Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  “Twas nae your doing, William.” Garrick dropped his hand to his shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I do nae fault ye and neither would your mistress...so do nae blame yourself. Ye will see. All will be well.” William nodded mutely.

  The king established a large camp to shelter everybody. There was a large tent for meals and the king’s bed, a smaller tent for Garrick and his wife, and a third tent for Lokai and the men.

  Garrick sought his wife, discovering that she had been moved to their tent. Upon entering, he found Lokai bending over her rotating his hands in a circular motion a few inches above her wound.

  He straightened when he detected Garrick standing at the entrance. “I have healed her injury but it will take a little bit of time for her strength to return. She lost a lot of blood.”

  He nodded as he stared at her motionless form. “Has she wakened?”

  “No… not yet. But her weakness in all probability is the cause. It could be several days before she does. You must be patient.”

  “Aye. I will wait for as long as is required...for her to mend. However,” he turned cold eyes on Lokai, “I will nae be so tolerant with Diedre! I require answers! Where is she?”

  Lokai stiffened. Diedre? Of course. How else would she have gotten there? And just where was she? I have not seen her since I left the palace. His eyes hardened.

  “I have not seen her Garrick. But rest assured...she will explain herself to all of us as soon as I feel at ease leaving Seonaid.”

  Garrick walked slowly to the bed never removing his gaze from her. She was so still. He sat heavily in a chair next to her and stroked her bruised cheek. He had failed to safeguard her. The king was correct. His eyes grew weighty as exhaustion overtook him. He stripped off his weapons, laying them within reach and stretched out beside her in bed. Tucking her into his embrace, he kissed her cheek and slept.

  Comprehending that there was nothing else he could do for her, Lokai departed the tent to search out the king.

  King Alred was breaking his fast when Lokai arrived in the large tent. He glanced up as he entered.

  “How fares my daughter, Lokai? Will she be sound?”

  “Yes, your Majesty, I see no reason that she would not. She sleeps to regain her strength.”

  “Is she safeguarded? I will tolerate no more mishaps in her life.”

  “Garrick is by her side. It would take an army of Fae to drag him from there, I think.”

  King Alred smiled. “He does seem to be a bit attached to her. That is good.”

  Lokai’s grin left his face. “Or one sister.”

  Alred studied his face speculating what he had meant. He sighed despairingly. “What has Diedre done now?”

  Lokai sat as he snatched an apple to eat. As he meticulously peeled away the skin he asked the king a question.

  “I left both of your daughters at the palace before I joined you here. Have you questioned how Seonaid appeared in the lea? And just where is her sweet sister? Have you seen her?”

  Alred swore as he comprehended what Lokai was saying. “That girl will be the death of me yet! Locate her! I would speak to her of this!” His fist hit the table.

  Lokai bowed as he popped the last bite of apple in his mouth. “As you wish, Sire.” And he was gone.

  Four days had passed. Four days where Seonaid had not stirred. Garrick never left her side except when essential to relieve himself. He cleansed her, made plans for their future with her, murmured to her and, finally...beseeched her to return to him. Nothing worked.

  Lokai found him clasping her hand as he caressed it absently, watching her serene face. He walked over and examined her finding nothing amiss. Her spirit to live appeared to be draining from her body, yet he could find no basis for it.

  Garrick raised tortured eyes to him. “What is wrong with her, Lokai? Why does she nae wake?”

  “I am not certain of why… but she seems to have lost the will to live. Can you think of any reason for that? Perhaps something that occurred in the battle?”

  Garrick’s eyes widened with understanding. “She believed she saw me fall! That is when I heard her scream! The vision. She must think she saw me death!”

  Lokai nodded. “Yes. That must be it. Have you tried to reach her with your thoughts?”

  “Aye. After she had rested a couple of days...but I could nae locate her. She is too deep...too far away.” He shook his head wretchedly. “I can nae touch her, Lokai.”

  Lokai squeezed his shoulder. “Do not give up hope just yet, Brother. I will help you reach out to her...but know that there are risks. If she is too far away you may not be able to grasp her...or you could become lost there as well.”

  Garrick leapt up full of hope. “I do nae care! Without Seonaid I have nae wish ta return!”

  “It will not be easy to convince her that you live, and believe me...you will have to persuade her of that or she will not return.”

  “Aye. I can do that.”

  “I need assistance performing this effort...will you consent to it? Diedre must link her power with mine so that I do not lose your soul in this attempt.”

  “Diedre!” he scowled as his hands formed into fists.

  “Yes...Diedre. Will you accept her aid for your wife’s sake? Your heir’s?”

  His eyes were black with rage up until they brushed over Seonaid. Her face was so pale. His heart twisted in pain. “Aye. I will accept even her help if it will save me wife.”

  “Good! Go and eat. You will need all your strength. This could take a long time. But be mindful that she must come back soon...or she will be lost to us. I will watch over her while you prepare.”

  Garrick tucked the furs around her, kissed her brow and left her to make ready. He gave instructions to his men as he ate his fill, telling them not to fear.

  “Tis just a different kind of journey that I must travel alone. If all is lost, Angus will be your laird. If only Seonaid returns...Angus will be your steward until me son comes of age. Angus, ye will see him suitably trained?”

  “Aye, m’laird, it will be as ye wish. But I ken ye will be fetching your lady back...and yourself. A lad needs his da!”

  With a wide grin, Garrick slapped him on the back. “Ye be right about that Angus!” He rose and returned to Seonaid’s side.

  He glanced over at Diedre who kept her eyes down, her face filled with remorse. “Answer me one question, lass, before we begin.”

  She raised tear-filled eyes… nodding.

  “Why? Why did ye bring her here and put her in peril?”

  Her eyes darted to Lokai then back. “Because she wished it. She believed you were going to die and she wanted to save you. I was not going to take her but she said ‘If it were Lokai...I would do no less’. And she was right. So I transported her. I am sorry, Garrick.”

  He stared at her contemplating her answer. Nodding, he lay down beside Seonaid, settling her in his warm embrace.

  Garrick closed his eyes, clearing his mind of all errant thoughts as he concentrated on searching her out. All was shadow as he traveled through the fog. His cries muffled by the thickness of it as he called out to her. There was no indication of her on this level...so he went deeper. Eyes straining in the dark. Throat raw from calling to her.

  It had been hours and still he found nothing. He had reached the limit of the darkness that he could travel unaided when he felt a gentle shove thrust him deeper still.

  His heart began to warm marginally. She was close! He sensed her! The light scent of heather drifted his way. He half sobbed as he hastened his pace. There! I see light there!

  The sight before him was incredible! There was a pool of crystal-clear water hemmed in by vibrantly painted flowers of all shapes and sizes. Above was a canopy of pulsating green foliage blocking a cerulean sky. Seonaid sat on a flat stone languidly trailing her fingers through the liquid, her emerald eyes distant and unfocused.

  He stood at the edge of the scene drinking in the vision of her. She looked up at him but did
not show wonder. Her eyes reflected resignation instead. She smiled forlornly.

  “I have been waiting for you to fetch me to the Netherworld. What has taken so long?”

  “Netherworld? Why would I do that? Ye are nae dead. Nor are ye injured. Lokai healed ye but ye do nae wake. Why, lass? Why do ye nae return ta me?”

  “There is nae anything to return to, Garrick. With you dead all that is left is pain and solitude...and an ache that never ceases in my soul.”

  “But I live, mo cridhe! Even now I hold ye in me arms!”

  She coveted in her heart to believe him. More than anything else… she sought that. She shook her head in resignation.

  “Nay. I saw you fall. It was my vision in verity! You have died and now I imagine my fondest wish.”

  Garrick was at her side in three strides. He jerked her up against him in frustration and kissed her. “Does that feel like a dead man ta ye?”

  She cried out in anguish as she clutched his tunic, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  “Why do you torture me so? I ken what I saw! Ye could nae have survived such a blow!”

  He ran his fingers through his ebony hair while wracking his brain for a way to persuade her to return. He hugged her close as he murmured, “What of our bairn? Do ye end his life as well, mo gradh? Believe me when I say that I live. The king and I merely put on a display for Malcolm. Twas nae a true battle!”

  Her hand went to her flat stomach. Then she gave him a cry of dismay. “I have been selfish! I had nae considered our babe dying. I must return...but how? I am truly lost in here.”

  Garrick’s face shone. He leered at her as he responded, “We shall return the same as we did before. Then ye shall see me embracing ye in me arms...alive and well!”

  “Truthfully?”

  “Aye, m’anam. I would nae lie ta ye. Are ye ready, me love?”

  Seonaid beamed as hope returned to her heart once again. His hand threaded into her fiery tresses, gently seizing her nape as he lowered his soft lips to hers. Lightning shot through her as their souls relinked in a blaze of multi-colored lights. He slanted his mouth on hers, expanding the kiss. Her lips parted and his tongue charged in grasping all of her senses. She groaned as her body endeavored to melt into his as all thought escaped her.

  He felt her capitulation to his touch as his shaft enlarged with need. His free hand drifted down her spine to her lower back and pressed her firmly against his groin. His heart was hammering in time with her own as small gasps escaped her lips.

  He perceived a loud cry behind him as the darkness disappeared.

  “It worked, Lokai! See! Father will be pleased with me again!” Diedre clapped her hands together in happiness as she bounded around to him giving him an immense hug.

  Lokai had kept his eyes closed as he focused on guiding Garrick through the black fog. They shot open at Diedre’s outburst and he glanced at the bed.

  Relief swept over him as he saw both Seonaid and Garrick were awake. It was risky, what they had attempted. Lokai had never endeavored anything like it before. He had made the journey himself but he had never led anyone else through the fog. He was pleased that it was successful, breaking into a wide grin.

  “We are no longer needed here, Diedre, and you have an appointment with the king.”

  Garrick glanced his way as they were parting. “I thank ye...both...for your aid. I will never be able to repay ye for this boon!”

  “Think nothing of it, Brother. It is my pleasure to do this.”

  Garrick glanced at Diedre. “I would speak with King Alred before he casts judgment on Diedre. She must have an appropriate chastisement.”

  Her eyes shot to Garrick in horror! Oh dear! He may go so far as to ask for my head! I have been a thorn to him for many years! She was doomed. She hung her head as Lokai led her away.

  Chapter XV

  He felt her soft caress on his stubbly cheek and turned into it kissing her palm affectionately. Tears misted his eyes as he gazed at his wife’s exotic counterparts. He snatched her hand, bringing it to his lips as he repeatedly kissed it.

  “I never thought I would see your emerald eyes again, mo cridhe! Thank God that ye are back...safe in me arms.”

  “You are truly unscathed. I thought I was dreaming when I saw you...until you kissed me. I have dreamt of your kiss before but it was never so real when I did. I see colors when we kiss for real...that is how I kenned it.”

  His unkempt face broke into a wide grin. His eyes softened as he leaned over kissing her fervently with all the love in his heart. “Ye see colors, ye say?”

  “Aye, wondrous colors that explode to create new colors that I can nae name.”

  “Do ye ken what I see when we kiss?”

  She shook her head.

  “I see our future; secured together with tight knots of multi-colored ribbon that nae one can sever.” His eyes grew wistful. “I see our bairns being born, growing up ta be fine strong warriors and beautiful princesses! And I see us growing auld together in this life...and in future lives. I see it here...in me heart!” He thumped his chest.

  Seonaid wrapped her arms round his neck and clasped his muscular body as tears seeped from the corners of her eyes. “I love you so much, husband. Words are never enough to express how much. You are my life...my reason for existing. Never leave me, Garrick...promise me!”

  He held her firmly to him. “Aye, lass. I vow ta ye that… and more. Ye own me heart...me soul...and me body! I love ye with all of that and still I wish ta give ye more. It does nae feel like enough, nevertheless, tis all I have ta give ye.”

  “Tis enough, Garrick.” She kissed his cheek and then a devilish look crossed her face. “There is something more you could give me, husband.”

  “Anything, Seonaid, just name it.”

  She grinned at him. “You could fetch me something to eat. I am getting a mite peckish.”

  He laughed back. “Well it has been four days since ye ate so tis understandable that ye would be peevish.” He placed his hand on her stomach. “The bairn must be starving as well!”

  He was gone in a flash. Seonaid glanced around the tent locating the chamber pot. She made quick use of it and was laying back down when he returned.

  “What are ye doing?” he bellowed at her.

  She gave him a startled look before speaking. “I thought it might be wise to use the chamber pot instead of the bed to relieve myself!”

  He glanced at her awkwardly. “Pardon me outburst, mo gradh. This has been a distressing sennight for me.” He brought a tray heaped high with food to the bedside.

  She raised her brow at the mountain of food.

  “Are you nae hungry, husband?”

  He sputtered, glancing at the food then at her, catching a small teasing smile on her lips. He grinned.

  “I should make ye eat every bite for that tease but I feel mercy in me heart for ye...only ye.”

  She glanced up, recognizing that he was referring to Diedre. “She only did what I asked of her. She thought she was doing the right thing, Garrick. Please keep that in mind and temper your anger towards her. If you need to be angry...then direct it at me. Twas my error...nae hers.”

  He said nothing as he began feeding her. He knew Seonaid was right. He would show mercy where Diedre was concerned. But she must learn that there are consequences for her actions...else she will continue doing the wrong thing without weighing the outcome. He would speak with Alred about it later.

  They finished their meal in quiet companionship...not requiring words...just relishing the nearness of each other in silence. Then Garrick made love to his wife with an aching sweetness as their souls and bodies joined as one.

  Garrick gathered her in his arms when they were sated, holding her nestled against his bare chest as they drifted off to sleep.

  Lokai seized Diedre by the arm as they left Garrick and Seonaid to get reacquainted after their ordeal. Without saying a word, he led her to her father’s tent.

  She glanced apprehen
sively at him several times as she practically ran to keep up. He did not look at her. Oh...he is very angry at me! Father must be furious then! Tears began to well as her fear grew. What are they going to do to me? Make me mortal? She shuddered.

  “Save your tears, Diedre. They will not help you this time! You will declare all to the king!”

  “But I-.”

  “NO!” he roared. “I want nothing to pass your lips but the truth! I grow weary of your games.”

  She clamped her mouth shut. A stabbing pain slammed into her heart at Lokai’s displeasure and wrath. His opinion of her was imperative and she feared that she had pushed him too far.

  Her father appeared unapproachable as they entered his private chamber in the tent. His eyes were stony as they glanced at her.

  Lokai spoke first. “Your Majesty, Seonaid is well… as is her husband. He asks to speak with you before you pronounce a decree on Diedre.”

  “He will have his say in the matter. For now, I want answers from her lips.” He turned his gaze to her and waited.

  She licked her lips glancing at Lokai. He crossed his arms and lifted his chin, refusing to return the look.

  Diedre trembled as she recognized the significance of this audience with the king. He was not her father this day. He was King of the Fae...and her… a subject.

  Deep regret filled her as she grasped that she had doubtless lost her betrothed...and perhaps, her father with her cleverness. It was not worth it.

  She had nothing left to lose so, stoically, she began cataloging all of her transgressions that she had committed since she was a small girl. After more than an hour of confession, the king held up his hand, halting her.

  Under tremendous strain not to smile, or burst out laughing, he said, “Do us a kindness and circumvent your middle years. Get to your trespasses regarding Garrick and your sister.”

  Once again, she glanced toward Lokai. He had insisted on a full admission but she must obey her father. She was disheartened to see that he had turned his back to her as his body quavered with rage. Tears spilled over as she appreciated that he no longer sought a monster such as she for a bride.