The Kelpie's Mate: Caspian's Call

3. Stranger

**Catherine**

Wincing with every step, I began my journey home by travelling along the well used track beside the river. This route is used by most people, and if I had went in the opposite direction, I would eventually come to a small fishing port. But as it is, I'm heading inland, which the ever increasing throbbing in my ankle never fails to remind me.

Walking along here, I find it is easy to take for granted the natural beauty of the world; the river banks were in full bloom, wildflowers peaking through the long grasses as I limped past them. Their fresh scents were both uplifting yet soothing in their familiarity, my favourite was always the mallow, a delicate pastel coloured wand of flowers, with a sweet fragrance to match; they're always buzzing with the bees who are plundering them for their nectar.

The soothing sounds of my environment however, did not keep my mind from wandering back to that man. Even though I am internally debating whether it must have been him who placed me back in the boat or if I had been there all along. Because there was no sign of the torn and frayed rope from where I had cut the anchor, yet my hands are definitely suffering from a rope burn, and I feel my mind overflowing with the need to both believe and doubt myself. Even the tide had risen too high to bless me with footprints as a clue.

It is all just so strange.

Maybe I was merely dreaming. After all, I hadn't slept well the night before, my ankle hurting more than it usually did. Could the burns on my hands be from something else? The sun maybe, it is strong today, I think to myself while squinting upwards briefly.

My mind keeps flitting back and forth, struggling to decide whether I had dreamt what happened, or experienced it; and for some reason I wasn't sure which option had the potential to terrify me more. The thought that I allowed a man who was some kind of sea creature to steal my first kiss, while in nothing but his own bare skin, a man who claims I am his own, and states he will return for me no less. Or admitting that he is nothing more than a figment of my own imagination, and that I shall never see him again.

I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn't really notice the approaching hoof beats till they were almost upon me. My first instinct was fear, I thought I had four days, how long was I asleep for? Surely my father would have found me sooner had I not returned.

But thankfully my irrational thoughts calmed, and my panic faded entirely when I heard a refined voice.

"Miss?" He called, as the hoofbeats slowed. I looked up to see his Auburn hair glow in the sun, as he elegantly dismounted from the bay coloured horse.

I struggled to keep my eyes trained on his face, drawn to the animal instead; only so I could count the differences between it and the water beast. The horse was somehow lacking, and I have no intention of analysing why.

"Miss? Please, forgive my startling of you." The man began kindly, pulling my attention back to him, "It was unintentionally done."

I force a smile, while thinking inwardly, *'if only you knew what had actually startled me. Then you would think me nothing more than a simpleton with a undoubtedly broken mind.'*

"You are injured," he suddenly stated, pointing to my leg, "Please may I assist you?" He asks, while gesturing to his horse's back.

He was very well dressed, I would guess him a Lord at the least, and while my family and I were classed as peasants, my mother had seen to it that I was raised well, with manners and eloquent speech patterns. I think secretly she hoped I would marry above my station. While, I had never shared her dreams or ambitions, I must admit the accomplishments she had forced upon me have served me well.

"I apologise, Sir. I was lost in thought. I assure you I am not distressed at all," my speech caught him off guard, probably not matching with my outward appearance in the slightest. "I will endeavour to pay more attention to my surroundings in future."

Suddenly he stood straighter, as if he were really studying me for the first time.

"And, your injury, My Lady?" He asked again.

"It is an old affliction I assure you, I am quite well. But, thank you for your time and consideration." I added, before nodding as if to leave.

"It seems to be troubling you quite a bit. For an old injury. May I look?" He asked, stepping closer.

"I am sorry to have troubled your conscience, Sir. But no, you may not look up my skirts at my leg." I state with a displeased frown, obviously offronted at his suggestion.

"I am sorry, I meant no offence," came his smooth reply. "Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Edward, I am travelling home and was raised to assist those in need. You will allow me to escort you home at the very least, I presume?"

"There is really no need, I am but fifteen minutes from home now, and I would hate to trouble you." I state with a somewhat softer voice  and a surprisingly genuine smile.

Although, I must admit to myself even if to no one else, he would make a wonderful buffer for my mother's ire. Should I turn up with a well dressed gentleman then I would wager all offence at my lateness would be forgotten.

"What if I simply follow you then, and make sure you arrive there safely?" He persisted, wearing a crooked smile.

"Sir," I laugh out, "You would look ridiculous, you mustn't."

"I believe I must, my father would string me up otherwise." He nodded, as if that alone would verify his claim.

"Alright, but please do not walk behind me, it seems strange." I added justifiably.

"But, if I walk in front, we may get lost as I do not know the way." He pointed out playfully, making me sigh through my smile.

"Then I guess, you will have to walk beside me, Sir, and escort me home after all." I concede politely.

"I am most gratified to hear it," he responded with a smile, gathering his reins over his animal's head to walk beside me. "Oh, your name, I don't believe you told me?" He asked suddenly.

This may be the second time I give my name out today. I'm not entirely sure, but his ease and friendliness lends himself well to me and I find I have begun to like this mystery lord's company.

"My name is Catherine, My Lord, Catherine Innes. My mother and father rent the small farm from the Duke, at the head of the estuary," I explain.

"They do, do they?" He smiled almost deviously, "Old Duke Sorrell? I hear his tenants think him a tyrant?"

Oh, he is trying to trap me. I can see it now, trying to play my friend to goad me into a mistake. I have heard of men who play such tricks, all friendly smiles to trap a young girl, then as retribution, they try to claim some part of the lady's virtue. But, whether it is a simple kiss or something more sinister, he shall not fool me.

"Actually, I have heard no such tales, the Duke has always been a kind and gentle master to us, I couldn't possibly fathom where such a report should come from. Certainly not I, nor my parents. Humble as we are, we have nothing but respect for the Duke of Erneska." I state, yet my eyes reveal me.

They always do, I am challenging him, despite my demure words and the acknowledgement is written all over his face. But then, he does the last thing I expect. He laughs, loudly. So much so, that it startled his horse and he has to take a moment to calm the animal.

"Oh Miss Innes, I do wish I had met you sooner. Yours is the type of vivacious zest for life, which the woman of my circle are sorely lacking." He speaks while patting the animal still.

After a moment we walk onwards, and before long we have reached the gate to my small home; and as expected my mother is stood on the doorstep, with her arms crossed so tightly against her chest, that her chin is mostly resting on her bust.

I smile to myself as her expression falters. Yes, it seems my appearance with a Lord, a young and arguably handsome Lord, has extinguished her ire in its entirety. Her face is glowing and she is all smiles now, rushing to usher us all inside, under the promise of freshly made scones and strawberry jam.

Subtly was never mother's strong point, I lament to myself as she loudly beckons my father to tend to Lord Edward's horse, before guiding us indoors.