“You did your best to bring war, in spite of my orders,” Roderic said.
“Aye. Think we would lay down and have a Norman rule us like children? Able-bodied Scots, all warriors true, should be set aside while ye reap all the lands? Ye have no right to the woman, or such reward!”
“But had he bestowed the same to you, you would have had my fealty,” Roderic said.
“I’ll have it now, stained in your blood and braced by your bones!”
Catherine moved, moaning. Sir Robert, the King’s emissary, made as if to go to her.
“Nay! Dinnae go to her. You, Sir Robert, must die with this one. Alexander will believe it the work of the Mackay.”
“The King is no fool, Cameron. Ye understand him so little, though he be part of your own blood,” said Robert.
“Aye! The mon has no justice or integrity! Alexander ignored us to show pity for his pet and pay homage to Henry!” His gaze rested on Catherine. “She will pay, indeed, when ye both are dead. Think of me, English. Ponder me havin’ her with your body only steps away.”
Roderic strove hard to stamp down the anger the image evoked. “You wanted her dead! Why not come at me?”
“I wanted to destroy her first, for ye care for the witch. Blind to all save her charm, ye dinnae let them burn her as a heretic.”
Roderic parried another thrust meant to disable him as he continued to speak.
“Tell me, Judas, why did you not try to kill her all the times you were alone with her? When you guarded her?”
“We were never alone! That cursed half-wit boy was forever underfoot. I ken he couldnae hide his fear of me did he see me kill her, no matter he cannae speak. Ye would have known.”
Cat closed her eyes, trembling as she thanked God for Kenneth. His constant presence had saved her life.
On and on they struggled, muscles straining as their swords came together. Cat kept still lest Roderic be distracted. Cameron seemed to be tireless, although he went on to further inflame Roderic.
“No doubt ye ken I killed your messenger. Alec interfered, so he felt my dagger in his chest.”
Roderic let out a roar and finished it. Cat was shaking inside when she watched her husband. The warrior, the knight capable of a fury born by a deep sense of justice, was a fearful sight.
Roderic saw his opening when Cameron once again stepped back, and sliced his opponent above the elbow. Cameron howled in pain, and moved in an attempt to remove the head from Roderic’s shoulders. Roderic’s movements were swift, full of grace and power. Ducking, he surged forward, and his sword pierced Cameron at his ribs. Roderic stood over him and stared into Cameron’s eyes.
“For Alec,” he whispered fiercely. Roderic placed his foot on Cameron’s belly, and pulled the sword from him. Cameron slumped forward and died, eyes open, staring at nothing.
Robert removed the leather strips and gag to free the lady, helping her stand. Roderic caught Catherine in his arms when she rushed forward.
“Glyniss made her way to the cottage, and she tried to help. We must send someone to help her. She could be badly hurt.”
Roderic set Sir Robert to the task, and the man left the keep immediately.
In less than an hour, Cat had Glyniss safely tucked into bed. Cat struggled, but managed to mix medicine to the healer’s instructions, and Edna was especially tender and kind as she helped. Glyniss was peevish when Edna insisted she take a bit of soup, but swallowed a few sips with the potion. Finally she slept, and Cat walked downstairs to be with Roderic.
He sat on the bench across from Robert. Cat sat next to him, and tucked her head under his jaw, sighing.
“Sir Raven gave me his word he wouldn’t leave you.” Roderic was irritated.
“He had no choice. He went to assess the threat of the new army.”
Kenneth sat down on the other side of Cat. She caressed the boy’s cheek.
Gavin entered the hall. “May ye have peace, Lady Montwain. I vow this one be content to have ye back with us.”
“Aye, Gavin. As am I,” she said.
“I disposed of the traitor’s remains,” he said, glancing at Roderic.
“Aye,” Roderic said.
“I would share in your joy, but we have another messenger. I think you, too, should see him, Lady Montwain.”
“Bid him enter,” Roderic said. They stood.
The tall man had a touch of gray sprinkled in his black hair. He had a full beard and wore the blue and yellow plaid of the Maitland colors.
“Lord and Lady Montwain. I offer ye greetings from my Laird, Robert Maitland. He commands me to speak thus. ‘May ye have peace. It seems ye have a bit of trouble. I stand at your west flank; my armies number nine-hundred strong.
May I offer my assistance’?”
Roderic was amused by his wife’s cry of joy. Cat jumped up to wrap her arms about his neck. He, too, smiled as he held her. Roderic silently thanked God, for they were granted a short reprieve from the siege. It would buy them time.
Chapter Thirty
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
~Proverbs 28:13
The King and his party arrived eleven days after Sir Robert. They came late in the evening, and were so exhausted they had retired immediately. The King had a secluded council with Roderic for an hour. Roderic did his best to reassure Cat that his trust in the King was not misplaced when he returned to their chamber.
“He commands that I go with him to meet with Kincaid at first light. He has evidence as to who killed Alastair Kincaid. The witness is one beyond reproach.”
“Who is it?”
“The King would not divulge that for fear of the man’s safety. His warriors surround the witness at all times. But he has assured me he wishes an end to this conflict with peace for all.”
“And our marriage?”
“He has decreed his wish to speak with you. The King knows Mackay forced you to marry me, and why, and he is concerned that you were forced. He will speak to us both when this is settled with Kincaid.”
The King sent his messenger to both Kincaid and Mackay, and commanded an audience. He and Roderic were gone the entire day, and into the night.
Roderic returned and wasted no time to inform Cat of Alexander’s decree.
“Mackay is in exile. He has been sent from Scotland, escorted by the King’s guard, and Kincaid is no longer a threat. We will meet the witness on the morrow, and you will understand.”
“But, Roderic,” she protested.
“Nay, fear not. All will be well, my love. You must trust Alexander.”
Cat was so nervous about meeting the King, she rose early, being unable to sleep. Dressed in her best gown, a deep blue brocade, she stood with Roderic as the King came downstairs. Roderic grasped her hand.
The King was not alone. He walked into the great hall with a young woman at his side. Dressed in a brown tunic, and scapular, she also wore a black cappa and a novice’s white veil.
King Alexander was a handsome man, much younger than Cat had expected. She made and awkward curtsy, and smiled at them both.
“Come, sit down, Lady Montwain; we must talk,” he said.
Cat looked at Roderic apprehensively. Her husband winked at her, and he was so relaxed in his demeanor, she breathed easier. They all sat at the table in the great hall.
“Lady Montwain, I would like to present my ward, Brianna Mackay,” Alexander said.
Cat gasped in shock.
The young woman had lovely green eyes, and pale skin. She shook her head slightly and raised her hand. “Nay, Brianna Mackay is dead. I will be Sister Michael once I return to Melrose Abbey, and in time I will take my vows. I dedicate my life to the Lord and take the name of Michael the Archangel. He protected me, and kept me alive when others perished.”
Tears spilling from her eyes, she turned to Roderic. “I tried to warn Sir Alec, Sir Montwain. The good mon … he tried to help me, and he died upon my chest.”<
br />
Cat reached out and took her hand.
“Are ye certain the one called Cameron is dead?” the novice asked.
“Aye, lady, he will never kill again,” Roderic said.
The young woman crossed herself. “Amen,” she whispered.
“I will respect your wishes in this if you are certain it is what you want, Brianna,” the King said.
“Aye, I have no wish to stay here, sire.”
“You needn’t go to the Church. Kincaid has offered you a home with his clan, and he wishes you to return with him.”
“Aye, he is very kind. But Alastair is dead, and I wouldnae care to live with his memory made manifest every day. It would be a misery, and the holy sisters are gracious. I feel safe at Melrose.”
“Very well. Therewith you need only send word to me if you wish to come to court. The Queen shall welcome you.”
“I am very grateful, sire, but I will decline.”
The King turned to Cat. “What is your name, young woman?”
“Catherine, of the house of Terrill.”
“Roderic has explained that Mackay forced you to wed him. I have spoken to those of the clan. They feel you have made many sacrifices on their behalf, and wish me to pronounce no judgement upon your deception. I must therefore ask you now, do you wish to remain his wife?”
When Roderic began to speak the King silenced him with a wave of his hand.
Cat was filled with emotion as she gazed at Roderic.
“Aye, my King. It is my hope, with your blessing, I may remain Lady Montwain. Now and forever,” she said, smiling.
A long moment passed while Roderic held his breath. Finally, Alexander spoke.
“So be it.”
Epilogue
OCTOBER, 1236
Roderic walked slowly through the apple orchard behind his son, and Hope. He smiled as he observed the two, one a pretty wee lass with hair the color of corn-silk, and the lad, a sturdy toddler with a bright shock of auburn hair. The two chortled, screaming in delight to run to Sir Raven.
The lass ran in circles around the older man. The old knight picked up the boy by the scruff of his neck and dangled him at arm’s length. The boy burst into giggles and joyful noise. Roderic was fiendishly amused by the fact that, although Sir Raven thoroughly disregarded children, they invariably sought him out.
“If you mean to discourage him, you have not. It has been over a year, old one,” Roderic said.
Sir Raven’s blue eyes twinkled as he easily set the boy on his feet. “I am back to bring more mischief. I fear you too content.”
“Aye sir, I am that, but then you gifted me with this pleasure.”
“That I did, for never will I forget the abject desolation in your young face. It was as if the fires of Gehenna had destroyed your world, and you were devoid of hope. I searched for an exceptional woman to be your mate. I wanted one cultivated in both strength and courage. I found her.”
“You did, indeed. Catherine is the mother of my children, the guardian of my heart and joy, yet, still mysterious.”
“Aye, give her my best wish for peace. I am but delivering a gift.”
Roderic was intrigued. His brows came up as he spoke. “To whom?”
Sir Raven threw his head back and laughed. “Gavin MacLaurin. And your wife will be very interested in this parcel.”
Roderic was curious as Sir Raven walked away and disappeared through the trees. Coming upon a bundle in black wool, he reached down to lift it, and stepped back on his heels, surprised. He untied the black cloth, and strands of light-colored hair confirmed his suspicions.
The lady was sleeping deeply, and she did not awaken when he held her up under her shoulders. She was lovely, a vision with soft curly hair, black lashes on her cheeks, and a full pink mouth. The children surrounded her, excited, and Hope knelt down to touch her cheek. “Father, is she sick?”
He shook his head, and bent to hoist the lady over his shoulder. “Nay, merely sleeping. Shall we take her to Glyniss? “
“Oh, yes, she will make her well. Mama and I will help,” Hope said. He smiled at his daughter. She had boasted to all to be a healer.
“She is to belong to our Gavin?”
Roderic did not miss the hint of disgruntlement. Hope was very jealous; Gavin had won her affection as a babe. Chuckling to himself, he made his way to the castle, taking the boy’s hand.
He turned to Hope. “Aye.”
They returned to the keep, Hope rushing to be the first to speak of the mysterious lass with the light hair.
Catherine allowed Hope to urge her forward, pulling her hand, so excited that she would see the stranger. Glyniss had been summoned, and she sat next to the young woman. Catherine let out a startled gasp when she gazed upon the woman’s face.
“Sierra!”
Smiling at the old one’s “gift,” Roderic turned to leave the chamber and seek Gavin. He was matchmaking again.
Author’s note
The real Robert Maitland inherited not only his father’s lands, but also received a charter to the lands of Lethington, near Haddington, from Sir John Gifford in the year 1354.
Miracle in the Mist
Elizabeth Sinclair
Pediatric oncologist Dr. Steve Cameron has lost faith in himself and his professional skills. The possibility of miracles in his business seems nonexistent. Then a mysterious bag lady in Central Park talks him into taking a vacation at a cabin in the Hudson Highlands. But this isn’t just any cabin. It’s a gateway …
Village Healer Meghan Peese has been waiting for Steve, waiting to heal yet another broken spirit who has entered the magical, misty valley. This time, however, with this person, something goes terribly wrong. Meghan has fallen in love.
But Steve must leave to fulfill his destiny. And Meghan cannot leave the village with her memory intact. Besides, a destiny of her own awaits.
All they can cling to is love, faith, trust, and a …
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little big heart
dolores j. wilson
today …
Widowed neurologist Dr. Daniel Lucas has a comatose Jane Doe patient. The only thing he knows about her is that she was badly beaten by someone and left for dead. And that he is strangely, inexplicably drawn to her. So drawn, he allows his young son to sit by the woman’s bedside and relate stories of the old west once told to him by his deceased mother.
yesterday …
The abandoned wife of an abusive husband, Cassie struggles to maintain the small Montana ranch she and her young son call home. When drifter Daniel Lucas comes by she hires him on, grateful for both his physical labor and the support he lends against a greedy neighbor who wants her land. And although she is still legally bound to the man who deserted her and her son, Cassie finds a transcendent passion. A doomed passion.
today …
Dr. Lucas’ skill finally brings his Jane Doe back into the world of the living, and her secrets are revealed. Along with a brutal ex-husband who is coming back to finish the job he started. Is Cassie doomed to suffer the same fate twice? Or is love indeed strong enough to transcend time?
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Time-Travel
December 2005
A Lost Touch of Biss
Amy Tolnitch
Five years ago, Cain Veuxfort, Earl of Hawksdown, followed duty and broke Amice de Monceaux’s heart. But now he needs her. Desperately.
For Amice has a very special talent. She is a Spirit Goddess, able to help restless souls move on. And Cain has a very restless ghost he wishes fervently would leave his castle. Anxious to regain order in his chaotic life, Cain offers Amice the one thing he’s sure she can’t resist; an Italian villa on the sea in exchange for her unique services.
Although Amice’s wound is deep, and as fresh and painf
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PREDESTlNED
IN AN ANCIENT REALM OF MAGIC, LOVE HAS A DESTINY OF ITS OWN
Abandoned at birth on the shores of a sacred loch, Bryna never knew her family or true heritage. She exists as a slave in the fortress of a Roman invader, her only friend an ancient, blind Druidess, Derina. Her life is bleak and without hope. And then Derina tells her she must rescue the prisoner in the dungeon.
Tynan lies naked, chained to a cold, stone slab,both body and mind tortured by the Sorcerer, evil ally of the Roman lord. The Sorcerer’s purpose? To discover if this one, at last, might by the Dark Chieftain, the fulfiller of prophecy.
Even deeper in the dungeon, trapped by magical enchantment, are the faeries. They await their liberator, the one who has been prophesied.
And the Dark Chieftain awaits a destiny of his own … mating with the territorial goddess … a union that will set the land, and many lives, aright. First, however, he must gain his freedom and find her. And Bryna is on her way to the dungeon …
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CATHERINE KEAN
DANCE OF DESIRE
Desperate to save her brother Rudd from being condemned as a traitor, Lady Rexana Villeaux must dance in disguise at a feast for the High Sheriff of Warringham. Her goal is to distract him so her servant can steal a damning missive from the sheriff’s solar. Dressed in the gauzy costume of a desert courtesan, dancing with all the passion and sensuality in her soul, she succeeds in her mission. And, at the same time, condemns herself.
Knight's Legacy Page 24
