The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2)

by Gafford, Deborah

He scowled as if he were serious. "'Tis no laughing matter, lass. The thought of spending the rest of my days slaving in his brewery in atonement does naught to cheer me."

  "Fie, Gavin, surely you have no need to fash. With your sharp eyes and powerful strong arms, no doubt the king will find work more suited to your ability."

  "Hmm, captain of the royal guard would suit me better. That is what you were thinking of, was it not?"

  "In truth, mucking out the royal stables was what came to mind."

  "What!"

  Ailis laughed until she couldn't catch her breath. She leaned against Gavin and he pulled her into his arms.

  He felt her breath catch as he touched his lips to hers. "Do you think me so unskilled, love? Perhaps I should demonstrate." His lips caressed hers for a moment and then whispered across her cheek and down to nuzzle her neck.

  "There ye are." Calum grinned as he and Megan took their seats at the table. "We lost sight of ye after ye bested Laird Munro at dancin'."

  Gavin glared at him as Ailis pulled away. "The music still plays. Surely you wish to enjoy the dancing as well."

  "Och, we've danced til Meggie and I are passin' weary. We wish to rest a while and have a drink. 'Twould be a shame to no share our company with ye on so fine a night, aye?"

  Gavin sent him a look that promised retribution in the lists, but his cousin only chuckled and reached for the small ale keg.

  Calum filled Megan's goblet and handed it to her and then filled his own. They both drank and then expressed delight over the wonderful flavor as they sat back and relaxed.

  As the minutes dragged by, Gavin watched impatiently as they simply sipped their drinks and spoke of aught about them.

  By thunder, did they mean to sit there all night?

  Ailis' cheeks held a trace of pink when she looked at Gavin. "You have one more ale yet to taste." She opened the other keg, filled his goblet and handed it to him with a knowing smile.

  "You needn't remind me, love. I remember." Gavin slowly sipped the third ale and savored the smooth dark taste. The silky-smooth flavor reminded him of a warm peat fire on a winter's eve. He took another slow drink then set it down. "Lass, you surprise me yet again. Both ales are as different as may be, but each delicious in their own way."

  Calum held out his and Megan's goblets with a grin. "We'll have a taste as well, lass. 'Tis nay right that Gavin should have all the enjoyment."

  Ha, Gavin thought. All his enjoyment came from having Ailis to himself and it appeared he would not have that pleasure anytime soon. He glanced at Calum. Aye, his cousin would cry peace long before he was through with him in the lists in the morn.

  #

  Eventually, the hour grew late and the crowd began to drift from the hall to seek their beds.

  Gavin's heart cried Huzzah! as he watched people leave, all the more mindful of Ailis sitting beside him. Knowing many wedded couples would soon be enjoying the pleasures of their marriage bed, he longed to take her in his arms and whisk her away to his own chamber. But he must not rush her again.

  He would not take her to his bed until she understood he truly loved her. His heart raced in his chest as he gazed at her beautiful face. By the saints, he hoped 'twould not be long. Such waiting was hard on a man.

  Megan stood, then leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the grand betrothal feast, Gavin. 'Twas all I could have hoped for. Calum and I wish to walk in the garden before I retire so I will bid you good night."

  Gavin nodded and arched an eyebrow at Calum. "See that you do not go too far. It could prove dangerous."

  Calum bristled. "Ye know Meggie is safe with me."

  "'Tis not her I am concerned about." Gavin stared meaningfully at Calum and then grinned. "Och, go on. I will see you in the lists on the morrow."

  After they departed, Gavin scanned the near empty hall, then turned to face Ailis. There might be no better time to tell her of his love. If he could just convince her to listen with her heart, then all would be well. He hoped.

  Ailis pushed her chair back and started to rise. He gently laid his hand on her arm, halting her.

  "Lass, I wish to speak with you. Will you walk with me in the courtyard for a time?" At her hesitation, he added, "I vow I will return you to the keep whenever you ask."

  Before she could answer, he heard approaching footsteps. He looked up to see Gordie MacPherson. The old Scot had been a close friend to his father.

  The man cleared his throat and pulled his tam from his head, twisting it in his gnarled fingers. The man's somber expression boded no good.

  "I beg yer pardon, Gavin, but I must speak with ye."

  "Hello Gordie. I will talk to you anon. At the moment, I wish to speak with Ailis." He stood and offered her his arm.

  "I'm sorry, Gavin. But this willna wait. I must speak with ye now. Privately." The old man's face creased in a fierce grimace as if preoccupied with dire thoughts.

  Gavin froze in place, his arm extended toward Ailis. The old man's concern must be important indeed for him to be unwilling to wait. He nodded and then looked at Ailis. Damn, would he never have the chance to tell her of his love?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Ailis looked at the fierce countenance on the older man's face. 'Twas obvious something was wrong.

  She watched Gavin nod silently to his clansman before he turned back to her. "I will not be gone long, lass. Please wait here. I have something important I wish to say to you."

  Several minutes passed as she waited. The last of the people in the hall departed, leaving her alone with her thoughts. What could Gavin wish to speak with her about? He seemed a bit anxious but not angry.

  Did he plan to tell her she was no longer welcome there? Nay, surely the angry words they had shared earlier wouldn't turn him against her so. If he cared aught for her, he would not cast her from the clan. But, in truth, if he did so, 'twould make her leaving quicker. No less painful, but swift and final. For, with each new morn, her heart cried out to forsake her vow to find her family's killer and remain at Kirkholm to be near the people she had come to love. To be near Gavin.

  She had seen no tartan at the feast like the one in her hazy memory. The plaids of the visiting clans held no likeness to it. In truth, the MacPherson tartan looked most like the faint glimpse she remembered from that hellish night, but she no longer suspected anyone here. There must be another reason it seemed so like her recollection.

  Winter would be upon them soon. She must away before its blanket of snow and ice made leaving impossible. The longer time went by, the more difficult it would be to hunt down the killer. Aye, and her love for Gavin grew more each passing day. If she did not leave Kirkholm soon, her heart would not survive the separation.

  She looked once again at the empty entrance to the hall. By the saints, fashing over it would drive her daft. If he did not return soon, she would retire to Megan's chamber and speak with him on the morrow.

  Ailis took a sip of wine and toyed with her goblet. A few minutes later, she took another sip and stared at the trencher she had shared with Gavin. A shudder passed through her at the memory of choking and not being able to breathe. Had it not been for Gavin, she might have perished. His strong arms had felt so protective and comforting, just as they had on their trip to Craigmuir. How she wished she could remain, to feel his embrace always.

  Ailis sighed and looked at the entranceway again. By the saints, this sitting and waiting was not to her liking. She had best find something to occupy her thoughts. Rising from her seat, she walked leisurely about the hall admiring the fine tapestries. Though she had been at Kirkholm now for some time, she had never stopped to admire them before.

  There was one of Kirkholm in the springtime with herds of sheep roaming over hills clad in purple heather while stone carvers and masons worked on unfinished portions of the keep.

  Another showed Kirkholm in summer with lush green fields and trees in full leaf as clansmen tended nearby herds of cattle. The completed castle was stitched in
beautiful detail. The elaborate tapestries not only created a vivid likeness of the castle and clan life but seemed to tell Kirkholm's history as well.

  A third tapestry was not to her liking. 'Twas too disturbing. It showed the castle set amid the fiery colors of autumn with leaves of brilliant gold and orange. Thousands of intricate stitches formed images of men and women working in the fields harvesting oats and wheat. While it showed Kirkholm reaping a plentiful harvest, it also depicted grim images from a fierce battle. Slain men in MacPherson plaid lay on the ground, their blood soaking into the earth as women knelt over them weeping.

  Ailis gazed about the hall looking for another tapestry. All of the seasons were displayed except winter. Was it not finished or was there another reason for its absence? Glancing toward the main fireplace, she saw the MacPherson plaid swathed beneath a pair of crossed swords and a shield bearing a likeness of a fierce mountain cat. Touch not the cat bott a glove, the MacPherson motto, was carved into the shield.

  Still looking for the fourth tapestry, Ailis wandered the length of the large room to a beautifully carved harp in the far corner. She ran her fingertips across its taut strings. Its fluid notes floated through the air recalling the memory of the one in the carpenter's shop that she had played on their journey to Craigmuir.

  She looked up, sure that Gavin would be standing there watching and smiling as he had before. But nay. She was alone still. Surely he would not mind her playing the beautiful instrument while she waited. Sitting down on the small stool beside it, she pulled the harp back and rested it on her right shoulder. Closing her eyes, she strummed her fingers over the strings creating the familiar melody her mother had taught her so many years ago.

  The lovely melody seemed to fill the room and echo from its walls calming her nerves and bringing a feeling of peace. When she finished the song, she stood the harp back up and smiled wistfully. She looked at it through misted eyes and whispered, "Thank you, Mam, for the song and for your love. Da and Jenny are surely happy to be with you now."

  Loneliness surrounded her. She had no one. Aye, Megan and even stern spoken Nelli were kind to her and she was very fond of them, but the fondness did not fill the ache in her heart. She wanted love and a family of her own. She wanted a miracle.

  She looked at the room's empty entrance, then turned and left the hall. She would speak with Gavin on the morrow. It had been a very emotional day. All she wanted now was rest and quiet.

  Suddenly, she heard his voice ring out harshly from a room as she passed its door and headed for the stairs.

  "No! How can that be? Are you sure the dead man is Logan?"

  Ailis froze, her hand clutching her throat. She quietly stepped back to the closed door and listened. She could not help herself.

  The older man's tone sounded gruff with emotion. "Aye, Gavin. It grieves me sorely to have to tell ye this, especially today. A shepherd new to our village found him."

  Gordie's voice caught and he cleared his throat. "He was herdin' his sheep through the forest below Ben Dearg when he stumbled o'er a mon's body. The herder carried the body to his cottage then came to the castle an' told me the grim tale."

  Gavin spoke, his voice faintly hopeful. "The dead man could be anyone. How do you know 'tis Logan?"

  "Think on it, would Logan miss our clan's feast an' his own sister's betrothal? The dead mon wore the MacPherson plaid an' this."

  Ailis heard the metallic jingle of a chain.

  Gavin's voice broke. "Sweet Jesus. Only Meggie, Logan and I have a talisman like this. Da had them made for us."

  "I ken, Gavin. I grieve for ye an' yer sister. 'Twill break yer sister's heart, specially this eve."

  "My God, Gordie, I will not tell her tonight! Logan would not wish her betrothal day to be ended so. The morrow will be soon enough to tell her. I can at least give Meggie tonight." Gavin spoke abruptly. "Who else in the castle knows of this besides you?"

  "No one but the shepherd who found Logan." The old man's voice shook as he continued. "Gavin, there is aught more I must tell ye. Logan's death was nay accident. He was stabbed in the back. With his own dirk."

  "What?"

  Ailis could not listen to anymore. Tears streamed down her face as she ran to the solar, as far away from the tragic voices as she could get. She closed the door behind her, sealing herself away from the heartrending news.

  Sweet Mother of God. Nay. It could not be happening again! Surely there must be some horrible mistake.

  But the old man had said he was sure.

  Ailis sat in the dark solar, wiped away her tears and fought to calm herself. Her fingers shook so badly, it was nigh impossible to light a candle. After several attempts, she finally managed and the room's dark shadows receded to the far corners. If only the dreadful words would vanish as easily. But they beat at her, laying open grief for her family anew. Now she had Logan's death to grieve as well.

  Sorrow overwhelmed her. Desolate, she sank to a window bench and stared unseeing out into the night, longing for the emptiness of ignorant sleep, yet knowing she would nay find it that night. Sweet Mary, she could not go to Meggie's chamber now.

  Oh Meggie, I cannot bear the thought of you suffering as I did when I discovered Da and Jenny dead. If only there was aught I could do.

  A knock at the door pulled her from her tortured thoughts but she refused to answer. What if it were Meggie?

  A knock sounded again. "'Tis Katie, Ailis. May I speak wi' ye?"

  Cautiously, she opened the solar door to the MacPherson clanswoman. She must be careful not to let her see her distress.

  The woman smiled tiredly. "I am sorry to disturb ye, Ailis, but I saw ye come in here an' I must speak wi' ye. A mon has arrived who insists he speak wi' Meggie tonight." The woman wrung her hands for a moment before she continued. "'Tis that friend of Logan's, Domhnull Murdoch. He says he has a message about Logan."

  Ailis gasped. What was the man doing here after Gavin had forbid him to ever return to Kirkholm land? And what did he know of Logan? Had he heard of his friend's death and come to tell Meggie?

  The woman looked at her closely. "Is aught amiss?"

  Ailis shook her head and quickly quieted her thoughts lest she give herself away. Gavin meant for Meggie to have a happy memory of the day. She would do naught to take that from her.

  The clanswoman continued. "I told him I would nay disturb Meggie on her betrothal night but he said 'twas very important an' he would speak only wi' her. He said Meggie would ne'er forgive me later if I didna bring her to speak to him."

  The woman wrung her hands again and glanced apologetically at Ailis. "Would ye go speak wi' him? I truly dinna wish to disturb Meggie an' I thought mayhap he might tell ye the message. Everyone kens how close ye two lasses have become."

  Ailis felt the blood rush from her face and quickly turned away from the woman's inquisitive eyes. Calm yourself, Ailis. You must do this for Meggie. Were you not wishing to help her but a moment ago? You will be safe enough meeting him in the open where the guards can see you.

  She took a deep breath and reached for the shawl she had left in the solar earlier. "Aye, Katie. I will speak with him." She placed it over her head and around her shoulders to keep out the night chill then turned back to the anxious woman standing in the doorway. "Tell me where to find him."

  "He is waitin' near the outer gate by the stable. Do ye wish me to go wi' ye?"

  "No! Uh, no thank you. I am sure whatever Logan's friend has to tell Meggie can wait until the morrow. You need not fash over it. I will speak with him."

  "Thank ye. Meggie has a good friend in ye."

  Ailis blew out the solitary candle in the solar and closed the door behind her. She descended a back stairway to avoid encountering Gavin should he return to the great hall looking for her. She did not think she could face him in his grief just yet.

  The stairs were drafty and she pulled the shawl closer around her face, tying it snugly under her chin. After a few minutes, she arrived in the empty corr
idor near the front of the castle. She waited in the shadows for a moment, listening.

  When she heard no voices or approaching footsteps, she dashed over to the pair of massive iron-studded oak doors. They were much too heavy for her to move so she lifted an iron bar, located in the middle of one of the huge doors, and pulled open the small man-door that opened out from it. Before anyone might see her, she slipped outside into the darkness.

  As soon as her eyes adjusted to the dark, she made her way carefully through the courtyard barely aided by the rising moon.

  When she arrived at the gate, there was no sign of Domhnull Murdoch or anyone else. She peered into the stable. A man stood in the deep shadows. She could not make out his face but knew it must be Logan's friend. He surely had come to tell Meggie the heartbreaking news.

  Fright nearly overwhelmed Ailis at the thought of approaching him but she dared not call out to him from where she stood for fear anyone nearby would hear her. If someone came to investigate, they might hear him speak of Logan's death and tell Meggie.

  Ailis took a deep breath for courage and walked toward him holding the shawl close about her to ward off the cold and to still her trembling fingers. If he did anything that spoke of danger, she would scream. Knowing a castle guard would hear her and come immediately, she felt a bit safer in approaching him. She prayed he would tell her the sad news then leave quickly before anyone marked his presence.

  The man's deep voice spoke quietly. "So, ye did come, after all."

  Before Ailis could answer, a sharp pain shot through the side of her head and she pitched forward onto the dirt floor of the stable. The man's laughter faded in her ears and then she saw nothing at all.

  #

  Ailis' mind swam dizzily in a sea of bright whirling colors. Her body tossed about on storm-wracked waves. Eventually, the intrusive sensations faded and her mind began to float up from the murky depths of unconsciousness. Now the undulating motion felt familiar, more like the jostling, rhythmic movement of a horse, but did naught to settle her rolling stomach. She had nay drunk that much ale. What was wrong with her?