by B. J. Scott
Lilith rose and cupped Gwen’s chin. “All the more reason you must find Beatha, my dear.” She moved to the door and opened it. “Mara!”
“Aye, m’lady.” The lass appeared and bobbed a curtsey. “Is there something you need?”
“I’d like you to have a bathing tub sent up to my chamber and ask that you help Lady Gweneth bathe and change her clothes.” Before Mara could respond, Lilith moved to a large wooden trunk in the corner of the room and opened the lid. “My gowns should fit her nicely. I think the blue one will compliment her eyes and lovely blonde hair.” She pulled a satin gown from the trunk and laid it on the bed.
“Your daughter?” Mara spoke to her mistress, but stared at Gwen for a moment, then bowed. “Forgive me, m’lady, I thought you were a servant.”
“It seems we were all mistaken.” Lilith moved to where Gwen stood and hooked her arm around her shoulders. “I was carrying twins and was told my daughter died at birth. But I learned today that the old woman who delivered my babes lied to me, and raised my daughter as her own. I now know the truth and welcome my bairn home.” She hugged Gwen, then released her. “I hope you will obey Gweneth and show her the same respect you do me.”
“Of course, I’d be honored to assist her in any way I can. The news must have made your heart sing, m’lady.” Mara smiled at Gwen. “I noticed the likeness right away and I’m happy you are home where you belong, Lady Gweneth.”
“Thank you. This is all new to me, but I am sure I will adjust,” Gwen replied. It was the best response she could come up with on the spur of the moment, but she was still processing this whole thing and trying to make sense of it.
The idea of soaking in a tub of hot water sounded glorious, especially after spending the night on the cold, damp ground in the forest. However having someone present while she bathed and dressed was something she really didn’t relish. Gwen considered telling Lilith she didn’t need any assistance with personal care, but it was customary in this time period for the ladies of the house to have servants, so she decided it was better to go along, rather than to appear ungrateful.”
“I knew I could count on you, Mara. Lady Gweneth will stay in my chamber with me until the steward finds her one of her own. Until he does, you will act as her maid.”
“I will see to the tub, then return to assist you, Lady Gweneth.” Mara curtsied, then scurried out of the room.
“Once you’ve bathed, you may wish to rest,” Lilith said. “I’m sure you must be exhausted and the next meal willna be for hours. I will have Mara bring you something to eat and drink. Feel free to use my solar as you wish.” She pulled Gwen into a tight embrace, then released her. “Words canna express how happy I am to have you here with me.”
Gwen’s throat constricted with emotion, and for a moment, she couldn’t speak as a strange warmth washed over her, and she felt a connection to Lilith, an emotion stronger than anything she’d ever experienced. She waited for the lairdess to leave the room, then sat on the edge of the bed. She couldn’t explain any of this and had to find Beatha.
~ * ~
MacQuin Castle 2017
Kyle stalked the length of the castle visitor center, then halted where Beth was standing, staring out the window. He cupped her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “They’ll find her, kiddo, they have to.” He was not sure he believed what he was saying, and the gaping hole in his chest and the gnawing at the pit of his stomach seemed to grow as each hour passed. If anything happened to Gwen, he wasn’t sure he could go on, or if he would want to. From the day they met, he’d felt an undeniable connection. It was like their love had been pre-ordained, and the more time they spent together, the stronger that bond became. There were so many things he wished he’d told her, but he didn’t want to crowd or pressure her in any way. He knew she had her reservations about marriage, and he loved her enough to wait, and hoped she’d come to realize they were meant to be together. His chest tightened and the thought he might never see her again gutted him.
“It’s been almost twenty-four hours since she disappeared. Where could she be?” Beth turned to face Kyle, tears brimming in her eyes.
“You’re exhausted. I wish you would go back to the hotel and get some rest. I promise to call if the police find anything.” He tugged Beth against his chest and hugged her.
“I’m not going anywhere until they find her,” Beth sobbed. “Gwen wouldn’t desert me and I’m not going to abandon her either. I’m staying here and you’re not going to convince me otherwise.”
Kyle gently stroked her back as Beth released a torrent of tears. “Okay. But will you at least go into the office and put your feet up for a bit, try to catch a nap?”
Beth dragged her fist across her eyes, then peered up at him and nodded. “I’ll rest, but if anything happens, you have to promise to come and get me.”
“Cross my heart.” Kyle said, and smiled.
“Did you call your grandfather and tell him you wouldn’t be back as planned? I wonder if anyone has let Gwen’s parents know what’s happened.”
“I called her parents first thing this morning. I was hoping they’d find her last night and there would be no reason to alarm them, but when the searchers failed to locate her, I figured I had better let them know,” Kyle explained. “Her dad said they were going to catch the first available flight from the States. The police have sent an escort to the airport to pick them up, and I image they will be here soon. I just wish I had better news. I hated to be the one to—” he paused midsentence and narrowed his gaze.
“What’s wrong?” Beth asked.
Kyle stared out the window and pointed at a hooded figure standing at the edge of the forest. “Have you noticed that person hanging around the castle before now?”
Beth turned to look in the direction Kyle was pointing. “Who do you think it is? I don’t recall seeing them before. Maybe it’s someone who came out to help in the search.”
“I don’t know who it is, but I’m going to find out.” Kyle hurried out the door of the visitor center, picking up the pace as he sprinted towards the forest. “Hey there! I want to talk to you,” he called after the figure when it disappeared into the trees. “Damn.” He cursed, entering the tangle of branches and bracken, catching his sweater on a thorn and cutting his forearm. But it wasn’t the injury that bothered him. The person he was seeking had vanished and he had no idea in what direction they’d headed.
Kyle scoured the area, looking for the elusive stranger, but his search came up empty. Frustrated, he turned, about to head back to the visitor center when he heard a branch snap behind him. He spun on his heel. “Who are you and what were you doing lurking in the shadows?”
“I could ask you the same question, but I already know the answers.”
“I don’t know how that’s possible,” Kyle replied. “I’m Dr. Kyle Mackay and my girlfriend Gwen Lindsay has been missing since Samhain Eve. Do you know anything about her disappearance?” He closed the gap between them, while the stranger stood his ground, but when Kyle prepared to grab him and demand answers to his questions, he realized he was confronting an old woman.
“I know who you are and why you’re here,” the woman hissed. “But you willna find Lady Gweneth on this plane of existence.”
“Then tell me where she is,” Kyle demanded. “Is she okay, is she injured?” Heart hammering, he waited for a reply, but when she didn’t answer, he feared the worst. “If you won’t speak to me, maybe you’ll tell the police what they need to know.” He wrapped his hand around the woman’s upper arm, prepared to drag her by force if necessary, but heat radiated from her skin, followed by a shock that burned his hand, and excruciating pain raced up his arm.
“What the hell just happened?” Stunned when the powerful shock he’d just experienced forced him to let go of her arm and he landed unceremoniously on his butt, Kyle glared up at the woman in disbelief. He knew he shouldn’t have grabbed her the way he did, but couldn’t understand how a petite old woman could wield such
power. His concern for Gwen got the better of him and he’d behaved inexcusably, something he needed to control.
“I go nowhere and speak to no one unless it is my choice,” she said, then pointed her boney finger in his direction. “Best you remember that, Kyle MacKay, or what you just experienced will be the least of your worries.”
“Then answer my question. If you know where Gwen is, tell me.” Kyle caught the anger and desperation in his tone, so he softened his voice. “Please.” If he’d learned anything in his seven years working with kids, they responded better to a gentle voice and touch than they did to a harsh one. He stood, then brushed the dirt and leaves from his clothing, before he continued. “I’m sorry if I hurt you or startled you. I had no right to touch you, but noticed you lurking around the castle grounds. Gwen is missing and I thought maybe you might know what happened to her. If you have any information about her whereabouts, I’d be grateful.”
The woman’s brow furrowed and she tapped her finger against her forehead, studying Kyle before speaking. “I do know where Lady Gweneth is, but doubt you’ll believe me.”
“Lady Gweneth?” Kyle steepled his hands as if in prayer and returned the woman’s gaze. “Please. I beg you to tell me what you know. We’ve been scouring the area in and around the castle ruins for hours and have turned up nothing. It’s like she vanished into thin air.”
“You can search, but you willna find her. I told you that Gweneth is no longer on this plane of existence.”
His chest constricted and he couldn’t breathe, her words hitting him like a crushing blow to the chest. He squared his shoulders and looked the woman in the eye. “Are you telling me Gwen is dead?” He almost choked on the words, but he had to know. During his career, he’d had to deliver more than his share of bad news to parents of terminally ill children. He’d dealt with the deaths of patients, his own parents, and his grandmother, but the thought of losing Gwen was unbearable. Every minute she was gone, he missed and loved her more.
“Gweneth is not dead, but she is gone,” the woman said.
Kyle gave his head a rough shake. “I don’t understand. Explain.”
“Even if I tell you, I’m na sure you are worthy or will believe me.”
“I love Gwen wholeheartedly and will do anything to get her back.” Kyle thumped his fist against his chest. “If that’s not enough, tell me what you want and I’ll do my best to comply.” It took every ounce of restraint he could muster to keep from grabbing the woman again and demanding answers, but he knew better than to try. “Don’t write me off until you give me a chance, Gwen’s life might depend on it. Anything you can tell me could be helpful.”
“My name is Beatha,” she began, then sat on a fallen tree and patted the spot beside her. “You may want to sit for this.”
Kyle sat beside her. “I‘m ready. What did you mean when you said Gwen was no longer on this plane of existence?”
“Let’s see how well you handle what I have to say. Then I will decide if you are worthy,” Beatha said. “I will start by asking if you believe in magic, the fae, and past lives.”
“If you’re asking if I am superstitious and believe in Scottish folklore, the answer is no. I’m a doctor, a man of science who believes a person’s life and fate are destined by how they choose to live, not because it is preordained,” Kyle said, even though this strange woman gave him pause for thought. If he spent enough time around her, he might just change his mind.
“Then this discussion has ended.” Beatha rose and began to walk away. “Scottish blood flows through your veins and I hoped you were a smart man, but I guess I was mistaken.”
“Wait!” Kyle sprang to his feet and jogged after her. “You didn’t tell me how I can find Gwen.”
Beatha shook her head. “If you dinna believe, there is no point in continuing. Not only have you forsaken Gweneth, but you shame and dishonor your ancestors as well.”
“Why you won’t help me?” She really had him perplexed. What his acceptance of the fae and ancient legends had to do with Gwen’s disappearance was beyond him, but it was obviously important to her.
“In order to save Gweneth, you must be a believer,” she said. “You must open your mind and heart, embrace your Highland ancestry, and become one with the past if you wish to find her before it is too late.”
“Fine. I’ll do whatever you say, believe anything you want me to.” Kyle could hardly contain his emotions, and if Gwen was in danger, he needed to find her as soon as possible. “Tell me what I have to do to help her. Just name it. Please.”
“Things are na that simple,” Beatha said. “If you wish to find Gweneth, you must embrace the past because that is where she is.”
Certain the old woman was delusional, Kyle staggered backwards and almost lost his balance. He clung to a nearby tree for support and glared back at her. “Are you telling me she’s somehow gone back in time?” He threw his hands in the air and began to pace. “This is crazy, people can’t time travel, it’s physiologically impossible and defies all known laws of physics.”
“Then there is no point in us speaking any longer.” Again Beatha tried to leave, but Kyle blocked her way.
“Please don’t go. The police haven’t been able to find Gwen and we don’t know where else to look.” Kyle couldn’t believe was he was about to say, but he was getting desperate. “Let’s say for arguments sake that I do believe you. If Gwen’s in the past and I’m in the present, how can I help her?”
“You can save Gweneth by going after her, provided you have the courage to follow your heart,” Beatha said, grinning.
Chapter Seven
MacQuin Castle 1305
While having someone assist her with bathing and dressing made Gwen uncomfortable, a long soak in the tub left her feeling like a new woman. A new woman in an ancient dress, she thought as she adjusted the bodice of the medieval garment. She had to admit she was glad that Mara was there to assist with lacing up the back of her chemise and gown—something she hadn’t considered when she thought about telling the maid she could dress on her own.
Gwen glanced at the table in the corner of the room and smiled when she noticed a platter containing what looked like a round, flat bread, cheese, and fruit.
“I hope you’re hungry, m’lady. Your mam asked me to fetch you something to eat and drink from the kitchen. Hopefully it will tide you over until the evening meal.”
“Please call me Gwen. There is no need to be so formal,” she said as she padded toward the food, then stopped in front of the table. “It looks wonderful. You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble, Mara, but I’m glad you did. I’m starving.” She broke off a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth—surprised that it seemed more like a biscuit than the bread she was used to—followed by a small wedge of cheese. “This is so good. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now. Time sort of got away from me.”
“Cook makes the best bannock in the shire,” Mara said. “Have you been traveling long? Your mother said you were raised by the woman who delivered you, but she never said exactly where you have been living all these years.”
Gwen wasn’t sure what to say. She and Lilith never discussed what she’d tell people if they asked where she’d spent the last twenty-four years, and she didn’t want to contradict what Lilith might say, especially to Damen or the laird. “Not too long,” she said simply, then changed the subject. “Tell me about you, Mara. Have you lived at MacQuin Castle all your life?”
“Aye. I was born in a small hut at the edge of the village, seventeen-summers ago. My mother was lady’s maid to Lady Lilith afore me, but she’s lame now and can hardly walk, let alone serve the mistress the way she used to.”
“I’m sorry to hear she isn’t well. I’d like to meet her someday. Perhaps we could go for a walk and you could introduce us. I would fancy a bit of fresh air,” Gwen said, but failed to mention it would also give her a chance to search for Beatha.
Mara bobbed her head in agreement. “I’d l
ike that, but mayhap another day. Your mother said you might wish to rest before the evening meal. Let me turn down the bed, m’lady.” Mara tugged at the pelts.
“That won’t be necessary.” Gwen still wasn’t sure if she was dreaming and might wake up at any time, but since she was stuck in medieval Scotland until she located Beatha, she wanted to see and experience all she could. “I admit I’m a bit weary, but would rather go for a walk around. I’d love to explore the castle grounds and get a feel for what it was like here before the keep was—” She was about to mention that in her time period the castle was no longer standing and in its place was a pile of rubble, but caught the near slip of her tongue. “Before it gets too late in the day and the bailey becomes a buzz of activity.”
“As you wish. However I will warn you, the bailey is always crowded with people trying to support their families—selling whatever they can to purchase food.” Mara said. “I’ll fetch your arisaidh and we can leave.” She handed Gwen a length of wool fabric. “Do you need help putting it on?”
Gwen studied the garment—worn by medieval women to protect them from the unpredictable Scottish weather—but had no idea how to don it on properly. “I’d appreciate your help.” She handed the arisaidh back to Mara and allowed the maid to wrap the cloth around her waist, secure it with a leather sash, then drape the remainder of the fabric over her head and shoulders like a shawl.
“Perhaps I should let Lord Damen know where we are going. He may want to send an escort along,” Mara said, then lowered her gaze and began wringing her hands. “One never knows who might be lurking in the shadows. And to be honest, I fear Lord Damen will be angry and see me punished if I dinna ask his permission.”
Gwen moved to the window, stared out into the bailey for a moment, then faced the maid. “I don’t think an escort is necessary. I’d much rather be free to move about and meet people without a guard looming over us. If Damen gets angry, I’ll make sure he knows it was all my idea and tell him I refused to let you inform him before we left.”
