With his mouth full, he muffled, “I will not let you ruin my morn with yer cynical ranting.” He jumped up from the bed and brushed the crumbs from his green tunic. “Besides, you should be worried about yer own neck."
Gavenia's head jolted up. “Why?"
"I saw you come in last eve from the stable."
"You did not tell Father?"
"Nae, I did not tell Father."
Gavenia released a sigh of relief.
"You should not be outside these walls alone; ‘tis not safe ... especially for a lass."
With an unladylike scoff, she threw the bread at her brother. “Leave me now or you will soon squeal like a warthog!"
Callum chuckled and brushed his tunic again. “All right, my wee petal. But be warned, next time Father will be informed for yer own good."
The door opened and their mother entered the room just as Callum was leaving. He executed a courtly bow. “Milady mother."
Adela inclined her head. “My son, why are you in yer sister's chamber so early?"
"Someone needs to ruffle her awake in the morn,” he said smoothly, his dimples deepening. “How else could she possibly begin her day otherwise?"
"Out!” Gavenia yelled from the bed.
"Gavenia, must you shriek like a common serf?"
The door closed behind her brother and Gavenia swung her legs over the side of her high bed. “I pray yer pardon, Mother,” she said in a low tone.
Gavenia walked over to the chair and table, then sat and passed the brush to her mother. Adela glided over to her and began to brush Gavenia's knotted locks. “I have acquired a maid for you."
"Pardon?"
"She is a little younger than you, but she tells me she is well experienced as a handmaiden to nobility.” Her mother continued brushing.
"I do not need a maid."
"If you were not lonely, you would not feel the need to ride outside the walls unescorted,” her mother's tone was flat, a sign that she was suppressing her vexation. Gavenia would rather receive a plague spot then be granted her mother's quiet stare.
Gavenia squeezed her eyes shut.
"Callum told you."
"Aye, and be thankful we did not inform yer father."
"Mother, I do not want a servant following me around, dogging my every step."
"Either you accept her, or I will have no choice but to tell yer father. And we both know he will discipline the poor gate keeper for being careless."
"Those are my alternatives?"
"Aye.” Her mother handed the brush to her. “I will send the lass up immediately. She will sleep on a cot in here."
"Verily well, then.” Gavenia donned a gown of blue linen and tied the laces to the outer corset. Lifting her hair into a smock, she faced the door when it creaked open.
A petit, curvaceous maid walked into her chamber. Her green-brown eyes scanned Gavenia's belongings as if judging their worth. The way she moved spoke of sexual confidence, which left Gavenia wondering if her new maid would sneak out at twilight to dally with the soldiers. Gavenia guessed most men would covet such a beautiful woman, but something about her made her unattractive. Was it the dark circles under her eyes or the chilling presence she sensed behind them?
As if remembering her manners, Coira curtsied and Gavenia stared at the top of her head. Had she seen this maid before? She somehow seemed familiar.
Coira rose and smiled. “I am honored to serve you, my lady."
Her tone was even, but everything inside Gavenia told her the maid spoke false. “Why is it you wish to serve me?” Gavenia bluntly asked.
"Who would not want to serve the great Celtic witch of the Roberts clan?"
Gavenia went to her bedside table and blew out her candle. “We do not allow word of our gifts to travel outside people we trust.” Suspiciously, she faced Coira. “You are not from any of the Roberts allies, otherwise I would know of you. From where do you hail and how did you know that I am a witch?"
"I am daughter of Henderson from the lowlands, and Lady Adela told me of yer unique powers."
"When did..."
"Ah, I see you two are getting along.” Her mother waltzed into the chamber and put her arm around Coira's shoulders. “Is she not lovely?"
The maid smiled in return as they both faced Gavenia. Gavenia returned a weak smile and nodded.
"Now, you two go on down to the hall,” her mother said. “I had the cook prepare a special meal to break yer fast."
Gavenia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. If it was not bad enough to have someone watch over her, but her mother was treating her like a wee bairn again. She had to escape this place. All she wanted to do was travel to exotic lands, taste new food, witness different cultures. Instead she was trapped within the walls of ‘safety'. Confined because she was a witch and the world could not accept what they did not understand.
Coira walked out with her mother and Gavenia followed behind, listening to her mother answer the maid's questions. She asked about her mother's past, how she came to be the Lady of the castle, and if she had any enemies.
"Why do you want to know if we have enemies?” Gavenia interjected, descending down the spiral staircase.
Her mother stopped and looked back while Coira explained, “To be aware of one's enemy is to be forewarned."
"She is right, Gavenia,” Her mother responded. “You must take heed of the danger that lurks not only outside our walls, but within."
Frustration boiled inside Gavenia. If she screamed right now, perhaps the maid would think her ill in the mind and would not accept the position.
"Come, come, Gavenia,” her mother called at the bottom of the stairs. “We have a feast to prepare in less than a fortnight."
* * * *
The busy kitchen was stifling hot as the village servants rushed around preparing bread, sweetmeats, soups, and other dishes of delicacy. When the Roberts clan had a feast, all traveled from near and far to pay their respects to their chieftain, and to sample food from the best cooks in Scotland.
Gavenia rolled another log of dough between her palms. She had been making bread since dawn. Her wrists ached and her nose itched from the powdery grain. She did not mind helping the cooks; in truth, she enjoyed the smell of baking bread mixed with sweet spices from the pies. A nudge from behind almost had her land on the dough. Scowling, she turned around to see Callum smiling with his usual charm.
"What are you doing here?” she asked.
"Thought I would visit you and hide from yer friend, Coira.” Callum brushed a finger across her face that was smeared with flour. “You are dirty."
Gavenia pushed his hand away and turned back to her batter. “Coira is no friend of mine. She only comes to my chamber late in the eve to sleep."
"Word through the barracks is she has visited every soldier here except me and Father.” Callum leaned back against the table. “She will not leave me alone. I have told her I am betrothed, yet it does not matter to her."
"I will talk to her."
"Will you?” Callum smiled and blinked his eyes at her as if he was innocent of the outcome.
"With one pledge."
"Anything for you, my wee petal."
Gavenia dusted her hands together and faced him. “Take me with you next time you go hunting. I want to be free of this oppressive castle."
He chuckled. “The hunt for the feast has passed. We have more than enough meat for our guests. Besides, you hate hunting."
"I do not care. I will close my eyes. I need to get away from mother and her constant talk of the chosen one and my obligation to procreate an heir.” Gavenia leaned closer to whisper, “And Coira is always watching me when she is around. I think her eyes are too dark for one so young."
"She does not have the gift of integrity, that is for certain,” her brother added.
"Mother is smitten by her. Perhaps she would prefer to have her for a daughter instead of me."
"That is false, sister. Do not say such things,” Callum admonished.
“Mother only wants what is best for you."
"Nae, Mother wants what is best for future Celtic magick."
Callum's eyes softened and he took her wrist to lead her away. She resisted. “Wait, I have not finished this bread..."
"Let the cooks finish it. You need a respite."
Gavenia followed her brother out of the stifling kitchen into the cool bailey. With a mischievous grin, she rubbed her floury hands on Callum's tunic and he jumped away from her.
Brushing the powder off, he growled, “And I was about to show you a secret."
"Pray tell, what secret could you have that I do not already know?"
They walked around the side of the castle and came to an alcove where the battlements joined the wall of the castle. “What are we doing here?"
"This is the secret.” Callum pointed at the wall.
"Intriguing,” she said with sarcasm. “A dead end."
Callum gently pushed her to the side and pulled a loose brick from the battlements. A small door opened, affording entrance to the outside.
Gavenia gasped and peeked through the doorway. “How did you come by this?"
"Father showed me when I was a lad. He said if we were ever under siege, it was my duty to see you and Mother to safety.” Callum grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him. “You must never tell anyone of this passage and only use it when I am with you."
"I will, I will."
"Pledge to me you will not go out alone."
"Pray, stop worrying, Brother. I will be all right."
Callum did not look convinced, but she knew he trusted her. Throwing her arms around his waist, she hugged him tightly. “Thank you."
"I have a sour feeling about this now."
"Come, let us go for a brisk walk.” She pulled Callum through the passage.
He laughed. “Vixen!"
From behind the corner, Coira watched the brother and sister disappear beyond the passage, the wall closing with a grating noise.
"So, the little bird wishes to be free of her gilded castle.” Lifting a shawl over her head she hastened toward the stables to find her horse. Beneath her breath, she uttered, “Lady Gavenia will soon find a cage she canna escape."
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Chapter Four
Tremayne sat in his chair watching three beautiful women making love upon his fur-lined bed. The nymphs writhed with passion, licking and kissing each other in a triangle. Although their energy was intoxicating, he was unstirred to join them. The image of Lady Gavenia played in his mind. Her sweet, pink lips called to him, asking him to touch her. Her curly, golden hair glistened in the sunlight as if spun from the finest silk. Skin so creamy, he yearned to run his tongue over every inch of her body. Tremayne felt his manhood rise at the thought. He was just about to reconsider his decision and join the ladies when a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter!"
Coira rushed in and kneeled at his feet. “My lord, I have news of Lady Gavenia."
Tremayne edged forward. “Continue."
"She has a way to escape the watchful eye of her family."
"Know you when she will leave?"
"I will make it so on the eve of the great feast. I believe she will be driven to seek solace through a cloaked passage."
Tremayne rose, the bulge beneath his kilt was in line with Coira's face. Her eyes shone with lust. “Allow me to ease yer burden,” she purred and began to run her hands up his legs.
"Do not touch me unless I give permission.” He pushed her away and she fell to the side. “Besides, I have three lovely ladies here.” He walked to the edge of the bed. “Come to me,” he commanded the women on the bed.
They scrambled to kneel side by side upon the furs. Slowly, he waved his hand over their faces, and they transformed into the image of Lady Gavenia.
"As you can see, Coira, I have no need of yer services. Return to Gleich Castle and make sure Lady Gavenia is unescorted on the eve of the feast."
Tremayne lay on the bed and allowed the nymphs to enjoy his body. They would not be as satisfying as the real lady, but they would do until he captured the witch and plowed inside her.
* * * *
"May I come in?” Gavenia's father stood at the doorway to her chamber.
His flaxen hair was tied back at the nape and he wore his training tunic, kilt and sword. Even at the age of forty-nine winters, the chieftain had an angelic face with the body of a young knight. Many a time had passed when she went to the back of her father, thinking it was Callum. It was nary a wonder that her mother and father were still deeply in love. She too wished to have such an endearing love.
Shaking her head, she motioned her father to enter.
He threw his arms around her. “It does so gladden my heart to see you. I know I have been distracted of late. The duties of a chieftain hold much of my attention."
"I understand, Father.” Gavenia padded across the fresh rushes to the wardrobe and pulled on a pair of yellow slippers that matched her primrose gown. “Have guests arrived early for the great feast on the morrow?"
"Aye, yer mother wishes you to come down and greet them.” Her father shifted uneasily as if he had more to say but could not find the words.
Gavenia took pity on him. “Pray tell, what it is she wanted you to put forth?"
Her father gave her a crooked smile. “I detest how you can read me so easily. ‘Tis bad enough yer mother does the same."
"Father, what did you want to say?” Gavenia urged, her tone softening.
"You must decide on a husband at the great feast. We have invited all the noblemen in Scotland, so there will many choices, and..."
"Nae.” Gavenia turned away from him and sat on the windowsill to look at the full moon shining over the village.
Her father followed her and leaned against the wall.
"Your mother had a hard life by herself and she became a recluse, fearing people before she even met them."
"That is my mother. I am not her,” Gavenia whispered, resisting the urge to cry over the same story she had heard many times.
"Nae, you are not. You have had the sanctuary of loved ones to surround you and protect you.” Her father touched her shoulders. “I do not want to see you lonely."
If only she could tell her father of her future, of the death that awaited her. Taking a deep breath, she responded, “I do not need yer protection and I do not need a mon.” A silent tear fell down her cheek. She tilted her head away from her father and absently wiped her cheek. “My powers will keep me safe."
"You canna rely on yer powers for protection."
Gavenia held her hand out the window. In the distance a star rested on her palm. She spoke to it. “Grant me thy brightness."
The star fell from the sky and traveled through distance to rest on her palm. Its size remained small as if it were still in the sky.
"I can bring you a star from heaven, change the weather with a few words, and raise our crops to be bountiful without a drop of water, and yet, you still do not trust me."
Her father picked up her other hand and kissed it tenderly. “I trust you, my daughter. It is the dark forces out there that I do not trust.” He sighed and turned. Walking to the door, he pivoted. “How did you get me off the subject of marriage?"
Gavenia granted him a sheepish smile.
"It is time to accept yer duty.” He shook his head regretfully, his eyes full of sorrow. “Either you choose a mon at the great feast or I will. Chosen one or no chosen one. Come this harvest, you will be wed.” He turned and left silently.
Smothering a groan, she felt ill with despair. She stood up from the window sill and blew the star off her hand. “Return to yer place in the sky."
The star flew out the window and upwards. She watched its path, wishing she could escape so easily.
Gavenia jumped when she felt a presence behind her. Coira stood by the bed, a dark shadow passed over her eyes and then it was gone.
"Is something amiss?” Coira a
sked.
"Nae. I was going to ask you the same thing."
The maid laughed and her eyes began to sparkle once more. She trailed her hands up and down the bed curtains, her pink lips pursed. “I am bored with this place. Nothing exciting ever happens."
"There is the great feast on the morrow."
"And then what? Do you not ever get bored?"
"Sometimes."
Coira hastened over to her and grabbed her hands. “Let us visit my aunt in the Edinburgh. There are so many wonderful things to do in town. There are festivals, plays, and lots of markets with pretty linen to be bought. They say the people of Edinburgh build high houses close to the protection of the castle. ‘Tis an unusual sight to be seen."
"I do not know."
"We can leave at midnight, when everyone is asleep, dreaming of the great feast."
Gavenia shifted on her feet.
Coira added, “Ye have all the time in the world to stay in the castle and have fat babies. Why not live now before you are caged into marriage."
"Aye, caged. That is all I will ever be.” Gavenia's heart skipped a beat. It was her life and if she was to be married and have a babe, then at least she would have visited one large town before she died. “We leave this eve. Be ready and I will get us out of the keep."
Coira smiled. “We are going to have so much fun.” Her maid opened the door.
"Where are you going?” Gavenia's mind was in a whirl of preparations for her trip to freedom. “Tarry not with the soldiers."
"There is something I must do before we leave, but I will return before midnight. I promise I will not tell a soul.” Coira smiled again and closed the door behind her.
Gavenia used the time to write a note to her family, explaining that she needed time before settling down with a husband. She hoped that she did not disappoint them, but it was something she needed to do. Gavenia implored them not to worry. After all, she did have her powers and would only use them if she felt threatened. She would return before spring to see to the crops.
Folding a few gowns into a bag along with a handful of gold, she hid her belongings beneath her bed and left her chamber with a smile.
Come midnight, she would be on her way to following her dreams. No persisting mother, overprotective father and annoying brother to remind her daily of her duty to good magick. She would face that storm when she returned.
The Celtic Witch and the Sorcerer [Celtic Series Book 2] Page 3
