Highland Persuasion (The MacLomain Series- Early Years)

by Sky Purington

  When his skin soaked up the cool from her palms she put her cold cheek against his. “Alexander will make sure she’s well, laddie. Worry not, aye?”

  “We’ve a far different magic than them, lassie. Alexander knows not what he battles.”

  She pressed her opposite cheek to his opposite cheek. “The great Sinclair can see his way through all. Even you ken as much.”

  “We shall see.” A cough raked his body before he sputtered, “My arm must go.”

  Iosbail took her forehead and placed it against his. It was almost off her tongue that they meant not to save him but instead she asked, “And will ye be yerself without a limb, lad? Would it be a life worth living?”

  His sweaty hand grasped hers weakly. “A limb doesnae make a lad. A mind makes a lad and the life God gave him.”

  So he worshiped the new God and saw a life worth living without a limb. She would keep that in mind though she didn’t much agree with it. Iosbail pulled back and placed the inner parts of her arms on either side of his neck, anything to keep him cool.

  Frustrated, she cast another glance at the man standing guard.

  “You used to stomp your feet when you got angry. When did you stop doing that?” Shamus murmured.

  Iosbail smiled. “When I figured out the lads didnae respond so well to it.”

  Shamus smiled though his eyes were closed. “You always were so feisty. ‘Tis a shame you couldn’t get that stomp to work your whole life through.”

  “I agree, laddie.” If she’d been able to stomp her way successfully across Europe and Scotland, no doubt she’d be much happier for it.

  “Ye be sure to keep me laddie safe, aye?”

  He referred to Alexander of course. “No worries, ye’ll be keeping him safe yerself.”

  “So ye say.”

  Iosbail took his cheeks and kissed him gently. “I’ll figure a way out of this. No worries, lad.”

  Barely able to nod, he lay on the ground near the edge of the hut.

  When she was led out, Iosbail said, “I need to relieve myself.”

  Thank the gods she was given a small amount of privacy. For whatever their reasons, her knife had not been confiscated. Iosbail quickly cut a discreet swatch along the bottom near where Shamus lay. This would provide him chilled air through the night. It was all she could offer. What she wouldn’t do for magic right now.

  Damn her brother!

  A few minutes later she was pushed into another hut. Iosbail was relieved to see Caitriona. The girl was sound asleep so she said nothing but lay down on the opposite side of the fire. It appeared she would not be dining with Innis after all. Good enough. Her thoughts were consumed by Shamus. He needed immediate care. At this point, if magic was not available, the arm needed to be amputated.

  If it wasn’t, he would die.

  Iosbail ground her teeth and stared into the fire. She’d never forgive Alexander if Shamus died. After all, coming to this island had been his idea. But even she—in the midst of her anger—knew she was troubled more by Fate than anything else. Coming here had made sense. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed. Dinnae let him die!

  Minutes, hours, she lay like that, praying to her gods, to his God, to any who would listen. At some point she must have drifted off because next she knew chants filled her eardrums. Confused, she sat up only to see that Caitriona had done the same.

  “What?” The Norman lass shook her head, confused.

  Iosbail was thrilled to see no man stood by the door. Finger to her lips she walked to the door flap and peeked out. Her eyes rounded. As if things couldn’t get worse she watched Alexander being paraded by with nothing but the MacLomain plaid wrapped around his waist. His hands were tied in the front, his ankles loosely together.

  She rolled her eyes. Bloody Sinclair!

  Apparently he knew nothing about infiltrating a camp discreetly.

  “M’lady, is all well?”

  About to tell Caitriona otherwise she realized the lass was already peeking out, eyes wide.

  So she said, “Aye lass, he has a plan I’m sure.”

  “Nay, he’s caught well and good he is!”

  Iosbail looked at Caitriona. Her lady looked right back and shrugged. “Am I wrong then?”

  To truth, she much preferred a straight forward relationship with the lass. “Nay, ye’ve the right of it if ye’ve the mind to handle such things.”

  “Aye, I do.”

  Iosbail couldn’t help but appreciate watching the timid flower bloom so she said, “Good then because we’ve a road ahead of us to get the lads free.”

  Caitriona nodded. “It seems the lads need our help often.”

  “Aye, lass, ye’ve the right of it again.”

  While she was thrilled to see her lass so well adapted she wasn’t thrilled to watch the state of Alexander enslaved. It didn’t seem to fit her perception of him. Taller than the lot of them and twice as muscular, he seemed a lion caged by ants. In addition, she didn’t think he deserved it. He’d proven—however unintelligent when he didn’t listen to her—to be kind hearted.

  “All will be just fine,” she said, determined.

  When a guard appeared in their hut they were forced to leave the flap. Strangely enough, Iosbail felt more secure as she lay down. Innis would not yet kill Alexander. And simply knowing that the Sinclair was near gave her an unexpected feeling of strength and security. Why, when he was clearly at the disadvantage, she didn’t know.

  Perhaps it was because she knew they were at a disadvantage together.

  Even though she drifted off for a bit, the moment she heard the clan begin to stir she awoke. Iosbail looked at the guard. “I wish to break my fast.”

  Caitriona, groggy, sat up slowly.

  “We wish to break our fast,” Iosbail repeated.

  When the guard gave a slight nod they followed him out. The only way to know the sun had risen was by the slice of light skirting the cave floor. Its deep orange had already filled the cave with a majestic deep pink hue.

  Iosbail wasn’t surprised when they were led toward the grand hut. Again, her eyes searched. They didn’t have too long. Her throat nearly closed when she spied Alexander strung up within twenty feet of where the great fire still burned. Arms above his head, his body glistened with sweat and blood trickled down his side. As far as she could see there was no bruising yet. But there would be.

  As if he knew she passed his head rose. Their eyes met.

  If she could run to him and at least wipe away the blood, it’d mean so much. If she could look into his eyes and tell him she’d get them out of this, it’d mean even more.

  But she could not.

  It simply wasn’t possible without messing up her plan.

  When they entered the hut, Innis already sat at the head of a small table, as though he’d been waiting. Iosbail made a show of running her hand through her hair and smoothing her skirts before she sat next to him. Immaculate, as though he hadn’t slept a wink, Innis looked over both she and Caitriona thoroughly. When the Norman lass started to sit next to her the guard promptly brought her around to sit on the other side of Innis.

  Iosbail did not expect this.

  Why exactly was Caitriona sat in a position of importance?

  When fresh fish was set on the table, Innis said, “I invite you to feast. Fill your bellies. Today will be much welcomed.”

  Though she had trouble doing it, Iosbail nodded and took a bite of fish. “What will there be to see?”

  Innis chewed a bite thoroughly then wiped his mouth. “Argyll of course.”

  The women looked at him expectantly. Innis’s dark eyes turned her way. “Before we leave, I must know how you’d like to see the Sinclair finished off. We already know how the Irishman will go.”

  Caitriona’s eyes shot to hers, confused, which gave Iosbail a good deviant to the conversation. “Tell me first, why is my lady put in a seat of honor?”

  “Aye!” Innis feigned excitement. “You would be curious about that.
Didnae ye know she’s important to your brother?” His attention turned to Caitriona. “Have ye not yet told her of the man ye’ve dreamt of for so verra long? I believe he’s Scottish royalty himself.”

  Confusion passed over Caitriona’s face and she frowned. “I dinnae know, my laird.”

  “Oh, come now.” Innis took a long swallow of mead. “Do ye not know the name of the lad who haunts you so? But of course ye do. Alan Stewart.”

  Iosbail took a sip of mead to hide her expression. Alan Stewart? No doubt the Stewart’s would be a royal name in both England and Scotland. But what did that have to do with here and now?

  As if he was on top of the world Innis looked at Iosbail, “And you’ve not a clue the role you’ll play in all of it, do ye lass?”

  Ever with an eye to please, she hid behind her lashes, making sure a bit of the mead lingered on her lower lip before she slowly licked it away with her tongue. “Nay, you’ve the right o’ it, laddie.”

  Caitriona remained the innocent lass when his gaze turned her way. “Why have you not told your lady the part you play in her life?”

  Eyes downcast, the Norman lass whispered, “Because I knew naught.”

  Though Iosbail wanted to narrow her eyes she did not, mainly because Innis was watching to see her reaction. With great measure, Iosbail said, “I’m sure the lass has been too caught up in the adventure. ‘Twas never her choice to be here to begin with.”

  “Wasn’t it,” Innis murmured as he cut into his fish.

  Iosbail didn’t like surprises so she kept her eyes downcast. Had she lifted them she might have found a way to put her dagger to Caitriona’s throat. That, of course, would not suit while they broke their fast.

  But it’d sure as hell suit the minute they were alone.

  “You blush again. I’m flattered,” he said dryly.

  Iosbail’s eyes rose to Innis. So he knew her cheeks didn’t warm for him the eve before or now. He was not a man she could seduce. Good riddance. The thought of it had sickened her anyways. What was his thinned putrid body when she’d had the likes of Alexander’s?

  The minute she thought it she cringed.

  When did she start comparing any man in which she needed something from to another?

  Men, no matter their size, age, appearance, magical inclination or social standing, got her what she wanted always.

  Period.

  She scrunched her nose and took a long swig of mead.

  This morn wasn’t starting off well.

  Fed up, she was about to say as much when a commotion outside led to a guard stumbling through the flaps. Instead of standing in alarm Innis released an exasperated sigh and asked, “So he’s loose then?”

  “Aye, he’s with the Irishman.”

  “Fine then.” As though nothing of importance had happened, Innis made a gesture at the women. “You might as well eat. ‘Twill be a verra long day after all.”

  Despite herself, Iosbail couldn’t help but affiliate with Innis. How often had she said the same to others? So she set to eating and finishing her mead. All the while, Caitriona did not eat. Obviously she was upset with her mistresses indifference.

  Eventually, Iosbail looked at her. “Sit there and continue to judge lass. But only if you’re willing to share the extent in which ye’ve betrayed me and mine.”

  Innis made a grunt of approval and kept enjoying his meal.

  “That aside!” Caitriona burst out. “What sort of heartless lass are you that you worry naught for Shamus and Alexander?”

  Iosbail chewed her fish thoughtfully then answered, “As heartless as I need be. Things such as that are out of my hands as are they yours.” She nodded at Caitriona’s food. “You should eat. Keep your strength.”

  “What she’s trying to tell you.” Innis took a long drink of his mead. “Is that you’ll be making the escape today. When you do, I’ll let you. But in the end, it will not be as you expect. Either way, I will get exactly what I told your mistress last eve I would.”

  Oh, she really did love an old fashioned Irish wizard.

  When her lady’s eyes grew wide, Iosbail smiled and continued to eat. “’Tis just as he says.” She winked at Innis. “Save a few of my own adjustments.”

  His brows arched. “Really?”

  “Did you expect any less?”

  The smile he bestowed was genuine, as though he hadn’t given one in centuries. “I wondered at first but you are proving better than I’d hoped.”

  “Naturally,” Iosbail muttered and took another bite.

  “You’re crazed,” Caitriona whispered.

  Iosbail raised her mug in acknowledgment. “And you, sweet thing, keep deep, dark secrets. So who is better really? The friend or the foe?”

  The Norman lass grew quiet.

  When she finished her meal, Iosbail sat back and looked at Innis. “When was it exactly that you decided to let us lead you to Adlin versus bringing him to you?”

  Innis wiped his mouth and dragged out the silence. “When I realized how important the pieces.”

  “Then save Shamus.”

  “He’s not an important piece.”

  Iosbail felt her gut churn but kept her face impassive. “You’ve the power to get us to Argyll today. Do so.”

  “Nay, now that you escape, not until tomorrow.”

  “What can I offer to change your mind?”

  “Not a thing. The pieces prove too big.”

  “I’ll stay. My brother will renew my powers. I will protect your clan for all days.”

  Caitriona looked at her, eyes glistening. “Nay, I’ll stay. If I do…”

  “Not an option, lass,” Innis said. “You’re far too important now.”

  Iosbail watched Caitriona’s reaction very carefully. When the girl grew pale and bit her lower lip, she grew more curious. Suspicion started to nag at her. Perhaps the girl didn’t quite know why she dreamt of this Alan Stewart. But she bet her brother did. In fact, it was becoming more and more clear why her magic was taken from her for this little venture. Could it be not because of the Sinclair but because of whatever ties would happen between the MacLomains and Stewarts? Adlin always had a method to his madness, a grand plan. She suspected now was no different.

  The more Iosbail reflected on their conversation before she’d traveled forward, the more she realized that though she thought herself doing what she wanted, Adlin had steered her in the very direction in which he wanted her to go.

  Meddlesome wizard.

  Iosbail propped her elbow on the table with chin in hand when her plate was taken away. She arched a brow at Innis. “And how is it that we’re escaping? I’d just as soon know up front.”

  She’d no sooner said it when Alexander strolled in.

  Iosbail had seen just about everything in her long life but never anything quite like the Sinclair in his masculine, less-than-defeated glory. Plaid low on his waist, muscled skin glistening with sweat, blood spattered and blade unsheathed. What she found most enthralling were how his calm, cold eyes were at such odds with his wild, untamed appearance.

  The Sinclair didn’t look like a man done for but one who’d already won his war. She wasn’t sure if it was that he seemed so confident when clearly defeated that aroused her or if it was how attractive he looked while doing it.

  When she licked her lips this time it wasn’t forced but because she couldn’t help herself.

  Alexander’s eyes never went to her but remained focused on Innis.

  When Iosbail glanced his way, she expected her host to have a smug grin. After all, he already knew of their great escape, seemingly controlled it. What she didn’t expect was to see his eyes staring, almost haunted. Confused, Iosbail glanced back at Alexander and froze.

  Now standing on either side of the Sinclair was a man and woman.

  Iosbail gasped.

  King Erc and Druidess Chiomara had returned from the dead.

  Her long lost Ma and Da.

  Chapter Eight

  It took everyth
ing Alexander had not to look at her.

  Right now it couldn’t be about Iosbail.

  “’Tis impossible,” she whispered.

  “Nothing’s impossible,” Innis said softly and stood.

  Erc, King of the Dalriata, stood tall with his crown intact and royal cape over his wide shoulders. He shook his head sharply and Innis slowly sank back into his seat. Neither of his new companions said a word at first and a heavy silence fell.

  It was in this lull that Alexander truly understood how powerful his allies.

  Not until he watched a wizard far more powerful than he rendered speechless.

  But Iosbail stood, eyes wide. “You’ve come through the Defiance. All this time you had the ability to come.”

  The bells interwoven in Chiomara’s hair tinkled when she nodded. “Ye did no’ need us before this, my daughter.”

  Iosbail blinked away tears. “A thousand times over I needed you but not once did you come.”

  Erc’s eyes never left Innis when he said to Iosbail, “Come now.”

  She didn’t hesitate but nodded to Caitriona. It seemed the Broun listened well to her Da. When Iosbail slowed in front of her parents, Alexander took her hand and pulled her after him.

  “No,” she whispered.

  “Aye,” he said. “’Tis their wish that you follow me, Iosbail.”

  Alexander felt the hesitation in her pace, but the lass continued, as though she understood if they’d made a request it was to be seen through. As they left the cave, warriors walked alongside. Anger and confusion lit their eyes. Why was their laird allowing the prisoners to go free?

  Even he didn’t have all the answers to that question.

  At least not save the obvious.

  One thing was for sure, they must hurry. As they drew closer to the mouth of the cave he pulled Iosbail closer and whispered, “Once we leave this cave we must move swiftly. Ask no questions but trust me in this. When we are free from here you will flee with Caitriona to the Oak.”

  “I dinnae ken.”

  “You need not,” he said through clenched teeth. “’Tis not my desire but that of your Ma and Da.” He squeezed her hand. “Tell me you’ll listen.”