by B. J. Scott
Ian set the tray on a table beside the door and began to pace. “I was afraid of that.” He paused and looked at Fiona. “How many men did he take?”
“While I canna be certain of the exact number, I would say at least seventy men, maybe more. He said if he planned to get Quinn back and teach the Frasers a lesson, he needed to be well prepared.” Fiona folded her hands as if in prayer. “I do hope the lad is back at Fraser Castle where he is safe.”
“I pray so too,” Ian said. “I left him with a garrison of Fraser men who were on their way here to rescue the lad. After I turned him over to them, I headed back here to see if I could help Roslyn.”
Fiona cast her gaze to the floor and began to chew on her lower lip.
Ian clutched her shoulders. “What is it? Is Roslyn alive or dead?” he asked bluntly. “Tell me. Please.”
Fiona raised her chin. “M’lady lives, but she is still being held in the dungeon and she isna well. Her brother had her flogged.”
“Have you seen her?” Ian asked, finding it hard to hide the panic in his voice. He had to know.
Fiona nodded. “Aye. I snuck into her cell last evening. She was laying on the floor, her dress torn, her back laced by the lash. I tried to do what I could for her, but the guards came and I had to leave.”
“Can you take me to her?”
“I can show you where she is being held. I promised her I would return with a clean gown and supplies with which to tend her wounds,” Fiona said. “But she is guarded by two men and getting in willna be easy.”
“I’m certain of it, but we will see her,” Ian vowed. “And I will get her out of here and to safety. Or I’ll die trying.” He moved to the door. “Come, we must move swiftly.”
Fiona gestured at the dirty dishes. “You’re forgetting something.”
Ian smiled and picked up the tray. “You’re a clever lass, Fiona. Roslyn is fortunate to have you as a friend.” He looked into the hall, then at Fiona. “Let’s go.”
“You there, Forbes,” someone shouted as they entered the hallway.
Chapter 15
Ian spun around to face the man who called out his name. “Aye. Is there something I can do for you?” He immediately recognized him as the servant he’d exchanged duties with in order to get closer to Quinn.
The man laughed. “While a tempting offer, it’s na often a fellow servant offers to do for me as he would the laird.” He sauntered forward. “Where have you been? No one has seen you since yesterday when the lad went missing. Some claimed you absconded with him.”
“As you can see, I have gone nowhere and made off with no one,” Ian replied. “I dinna know why anyone would think such a thing.”
“Perhaps because you offered to be the one to take the trays to his room.” The man glared at Ian. “And when the laird summoned all the servants to assemble after the lad’s disappearance, you dinna show up.” He scratched his head and narrowed his gaze. “Come to think of it, you’re new to Morgan Castle and the fact you turned up missing at the same time as the laird’s son is an odd coincidence.”
Ian momentarily found himself at a loss for words. But he had to think of something to say, something that would not only appease the man, but anyone else who might seek to question him.
“Well, speak up. What have you to say?” the man pestered. “You best give me good cause na to tell the laird what I suspect. He has offered a tempting prize for anyone who gives him the information he seeks.”
As Ian was about to reply, Fiona stepped forward, wrapped her hands around his upper arm and peered up at him. “I’m afraid there is no use in trying to hide it any longer.”
“Hide what?” the man demanded.
Since Ian had no idea what Fiona was about to say, he remained silent.
“Why, that Ian and I have, well, have been . . . alone together in an intimate way.” She lowered her gaze, staring at the floor. “We had hoped to keep our relationship a secret, but now you know, there is no point trying to hide it.”
“I dinna believe you. You’re making this up so I willna betray him to Lord Morgan.” The man turned to leave, but Fiona rushed in front of him, blocking his path.
“It’s true. I swear it on—”
“Enough. Fiona, dinna do this,” Ian said. He’d not let her ruin her reputation to save his hide. She’d already risked all when she helped him escape with Quinn.
“There is no use denying it, ma gaol. We spent the night in each other’s arms.” She peered up at the man confronting them. “The reason neither of us were present when the laird questioned the servants.”
The man grunted, then coughed. “If this is true, then I apologize for questioning you, Ian. I dinna mean to pry into private matters. But you know how it must look?”
Dumbfounded by Fiona’s declaration, Ian hesitated for a moment before answering, but spoke when she nudged him in the side with her elbow. “What the lass says is true. We’d hoped no one would find out, but since you have, I would take it as a personal boon if you wouldna tell anyone.”
“I suppose I could remain quiet.” The servant scrubbed his hand across his chin. “For a price.”
“What have you in mind? I am but a servant, so have very little to offer.” Ian fought the urge to grab the man by the throat and warn him if he repeated what he’d heard, those words would be his last.
The man focused on Ian. “Have you any coin? Or perhaps I would take that dirk.” He pointed to the weapon sheathed at Ian’s side. “It will fetch a good price in trade.”
Ian slapped his hand over the dirk. He had forgotten to remove the dagger and place it back in his boot along with the other one before reentering the castle. He cursed beneath his breath as he withdrew the weapon. “If you breathe word of this to anyone, I’ll use this to lop off your tongue.”
The servant grabbed the dagger, turned it over in his hand and smiled. “I will keep your secret,” he said, then headed down the hallway, but stopped when he reached the top of the stairs. “I will keep what I’ve learned to myself, for now.” He disappeared from sight.
Furious, Ian spun around to face Fiona. “What in the name of St. Stephen were you thinking? Why did you say such a thing to that buffoon?”
Fiona planted her hands on her hips and glared up at Ian. “Would people find it so unlikely that a man like you might find me attractive enough to want to bed me?” she asked indignantly.
“Of course not,” Ian snapped. “You are a comely lass and any man would be proud to be seen with you on his arm. But I canna believe you risked ruining your reputation. If word of this lie gets out—”
Fiona held up her hand. “I would do or say anything to save Roslyn. She is my dear friend and if you are implicated in the lad’s disappearance, you willna be able to get her out of this place. But I am sorry he took your only weapon.”
“And what of you? Have you na just involved yourself by saying we were together last night?” Ian raked his fingers through his hair and released a heavy breath.
“Telling him we were lovers is the first thing that came to mind, the only reason that would explain why you dinna show up at the laird’s request, and why no one saw you all evening.”
“Surely someone spotted you last night, Fiona. So if the story is told, there are those who can say it isna true.”
“I went to see Roslyn in her cell and then returned to my chamber and remained there until this morn. No one will challenge me,” she replied. “Best we get busy and see what we can do about helping Lady Roslyn.” She turned and began to walk away.
“Wait.” Ian grabbed her elbow, then quickly released her. When she looked at him, he lightly stroked her cheek with his knuckle. “What you did was a selfless thing, lass. Roslyn will be most grateful, as am I. But how can you stay here after we are gone? People will talk, and if the laird finds out you covered for me, he’ll surely see you punished.”
“I’m aware of that. But once Roslyn has left the castle, there is really no reason for me to remain here
. My parents are dead and I have no sisters or brothers. I will find another place to live and serve. Or perhaps join a priory and take the vows.”
“Nay. You will come with us,” Ian replied adamantly.
“I canna,” Fiona said. “Having me along would slow you down and the two of you alone stand a better chance of getting away.”
“We’ll na leave you to face Roderick’s wrath. You will come with us and I’ll take no arguments.”
Fiona offered a hesitant nod. “I will accept your help to get me out of the castle, but then I must be off. Alone.”
Ian had no intention of leaving the stubborn lass behind, but this was not the time to argue. “Fine. However, we must be off before anyone else sees us alone together. Take me to Roslyn so we can help her escape from the dungeon.” Ian kissed Fiona’s cheek, then whispered in her ear, “I have another dirk tucked in my other boot.” He grinned, then trotted down the hall.
Fiona descended the steps leading to the dungeon, carrying a tray of food. Ian watched from the shadows as she approached the guards. If she could not distract them long enough for him to sneak up from behind and subdue them, the chances of rescuing Roslyn were slim to none at best.
“Good day, gentlemen.” Fiona bobbed a curtsy.
The guards spun around with their swords drawn. “What are you doing here, lass?” the larger man bellowed, then took a menacing step forward. “No one is allowed in this area except for us.”
Fiona smiled. “I understand you have your orders, but what could a wee lass like me do against, two big, strong warriors?” She glanced at the tray of food. “Besides, I am only here to deliver some food for Lady Roslyn.”
“Where’s Hugh?” the second man asked. “He is the one who usually brings food for the mistress. And it is na yet time for a meal.”
Fiona moved a little closer, still smiling at them. “Hugh was busy doing something else so asked me to bring the tray. Early, perhaps, but I also have other duties to attend to. Might I pass and take this to Lady Roslyn? She may be a prisoner, but she must eat.”
The larger guard sheathed his sword and snatched the tray. “I dinna know what good it will do. She hasna eaten a thing since she was thrown in here. I’ll take it to her.” He turned to his companion. “You stay here and guard the door, in case any other uninvited visitors show up.”
As the first man left to deliver the tray, Fiona sidled up to the second guard. “It must get very tedious and lonely down here. Nothing to look at but damp, stone walls, and no one to talk to but the other guard.” She caresses his upper arm with her fingertips while gazing up at him. “Oh my. I had no idea you’d be so muscular. I bet you could sweep a lassie off her feet and carry her away so easily.”
He raised a brow. “I’ve been known to pleasure a lassie or two. What did you have in mind?”
She edged past him and peered down the hall. “How long before your friend returns?” She whipped around and faced the man. “What’s your name?”
“Cl-Clive,” he stammered. “Why?”
“I thought perhaps if he was going to be a wee bit, we might get to know each other better, Clive,” she cooed. “Why na sheath that nasty sword and we can talk.” She dragged her fingers seductively across his chest.
“You’re a coy one, Fiona,” Ian said under his breath. He smiled as he watched the lass work her magic on the guard. The man was totally taken by her advances and set up perfectly for Ian’s attack.
Clive did as she requested and reached out for her. “Come here, lass. I have more than talking in mind.” He snaked his arm around her waist, slammed her against his chest, then tumbled forward, landing in a heap on the floor beside her.
“I said you were a clever lass,” Ian said grinning.
“And you, sir, deliver a mighty wallop to the head,” she whispered. “Best we tie him up and get him out of sight before the other guard returns.
After relieving Clive of his sword and scabbard, Ian pulled a length of rope from the sack he carried and bound the guard’s hands and feet. Once securely tied, he dragged his limp form around the corner, then swiftly returned. “Now let’s see to the other bugger.”
“Aye, and best we hurry. I’m sure he willna be away for long and we must catch him by surprise as well.”
Ian glanced at the sword. “At least I stand a fighting chance with this. He fastened the scabbard around his waist. “But best I na engage the fellow in combat unless I have to. The noise of a ruckus might give us away.” After handing Fiona the sack of supplies, he led the way down the hall.
When they arrived at the cell, Ian was pleased to see the guard hovering over Roslyn with tray in hand, his back toward the door.
“Wake up, Lady Roslyn. I have your food,” the guard said.
Without wasting any time, Ian charged forward, and struck the guard on the back of his head with the hilt of the sword.
The man crumbled to the floor like a log turn to ash. Ian nudged him with the toe of his boot, but he didn’t budge.
“Is he dead?” Fiona asked.
“Nay but he is na going to be happy when he wakes up. Bring me another length of rope, lass.”
Fiona hurried to do his bidding, and while Ian tied the second man up, she knelt beside Roslyn. “M’lady? It is I, Fiona. Can you hear me?” She lightly patted her friend’s cheek.
“Fiona?” Roslyn opened her eyes and frowned. “I asked you na to come back. It means certain death for you should anyone find you here.”
“No one is going to find out she is here.” Ian dropped to his knees and hauled Roslyn into his arms. “Not until well after we have fled this horrible place.”
She winced in pain and released a soft whimper. “Ian. What are you doing here?”
Upon realizing his gesture of affection was causing her discomfort, Ian eased his hold and she relaxed with her head resting in his lap. “Shhh, dinna try to talk right now, you need to save your strength.” He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her lips.
“Quinn?” Roslyn said softly.
“He is safe and back with Clan Fraser where he belongs,” Ian said. “But dinna fash about the lad right now. Fiona has some herbs for the wounds on your back and brought you a clean gown. Once she has tended to your injuries, I plan to get you both out of here.”
She lightly traced his lips with her fingertips. “I never thought I would see you again.”
Ian grasped her hand and kissed her palm, then pressed it against his cheek. “I promised to come back for you. I only wish I could have done something to prevent your brother from beating you. Someday, I will kill the bastard for what he has done.”
“You are most brave, but Roderick is a skilled warrior and has a heart of stone. He’s been training in the lists since he was a lad.” Roslyn released a shuddered breath before she continued. “A servant doesna stand a chance against such a ruthless devil like my brother. Besides, if he finds out you helped me escape, he will see you drawn and quartered.”
“Things are na always as they appear, ma gaol. I—” Ian hesitated, wondering if this was the right time to reveal his true identity.
“I dinna know what you mean.” Roslyn peered up at him.
“I’m na Ian Forbes. And I’m na a servant.”
Roslyn’s brow furrowed. “Then who are you?”
Ian swallowed hard, hoping what he had to say would not destroy the trust he and Roslyn had achieved so far. “I’m Ian Fraser. My cousin Connor is the laird of Clan Fraser and I act as his representative and liaison when necessary.”
Fiona gasped. “You’re a Fraser? And a gentleman?”
“Aye, I like to think of myself as both a gentleman and a warrior. So I can hold my own with your brother in battle.” Ian glanced down at Roslyn, who remained silent. “I wanted to tell you the truth the day we met in Quinn’s room, but I couldna risk being discovered as an enemy in Roderick’s castle. I hope you can forgive me.”
“You did all this for Quinn?” Roslyn asked.
Ian n
odded. “It started out that way. He is the son of my cousin Lazarus and his wife Sheena. Roderick came to Fraser castle and took the lad while he played with his cousins.”
“I’ve heard stories about Sheena and how my brother violated her, then cast her aside. The way he did so many young women.” Tears welled in Roslyn’s eyes. “I’d hoped the rumors were lies, but when Quinn arrived, I knew they were true and the lad was his son.”
“Your brother may have sired him, Morgan blood flowing through his veins, but Lazarus is his father and would die for him if need be,” Ian said. “He wanted to come himself and demand Roderick return the lad, but we knew there was a good chance Roderick would cast him out or have him killed.”
“So you came in his stead?”
“I had never met your brother and since I am na married, I was the perfect choice to act on my cousin’s behalf.” Ian hung his head. “I hoped to slip in disguised as a servant, free Quinn, and get out quickly. But then I met you and everything changed.”
“How so?”
“It was no longer just about the lad,” Ian replied. “At first I dinna know if you could be trusted, but soon learned I had nothing to fear.” He lifted her hand. “I selfishly wanted to get to know you better, and when I caught Sinclair trying to violate you, I couldna stand by and let it happen. I’m just sorry you were punished because of my actions.”
Roslyn squeezed Ian’s hand. “I’m the one who owes you and your clan an apology. I should have done everything in my power to free Quinn. My brother had no right to take the lad and he is the last person on this earth who should be a father.”
Hope renewed that there was a chance he and Roslyn might have a life together, he gazed into her eyes, brought her fingertips to his lips, and kissed each one. “Then you dinna hate me?”
She smiled up at him. “I couldna hate you any more than I could forget to breathe. I wanted to get to know you better as well.” Her face flushed red and she glanced away. “You are the bravest, kindest man I have ever known, I—”
