He collapsed next to her drawing her into his embrace, as he panted with exhaustion. “Mo cridhe, ye have bewitched me.” He kissed her brow affectionately. “I did nae mean ta be so forceful. Did I hurt ye, wife?”
Seonaid let her fingers trail down his sweaty bicep, loving the strength she felt. With a sated smile she gazed up at his handsome face. “Nay Garrick… twas wonderful.”
A self-satisfied smile flitted across his full lips. “Truly, we are well-suited, sweet wife.” He gave her a languorous kiss then nestled her in his arms as they drifted to sleep.
Morning light streamed through the arrow slit windows, waking Garrick. His wife slept peacefully in his arms as he thought about whether he should call Lokai to tell him about her vision. Twould make no difference. The facts were the same. Where is Hagar? He had requested her presence on his return, yet she was not here. He decided that he would seek her counsel before he did anything else. He disentangled himself from Seonaid, careful not to wake her, and left the bed. He closed the curtains that surrounded it, cloaking her in darkness and dressed.
Garrick met Angus and William guarding the bedchamber door. “She is allowed access ta the castle but she is nae ta ride out without me. Her horse is new ta her and spirited. I would be there when she rides. Tell Mary ta let her rest as long as she desires.”
Then he turned to William. “Did ye nae tell Hagar ta be here?”
“I told her alright. She stuck her crooked nose in the air and said there was nae need. I could nae change her mind.” He gave a disgusted sneer. “Once again, she was right. Now I have ta get her a chicken for her pot.”
“Ye were nae foolish enough ta wager with her were ye?”
He shuffled his feet, guilt written all over his face. “Aye,” he muttered. “Twas Liam’s responsibility ta tell her, anyway. I only went because he had forgotten.”
“Nae matter. I will take your hen since I go ta speak ta her now. Watch over me lady while I am gone.” They both bowed as Garrick left them.
It was a short ride to Hagar’s shack. Garrick had been trying for years to get her to move to the castle. At least the outer bailey. But she would not hear of it. Too noisy, too smelly, too crowded. These were always her excuses whether true or not. He shook his head. The truth was that she was too stubborn to move. She liked her independence, plain and simple.
As he neared her home he held up his hand in a command to halt. Turning to Henry he said, “There is nae need for all of us ta ride in disturbing her peace. Ye and the men can rest here. I should nae be too long.”
Henry cast an eye over their surroundings then nodded in agreement. His escort dismounted as he rode the three hundred yards to Hagar’s doorstep.
“Are ye home, auld woman?”
“That depends. Do ye have me hen?”
“Aye.” He smiled.
“Then I be home.”
An old woman hobbled into view from the rear of the hut, a gnarled cane of weathered oak steadying her. Her black eyes darted to Garrick and the chicken fluttering upside down in his hand, its feet tethered. Her eyes glittered as she smacked her toothless lips in anticipation of the fine meal awaiting her. Then she frowned at Garrick.
“Ye expect me ta eat it raw? Get off that great beast and wring its neck good and proper so I can prepare me meal, boy!”
Garrick laughed. Only Hagar failed to show him proper respect as Laird. She said it went against her nature to bow and scrape to someone when she had changed their nappies just a few years previous. He allowed it, thinking perhaps she was a bit senile… although he doubted it. Sometimes it was best to just humor her.
Once the hen was prepared and cooking in a pot over the hearth, Hagar handed a cup of ale to Garrick as they sat at her table in the little shack. It was small but neat as a pin. Hagar disliked disorder. Everything in its place.
He raised a brow at her… considering how he wished to ask his questions.
She spoke first. “She’s a good lass, Garrick. Ye did well. She will nae shame or disappoint ye.”
“I worry for her. Yet I do nae ken the why of it. And she is too near ta me. I feel her moods sometimes. I see what is in her heart. I can nae permit me self that intimacy. Twill put her in danger.”
Hagar cackled. “Ye can nae halt it! Ye are two souls destined one ta the other. Nae even death can break that union. Ye already have crossed over the line into the realm of love, whether ye admit it ta yourself or nae.” Her mirth died as she drank from her cup. Staring into it, she continued.
“This Fae Princess was preordained for ye. The prophecies foretold of it. Your fates be intertwined.”
Garrick stiffened. She kens who Seonaid is! How can this be! “How do ye ken these things, auld woman? Even me lady wife does nae ken her ancestries.”
Hagar turned her dark eyes to Garrick sending a quiver down his spine with her ethereal stare. “I was with her maither when she was born. I saw the King save her life with his Fae magic. Aye, I ken who...and what she is.”
He nodded to himself thoughtfully. His brow arched. “What prophecy do ye speak of? I have heard nae such tale of a Fae Princess.”
She grinned. “Aye. Tis time for ye ta be told.” She cleared her throat.
“Have ye heard tell of the Ancients that were here before the Christ be born?” He nodded guardedly. “Back in those days there was a Queen Bethoc of the Picts that was lovely beyond compare. Incomparable…she was. One night her bedroom was intruded upon by King Harold of the Ancients. He had been observing her for many years, fighting his fascination for her since it was forbidden ta mix the races. But he finally succumbed ta his desires an’ took her. He shamed her in her people’s eyes for she was unwed, yet birthed a son nine months later. He was the first Brodie.”
She paused, letting Garrick absorb the knowledge before continuing. “Now King Harold kenned that he had ta atone for his misdeed an’ bring honor back ta this queen so he searched the books of prophecy until he found the answer. He appeared before the people telling them he was bestowing a great honor on them for allowing their races ta mix an’ permitting their beloved queen ta give him a son. He foresaw the Romans coming ta the Isles an’ held that they would nae be conquered by them. An’ they would be given the honor of protecting the Spear of Destiny that would be used on the Christ when he died. This spear has wondrous powers! It is the only weapon that can kill the Fae. He cautioned them that there would come a day that a Fae would appear that was so wicked that he would need ta be slain ta stop him. That a Brodie would use it ta protect his Fae Princess wife.”
Garrick leaned in close to her. “Why have I nae heard this tale before?”
“Nae Brodie is ta hear the tale until they have sired an heir. Only then are they allowed this knowledge ta pass on ta their descendants. Your father kenned it but he did nae pass it on ta ye. He died afore ye wed so he could nae.”
“Where be this Spear of Destiny that I am ta protect?”
She took another swig of her ale. “Tis in me keeping until ye have need of it. Tis all ye need ken of it.”
He nodded, sorting out in his mind what she had told him. It was probably best that Hagar had it. No one would suspect her of having a great treasure...Did she say ‘sired an heir’? He was ta be told after he sired an heir! His chest puffed up with pride as he envisioned Seonaid swelled with his child. His face beamed as he turned to Hagar grinning from ear to ear.
“Took ye long enough! I swear, are all men so thick-witted?”
“How do ye ken these things Hagar? We have only been wed but a sennight. Tis too soon ta ken of a child.”
Hagar bristled with indignation. “Have I ever been wrong, boy?” She soothed her ruffled feathers with a shake of his head. “I ken these things because I be the last of the Ancients in human form…as well as ye. The rest have transformed ta their transcendent forms, but I was charged with raising ye. Ta make certain ye were ready ta meet the challenge before ye.”
Thinking on it, he told her of Seonaid’s vi
sion. “I do nae ken why I would battle the King yet that was who she saw. Certainly he can nae be this evil Fae ye speak of!”
“Appearances can be deceiving. Ye are correct, though. Tis nae Alred ye should be wary of. Guard your wife well, Garrick, an’ do nae believe everything your senses show ye. Tis your heart ye must see through. Ken that her heart is true nae matter what an’ all will be well.”
He thumped his chest with his fist declaring, “I ken her heart, as it is bonded with mine own! We think as one on this matter.”
She nodded sagaciously, satisfied that all would be well.
Seonaid woke leisurely, relishing the warm cocoon she was enveloped in. Her hand stretched across the bed to caress her husband’s arm but it came up empty and cold. Her brow furrowed into a frown. Where would he be so early in the day? She pulled aside the bed curtain and was blasted by the full day’s sun in her face. How late was it? He will think I am slovenly! She hastily rose from the bed, donning her chemise she located lying across a chair.
She had just finished her morning ablutions when she perceived a scratching at the door. Looking around, she hastily snatched up the plaid, covering herself. She cracked the door open an inch to see who was there. Seonaid gasped in surprise to see Angus kissing a mountain of clothes with William snickering at him.
They hastily parted, Angus clearing his throat tensely. “I will nae be apologizing for showing me wife affection!”
Seonaid smiled. “I would think nae, Angus! Tis good that ye think so highly of her.”
He dipped his head, then Mary brushed past him, entering the chamber. “I brought ye some clothing ta wear, m’lady. The rest will be relocated here later this day.” She bustled about the chambers as she rattled on. “I thought perhaps ye would like ta wear the yellow wool dress at present.”
Seonaid was a bit dazed at Mary’s ‘take charge’ manner so early in the day. “That will be acceptable, Mary, thank ye. How late is it? I am afraid I have overslept.”
“Och, tis early enough! Laird Brodie said ta let ye rest as long as ye wished. Ye are still recovering from your injuries and had an arduous trip ta arrive here. Tis nae even noontime yet.” Mary had her dressed in no time then began on her hair.
“Do ye ken where my husband might be?” she asked a bit reticently.
“Miss him already, do ye?” she teased. “He rode out this morn ta visit auld Hagar. But your da is in the hall awaiting your pleasure. Tis good ta see a father care for his daughter’s well-being. Ye are fortunate.” Mary completed braiding her hair, patting her on the shoulder. “Finished, m’lady.”
Seonaid blushed. “Thank ye, Mary. Tis nice to have a friendly face among so many strangers...even my Father. I yearned so that I might remember him…or anything about my past, but it is as if my mind was washed clean without a speck of memory left behind.”
Mary’s heart warmed toward her sweet lady. “Well, Mistress, ye will just have ta create new remembrances, better ones, that are so grand ye could never forget.” Her eyes sparkled with a hint of tears as she felt sorrow for Seonaid’s predicament. How terrible to not even know your own father.
“Aye. That is just what I plan to do.” She raised her chin high as she headed for the hall.
Seonaid opened her door to find Angus and William still standing about. She raised her arched brows in question, speculating why they were still there.
“Do ye have nae duties to attend to, sirs?”
A crooked little grin appeared on William’s reddened face, making the small scar on his cheek stand out in white stark relief. “Aye, m’lady.”
She turned to Angus. “Then should nae ye be about them?”
“But we are, m’lady. Garrick told us ta watch over ye and keep ye from harm.”
Alarmed, she replied, “Who would wish to harm me? I ken nae one.”
Angus leaned over conspiratorially and whispered, “There be more than one way ta harm ye, lass, and being the Countess ye could be taken as hostage ta hurt the Earl.” He winked at her. “Ye will always have a guard.”
She stomped her foot in protest. “Nay, I will nae!”
“Aye, m’lady… ye will,” came a growl behind her. “I will take nae chances with your well-being.”
She spun around in a fury to berate her husband, catching her tongue before her heated words were spilled. She glared at him, letting him comprehend that they would discuss it later in private. He arched his brow in challenge, straightening his stance… daring her to argue his command in front of his men. Her eyes flashed fire but she wisely backed down. Now was not the time to argue over such a trivial matter. It would keep.
She smiled sweetly at Garrick and, taking his arm purred, “Are ye here to escort me to the hall, m’laird?”
His eyes narrowed as he gave her a distrustful look. She surrendered too simply. That did not bode well. Especially for him. She was planning something, he just did not know what it was...yet. He shrugged it off for the moment. She must learn that in front of his clan she must show him deference. In private would be nice too, but he did not expect miracles right away. Respect must be earned. You cannot force it.
He accepted the truce, returning her smile. “Aye, m’lady. We will go and break our fast if ye be ready.”
They descended the stairs and entered the great hall, joining her father on the dais.
“Good morrow, Garrick… daughter!” he rumbled. “Did ye have a good sleep?”
“Aye. And ye?” Garrick replied.
“Oh, aye. Kenning that my Seonaid is in good hands gave me a very pleasant eve indeed.”
Garrick divided some cheese handing it to Seonaid. She smiled appreciatively and began eating as he called for some goat’s milk for her. Angus and William settled themselves at a table farther away in the hall as they, too, broke their fast. She gave them an aggrieved stare then passed it on to her husband. His cautionary glower went unheeded as she turned to Seamus.
“That depends on what ye consider ‘good hands’, Father. My new husband means to guard me as if I be a captive!” she ridiculed heatedly.
“Woman…” he snarled under his breath in warning.
To her surprise, Seamus beamed with pride. “I would expect nae less from your husband! He prizes ye greatly ta take such caution with your person.”
She was aghast with his response. She had expected an ally in this matter but instead he sided with her husband. “You think he is correct to do this?”
Seamus gave her a stern look of censure. “I would be dissatisfied if he did anything less. Ye should nae question your husband’s commands. He is your husband… and laird. Ta question him dishonors him! Ye should apologize!”
Was she wrong? She shook her head. She did not think so but, perhaps, she was wrong to involve Seamus in this little dispute with Garrick. She would think on it. Properly rebuked, she turned to her husband and whispered, “Forgive me, my laird. I will try to do better.”
She chanced a glance at his face and caught the smug smile that flashed there for an instant before he quickly masked it. “Tis forgotten.”
She was subdued through the rest of her meal as she mulled over the problem she was having with her wrong-thinking. Should she not be used to having guards her entire life in spite of losing her memory? She did not understand this at all. It made no sense to her.
Garrick leaned close to her brushing his warm thigh against hers. “Ye should eat more, Seonaid, ta restore your strength.”
She looked into his cerulean eyes and saw that look again. It was more than concern for her health. It warmed her clear down to her toes, making her heart beat a staccato rhythm in her breast. She wanted to kiss him. The urge was consuming… like a magnet. She could see that he felt the same. His breathing became labored as the attraction strengthened.
Seamus cleared his throat loudly as he grew prickly with the intensity of their gazes. Garrick jerked back self-consciously.
“I am full, m’laird, but I thank ye for your concern,” she blurted o
ut not knowing what to say.
“Very well. Finish your milk, at least, then if ye would like, we could visit your new mare.”
Seonaid nodded her head heartily as she snatched up her goblet and drained the milk.
Soon the three of them were walking to the stables to inspect the horses. As they neared the entryway, they overheard one of the MacGregors in discussion with Liam as he groomed Cadence.
“All I was asking ye was why my lady had nae escort that day and why ye did nae try harder ta find her,” came Liam’s broken voice in the throes of puberty. “I would do everything in my power ta ascertain her safety!”
The huge highlander let out a barking laugh. “Did ye hear lads?” he guffawed to his clansmen. “The boy is smitten with her appearance! Wait till ye get ta ken her true nature. She is a hateful witch who cares for naught but herself. She belittles all beneath her whether it be man or beast! I had nae wish ta bring her back in me midst. Twas hoping she was away for good, I was!” The other men nodded in agreement.
Seonaid stilled dead in her tracks, stricken with humiliation. Her face pallid as the blood drained out. Her fisted hand flew to her mouth to stifle a sob as tears sprang to her eyes. She was crushed by the admission she overheard. Was she really such a ghastly person? She could not bear it! She picked up her skirts, bolting back to the Keep as Garrick called out after her.
Garrick thundered with wrath as he threw open the stable doors stomping up to the highlander. His hand was on the man’s throat in a flash as his other produced a dirk. “Garrick!” Seamus barked at him. “Garrick! I will deal with my clansman! Ye need ta see ta your wife!” It was the only thing that stayed his hand. His blood boiled with the rage he was feeling. “Seonaid needs your comfort, lad, nae your anger. Go ta her. I will explain things after I deal with this swill.” He glared at his man.
Gradually, Garrick slackened his grip on the man’s throat and sheathed his dirk. With murder in his eye, he spoke to him. “The lady ye declare nae longer exists. If I ever hear those words spoken again... ‘ye’ will nae longer exist. Am I understood?” The man nodded slowly, cautious of his fury.
Blessing The Highlander Page 12
