Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  “Nae a word about what ye have seen or heard in here...understood?”

  He nodded. “I will do naught that endangers m’lady.”

  After he left, King Alred smiled. “He seems to be a loyal subject. I like him.”

  “Aye, he is also besotted with me wife. I think it is loyalty ta her that stills his tongue.”

  They finalized their plans and prepared to leave. Hagar walked up to Garrick handing him her staff.

  He stared down at it… puzzled. His eyes rounded as he comprehended that he held the Spear in his hands.

  “Although I appreciate the gesture, Hagar, I will be using a sword when I battle with the king.”

  She shook her head. “Tis nae for the battle with the king. Tis for the battle with Athor. But I warn ye now, it must nae be used in vengeance...only in righteousness! If vengeance be in your heart then let another strike the blow.”

  “Who would that be, pray tell?”

  “Lokai.”

  Chapter XIII

  Angus was standing on the steps in front of the keep as he watched the bedraggled highlanders enter the inner bailey. He could see that they had ridden hard to return. Laird Brodie kenned that his bride was gone. A trickle of sweat rolled down his spine.

  “Mary, see ta the men!” He took a long drink from his skin. The uisge beatha burned as it traveled down his throat. He offered it to Garrick as he drew near. He was going to need it.

  Garrick refused. “Nay, Angus. I must keep a clear head.” He lowered his voice. “Where be Malcolm?”

  “He has been aiding in the search, m’laird. He be in the hall with the men getting some food and rest. Nae one has slept since the fire.”

  His eyes narrowed with the hatred burning in his heart. Not yet, Garrick! He heard the king say. Slowly, he unclenched his hands as he tried to calm his fury. It took several moments to get his mask in place… and several more before he had his heart hardened sufficiently to face him.

  Angus eyed him inquisitively as he scrutinized the turmoil crossing Garrick’s expression. “Twas him?” he asked quietly.

  Garrick gave a brusque nod… not trusting his voice. He swallowed hard before he spoke.

  “Ye are going ta hear me say things this day that must ring true...even if they are nae. All ye need ta ken is that the Fae king and I have a plan.” He turned inflexible eyes on Angus. “Ye must nae interfere nor the clan! Seonaid’s life hinges on it! Can ye do this?”

  “Aye. For ye and m’lady I can do anything.”

  Garrick entered the hall despairingly. This he did not have to pretend. He was bone weary. Mary bustled up to him wringing her hands.

  “Oh, m’laird, come and rest. I will fetch ye some stew and ale.” He looked through her, not really seeing her as he let her lead him to the dais. She motioned a gillie over to serve his fare as he lowered himself in his chair. He stared at it without moving. He was totally focused on Malcolm who was seated just at the edge of his vision.

  Everyone was silent as they ate their meal, not wishing to disturb Garrick.

  Malcolm, too, was silent as he celebrated in his mind. Look at him! He grieves already. Perhaps he will lose his mind! That will make it all the easier to be rid of him. He will be no match for Alred. He smiled.

  A steely cold voice sliced through his thoughts.

  “Ye find this amusing Malcolm?” His eyes were deadly...like a snake choosing its victim.

  All eyes turned on him. “Nay, m’laird. My mind had merely drifted elsewhere for a moment.”

  Garrick did not blink as he stared him down. “I see.” His voice was flat.

  The hackles on Malcolm’s neck began to rise as he saw the truth in Garrick’s black stare. He knows! How could he? No. He cannot know! It is just my conscience playing tricks on me. He shook it off.

  “We have sought m’lady far and wide, Garrick.” Angus drew his attention away from Malcolm. “Wherever she be… tis nae here. Where shall we look next?”

  Garrick chose his words prudently as he observed Malcolm from the corner of his eye. “I have felt a pulling ta the north, mayhap a little westerly. I only stop for replacement mounts and, perhaps, fresh eyes.”

  Malcolm visibly stiffened then forced himself to ease. He could not have penetrated the magical shield that was placed around the ruins. It was just coincidence. He would go there ahead of them and remove her. He could accomplish it before they even became close.

  Garrick knew then that she was there. He saw Malcolm’s reaction to his words, as did Angus. He let out a shaky breath. She is still alive! Thank the heavens! He took a long drink from his mug and began to eat. He would need his strength when this played out.

  As Malcolm rose to leave the hall, Garrick broke the silence.

  “Angus, I will be wanting both ye and Malcolm riding alongside me. Gather as many men as we may need but nae more than thirty. Have Cadence readied and send Liam ta help me with me armor.” Under his breath he said to him, “Do nae let Malcolm out of your sight for an instant. He be Fae.”

  Startled, it was all he could do to keep his face expressionless. “Aye, m’laird. It will be as ye command!”

  Diedre had left them swiftly but she did not return to the palace. She knew she could find her sister. Especially with the locket she now held in her hand. No one saw her take it as they planned their strategy. She smiled to herself. Father will be proud of me when I rescue Seonaid. He will overlook all my other transgressions against her by this one act. She squeezed the locket.

  Diedre traveled swiftly, traversing the highlands in her search for Seonaid. It was growing dark as she finally sensed a touch of warmth emanating from the golden heart. It was faint...but it was there. She had suspected that her father had physically linked the locket to Seonaid…and she was correct. Her gamble was paying off.

  Diedre scrutinized the area, finally locating a rundown keep in the distance. There! She must be there! Diedre clapped her hands in delight. I have found her! Father will be thrilled!

  She crept close to the crumbling building as silently as was possible. She realized that no one was guarding it and quickened her pace only to run into an unseen barrier.

  Damn! A shield. I should have known. Oh well. It will just take me a little longer to find a weak spot. She proceeded to test every inch of the shield.

  Seonaid shivered, then groaned, as pain wracked her bruised body. What happened? Where am I? Then she recalled Malcolm and what he had done to her. The room was dank and so dark she could not see her hand in front of her. For a moment she feared that she was blind. Something scurried past her and she squealed. Rats! I hate rats!

  She used her hands to feel the floor, finding it to be made of stone. Cold slimy stone. Reaching further, her hands brushed a blanket and she snatched it to her. She wrapped it around her shoulders as she shivered. That is when she caught the scent. As she brought it closer to her face, she inhaled deeply. Garrick! She could smell his scent mixed with leather and pine. I must have his plaid. A single tear rolled down her cheek. He must be worried sick. She calmed herself as much as she could, then reached out to him with her thoughts. Nothing. What if her vision has come true? What if he is dead? Her hand instinctively covered her stomach as she thought of the babe.

  Our babe seems fine, at least. Garrick! Her mind screamed out to the void. Garrick! Please be alive.

  Mo cridhe! I hear ye, me love! Thank the heavens. Are ye harmed?

  Just bruised. I can nae see anything though. All is blackness. Watch out for Malcolm, husband! Twas him!

  Aye, mo gradh. I am aware. He is with me, so rest easy till I come for ye. Our babe is well?

  Aye, I believe it is so. All feels sound.

  Tis good. We must keep silence now. I do nae wish him aware that we can speak. Ken that I love ye, wife, and ye will be home shortly.

  Her heart swelled. I love you, as well, husband. More than you will ever ken.

  He was close. That was all she required to know to bolster her courage. Sighing in r
elief, she inched around the room until she found a door. She tugged on it but it would not budge. Locked! She sank to the floor in defeat, huddling in the plaid. Hugging her knees, she finally fell into a fitful sleep.

  Garrick had kept his eye on Malcolm as they spoke but he gave no indication that he was aware of the conversation. He glanced at the gloaming sky. They would have to stop for the night. There was no getting around it.

  “Liam!”

  “Aye, m’laird.” He pulled his horse alongside Cadence.

  “How much further do ye ken?”

  Liam looked around himself at the landmarks. “Near five hours at this pace, m’laird. Mayhap six.”

  He scowled in frustration. “Angus! Make camp! We will rest a few hours. Robbie!”

  He rode up to Garrick. In a lower voice he commanded, “Keep a discreet eye on Malcolm. Do nae let him out of your sight, ye ken?”

  “Aye, Garrick.”

  Garrick strolled a short distance from camp and called Lokai to him. Seeing him in the trees, he walked over pretending to relieve himself.

  “I have reached her! She must be in the auld keep.”

  “She is well?”

  “Well enough. I am still too distant from her and I fear that he will reach her first. We must stop for the night. Will ye go ta her and keep watch for him in case he slips away?”

  Lokai nodded. “Yes, I can do that much, but only Athor can lower the shields. I might be able to slip in if he appears, though.”

  “He will have ta go there if he plans on moving her. Tis me fear.”

  “When he sees you fall, that is when he will bring her...to taunt the king.”

  “Aye, I ken it.”

  “Do not fret, Brother. I will do my very best to protect the princess...and I am very, very good.” Then he was gone.

  She was jolted awake by the sound of a key turning the rusty lock. Garrick has found me! He is here! As the door opened, allowing the light of a torch, her smile faded from her lips. It was Malcolm!

  “Are you glad to see me princess? You smile and yet it leaves so hastily. Were you foolish enough to believe your husband had come? No matter. Come. I have brought food.” His hand snaked out grasping her arm as he pulled her up the cold stone steps to the hall.

  She blinked her eyes rapidly trying to adjust to the brighter lighting. He propelled her toward a table. She stumbled then caught her balance before she could fall.

  He examined his handiwork on her face as she sat down on a rickety stool. One eye was almost swollen shut, there was a cut on her brow and her lower lip was split. She cried out in protest as he jerked off the plaid, exposing the many bruises on her body visible through the thin chemise. He nodded in approval.

  “You stand a beating well, wench.” He gave her a sardonic grin. “I can see that we will do well together.”

  She shuddered but remained mute.

  “Eat!”

  She looked uncertainly at the food before her. She selected some bread and began nibbling on it. She feared that nothing else would stay down.

  She hesitated as he spoke. “Your husband comes. Yes, I thought that would get your attention.” He smirked.

  “He will not protect you. Neither will King Alred. They will destroy each other in the morn. If you are pleasant to me I will let you watch. Would you like that?”

  Seonaid set the bread down folding her hands in her lap demurely. “You will do as you wish, Malcolm.” Her eyes turned to his scarred face. “But ken this...whether my husband or father save me or nae, I will never be agreeable to you. You are nae as worthy as the dung Garrick scrapes from his boots!”

  Crack! Seonaid was knocked to the floor by the force of the blow, fresh blood filling her mouth. She gagged on the metallic taste as she slowly rose from the rushes to her knees.

  “I see you still need to learn some manners!” he roared. “You will show me respect!”

  She’d had enough! She was tired of cringing in fright. This man had no right to strike Garrick’s wife! She was sickened by her cowardice and she disgraced her husband by tolerating this treatment. Well…nae more! I am Laird Brodie’s wife and the Countess of Elgin! I will nae take this behavior lying down! From somewhere unfathomable inside her she drew out a fury that had no reason. She rose from her knees flying at him in a wild frenzy, clawing and scratching at his face.

  Malcolm snickered with glee as he trapped her hands behind her hauling her up against his hard body.

  “You are a little spitfire, are you not? We will have much pleasure in our bed sport, I think.” He chuckled as he forced her bleeding lips apart with his tongue. She thrashed against him attempting to free herself, but it merely inflamed him more. His shaft engorged rapidly as he deepened the kiss. He forced her down into the stale rushes as he shoved her chemise past her hips.

  Malcolm used his knee, forcing her thighs wide, then established himself betwixt them. She screamed in pain as he bit her creamy breast while he pushed his kilt aside. Tears streamed down her face as he raised his hips to plunge inside her. All of a sudden she was free.

  She blinked the tears from her eyes to see the wraith standing over Malcolm grasping a small tree limb, smiling triumphantly.

  “Who are you? How did you find me?”

  Diedre dropped the branch and, picking up the plaid, wrapped it round Seonaid’s trembling shoulders.

  “I am your sister, Diedre. Well, actually, I am your half-sister. We share the same father. But we can speak of this later. Come. We must leave here!”

  Diedre helped her sister stumble to the door. As she met the same barrier she had run into before Malcolm arrived, she stomped her foot in frustration. “Oh bother!”

  “Yes, well, I suppose it is a bother to you...but not to me.” Malcolm glared at her then smirked. “What luck I have! Now I have both of the king’s daughters. He will not be pleased.” He threw back his head, laughing.

  “Since you have put me out of the mood for bed sport temporarily, I suppose I will put you up for the night.” He forced them both to the dungeon and locked the door, adding a spell there to keep Diedre contained.

  Lokai had gotten there too late. He spied Diedre attempting to leave with her sister but she was obstructed by the shield. His heart chilled at the sight of her being dragged back inside.

  Diedre! That little fool! Why does she not listen? Now Athor has two swords to hold over the king’s head! Lokai ground his teeth. It would have done no good to have gotten himself trapped behind the shield along with the princesses. He must bide his time for a better opportunity.

  He melted into the shadows as he watched Malcolm exit the keep alone. He was reassured they were still within when he saw him replace the shield as he departed.

  Lokai deliberated on what his next actions should be. Informing the king about Diedre would make no difference in the aftermath. The same was true of Garrick. He rubbed his smooth chin. Athor cannot have a shield around them if he removes them from the crumbling building so he would wait for his opportunity to arise. Until then, he would inspect the shield discreetly to see if all angles were covered.

  Candles instantly appeared all about the small cell. “I detest the dark!” Diedre pouted. She lit more candles. “Oooh! This place is filthy!”

  She turned to Seonaid huddling in the plaid. Her face was bloodied and bruised. Her hair a fiery tumbled mass, surrounding it. She gasped as she comprehended that her sister had been brutalized by this Fae.

  “I could heal some of your injuries if you would like.”

  Seonaid shook her head.

  “No? Why not? Do you enjoy pain?” She was aghast.

  Seonaid raised up her bright green eyes to Diedre’s with scorn. “Do nae be ludicrous! Of course I do nae relish the pain. But Garrick deserves the right to see what this man has done to me and dole out his retribution accordingly! I can tolerate a wee bit of pain to give him the dignity of kenning that he did right by me.”

  Diedre chewed her lip. “Did he rape you?”
/>   “Nay...but it was a close thing. If you had nae struck when you did...” She shivered. “Thank you for aiding me.”

  “I did not help like I had intended. I thought he would keep the shield down while he was in the keep but he did not. Now we are both imprisoned! Father is going to be very angry with me...again.”

  Seonaid gave a half-hearted smile. “You do this often then?”

  “I would not say ‘often’… but I do tweak his ire more than I probably should.” She flicked her hand and a table appeared bursting with tasty delicacies. “We may as well be comfortable while we wait for them to rescue us. Come. Sit and eat while we get better acquainted.” Two posh chairs materialized adjacent to the table. She sat… tapping the second one. “When we finish, I will arrange us a place to sleep. This space is a bit crowded.”

  Seonaid sat as her stomach growled noisily. The food smelled delicious! She dove in as Diedre told her all about their connection, cleaning the cell with a flick of her hand here and a nod there, until it was totally converted into a cozy little room for two...complete with a fireplace.

  “So, Seonaid, how do you like the husband I selected for you?”

  Milk sprayed from her mouth as she choked on a shocked gasp.

  “What do you mean ‘you selected him’? He found me in the copses.”

  “True, true. But I directed him to you subconsciously…well…his horse anyway. Do not misconstrue. I had no control over his affections for you but I was certain you would be a match.”

  She looked at her naive sister incredulously. She was so certain that everything she did would work out. What if Garrick had been a cruel man disposed to thrashing women? She shook her head.

  “We suit each other.”

  She beamed. “I knew it! He is a fine highlander! And you have seized his heart wholly. He wept over you, you know...when he thought you dead.”

  Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Truly?”

  Diedre grasped her hand giving it a small squeeze. “Truly.” She considered the cell seeing that Seonaid was finished with her repast and removed the table. She relocated two small beds covered in warm furs in the next instant.