord. She curtseyed toward Tomas. I will be honored to be yer bride. She whispered, lowering her eyes so Tomas could not see how brightly blue they were under her dark auburn eyelashes.

Tomas gave the girl a cursory glance at her comments and there was something that came over his eyes. He lifted an eyebrow, teasing her with a pleasant look, a corner of his mouth lifted briefly, almost so briefly that Maighread thought she had imagined it. Then he lifted his right hand and waved her off, turning back to her father again.

Now, ye were saying something about a dowry?

Aye. Alexander said. There ‘tis a dowry. Howbeit, it is only coin until such a time as I amnae longer for this earth. Then ye will become me heir.

I would be yer heir? Have ye nay sons?

Nay, I regret that me only wee son died at the birthing.

Me regrets for yer loss. Tomas said and bowed.

Tis nay matter. ‘Twas ten and three years afore. I have been thinking on finding a landless lord, much akin to yerself; to bring in and show me keep, how I do things, and how I manage the army. Alexander said and Tomas nodded in agreement.

Then, for now me dowry is coin, but me legacy is becoming lord of this fine estate? Tomas asked.

Aye, but if ye try to take me early to the grave, dinnae think on that. Alexander said and Tomas grinned.

M’ Lord. I havenae taken the life of any mon who didnae deserve it on the battle field. Tomas said. I wouldnae take yer life to speed up gaining lands. I suspicion I would be living here with the wee lass?

Aye. Ye have already told me yer story, lad. I ken ye shouldnae be treated so poorly. Ye had a great keep to control. ‘Tis truth that ‘tis sad ye have lost it all to a fire started by the cook. Alexander said sympathetically. If me cook even burns me bread I would have her gone from me keep.

Me thanks, Lord Lindsey. How soon do ye think we can get a priest here? I suspicion that the lass will wants a wedding gown and a wee banquet in honor of our joining?

The lass is wanting naught. She will get what she deserves as a woman and nae else. I can get the priest here in a sennite. Will that be enough time for ye to get used to the betrothal and the castle layout? Alexander asked.

More than enough time, M’ Lord. I will go, now, and look around to get a good kenning of yer men and the way yer battlements are designed. I do understand ye just succeeded in saving yer castle from a siege? Tomas asked as he stood.

Alexander stood with him as he answered. Aye. ‘Twas the Ogilvie clan. They think me land should be a part of theirs. Howbeit, ‘tis been Lindsey land for over three centuries and ‘tis a strong holding. I willnae be parting with it any time soon. Alexander said, puffing his chest out proudly. Ye have any trouble with becoming a Lindsey? he asked as an afterthought.

What say ye? Would that I change me name to the clan Lindsey? Nay, Lord. Me clan is all but gone, me being the last. I suspicion I can let the name die away to build yer own good name with heirs. Tomas responded, but inside he felt guilty about killing his kin, but considered the alternative of not having any heir at all. Let us walk, Lord. I would enjoy a tour and more kenning of yer lass.

Aye, let us off. Alexander said as they both stood and walked form the great hall and out into the grounds.

Woman! What be ye doing in the stables? her father bellowed as he took Tomas toward the stable and saw Maighread coming out carting a pile of horse manure.

Maighread stumbled when she heard her father’s voice and fell back. When she stood, she turned to see her father and Tomas Cockburn standing there. She thought Tomas had a smile in his eye.

The stables werenae very clean, M’ Lord. Maighread replied. Since the stable master and his kin werenae able to care for it, I thought t’would help.

Ye arenae helping, ye are taking up space. Nae doubt they arenae able to do their job with ye underfoot! Alexander shouted, and Tomas looked from father to daughter, trying to determine how he thought she should react.

Maighread stood and linked her hands, keeping her eyes lowered. Aye, Papa. I suspicion ye are right. Howbeit, since I already have this pile removed from the stable I will dispose of it afore I retreat to another activity. She said and bowed to the men, turning her back and pulling the linen covered in horse manure from the stables.

Alexander scowled at his daughter but Tomas felt intrigued. When she bent over the pile of horse mess her taught bottom caught his attention. He looked at how the strength in her legs could be seen with each backward step. As she turned to go toward the garden he could see the gentle curve from her back to her bottom and the width of her hips that would bear him many children. He appreciated the narrow waist that he could already feel wrapping his hands around. A bead of sweat threatened to run down his temple.

Well, Lord Lindsey. If the lass isnae good for naught else, she will be maun proper for the breeding of heirs. Tomas laughed to hide the attraction he suddenly felt for the young girl.

Aye, that she is. She should be able to give ye plenty of bairns, and likely many heirs. Alexander laughed, clasping his hand over Tomas’s shoulder. Come, let me show ye to the stables now that the lass is out of our way.

Tomas smiled at Alexander and followed him into the stables where he was immediately impressed with how clean and fresh smelling it seemed. The horses are here? Tomas said unbelievably.

Aye. The stalls are tall to hide them from each other. When they get too close in here they begin to battle each other. Battle horses, ye ken? Alexander said.

Aye. I can see the use of tall stall walls.