Highland Sanctuary

by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

  "Tomas? Quinn? Anyone around?" Gavin raised his voice.

  "Over here," Quinn answered.

  Gavin broke into the clearing where Quinn towered over two men. One was short and stout, the other, tall and slender. Quinn held an ax where he'd been chopping wood. Two horses grazed nearby. Quinn grinned, a gaping hole replacing his front teeth. The men turned, their eyes widening in surprise. The thin one offered a smirk. The short one pursed his lips in a frown.

  "I came by to see yer progress on the kirk. Where is everyone?" Gavin asked, looking at Quinn.

  "We took a break today to catch up on some of our own household chores. The women went to the castle to visit Serena and Evelina. They've been working into the wee hours, sewing new gowns to replace what they lost in the fire."

  "That's verra thoughtful," Gavin said. "Serena and Evelina will be thankful."

  "Beacon says we're all family, an' family helps and supports each other."

  Gavin swallowed in unexpected discomfort. These people really acted like family. They pulled together in hard times, defended one another, and shared their faith. He'd witnessed them caring beyond themselves and their immediate families to sacrifice for each other.

  "Have we met?" Gavin turned toward the men, raising an eyebrow.

  "My name's Donald and this is Kenneth." The thin man gestured to his friend with his thumb. "We work for the earl, who sent us to offer Quinn and Beacon some business. The earl would like another supply wagon." He reached up on his toes and laid a hand on Quinn's large shoulder. "Isn't that right?"

  "Aye, an' we can definitely use the work. They asked 'bout the cave, but I canna tell them about it. 'Tis a village secret." Quinn puffed out his chest in pride.

  "What cave?" Gavin let his gaze drift from Quinn to the men.

  "'Tis naught but a legend. We're only teasing 'im." Donald's lips thinned as he glared at Quinn. He waved his hand to dismiss the subject.

  "What's going on here?" Beacon sneaked up behind them, his hands fisted on each hip. His brows wrinkled in concern as his gaze traveled to each of them.

  "I didn't tell 'im about the cave, Beacon. I promise." Quinn held up his hands in surrender. "Honest."

  "Who's asking 'bout a cave?" Beacon asked.

  "Donald and Kenneth." Quinn pointed at them.

  "Never mind what I said," Donald interrupted. "We heard there was a cave nearby. I only asked Quinn if he knew aught 'bout it. 'Tis all." They walked past Beacon and grabbed their horses' reins. "Let's go." They climbed upon their mounts and vanished through the woods.

  Once they were gone, Beacon turned to Gavin. "And what about ye?" Beacon crossed his short arms, a scowl upon his face.

  "What about me?" Gavin stood his ground not easily threatened. "I came upon them when I stopped to see the progress on the kirk and heard their voices. Ye're right about them trying to trick Quinn. That Donald fellow made quite a few promises from the earl that I doubt he'd keep."

  "I'm not surprised." Beacon looked back to where the men had gone, his expression a frown. "I've never trusted the earl or his men."

  "What's in the cave? In spite of what they tried to make me believe, Donald seems to believe it exists, and whatever it is—he wants it—bad enough to make false promises."

  "There's no cave!" Beacon met Gavin's gaze, his dark eyes narrowing. "Come on, Quinn." Beacon stomped away and Quinn followed, his shoulders slumping.

  Gavin followed. "Beacon, tell me, someone is trying to murder the people in this village. Let me help before it's too late."

  "I'm aware of that." Beacon snapped. "Ye think I need remindin' of it? In this village we stick together and take care o' our own. We're fond of ye, Gavin, but ye're still an outsider."

  Gavin walked back to Sholto and mounted him. Serena would be the one who would most likely tell him about the cave. Too many strange things were happening, and somehow, he had a feeling that the cave was involved. At least he now knew the earl was up to something, but he had no proof he was behind the other things.

  A while later Gavin arrived at the castle. He walked into the great hall and stood in stunned silence at all the chaos. The cobbler's daughters were all in tears, wiping their eyes and faces. Lady Fiona stood with her arms folded, glowering. Father Kendrick and Iain were bent over a lass lying on the floor. Kyla paced, wringing her hands in distress. Cara edged around them, reaching out to feel for the lass on the floor.

  Gavin's heart lurched. Was it Serena? He strode over and bent beside Iain.

  "We'll have to exorcise it out of her. I've no experience in such matters. I'll have to send for help from the local bishop. In the meantime, we'll need to tie her down to keep her from hurting herself." Father Kendrick pressed her quivering shoulders against the floor.

  "Tying her up won't be necessary," Gavin said. "I've seen this before. It's a physical condition, not a possession. In a few moments she'll be fine and calm again. She isn't a danger to herself or anyone else for that matter," Gavin said.

  "Ye jest!" Lady Fiona said. "'Tis the most horrible sight I've ever seen. Something is definitely controlling her." She pointed at Gavin. "She's bewitched ye! I know she has."

  "Ye're a liar!" Kyla whirled, stomping toward her. "A fever controls one's body an' ye don't claim the person to be possessed."

  "That isn't the same thing." Lady Fiona retreated, leaning her head back from Kyla's reach. "The people in Braighwick were telling the truth."

  "Iain, get these people out of here. Ye don't want it jumping from Serena to another weak soul," Father Kendrick said.

  Gavin reached over and pulled the vicar's hands from her and met his gaze. "With all due respect, Father, ye canna cast out something that doesn't exist."

  "Serena, wake up." Gavin spoke softly in Serena's ear as he knelt by her bedside. He shook her shoulder. Her head hurt as she protested and pulled free, rolling over.

  "Ye must wake now!" Her mother's stern voice echoed near her face. She pinched Serena's right cheek. The pain jolted through her head. Serena's eyes flew open. Her mother lay beside her, perched on an elbow. Her green eyes were full of worry . . . and tears.

  "Do ye remember having another falling fit?" Evelina asked. "Father Kendrick believes ye're possessed. He wanted to tie ye up and lock ye away. But for the grace of God, Gavin was able to encourage Iain to defend ye."

  "We've got to figure out a plan," Gavin said. "Father Kendrick is appealing to the local bishop for an exorcist to cast out a demon that ye don't have." He rubbed his eyes. "Iain can only resist the kirk for so long before he too becomes a target for sheltering and defending someone they consider to be possessed." Gavin stood and paced around the chamber. "I'll write my da to see if he has any connections who could help us."

  Serena rubbed her eyes. Every muscle in her body felt like a heavy stone. When she tried to sit up, she might as well have been hauling logs across the bed. She brushed her tangled hair from her face.

  "We shouldn't involve more people. Gavin, I don't wish yer family to resent me. Helping me could ruin their reputation and cause people to choose sides," Serena said.

  "Ye're more important than our family reputation. Besides, ye don't have a choice." Gavin leaned over her. "The bishop will have to act when he receives Father Kendrick's request. Yer fits will become so well-known that people will take sides regardless. Ye'll need some people with power to speak up for ye. I intend to make sure ye get whatever support we can gather."

  "Will yer family and clan have that much influence?" Evelina asked, her voice hopeful.

  "I'm not certain, but we must try. When Doreen comes with yer meal, ask for some parchment paper with quill and ink. I'll not only write to my da, but I'll also write to my sister's husband, Bryce MacPhearson. He's chieftain of the MacPhearson Clan. They both have favor with the King."

  "Verra few have any favor with King James the Third," Evelina said. "Yer family has achieved a rare feat, indeed."

  "True. The King isn't known for his compassion or justice, but he does
reward loyalty at times." Gavin paused at the foot of the bed. "I need to ask ye both about a specific cave in the village. Does it exist?"

  This was the last question Serena expected from Gavin. She glanced at her mother for a sign of how to answer.

  "How did ye hear about the cave?" Evelina asked.

  "I overheard the earl's men trying to trick Quinn into telling them the location. Beacon arrived before he could give it away." Gavin leaned his knuckles on the bed. "I saw the two of ye exchange a look when I asked ye about it. I need ye to be honest with me. Does this cave exist? If so, could we use it as a hiding place for Serena?"

  "Nay!" The single word escaped her lips before she could stop it. The idea of being stuck in that cold, dark place where she couldn't easily come and go filled her with fear. Wouldn't she be better off here in Iain MacBraigh's protection?

  "So it does exist!" Gavin leaned forward, his expression intense. "It could be the perfect place to hide until I can form a plan to get ye home to MacKenzie land." Gavin paced again. He snapped his fingers, whirling. "What's in that cave to make the earl seek it out?"

  "Mayhap he's only curious about it," Evelina said, shrugging.

  "I think it's more than that. I suspect that cave has something to do with the strange things that have been going on in the village, only I canna prove it yet."

  "What I'd like to know is how the earl even knows about the cave," Serena said.

  "More important than the cave, I want to figure out a way to save Serena. How much time do we have before the bishop sends an exorcist?" Evelina shifted and adjusted the cover.

  "I'll meet with Iain to find out what I can about the process. Then I plan to go to the village to see if anyone has any ideas." Gavin strode to the door and turned to meet Serena's gaze. "I'll do my best."

  17

  Gavin paused at the sight of a guard stationed outside Serena's door. The man stood with his back against the wall and his arms crossed over his chest. He eyed Gavin, his jaw set at a superior angle.

  This new situation would make it harder for him to escape with Serena. Gavin nodded in greeting and strolled away, keeping his steps steady. He didn't want to do anything to raise the guard's suspicion.

  Voices echoed from Iain's study. Gavin knocked on the door and was granted entrance. Inside, Iain and Father Kendrick sat in wide-wooden chairs with embroidered cushions facing each other. Both men looked up with expectant gazes in Gavin's direction.

  "Serena is now awake. She's calm and herself again. Her mither is keeping her company." Gavin forced himself to maintain a casual tone that wouldn't be mistaken as a challenge. "I noticed the new guard outside their door."

  Iain sipped from his goblet and glared at Father Kendrick over the rim. His silence surprised Gavin, but he refused to be alarmed. Iain may still lend his support on Serena's behalf. All Gavin had to do was remain patient, hope and pray God would give him the right words to turn things around in Serena's favor.

  "It's unfortunate," Father Kendrick said, "but I insisted on a guard for Serena's own well-being. These things are unpredictable. I didn't want to take a chance."

  Gavin strolled further into the room and swallowed. He felt like pacing, but kept his feet planted and his hands at his sides. "I promised I'd stop by for a visit on the morrow. I'd like to keep my word." He raised an eyebrow, waiting to see if his request would be denied.

  "Since she's possessed, I'm concerned that the demon could try to transfer to others," Father Kendrick said.

  "I've been around her twice now during a fit and have seen no evidence of such things," Gavin said. "I'm sticking to what Father Tomas has thought all these years. I believe she has a condition in the body, not a demon."

  "Well, ye've no knowledge of spiritual matters. I understand yer point of view, but I happen to know better." Father Kendrick paused, tapping his chin. "Mayhap this is why everyone in that village is so strange."

  "I'm not sure what to believe," Iain said. "I agree that caution must be exercised on Serena's behalf, but I'm not in favor of making her a prisoner here in her new home." Iain pointed at Gavin. "Ye may visit her if ye choose. I don't wish to deprive her of company as well."

  "Thank ye." Gavin bowed his head in a slight nod. He glanced at Father Kendrick to see if the man begrudged Gavin's triumph in their small battle of wills, but he showed no sign of it. His expression remained the same.

  The mention of company brought Lady Fiona to mind. She'd claimed to be here as a friend to Serena, but she had turned against Serena at the first opportunity. Gavin wasn't fooled. What did the woman want? "Where's Lady Fiona?" he asked.

  "She excused herself to her chamber," Iain said. "I believe she mentioned something about writing her da."

  No doubt to inform the earl of Serena's latest fit. Then he knew why Fiona was there. She had been sent by her father as a spy. But why? Did they think Fiona could earn Serena's friendship and trust in order to learn the cave's location?

  "I presume ye've already written to the bishop and someone will arrive in a fortnight?" Gavin asked Father Kendrick.

  "Indeed, I took the liberty of sending one of the servants with a message. The sooner this matter is settled, the better." Father Kendrick crossed his ankle over a knee and adjusted his robe. "About a month ago, I heard that an exorcist was visiting the nearby shire of Wick. With divine assistance, the clergy may reach him before he leaves the area."

  A wave of fear dashed across Gavin's flesh, raising the hairs on his neck and arms. They wouldn't have much time to come up with a plan. He'd have to send a messenger to his father and Bryce. His mind raced, grasping at fleeting ideas. Lord, help me help her.

  "When did ye do this?" Iain stared at Father Kendrick, tight-lipped. Gavin had to commend Iain, he contained his anger well.

  "After ye and Gavin carried Serena to her chamber," Father Kendrick said.

  Iain set down his goblet and linked his fingers. "Gavin, ye may have a seat and join us. No need to stand." Iain nodded toward an empty chair.

  "Thank ye, but I need to visit the barracks." Gavin glanced from Iain to Father Kendrick. "Father Tomas will be by in the morn to check on Evelina's burns. He may want to see Serena as well."

  Gavin turned and strode from the room. After stopping by to visit with Leith and Craig to update them, Gavin set out on Sholto for the village.

  As he approached the site of the new kirk, he reined in Sholto. All the villagers bowed on their knees. Kyla was the first to see him. She stood and walked toward him. Without a word, he raised an eyebrow in question.

  She raised up on her tiptoes. "In times of a crisis, we fast and pray as a whole," Kyla whispered, glancing back at the bent heads. "This is how we fight our battles."

  The realization of what she meant blazed against Gavin's chest like a flaming torch. Humbled, he swallowed. He had been mentally tormented trying to figure out a plan to save Serena. Other than the day he had prayed upon the cliff, when else had he bothered to pray? Fasting never crossed his mind, not that he truly understood the purpose in it, but right now he'd try anything. Not since his sister's kidnapping years ago had he felt so helpless. In the end, God had made everything all right. Why couldn't he trust that things would be fine this time?

  A restless burden raged in his heart, distressing him and robbing him of peace. This wasn't a battle he could ride into and claim victory with a sword. The enemy was invisible, but real.

  "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and darkness," Father Mike's words came from a childhood memory. Strange how the right scripture sometimes came to mind when he most needed it.