by Eliza Knight
He turned toward her.
“Laura, you didn’t answer the question. What do you mean not much time?” He sat next to her and handed her a glass of sweet wine. She took the glass and cleared her mind of childish thoughts and the local gossip. There was more to the man. His casual manner, confident moves and the sense of control he projected, but his dalliances stopped her cold. Still, he was a good friend she could trust.
“Ghosts appear for a reason, usually to complete some mission. They must finish their task within thirty days or suffer consequences.” She took a sip of her wine.
“What are Evan’s consequences?” His mocking tone irritated her.
“If Evan doesn’t complete his task within thirty days of his death, he will be doomed to haunt Caerlaverock Castle forever.”
“I’m well aware that Darla, Lisbeth and you believe you have a gift. Ghost? Trickery if you ask me. I’m not inclined to—”
“Believe, us. You don’t believe my mother is a great healer? You don’t believe that Lisbeth can see the future, and you don’t believe that I—”
“I meant no disrespect. Magic doesn’t make things happen. That’s a childish idea.” He sat at the edge of the chair. “I believe hard work and taking action bring results.” He paused staring at the floor with his hands clasped. “So did Richard. He had a hard time believing in your… magic.”
Childish, she screamed in her head. Why the… the big… She counted to ten then counted to ten again. From the set of his jaw to the steely look in his eyes, there wasn’t any way of making him change his mind. Who was being childish?
Her anger spent, she let out a heavy sigh. “The magic in our family, from the Maxwell side, follows the female line, not the male. And, if it’s any consolation, Mother doesn’t acknowledge Lisbeth’s gifts. Although she believes Lisbeth’s ability to heal others is greater than her own. I don’t want to argue. Instead, let’s talk about Evan and Angel.”
“Yes, Evan and Angel,” Jamie looked relieved. Of course, he’d do anything to change the topic.
“Something is not right about these two deaths,” Laura said. “Mother is certain Angel wasn’t prone to temper and Evan could not be a traitor to the family. You need to know the truth. If Mother is correct, there could be a murderer in the castle. The Maxwell and the rest of the clan could be in great danger. There are questions that need answers. Who found them? Where were they found? What time of day? Who saw them last? If they argued, who heard them?”
She watched his concentration, the wrinkle of his brow and wished she could read his mind. Finally, he gave her a hint of a smile.
“You make good sense. There is a lot that may have been overlooked. A closer inquiry to find the facts should be done. According to you, there’s only a week left to resolve poor Evan.” He rose to his feet. “We best leave at first light and travel light. No carriage.”
She stood and he gave her a sideways glance.
“That’s fine. I love to ride.” She groaned inside.
Chapter Three
“Do you need it all?” Jamie ran his hand through his hair.
She crossed her arms in front of her and stood next to two satchels, a basket of food provided by Ann, and a bedroll. The sound of her tapping shoe on the cobblestone erupted from beneath her skirt.
“Wait,” her mother called from the doorway. John followed her to the bailey carrying a large satchel. “I have a package for the family.”
“I’ll get another horse.” Jamie marched to the stable mumbling under his breath. Laura let out a heavy sigh.
“Here’s a letter for Herbert from your father. Make sure it gets it as soon as you arrive.” Her mother hugged her. “Have a safe journey.”
“Take these with you.” Lisbeth clipped a strand of deep purple agate beads around her neck.
“But—” Lisbeth swore her charms were magic.
Jamie marched out of the barn with a pack horse. After his men fastened the baggage to the animal he tested the ropes and made sure they were secure.
“Take them. They’ll help get to the truth of the matter. There are eight beads on the string. Don’t lose any. There are consequences.”
“Consequences?” Laura asked as she touched the smooth stones.
“Lose a bead, lose something precious to you. Don’t give me that sour look. The clasp is tight.” Lisbeth stood back and admired the necklace. “The agates sparkle on your neck. That’s a good sign you are well-matched with them.”
Laura touched the beads with reverence. The age-old agate and gold necklace had been handed down in the family.
“Thank you. I’ll take good care of them.” she whispered.
“And smile. I don’t know why you hate to ride. You’re such a good horse woman.” Lisbeth kissed her sister.
Gareth helped her mount up. Their good-byes said, Jamie led the small column out of the gatehouse.
Three miles into their journey, Laura stopped at the crest of the hill where the Glen Kirk road crossed the trail to Ravencroft.
“It’s a beautiful sight.” The morning sun bathed the castle tower in its light.
“Yes, it is, but we best continue on. We’ve a lot of ground to cover before we rest.” Jamie prodded their horses ahead and veered off the trail.
“This isn’t the way. Where are we going?”
“To Caerlaverock by a different route.” His exasperated voice didn’t amuse her.
“Why not the usual route?” She halted her horse and brought the small column to a standstill. “This route is more difficult.”
Jamie turned in his saddle, his hand on his battle horse’s rump. “If we don’t stop to admire the flora, this route will take a day off our trip.” He looked at his men, turned and moved forward. The riders closed in around her. Her palfrey, shorter than the soldiers’ warhorses, made it difficult for her to see. She stopped trying.
After a silent hour’s ride, they arrived at a small clearing. The Bells Burn a few hundred yards ahead. Six riders emerged out of a thicket and blocked their way. Jamie’s men closed rank in front of Laura and kept her hidden from view. Laura looked past her protectors and caught glimpses of the riders. They were from Ravencroft, the Mitchell crest clear on their cloaks.
“You’re on Mitchell land,” the leader of Bryce’s guards said. Looking between her protectors, she recognized the man. He often accompanied Bryce to Glen Kirk. This was going to get bad quickly unless she did something. Laura brought her horse around the others and caught Jamie’s men by surprise.
“We are not,” she insisted.
“Lady Laura,” the man sputtered. “I didn’t see you with these men.”
“Lord Bryce has you on patrol? You can’t see a woman among five men?” Jamie’s soft cough, which she knew well, concealed his laugh.
“And you have no idea of the Ravencroft boundary? Actually, you’re deep in Reynolds’ territory. What, sir, are you and your bullies doing on Glen Kirk land?” Her temper veered sharply to anger. Now she understood. Jamie’s route while difficult, kept them on her father’s land until the border. Bryce. She had no illusions about his interests. They weren’t for her, but for Glen Kirk. He strutted around as if the heir apparent. Well, he wasn’t and, if she had anything to do with it, he never would.
The beads around her neck warmed. A soft gasp of surprise escaped her lips. Encouraged knowing she was right Laura walked her horse closer to the Mitchell patrol.
“How. Dare. You. Stop. Me.” She spat out each word. The men were silent, like reprimanded schoolboys. “I’ll make sure to tell my father how Lord Bryce takes liberties with Glen Kirk property or should I tell him a Ravencroft patrol lost their way in the forest and I needed to provide them with directions?”
Scarlet stains appeared on the leader’s cheek. Laura was aware of the enemy she’d made, but with good cause. The Mitchell men looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
Jamie and his men understood the situation. He pulled up beside her relaxed, touches of humor ar
ound his mouth and eyes. His men on either side of them.
The Ravencroft leader looked at Jamie.
“Don’t look to me for help.” Jamie nodded to Laura. “I’m sorry for it, but I can’t offer you any protection. You’ll have to deal with Lady Laura.”
Bryce’s man stared at her baffled.
“Forgive me, Lady Laura. We thought something improper—”
“Improper. How ridiculous.” Laura’s horse reacted to her shout. She took a strong hand and calmed him. “Lord James is my mother’s cousin. Not that I need to give you an explanation. But,” she pretended to be soothed, “I do thank you for your concern for my safety and assure you your assistance is not needed. I can certainly handle one Scot and four of his men.”
Jamie sat his mount, his hand casually on his sword hilt.
“Leave us now. I’ll let my father know what’s happened here and let him decide what to tell Lord Mitchell.”
“Yes, m’lady.” He dipped his head in a quick bow and signaled his men. They wheeled around and made a fast retreat.
Their small company didn’t move. They waited until Mitchell’s men were out of sight and hearing distance.
With speed, they moved across the field to the shore of Bells Burn. Jamie’s man, Sean, and eleven Collins men waited for them on the other side.
Their small caravan didn’t stop. The twelve riders pulled into line, the only acknowledgment, Jamie’s nod. They rode on through the forest for an hour before anyone spoke.
“We’ll rest the horses by the Liddel Water up ahead.” Jamie’s voice boomed in her head after the silence. She and Jamie rode out of the trees onto the narrow plain.
He helped her down from her saddle. She held on to him to steady herself. Several hours in the saddle stiffened her joints. He threaded her arm through his and walked with her.
“Next time we meet a group of soldiers—”
“Please, no lecture. I knew what was at stake. I’m not a child. Those men were ready for a fight whether they knew I was with you or not. I came out fighting and put them in their places.” Her breath came in spurts. His muscles tightened under her hand. She came to a halt and didn’t care that she vexed him. She wasn’t one of those senseless ninnies willing to jump and do as he commanded. She was more than capable of taking care of herself.
“I’m not your enemy. Perhaps you should let me finish my sentence if not my thoughts.” She stopped walking, he pulled her along.
“Mitchell is looking for a reason to come across the border and for a way to extend his holdings. Glen Kirk is in his sights.” Laura pulled her arm away from his. He grabbed it, re-threaded it through his and pulled her along, again.
“You can just as easily be an unfortunate accident. Those men do not care. Once they grasped you were there, I imagine they thought to rescue you from the grips of the likes of me and tell everyone you didn’t know any better. After all, you’re only a girl.”
“I can protect myself. Richard made sure of that.” Laura jerked her hand away from him and wound up her arm ready to let loose.
He easily caught her fist in his hand. He drew her close, capturing her arms at her side.
“Here, here. I only speak the truth and you know it.”
She didn’t struggle. Her heart sank to her toes one minute then rushed to her throat the next. Any time now, it may settle back in her chest. She refused to be another one of his conquests. But the closeness of him. He smelled… of leather and spice, a heady aroma. Her skin warmed where he touched her.
“You’ve been protected at Glen Kirk as you should be for a young girl, but these are dangerous times. For both of us. Don’t argue with me on this. You’re more than capable of taking care of yourself with words, but you still need me in a brawl. If I’m to fight, it will be on my terms, no one else’s.”
“Let me go.” They looked into each other’s eyes. “Please,” she dropped her gaze and added softly.
He dropped his arms and stepped back, a flash of red rushed up his neck.
“I understand.” As if she didn’t know these were dangerous times. Calling out Bryce’s men may have been reckless. Young girl. That galled her. She wasn’t a petulant child having a rant. To keep the words on the tip of her tongue behind her teeth, she bit the side of her mouth and was rewarded with the salty taste of blood. Didn’t he see that she saved them all from a massacre?
“We best get back to the men,” he said. “I’m sure the horses have been watered.”
Laura turned with as much dignity as she could muster and walked ahead of him. To cool her temper, she washed her face and hands with a small linen square dipped in the river. After calming herself, she mounted her palfrey.
The troop continued on. At dusk, they reached Canonbie on the River Esk.
Without enough room for the troop at the coach house, the men camped in the forest for the night. Jamie and Laura went on and secured a room.
“One room. Where do you plan to sleep?” Surely he didn’t plan to stay in the same room with her. They walked into the public room.
“Look around the tavern. Do you think for one moment I’m going to leave you in a room by yourself?”
She stood by the inn door. It was the only place where she didn’t have to hold her breath from the foul odor. Men, many she wouldn’t want to stand near, filled the room. Now that she looked with care, other than a serving woman, she was the only female in the lot.
Jamie held one of her satchels and a blanket. He directed her up the stairs. They passed through a door into an open air gallery that ringed the coach house yard. At the far end, an open staircase led to the yard below. Jamie stopped at the last room and put a rusty key in an equally rusty lock. After a few strong shoves, the door sprung open. The hinges let loose a clawing metallic screech that set her on edge.
“At lease no one can sneak into the room at night. They would wake the dead.” He walked in first, scanned the room then nodded for her to enter.
A large window filled the wall across from the door. A rag hung from a pole across the top, a curtain she supposed. It didn’t hide the bare oak tree that brushed against the building. A chest with a broken piece of polished metal over it, stood against one wall.
She turned her focus to the large bed to her right. Jamie pulled back the bed blanket and looked at the linen. Laura shivered, not from the cold, but one look at what he expected her to sleep on made her ill. Jamie laid the blanket over the mattress then their bedrolls.
“You’ll be comfortable enough in the bed. You stay here. After I check on Sean and the others, I’ll speak to the men downstairs. Reivers roam this area. I want to know what we face tomorrow. The other travelers will have some information.” Before she could say a word, he left the room.
“The audacity of the man.” She stamped her foot. Did he expect her to sleep in the same bed with him? Like one of those ninnies the village women gossip about? She stared at the door. Her hands in fists so tight her nails left impressions in her palms. What was she supposed to do now? Laura shrugged out of her coat. Her temper didn’t ease as she paced the room.
Her stomach rolled from hunger. Laura stood in front of the door, her anger at a boiling point. Did he expect her to starve while she waited for him? Her stomach rumbled again.
The men in the public room may smell bad, but they didn’t scare her. She’d been in the public room by Glen Kirk, although no one knew her here. Ach, the innkeeper’s wife would be nearby. Her decision made, she pulled on the door. It didn’t move. Again, she tried to open the door, still it didn’t budge. In frustration, she slammed the flat of her hand against the door by the lock and when she stepped back, it popped open without a sound.
“So much for waking the dead.” With a swish of her skirt, she left the room and closed the door behind her.
The sun had slipped behind the ridge, taking with it what little warmth it gave. Laura, her arms wrapped around her for warmth and her breath leaving a trail of white puffs of frost, hurried along the
gallery toward the public room stairs.
“I asked for Joseph when I secured the room. He’s run this inn since I was a boy.” Jamie stood with Sean a few yards into the forest. “The innkeeper told me his brother, Joseph, passed away after a long illness following a reiver’s attack.”
“I didn’t know the man had a brother,” Sean said.
“He didn’t. There’s nothing we can do now. I’m glad you suggested the men stay here.”
“I suppose you want to make the castle by nightfall tomorrow?”
“Yes. The sooner we get to Caerlaverock the better. Be ready to leave at first light. Have one of the men cover our tracks. At least they won’t know where we’re headed. That should give us some advantage. Have a safe night.”
“Many thanks for the warm wine.” Laura sat in a corner of the room away from the other travelers and tried to smile though the tart, almost vinegary liquid that forced her lips to purse. How anyone could drink this was beyond her, but she persevered.
“Where do you and your husband travel?” the innkeeper’s wife asked as she set down a bowl of greasy warm stew.
“Jamie’s not my husband. He’s my mother’s distant cousin. He’s escorting me to Caerlaverock Castle. I have family there.”
“Would you like some more wine or bread, perhaps?” her soft tone held a slight bitterness.
Laura shook her head. She should have stayed hungry. “No. This is quite enough.”
The door opened and Jamie came in. He saw her at once and headed for her table. She didn’t look forward to his company.
“What are you doing down here? I thought I left you in the room.”
Laura paused, a piece of stew-soaked bread almost to her lips.
“Here, here. Don’t you disturb this fine woman,” the innkeeper’s wife said. “She told me you weren’t her husband. You have no rights here.”
The room quieted and Laura’s irritation turned into panic.
