A Chieftain's Wife

by Leigh Ann Edwards

  “I am gravely apologetic, Alainn.” She whimpered. “I had to come back to tell you that, I could not leave things so horrid between us, and I need you to know I would never ever wish you dead. You are as dear to me as anyone in my life, and certainly the only one I can confide in. Please tell me you’ll accept my apology for I shall be distraught forever if you canna see it in you to forgive me. I know not what I shall do if that be truth, truly I do not!”

  Alainn hurried to her side and embraced her tightly, her own clothes now soaked as well, and her own eyes filled with tears. She smiled up at Killian through her tears and he touched her shoulder as he headed toward the door.

  “I’ll have the servants bring up some heated stones, warm blankets and some hot herbal cider, for I suspect the two of you have a wee bit of talkin’ to do!”

  Chapter Fourteen

  The week preceding the celebrations at Castle O’Donnel was filled with many activities in preparation of the banquet, the games, and the hunt. The entire castle, its nobility, and servants were kept busy with unending chores and responsibilities. Killian and many of his men and army had readied the playing field. The great hall had been cleaned and fairly shone from top to bottom, which was no small feat considering the expansive proportions of the room.

  Alainn had spent a good deal of time in the kitchen, assisting Cookson and the many servants in his employ. And now the morning of the great hunt was upon them. Alainn knew how excited Killian had been this morning as he prepared to ready his horse and his weapons.

  Eireen’s husband, Fergus, had called her to assist him, but she had also been enlisted to watch Fergus’s grandson Kale. The child was an active wee lad and Eireen was clearly uncertain what to do with the boy for she could surely not mind him and carry through with her husband’s request. Alainn offered to watch the boy until Eireen was done and as she hurried after him down the long corridor, she giggled at his unsure steps. Killian was just coming to say farewell to her when he saw the heartwarming sight.

  “You couldn’t wait ’til our own wee son was born, you felt the need to abduct another wee lad to fill your days?”

  Alainn beamed widely as she scooped up the squirming child who had nearly made her breathless in chasing after him.

  “Tis Fergus’s grandson. Eireen needed to assist Fergus and she was to watch the boy for the day!”

  “So you’re carin’ for servant’s children, then?” Killian did not seem entirely pleased with the notion though Alainn could not discern why. “Where is his own mother?” he asked.

  Although she had still not made acquaintance with the small boy’s mother, Ciara, Alainn had found her husband Will to be a likeable man, therefore she was pleased to watch his son and to help out Eireen.

  Alainn had not related the disturbing encounter she’d had with Glynnis, but she had made good on her promise to have the guards keep close watch on the woman and her granddaughter, Ciara. They reported back daily to Alainn, and claimed no animals had been found since Alainn’s meeting with Glynnis. Alainn had been relieved to hear it and so she had seen no reason to divulge the incident to Killian. She finally answered his query regarding Ciara’s whereabouts.

  “From the horridly unpleasant smells coming from the herb chamber I’d say Ciara and her Glynnis must be creating some type of powerful concoction. It is truly a pungent scent. Perhaps they might need a truly knowledgeable healer to assist them?” She jested.

  “Aye, well, you look as though you have your hands full already!”

  “I think it will only be for a short while. He’s a delightful wee child, just learned to walk only recently for he’s not more than five and ten months.”

  Killian glanced at the boy and smiled. He watched as Alainn looked up at the stone walls and smiled herself.

  “What do you see or hear, Alainn?”

  “Echoes!” she answered. “There are echoes throughout nearly all the walls of this castle. Echoes in time are how I refer to them. I hear them often, but sometimes I see images as well. Structures made of wood seldom hold the echoes, for wood is porous, but stone is thick and nearly eternal and holds the memories. You lived a happy childhood, Killian. I see and hear you and your brother and sister often, and your parents as well. But, I also hear far-off distant echoes from centuries ago; some from over a thousand years ago, to the first Irish king who lived here, a druid king. He was a most passionate man.”

  “Passionate, in what regard, in ruling his kingdom?”

  “Aye, in that as well, but he was a masterful lover!”

  “You’ve heard that?”

  “Aye, and seen it as well at times, mostly in our bedchamber for that was where he slept and loved as well! He was a fine form of a man and seemed most knowledgeable in his techniques. I’ve seen him lyin’ by the hearth atop many luxurious animal pelts and the woman most certainly didn’t seem to object to his lovemaking.”

  “That must be somewhat disturbing for you to see and to hear?”

  “Not entirely, sometimes I find it most arousing!”

  “You don’t, Alainn!” He sounded troubled at the suggestion and her bold talk.

  “And would you not find it arousing, Killian O’Brien, to hear and see others making love?”

  “I am a man, Alainn, ’tis different entirely!”

  “So you think!” she suggestively smiled.

  “Are you tryin’ to make me jealous of some damn king that’s been dead for hundreds of years?”

  “Over thirteen centuries in actuality, and he may be dead but the echoes and his spirit are most certainly alive.”

  “You lovely wee vixen, would you like me to take me to our bedchamber and create some wee echoes of our own?” He playfully grabbed her in his arms and held her tight.

  “I suspect we already have, my love. Centuries down the road, some young witch, perhaps even one of our descendants will stand in our bedchamber and be driven to blush at the heated passion exchanged between you and me. And if she’s as hot-blooded as I, then she’ll think you a gifted lover as well, and sure she’ll not object to the sensual echoes.”

  He leaned down and gave her a passionate kiss and she thought he’d perhaps sooner be carrying her off to their bedchamber than to be off to the woods for a hunt.

  “What was that for?” She smiled at his display of open affection.

  “Can I not bid my wife farewell in grand fashion?”

  “Aye, I insist upon it!” She smiled again as she followed the small child who’d begged to be let loose again to explore the long and winding corridor. “And young Kale’s father will be headin’ out on the hunt with you along with many of your guards and your kin and clan?”

  “Aye, he’s waitin’ outside most impatiently. I just needed to see you before we left, for you know how I despise bein’ parted from you!”

  “Oh, Killian, you adore goin’ out on the hunts and you are an expert hunter. You were the envy of all the other men back in Castle O’Brien for your rare expertise and ability to never come home empty-handed.”

  “Well I’m hopin’ William will be fortunate enough to hunt a stag for ’tis always a grand feelin’ to take down one of those huge beasts, and they offer a good many meals for a family. He used to be a fairly able lad with a bow!”

  “You knew him when the two of you were younger?”

  “Aye, we’re reasonably close in age and his father was carpenter for mine.”

  Alainn saw the main doors of the castle open and the child she had picked up once more for he’d tumbled over and needed comforting, shrieked in joy as the man entered. Alainn saw it was his father, William, and the boy nearly jumped out of Alainn’s arms and ran to the man.

  “Wee Kale, why is Lady Alainn needin’ to watch over you; where is that mother of yours at the moment?”

  “With Glynnis in the healing chamber, I believe, William and I’m not opposed to watchin’ the lad, he’s a darlin’ wee boy.”

  “Aye, he is. ’Tis blessed I am to have such a sweet, healthy
lad, but he’s got a good deal of zest in him, and he’ll surely tire you in your delicate state. Take him to his mother if you should feel your strength waning, for ’tis after-all her duty to care for our son!”

  Alainn sensed there was a strained tension in the man’s voice when he spoke of his wife. Since the man seemed such a charismatic fellow and knowing Eireen’s dislike for her stepdaughter as well, and what the woman had surely done to the defenseless animals, once more Alainn developed an ever-growing dislike for the woman she’d yet to encounter.

  William took his son and began following him down the lengthy corridor and Killian held Alainn once more. She was overcome with a sudden pain inside her head and she grew dizzy and unsteady on her feet. Killian noticed how pale her face had become and he lifted her into his arms.

  “What is it, Alainn? You’ve just had a vision, aye?”

  “Aye, but it was a blurry vision, as though something or someone does not want me to see it.”

  “And what is it that you saw?”

  “I saw the woods to the north of the castle, and an animal, an angry, snorting animal, with tusks. And I saw blood, an unusual amount of blood. The ground was red with blood.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Christ, perhaps we should postpone the hunt or cancel it all together!”

  “I’m not certain, Killian. I could see no faces. Are there wild boar in these woods?”

  “At one time they were common, ’tis less common now to see them, but not unheard of.”

  “Well be cautious, Killian! You and all of your men will have horses and weapons; sure you’ll be safe enough. But the animals are acting entirely peculiar lately. First the stallion charged me and, yesterday, when I went to the stables even Storm seemed unusually wild and restless. My mare nipped me, also”

  “Caileag is the gentlest mare I know; she bit you?” he asked in a concerned tone.

  “Aye!”

  “And why did you not tell me about this?” His voice depicted his displeasure.

  “Because I knew you’d tell me to stay away from the stables and I wanted to see the stallion and all of the horses for I adore them. And I miss riding very much!”

  “Let me view the bite!” he ordered.

  She hesitantly lifted the sleeve of her gown and revealed the large round bruise and the torn skin.

  “By Christ, Alainn, you should have told me, and I forbid you to go near the stables until we discover what dark magic has caused these animals to act so unruly.”

  “Killian, I would be heartsick if I had to distance myself from animals entirely; you know how I feel... what deep love and connection I feel for them.”

  “Aye, and I love you, and I am wrought with concern for you. What of Wolf?”

  Killian knew how Alainn doted on the large wolfhound. The dog had been healed by Alainn when it was younger and since then it had been completely loyal and devoted to her, which was why they had brought the old dog with them from Castle O’Brien. She turned from his gaze and he noticed the disturbed look she now wore.

  “Tell me, Alainn; what of Wolf?”

  “He growled at me last night, when I tried to put him outside our door, he snarled at me and bared his teeth. He has never ever acted in such a manner toward me. I must find out what spell has been used upon these animals so it can be undone!”

  “Aye, well, until then you keep your distance from him and any other animal you might see, wild and domesticated alike!”

  The large arched door opened once more, and Riley, Mac, and Pierce entered the chamber. Alainn was reluctant to meet Riley’s eyes after what Mary had told her regarding his feelings toward her. It was the first time she’d felt so completely uncomfortable in his presence.

  “What has your wife in such a dismal disposition this day, Killian? Are the two of you quarreling?”

  Killian did not answer the man for he was deep in thought at the moment regarding the hunt.

  “Are we soon to be off then, cousin, for the men are anxious to begin the hunt? ’Tis a grand day, and promises to be a bountiful hunt!”

  “I am not certain the hunt will take place this day, Riley!” Killian offered.

  “What are you talkin’ about Killian?”

  Killian glanced at Alainn and was uncertain how much to disclose to the other man.

  “Oh, I suppose she’s dictatin’ your life so entirely, controllin’ you so completely that she’ll not even allow you this time away from her now? Doesn’t she know it’s the man who is to determine what’s done in his own castle? I would have thought you’d have tamed her some by now, especially since she carries your child. Women tend to be somewhat more docile when they’ve a child in their belly!”

  “And you know this from your vast experience with women who are with child?” Killian angrily retorted.

  “Ah, it’s one of those moods you’re in then, is it? Has your bed been a bit cold these last nights then; is that the reason for your ill temper? Has the beddin’ been less than satifyin’ to you because of her condition or has Alainn been refusin’ to share your bed, entirely?”

  “At the moment, you are the reason for my ill temper, cousin, and I swear if you ever mention a bed and Alainn in the same breath, you’ll not live to draw another.”

  He had put his hand to the hilt of his sword and Alainn touched his arm to dispel his uneasiness and displeasure.

  “I have had a vision, Riley, and it involves the hunt somehow and an animal and a good deal of blood!” Alainn explained.

  “Aye, well, when an animal is killed there is usually a good deal of blood; surely you know that, though I know you have always refused to attend a hunt!”

  “Aye!” She pondered his words, though wondered why she would have a vision if it only was an animal’s blood that would be spilled.

  A large number of men had gathered in the immense open chamber and they all appeared to be excited and eager to get on with the hunt. Killian looked at Alainn once more and she shrugged for she was uncertain what to tell him. Riley decided for them for he uttered a loud whooping cheer, which surely meant the event was soon to begin. Killian wore a look of hesitancy.

  “Be cautious, the lot of you, be exceedingly mindful this day!” Killian’s loud authoritative voice called out to all the men surrounding him.

  “Especially if you should see a wild boar!” Alainn added.

  The men all nodded to her, but she wasn’t certain that any truly heeded hers or her husband’s words, so eager were they to begin their sport and camaraderie. Killian quickly kissed her before he left and his hand lingered ever so long on her belly before he headed out the door.

  The remainder of the morning Alainn felt uneasy and after Eireen had come to collect Kale, Alainn was undecided as to how to fill her morning so her worries would diminish. She’d had no further visions, but the uneasiness nagged at her well into the afternoon. She’d checked on Connor MacLain several times, but he was doing much better, his wound improving and she thought his temperament was becoming irritable, which often indicated a man was beginning to grow impatient with keeping to a bed. She felt certain it would be soon he could be up and about.

  When she heard the sound of horses’ hooves outside the castle, she sensed urgency in the speed they approached. A gnawing dread within her had her heading out the main doors with a swiftness she thought herself unable, considering her roundness. She was relieved at first glance to see Killian was atop his horse and surely not injured, but at closer inspection she saw his tunic was soaked with blood and then she noticed the figure slung over the back of his horse. He jumped down from his mount and hurriedly pulled the man down. He glanced at Alainn with panic on his face and fear in his heart. She hastened to them as Killian carefully laid the man upon the steps. She stared down into the pale, lifeless face of William McCree. His eyes were closed and she noticed the deep and gaping wound on his stomach. She placed her hand to his chest and could find no heartbeat.

  “What can you do for him, Alainn?” he
r husband asked in a ragged voice.

  “He’s gone to the beyond, Killian, there is no amount of healing that can aid him now.”

  “But you must try, Alainn. I remember once when we were younger, back at Castle O’Brien, there was the tiny boy that was pulled from the pond. He did not breathe. You healed him, brought him back from death. You saved his life when no one believed it was possible.”

  A crowd of concerned and despairing men hung back waiting to see what the chieftain’s wife could do by way of her healing for many had heard what she was capable of, and a few had even witnessed her unusual healing abilities.

  Alainn looked up into Killian’s anguished face and wanted greatly to take away his obvious pain, but she knew the injured man was long since beyond help.

  “If I could, Killian, for you I would, I swear it, but ’tis not possible. His skin grows cold, his heart does not beat, and his blood has begun to congeal. See for yourself, no more does it flow from the wound.”

  “But could you bring him back, by way of your magic, is it possible?”

  “Back from the dead? It would be unthinkable to even consider it Killian, perhaps even evil! I would not dare attempt it, for his soul has already left his sorely damaged body!”

  As she glanced down at the open wound she felt her stomach grow queasy at the sight, for many of his internal parts were visible through the gaping hole. Killian sat down upon the steps and appeared to be in filled with great grief and much guilt. Alainn placed her hand on his shoulder and tried to console him.

  “This is not your doing, Killian.”

  “Aye, but it is, Alainn, your vision was surely an ill omen. I should have listened to you and to my own bad feelings regarding the hunt!”

  Glynnis, the old healer had obviously been called for she hurried to where her granddaughter’s husband now lay dead upon the steps. Her thin, haggard face appeared much older than her six decades for it was creased with many lines and her wild, long gray hair, her missing teeth and unusual appearance caused many to fear her. Her lips were tightly pursed and her dark eyes held a hint of accusation as she looked from Killian to Alainn.