Read Surviving Scotland for Free Online

looking spoon. Before I could thank her, she was back in the kitchen.
    After I finished I was once again fighting to stay awake. I could hardly wait ‘til
    I had all of my strength back. With reluctant steps I went to my room and took a nap.
    ****
    Bored. The past few days had been nothing but boring. My uncle had conspired with Morag, and neither would allow me to wander farther than the kitchens. I was getting beyond restless and the walls of my room were closing in on me. After Morag checked on me again, I waited for the sound of her footsteps to disappear. I cracked the door open and glanced down the hallway. Everything was silent so I stepped out.
    The floor creaked under my foot and the sound seemed to echo. I winced, waiting to be caught sneaking around. I didn’t want to lie and say I was heading to the kitchens, but I was desperate enough to do it. I waited for a few more moments before I began down the hall. The stairway to the kitchen was on one end, but another stairway was at the other end. I choose that one to begin my exploration of the castle. The stairs were worn smooth by years of use and the dark, damp air caused my skin to rise in gooseflesh.
    The end of the stairway was much brighter and ended at another hallway with rows of small windows and a few doors. Though I was curious as to where they led, with my luck, I’d simply get caught. The only choice I had was to go outside through the large wooden door at the end. The cold metal handle pressed into my flesh as I pushed. The door groaned but opened, spilling in sunshine. The air was chilly, but not overly so, and I took my first few steps into freedom. A few people milled about, but no one noticed me. I shrugged my plaid around my shoulders for additional warmth and walked toward the gate. A few men loitered about but weren’t paying close attention, so I was able to get through unnoticed.
    Hills of green trees and grass stretched far beyond. To my right stood an archway with a stone fence beside it. Curious, I walked over to it and ran my fingers across the smooth stones, wondering how old it was.
    “I tho’ yer uncle said ye weren’t ta wander about?” Ioan’s voice startled me and I spun around. He spoke with an arrogant twist to his lips, as he raised an eyebrow then grinned. Though he smiled, his tone was the same one he would use for a small child. Offended at his superior attitude, I glared back.
    “Don’t ye have somethin’ better to be doin’ than ta sneak around followin’ people?” I asked.
    “Nay.”
    I rolled my eyes and turned my back on him, walking away.
    “Ye ken I’ll just follow ye.”
    I ignored him. There was no way I was going back to the keep just to be forced back to bed. I was almost completely recovered, and there was no reason for them to continue treating me like an invalid.
    “I knew ye had ta be feelin’ like a bird in a cage. I’ll take ye somewhere… if ye want.” Ioan’s voice was clear as it echoed against the stone wall.
    I stopped and turned slowly. Was he telling the truth? Did I want to go anywhere with him? I studied him for a moment. Attraction warred with irritation. His green eyes were steady as I watched him, so I nodded.
    “That’s a good lass, let’s get ye back ta yer room and find ye a—”
    “No. I’m not going back there, at least not yet. Do you have any idea what it feels like to be stuck up in one room for so long? I understand! I was sick! But I’m not dead. I need some space, some air.” I released a heavy sigh and closed my eyes then inhaled the fresh air. I glanced back to Ioan and waited for his response.
    He studied me for a moment, his green eyes narrowing in concentration. Belatedly, I realized I had lapsed into a more articulated accent rather than a Scottish brogue, but I didn’t care.
    “Lass, I understand, but if we’re ta go ridin’ then ye’ll need a bit more clothing.”
    I glanced down at my dress. It wasn’t indecent, but it did feel a bit light for