Written In Stone

wildflowers, and grass on the air. He wanted to hear the sound of birds, of bees, of life. He wanted to be with his own family, his mother, father, and brothers. He wanted to eat decent food made in his own kitchen, drink a mug of ale before a fire, and he wanted to see Bettina.
    He thought of Bettina often, wondering if she was all right, if her father had caused any more problems. Even though she was in good hands—his father, brothers, and the men of the castle would not let anything happen to her—he still worried about her. Like it or not, she was his wife and his to care for and protect. She was the little sister he never had, that was how he thought of her. Just because they signed the priest's book declaring they were for all time properly wed, he just couldn't see her as his wife in any real sense of the word.
    It wasn't that he didn't like her, he did. In fact, he'd grown very fond of her. She was good-natured, sweet, caring, and helpful to his mother. She was the daughter his mother always wanted, and everyone in the family loved Bettina. Even his brothers took to her as if she was their little sister. It had been too long since he'd been home. He'd been away from them all far longer than intended, and he knew MacKenzie would keep him here forever if he remained silent. He knew he had to speak with MacKenzie soon and request for the release of service, at least for a while. He needed to go home and see for himself that everything was as it should be.
    ~ * ~
    Muredach rode slowly across the valley, the castle bailey in sight. He felt immense pride looking around. It had been so long since he'd seen this green land he didn't want to hurry through it. In fact, he slid off his mount at one point and rolled around in the soft, green grass while the horse looked quizzically at him. Muredach laughed out loud. "Ye do it all the time," he admonished the horse, "so doona be givin' me that look."
    Mounting the animal once again, he rode until he reached the outer bailey. The guard at the gate sounded the alarm, indicating an in-coming rider, before recognizing Muredach. "Ye'd think me size alone would be all ye needed to know 'tis me," he said, slapping the guard on the back.
    "Welcome home, m' lord," the guard said with a laugh.
    "How's everything been? Any problems with the Llewelyn?"
    "No, m' lord. All has been quiet in yer absence."
    "Good." Muredach nodded and led his horse to the stable, handing the reins to the stable boy. He dropped his gear, then walked to the massive oak door of the castle and opened it.
    "Da! Mum! Bettina! I'm home," Muredach bellowed through the halls.
    "Muredach!" His mother shouted as she came down the stairs, and he caught her in his arms.
    "Mum, ye be the prettiest girl I've seen in a long time!"
    "Muredach!" Fergus entered the room with a broad grin. "MacKenzie finally tired of ye, did 'e?"
    "Aye." Muredach grinned. "Tired of me beggin' for green grass, hills and trees, so he sent me back to Dalriada where I belong."
    "Good to have ye home, son. Are ye hungry?" Maud didn't wait for an answer before heading to the kitchens to have the maids prepare a meal for her prodigal son.
    "Where's Bettina, Da?" Muredach asked.
    "Probably out ridin' with one of yer brothers. They've been teachin' the lass sword fightin', ridin', and the bow and arrow. And I'll say she's a pretty good marksman too."
    "They'll be turnin' me wife into a boy."
    "Oh, I doona think that'll be a problem," Fergus mused with a wicked smile.
    "What're ye goin' on about, Da?"
    "Ye'll understand when she comes in," Fergus said. "Ah, look. The maid's bringin' yer meal. Sit down and eat. Yer wife'll be back soon."
    Muredach sat at the table with the trencher before him, filled with smoked meats, baked meats, and fresh bread smeared thick with freshly churned butter. He ate like a man starving, then set back and drained the ale from his tankard.
    "That's the best I've had in a long while," he said, patting his full stomach.
    "Muredach!" He heard the scream before he saw her and grinned at the sound of Bettina's voice. Well , at least she's gotten over the shyness . Then she entered the room and his mouth fell open. "Ye are here! I thought they were jestin' with me!" Bettina laughed and threw herself into his arms. Muredach wrapped his arms around her automatically, but his mouth still hung open.
    "I missed ye," Bettina breathed into his chest.
    "Shut yer mouth, boy," Fergus said, lifting Muredach's chin with one