Alainn realized how difficult it must have been for the woman to summon enough courage to speak of the private matter. She’d barely even begun to think of a response when Mary continued speaking.
“I don’t suppose even your magical abilities can help me in that area, but I’ve another matter I need to discuss with you as well. I ken you are able to create potions, concoctions of herbs that ensure a woman will not conceive a child.”
“Aye, I created such potions for many women back at Castle O’Brien. They are reasonably effective, but not foolproof by any measure. But, I must ask what man’s baby are you not wishin’ to carry, is it Riley’s or Connor’s?”
The woman threw her a cautious glance, but after some time she responded. “I have never been with Connor in such a manner, and I do not plan to be, not now, at least... not yet. It’s not that I haven’t thought about it, for I have, and I know how horridly vulgar that must sound to you, but I do fight the urges I feel when it comes to him. We have scarcely seen each other since he has been living at your castle. And it isn’t that I don’t care for Riley. I do! In truth, I believe I do love him, but I love Connor as well.”
Alainn knew Mary waited for reaction to her confession, but she made no comment for she was attempting to respond in a manner that would not appear judgmental, so Mary spoke on.
“I ken you love Killian so entirely you can’t believe a woman could love two men at the same time, but they can for I tell you plain, I do!”
“And if you don’t plan on acting on your feelings for Connor, why do you not wish to carry Riley’s baby?”
“It isn’t that I don’t want that either, it’s that I don’t want it just yet. I need to know he does actually care for me in some capacity before I carry his child.”
“’Tis considered a crime to prevent a pregnancy in the Catholic religion and to attempt to prevent a child of a man who desires an heir, especially a chieftain, is punishable by strict laws.”
“I am much aware of that, but how would he know for certain? Although sometimes I believe the only reason he comes to my bed is in hopes I will soon carry his child.”
“And perhaps carrying his child might improve the relationship you and Riley share. He would surely think of you with high regard when you carry his child, it may be all you need to become closer.”
“And if it isn’t, Alainn, then a child would be created when our future is so uncertain.”
“I do not wish to steer you wrong, Mary. It would be no great kindness for me to suggest you must stay with a man or bear his child if he disrespects you. But I must tell you no one’s future is entirely certain. I feel I must ask you, Mary, do you entertain serious notions of leaving Riley, for I believe that would be a perilous consideration; that he could be a dangerous man if crossed. I’m certain he’ll never grant you an end to your marriage. He loathes the very notion of a woman leaving her husband. You must think it through and give it much serious consideration.”
“I do recognize that, Alainn, and I truly dinna ken what will come of our marriage. I suppose I will end up like my mother, bitter and lonely, knowing her husband takes mistresses and whores. And she was with child more than not for most of their early years of marriage. Eleven children in thirteen years, and then when my youngest brother was born she was damaged so severely, the midwife warned my father not to go to my mother’s bed ever again unless he wanted her dead in childbed.”
A concerned look crossed Alainn’s face and she touched her belly and Mary noticed.
“Forgive me, Alainn; that was inconsiderate of me, I did not intend to cause you undue concern.”
“No, Mary, I have assisted midwives before, I know well enough of the perils associated with childbirth.”
They were quiet for a time, but Mary finally asked once more.
“Will you give me the potion, Alainn? Tell me you’ll do that for me, only until I see whether Riley and I might mend things between us.”
“Aye, I’ll do it, but if either Riley or Killian learn of it, neither will be pleased with either one of us. And, again, I must tell you it is by no way entirely reliable. You well might become with child.”
“I ken it well, Alainn. And I don’t want to cause discord between you and Killian. The two of you remain happy and so entirely in love.”
“Aye, we’re deeply in love but, even at that, it doesn’t come without strife, Mary. ’Tis unrealistic to think anyone can be happy all the time, I suppose.”
“And what of the potion? Is it ingested or used to wash out the seed?” Mary questioned her face turning dark scarlet as she spoke of the personal subject.
“There are both types; and to use both in conjunction with the other is best in preventing conception. The latter is more difficult to conceal from a man, for it needs to be done immediately following the beddin’, if your husband is the type who likes to hold you and show affection following the intimacy it will not be easily accomplished.”
“That will nay be a concern, then,” the woman regrettably admitted, and Alainn felt saddened about that as well.
When they’d been walking for some time, Mary suggested it might be wise to return to Castle O’Rorke and Alainn felt certain Mary was simply concerned about her strolling for such a lengthy time in her condition. She was about to argue and tell he she felt as well as before she carried a child, but it occurred to her, Mary seemed tired herself. She reasoned if the woman was in love with two men that would be enough to cause any woman to have sleepless nights and be overly tired, for Alainn thought loving one man was sometimes a definite source of fretfulness and unrest.
As they turned to start back, Alainn noticed a tall structure she’d not seen before. It caught her interest immediately and she began striding toward it to get a better look. She realized it was the ruins of an ancient castle. The enormous rocks were scattered in disarray and few of the greenish-grey walls remained standing. But one tower seemed entirely intact. She pondered why she’d never noticed it before, but reasoned she’d never strayed this far from the grounds of Castle O’Rorke, and the trees had recently shed many of their leaves which surely left a clearer view of the ruins.
She felt undeniably drawn to the location even though Mary warned it might be dangerous to approach for the walls may not be stable. Alainn insisted upon getting a closer look and, when she glanced up at the tall tower, she noticed a female apparition in the uppermost window. Such a sensation of sadness seemed to encompass the woman, Alainn felt her heart own constrict in empathizing the spirit woman’s lamenting. Yet Alainn recognized an undeniable connection to the spirit as well. Mary tapped her shoulder and she jumped for she’d been so intent on experiencing the other female’s pain, and trying to decipher why she was so drawn to the specter she had nearly forgotten Mary was there.
“Alainn, we really must return, you look unusually pale and we still have the long walk back. The menfolk might worry, especially Killian, for he’s very protective of you.”
“Aye, we’ll start back then!” she regrettably agreed as she looked up at the window once more.
The spirit woman gazed down at her and their eyes met. The sorrowful grey eyes were filled with such utter desolation, Alainn wanted to immediately climb the steps to the tower and learn what maudlin event had happened to the woman to make her grieve after so long.
Alainn surmised in life this spirit woman must have claimed magical powers, for Alainn had been capably blocking her ability to see spirits for some time now. It was often much too disheartening or sorrowful to see these restless spirits that were for one reason or another bound to this earth instead of going to the beyond. Because she was able to see this woman’s spirit with such clarity led Alainn to believe she must have been capable of doing great magic when she lived. She felt such an uncommon connection to the spectral woman she yearned to go converse with her.
Yet when Alainn looked toward the northernmost wall, she noticed a dark shadow, and she knew something sinister lurked in the shadows of that
wall. Something unimaginably terrible had happened here very long ago, Alainn sensed. And when that thought crossed her mind she saw a vision of the woman in the tower and the king who had once lived in Castle O’Donnel. She longed to learn more, a part of her wanted to investigate further even knowing the evil presence was near, but when the child moved within her, her thoughts were once more brought back to this time. She smiled at Mary to reassure her she was well for Mary was looking at her as though she thought she might collapse.
“Are you certain you’re well, Alainn. The color has gone from your face entirely!”
“No, I assure you, Mary, I am well enough. Come now, we’ll go see what our men have been discussing this day. It appeared to be important for they clearly didn’t want us around while they were speakin’!”
“Aye, I got that impression as well. Riley and Grandfather have been speaking lowly and acting secretive since the celebration last evening. I heard something to do with a messenger that brought word of news from Castle O’Brien, but I did not push the issue of learning what news was brought for Riley does not care to share such details with me. He reminds me of his father in that regard!”
“Aye, I suppose he is like his father in many ways,” Alainn regretfully agreed.
They’d barely made it halfway back to the castle when Alainn saw Danhoul atop his horse and approaching her with a concerned look on his face.
“You are not to be without the company of me or your husband; you know that well enough, Alainn O’Brien!”
Alainn did not care for his commanding tone or his unusual gruffness. She most assuredly longed to tell him so, but there was little they could openly discuss while in Mary’s presence. She signaled for him to get off the horse so they might have a word in private and they stood on the other side of his horse distanced from the curious Scottish woman who had to wonder what they were speaking of.
“My spell of thirteen is still in place, no one can harm me by way of magic, not for at least another fortnight. And, in truth, the spell will probably hold longer than that since it was spoken during the full moon.”
“Aye, well, ’tis better to be cautious than regretful, and you should be warned to stay away from the castle ruins, a mighty battle between good and evil was fought there many centuries ago. I sense the echoes of evil still remain. And if your enemies are unable to get to you by way of magic because of your spell of thirteen they may still choose other methods of harming you.”
“I understand your concern, Danhoul, but I am a seer, sure I’d be able to see impending danger.”
“But perhaps not when ’tis you in peril, and maybe not in time to actually do anything about it. You’ll recall you did not foresee being struck with a poison dart back at Castle O’Brien!”
“I shall be more cautious next time, but I do not take kindly to being ordered out by one man, much less two, or to being made to feel like a prisoner. And I doubt you would care to accompany me every waking moment and listen to Mary and I speak of womanly discussions. Though you might learn some valuable information that might aid you one day when you are wed, I suppose!” She softened her tone and smiled at the young man.
“I can’t even imagine bein’ wed and feelin’ so completely responsible for someone. I am not always in favor of tryin’ to keep you safe and I only do that as I am in the employ of your grandfather. The gods forbid I ever marry anyone half as difficult as you!”
“And I adore you entirely, as well, Danhoul Calhoun,” she whispered in a caustically sarcastic tone and threw him a nasty glare that made Mary glance at them in further curiosity.
Danhoul mounted his horse again and rode far enough ahead of the two women that he could not hear their voices. Mary sent Alainn an impish grin and she dared to declare her suspicions.
“You may not know what it is to be in love with two men, but I’ll tell you plain there are at least two that are in love with you, and I’m not including my husband in the lot!”
“You’re not suggestin’ Danhoul loves me?”
“Aye, he’s falling hopelessly in love with you; that’s exactly what I’m suggesting.”
“That’s absurd, Mary! I would know if he felt anything more than friendship and responsibility toward me.
“And you think yourself a perceptive seer; I would suggest you are lacking when it comes to matters that pertain to you!” Mary seemed almost pleased that hers was not the only life without complications.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Killian had been quiet on the ride back home. When they reached the castle, he accompanied her to the door, but then begged leave for a time as he had pressing business to discuss with his captain and his steward.
Alainn reasoned if she was to create the potion she had promised Mary, she would need to walk to the lake for it was along lakeshores and river banks an herb grew that was known to be beneficial to women who did not wish to carry a child. A small dose seemed to ensure a woman did not conceive, a larger dose was sometimes known to terminate a pregnancy, but Alainn had always refused to create a potion with that potency and ability.
When she reached the shores of the lake, she stood for a moment, simply reveling in the beauty of the land. She adored Ireland, the rolling hills, the emerald valleys, and the rocky terrain, as well as the open glens, sparkling lakes, and magnificent seascapes. Their Ireland was a land of vast diversity and she well knew it was the great beauty that appealed to anyone who landed on its shores. But so many marauders throughout history had attempted to conquer and change the people, and Alainn felt saddened the English meant to do just that once again.
As she searched through the many plants that grew along the mossy banks, she noticed, with resentment, she was not alone. She saw the outline of Ciara McCree walking along the shore as well. She planned to swiftly procure the herbs and be gone from the area before Ciara drew any closer to her location. The woman apparently had other plans for when Alainn was bent using her dagger to dig deeply and remove the plant’s roots as well, the woman hurried toward her and oddly, by Alainn’s estimation, she wore a smile upon her face.
Alainn briefly used this undesired closeness in proximity to assess the other woman’s appearance, for Alainn reasoned if Ciara had been even partially responsible for the spell placed on the animals, it would be likely she might possess bites or scratches since Alainn had reversed the spell and directed it back to the issuer. It would surely stand to reason whoever was actually responsible would be in peril by way of vicious and frequent animal attacks. Alainn looked as closely as she cared to at the woman and was nearly disappointed to find she did not appear to have outward wounds, although she deemed they might simply be hidden by her garments.
As she lingered on that thought Alainn was immediately presented with the oddest vision. She saw a young spirit girl perhaps on the verge of womanhood. She appeared strangely familiar. In truth, she bore a striking resemblance to herself at that age though her hair was paler and her eyes were darker, an entirely different shade of blue. As Alainn stared on at the spirit attempting to determine her identity, she was startled when the spirit touched her arm. Never in her visions had she had direct contact with anyone. Always before, when she was presented with a vision, it was as though she was watching the happenings from a distance or from above, looking upon those in the vision, but not actually a part of it. In the vision, they were standing at the lakeshore where Alainn now was, but the spirit seemed insistent on having Alainn accompany her and when she touched her arm again they were both taken to another location.
They were now standing within Glynnis’s horrific chamber, but as it appeared when she’d first happened upon it. The stench filled her senses completely and the pathetic animals all looked at her with fear and desperation in their eyes. She strained to see inside the darkened chamber when her spirit companion began to emit a bright glow which capably showed the way.
She was urgently motioning to Alain to follow her as she pulled open the partially concealed door Alainn had seen
when she had been there before. Behind that door was indeed an earthen tunnel, as Alainn had suspected. The scent of damp earth filled her nostrils. She proceeded to follow the spirit and the glow that encircled her continued to light up their dismal surroundings.
They seemed to walk for an endless time through the long and winding tunnel and Alainn curiously pondered why the spirit might not have saved them the long walk and simply transported them to wherever the intended location might be. The spirit eventually floated through a portal that led out into the night air. She continued on to a clearing and by the light of the full moon, the spirit pointed eerily toward a rock formation. There were several such circles of stones in the area, believed to be burial chambers or locations where druids had once performed rituals and even human sacrifice. But as they approached, the young spirit woman put her fingers to her lips as if to warn Alainn she must remain silent and concealed.
Alainn stayed hidden behind one of the large pointed stones and peered around it. There were half a dozen women all dressed in long black gowns. They were chanting loudly and in the center Alainn was affrighted to see the dark demon in human form. She shivered and slowly moved back behind the stone, her heart thumping and her skin crawling. The spirit girl drew nearer to her and she could see her eyes were filled with fear as well.
“You must look on further, Alainn!” the girl whispered.
Alainn shook her head in fervent disagreement and began to start back toward the tunnel.
“He took my life and my powers and he longs to take yours as well!” The spirit girl revealed through telepathy.
“Who are you?” Alainn replied in the same manner.
A Chieftain's Wife Page 18
