Highland Sanctuary

by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

  "May I join ye?" Gavin bent toward Kyla.

  A fortnight passed as Serena adjusted to the changes in her life. Father Kendrick only allowed Gavin, Father Tomas, or himself to accompany her outside the chamber. He claimed it was for her safety, but she knew the truth. He wanted further evidence to condemn her. Whenever she occupied her chamber, a guard was stationed outside her door and all through the night.

  She couldn't even take consolation in her work as she wasn't allowed to be around the other servants, lest she transfer a demon. Serena considered reading, but it gave her a headache. She had never had so much idle time. At least she and her mother kept each other company.

  Unlike Gavin, Iain had not repeated his wish to wed her. His reaction to her secret had been as she'd imagined—distant and uncertain.

  Serena fastened her mother's veil around her head. The black netting hid her healing scars well. They continued to apply the salve, hoping for the best.

  "I think it will do us both good to stroll about the courtyard and take the fresh air," Serena said.

  "I've never considered myself a vain woman, but the idea of people seeing me look so hideous turns my stomach." Evelina touched her middle as if she were already ill. "This way, no one is uncomfortable."

  Serena opened the door and gasped as booted footsteps charged down the hall like an army of knights. She peeked around the corner and caught a glimpse of Iain and Father Kendrick hurrying to keep up with two men who resembled warriors on the frontline of battle. They wore grim expressions, as their sheathed swords rattled against their sides. Their broad shoulders were wide enough to discourage the average man, let alone two defenseless women.

  Where was Father Tomas? He usually visited about this time of day.

  She stepped back and braced for their entrance. With Gavin away, she could only assume they were here for her.

  "What is it?" her mother asked, stepping closer, and laying a hand on Serena's shoulder.

  "I don't know," Serena whispered, looping her arm around her mother's. Footsteps drew nearer and Serena's throat went dry.

  "Gentlemen, please allow me to break the news," Iain said.

  A few moments later, he appeared, wearing a scarlet, purple, and dark blue plaid draped over his shoulder. His mustache had been trimmed, but his red eyes spoke of little rest. Surprise flickered in his eyes at seeing the door open and Serena and Evelina waiting.

  "Were ye expecting us?" he asked, glancing uneasily at the men behind him.

  "Not at all. Mither is feeling better and we thought to take a walk in the courtyard when Father Tomas arrived," Serena said. She forced a smile as she met each man's gaze, willing her nerves to remain calm.

  Father Kendrick stepped forward. "Serena, I've heard from the local bishop. He was able to reach the exorcist with a message before he left the area. He's agreed to come to St. Gilbert's Cathedral to meet ye and work to set ye free."

  "Who are these men then?" She gestured toward the large men with their muscled arms crossed over their chests.

  "They were sent by the town's magistrate to escort ye. Be assured ye've naught to fear as long as ye come peacefully."

  "What if she wishes to stay here in Iain's care?" Her mother tightened her grip on Serena's arm, refusing to let go. She swung her attention from Father Kendrick to Iain, who dropped his gaze to his feet.

  Alarm rose in Serena as goose pimples forced a shiver throughout her body. If Iain wouldn't look her in the eyes, then guilt plagued him for a reason.

  "I'm afraid she doesn't have a choice." Father Kendrick addressed Evelina. The men behind him stepped closer, their presence a demanding threat. He turned to Serena. "As soon as Devlin Broderwick delivers ye, these men will escort ye back here."

  "Devlin?" Her mother whispered, her grip on Serena faltered. She swayed.

  "Mither?" Serena reached for her, but she slipped through her grasp. "Nay!"

  Iain rushed to her, his arm slipping around her back. "I've got ye." He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

  Serena followed, bending toward her mother. "We need to call Tomas. Please." She pulled the veil back and brushed her mother's hair off her forehead. Familiar green eyes blinked.

  "I'm fine. Just a weak moment is all. Mayhap I tried to go out too early." Evelina's voice didn't sound as solid as before, but she laid a hand over Serena's.

  "Ye know I'll take care of her," Iain said.

  "I'm not leaving her," Serena wrinkled her brows, a low determined tone passing through her tight lips.

  "Ye must, Serena. Ye're expected at St. Gilbert's Cathedral and we canna detain Devlin Broderwick longer than necessary. Too many people need him in other places," Father Kendrick said.

  "I'm not leaving!" Her heart hammered against her ribs, and she fisted her hands at her side, turning toward Father Kendrick. "My mither needs me. I'm all the family she has."

  Father Kendrick stepped back and inclined his head toward the two large men. "Take her."

  One of them came at her. Serena searched for a weapon. Tears stung her eyes in desperate fear. How could she fight them or outrun them? She was cornered in this chamber.

  The man's hands seized her shoulders, swung her around. He bent and threw her over his shoulder.

  "Nay!" Serena kicked and beat his back. Tears blinded her as his shoulder dug into her lungs. The worst thing they could do was separate her from her mother. She couldn't imagine a worse nightmare.

  "Don't hurt her!" Evelina's voice drew near. "Let me tell her goodbye."

  Soft hands gripped Serena's checks. Her mother stooped to look into her face. "Don't give them a reason to harm ye. Confess to naught, but the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep yer faith." Evelina lowered her voice. "I promise I'll think of some way to set ye free. I love ye, my child."

  The tears in her eyes made Serena's heart weep. Evelina kissed Serena's cheek. As they carried her away, Serena prayed it wouldn't be the last.

  "I love ye, Mither!"

  "I love ye, lass!" The agony in her mother's tone tore at her heart as the beastly man hauled her away against her will.

  After several hours helping construct the kirk walls, Gavin sought an afternoon bath and looked forward to some refreshment. He rode Sholto into the stable yard and slid to the ground, patting the animal's neck. A vigorous ride from the village felt great.

  The stable lad hurried over and took the reins. Gavin rubbed his hands together, pleased to have completed a good day's work. "Give him some extra oats. He worked hard for me."

  "Aye." The lad nodded.

  "Gavin!" Leith rushed toward him, his tone full of alarmed concern. Gavin strode forward to meet him.

  "Were ye in a fight?" Gavin pointed to his dark eye now swollen and bruised.

  "If only it were that." Leith stopped in front of him, nearly toe-to-toe. His jaw angled in a grim expression. Narrow brown eyes watched Gavin at eye level. "I've bad news. The town magistrate sent a couple of men here and they took Serena. She's gone."

  Gavin's ears burned and the heat spread to the base of his neck. His chest throbbed like an arrow pierced him. He cleared the lump in his throat. "Gone? Where did they take her?"

  "St. Gilbert's Cathedral. Father Kendrick left with them. I tried to stop them, but they threatened to send an army from town," Leith touched the side of his head. "One of them has a powerful punch."

  "What about Evelina? Did she go as well?" Gavin paced, circling his thumbs over his temples as if to spur more thoughts.

  "Nay." Leith shook his brown head. "She remains here with Iain. The servants in the castle say she's verra worried, and Iain is trying to comfort her."

  "Aye, I would imagine so." Gavin marched toward the courtyard with Leith following close behind. Anger rooted inside him. How could he have prevented this? He should have ignored her protests and taken her to the cave as soon as he found out about it. Gavin swung open the side door.

  "What will ye do?" Leith asked as their booted footsteps pounded against the floor.
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  "I don't know. How long ago did this happen?" Gavin glanced over his shoulder, but all he saw was the outline of his brother's head in the darkness.

  "Less than an hour."

  "Why didn't I see them?" Fear for Serena loomed over him like a drenching flood.

  "I heard Father Kendrick say they would have to go around the village to avoid resistance."

  They entered the great hall. Iain paced with his head down, his fingers tracing his brow. At the sound of their footsteps he turned, his face eased in hopeful relief.

  "Gavin, thank goodness ye've returned. I could use some wise counsel. Iain glanced at Leith and back at Gavin. "I'm assuming ye've heard they've taken Serena? 'Tis no easy feat to go up against the kirk. The clergy is too powerful in all of Europe."

  "Aye. If ye couldn't stop them, ye should have sent for me." Gavin clenched and unclenched his fists at his sides. Be calm. Iain is not at fault.

  "And what would ye've done?" Iain lifted his palms up, shrugging his shoulders. "The local bishop had already appeared to the town magistrate. He sent two well-armed men to escort her from here. If we'd resisted, I daresay an entire army would have soon descended upon us." He shook his head, walking closer. "Some could argue that we're protecting her guilt and resorted to such lengths with no other options. Is that what ye want? To strip away Serena's claim of innocence before she even has a chance at a public inquisition?" Iain's voice rose.

  "Nay, of course not." Gavin, properly chastised, stroked his chin in worry as he dropped his gaze from Iain. He needed to think things through rather than accuse others. When his sister had been kidnapped by the MacPhearsons, many had encouraged him to go with his brother against his father's wishes, but he'd refused. Instead, Gavin considered the potential consequences their actions could have on the entire clan. Avoiding war and unnecessary bloodshed became the goal . . . for everyone.

  Now, his goal would be keeping Serena alive without her captors breaking her spirit. Although he had no idea how to accomplish the task ahead of him. He prayed God would give him wisdom and favor.

  "I need to speak with Evelina." Gavin strode out the door leading to the staircase.

  "She's in her chamber, recovering," Iain said, following him. "'Twas verra sudden and unexpected. Evelina fainted. Serena refused to leave her, so one of the men carried her out on his shoulder. Afterwards, I gave Evelina a goblet of water, but she asked to be alone."

  "They manhandled Serena?"A flash of anger bolted through Gavin, breaking out a new line of sweat upon his forehead. "Did they hurt her?"

  "She put up a fight, but she wasn't injured."

  "This is unnecessary. She's lived all these years among the villagers with no problem. She's a poor, defenseless lass who has never harmed a soul in her life. Why make up lies?"

  "Gavin, ye must admit that her fits are like naught we've ever seen," Iain said. "Did it not frighten ye the first time ye witnessed it?" Iain rubbed his tired eyes with his knuckles. "As ye've pointed out, I can accept it, but that is because I know her. People in town rarely see her. They don't understand something they canna explain."

  "They canna explain the weather, the sun, the wind, the vast mysteries of the sea, but they accept it. Why must she be evil just because she's different?" Gavin whirled, shaking with fury. Letting out a slow breath, Gavin tried to imagine the peaceful ledge by the sea where he enjoyed praying. Images of him dancing with Serena branded his aching heart.

  Without another word, he stomped up the stairs.

  Gavin knocked on Evelina's door. He waited. No response. He knocked again.

  "Please . . . let me alone," a weeping voice called.

  "Evelina, it's Gavin. I need to talk to ye."

  A few moments later, the lock clicked and the door creaked open. She wore a black veil over her face. "Are ye alone?"

  "Aye," Gavin inclined his head to the left.

  "Come in, then." She swung the door wide. "Doreen's here. She's trustworthy." When he stepped across the threshold, Evelina closed the door and leaned against it.

  "The kirk has chosen the wrong man as Serena's exorcist." She stepped forward and clutched his plaid. "Ye have to do something. We've no time to spare."

  "I will. But first tell me everything that happened. What do ye know about this man?"

  "His name is Devlin Broderwick. He's Serena's father . . . and my husband."

  Twice Serena tried to escape. Now her wrists were bound as she rode in front of the burly man who had carried her over his shoulder. She had learned his name was John. He was quiet and ignored most of her questions. It was just as well, since talking eased her frayed nerves and she'd probably say more than she should.

  Serena prayed they would encounter Gavin, some of his men, or the villagers, but they took a narrow path through the woods leading around the village road. A few hours later, they rode into Braighwick. She would never feel the same way about this town again. Growing up, Briaghwick gave a glimpse into the outside world that had tempted her curiosity, but was forbidden. Here, she and her mother had bought and sold goods, learned of new inventions, and made a few friends—or so she had thought.

  "There's the possessed lass I've been tellin' ye 'bout!" The herbal merchant pointed at her.

  Conversations faded as they passed. People stopped to stare. Some faces were familiar, others were not. Serena wanted to hide, but the inclination was foolish. She would have to endure the agony of their public humiliation as best as she could.

  Serena gasped as a slimy tomato shattered against the side of her face, leaving a sodden trail as it slid onto her lap. She pinched the soft vegetable and dumped it on the ground, as the horse continued to clip-clop forward.

  "If ye miss the lass an' hit me, I'll string ye up to a tree, I will!" John raised a threatening fist above her head.

  Serena pulled a mess of seeds from her hair. The thick strands were now matted together. A rotten stench lingered. She gritted her teeth, determined to maintain her dignity. Her mother's inspiring words came to mind, and she lifted her chin, ignoring their mocking jests. At least, no more tomatoes were thrown at them.

  By the time they reached the gray stone towers of the kirk, relief contrasted her remaining fear. Was her trembling evident? Her insides were as unsteady as a stomach illness that wouldn't allow one to eat. She gulped air as John dismounted and reached up to set Sereena on her feet.

  It took a moment to gain her balance. She straightened and glanced up at the towering fortress. A silent prayer escaped her whispering lips. Only God could help her now.

  John led her by the elbow, following Father Kendrick up the stone steps. She counted each one, twelve in all. He opened one side of the double oak doors, holding the heavy structure for their entrance.

  A long aisle faced them down the center to the altar, with rows of wooden benches on each side. Serena stared up at the ceiling that seemed to be miles high. Plain candlebras hung from the rafters with unlit candles. The only light radiating throughout the sanctuary was from the lit candles on the walls and at the front altar. Three confession booth doors were on the left side behind the pulpit.

  She had always wondered what grand images lay behind these stone walls. Now she knew. A painted mural of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, kneeling by the cross where her son was being crucified covered the front wall.

  The hundred or so benches were empty, but a priest stepped out from behind one of the confession doors. He was young, mayhap Gavin's age. The priest wore a black robe with a silver cross around his neck, resting on his chest near his heart. He greeted Father Kendrick with a smile and a nod.