Night Run
Part 5
Brianna felt like they had ridden for weeks. Her legs were so sore she didn’t know if she could stand once she got off this god forsaken horse. She hadn’t wanted to be a burden so she hadn’t asked to stop to relieve herself. So, here she sat stiff as a board and needing to pee. Finally they came to a halt and Connor jumped off the horse. He turned around to assist her down and held her for a moment while she found her legs. When Brianna hit the ground her legs felt like mush. She had to shake and stomp them for a few minutes for them to be of any use. Connor stood and waited patiently while she got herself together. He led her to a wooded area and stepped back a few feet and turned his back so she could attend her business.
Afterward Connor led her back to the horse. “Oh, no” She said as he lifted her on to the horse.
“We have to continue on Lass, if we are to make the Keep before sunset.” Conner said as he adjusted himself in the saddle. Brianna groaned and gritted her teeth preparing herself for the rest of the grueling ride.
They arrived at McGregor’s holding just as the sun was setting. The Keep looked more like a castle. There were two towers, a moat, stone walls surrounded it and there were glass windows. It looked so inviting nestled between two green hills.
“It’s beautiful.” She whispered as they approached the gate.
“Thank you.” Connor said as if he were solely responsible.
After Connor haled the man on the wall the gate was opened immediately. As they entered Brianna notice the cottages spread down the hill. They all looked well tended. People came from every nook and corner of the courtyard to greet Connor and the men. It was a good thing he was well liked, maybe they would accept her because he was the one who brought her to this place.
“The Laird has returned!” someone shouted. The crowd broke out in a cheer.
“The McGregor!” they shouted.
Connor nodded his head in greeting. So, Connor was the McGregor. Brianna knew he radiated power but she thought he was at most the laird’s son not, The Laird. No wonder he was upset with the slight against his people and possessive of his home. It was his. Once they reached the entrance of the Keep, Connor hopped down and reached for Brianna.
“This Lass, is Brianna Murray and she will be staying with us for a while.” He said to the crowd who had hushed upon seeing her. “She will be treated with kindness and shown our hospitality.” He said ending his little speech.
“Of course Laird.” said a voice in the crowd. “The lass can’t help it if she’s a cursed Murray.” The crowd murmured their agreement. Crap she would have picked Murray she sighed. Obviously that wasn’t as great an idea as she had thought.
Brianna waited until she was ushered into the hall and orders were given to see her to a room and a bath before she whispered to Connor, “I didn’t know the Murray’s and McGregor’s were feuding.”
“I know, I’m sure you would have taken that into account when you chose your name.” he chuckled. She was to stunned to say anything as the maid spirited her up the steps.
