The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2)

by Gafford, Deborah

  Gavin leaned back in his chair appreciating the warmth from the nearby hearth. Even on a mild autumn night such as this, the fire was necessary to ward off the chill damp air always present in the castle. 'Twas lucky Ailis had not become deathly ill from her exposure in the forest with little to eat and no proper clothing to keep her warm. He shook his head. Nay, the poor lass would not think her plight lucky in any way. And rightly so.

  Calum joined him leaving the customary seats empty for Megan and Logan.

  Gavin nodded at him and waited for the rest of the clan to gather so they might begin the fine meal. After several minutes went by and the two seats beside him remained empty, he tapped his fingers on the table in annoyance. The hall was full and everyone awaited his signal to begin, yet though they had helped prepare the meal, Megan and Ailis were not there.

  Enough was enough. It had been over a fortnight since he had returned with the lass in tow. She could not expect to stay hidden away forever taking all her meals in his sister's chamber. Now that Ailis had spoken, she must be anxious to speak with him.

  Aye, without doubt she would wish to thank him for his aid, tell him of her circumstances and request his help in avenging her family. 'Twas likely she was nervous still, but he would do aught he could to ease her fears. As laird, 'twas his duty to see to the wellbeing of his clan and all who dwelt within the walls of Kirkholm.

  Gavin spoke to a clanswoman who set a large bowl of haggis on the table. "'Twould seem my sister and our guest have not yet arrived. Pray tell Megan that I expect her and the lass to join me this eve."

  As the woman left, two clansmen called to him to resolve a disagreement. Frowning, he headed across the room intent on settling it quickly. The long day's work had left him tired and hungry. His only wish for the moment was to speak with Megan and Ailis and relax with a good meal.

  His annoyance soon eased when Megan entered the hall with Ailis beside her. Good. 'Twas past time they dined with the clan. If Ailis was going to become a member of their clan she must take part in the clan's activities, not hide away in Meggie's chamber. Gavin quickly finished the discussion with his clansmen and followed a few paces behind the women as his sister led Ailis to the laird's table. Their words floated back to him clearly.

  His sister pulled her chair out and said, "Ailis, take Logan's chair and sit next to Gavin. I am sure he wishes to speak with you. Logan will not object for there are many seats still empty."

  Ailis looked from Megan to the seat and back again but did not move. "I… I would fain sit next to you."

  Gavin marveled at the woman's soft voice. It had a pleasant Irish lilt to it.

  Megan smiled. "Do not worry, Ailis. My brother is big as a bear but he will not bite you."

  When Ailis remained standing, Megan sighed. "All right, I will sit here and you sit on my other side." She turned to Calum with a questioning look as if to convince him to agree. "You do not mind letting Ailis sit next to me, do you?"

  Gavin could see Calum trying to hide his disappointment. "Nay, Meggie, if 'tis what ye want, but there is something I wish to speak with ye about. Would ye walk with me for a few moments before we begin our meal?"

  The play of emotions showed on Megan's face. The warm smile she bestowed on Calum tinted her cheeks pink before she cast a concerned glance back at Ailis. "I would enjoy that, Calum. But I should not leave Ailis alone the first time she has ventured from my chamber. Can it not wait until after dinner?"

  Calum sighed. "Aye, lass. I suppose so."

  Ailis leaned toward Megan and said, "I will be all right. You have done so much for me. I do not wish to be a burden."

  "Ailis, you are no burden. Calum agreed to wait until after the meal and we shall begin as soon as Gavin and Logan join us."

  Gavin made his way to the table just as Ailis sat. She immediately tensed and started to rise from her chair.

  Shaking his head, he took his seat and said, "No, lass, stay. 'Tis time you began to join us."

  He watched as she sat down slowly, never taking her gaze from him. Inwardly, he wanted to boast that the lass could not stop looking at him. But something in the tightness of her lips and the probing stare made him wonder if there was more to it than admiration.

  Noise in the hall became louder as the last of the clan crowded in, talking and seeking a place to sit.

  Calum cleared his throat and smiled at Megan. "I… we have missed ye at dinner."

  Gavin nodded. "Aye, 'tis good to have you here with us, Meggie. I began to wonder if you were ever going to sup with us again. Does Ailis enjoy sharing your chamber with you?"

  "Fie, brother. You speak as if she is nay sitting beside me. 'Tis most discourteous." Turning to face Ailis, she added, "Aye, you and I have become good friends, have we not?"

  "Aye, we have."

  Gavin was fascinated with the change in the lass. Not only was she lovely to look at, but her voice held a melodious lilt he had not expected. More oft than he meant to over the last fortnight, he had thought of the lass. Hearing her speak and seeing the smile she bestowed on his sister brightened his weary mood.

  He gazed at her closely. With care and fresh clothing, Ailis' appearance had changed dramatically. When they found her in the forest with her haggard dirty countenance and strange behavior she had seemed half wild. Now, one look at her convinced him she was an amiable and comely lass, not some bogie from a bard's outlandish tale. Her raven hair, fair skin and striking blue eyes were lovely. In time, after she lost her thinness, she would be a beauty. Aye, she would be a delight to behold indeed.

  Remembering his slip of civility, he bowed his head to her and spoke gently. "Lass, I am glad you have joined us." Then he picked up his goblet and held it out toward the crowd. "MacPhersons, all, 'tis time to enjoy ourselves. Let us eat."

  With that, he took a drink and set his cup down. As he started to fill his trencher, Megan looked over at him and spoke. "Gavin, are you so famished that you cannot wait until Logan joins us?"

  He shook his head as he reached for a dish of cooked turnips. "Logan is going to work with the herds for a time and did not wish to eat with us tonight. In fact, he said he had no appetite and was packing to leave before the evening meal."

  "What? Have you two had words again?" Megan frowned. "I cannot believe Logan would nay want to eat with us before he left. How long will he be gone?"

  "He will be back in a fortnight. Do not fash over him, Meggie. He is a grown man. The work will be good for him."

  Gavin leaned forward and looked at Ailis, sitting between Megan and Calum. "I am truly sorry to hear of your plight, lass. Nelli told me of the death of your family. You are welcome to stay with us, and if you wish to join our clan and take the name MacPherson, I will not oppose it."

  A wistful smile touched her face for a moment and then was gone. Was it his imagination, or had her smile disappeared the moment their eyes met? Surely the abrupt halt of her smile was not meant for him, but only due to thoughts of her loss. By now she should know she had naught to fear from him or his people. Why did she still seem ill at ease?

  Silence hung over the dais, as those seated nearby waited to hear her speak. She remained silent for a long moment as if she sought which words to say.

  When she did speak, her voice was quiet but strong. The soft lilt drew his gaze to her full lips. "Thank you, Laird MacPherson, for your sympathy and my… my rescue."

  Suddenly, her vivid blue eyes darkened. He watched as the lass gripped one arm of her chair before she continued. "I know not yet what I will do, but I value the great kindness and friendship that I have been shown."

  Gavin looked at her, somewhat startled. By the saints. Was this well-spoken lass the same creature that had ranted and raved and attacked him in the woods? 'Twas hard to believe such a change was possible. "You are welcome, lass. But we are not so formal here. If you are going to become part of our clan, you must call me Gavin."

  He was disappointed to only receive a wide-eyed look and silent nod. Lookin
g back at his sister, he was surprised to see her frowning again. "Now what have I done amiss?"

  She shook her head, then turned to Ailis. "Do not fash over Gavin's words. He means well. We will not rush you. I know you will decide when you are ready."

  Calum grinned. "'Twould seem, cousin, ye are wrong if ye speak and wrong if ye dinna. Would ye like me to show ye the way of winnin' the smile of a lovely lass?"

  Gavin glowered. "The day has not dawned when you will win a lassie's esteem over me." Once again, his cousin's humor did not sit well with him. Gavin's jaw tightened as he listened to Calum's flowery prattle.

  "Mistress Ailis, I would consider it an honor to pour ye a glass of ale, if ye would allow me."

  Before the lass could respond, Nelli appeared behind them, poured a mug of ale and handed it to Ailis. Then she shot a glare at Calum and Gavin. "Ye both would better your favor with the lassies if ye would behave as men and nay bairns still in breech cloths. Ailis will smile at any lad she wishes to." The older woman winked at her. "There are many pleasin' lads here tonight. Dinna ye agree?"

  Ailis smiled back with a simple nod.

  Gavin took the pitcher from Nelli, poured himself a drink and downed it quickly. Setting his goblet down with a thunk, he said. "I do not need you to teach me how to be a gentleman. Enough of this foolishness. Let us eat."

  #

  As the meal progressed, Ailis began to relax and looked around her. Having eaten most of the food on her trencher, she felt pleasantly full. She had eaten more in the last two days than she had in the entire sennight she wandered alone in the forest. Suddenly the deaths of her father and sister filled her mind. She shuddered and pushed her trencher away.

  Somehow, she would find whoever was responsible and he would pay with his life!

  With each new day she regained her strength and ability to reason clearly. Aye, she felt all but healed. Soon. Soon, she would avenge her family.

  She pursed her lips tightly as the invariable feeling of dread rose up inside her, yet 'twas nay as strong as it had once been. Had she not wished several times of late, for aught to dispell her suspicions of the people here?

  Ailis darted a glance at Megan's brother. The sight of his fair face and powerfully built form sent a shiver through her. Dismayed, she realized she no longer feared him. Why then did she tremble at his nearness?

  In truth, he had done naught but help her after she had attacked him in the forest. 'Twas due to his gentle manner and Megan's friendly care that her health was near restored and she could once again think with a sane mind. If not for him, she might have perished in the woods. Aye, or lost her reasoning altogether.

  Ailis rubbed her temple in exasperation. What difference did the laird's good looks and caring ways matter? If he was truly the one she sought, then his handsome features and pretense of gentle behavior must not dissuade her.

  Frustrated, she glanced at the man sitting beside her. 'Twould be easier to speak to him. True, 'twas a risk to ask much of either man, but they would not dare harm her in front of everyone. And later 'twould be no more need for concern. Nay, after she found whom she sought, 'twould be ended soon enough.

  Silently, she touched the small dagger she had found among Megan's things. 'Twas well hidden by the gown she wore. She bit her lip. Stealing was a sin. But compared to the vengeance she planned, it seemed paltry indeed.

  She swallowed against the burning in her throat. Nodding to Calum to gain his attention, Ailis forced the bitter words from her lips. "I have heard tell that the forest where you found me is haunted. Some say 'twas cursed long before my family met their deaths there. Do you think it so?"

  The man turned to her and shook his head. "Nay, lass. 'Tis not haunted or cursed." Then smiling, he pulled a silver chain from inside his tunic, waving a silver amulet in front of her. "And, if 'twere, this would protect me. It has brought me good luck for years."

  Ailis swallowed hard. Her plan had worked easier than she had thought possible. The man's innocence hung about his neck. He wore his protective charm and 'twas naught like the one she kept secret. She nodded to him in mute silence.

  Anger and revulsion rolled in her stomach. That meant the talisman must belong to Gavin. Sweet Mary, she had hoped somehow to be wrong. But nay, she had seen none other in the forest since that dreadful night. Surely if there had been aught, she would have known. And she had seen one thing she had not told Meggie.

  For a moment, no longer than a heartbeat, she had seen a flash of tartan as the rider disappeared among the trees. Large squares of black and brown, with stripes of red and yellow had been stretched across a broad back before being swallowed by the darkness as he rode away from the fire's light.

  Glancing about the crowded hall, she saw many plaids too similar to the hazy image in her memory to feel at ease, yet all the plaids she saw were faded and care worn. The ghostly image in her mind was nay so. Its colors had been distinct.

  Drawing a deep breath to calm her nerves, Ailis faced Gavin. She must choose her words carefully. 'Twould not do to let him know she had decided his guilt. "Laird Gavin, do you—"

  A noise at the front of the hall interrupted her and she turned her gaze there. A tall slim man with a resemblance to Megan walked toward them.

  When he reached the dais, he nodded curtly at Gavin and then turned a broad smile on Megan. "Greetings, sister. I decided to join you before I leave." Then seeming to notice Ailis, he bowed deeply. "Greetings to thee, lovely lass. To be certain, I have ne'er had the pleasure of meeting a more comely maid. Might I be so bold as to ask your name?"

  Gavin cut across her answer. "Do not attempt to play the courtier here, little brother. It ill suits you. This is Ailis O'Brien, new friend to your sister. She is staying with us for a time." Turning his gaze to her, he added in a gentler tone, "Lass, this is our errant brother Logan, twin to Megan."

  Then frowning, he looked back at the young man. "You have yet to explain why you were absent when I returned. Did I not tell you to remain with Megan whilst I was away?"

  The young man's shoulders tensed visibly and he returned a glare of his own. "Nay, brother, you said to make sure that Kirkholm was well protected from attack and to make certain that our sister was safe. I did that before I left."

  "How can you know it remains so if you are not here? Megan and the others count on you when I am gone. You dishonor our clan with your wastrel's ways."

  The young man's jaw tightened in almost mirror image of Gavin's. "Your will is as harsh as ever I see. I did as you asked. 'Twas no need to stay chained to these walls the whole time you were gone. I merely spent some time with my friends."

  "Your first responsibility is to your sister and our clan. Not to that lazy lot of men you call friends."

  Logan's fists tightened at his sides. "We were close by. I could have been here quickly if trouble arose. By the saints, you are as dour headed as ever."

  Turning to Megan and Ailis, he bowed. "Please accept my apologies, ladies. I fear my company is nay desired here this night." With that, he spun on his heels and left the hall.

  Stunned, Ailis watched him stalk out of the room. By the saints, she had forgotten there was another MacPherson. Megan had told her of Logan but she had thought him far away, perhaps at court. But he said he and his friends had been close by, within a short ride to the castle.

  She clenched her hands in her lap as the knowledge hit her. The forest of Ben Dearg would be a short ride from there for men not slowed down by pack animals and a sick woman. Could she be wrong about Gavin? During her wandering in the forest, half out of her mind with grief and hunger, could she have missed seeing others there? Sweet Mary, had she wished death on an innocent man, one who had protected her and opened his home to her?

  Slowly, she turned to look at Gavin. The obvious anger in his expression did naught to ease her disquiet. How was she to learn if he wore a talisman? 'Twas hard enough to speak of it without seeing the anger in his eyes, but she must know the truth.

 
She tried to speak, but no words came forth. Her mouth was so dry she could scarce swallow. Was it thirst or feelings of guilt that made it so? Reaching out, she grasped the mug of ale before her and took a drink. She could not help the grimace that rose to her lips and she quickly swallowed to be rid of the bitter liquid. 'Twould seem Logan was nay the only person who did not hold to his responsibility as he should. The ale's bitter taste proved the brewer had been lax in his duties as well while his laird was absent.

  Gavin's voice broke into her thoughts. "I apologize, Ailis. 'Twas ill mannered of me to speak so in your presence. I will atone for that frown you wear and assure you that aught will be well."

  His expression of seeming sincerity confused her. Best she say something before he looked at her too closely. "Nay, you are laird here. I am only your guest. You have naught to apologize for."

  "The frown on your lips says otherwise, lass."

  Ailis shook her head. She must not let him think she suspected him or his brother. "'Tis naught. I… my ale has gone sour, 'tis all."

  "Oh." Gavin picked up his own cup and drank. The grin he turned on her almost looked apologetic. "I fear 'tis the way it always tastes." He lowered his voice and leaned toward her. "Our Paddy does not have too great a skill with brewing." He seemed to weigh his next words for a moment before he continued. "As a brewer's daughter, perhaps you know something that would aid him in the task. Would you consider teaching him what you know while you are here?"

  When she hesitated, he added with a smile, "I would consider it a great favor and will do all I can to help."

  Ailis floundered, lost in his deep green gaze. His handsome looks unsettled her thoughts and her pulse raced from his pleasant manner. Would he smile at her again if she agreed to do as he asked?

  Merciful saints, she must control her emotions. Granting favors to him, no matter how appealing he seemed, was not the purpose for her stay. Nay, far from it. Yet… what could it hurt to make sure the ale was fit to drink? And, if Gavin took a personal interest in what she was doing, she would have many opportunities to speak with him, to judge him. Aye, she would do it, but not just to win his smile. Nay, not for that. Truly.