Chapter 23

In the early morning hours with the sun barely risen in the sky, Luca and Shea sat near the fire sharing their plan with Corwin.

Corwin had been surprised to say the least at his younger brother's new "friend" but the more he came to know of Shea McGorry the more he liked the bold, brassy woman. Her temper, quick wit and intelligence made her a good choice for his sometimes-immature brother. The fact that she was a truly beautiful woman hadn't escaped him either. 'I can see why he's fallen for this one.'

"I think it would be best ta get the girl's out o' 'ere as soon as we can," Shea stated. The woman had been up most of the night and now sat with Luca's arm securely around her waist, hovering over the warm cup of tea cradled in her hands. "If Hunt decided ta make an issue o' this 'e's goin ta be looking fer Mika as well."

Corwin regarded the Irish woman carefully. 'I wonder if she knows that my niece is in love with hers? And if that going to be trouble?' Mika had confessed to him not more than three nights ago that she thought she had fallen in love with someone. It hadn't taken much for him to figure out who it was when Luca brought Mika back wounded and close to death. Erin hadn't left the girl's side for a minute since the moment she was allowed into the wagon.

Luca caught his brother's silent questions, knowing that in Corwin's place he too would have his doubts about Shea. "She knows Cor," the younger man confirmed.

"And this isn't a problem?" Corwin asked.

"Nay, I can'na say it'll be easy fer either o' them but it matters na ta me. I've only wanted Erin ta find love and it seems she 'as," Shea gave the Kapo a charming grin that reflected in her blue eyes. She was truly happy her niece had found someone to love but was equally sorry that young Mika had been injured. "Do ya think Mika will be all right ta move soon?"

"Daj seems to think so. She's running a slight fever but for the moment it's nothing serious," he paused for a moment. "I do think you're right though, we need to get them both out of here. The question is, where do we take them?"

Shea glanced up at Luca and smile slyly, "We send them ta Ireland," she grinned.

At first the idea seemed ludicrous to Corwin but the details of Mika's birth filtered through his tired mind and suddenly it made perfect sense. He knew Shea had talked to Mala about Mika's parentage so it was reasonable to assume the woman also had the facts. "You think he would accept her?"

"'E's a stubborn, pig-headed man fer sure."

"Sounds familiar," Corwin laughed thinking his niece wasn't exactly known for her easy manner.

"Mala has all of Padraig's old paper's and his crest. If that isn't proof enough nothing will be," Luca added. Having been just barely a teen when Mika was born he hadn't gotten all the details of her birth until after Shea had talked to Mala, but he did recall the stocky man who had taught him to hunt and fish.

"True and I would feel better knowing that someone was going with her," Corwin absently stated.

"I do'na think ya could get Erin ta leave 'er side in any case so rest assured that she will'na be alone," Shea chuckled with a bit of devilment shining in her eyes.

They broke the meeting up with Corwin leaving to get the camp broken down. It was decided that they would leave one at a time just as they had arrived and make way for the nearest port to get the girls on their way.

Luca gave Shea a quick kiss and began his own preparations for their departure leaving the Irish woman to her own devices. Her first order of business was to get her niece to eat something and maybe get a bit of fresh air. Shea quietly entered the wagon and spotted Erin sitting beside the narrow bunk holding Mika's small hand. The young woman on the bunk looked so small and frail Shea felt a bit of fear for the first time. Mika had been injured saving Erin's virtue and possibly her life; it was something the older woman would never forget.

"'Ow is she?" Shea asked, laying a hand on Erin's slumped shoulder.

Erin turned to her Aunt and smiled tightly. "She's got a fever but she's restin now," the younger woman sighed, reaching out and brushing a lock of Mika's blonde hair away from her face. "I can'na lose her," Erin whispered.

The girl's haunted look broke Shea's heart. Erin looked as though she hadn't closed her eyes for a second the entire night. The dark circles under her red-rimmed eyes told the tale. "She's goin ta be fine," Shea assured. "Ya look about ready ta drop lass, ya need ta get some food and a bit o' rest I think."

"I can'na leave 'er Shea. What if she wakes and I'm na 'ere?"

Shea wrapped her arms around her niece pulling the young woman to her breast. "I'll sit with 'er while ya get some rest and if she wakes I'll come right away and get ya," she promised.

Erin struggled for a moment with the idea of leaving the little gypsy but knew that Shea was right. "Ya promise ta come if she wakes?"

"O' course."

Erin nodded and rose from her seat; she stretched trying to loosen her stiff muscles. She leaned over the small woman in the bunk and brushed her lips over Mika's fevered forehead. "I'll be back rogue," she whispered and then left the wagon.

Shea took Erin's place at Mika's side, she stared at the pale figure in the bed for what seemed an eternity, finally reaching out and taking Mika's hand in her own. "Ya better get well little one, ya 'ave a wonderful woman waitin on ya."

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Keen brown eyes regarded a group of young noblemen as they strolled from the dinning hall. Harold had been hearing the rumors surrounding Erin McGorry's supposed kidnapping and Lord Hunt's miraculous escape since the previous afternoon. The noble's hung on Hunt's every word, believing his story without question. But Harold knew differently, Milly had come to him late in the evening, telling him of Erin's situation.

He had agreed it was best for her to leave the palace and in fact escape from England entirely and vowed to help. The old steward waited until the dining hall was empty and made his way through the dim passages leading to the grounds. Once outside the walls he set out to find the one person who could help them in their plans.

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When Erin woke from her much needed rest she was amazed by the changes that greeted her in the camp. The animal pens had been broken down and the wagons had been packed and made ready for travel. She walked slowly through the Romany encampment making her way back to Mika's side. Her blue eyes were still gritty from the lack of sleep but she did feel better and was thankful Shea had insisted she take time to rest.

Nearing the tiny wagon where she had left Mika a few hours before she saw both Shea and Luca standing with the other man she had come to know as Corwin. A panic gripped her heart seeing them all gathered around the wagon and she started to rush towards them. No! Please let 'er be all right. I should 'ave stayed, I knew I should 'ave stayed.

Corwin looked up to see the young woman, her eyes wild with fear and knew immediately what had the young woman so terrified. He stepped in front of Erin and wrapped her in his massive arms, "Easy there chey," he soothed. "They just needed space to change the bandages."

Erin looked up into his kind eyes and released a breath she had been holding. "She's all right?"

"Yes I told you she was tougher than that," he chuckled feeling her sag in his arms. 'Poor girl.' "The stories Luca and I could tell you about that little demon would make your hair stand on end. Did you know the first night we were here she came back to the camp so drunk she passed out under her own wagon?" Corwin winked at Luca. 'This is going to be fun.'

"She did'na?" Erin said trying to stifle a giggle. 'That sounds like my little rogue.'

"Yes she did and Mala was none to happy about it either," Luca added.

"Come sit down chey and I'll tell you about how that little blonde niece of mine once convinced an entire town there was a spirit living in the well," Corwin laughed guiding the young woman to the fire as Luca started dishing out a bowl of stew.

Shea watched the men care for her niece. 'She could'na be in better 'ands.' She smiled at the little scene and then moved in to join them.

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It was well after dark and Erin had gone into the tiny wagon to sit with the young gypsy some time ago. Corwin had gone, not long after, to see to the rest of the packing and Luca had joined him, leaving Shea alone by the fire feeling particularly useless.

Mala observed the lone figure huddled near the fire and knew the woman had to be feeling out of sorts. Grabbing two cups of tea the Romany woman made her way to Shea's side and settled next to the Irish woman. "Thought you could use this," She said handing Shea the cup.

"Thank ya."

They sat quietly for a long moment until Mala could no longer stand the silence. "I remember Padraig's first weeks in the camp, he told me once it was like being on the outside of a window looking in. Everyone had their jobs and no one paid any mind to what the others were doing," she smiled softly.

"'E did find a way ta fit in it seems," Shea commented idly.

"It didn't take long for the boys to find a use for him, but my DajÖshe was less than enthusiastic about him being here."

"Did she change 'er mind?"

"A small, blonde, screaming bundle of terror changed it for her," Mala laughed. "Seems Padraig had a use after all, he had helped provide her first grandchild. From then on it was pretty simple," the dark Romany woman paused, a frown creased her gentle face. "Do you think Erin's Father is going to be accepting of them? It's not like Mikayla is going to be able to pull the same trick her Father did to win him over."

"Na unless the girl is more ÖtalentedÖ than we know," both women laughed at the remark. "I do'na know if 'e'll be pleased, it's a sure thing 'e will be surprised. But I think if 'e sees them together 'e will'na object. 'E's only ever wanted Erin ta be 'appy and yer daughter seems ta be the one who can give 'er that," Shea replied thoughtfully.

"Erin's going to have her hands full with my Mika, she isn't the easiest person to get along with."

"Oh I think Erin will manage," Shea smirked. 'Seems the trick ta winnin a gypsy's 'eart is a born trait fer McGorry women.'

The discussion was halted by a commotion at the edge of the camp, both women rose from their seats to see what the trouble was. When they approached the scene they found Luca restraining a small, older man.

"I demand to see Lady McGorry!"

"And I said you can't come in here and demand a damn thing," Luca growled.

Shea was stunned by Luca's defense. ''E's protectin me but...Oh no! Harold.' "Luca let 'im go!"

"But SheaÖ" the big Gypsy whined.

Shea glanced at Harold, giving the older man a quick wink to assure him things were all right. "Put 'im down ya over grown adolescent, 'e's a friend."

Luca shot the redhead an irritated look and then let the small steward go; but before Harold could step away, Luca grabbed him by the shirt collar, "I'll be watching," he said menacingly.

Shea stepped forward and lightly cuffed the tall gypsy on the back of the head, "That's enough ya rat," she teased.

Luca looked down into her mischievous blue eyes and smiled. "I'll be over there if you need me Öwitch."

Harold was shocked by the play between the two but pushed it aside for more important matters. "Lady Shea," he began, "Milly told me what happened and I thought perhaps I might be of service."

"Unless ya 'ave a way ta discredit Lord Hunt then I see no way anyone can 'elp, but I do thank ya fer the offer," Shea smiled.

Harold hung his head dreading what he had to say next. "Its Baron Hunt M'Lady, the King gave him both title and land Öin Ireland. They've even posted the bans for He and Erin's wedding."

"'Ow can they do that?" She shouted, outraged at the audacity of the men. Her raised voice brought Luca to her side in an instant; he gently slipped his arm around her waist allowing her to lean against him for comfort.

Again, the ease and familiarity the unlikely pair seemed to share dismayed Harold. "You know that if Erin should beÖfound," he hesitated, "then there would be no choice but for her to marry Hunt; her reputation is all but destroyed," Harold explained.

"Well 'e wont be finding 'er then," she hissed.

"I thought you would feel that way so I took the liberty of securing passage for you and Lady Erin aboard the Fortitude. It's in harbor off Cardiff, but you have to be there in 4 days M'Lady. Her captain will only wait that long."

"Where's she sailin ta?"

"Dublin M'Lady," Harold answered with a quick smile.

"Perfect, but I'll na be takin the other berth," she replied absently before turning to Luca. "Will ya see that the others know we need ta leave immediately?"

"Of course," Luca gave her a gentle hug and nodded to Harold before leaving them.

Shea watched the big man rush to alert the others of the change in plans. "Thank ya Harold."

"My pleasure, I just felt it was right to help," he grinned, "So Shea am I to have your things sent to Ireland or will you be returning to get them yourself?" Harold couldn't help but ask even though he knew the answer.

Shea turned to him, "Send them, I'll na be goin back," she smiled shyly. Shea knew that she would spend the rest of her life following the handsome gypsy if that's what it took to be near him. 'Funny what ya will do fer love.'

"I didn't figure you would M'Lady."

Chapter 24

Two guards came into Lord Hunt's room making a quick check and then allowed King Edward to enter.

"Wait outside," Edward ordered. The guards left leaving the King alone with Hunt for the first time since his attack. He strolled around the richly furnished room and finally came to stand beside the bed.

Hunt swallowed nervously; this was the moment he had been dreading since leaving that field and Erin McGorry. However, he was positive he had a plan to turn this all to his favor, all he needed was to convince the King.

"How are you feeling Hunt?"

"I'll be fine Sire."

Edward moved closer to the prone man and hesitated for a second, looking deep into Hunt's eyes. "And what about Erin McGorry Hunt? Is she going to be fine as well?"

Hunt struggled not to give into his panic, "I don't know Sire. ThÖ they took her I didn't see if she was injured or not," a slight tremor in his voice giving away his nervousness.

Edward straightened to his full height and looked down at the man. "I think you know full well how Lady Erin was when you last saw her Hunt," he held up a hand to forestall any comment Hunt might make. "But you know what? It doesn't matter, while alive she would be of some use it doesn't matter and do you know why it doesn't matter boy?" Edward pinned him with a steel gaze daring him to come to the right conclusion.

Hunt knew where this was going; it was the same path his own thoughts had taken these past few days. "Because I've already secured her hand in marriage and Lord Aidan has no choice but to accept my word in the matter," he smirked.

"Very good and what happens if Lady Erin should suddenly be found?" Edward asked, leading Hunt in this charade.

"Well Sire having my beloved Erin returned would bring a joy to my heart of course," Hunt answered with obvious false sincerity. "And surely Lord Aidan would be beside himself with relief. However, poor Erin would be ruined by the entire incident, being gone so long with who knows what kind of element and no proper chaperones," his grin widening.

"Ah yes, that would be sad indeed but it wouldn't matter to you now would it Hunt?"

"Oh no Sire, while it would be a hardship for me to think of all the horrible things that may have occurred in her absence, I would do the honorable thing and marry the Lady as I promised," Hunt replied smoothly.

"And I'm sure McGorry would only see it as a young man completely in love with his only child, not to mention relieved that someone as well off as yourself would still wish to be wed to a fallen woman. Thus securing his loyalty to both me and yourself," Edward added.

"I'm sure he would be most grateful Sire."

Edward nodded "I'm glad we had this little chat Hunt, nice to see we agree on things," he turned to leave but paused. "I've taken the liberty of having the bans posted just in case Lady McGorry should ...return. That will ensure that there will be no delays in your marriage," the older man again turned to the door. "Have a good evening...Baron Hunt."

Hunt sighed with relief as the door closed leaving him alone with his thoughts. 'I told you bitch, one way or the other...a' wicked grin came to his thin lips... 'Baron Hunt!'

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With the plans made for Erin and Mika's departure the Romany moved quickly to finish their packing. It was decided that Luca would follow Mala so that only two wagons would be leaving at the same time. No one wanted to raise suspicions just yet.

Just as the sun was starting its ascent, the two wagons rolled through the empty streets and out the city gates. Erin refused to leave Mika's side and was given a small cot in Mala's wagon so she could tend the little gypsy on the journey. It had been three days since the incident with Hunt that had resulted in Mika's injury and the young woman had yet to wake.

While Mala and Nadja had both told her that Mika was going to be fine, Erin couldn't help but feel frightened and helpless. However, the young Irish woman was anything but idle in her time. She took care of the little blonde's every need from changing bedding to forcing water and broth down Mika's throat; Erin had opted to do it all.

The others may have thought it a selfless act but to Erin it was her only tangible connection to the small gypsy. She reached across the bunk and held a cool cloth to Mika's fevered brow. "Yer goin ta like Ireland my little rogue. Lord knows ya 'ave the gift o' gab, ya will fit right in," Erin cooed. She spent many hours talking to the unconscious woman about the places they were passing and the things they would see. Mostly it was a comforting gesture, something to pass the time. "Ya need ta get well, ya need to wake up Mika, I want ta see those beautiful green eyes again."

The trip to Cardiff had taken all of three full days. They had stopped only to rest and even then not for long. On the morning of the fourth day they finally arrived and quickly made their way to the docks, looking for the ship that would carry Erin and Mika the rest of the way to Ireland. They rode down cobblestone streets moving closer and closer to the water's edge the mast of the tall ships could be seen in the distance.

The trip while long had been uneventful. For which, Luca was grateful and even more pleased that it had given he and Shea some time together. 'When she's not arguing with me, she really is a beautiful woman. Who am I kidding? She's even more stunning when she's angry.' He had taken every opportunity to rile Shea; it really was something he delighted in. Today however, he could see that the woman was not in the mood to take part in his game. "You're worried," it was a statement more than a question, he had come to know her well enough over the past few days to know the difference in some of her moods.

Shea turned to the man beside her, she had been grateful for Luca's company on the journey. She found him to be intelligent as well as having a wicked sense of humor. It was his humor that usually brought about their arguments and though Luca didn't know it, Shea enjoyed them as well. "A bit. I'm na 'appy that they 'ave ta take this trip alone and I'm na at all pleased that I can'na reach 'er Father before they arrive."

"It'll be all right Shea," Luca soothed reaching for her hand.

Shea held tight to the man, taking the comfort he offered without question. "I'm concerned about Mika as well," she added. "Er fever is still ragin and she's na woke even once." 'If something 'appens ta that girl and Erin's alone it'll devastate 'er.'

It was a fear for all of them. Mika's injury was in a bad place and infection had been inevitable. They would have preferred not to have Erin travel alone but it couldn't be helped. "I trust Erin to handle it Shea, you should too."

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Getting the girls settled was easier than expected. Seems Harold left out some information about the captain of the Fortitude, Carrig Quinn was actually an Irishman himself and Harold's cousin. He was ready for the arrival of the McGorry Ladies, having moved his first officer out of his quarters and securing them for the women. When informed of the change in passengers, he took it all in stride, ordering extra blankets be sent in and having the Fortitude's physician look in on Mika.

Luca carried Mika's limp body aboard the ship, following the cabin boy to the rooms set aside for the woman. The others trailed behind and waited while he settled her on the bunk. Once the boy left the room Mala pulled out a packet of papers and handed them to Erin.

"These are Padraig's papers, just some letters and such but it'll supply proof enough I think."

"Proof o' what?" Erin was completely baffled. She looked down at the faded letters in her hand and then back up at the smaller Romany woman.

Mala turned to Shea; surprised the young woman didn't know what was happening. Her brown eyes pleading for help in explaining. 'Its bad enough I have to give up my child please don't make me go through the details again.'

"Go sit with Mika and I'll take care o' this," Shea offered. Mala nodded leaving Shea and Luca to the task. "Sit down Erin."

"What's this about Shea?"

"Ya know that Mika's na like the other Romany, did ya ever question why lass?" Noting Erin's still bewildered look, she continued. "Seems some years ago a brash young man came looking fer some trouble and 'e met up with a beautiful gypsy girl. O' course they fell in love straight away, 'e loved 'er so much 'e never returned ta 'is 'omeland. Instead 'e lived with the family and they 'ad a child together." Shea paused, watching Erin's face carefully for signs of understanding.

"So Mala fell in love with Mika's father and she was born. Na an uncommon tale Shea," Erin sighed impatiently.

"It is when you consider that Mika's Father was an Irishman and a chieftains brother at that." Luca supplied.

'Irishman?' Erin thought for a moment and began to laugh. "Well that explains things then. I knew that gift o' blarney 'ad ta come from somewhere." the truth of the statement caused them all to chuckle.

"Well, be that as it may, Mika's father was killed as ya may know while 'e was fightin fer the English," Shea continued. "'E left behind 'is paper's and signet fer Mika if she should ever 'ave need o' them. That packet ya 'ave in yer 'and is everything ya will need ta prove ta 'er kin who she is," the redhead finished.

"And who am I supposed ta give these ta Shea?"

"Sean O'Flanagan, 'e's Mikayla's Uncle. Ya give 'im those and 'e'll 'ave no choice but ta accept 'er as 'is own. She'll be safe then Erin," Shea explained.

"What if 'e doesn't believe it Shea? Sean O'Flanagan is a stubborn man, ya 'ave said so yerself."

"Then you tell Mika to show him the mark," Luca supplied chuckling slightly. Both Irish beauties gave the man quizzical looks. "She'll know what you mean," he grinned.

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The ship departed the harbor just after noon leaving three forlorn figures on the docks watching until it faded from sight. Erin had said her good-byes in the cabin unwilling to leave Mika's side to go up top. She pulled her chair next to the bed and took Mika's small hand in hers, as she had done over the past few days she began to talk to the young woman, hoping something would spark an interest and bring the young gypsy out of her slumber.

Erin didn't know how long she had been sitting there talking to the little blonde when a knock sounded. She rose to answer, finding an old man glaring up at her.

"Can I 'elp ya?"

"Nope, but I reckon I can help you," he told her. "I'm Griz, I'm the ship's "barber" ya might say," the old man winked. "Captain tells me we have us a sick girl, let me take a look at her."

The man started for the bunk, his bent form moving slowly across the cabin and Erin wondered for a moment if she should be allowing him near her little rogue. "Give me a hand here girl," he called.

Erin watched as the man, Griz, check Mika's wounds; she noted the gentleness of his touch and the genuine concern in his rheumy eyes. "Got herself a good infection ragin in the wound. We need to clean that out and get that fever down," he concluded.

"We 'ave been tryin fer days."

"I know girl but don't you fret none ole Griz has just the right thing for this," he smiled reaching into a black case and pulling out some bags of pungent herbs. "Get me some fresh water." together they mixed the herb, Griz showing Erin exactly how much of each was needed to make the poultice. When he was done he covered Mika's pale body with a light blanket and turned to Erin. "I'll be by to check on her every few hours until that fever breaks. You need to start cooling her down girl," he stated.

"I've beenÖ" Erin started.

"No, you need to cool the whole body not just her head. Strip her down and use that water from the barrel. Wash her down ever half hour or so. I'd do it myself but Öwell its not proper," the old man blushed.

Until now caring for Mika's needs hadn't been even remotely intimate. Erin left the washing of her body to her Mother but now she was on her own. 'Oh God! I can'na do that.' Images of Mika's firm body and warm skin slammed into her brain. Erin's heart started pounding in her chest at the thought of touching the gypsy even during something so innocent as bathing. However the seductive painting her mind formed was quickly pushed aside by flashes of the little blonde in a heated embrace with another woman. Erin had all but forgot the incident until this moment but the thought ignited her anger yet again. 'Oh I can bath 'er all right.' A wicked gleam shined in her cerulean eyes as she formulated a plan. 'I'll be makin sure ya are never bored my little rogue.'

Griz left Erin to her duties with a promise to return shortly and the raven-haired woman began her preparations to "cool" Mika's fevered body. 'Perhaps this will wake ya up.' Erin laughed.