Lady Gwyneth's Hope (Ladies of Ardena Book 4)

by Rachel Skatvold

  Miss Leery was correct about Gwyneth’s hair. She did have a lot of it. She became even more aware of the fact while making her way to the courtyard to meet Lorcan.

  Her maid had arranged her hair into three intricate braids with the thickest running down her back and the two smaller side ones gathered into buns over her ears. They were weaved with lavender cording and connected by a beaded golden headpiece. Her head felt heavy and stiff, like if she turned her neck at the wrong angle, she might lose her balance and topple over.

  Gwyn felt ridiculous at first, but soon observed the braided buns, weaved with cording seemed to be the preferred style of most highborn ladies on the castle grounds. The women were cordial toward her, curtsying as she passed, but their smiles were hollow, a stark reminder they were prisoners like her. There was a good chance most of them had lost loved ones during Lorcan’s attack on the isles.

  By the time Gwyneth reached the courtyard and found the tent Lorcan had set up for their meal, she had acclimated to her new wardrobe and hairstyle. It was imperative to concentrate only on the task ahead and nothing else. She needed to gain Lorcan’s trust. A sudden change of heart to the marriage would make him suspicious, so she had to tread carefully.

  Gwyn entered the tent and observed her surroundings. A large table was set up in the middle with a variety of meat, fruit, bread and other refreshments. Lorcan was already seated at the table, but stood when she appeared. He pulled out the chair next to his and smiled. “Please sit here, Milady.” She did as he asked and after pushing her chair in, he settled in next to her. After they selected food to fill their plates and the servants poured them some cider, he turned to her. “I trust you slept well?”

  “Aye, very well, Milord. However, I must confess, I still woke up with the world tilting as though we were still at sea.”

  He chuckled softly. “That is completely normal. You will adjust to living on land soon. I am pleased you did not suffer sea sickness. Most do if they are unaccustomed to traveling on board a ship regularly.”

  She nodded. “My stomach did feel a little queasy at first, but it passed. I recall trips with my father when I was a child. My elder sister was usually the one who became ill, but I always adjusted quickly.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, Milady. After we are wed, we will have more opportunities to travel. Would you enjoy that?”

  “Aye, very much. I’ve always dreamed of seeing the world,” she said before sampling some fruit and cheese.

  A pleased smile spread across his face and she caught a glimpse of the man she’d been charmed by in Beatha. “Well, it appears we are more alike than you think, Lady Gwyneth. My love for travel is what brought me here to Ardena and led me into King Fergus’ services.”

  “Where are you from originally?”

  He took a sip from his goblet before answering. “North of here in a land called, Beibhinn. ‘Tis not as vast as Ardena…nor as pleasant.”

  “I’ve heard of it before, in stories my father told about his journeys as a young man. Is it true there are hot springs and the air smells of sulfur?”

  He nodded. “Aye, Milady. A volcano causes the phenomena in the south, but very few people live there. My family was from a small village in the north where the conditions are more favorable. However, the climate is cold and unforgiving most of the year.”

  “Do you still have family there?”

  Lorcan shook his head, smile fading. “No, not anymore. They were wiped out by a plague that swept through the village. Somehow, I was spared, although I often question why.”

  “I’m sorry.” Gwyn picked at the meal on her plate fighting a silent battle in her mind. Somehow, Lorcan had made her empathize with his tragic life story again. Yet, could she believe it was genuine? The story he’d told her when they met in Beatha had been a complete lie, but it wasn’t the time to confront him about it. Her only objective was to gain his trust and it seemed to be working.

  “I started this journey trying to better myself,” he continued. “My parents were always scraping the bottom of the barrel, simply to survive. In the end, they died slow, miserable deaths along with my younger brothers. I do not want my family to suffer like that in the future. The only way to achieve that is to raise my station. I never dreamed I’d end up conquering whole villages and cities to reach my goals, but there is no going back now.”

  She observed the sorrow in his voice and turned to look at him. “You do not seem to take pleasure in the suffering of others as Fergus does. So, I must ask…why do you serve him?”

  Lorcan washed down some cheese and bread with a sip from his goblet. “He promised me all the things I desired—a title, lands, and a marriage to a highborn lady of my choosing in exchange for five years of servitude. Only one year remains now. Then I shall have my freedom. I can do whatever I wish.”

  Gwyn tried to keep her thoughts from blurting out, but failed. “And what if Fergus fails to keep his word?”

  His brown eyes stared into hers, the intensity in them sending shivers through her core. “I’ve come to think of him as a second father. He wouldn’t betray me. He’s our path to a better life.”

  She bit her lip to keep it from trembling. “A better life?” The way he said our path sickened her stomach.

  “Aye,” he said, leaning closer and running his fingers over her cheek. “My lovely Gwyneth, we could have a life better than most dream of. Do you believe me?”

  “I do,” she whispered, although every fiber of her being wanted to scream otherwise.

  He moved even closer, pressing his lips against hers. She hesitated at first, until remembering Miss Leery’s suggestion to earn his trust. Then she relaxed into his embrace and allowed him to kiss her again. It felt wrong—like selling her soul—but what other choice did she have? After a few moments, he leaned back to gaze into her eyes. “You’ve made me very happy, Lady Gwyneth.”

  “Me too.” She forced a shaky smile although the tears in her eyes were not tears of joy as he must have thought. Somehow in less than a sennight, she’d lost part of herself. Although her deception served an important purpose, Gwyneth couldn’t stop the guilt from creeping up on her. She’d become a pretender and a liar.

  It wasn’t until after Gwyneth had changed for bed and crawled between the sheets that Isla came back into her room. She couldn’t hold back tears any longer when her friend sat on the bed and reached for her hand. “Isla, my friend, your face is a welcome sight to behold after a long trying day.”

  “What is troubling you? Was Lorcan unkind to you today?”

  Gwyn wiped away a few tears with the back of her sleeve. “No, quite the opposite actually. I don’t know what to believe, where he’s concerned, Isla.”

  Her friend’s eyes narrowed for a moment and then softened. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not sure myself.” She sighed and managed a smile. “Enough about my day. How was yours?”

  Isla shrugged. “Fine, I guess. It hasn’t been difficult pretending to be a maid again. I suppose I had plenty of practice from my adventures with your sister, Airell.” She released a faint laugh. “The job keeps me busy anyway, which is a good thing. Keeps my mind occupied.”

  Gwyn sighed in relief. “I’m glad at least one of us is finding a welcome distraction and sense of purpose here. Did you meet Miss Leery yet?”

  Isla nodded. “Aye, she was very kind toward me. She also mentioned the conversation she had with you this morning.”

  Gwyn propped herself up halfway with her elbow. “She did?”

  “Aye.” She paused and lowered her voice to just above a whisper. “And it appears there may be a way to escape tomorrow night. There will be a merchant ship leaving for the mainland. She’s going to show me the tunnels under the castle tomorrow in secret. Some are waterways, but one can be navigated on foot. It leads all the way to a cave near the harbor. If we can sneak onto that ship, we may have a chance to escape.”

  “Oh, ‘tis an answer to prayer!” Gwyn sat up completely and
hugged her friend tight, heart racing at the prospect of returning home. It was a risk, but with some prayer, faith and a little hope, it could work.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Tensions Rising

  The next day, Gwyn felt more comfortable with her surroundings at the fortress. She woke up early and headed out to the castle grounds. It was an opportune time to familiarize herself with the location of different places and meet people who might be able to offer her helpful information for later.

  Gwyn also met some of the ladies in waiting. One in particular, Lady Niamh, was the most welcoming. She had thick auburn hair that reminded her of her sister-in-law, Reagan and her blue eyes were kind. Niamh made small talk, taking her further around the grounds than she’d ventured the day before. She even showed her the chapel, introducing her to the priest. He welcomed her to come and pray any time she wished.

  On their way back, they sat under the shade of a pear tree. “I’m sorry you were caught up in all this, Princess Gwyneth,” Niamh said in a low voice. “In truth, I thought Lorcan would want to marry me, all things considered.”

  Gwyn looked at her in confusion. “Why?”

  Her expression turned grim. “I was to marry Lord Carney. I’m certain you are aware he was supposed to be one of your possible suitors.”

  “Aye,” Gwyn said. “‘Tis the reason I didn’t suspect Lorcan was an imposter. He claimed to be him and fit his description perfectly.”

  Niamh nodded. “His father wanted him to marry a princess to benefit our land, but we had known each other since childhood. We couldn’t deny our love for each other. He asked me to marry him against his father’s wishes. We were supposed to meet at the chapel.” She paused and wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve. “But it wasn’t to be. The isles were attacked that very night. Although his body was never found, I fear he is dead. He would have come for me by now.”

  Gwyn squeezed her new friend’s hand. “I’m sorry. I was separated from my betrothed as well, but we cannot give up hope. Perhaps God saved them both. It is what keeps me going…to picture him alive and still trying to rescue me.”

  Niamh smiled through her tears. “I pray you are right.” They both looked up in time to see Lorcan coming into the courtyard to meet Gwyn for their midday meal together. “We shouldn’t be seen together,” her new friend said, standing from the ground. “He might suspect we are conspiring together.”

  Gwyn nodded and whispered a quick farewell before Niamh hurried out of sight.

  After Gwyn and Lorcan finished their meal, they decided to take a walk through the gardens. It was another nice day without the dreaded fog that had shrouded the isle the day of her arrival. The flowers were different than the ones she enjoyed gazing at on the mainland—lower to the ground and with muted colors—yet still beautiful and fragrant.

  As Lorcan offered his preferred arm and began to escort her down the path, the beautiful weather made Gwyn almost forget she was still his captive, in spite of her recent conversation with Niamh. She had been so determined to remain cautious of him. Gwyn’s plan was to make him trust her, not the other way around.

  “What do you think of Blathnaid Isles so far?” he asked, drawing Gwyn out of her conflicted thoughts.

  She shrugged. “Well, I can’t say I am very fond of the foggy weather, but the conditions today are pleasant.”

  “Aye, even more so with you by my side, Lady Gwyneth. I know how much you enjoy walks and I hope we will enjoy many more afternoons like this in the future…as husband and wife.” He paused, taking notice of her sullen expression. “Is something troubling you?”

  She led him to a stone bench nearby and they sat next to each other. “We are to be wed and you know quite a bit about me, but I still know very little about you.”

  “What would you like to know?”

  She thought for a moment before asking. “Maybe you could tell me about your childhood. Were you close to your family?”

  His gaze dropped from hers and he rubbed his chin. For a moment, Gwyn feared she’d asked the wrong thing. Then he slowly looked up. “I suppose we were close when I was young. My mother was loving and did her best, but we were poor. At the age of eight they could no longer afford to feed me, so I was sent to the fortress and worked as a stable hand. I only saw them once a year after that, if I was fortunate enough. Whatever wage I earned, which was very sparse, I sent to my family.”

  “That must have been a difficult burden for you to carry at such a young age.”

  He shrugged. “It forced me to grow up strong. I’ve never expected anything to be handed to me on a silver platter. I’ve learned you must take what you want and not rely on any higher power to save you.”

  Gwyn shivered, but continued the conversation, knowing whatever information she could glean from him might help in the future. “Were your parents religious?”

  Lorcan nodded. “Aye, in a way. Although their religion would be described as pagan in this Christian land. They believed in many different gods—one who reigned over the sea, one for the earth and another for war.”

  “And you never believed in any of the gods they worshiped?”

  Lorcan shook his head. “Maybe when I was a child, but as an adult I set the foolish notion aside. When my prayers went unanswered…when my entire family perished from the plague. I was not with them, but I heard rumors my mother prayed and made sacrifices to the gods and begged them to spare them, but her prayers were ignored, as were mine when I heard of their plight.”

  “I’m sorry they did not survive.”

  “‘Tis all right. It was long ago.” He remained silent for a while before glancing up at her again. “Do you believe the Christian god listens to your prayers?”

  “Aye,” Gwyn answered without hesitation. I’ve seen His miracles and felt His peace in my heart.”

  Lorcan studied her in curiosity. “Isn’t it true your god was crucified? If he is dead, how can he listen to your prayers?”

  Gwyn saw the genuine curiosity in his eyes and began praying silently for the right words. “Jesus did die on the cross. We believe He died to save us from sin, but after three days, He rose from the dead. This is why anyone who believes in Him and asks for forgiveness can be saved and live with Him in Heaven.”

  Lorcan sighed and broke her gaze, but still appeared to think over what she had told him. “I’ve never heard of a god who would die to save his people. Forgive me, but I find Christianity to be a very peculiar religion.” He turned to her with a furrowed brow. “I have heard people speak of a Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet Christians say they only serve one god. How is this possible?”

  Gwyn smiled. “Oh, you’re talking about the Trinity. I’d be happy to explain some time.”

  His grin made her heart skip a beat. “I have plenty of time to listen if you wouldn’t mind telling me now.”

  When the evening came around and Isla came back to their chambers, Gwyneth found herself in a much brighter mood than the night before. She told her friend all she’d learned about Lorcan that afternoon.

  Isla listened and nodded in response, but didn’t seem as encouraged with the turn of events. “Our plan seems to be on schedule. Miss Leery has promised the ship is loaded and ready to leave tomorrow morning at first light. If we can make it to the cave tonight and sneak onto the ship, we’ll be sailing to the mainland at sunrise before anyone notices we’ve gone.”

  Gwyn turned toward the window, studying the harbor in the distance. “Forgive me, Isla but I have to admit I’ve been having second thoughts.”

  “What do you mean? It appears to be the best plan to escape.”

  Gwyn turned with her arms crossed, thoughts still conflicted. “I’ve managed to earn Lorcan’s trust. He was so different today…even asking about Christianity. I believe with a few more days, I may be able to convince him to let us go.”

  Isla’s eyes stared at her in shock. “Gwyn, have you gone mad? Lorcan is our enemy! He deceived you and captured us from our homeland. I can�
�t believe what you are suggesting. Have you forgotten about my cousin and fallen in love with Lorcan?”

  Gwyn crossed her arms and scoffed at her friend’s accusation. “I am not in love with him. How dare you suggest I would betray Tristan. I am simply suggesting it would be wise to form an ally. Lorcan is under Fergus’ control, but I get the feeling he does not enjoy serving him. He wants his own life without doing his bidding. If we can sway him to our side, we would have a much better chance of being rid of Fergus for good. I fear his army is growing larger. Soon they will try to attack Daireann and take over.

  Isla released a deep sigh, the anger in her eyes melting away. “What you are saying makes sense, Gwyn, but this task seems too big for us. What if you cannot convince Lorcan to go against Fergus? You’ll be forced to marry him. Then how will we ever find a way home?” Tears filled her friend’s eyes. “I don’t want to remain here a day longer. This escape plan has to work.”

  Gwyn rushed forward and hugged her friend. “I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”

  Isla sniffled. “Of course. I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to rush to conclusions.”

  She sighed and hugged Isla tighter. “We’ll continue with the plan and we’ll see our loved ones again soon. I promise.”

  The moment the words came out of Gwyneth’s mouth, she regretted them. She had no way of knowing if they’d make it or not and despised herself for plotting to betray Lorcan when she felt a bond forming between them. It wasn’t love—Gwyn knew that—but she did care what happened to him. Fergus would be furious after discovering they had escaped and Lorcan would face punishment or even death because of his failure. The thought tormented her, yet she couldn’t remain and marry Lorcan or subject Isla to a life of servitude on the Isles. Escaping was their only option.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Consequences

  The heavy fog enveloping Blathnaid Isles dissipated as Tristan’s ship approached, allowing the moon to emerge and reflect on the water. The conditions made traveling easier, but increased the likelihood of the ship being spotted by watchmen in the towers. Knowing the fortress was located on the eastern side of the largest isle, Tristan made a wide berth around it. Instead, he came around to the west, finding a secluded inlet to hide the ship.