“Is that a threat?” he snapped.
“It is the simple truth,” Hannah said. “My husband will not let us linger so I will have my say and be done with it.”
“As will I,” Ross said with a firm nod.
Hannah did not know if her father would believe her or not, but she wanted him to know the truth of her disappearance. “I do not know what lies Nial filled your head with, but the truth is he sold me to a man and paid him well to make sure I would suffer before killing me. That man took me to Warrick’s dungeons where I would have died if it had not been for a brave soul who helped me to escape.”
“Nial told me you would tell me such a tale, but I saw how hard he searched for you and how upset he was when he returned home after coming here only to find you had been abducted by Slain MacKewan and forced to wed him, the bruise he left upon you still vivid and obvious to all.”
“Nial was upset because his plan to get rid of me failed—”
“Stop the lies and nonsense, Hannah. I know well the truth. You ran away because I would not let you choose a husband. Your anger purposely brought you here to Slain MacKewan and you wed him to spite me. Well, it will not work. You will leave here with me today or the next time I return it will be with the full force of my warriors and I will devastate the Clan MacKewan, see Slain dead, and see you wed to a man whose hand will soon tame you.”
“You are a fool, Father, if you believe any of that will truly come to pass.”
Ross clenched his hands at his sides, fighting to stop from striking his daughter, though he lashed out with his tongue. “I regret the day you were born. You robbed me of ever having more children and the son I always wanted, and you robbed me of a dutiful wife. Now you try to disparage the man who is like a son to me, who means more to me than you ever could and whose mother unselfishly gave to me what your mother no longer was able to.”
Hannah felt the sting of his words. “What do you mean? How did I rob you of these things?”
“It was torture for your mother to deliver you. I listened for hours to her endless screams. You left her bleeding and torn, never to have more bairns, never to be able to perform her wifely duties again, forcing me into the arms of another woman.”
“Mum never said anything to me about this.”
“She did not want you to know. She wanted no one to know what a failure she was as a wife. I care little of what happens to you and truth be told your refusal to return home with me is exactly what I wanted. It gives me the excuse to finally attack the Clan MacKewan without objections or condemnation from anyone. I will ravage this clan and you along with it.”
Hannah could not believe the hatred she heard in his words or saw in his eyes. She never felt her father loved her, even when her mum tried to assure her that he did. But to know she had been the cause of her mum and da losing whatever love or compassion they once had for each other stabbed painfully at her heart.
“Hannah.”
She lifted her head, not even realizing her father had walked away, or that she had been staring at the ground.
Slain reached out, slipping his arm around her waist, her face so pale he thought she would faint. His worry grew when she stood staring speechless at him. “Hannah,” he said softly.
His tender voice broke through her shock and hurt and when she saw the deep concern in his eyes, she said, “I am fine.”
“You are not fine,” he whispered.
“My father wants no peace between us.”
Slain instinctively knew that was not what had left her speechless. Now, however, was not the time to discuss it.
“Either do I,” he admitted and he thought he saw a tear in her eye, though it never fell. “It is time for your father to take his leave.”
She nodded and reached for his hand and together they walked toward her father.
Slain’s hatred for Ross MacFillan multiplied tenfold. He had nearly destroyed his clan, caused his mum and da’s death, and now had said something to his wife that had hurt her deeply. The man would pay for what he had done and pay dearly.
Ross had already mounted when Slain and Hannah reached him and Nial was about to do so as well.
To Slain’s surprise Hannah spoke. “Conlan is here and will be remaining with us.”
Her father looked ready to roar to the heavens, his face turned so red, and Nial approached her with rapid steps and a roar of outrage.
“He will not stay here.”
Slain was in front of his wife in a flash, his hands going out to shove the man away from her with such force that it sent him tumbling and landing flat on his back.
Nial’s face raged with fury, but before he could get up and retaliate, Slain’s boot slammed down on his chest, grinding into it, planting him firmly to the ground.
“Get on your horse and leave before I release the savage on you,” Slain warned with a snarl that showed he was dangerously close to doing just that.
“You forget the warriors we have with us,” Ross said.
Slain never took his eyes off Nial as he responded to Ross. “We both know you did not come here to battle today. That will be left for another day. Now take this lying fool with you and get off my land.” He lifted his boot.
Nial looked ready to lunge at Slain, but a shout from Ross for him to mount his horse had him turning away.
“I will return and you will kneel to me and surrender your clan,” Ross said.
“Enjoy that dream for it will turn into your worst nightmare,” Slain said. “Now leave, for my patience runs thin and I might just kill you here and now and be done with it.”
Nial’s nostrils flared with anger and once again Ross commanded him to remain on his horse and with great restraint Nial remained as he was and they turned and rode off, his warriors following.
Imus suddenly appeared out of nowhere, Hannah not having noticed him among the clansmen who lined the path.
Slain turned questioning eyes on him and Imus nodded. “You are sure?” Slain asked and Imus nodded again only this time firmly as if it there was no doubt. “See it done, I will join you shortly,” Slain ordered and Imus took a quick leave.
Hannah was disappointed that he would leave her now. She needed his caring and strong arms around her, but with battle on the horizon she could not be selfish.
Slain called out to his clansmen. “I will see you protected, worry not.”
A cheer went up in the air and the villagers began to disperse.
Hannah wished she was privy to what was going on, but she had told him she would trust him and so she would, just as his clan trusted him.
Slain tugged at his wife’s hand. “I want to return to the keep with you and know what your father said that upset you so much, but I must take my leave and see to an urgent matter. Later we will talk, but know whatever he said could never come between us. I love you and nothing will change that.”
“What if we could not be intimate again? Would you still love me? Or would you seek another woman’s bed?” Hannah asked worried that her mum’s fate might also be her own.
“What nonsense do you speak?” he asked, tucking her close against him.
She shook her head, not wanting to distract him from something far more important than her worries. “It is nothing.”
“It worries you, therefore, it is something. We will talk later, I promise, but know one thing. There is nothing that would ever make me stop loving you or make me seek another woman’s bed. You are all I want, all I will ever want.” He captured her lips in a kiss that confirmed his words and when he left her side, Hannah felt as if a part of her went with him.
Hannah entered the keep, her steps sluggish, her heart hurting at what her father had told her. She was about to go see how Conlan was doing when Helice stopped her.
“He is sleeping and he needs his rest,” Helice said, blocking her path.
Hannah did not know what made her do it, especially in front of Helice, but she burst out in tears. What surprised Hannah was that Helice
reached out and wrapped her in her arms.
Chapter 28
Hannah’s eyes were red and puffy by the time she finished crying. Helice had held her in her arms until her tears had subsided, then she had sat Hannah at a table in the Great Hall and ordered her to remain there. Hannah, far too distraught to argue, did as she was told and Helice returned a short time later with a pitcher and two tankards and joined Hannah at the table.
“Drink,” Helice ordered, passing a tankard she had filled to Hannah.
Hannah sipped slowly at the hot chamomile brew and after a few moments, she said, “I am sorry.”
“For what? Crying?” Helice asked and shook her head. “Your father hurt you. You have a right to cry.”
Helice’s words reminded her how the clan had heard some of the things her father had said about her when he had first arrived. She wondered if they believed any of it.
“Your father should be grateful he has such a courageous daughter.”
Hannah found herself saying, “He hates me.” Did she think by saying it aloud it would ease the pain? If so, it did not help. It only hurt more. She continued, not able to stop herself. “I am the reason my mum grew to hate my da. My birth ruined everything for them.”
“Your father is no man, and he was certainly not a good husband, if he lays the blame for his failed marriage on the birth of his daughter,” Helice said.
“My mum could not be a dutiful wife to him after I was born,” Hannah explained.
“That is nonsense,” Helice said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “There are different ways a husband and wife can satisfy each other than the most common way. Your father makes excuses for his own ignorance. And if you do not believe me go ask Neata. She is a wise healer and knows much.”
Hannah had not thought of that, perhaps Neata could provide more insight as to what may have happened during her mum’s delivery that had caused the problem. She also worried that what had happened to her mum could happen to her and the thought frightened her.
“Worry not about when your time comes to birth your first bairn. Neata and I will tend you and all will go well,” Helice said.
Hannah smiled softly. “How did you know that was my worry?”
“It would be any woman’s worry who loved her husband as much as you love Slain. Also you do not want to rob him of something he has long wanted… a large family.”
“I want one too,” Hannah admitted.
“From the passion that shines forever in your eyes for him and the way you chase him about, it is a very large brood you and Slain will have.” Helice smiled to Hannah’s surprise. “And those heated cheeks of yours prove me right.”
Hannah chuckled, having felt the heat rush to her cheeks.
“It will be good to hear the footfalls of little feet, bursts of laughter, and the hugs of little ones.”
“You will make a good grandmother, indulging them with treats and hugs,” Hannah said. Helice’s mouth dropped open at Hannah’s unexpected remark, giving her the time to continue. “The bairns will have no grandmother, so I do hope you do not mind filling such an important role in their lives.”
“I am too cantankerous to be a grandmother,” Helice said with a hint of sorrow.
A bubble of laughter welled in Hannah and a spark of joy returned to her heart as she spoke. “Somehow I do not believe that will be your nature with your grandchildren.”
“You give me this honor when you have seen for yourself how I can be?” Helice asked.
Hannah nodded, her smile spreading, chasing the sadness that had consumed her. “It can be a chore dealing with you at times, but I have also seen how protective you can be of those you care for and those in need of care. You have taken excellent care of Conlan and he is healing well thanks to your kindness. You have also cared for me and I must admit it was nice having your gentle hand tend me. It reminded me of when my mum would do the same for me. You must have been a wonderfully loving mother to your daughter.”
A hint of a tear flashed in Helice’s eye. “I would be honored to be grandmother to yours and Slain’s children.”
“That pleases me and it will more than please Slain.”
Helice stood, her eyes now pooling with tears. “I must go look in on Conlan and you should go speak with Neata.”
“I will do that,” Hannah said.
Helice stopped before stepping out of the Great Hall and turned to Hannah. “I had a son. He died when he was Conlan’s age.”
Hannah’s heart went out to the woman. “I am so sorry, Helice, though I would very much like to know about him and your daughter one day, when you are ready.”
Helice nodded and hurried off.
Hannah could not imagine losing a child and Helice had lost two. She felt tremendous sorrow for the woman. She had no family to love her. It was no wonder she looked after Slain like a son. Hannah had sensed something different about Helice from the way she had held her when she cried. It had been as if her strong arms had suddenly turned loving and were willing to suffer the hurt and pain so Hannah would not have to. Something a loving mother would do.
Helice would be just as selfless and kind with grandchildren. Besides, she was family as Conlan now was and that was what mattered most.
Hannah’s smile turned tender. Her family was growing and she could not be happier. Still, though, there was her father to deal with and she would be glad when that was done. Then there would be nothing left to come between her and Slain.
Hannah made her way to the village and this time she was met with smiles and genuine greetings. Blair approached her when they caught each other’s eyes.
Blair reached out and gave her a hug. “The clan is proud of the way you defended Slain and the clan in front of your father. If there had been any doubt about your loyalty to the Clan MacKewan, it is gone.”
“I am pleased to know that,” Hannah said, “though there is one thing I have been wondering about. Is there something that goes on here that everyone but me knows about?”
Blair placed a hand on Hannah’s arm and kept her voice low as she said, “Leave the secrets of MacKewan keep alone. You might not like what you find.”
Hannah got the feeling that Blair was not talking about what Hannah had been eluding to, that Slain was well prepared for any attack. What then was the secret Blair advised her to leave alone?
“I must go help Wilona with Potsman. Where are you off to?”
“I am going to see Neata,” Hannah said.
“All is well?” Blair asked concerned.
“All is good,” Hannah assured her.
“Then the clan will hear good news soon?” Blair asked, glancing at Hannah’s stomach with a wide smile.
Hannah’s hand went there, pressing lightly against it. “That would be wonderful, but not yet.”
“Soon, I am sure,” Blair said and after another hug the two women parted in opposite directions.
Hannah found Neata outside, sitting under a tree, and she waved Hannah over to join her.
Neata patted the ground beside her. “Sit and enjoy this rarity of the sun breaking through such a heavy gloom.
Hannah looked up at the skies and smiled at the radiance of the sun. She had been so consumed in thought upon leaving the keep she had not even noticed that the day had turned lovely.
“A good sign,” Neata said, nodding.
“That it is,” Hannah agreed and lowered herself down beside the healer.
Neata wasted no time in asking, “Your bruise is healing well, so what brings you to me?”
Hannah remained silent a moment, worried what she might learn, but courage, or was it fear for what she and her husband could lose, had her soon asking, “My mum had a difficult time birthing me and was left unable to see to her wifely duties. I was—”
Neata interrupted her question. “Are you saying that your mum could no longer couple with your father?”
Hannah nodded, the pain of her father’s words returning.
“Who told yo
ur mum this?”
“I do not know who tended the delivery,” Hannah said. “My mum never spoke of it.”
“I have heard of this occurring, actually more often than one would think. But it is rarer to find any truth behind it.”
“What do you mean?” Hannah asked, not understanding.
“There are women who beg the healer who delivers their bairn to tell the husband she can no longer couple with him or bear any more children. It is usually after three or more births that his happens. The women simply do not want to go through another painful childbirth or they simply do not want to couple with their husband any longer. Some healers agree, others refuse for fear of the husband finding out.”
Hannah thought on her words and shook her head. “I believe my mum loved my father.” She sighed. “At least, I believe there was a time that she did.”
“Where there is true love, this problem does not exist. There are ways a husband and wife can please each other without coupling. Though as I said, it is extremely rare that a woman is left unable to couple because of a difficult birth. There may be some healing time, possibly a lengthy period that is necessary, then coupling can be resumed.”
Hannah was more confused than ever.
“I would not worry over this. You will do fine when your time comes,” Neata assured her just as Helice had done.
Hannah sat for a while longer with a Neata, talking of other things and when a young lad with his mum approached the cottage Hannah stood to take her leave, helping Neata to her feet first.
“Worry not, all will be well,” Neata said with a pat to Hannah’s arm.
Hannah hugged the woman and left her to her work while she returned to the keep.
The hour grew late and Slain still had not returned home. Hannah had spent some time with Conlan, though he slept through her visit. It was better he did, since he was in constant pain when he woke. Helice kept careful watch over him, feeling his brow to make certain fever had not set in, and keeping him and his bedding clean. She spoon-fed him a brew Neata had advised her to make along with a broth she made fresh daily.
Embraced by a Highlander Page 24
