The Laird of Stonehaven

by Connie Mason

  Blair was pleased she’d been able to convince Aiden to send six men with her and Alyce while they gathered herbs in the forest. The herbs were at their peak and just right for picking.

  Blair found a treasure trove of puffballs, an edible fungus that helped bloody wounds clot because of the tiny spores it contained. She also found lichen, which was used for stanching wounds, dill weed, parsley and other herbs.

  When they returned to the keep, Blair was surprised to find that Graeme was back and in a rage. He awaited her in the solar. She handed her basket to Alyce and hurried up to the solar to learn the cause of her husband’s anger.

  “I thought I told you to remain close to the keep!” he shouted the moment she walked through the door. “When will you learn to listen to me?”

  Blair stifled a smile at the realization that Graeme cared about her so much. “I was in no danger, Graeme. Six armed men accompanied Alyce and me. We didna linger overlong.”

  He caressed her cheek, then hastily pulled his hand away, as if embarrassed by his concern. “Nevertheless, I shall leave orders that you are not to stray far from the keep when I am not here.”

  “Verra well. I dinna want you to worry about me. What happened with MacKay? Did you see him?”

  “Aye, and after our conversation, I trust him even less than I did before. The men who attacked you were his clansmen, though MacKay denied it.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “I stopped at the village grog shop and spoke with a barmaid. She told me that five men had disappeared from the village.”

  One delicate brow arched upward. “Barmaid? You spoke with a woman?”

  “Aye. She was most helpful.”

  “Humph! I suspect she was.”

  One corner of Graeme’s mouth tilted upward. “Jealous, lass?”

  “Not in the least. I am glad she proved helpful.”

  “We will speak further about your jealousy tonight.” Then he nodded and took his leave.

  Blair sank onto a bench and tried to explain the jolt of anger that had shot through her when she learned that Graeme had obtained information from a woman. Had he used his charm to gain the information he sought? What else had the woman given him?

  “God’s holy blood! What is wrong with me?” she said impatiently.

  “Blair . . . Heed me . . .”

  Blair went still, her gaze searching the empty chamber. A breeze fluttered the drapery at the window and lifted the hem of her skirt. She felt it brush against her cheek, a coolness both startling and comforting. Blair knew immediately the spirits were trying to communicate with her. Her brow furrowed in concentration.

  “What is it?” she whispered. “What are you trying to tell me?”

  The words came to her on the sigh of the wind. “Beware . . . Danger stalks him . . .”

  “Graeme? Graeme is in danger?”

  The voice grew agitated. “If you let him leave, he will not return. Death awaits him at his destination.”

  A chill settled in Blair’s heart. “What can I do?”

  A strong gust of wind blew through the chamber, knocking over small objects and stirring the heavy bed hangings.

  “You know what you must do,” the voice said. “You have the power to keep the one you love safe.”

  “I canna love Graeme, you know that.”

  “Heed me well,” the voice continued. “The man you love is in grave danger.” The voice began to fade, the parting words barely discernible.

  The spirit was gone, but the chilling message still echoed in her head. Blair shivered, cold to her very marrow. Something unexpected and potentially disastrous was going to happen to Graeme if she didn’t prevent it.

  She closed her eyes, striving to bring the spirit back. As she did so, a vision formed behind her lids. She saw Graeme, his lifeless body covered with blood and missing his head. She screamed and screamed, then dropped to the floor in a faint. When Alyce found and revived her a short time later, she refused to reveal the terrifying vision.

  The next day Graeme received a missive from the king. All the Highland lairds were ordered to attend James at Inverness. The meeting was to take place the first day of the following month at the Court of Sessions James had instigated after he had been released from captivity.

  When Blair heard about the message, she knew what her vision had meant. Somehow she had to prevent Graeme from leaving Stonehaven. His very life depended upon it.

  “Must you go?” Blair asked.

  “Aye. You know I canna ignore a summons from the king.”

  “Dinna go, Graeme,” she pleaded, desperate to make him understand. “I have a bad feeling about this. I see danger awaiting you at Inverness.”

  “Dabbling in magic again, are you?” he asked, fixing her with a censuring glare. “Dinna do this, lass. You know I must go.”

  “Please, Graeme, dinna make light of my fears. You mustna leave Stonehaven.”

  His fingers curled around her narrow shoulders. “Stop it, lass. Naught you say will keep me from obeying the king. Your fears have no basis. Trust me to take care of myself. We will discuss this later, after I consult with Heath. Accommodations will be scarce with such a large gathering converging on the city. Perhaps I shall send Heath ahead to secure rooms for us.”

  “Please, Graeme, dinna go.”

  “There is naught more to discuss, sweeting. Go to bed, I will join you after I speak with Heath.”

  Closing her eyes, Blair made a solemn vow. She would save Graeme’s life, even if he hated her for it afterward.

  Chapter Twelve

  Graeme began preparations for his journey to Inverness immediately, though he wouldn’t leave for several days yet. Heath had already been sent ahead to secure accommodations. Graeme planned to take only three men, leaving the rest behind to protect Stonehaven. He had no idea why the king had called a meeting of Highland lairds but was looking forward to meeting clansmen and allies he hadn’t seen in a long time.

  One day when Graeme went below to check his weapons, he paused before the chamber that now served Blair as a stillroom. He was puzzled by her insistence that he not go to Inverness and wanted to discuss her strange behavior.

  A smile curved his lips. He never tired of making love to Blair. He hated leaving her behind while he went to Inverness, but it could not be helped. Right now, however, he needed to know why Blair was so adamantly opposed to his leaving.

  He pushed open the door and peered inside. Blair was seated at a bench, bending over a table piled high with . . . puffballs, of all things. He cleared his throat.

  Blair looked up and smiled. Graeme had never seen a smile light up a room the way hers did. The first time he’d seen her he thought she looked like an angel, and his opinion had not changed.

  “We need to talk,” Graeme began.

  “Aye,” Blair agreed eagerly. “Have you decided not to go to Inverness?”

  “Nay, I must go. Tell me why you think I should stay home. Your fear makes no sense.”

  Blair dragged in a calming breath and said, “You know I sometimes hear and see things. What I heard and saw was . . .” She shook her head. “I canna speak of it. Suffice it to say the warning I received was terrifying. You mustna leave Stonehaven.”

  “Where did the warning come from? I dinna believe in spirits, Blair. Tell me something I can believe.”

  Blair shook her head. “How can I save you if you dinna heed me?”

  “You dinna need to save me, sweeting. I am in no danger. What harm can come to me in the company of my king, my allies and my friends?”

  “I dinna know. If I did, I would tell you. I’ve learned to heed my visions. Please, Graeme, if you care for me at all, dinna go to Inverness.”

  “Thus far I have heard naught to change my mind.”

  “My vision . . . The spirits . . .”

  He made a clucking sound with his tongue. “Voices and spirits. Say no more, lass.” He had already seen one woman die for her belief in such things. He turned
to leave.

  As he went through the door, his aura changed from a pleasing blue to blood red. A startled cry left her lips and tears welled in her eyes. She couldn’t let him die. With sinking heart she realized that nothing she said would change Graeme’s mind. Her vision could not be proved and therefore was to be ignored. The time had come to use her powers to save Graeme’s life.

  Alyce pushed the door open and peered inside. “There ye be, lass. Do ye need help?”

  “Shut the door and latch it,” Blair said. “I am going to do something that Graeme has forbidden.”

  “What is it, lass? Ye look frightened. Does it have anything to do with yer fainting dead away yesterday?”

  “Aye. The spirits sent me a warning. Graeme is in grave danger. He mustna go to Inverness, but he refuses to listen to me when I repeat the warning.”

  “What will ye do?”

  “Did you replace the candles that were lost in the fire?”

  “Aye.”

  “Get them while I gather the herbs I need.”

  “Are ye going to summon the spirits?”

  “Aye. The candles, Alyce.”

  Alyce retrieved candles from a cupboard and placed them in a circle. Blair stepped inside the circle and sprinkled dried herbs around her feet. Alyce lit the candles and melted back into the shadows to watch and wait.

  Blair flung her arms wide and began to chant a silent entreaty. The candle flames flickered and elongated, taking on rainbow hues. Blair’s face was pale and her lips were drained of all color as she turned in a circle, lifted her arms high and called upon the spirits of nature to attend her.

  “Spirits of nature, heed me.

  Earth, moon, sun and sea,

  Send torrents of rain from the sky.

  Make the loch run high.”

  A sudden flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a thunderous roar. Dark clouds blotted out the sun, and the wind rose to howling intensity. The warm spring day that had begun with such promise turned dark and ominous. Wind rushed through the window, snuffing out the candles. Then it began to rain, fierce, pounding rain that hammered the earth. Blair lowered her arms and sank to the floor, utterly spent.

  “Lass, are ye all right?”

  “Aye. Help me to a bench. I need a moment to rest.”

  “What did ye hope to gain by making it rain?”

  “If Loch Torridon floods and washes out the bridges, Graeme canna get to Inverness in time for the meeting.”

  Alyce helped Blair to her feet and guided her to a bench. “Are ye sure the laird is in danger?”

  “Aye, verra, verra sure.”

  “I dinna want to be in yer shoes when yer husband finds out what ye did.”

  Dread shivered down Blair’s spine. “I did what I had to do to save Graeme’s life.”

  Blair suddenly became aware that someone was pounding on the door.

  “Blair! Why is the door locked? Let me in.”

  Alyce looked at Blair, then hurried over to unlock the door. Graeme burst inside as Alyce hurriedly gathered up the candles.

  “What in God’s name is going on in here?” His harsh words echoed through the chamber and bounced off the walls.

  “What makes you think anything is going on?” Blair asked softly, too exhausted to raise her voice.

  Graeme looked pointedly at the candles cradled against Alyce’s ample bosom. “Were you casting a spell?”

  “Blair did naught wrong,” Alyce attempted to explain.

  “Be gone, woman!” Graeme roared. “I wish to speak to my wife in private.”

  Alyce scooted out the door, closing it softly behind her. Graeme returned his gaze to Blair. “Tell me I am wrong. Tell me you werena using magic.”

  Clamping her lips tightly shut, Blair stared at Graeme. She didn’t want to lie.

  “Tell me, Blair, and please make it the truth.”

  “I canna. Just believe I would never harm you or anyone.”

  Graeme stared at her for the space of a heartbeat, then turned away, directing his gaze at the rain beating against the window. “ ’Tis odd,” he mused. “The day began with such promise. I hope this blasted rain stops before I leave. Travel is difficult during unsettled weather.”

  “Forget the rain. There is naught anyone can do about it. Shall we return to the hall? ’Tis nearly time for the evening meal.”

  Graeme turned away from the window and directed his glittering gaze at Blair. “Is there aught you want to tell me, lass?”

  Blair knew that lying to Graeme would likely put an end to their relationship, but she had to save his life, even if it cost her Graeme’s respect. Sighing despondently, she followed Graeme to the hall and took her place beside him at the high table.

  The ferocious storm that had come out of nowhere seemed to be the topic of conversation among all those present.

  “ ’Tis eerie, I tell ye,” Stuart ventured. He sent a furtive look at Blair before continuing. “And passing strange the way the storm came so suddenly. I hope the hail hasna damaged the crops.”

  “Aye. If the rain doesna stop soon, it will flood the valley and threaten our sheep,” Aiden warned.

  “The rain will likely end tonight,” Graeme maintained. “Storms this fierce rarely last more than a few hours.”

  Blair lowered her eyes, unable to meet Graeme’s probing gaze. She knew he was suspicious of her and was withholding judgment until he had some kind of proof. Little did he know that proof existed in the downpour that was even now raising the level of the loch. She prayed he would never know.

  That night Graeme slept in his own chamber. Blair heard his footsteps pause before her door before moving on. It seemed he was as restless and sleepless as she.

  Graeme couldn’t escape the feeling that Blair was involved in something he would not approve of. Had she been using magic, against his express wishes? He had deliberately kept himself from her bed in order to think without being distracted, but it hadn’t been easy. This morning he ached like the very devil for his willful wife. He was leaving Stonehaven soon, and God only knew when he would return. It all depended upon the king and his reason for bringing the Highland lairds together in one place.

  Graeme glanced out the window, his brow furrowing when he saw that the storm was as fierce as it had been yesterday. The courtyard was flooding, the water already ankle deep. When was it going to end?

  Graeme went to the hall to break his fast, not surprised by the large number of men with naught to do but talk, dice and drink ale. No one wanted to venture outdoors.

  Graeme ate his porridge and joined Heath and Stuart, who were warming their backsides by the hearth.

  “ ’Tis wicked outside,” Stuart commented. “ ’Tis as if God Himself has sent a deluge to punish us for our sins.”

  “Or else a witch brought this upon us,” Aiden muttered.

  “What did you say?”

  A racket at the door forestalled Aiden’s reply.

  “I wonder who is out and about in this wretched weather,” Graeme muttered.

  Four villagers, three men and a woman, staggered into the hall.

  “Warm yourselves by the fire,” Graeme directed. “What brings you to the keep?”

  “ ’Tis the witch,” the first man spat. “If ye dinna stop her, the village will be flooded and our crops ruined.”

  “Are you referring to my wife?” Graeme asked coolly.

  “Aye. No one, not even our elders, has seen anything like this before. ’Tis unnatural, I tell ye.”

  The woman pushed back the hood of her sodden cloak. It was Gunna, the midwife.

  “I warned ye about the witch, laird. ’Tis not just the deluge she has wrought, but other things as well.”

  “Like what?” Graeme asked.

  “Grant’s goat died suddenly. And Murray’s wife took sick. Then Meg’s cow went dry. Now this rain. ’Tis no coincidence, I tell ye. ’Tis the witch’s doing.”

  Graeme saw Blair enter the hall and tried to warn her, but it
was too late. She had seen the small gathering and hurried over to join them.

  “What’s amiss?”

  “There she be!” Gunna crowed, pointing a bony finger at Blair. “We dinna want her kind here.”

  Blair’s steps faltered. Then she seemed to pull herself together. Graeme could almost see her spine stiffen.

  “These good people seem to think you have done something to harm them,” he said.

  “Why would I wish to harm your kinsmen?” Blair answered. “Have I not treated their injuries and cured their ailments?”

  “Our crops are nigh ruined, Grant’s goat is dead, Meg’s cow went dry, and Murray’s wife is sick, and her the heartiest soul alive.”

  “You think I am responsible?” Blair asked, clearly aghast.

  Graeme placed a protective arm around her and pulled her close. “My wife had naught to do with the happenings in the village. Warm yourselves and have a bite to eat, then return to your homes and stay there. I’m sure the rain will stop soon and your crops willna suffer.”

  “I wouldna hurt them,” Blair whispered after the delegation shuffled off. “You believe me, do you not?”

  Graeme hauled her off to a private corner where they couldn’t be overheard. “I believe you did naught to hurt my kinsmen, but I also know that something unnatural took place in the stillroom. I canna protect you if you dinna tell me what you did.”

  “You’re going to have to trust me, Graeme,” Blair said.

  His expression turned cold. “ ’Tis best you tell me now so I can head off trouble before I leave Stonehaven. Tell me you had naught to do with the dead goat, the dry cow and Murray’s sick wife.”

  Blair made a sound of disgust deep in her throat. “Really, Graeme, think you I would stoop to such attacks against the villagers?”

  “I’m beginning to think I dinna really know you. I dinna like secrets, lass.”

  “Do you still intend to go to Inverness?”

  “You know I do. I canna disobey the king’s orders.”

  She turned to leave, but Graeme wouldn’t allow it. Too many questions remained, and he wanted answers. Grasping her waist, he kept her pinned to his side.

  “Mayhap the rain will keep you at Stonehaven,” she said.