Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  It was pre-dawn when Malcolm attained the abandoned keep. The only part still standing was the hall. The outer walls were collapsing with age. He stopped before the doors, dismounted and swept Seonaid from the saddle. She groaned in pain.

  Her stomach and head throbbed from the jostling she endured riding the horse in that position. He dragged her into the hall without unwrapping her. She cried out as her heels hit each stone step painfully. She was terrified! Who had her? What did he want? She shuddered as the possibilities raced through her mind.

  The smell of moldy rushes permeated her senses as her stomach began to roil. He dropped her on the floor and gave the plaid a sharp yank. She rolled out of the end as it unwound and rose to her hands and knees, immediately spewing the contents of her stomach. Her eyes rounded in terror as she raised her head and saw Malcolm standing over her with a smirk on his face. “You!”

  His eyes glowed maliciously. “Aye.”

  “What do you want? Why have you taken me?”

  He leered at her. “What I want should be obvious. You will be mine.” She trembled with revulsion as his fingers traced her discolored jaw. “The why of it I will divulge when I have more time.”

  “Never! I belong to Garrick! Nae other!”

  Malcolm grabbed a fistful of hair jerking her up against him. Tears of pain filled her eyes. He clutched her jaw with his free hand forcing her mouth open as he gave her a brutal kiss. She struggled with all her strength, gouging his cheek deeply with her nails. He pulled back… laughing in her face.

  “Ah, so you do like it painful. I have chosen wisely. But, alas, I do not have time to play right now, Princess.” He stroked her cheek with his finger. She spat in his face!

  “You need to learn some courtly manners, wench.” His eyes glowered in fury as he struck her repeatedly until he had beaten her senseless. Once she was unconscious he lost interest. He threw the plaid over her and carried her over his shoulder down to the dungeon below.

  Tossing her onto the cold stone floor, he left the cell, locking her away in the obscure dankness. She will learn...or die in the process. I care not which. Now to help with the search. He smirked in delight. This will be entertaining.

  Garrick was jolted awake as Seonaid’s terror ripped through him. For a moment he was stunned…wondering if it had been a dream. Nay! Twas nae dream. I feel it in me soul. Something is amiss.

  He calmed his trembling body as he searched for her with his mind. He could not get an answer…he could not even sense her presence. This was wrong! He always sensed her existence no matter the distance. All he detected now was an empty void. Panic seized him as he leapt from his pallet.

  Garrick dressed swiftly then ran from his tent barking orders to his clan…rousing them from their slumber.

  “What is amiss, m’laird?” Liam queried as he stumbled toward Garrick half awake.

  “Me lady is in grave danger! Break camp and prepare the mounts! We ride immediately!”

  Liam stood immobile…stunned. How does he ken this? A chill slithered down his spine.

  As he left his hideaway, he cast Fae magic to make it imperceptible to mortal or Fae alike. Then he appeared inside the bailey with his horse unsaddled and a rope about its neck. It had been too dangerous to use his magic when he abducted Seonaid. It would have been detected by the Fae that had infiltrated the castle. Returning with magic was not so conspicuous. Still…it had taken longer than Malcolm would have preferred. He had wanted to sample his prize. He scowled. He began walking toward the stables when he remembered the scratch and hastily healed it.

  Lokai’s senses went on alert! Someone had just used Fae magic. His eyes penetrated the shadows looking for something to give them away. He saw nothing. He noticed Malcolm emerging from the darkness he searched but he could not swear it was him. Something was wrong. He sensed it. The guards were searching all of the buildings.

  Lokai used his powers to probe for Seonaid on a gut feeling he had. She was gone! He tried again with the same result. The king will not be pleased...Garrick will be worse. He sighed. I may as well get this over with. He slipped between the realms and went in search of Garrick.

  “Nay!” The grief-stricken roar resounded in the camp causing one and all to come running to Garrick’s tent, swords drawn. They saw their laird on his knees before a blond warrior, rage and frustration radiating from his pores.

  “When!” he shouted.

  “A few hours ago, Brother. There was a fire at the mare’s stable. They knew that would bring her running.”

  He spun toward his men. “Me lady has been taken! We ride at once!”

  The men scrambled to the horses as he turned back to Lokai. “I thought ye could sense a Fae?” he accused. His eyes narrowed. He needed to vent his rage. Hitting someone would be good.

  “Yes, I can. And I did feel a Fae presence for fleeting moments here and there. But some Fae can disguise their powers. Apparently this is one of them.”

  Garrick flexed his fingers. He reached out with his mind again but he still could not feel her. What if she is...dead? His heart clenched as tears sprang to his eyes.

  “Then it was nae a dream that woke me a short while ago but Seonaid’s terror. I felt it…then she was gone…as if she nae longer existed. I have always sensed her presence!”

  “Do not give up hope, Garrick. She may be unconscious, or simply too far away from you. This Fae might even be able to block you from sensing her. I do not believe that she is gone.”

  He nodded, blinking back his grief. He would locate her! And he will kill the man or Fae who dared to touch his wife! A look of resolve settled over his face as he hardened his heart.

  “He is a dead man...whoever or whatever he be!” He turned steely blue eyes on Lokai. “He is mine ta kill! Tis me right!”

  Lokai saw the resolve on Garrick’s face and thought of Diedre. If it were her instead of Seonaid he would demand the same. He gave a terse nod. “Yes, Brother, it is your right. I will not interfere.”

  Lokai received several curious looks as they exited the small tent. He glanced at them briefly then back to Garrick.

  “You must remain focused...for Seonaid’s sake. I will retrieve her father and meet you back at the castle.” He stared at Garrick’s agonized face. They clasped forearms as he squeezed his hand. “Stay strong and do nothing until the king arrives. We must plan carefully to defeat this animal! Garrick...we will get her back!”

  Garrick turned his focus on Lokai studying his determined face. With a brief nod to him he turned and mounted his steed. “Aye. We will get her back! But will she be me Seonaid?” He spun the mare and took off at a run with his men following on his heels.

  Lokai looked after him uncomfortably. He had not agreed to do nothing. Shaking his head he went to King Alred.

  Diedre sensed when Lokai returned to the Fae realm. She knew he was speaking to her father. Had he grown tired of waiting for her to confess? She gnawed her lip anxiously as she headed for the throne room.

  “I can explain, Father!” she blurted out as she burst through the doors.

  Lokai and Alred turned as one at the interruption. “How-?” The king stayed his question with a touch. He raised a brow at her. “Please do enlighten me, daughter.”

  She glanced between the two men, twisting her hands. As she collected her thoughts she presumed that Lokai had already informed him about her involvement in Seonaid’s disappearance so she decided to start there.

  While she cleared her throat uncertainly, Lokai found a chair and sat down, crossing his arms. “This should be good.” He smiled as she threw him a scathing look.

  “I know it was wrong of me but I made Seonaid disappear.”

  “You? Why would you do such a thing?” He could not believe his ears! Her own sister kidnapped her? His face darkened with rage but he managed to tamp it down.

  She clasped her hands behind her to hide her trembling. She almost whispered her answer. “I was jealous of her.”

  “You were jea
lous? Why? You live in the palace! One day you will be queen of the Fae...if Lokai would still want you! Your betrothal is no longer a requirement for him to be king! Why did you put all of this at risk? Do you want Garrick for yourself?”

  Her eyes widened in horror! Oh, he was furious. She gave him a stunned look.

  “Garrick? What has he to do with it? I admit that I wanted a little revenge against him, for refusing me, you see. But he was not even a consideration when I made her disappear.”

  Lokai snorted when he realized that she was confessing to the disappearance of Seonaid as a bairn. Alred gave him a black scowl. Had they both gone mad? Diedre behaved as if taking her sister was no big concern...and Lokai! He thought it was humorous!

  Alred whirled on her in a fury! “Return her this instant! Return her to her husband and I may show you mercy!” His body shook with rage. He had never struck his child but this time...!

  Diedre gave him a quizzical stare. “Return her? Father, I did return her. That is how she encountered Garrick.” She looked to Lokai perplexed. “Did you not tell him all of this?” He slowly shook his head…grinning. “Then...” Her hand flew to her mouth as she comprehended what was truly going on. “She is missing?”

  King Alred saw her confusion and knew that she had not been referring to the abduction. “Forgive me, Diedre. I thought you knew.” He took a deep breath as he calmed himself. “Seonaid was taken a few hours ago.”

  She had never seen her father so distressed. What was it about Seonaid that made her so special to him? She felt that twinge of jealousy again but she blocked it. If her father wanted Diedre to return her...then return her she would. But first she had to find her.

  “I did not mean to intrude, Father. What are you going to do?”

  “I will meet with Garrick and search for clues. Perhaps I can find her without bloodshed...but I doubt it. It was Fae that took her, I have no doubt! This Fae will pay with his very existence! Garrick has claimed the right...I will not deny him.” He slammed his fist onto the table, toppling a vessel of nectar.

  “May I go with you? Maybe I can help. I wish to atone for my past behavior with her.”

  He smiled half-heartedly. He could think of no good reason to stop her and so, agreed. “We leave now. Before her husband does something rash.”

  Garrick drove the men hard and the horses even harder. He had to get back as speedily as possible… but first he needed to make a hurried stop.

  The horses were heavily lathered as they halted in front of Hagar’s cottage. She scrutinized them perceiving how hard they were breathing and knew something was amiss. Garrick never permitted his animals to be so mistreated. One look at his face told her it was serious.

  “Come inside, Lad, and rest yourself.”

  He shook his head. “There be nae time for pleasantries, Hagar. Someone has stolen me wife. I must go search for her!” He choked out the words in a dry, raspy voice.

  “Ye will be searching for nae one if ye kill the horses!” He looked at the trembling steeds. “Tis all they can manage just ta stand up!”

  Garrick ran his hand through his hair in defeat. “Bloody hell!” He knew that they would need to rest a bit. Pain streaked through his anguished eyes. He was near tears! Hagar put her arm around him guiding him gently inside.

  She fetched a mug of ale for him after he sat. Head in his hands, he began to sob. Heart-wrenching, soul-grabbing sobs wracked him, and try as he might, he could not stop them! She held him like she had when he was a wee bairn, murmuring soothing nonsensical sounds. She combed her gnarled fingers through his black locks until his weeping abated.

  “I can nae hear her, Hagar. I can nae reach her! I fear…I fear…she is...dead.” He scarcely whispered but she heard him voice his terror.

  “Ye must nae think like that, Garrick. It will destroy ye. Ye will be nae good ta her if ye fall apart. Ye must be strong...for Seonaid...and your son!”

  “But I do nae feel her...here!” His fist slammed over his chest. “It can only mean one thing.”

  “Not true,” came a deep voice in the shadows. “This is potent Fae magic. It is obstructing your thought… that is all. The closer you get to her, the stronger your voice becomes. She will hear you then! You must not give up hope!”

  Garrick turned red-rimmed eyes on the king. He was dressed for battle and was a fearsome sight. His eyes flashed with rage.

  “I do nae give up hope, Alred! Tis frustration, helplessness…and fear that brings this on...naught more!”

  The king nodded. “Yes, that I understand. I, too, wept as you have over Seonaid.” He paused as he remembered that day. “Many years ago. But I got her back. That is what counts!”

  Diedre and Lokai strode past the king…sitting down. “What can we...I... do to help, Garrick?” He bristled at first. He did not trust her.

  “Ye can stay out of me way.” His tone cold and insulting.

  “You will show some respect!” Lokai warned him.

  “No, Lokai, I deserve his mistrust. I have been a sore in his side for a long time. I do apologize, Garrick. I know that it is only words to you but I am being truthful.”

  He saw the verity in her eyes. Eyes that appeared exactly like Seonaid’s except for the color. His heart clutched in agony.

  “You truly love her, don’t you Garrick?” She was awed at his intense reaction.

  “More than me own life.”

  She placed her delicate hand on his arm. “We will help to get her back for you… you will see. We need a strategy, Father. Do we know who seized her?”

  Alred shook his head and looked to Lokai. “Any ideas? You were there for several months.”

  “If there was anyone I would suspect it would be his man, Malcolm. He has behaved queerly on occasion. I have, also, noticed a few peculiar expressions that he has given the princess.” His eyes narrowed. “Yes. He would be the one.”

  “How can we persuade him ta tell us where she is? He is nae going ta confess!”

  Diedre got a devious look in her eye. “We must trick him!”

  “No, Diedre! I know that look! Nothing good ever comes from it.”

  “But if I let him seize me he would have to take me where he hides her! All you would have to do is shadow him and save us both!” She rubbed her hands together in glee.

  “Nay! Tis too dangerous.”

  “I agree with Garrick. You forget that we deal with a powerful Fae. Even now he shields all contact with Seonaid.”

  Alred reached beneath his tunic grasping the locket that was a replica to Seonaid’s. A glimmer of hope went through him as he drew it out.

  “Maybe he has not blocked all contact. This locket is drawn to her own. I will return shortly.” He disappeared in a flash.

  Alred reappeared in the deserted garden. Surveying his surroundings, he was disappointed to find no sign of her. He reached out with his mind locating the locket in the grass but he could not see her anyplace. As he knelt down to retrieve the gold heart he bowed his head. This had to be Athor’s doing. No other Fae had this kind of power. Only the royal bloodline! He scowled as he returned to Hagar’s home.

  “-let me try!” She stomped her foot as Alred rematerialized.

  “No, Diedre. You will return home. You are a target as well!” The King looked at Lokai hesitantly then held the locket out to Garrick. “It was in the garden. It will be of no help. But I know who we are dealing with...Athor.” He smashed his fist into his palm vehemently.

  Lokai raised his brows. “Are you certain, Sire? We thought he passed on.”

  He gave him a long look. “Yes, Lokai, it can be no one else. He wants the throne and only the royal blood has this much power. You know this!”

  “The crazy Fae has me wife?” Garrick roared. “Bloody hell! This just keeps getting better all the time!”

  Lokai began to experience fear for the first time since Seonaid disappeared. His father was ruthless. He would not think twice about harming… or even killing her! They needed a plan...and
quickly.

  He turned ice blue eyes on Diedre. “You return home this instant. I will not have you in danger!”

  “But-.”

  “Now!” he bellowed. She dared not argue with him. The look in his eye was a mixture of fear and resolve. She had never seen fright in his eyes before. It vexed her. Her mouth clamped shut as she left.

  Garrick looked at Hagar. “This goes back ta her vision does nae it?” She nodded. “Then we have our strategy.”

  “Our true problem is uncovering her first. How else can Lokai save her while we battle?” Garrick did not know. “Tell me, Garrick. Do you know of any place where she could be hidden away? Some place within a couple hours by horseback from Castle Brodie? An abandoned hut perhaps?”

  Garrick shook his head.

  A cracked voice spoke up just then. “There be the auld Fraser keep on the northwest border. Me and some of the lads used ta explore there when we were bairns. Tis nae much more than crumbling rock but the hall and dungeon still stand.” All eyes turned to Liam.

  “I could kiss ye lad!” Garrick grinned at him. “I had forgotten about that dwelling. Thank ye, Liam. Ye shall be compensated with a foal from Cadence and one of the new mares!” Turning back to the king he said, “That must be where he has concealed her.”

  “It sounds like it. We must plan the battle now. It has to be convincing or he will not believe it. He may be crazy...but he is not senseless.”

  “Liam, are the horses rested?”

  The lad was beaming with pride as he turned toward his laird, not hearing the question, dreaming of his Cadence foal.

  “Liam! The horses?”

  He jumped. “Aye, m’laird. They will do as long as they go nae further than the castle.”

  “Prepare them then. I will be out in a moment. And Liam?”

  “Aye?”