Highland Heart

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  With a little moan, she fell back, forced to endure the cruel hands

  that tore at her garments.

  "I am going to enjoy this," Argus whispered.

  As if from a great distance Lindsey heard another voicel one she

  recognized as Jamie MacDonald's, saying in deadly coldness, "Not nearly

  as much as I am going to enjoy killing you."

  At the icy tone, Argus looked up in terror. His movements stilled as

  the cold blade of a knife pressed into his back.

  In a voice low with fury Jamie added, "For every pain you inflicted

  upon the lass, I will inflict a hundred upon you."

  Argus swallowed.

  "Unless you spare my life, my men will see that you never leave this

  place. You had best drop your weapon." "Save your empty threats."

  Jamie brought his arm around the highwayman and pressed his knife to

  his throat.

  "Your men have already been overpowered." His voice lowered

  ominously.

  "Where is your leader?"

  Argus felt sweat bead his forehead as the rough grasp began to cut off

  his breath. He could feel the barely con trolled tension in the man's

  hands. Any moment now his attacker would explode.

  "He rides to the lady's camp to seek a ransom. It was he who suggested

  that we entertain ourselves with her."

  "You miserable cur." Jamie itched to slit the man's throat. But his

  first thought was of the lass who lay as still and broken as a wounded

  bird.

  With a vicious shove Jamie tossed the man to Robbie, who, with Neai,

  stood guard over the others, who had been subdued.

  "Bind him," Jamie ordered.

  "And kill any man who attempts to escape."

  Lindsey's brothers had never before witnessed such blind fury. Jamie

  MacDonaid's temper was a terrible thing to see. Without a word they

  led the villain away.

  Sheathing his weapon, Jamie dropped to his knees and cradled Lindsey in

  his arms. Blooi trickled from her lip, trailing a crimson ribbon along

  her creamy throat. Her gown was torn, revealing bruised flesh.

  Seeing her, Jamie fought a wave of emotions: fury at the animal who had

  inflicted such pain on this helpless maiden, self-hatred that he had

  let down his uard and allowed this terrible thing to happen to one

  under his protection, and a sudden rush of tenderness toward the woman

  who lay before him.

  With her last ounce of energy Lindsey brought up her hands to ward off

  any further blows.

  "Nay," she cried.

  "Leave me." "You are safe now, my lady," Jamie whispered.

  Her lids fluttered. The giant who held her seemed to swim in and out

  of her line of vision. In halting tones she whispered, "Is it truly

  you, Jamie MacDonald?"

  "Aye, my lady. You are safe."

  "Was that Robbie's voice I heard?"

  "Aye, lass. He and Neal accompanied me. Donald and Murray ride with

  your father. Your brothers overpowered the other highwaymen. They

  will see that the animal who did this to you does not break free."

  She struggled to gather the remnants of her torn bodice.

  "My brothers must not see me like this."

  "Hush, my lady. Lie still. Do not tire yourself."

  With great tenderness Jamie removed his cloak and wrapped it around

  her. But when he attempted to lift her in his arms she pushed away.

  "Nay. I must stand alone. Else they will think me weak."

  Jamie was aware of the heroic effort she made to get to her feet. But

  though she swayed for a moment, she waved away his hand and took a

  tentative step, then another, until she had made it to her brothers'

  side near the fire.

  To her youngest brother, whose eyes were troubled at the sight of her,

  she called, "Do not grieve for me, Neal. I am unscathed, as you can

  see." In a strong voice she said, "Bring my horse. We must ride to

  camp and alert Father that I am alive."

  Neal cast a worried glance at Jamie, who motioned him to do her

  bidding. When the horse was brought to her, Lindsey pulled herself

  into the saddle and forced herself to sit very straight. Whatever pain

  she suffered, whatever fear rippled through her, she would deal with it

  later, when she was alone. For now she must show only the strong woman

  she had always shown to the world.

  Jamie watched her, marveling at her iron will.

  "We will take these highwaymen to our camp and decide later what is to

  be done with them."

  His tone was deliberately devoid of emotion, masking the fury that

  still simmered within him.

  "Then one of you must alert your father and brothers that Lindsey has

  been found."

  With a tough new hardness to their features, Neal and Robbie herded the

  villains onto their horses, binding them together so that they could

  not escape.

  Jamie studied Lindsey's stricken features. There was a pallor to her

  skin that worried him. Though she was struggling to put on a brave

  face for the sake of her brothers, he sensed that tears were very near

  the surface. But from her look of determination he knew that she would

  insist upon dealing with it in her own way.

  It was Robbie's hoarse whisper that broke through his thoughts. Jamie

  saw the lad's eyes grow misty before he turned away and fumbled with

  the reins of his horse.

  "Until now," the young poet said softly, "I have been content to write

  pretty words and envision a world of beauty. Before this moment I have

  ne'er wanted to lift a sword against a man. But I cannot bear the

  thought of these men soiling one as precious as our Lindsey. I would

  have gladly given my life for her."

  "Aye, lad. I share your feelings," Jamie said softly. Robbie pulled

  himself into the saddle and sat a moment, composing his features. When

  his emotions were under control he brought his horse alongside

  Lindsey's.

  "I am. grateful she whispered to her brother, " that you were able to

  find me so quickly. "

  '"Twas Jamie MacDonald who found you," Robbie said.

  "Were it not for him, all would have been lost. He drove us

  unmercifully' when we feared we had lost your trail."

  Lindsey glanced beyond her brother to the giant Who stood a little away

  from them.

  "Then I am in your debt, my lord."

  Jamie gave her a slight bow and turned away. When he had mounted they

  moved out.

  Lindsey set a brisk pace, calling, "Father will be beside himself until

  he sees that I am safe."

  Robbie nodded his agreement.

  "Aye. We must ease his mind. He was greatly tormented by your

  abduction."

  At that Lindsey urged her mount into a run.

  From his vantage point, Jamie watched with grudging admiration.

  "Neal. Robbie," he called, "ride on either side of the prisoners to

  assure that none escapes."

  The two lads did as they were told.

  As they entered the darkness of the forest, Lindsey felt the tremors

  begin. Thin morning sunlight filtered through the canopy of vines and

  tangled growth, casting strange shadows along the trail. Though she

  struggled, she could not seem to put
aside the dark fears that clutched

  her, like hands. She shivered. Cruel, grasping hands. She felt a

  terrible, wrenching ache in the pit of her stomach and doubled over in

  the saddle. But the pain would not subside. Though she took deep,

  calming breaths, she felt the forest closing in upon her. A little

  moan escaped her lips as she felt herself falling. The shock jolted

  her as she hit the ground.

  Instantly Jamie was beside her. With a look of concern he cradled her

  in his strong arms. A cursory examination told him that she had

  sustained no serious injury. But it was plain that the lass had pushed

  herself beyond the limits. Her skin was deathly white, her breathing

  shallow.

  Neal hurriedly dismounted and knelt beside them. His face was etched

  with concern.

  "It was as I first suspected. Lindsey has been harmed by that

  brute."

  Jamie noted the pleading in Lindsey's eyes and kept his tone

  deliberately bland.

  "She is unharmed. Your sister merely needs time to recover her

  strength."

  When Robbie also dismounted, Jamie saw the way Lindsey struggled to sit

  up. Thinking quickly he commanded, "Take these villains to our camp

  and see that a rider is dispatched to your father. I will remain here

  with Lindsey until she is strong enough to ride."

  Lindsey shot him a look of gratitude.

  "I think we should stay together," Robbie protested.

  It was obvious that Jamie was accustomed to taking charge. In brisk

  tones he said, "Nay. There is your father to think about. He will be

  heartsick until he is reassured that his daughter lives."

  "Jamie is fight, Robbie," Neal agreed.

  "Father and the others will be crazed with worry by now."

  "Aye." Robbie straightened and pulled himself once more into the

  saddle. He could see the wisdom of Jamie's words. His sister would be

  safe with Jamie MacDonald. There were few who Could successfully

  challenge this giant and win. Especially when the Heartless MacDonald

  was in such a foul temper. Their father's fears must be put to rest.

  "You do not mind, Lindsey?" Neal called.

  "Nay." She gave her brothers a reassuring smile.

  "I will merely rest for a little while and then I will follow you

  soon."

  She watched as the column of horses moved off through the woods. When

  at last she turned she was startled to find Jamie studying her

  carefully.

  At the intensity of his gaze she felt the heat rush to her cheeks.

  Lowering her eyes she said, "It seems I am once again in your debt, my

  lord. Thank you for sparing me the many questions of my brothers."

  "And what of my questions, my lady?" She remained silent.

  "are you harmed, Lindsey?"

  "Nay," she replied quickly.

  "I am merely ... weary, my lord. I would be alone with my thoughts for

  a while."

  Jamie's jaw clenched. Her meaning was quite clear. Since it was

  privacy she desired, he would grant her wish. Without a word, he began

  to gather fallen logs. Soon a fire blazed. Close to the heat of the

  fire he prepared a pallet for her and helped her to lie down.

  When he was certain she was resting comfortably, he stepped into the

  forest. A short time later he returned to the clearing with a deer

  slung over his shoulders. Following a short distance behind was the

  sleek form of Wolf, who paused at the edge of the clearing, refusing to

  move closer.

  The lass was asleep. But the remnants of tears still glistened on her

  closed lashes.

  "Nay!"

  At Lindsey's fevered cry Jamie rushed to her side and gathered her

  gently into his arms. While she struggled he held her close and

  murmured words meant to soothe. When at last she fell silent, he lay

  her back down. Her cloak had slipped from her shoulders, revealing her

  torn and tattered gown. The bruises visible on her flesh caused his

  stomach muscles to contract violently.

  His hand curled into a fist when he thought of the villain who had

  caused her such pain. With quick, efficient movements, he drew the

  cloak around her and brushed the damp hair from her cheek. When she

  started to cry softly he sat beside her and held her. She was so

  small, so wounded. And so damnably independent. He felt a nearly

  overpowering need to protect her from every harm.

  Holding her as tenderly as a wee hairn, he rocked her and whispered

  words of endearment, until at last she fell once more into a fevered

  sleep.

  He lay her gently upon the pallet and got to his feet. Her tears had

  left damp streaks on his tunic. Absently he ran a finger over the

  dampness. For long minutes he stood over her, willing her the escape

  she would find in sleep. When at last he was satisfied that her fears

  had momentarily subsided, he strode to the edge of the river, where he

  picked a collection of herbs and plants. Returning to the clearing,

  he ground them into a thick paste, which he applied to the raw flesh of

  Lindsey's hands.

  As he worked he measured her small palm against his own. How delicate

  were her hands, with long tapered fingers and soft pink flesh. Not at

  all like his work-worn palms. As he continued to rub the paste over

  her hands he felt the sexual tug, low and deep, and fought to ignore

  it. Each time he touched this woman he found himself battling desires

  that nearly swamped him.

  When he had finished with the ointment, he set out to find other chores

  that would tax his strength. It was important that he stay busy,

  Tethering the horses, he removed the frayed reins from her mount and

  bent to the task of mending them.

  Clouds obscured the noon sun. A blazing fire held the chill of the

  forest at bay.

  Jamie returned from his foray with an armload of logs, then stopped

  short. A shadow hovered beside the sleeping Lindsey. Dropping the

  logs Jamie unsheathed his sword and raced to where she lay.

  Wolf lifted his head, then backed away. Jamie felt a moment of

  surprise. Until now the hound had shown little interest in humans, yet

  it was plain that the animal had been lying beside Lindsey. The marks

  from his body were still visible in the sand. The hound disappeared

  into the woods.

  Jamie tossed a log on the fire, then stared into the flames, deep in

  thought. Even the hound seemed to sense the lass's defenselessness.

  The wounds to Lindsey's body were not serious, but the damage done to

  her peace of mind was far worse. Each time she slept, she battled

  demons, waking with a cry, ready to fight the enemy that still stalked

  her in her dreams.

  His musings were interrupted by the soft moan that broke from her lips.

  He hurried to her side. Her eyes were wide,

  frightened. As he knelt beside her she lunged at him and he was again

  surprised at the strength it took to subdue her.

  "Easy, lass. You are safe now," he murmured, as he had each time she

  awoke.

  "Jamie?" His voice pierced her consciousness, rousing her.

  "Is it you?"

&nbs
p; "Aye."

  "That man. Argus. He is..."

  "Gone, my lady. Neal and Robbie have taken him and the others to our

  camp."

  "My father?"

  "One of your brothers was dispatched to notify him that you are

  safe."

  Safe. She repeated the word several times in her mind to reassure

  herself. Then, as if a great weight had been lifted from her, she

  released a long sigh and let go of the terrible tension that had held

  her in its grips for the past hours.

  Jamie's gaze trailed to the bruises on her flesh. A string of curses

  rose to his throat before he swallowed them back.

  Quickly he stood and forced himself to walk to the fire.

  "I have made some broth, my lady."

  He returned to her side. Keeping his tone as gentle as possible he

  said, "You need to restore your strength, Lindsey. Drink."

  She accepted the tankard from his hand. As she drank, she felt the

  warmth returning, and her spirits seemed restored.

  She glanced down at her raw, torn hands, covered with strips of moist

  cloth.

  "What is this?"

  "A balm for your wounds."

  "Where did you learn the art of healing?"

  "I was man-at-arms to Lady Megan MacAlpin. She is well versed in the

  art of healing."

  Lindsey heard the note of affection in his tone and experienced an

  immediate twinge of feeling that startled her.

  Jealousy? Impossible. She cared not how many beautiful women this

  Highlander had known.

  Lady Megan. Jamie thought about their brief reunion at Brice

  Campbell's fortress. Megan and her Irish husband had presented for his

  admiration their first-born son, Sean. The happy couple seemed

  content. Content. The thought made him smile. It had been a

  discontented Megan who had warned that she would never give her

  heart.

  Yet there she was, happily married and a proud mother.

  In many ways, the lady was much like Megan, wild, headstrong, well

  versed in the art of weapons and battle, yet uncomfortable with

  feminine wiles. But there the similarity ended. Megan had never known

  fear. While Lindsey, though fearless in battle, seemed troubled by

  very real fears that, though buried deeply, surfaced when she slept.

  "Drink it. All of it," Jamie commanded, walking closer. Though it was

  not in her nature to accept such terse commands, especially from one

  such as Jamie MacDonald, Lindsey found herself obeying. When the

  tankard was empty, Jamie gave a satisfied nod.

  "There is fresh venison when you feel strong enough to eat."

  He started to turn away. Instantly she caught his sleeve.

  "Where do you go?"

  He saw the fear leap into her eyes and said soothingly, "I merely

  intended to throw another log on the fire. I will not leave you, my

  lady."

  "You may leave if you please. I am not afraid to be alone."

  He saw the way sh lifted her chin. With a half smile, he turned

  away.

  He could feel her gaze burning into him as he walked to the fire. When

  he had fed the flames, he brushed his hands on his breeches and

  returned to her.

  "You should rest now, my lady." He knelt beside her and drew the cloak

  around her to ward off the chill.

  "There is much healing power in sleep."

  She placed her hand over his to still his movements.

  "I do not ask you to stay, Jamie MacDonald. If duty calls you, or if

  you would return to my father's camp, I will rest easily alone." He

  felt a rush of heat at her touch and fought to ignore it. The lass did

  not know what her simplest touch did to him.

  "Nay, my lady. I gave my word that I would stay with you. We will