Scottish Beauty

Chapter Nineteen - Scottish Beauty

Chapter Nineteen

The clash of metal, the whoosh of blade cutting through the air, grunts and groans could be heard in the courtyard of Castle McKenna.    The weather cooperating, no new snow in days allowed the clansmen to clear the yard and continue training.

"Och Grant, ye grow slack," Andrew grunted and took his next swing at his brother.

Barely blocking Andrew's attempt, Grant staggered backwards, breathing heavy......realizing that his slack life at court was not doing his body any good.  He had been back at Castle McKenna for two weeks now and it was the first day that he got to train with his brothers.

"Aye," Grant huffed out.   "Tis no the way I was use to exerting myself at court."   He grinned as he said that.    Tussling was his way burning off his extra energy.

Andrew knew exactly what he meant and grinned at his youngest brother..........."Ye are a rogue Grant........"  Taking his next swing, Grant still not paying attention........Andrew knocked his sword right out of his hand.    Standing now and dropping his own sword Andrew eyed his brother sternly........"I dinna like how ye have become Grant.  Tis no like ye.   Ye will train with me and Robert every morn."

Grant knowing that look on his brother's face, he was not to be questioned.   Grant wouldn't hesitate to defy Ian or Robert.........but his Da and Andrew......never.    Picking up his fallen sword and sighing............"Aye.......I will train with ye every morn.    Ye are right..........I dinna realize how slack I had become until this very moment.  I dinna like it also."

Looking around the courtyard, Grant spotted Robert sparring with a clansman.   Robert was just as tough as Andrew was, also just as fierce on the battlefield.     "I dinna see Ian," Grant stated as he looks around once more, thinking that he may have missed him.

"Aye," Andrew responded.   "And ye willna see him either.   He dinna come out very often.  Only when Da tells him so."

"Dinna tell me that he spends his time in the solar reviewing the accounts?" Grant asked Andrew.   "Tis why Da has his steward."

"Och well.......tis no just the accounts Ian looks over, he spends time with Emma," Andrew told Grant, wanting to see his reaction to that.    He wasn't surprised at Grant's facial expression, one of questioning.

"Ye mean Ian keeps an eye on Emma for ye!" Grant snickered out.   When he looked at Andrew now, the look on his face told Grant that he wasn't too please with what he just said.   "Well.....I dinna mean that he watches over her.........but what do ye mean he spends time with Emma?" Grant asked him looking confused.

"Well.......Emma is teaching him letters and showing him how to write," Andrew told Grant, proud of his wife and how schooled she was.

"Och........I dinna know that about Emma.   Tis a very good thing to know," Grant stated, sheathing his sword.   "Most of the lasses at court at least know how to read."

"Aye.......Da was very happy when he found out she could read and write, he dinna have to hunt down his steward all the time when a missive arrives," said Andrew, stretching and sheathing his own sword. "Come.......tis time for midday meal for I am famished."

They all sat there and watched as she placed her third helping of food on her trencher.   She continued to eat not realizing that she was being watched.   Robert tipped his head and nodded towards Emma, silently asking Andrew if he noticed as well how much she was eating.   Andrew stern looked told Robert to shut his mouth and not mentioned anything.