“He must be taken to our castle, Killian, for I must attend to him closely.”
“Aye, I’ll have a cart sent for him.”
Alainn next went to examine Killian’s wound and though it was a manageable wound, it would need to be closed by manner of stitching. She also noticed his amulet glowing brightly.
“Your amulet prevented serious injury, Killian!”
“And it was Danhoul’s warning that surely saved your life, Alainn.”
“And yours and Connor’s quick actions.”
She only then noticed the magnificent white horse lying upon the ground, clearly wounded as well. She looked toward it in concern, but Riley called out to her.
“Stay away from the hellish beast, Alainn! I will end his life, before he harms anyone else.”
“No, Riley, you must not!”
“Alainn, he nearly killed you. He is a danger to all around him and to himself,” Killian agreed.
Alainn used her powers to sense what the animal was feeling. She shook her head as she spoke.
“No, Killian, the animal has been charmed with a dark spell. He was driven to charge me, not by mistake or by accident, but by design, someone has employed the animal to do their bidding. Someone with strong magical abilities wishes me harm and, by God Almighty, I mean to find out whom.”
Riley had continued toward the horse with sword unsheathed and Alainn prevented it.
“Killian, I ask that the horse be taken to our stables, for I am certain I can undo the spell against me. Please tell me you’ll allow it!”
Though a look of doubt crossed his handsome face, he looked down at her as she pleaded to him and he finally relented. As the cart arrived and Connor MacLain was carefully loaded upon it, Alainn rode alongside the ailing man and Killian went to speak with Danhoul.
“How did you know the horse would charge my wife?”
“Well, you’re possibly aware I experience visions as she does. I saw her dead when the horse’s hooves struck her head and caused her death. I am thankful you heeded my warning.”
“And I am thankful to you for saving Alainn’s life.”
The two men shook hands with respect for each other as it seemed they would be required to rally their forces; once again their partnership would be required.
Alainn dozed as she sat at the bedside of the injured man. He’d been in extreme pain, she’d needed to relocate the joint, set the bone, mend the torn skin which had taken hours, and much magical healing as well. She’d issued him an herbal remedy many times in the night, in truth, probably too often and in quantities too great, therefore she sat by him vigilantly watching his condition. She had needed to keep him in a restful state lest he waken and thrash about in his great agony, surely causing further harm, and disturb the probably more than one hundred stitches. She didn’t suspect his wound was becoming purulent, but it was still too early to determine whether it might.
She heard a sound by the door and watched as Killian came to check on her again as he’d done several times through the night.
“He’s not about to murder me any time soon, Killian O’Brien. He’s hardly capable and not liable to do so at any rate. You needn’t be fearful for me.” She knew her tone sounded less than amicable and realized her lack of sleep was making her prickly.
“I didn’t suspect he’d murder you, Alainn. I was just comin’ to check on his condition and on yours. You must be dead tired and that can’t be good for you or the babe.”
She smiled up at his concerned and tired face. She stood and grasped the small of her back and gestured for him to come to her. He complied. She put her arms around his neck, and he drew her closer. She was nearly asleep on her feet as she leaned her head against his strong, broad chest and felt his warmth surrounding her. She glanced down at the wound on his forearm as well.
“Is it terribly painful?” she asked with deep sincerity as she tenderly touched her hand to his injury.
“No, ’tis nothin’, Alainn.”
“Hardly nothing, Killian, it took more than two dozen stitches to close it and some magical healing as well.”
“But it could have been much worse. I could have fared as badly as the Scot. Sure, it’s a miracle that he still lives much less still has his arm attached to the rest of his body. That was a horrid injury. He’s you to thank for his life and his arm, I’d suggest.”
“And he is to be thanked for saving my life, and you and Danhoul as well.”
“You’ve never felt compelled to spill your blood for anyone other than me, Alainn.”
“It was by impulse and necessity I shed my blood to save him. And gratitude for he saved me from the horse’s fury. I have used my powers often this night in attempt to discover who charmed the animal against me. I cannot seem to begin to conjure that information.”
“Danhoul knows of magic, and has unusual druid capabilities.......
“Danhoul would never hurt me!” She interrupted before he had completed his thoughts.
“I did not imply he would, Alainn. He helped us back at Castle O’Brien and was clearly responsible for savin’ your life; I’d hardly believe he was the cause of your near death. But why are you so damn defensive when it comes to him. You really don’t know the boy so very well, and still I sense there is somethin’ more between you, somethin’ I don’t care for in the slightest. What power does he have over you, and what connection do you have to him?”
There was both jealousy and concern in his tone and she looked up into his green eyes that were now consumed with both.
“I’ve no connection to him beyond our shared abilities and gratitude for all that Danhoul did to assist us back at Castle O’Brien!” She assured him, but she turned from him as she spoke.
He took her arm and turned her to him so that he could look deeply into her startling blue eyes.
“And though you may have on occasion kept information from me, you’ve never actually lied to me in your life, Alainn? What about the boy makes you feel the need to do so now?”
She stared at him, uncertain how to respond, but she finally found the words that he wasn’t’ certain gave him any consolation.
“Aye, I’ve never lied to you, Killian, and I won’t speak falsehoods to you now. But, I swear, I don’t know why I feel a deep connection to Danhoul. I feel as though I know him, that I know him well from another life or another time and, aye, there is a force that pulls me to him. I don’t understand it and I certainly don’t welcome it. ’Tis you I love, Killian O’Brien, and only you I shall always love, so doubt me not, not for a second, husband!”
“If you’d allowed me to finish my statement, I was actually wonderin’, with his many supernatural abilities, if he might be able to learn the origin of the magic spell that has been used against you.”
He kissed her then and, before she could respond to his thoughts, they heard the stirring from the man lying on the bed.
“So I’ve been healed by a witch, then, is that the whole of it?” the Scot asked in a pain-filled voice. He had obviously heard the conversation that had just taken place.
“Aye, you have!” she admitted as she went to the man and began to remove the bandages that covered his massive wound.
He moaned loudly and called out, and then cussed furiously.
“Why the blasted hell don’t you just leave it be? It doesna hurt nearly as badly when you just let it lie as it is!”
“And if it is not cleansed thoroughly and often, it will fester and rot and I will be forced to sever it entirely to save your life.”
The man groaned loudly again.
“Your wife has a rare talent for telling it like it is and not holding back anything. How do you put up with it?”
Killian smiled at the other man as he watched his wife diligently work at easing the other man’s pain and affliction.
“You, yourself said the spirited ones are the most beautiful, and she’s both beauty and spirit to rave of, and both in vast quantities.”
“And y
ou know if she presented these powers in England or France or even in the country of my birth she’d be taken to trial and surely burned at the stake for her gifts.”
“Aye, I’m aware of the superstitious nonsense and the barbaric practices.”
“There were suspected witches in the prison where I was held. And I watched many an innocent woman hauled off to be given an unfair trial and to meet a painful death. Some of them were surely only healers, and others with no more powers than me.”
Alainn shivered at the thought of dying by flame and she carefully wound the fresh clean bandages around the man’s shoulder and down his arm. She was aware Killian was more than perturbed at the man for his comments.
“I’ll thank you not to frighten my wife, Connor MacLain!”
“It wasn’t my intention to frighten her, but to purposely warn her, I suppose.”
“I am standin’ right here beside the two of you and you needn’t treat me like a child. I am well aware of what fate befalls many a woman in other countries, and I am most fortunate to live here in this country. Though open displays of magic are not advisable or most intelligent actions, even in Ireland, I know of no women who have met their death by so doing.”
They were then interrupted by the door to the chamber being thrown open and an obviously very angry Mary O’Brien bursting into the room.
“Why was my husband’s groom brought here for healing, we have a healer at our castle and my husband’s grandfather is notably capable in that regard as well?”
Killian and Alainn and exchanged startled glances, in noticing the other woman’s displeasure.
It was Killian who responded. “Mary, you know as well as anyone, Alainn is a gifted healer, and she’s not only ensured Connor lives, she’s most likely saved his arm. Why are you so enraged about this?”
Mary had yet to meet Alainn’s eyes and Alainn sensed her unhappiness, but her jealousy as well.
“As soon as he is well, he can be returned to Castle O’Rorke!” Killian assured her.
“I think that is not a wise consideration, Killian! I believe it would be beneficial to have Connor remain here at Castle O’Brien for a time, for the wound will need to be closely watched and we will need assistance in taming the stallion.” Alainn suggested in a firm tone.
Killian watched as the pretty, young Scottish woman’s face turned a rosy red in her fury. He wondered what had transpired between the two women to cause such discord for they had become fast friends from the first time they’d seen each other. Initially, it was not a relationship that was likely to form a friendship for Mary had been betrothed to Killian. They had very nearly married though Killian and Alainn had been desperately in love, even then. He could not wrap his mind around what was forcing such a wedge between the two when he heard the other woman’s spiteful words.
“How many men would be sufficient for you, Alainn O’Brien?”
“Mary, I know you don’t mean those hurtful words, and you know as sure as I’m standin’ here, that Killian is the only man I love.”
“Perhaps... but apparently that doesn’t stop you from bewitching and charming every other man you come in contact with. Are you just naturally beguiling to them or do you truly put a spell on them so each one of them falls hopelessly in love with you?”
“Mary, you are one of my dearest friends and very important to me. How can you think I would be that immoral or so completely without conscience?”
The man lying on the bed was as noticeably uncomfortable by the exchange between the two women as Killian.
“Mary, I don’t know what you think Alainn has done to wrong you, but I will speak to the goodness of her character. She does not entice other men, not purposefully or willingly!” Killian offered.
“Killian, do you think you could actually see any flaw in her character, you are so bewitched by her yourself. I think if she should decide to take any number of men to her bed you’d be even then unwilling to see it as a fault.”
“Mary, that is a dreadfully untruthful thing to say, and not only are you Alainn’s friend, I consider you to be my friend as well. But, if you keep talkin’ to her and about her in that manner, I’ll ask you to be gone from our castle indefinitely!”
“Aye, well then, Connor will accompany me to Castle O’Rorke!”
“No, Mary, I shall stay put, I believe it is best if I stay here to ensure I will be healed entirely.”
“You see, it has already begun!” She hissed and left the room with tears in her dark eyes.
Alainn would not meet Killian’s eyes and, as she headed for the door, he caught her arm and saw that many tears flowed down her own cheeks and a sob escaped her lips.
“What in hell is goin’ on, Alainn; you’d best tell me now?”
“Aye, Killian, we’ll speak on this directly, but I must have a word with Mary first.”
Killian nodded, knowing it was unlikely he could dissuade her even though he thought further discussion between the two women was not necessarily a wise consideration.
Alainn hastened down the long corridor, but Mary was already halfway down the castle steps before she finally caught up with her. She touched her arm, but Mary pulled away in a temper.
“Mary, what has you so very angry with me?
Chapter Twelve
“Mary, truly I am entirely in the dark regarding your unpleasantness. If it is because I caught you in the arms of another man, ’tis true I don’t pretend to like it for I am most fearful for you, but we must discuss it. I know you have been unhappy recently and I thought perhaps you and Riley had quarreled when you left to Scotland so suddenly.”
“Aye, well, I’ve no desire to speak with you regarding Connor or Riley, so just allow me to be on my way!”
“Mary, I consider you to be one of my dearest friends. You must tell me what has caused this terrible rage you seem to feel toward me.”
“You want the truth of it then, do you? You might not care to hear what I have to say on the matter, for I’ve no kind words for you at the moment!”
“Tell me what’s on your mind, Mary, for we’ve no hope of reconciliation if you won’t even tell me how you feel I have wronged you.”
“It wasn’t enough that you wed Killian when he was to be my husband. I know within my heart he and I could have been happy for I was well pleased to be his intended after we met. Then I recognized the two of you were in love, and I liked you, so I was willing to end our betrothal for I sensed he would never feel anything for me. And when I turned my sights on Riley, and he seemed to care for me as well, I was thankful and relieved to find a husband I was compatible with, and for the first few weeks of our marriage, I thought we would remain so.”
Alainn saw the woman’s brown eyes had begun to fill with tears once more, and she fought the urge to embrace her and offer her empathetic consolation, but she recognized the woman would not desire Alainn near her. She waited for her to continue.
“It was after you and Killian came to live at Castle O’Donnel that things began to change. Riley scarcely seemed to want to be near me, he barely spoke to me and almost never came to my bed. I was uncertain why he had changed so drastically. I thought maybe he was unhappy being here and far distanced from his family and his childhood home. When I tried to speak with him, he became angry and defensive, and soon after I found him with a servant girl, and then another, and another. When I became outraged at his blatant infidelity, he simply told me to get used to the notion for he wasn’t about to change his ways because he was a married man, that his desires had not lessened because he’d spoken a few empty, worthless vows, I believe was how he phrased it.”
When she stopped speaking, Alainn’s tears began falling down her face.
“Sorry, I am, Mary. Genuinely sorry, I am that my cousin is such a dishonorable and unfeeling arse! But, you must tell me why you are so displeased with me.”
“Are you not the all-knowing seer; the woman endowed with so many magical powers? Surely you know why I feel such contempt
for you?”
“I don’t Mary; truly I don’t.”
“So you dinna ken how Riley feels toward you?”
Alainn’s heart sank at what the other woman was alluding to, for once, a long while ago, Riley had admitted having feelings for her. It had been before she’d learned of her true parentage and they’d never spoken of it again.
“Oh, so you do ken how he feels? You must or you’d not wear such a grim expression at the moment?”
“He spoke of such only once and it was many months ago. I thought he was over whatever he believed he once felt for me.”
“Aye, well he’s not over it as you say. And he told me plain how he feels for you. The night before I fled to Scotland, he told me straight out for I forced him to tell me why he had distanced himself from me. He told me he had, and would only ever truly love one woman, that he could take a thousand women to his bed, but that he would still lust for only one. He told me he would have wed you even knowing you were his cousin if you had not been so entirely in love with Killian. He said he wished with all his heart it was him you were married to, his baby you carried, that it was his bed you shared each night.”
Alainn glanced around to make certain no one else heard the exchange between them for if Killian suspected any of this he would surely be driven to challenge, Riley to a battle of swords, a battle that Riley could not win for Killian was unsurpassed in his ability with a sword and she knew of no one who could best him.
“Och, you needn’t fear I’ll tell Killian about it, for now you have a secret of mine that must be concealed as well. I knew Conner back in Scotland; he’d come to be groom for my father. We were attracted to one another immediately, though we mostly fought the attraction. And he is past nine and twenty, and I only eight and ten years. I knew my father would force me into an arranged marriage to a noble and that the longer we were together the more difficult it would be to be parted. Therefore I asked to be allowed to live with my cousins, the McConnels in Ireland. It was the most difficult decision I have ever made, to leave him behind.”
A Chieftain's Wife Page 9
