Chapter 13

Chapter 13
The journey through the vast Mackay lands was uneventful. Jane's only worries were her breaking back, aching thighs and trembling butt. No matter what position she took, her untrained body could hardly take on such long hours of horseback riding. 

They've been journeying for four and a half days, and have only camped twice.

Every two days, they stopped to camp for a night, giving her quaking body a chance to rest. On other nights, she used Alexander's chest as her pillow, sleeping while the men still traveled forward.

Once again, Jane was in disbelief at how rigorous people in this era were. 

In the history books, there are stories of people riding for three days non-stop, trying to deliver vital news to their leaders. 

Only after these days of journeying, did she know how good modern people had things. 

If not for the times they camped, Jane would've thought they were machines. From beginning to end, they never uttered a single complaint.

As for her, she slept like the dead, no longer ashamed to take full advantage of Alexander's chest. 

They were within Mackay territory, so they rarely met bandits or outlaw criminals during their travels.

Along the way, they stopped at a unique castle that housed several clansmen, all of whom had their own huts and homes.

Some tended to the fields, others took care of the cattle, some said laundry by the wells, and others moved rocks for construction. 

It was fascinating to watch these medieval people go about their day. Jane's eyes were glued on them, so much so that Alexander began to wonder if this was her time seeing people other than her family.

The lass was acting strangely again. 

Jane didn't care what he thought, especially after seeing the gigantic wolves that moved alongside the people.

Goodness!

Jane subconsciously held her breath when one of the wolves bypassed their horses. They were indeed a terrifying bunch. 

Though her travels were tiring, they gave her a sense of adventure, like a pirate sailing on the high seas in search of a prized whale. That was how she spent the last 4 days.

Alexander leaned in. "Hold on a bit more, lass. We're almost there."

"Yes...Thank you."

Jane reddened, feeling strange emotions bubble through her chest. Though he seemed like a difficult man, she had to admit he was a considerate one. It was because of him that she could sleep soundly.

Jane felt warm, seeing as Alexander stayed without a cloak, giving her his to use. 

For his actions, Jane would've said the man wasn't so bad after all... that is if he didn't go about biting her ears now and then. 

What an evil man to tease her so much. Her parents were right. Men were dogs that would jump at anything wearing a skirt. 

She, Jane, wouldn't be so cheap to allow him to climb her walls of Jericho just because she liked him. 

The last day of their travels proved difficult, as Jane tried to keep a wanton face, as though void of all emotions. It was as though Alexander knew her plans because it didn't take long before he changed his tactics, lightly brushing his mouth against the top of her head, sometimes kissing her nape too. 

Her shivers gave away her satisfaction, leaning Alexander chuckling in amusement. 

He was beginning to think the lass was the most fascinating little creature he had ever seen.

He liked the feel of her against him and her womanly scent. 

It was humorous that the lass was trying to deny him, when her entire being, body and soul, were already cultivated by him.

He could tell her pleasure came from not only the flesh. There was something in her eyes that she didn't even know twinkled whenever she looked at him. 

She might be a dangerous little thing, one sent here to harm himself and his people. However, Alexander's instincts were in denial, and his instincts were never wrong. 

Their journey was tedious for the first four days, but the next day proved to be the most comfortable for Jane.

"There, lass. That's the heart of Mackay heart."

"Where? The only thing I see are trees." Jane commented, seemingly not impressed. 

Alexander chuckled, leaning a noticeable bite mark at the back of her neck. 

"Ye are an impatient one, Lass. Look there, above the next peak. There be smoke rising, no?"

Jane did see the heavy stream of smoke swirling its way to the clouds and a glimpse at the few towering structures in his castle. 

Heavens! What a massive castle! 

Jane was blown away by the magnificent walls that appeared the closer they came. Sitting on an impressive rocky ridge, she had to admit the walls were far taller than any she had seen along her journey. It wasn't an exaggeration to say they looked like they could reach the clouds. The outer castle walls were called Baileys. 

The trees surrounding the baileys had been done away with, only heightening the majesty of the castle walls. 

An impressive ditch of water surrounded the castle walls from all corners to keep invaders out. This was a moat.

The drawbridge was breathtaking at first sight, enabling the only access point in and out of the castle.

Standing opposite the moat were hundreds of cottages belonging to the Mackay Clansmen and their families with thatched roofs and eastern floors. However, there were indeed quite a few more stony cottages seen through the trees, showing their wealth.

Knowing the difficulties of this era, Jane had to admit that the Mackay clan might be far richer than she thought. 

There should also be a handful of cottages and structures enclosed within the castle walls, belonging to those with the highest authority. Not everyone could live within the castle walls with their lord. Such an honor was to be earned. 

Jane stared at the soaring castle structure, feeling all the hairs on her body stand tall.

This... This... Wasn't this the exclusive Mackay museum she visited before that bastard Your guide sent her here? 

Though there have been a hundred and one changes between this structure and the one she saw, she was positive they were the same! 

If she can just find a way to break into the Mackay chieftain's private meeting hall, she should be able to find a way back home for herself after she saves the Mackay chieftain from his impending death. 

Despite her thoughts, Jane still wore an anxious and self-deprecating smile, knowing her meeting with the Chieftain was around the corner. 

What to do? What to say? 

She, Jane, was a terrible liar!