Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  It was midday when they finally cleared the thick forest growth, which thinned away to a meadow stretching for almost half a league in all directions. In the far distance, Seonaid could just make out the silvern towers of Castle Brodie against the azure sky.

  She was awestruck as she recognized that if it appeared this large from so far away then it must truly be monstrous up close. She began to gnaw on her lip questioning how she would ever be able to aid her husband as mistress. She was not equipped for such a task.

  Garrick perceived her distress as he glimpsed his bride. She looked stunning in the sage green velvet gown her father had gifted her. She had shed her cloak as the day warmed and the velvet material clung to every nuance of her shapely figure. He growled in disapproval as he thought of all the single highlanders in the castle.

  Seonaid smiled back at him as she appreciated that he was not actually distraught with her. She took the arsaid that she had draped across the pommel of her saddle and placed it over her shoulder, pinning it in place with the clan brooch. She looked to Garrick arching her brow inquiringly. His scowl fled as a huge grin replaced it. He was delighted that she had remembered his wish.

  He sidled Cadence beside her palfrey. “Take your lady’s steed, Liam,” he directed his squire. “Me lady wife shall arrive at Castle Brodie with her laird husband...as one.” Garrick placed his arm about her waist lifting her to sit in front of him on his stallion. He gave her a slight embrace then put his knees to Cadence coaxing him into a canter as they sped toward the castle.

  As they approached her new home a great cacophony rose up of bells ringing, horns blowing and people cheering the return of their laird. As they entered the outer bailey the people crowded around to get their first look at the new mistress. Garrick felt her stiffen slightly and rubbed his thumb against her ribs to calm her. He did not stop but merely slowed his prancing steed to a trot as they went through a second tunnel to the inner bailey. The horses’ hoofbeats transformed from a loud thudding to hard clip-clops as they entered the inner bailey paved with cobblestone.

  Seonaid was impressed at how clean the bailey was kept. It seemed that her husband took great care with his people and home. She smiled up into his proud face. They stopped before the steps at the entrance to the stronghold. Peering into her exotic eyes he murmured, “Well, wife, will it suit?”

  “Aye, husband. But it is so large! Twill take time for me to acquire the running of it.”

  “Ye have all the time in the world, mo cridhe,” he whispered. Then his lips met hers in a long soft kiss. Pulling back grudgingly, he turned Cadence to face his clansmen. The black stallion snorted… pawing the ground, anxious to get back to his stall and check out the mares.

  “Clan Brodie! I present ta ye me wife, Lady Seonaid, in which I am significantly pleased! I regret that we did nae take our vows here for ye ta witness but we have saved the wedding feast ta celebrate with ye all!” A great cheer went up all around them. He looked to William asking, “Is there any message from The MacGregor?”

  “Aye. His messenger says he will be here by this eve.”

  “Then tonight the feast begins!” Another cheer arose. “I expect one and all ta show your new mistress every courtesy ye would show me and I would have ye on your best behavior when the MacGregor arrives. They are our allies now and strong fighters. Tis an excellent alliance ta mend stiff feelings. Can I count on ye?”

  In one voice came a shout of “Aye!”

  Garrick gave a brusque nod and a smile to his clansmen. He knew he could count on them and their loyalty.

  Seonaid viewed the sea of bright faces uncertainly and began to relax. They looked as though they were willing to give her a chance. And that is all that she asked. As they began smiling at her she reciprocated in kind.

  Garrick alighted then helped her down steadying her until the stiffness left her legs.

  “Be ye ready, Countess?” he murmured tenderly in her ear.

  “Aye, Earl Brodie, I am ready to follow you anywhere.”

  His heart expanded. He was a fortunate man indeed. He placed her hand on his arm and led her up the steps through the massive doors that led into Castle Brodie.

  They were met in the hall by a plump woman with sparkling blue eyes and a cheerful face. She curtsied to them both, beaming at Garrick.

  “I kenned that ye were searching for a wife, m’laird, but instead ye bring home a goddess! The clan will be jealous for certain.” She winked at Seonaid. “I be Mary Brodie, the chamberlain here, at least until ye can manage things. Ye must be weary from your journey. Follow me and I will take ye ta your chambers where a bath awaits ye.”

  Seonaid liked her instantly. She had a cheerful countenance and was a tad officious. But not overmuch. She appeared to be about Garrick’s age with rich chocolate tresses bound in a braid down her back. Seonaid looked to Garrick and he nodded in approval. She heard a loud ‘whoop’ behind her and found Mary being spun around in Angus’ arms as he laid a loud wet kiss on her lips.

  “Did ye miss me in your bed, lass?”

  Mary laughed. “Put me down ye beast! Tis nae proper in front of m’lady.” She cuffed him on the back of his head. “Besides, seems like ye and soap have become estranged in your journey. Ye had best get reacquainted afore ye come crawling ta me bed.”

  His palm flew to his chest as if struck as he released her. “Ye wound me, sweet Mary. Are ye telling me that I have a fragrance about me?”

  “Nay, Angus. I be telling ye that ye stink!”

  He gave her a stunned look then burst out laughing. “That is what I love about ye, sweet wife. Ye tell me the brutal truth whether it be pleasant or nae. I will be acceptable by this eve,” he winked at her, ‘Ye can count on it.”

  Mary blushed a flustered beet red then turned to Seonaid. “Forgive me, m’lady. Me husband has nae manners, as I am certain ye have discovered. Please follow me.”

  “Where have ye placed Lady Seonaid?” Garrick called after her.

  “In the mistress’ solar, m’laird. Where else would she be?”

  Garrick gave Seonaid a long appraisal. “Nay. Me wife will be in the master’s chambers and nowhere else. See ta it after her bath.” He kissed Seonaid’s hand. “I will join ye presently, mo cridhe.”

  Mary gave him a puzzled stare. Most nobles had separate chambers from their wives, not that she approved of the practice. She was relieved to see that her laird was somewhat besotted with his bride. It was a good omen. She smiled to herself as she led Seonaid away.

  Garrick raised a brow to Angus, gesturing him to follow them, along with William. He retreated to his study and awaited his steward to take care of any business that needed his attention. And to await Seamus. They will need to talk privately.

  Chapter VIII

  Seamus arrived by late afternoon with his entourage of twenty men along with a cart full of gifts and Seonaid’s personal items. He was immediately escorted to Garrick’s study where he expected him. They were required to come to an understanding about Seonaid before he was allowed to approach her.

  Garrick appraised him as the gillies served food and drink to the lairds. Seamus was a stocky man half a head shorter than Garrick. He was stout and heavily muscled, with dusky blond hair and tired brown eyes that revealed a keen intelligence. He was wary of this impromptu meeting with Garrick that he insisted on having the minute Seamus arrived.

  Seonaid did well for herself, he thought as he sipped his ale. She has managed to snag an earl for a husband and he is young …strong, too. This alliance should settle any past differences between the clans over the previous laird’s death. Aye, she did well indeed.

  Garrick dismissed the servants informing them not to disturb this meeting of the lairds. Then he sat down across from Seamus.

  “We have matters ta discuss Laird MacGregor which need nae prying ears ta repeat the tale...nae even ta Seonaid.”

  Seamus leaned forward in his chair growling under his breath, “There be nae tales ta tell if none are utt
ered!”

  “True as that is...things need ta be understood betwixt us.” He gave Seamus a firm look. “What are your thoughts on our wedding? I want this alliance ta be a strong one. Although ye did nae sire her… ye are her father just the same. I would ken that ye would want her happiness. I only ask since some fathers look at their daughters like chattel...nae that I think that of ye.”

  His reaction was swift as he leaped up in a rage, bellowing, “Do nae insult me Brodie! I love her like she is me own flesh and blood!”

  Garrick nodded mutely. He was reassured as to Seamus’ intent and grinned.

  “I could ask ye the same, Brodie. Was this marriage just for the alliance? Seonaid is a bit heartless. Spoilt, some say. She does nae have a soft heart in her when dealing with others. Truly, I was amazed ye wanted her. Most men have turned her down.”

  It was Garrick’s turn to see red. How dare he speak of Seonaid in that manner! Did he not know his own daughter that he raised from a babe? He glared at Seamus… then remembered that King Alred said that Seamus had only raised a shell of his daughter. His black scowl eased from his face as he decided that perhaps Seamus had not truly met his daughter. “They were fools ta nae see her worth. I do nae care about her ancestry. That should be apparent since I did nae ken it when we wed.”

  Seamus gave a grunt of agreement as he sat back down taking a swig of ale.

  “Have ye spoken with the King recently?”

  “Aye. He told me Seonaid was safe and had wed ye.” He raised his brow in question. “He said ye were worthy of her and ta deliver his betrothal agreement which I have here.” He patted his chest.

  “Did he tell ye anything more of Seonaid? Of her memory loss? Anything?”

  Seamus glanced at Garrick. What was he getting at? Out of a shadowy corner of the room strode King Alred with Lokai one pace behind.

  He gave them an imperial look, waved his hand and his throne appeared for him to recline in. As he sat he gave Garrick a long, considerate stare.

  “I determined that this meeting needed my attention. Otherwise you will both be dancing in circles for a lifetime.” His gaze settled on Garrick. “I told all to Seamus. Although I am uncertain whether he really grasps the meaning of it. It is a bit much for a mortal to comprehend.”

  “Aye. I have struggled with it me self.” Garrick’s eyes drifted to Lokai. With one look he knew that this was Seonaid’s golden warrior. He felt a pang of jealousy stab him as he saw the perfect warrior return the challenge.

  “You should be grateful to Lokai not resentful. He saved Seonaid’s life.”

  Garrick was jolted back to the present. Chastised fully he said, “Me apologies, Lokai. I find an irrational temper over Seonaid’s affections.”

  “As would I if we spoke of Diedre. But brothers should not quarrel and I know that Diedre’s feelings for you were superficial.”

  Garrick was shocked! He knew about Diedre’s advances on him? “I did nae encourage her!” he cried vehemenently.

  Lokai gave a brief nod then a relaxed smile. “Do not worry, brother, I know where the blame lies.”

  Seamus was silent during the exchange. King Alred looked over at him. “You have upheld your end of our agreement, Seamus. Once the contract is signed you will receive your reward for the care of my daughter. I would ask that you still be a part of her life since you are all that she ever knew.”

  “Of course I will! She means the world ta me.”

  “When ye see her, Seamus, she will nae remember ye. Give her time ta adjust ta ye.”

  “Aye, I ken it.” he choked out. “Now let me at that contract so I can wash afore the feast.”

  He took three parchments from his pouch offering a copy to Garrick. It was a standard betrothal agreement with gold, cattle and properties entailed plus an agreement of aid if it was ever needed in the form of warriors. The King had been quite generous as was expected of his rank.

  Garrick scowled as he read the last of the contract. “Nay, Sire! I can nae agree ta the last of this. Seonaid will nae be visiting ye in the Fae Realm. I will nae allow it! She stays where I can reach her.”

  Alred sighed. He knew in his heart that it would not be permitted…but he had to try. “I only desired to know my daughter better.”

  Garrick studied him for a moment. “She was nae supposed ta ken of ye at all. But if ye wish ta ken her better ye will have ta visit here. Tis all I will permit.”

  The King smiled. “You are most generous, Laird. I accept.” He passed his hand over the documents and the offensive words vanished.

  Satisfied…Garrick reached for the quill, signing all three copies.

  After Seamus left, Garrick turned to the King. “There is something else I would speak ta ye about.”

  King Alred looked askance.

  “Seonaid had a vision yesterday about me and the MacGregor. She said we were fighting in a rage yet I can nae think of why that would be. Nae unless he tried ta take her from me. I ask ye if ye think he would do such a thing since ye ken him better than me.”

  Alred’s interest was piqued. Seamus would never do such a thing. It was part of their agreement. But if she saw it, then, perhaps she misread the meaning. “No, Seamus is not a threat. Tell me all that she said and I will give it some thought. Visions are rarely forthright. Usually they involve metaphors and hidden meanings.”

  Garrick was a bit relieved and related the tale to him. Once he was finished, King Alred picked up his copy of the betrothal contract and turned to Garrick. “If I find an answer I will return to enlighten you. Until then, be happy with the gift I have given you...son.” Then he was gone.

  Lokai remained for a moment contemplating Garrick. He did not see what there was about this laird that had captured Diedre’s interest. It must be his dark looks. All Fae were blonde of one shade or another. That must be it. And the fact that he rejected her attentions. Diedre would not have understood that. He was just a passing fancy to her, anyway. Lokai decided that he could trust this mortal. His heart was true.

  “Before I go, I want to explain to you what happened concerning Seonaid. How she came to know of me.”

  “I ken that she calls ye her ‘Golden Warrior’ as if ye will save her from all the ills of this world, protect her. That is my duty now...nae yours.” He gave Lokai a surly glance.

  “You are right. She is your charge now. But I am Captain of the Royal Guard and heir to the throne when King Alred chooses to pass it on. One of my duties is to protect the royal children. Even though she is half mortal Seonaid is still a Princess of the Realm, and as such, still under my watchful eye. I have protected her for all of her life until Diedre interfered secreting her to the future life she had. I could not locate her until her sister brought her back where you found her.

  That is where I erred. She would have died from the internal injuries she had, but I healed the worst of them. She saw me as I slipped the missive into her garment. It was not necessary to leave it but I felt that she deserved to at least know her name.”

  Garrick considered Lokai’s admission. “Ye did more than that. Ye paved the way ta our marriage with that parchment. Was it so Diedre would look elsewhere for affection?”

  He smiled. “Perhaps. Although our betrothal was already sealed. For the most part it was to see Princess Seonaid happy. She has never had that in her life. I thought it was about time.” He thought quietly for a moment. “I believe you can make her happy. She has a great affection for you. I can only hope that you feel the same, Brother.”

  “How could I nae,” he grinned. “I thank ye for looking out for me bride when ye were able. When do ye wed your li’l hellcat, Brother?”

  Lokai was a little taken aback over the inference to Diedre’s character, then laughed. “I never thought of her as such before but it is fitting! Three days’ time we say our vows… if she confesses to her father about Seonaid.” He scowled.

  “But the King already kens.”

  “Yes, he does, but she must confess just the s
ame. She is not aware of his knowledge and she must be taught a lesson.”

  “And if she does nae...?”

  Lokai’s muscles clearly clenched as he looked to Garrick. “If she does not… she will learn that it is not wise to displease me. She will obey me...sooner or later. But I detain you from your celebration. I would just have you know that if you have need of my succor do not hesitate to call me, Brother.”

  “Ye have me thanks, Lokai,” he answered as they clasped forearms in friendship. And with a brief nod Lokai was gone.

  Garrick smiled to himself as he realized that his new family was going to be very entertaining. And the worst of it was that he could tell no one...not even Seonaid. He shook his head and set off in search of his bride.

  “Are you assured these things belong to me?” Seonaid queried as she beheld more than forty gowns made of the richest materials, some even blue, which was very difficult to make and most lavish. “I can nae fathom why I would need so much. I must be very vain.” She eyed the gowns strewn about the bed as if they were vipers about to strike.

  Mary giggled behind her hand. “Aye. Your father’s mon said that all of this be yours. Tis wondrous! There has nae been a mistress here since Laird Brodie’s maither passed nigh on thirty years ago so this be a real treat for me. But I do nae believe ye are vain, m’lady. Mayhap before but if it were true, that should still be your nature in spite of your recollections.” She clucked her tongue in thought. “Nay. I do nae believe it. Besides, a Countess has need of many gowns when the nobles come ta visit.”

  Seonaid ran her hand over the silks, satins and wools savoring the textures and colors. “Which do you think would please my husband?”

  Mary cackled, “None of them! I be sure the Laird would prefer ye with naught on!”

  Seonaid blushed violently. “Mary!”

  She laughed. “Ye do nae want me ta lie ta ye do ye?”