Highland Mists: A Highland Romp by Hildie McQueen

Author:Hildie McQueen [McQueen, Hildie]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2019-09-02T16:00:00+00:00

It had been six days since the night Paden would never forget. He'd remained at the stables at the village working long hours.

In spite of his sour mood, Angus came by daily to help and cook. The old man, it seemed, had missed him while he'd been at the McNeil keep.

"Aye Paden," Angus called out one morning. "What says ye? Should I go with ye to help at the games?"

"Could definitely use yer help. T'will be hard to compete and help with the horses. Perhaps the lads would like to come as well."

At the statement, two heads popped up. The lads, stood wide-eyed awaiting confirmation of what Paden had said.

Angus made shooing motions with both hands. "The horses won't feed 'emselves. Go on, git to work and hurry to pack yer tools. Ye will be going to the games."

With broad grins the gangly young men hurried to do as told.

"They won't be able to keep a straight head between the two of 'em," Angus grumbled. His annoyance was belied by a grin.

Angus produced a bag and went about to get his own horse.

Paden finished packing up his tools, adding his sword, scabbard, bow, quiver, and arrows. He'd spend many mornings practicing for the archery competition.

"Ye think I should shave?" Angus looked up at him once he'd mounted. "The lasses like a clean shaven man me thinks. "

"Looking for a wife old man?" Paden asked with a smile. "Ye never cease to surprise me."

Angus frowned. "Nay. Looking fer a nice soft place to lay me head."

They laughed and Paden waited for the trio to mount.

They’d stay at the temporary stables near where the games were to be held.

A large area had been cleared on Campbell lands for the games, which allowed for each laird to set up tents for their competitors. The lairds and family were hosted at the Campbell’s home.

Upon arriving half a day later, Paden dismounted and tugged his horse closer to the practice field. It was then he noted a small covered area. Under it, women sat on blankets.

"Ah, ye have arrived. Just in time," Laird Tarl Gordon, neared. Quite young for a laird and of pleasant personality, Paden found it easy to like the man.

"I'm ready to spend more time practicing with the bow today Laird."

"Ye're going to be hard to beat. Although I hear, a visitor of the Stuart’s, will be competing as well. It's said he is a very competent archer."

"Who is the visitor?" Paden asked, not really listening. He wasn't as invested in winning but he’d been sponsored by The McNeil and wished to make a good showing. His loyalty was to no clan, but he enjoyed the competition.

"Gavin McDonnell," Tarl clarified. "He is here only because he is courting Emma McNeil." The laird looked toward the tent where the woman sat.

"I thought the McNeil’s of Skye had left," Paden said hating the tightening in his chest.

Someone calling out to and the laird took a step away. "It's my turn to toss the stone. Nay Lady Emma didn't go with her parents.

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