Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

he needs double the ration of most horses,” Ambrose joshed.
    “Aye, like myself, he’s a big eater to be sure. I’ll be seein’ ye later then,” Bear said. “I know where the Colonel’s office is.” Over the course of the day, Bear had decided he rather liked the short, but stocky, Welshman.
    He strode through the stockade and made his way to the blockhouse where Logan’s quarters and office were located. He passed a group of men bringing in gunpowder in drum-shaped kegs that fit snugly against the horses’ flanks. The keg hoops were made of saplings, rather than metal, to prevent an accidental spark. The precious powder was typically stored in an earthen repository disguised as a root cellar. It didn’t surprise him that Logan would keep a substantial supply of gunpowder on hand for the fort. Being prepared before an enemy strikes is often half the battle.
    The Colonel was considered to be one of the best rough and tumble fighters in Kentucky and Bear often heard numerous stories recounting his bravery in action. Yet, the man tended to be quiet and prudent, unlike his fellow frontiersman Daniel Boone, known for his oratorical flourish and gregarious nature. Bear held great respect for both men.
    Benjamin Logan’s imposing figure—just over six-feet tall—towered over most fellows, but not Bear. He stood a good six inches taller and weighed about fifty pounds more than Logan. After he entered the dimly lit room, he peered down at the Colonel who leaned against an artfully carved pine desk reading a paper.
    “Good evenin’, Colonel. Ye needed to see me?”
    Looking up, Logan said, “Ah, Daniel MacKee! Otherwise known as Bear—a fitting nickname for a giant like yourself.”
    “Aye, the name does seem to suit me. Given to me by me step-mum,Sam’s mother.”
    “Are you well? And your brother Sam?”
    “Aye, we are fightin’ fit.”
    “And Sam’s wife and son?”
    “Catherine is with child, but she’s na due for some time. Little John is growin’ taller and smarter by the day.”
    “Did you and Isaac have a trouble-free journey?”
    “It was uneventful, and the weather remained pleasant, so aye, we did.”
    “I thank you for coming so swiftly,” Logan said. “Please have a seat.”
    He fell into the closest chair, appreciating the chance to rest his tired back. The wooden chair squeaked under his weight as he regarded Logan. The man’s eyes held a sheen of purpose. What was on the Colonel’s mind?
    “No doubt you’re wondering what my reason is for summoning you.”
    “Aye, that I am. And I’m hopin’ it is na further trouble with the natives.”
    “No, we were able to negotiate a peace with the Shawnee. We had to swear that we would never raid their settlements again, and they did the same. I also apologized for the slaying of Chief Moluntha by one of my overzealous men. The last Shawnee raid happened in retaliation for that. Hopefully, this peace will be permanent. I would hate to lose more good men to fighting.”
    “News of your peace treaty is most welcomed, Colonel. And now that we have peace with the Cherokee as well, Kentucky will hopefully be free of any further strife and bloodshed.”
    “That is my fervent hope as well.”
    “Then what is your reason for summonin’ me here?”
    “Governor Garrard has asked that each of the settlements send a delegate to Boonesborough for a special-called assembly.”
    “For what purpose?”
    “The delegates will discuss and advise the Governor on a number of matters important to Kentucky’s future—among them bills to preserve game, arrange for improved roads, and provide for better breeding of horses.”
    His brows drew together in confusion. “But, Colonel, what does that have to do with me?”
    “Bear, the last time we met, you impressed me as a wise and well-spoken man. I’ve found that most Scotsmen are also well-educated.”
    “I owe my education to many hours spent with my nose in books in front of a peat fire as a youth. I