by B. J. Scott
Ian silenced her with a kiss, then raised his head and stroked his finger across her lips. “I could talk with you for hours, but we must be away before the guards wake up. Fiona will tend to your wounds and help you to put on a fresh gown. Then we will get you out of here.” He glanced up at Fiona. “Will you see to Roslyn?”
“Aye, but we must make haste. Hugh, the man who usually brings the tray of food will show up soon and we want to be gone before he does.” Fiona opened the sack and took out some strips of linen, a flask of water, and an herbal ointment to apply to Roslyn’s wounds. She looked at her friend. “Can you sit up a little more or perhaps turn to your side?”
“Aye, I think so. I’m feeling stronger than I did when last you saw me.” Roslyn rolled to her side, propped herself on one elbow, then allowed Ian to assist her the rest of the way. Once sitting, she clung to the sleeves of his tunic. “You must na stay here, Ian. You must warn your clan that my brother is coming to take Quinn back and will stop at nothing to get him. You canna let that happen. Fiona and I will be fine.”
“I’m na leaving without the two of you. So best we end this discussion here and now.” He kissed her brow. “As soon as you are fit to travel, we’ll leave. Together.”
Chapter 16
Fiona tended to Roslyn’s wounds while Ian dragged Clive down the hallway and into the cell. “If I were to wager a guess, this fellow hasna missed many meal in his lifetime.” He grunted, hauled him the last few feet, and propped him up against the wall.
A puzzled expression crossed Fiona’s face. “That may be so, m’lord, but why did you bring him in here?”
“When we leave, we can lock the two of them in the cell, gaining us some valuable time to make our escape.” Ian double-checked to make sure their hands and feet were still securely bound. Both men remained unconscious, but to be safe, he placed a rag in each of their mouths to prevent them from shouting out for help when they awakened. “By the time they manage to free themselves, we’ll hopefully be long gone” He returned to the ladies. “Can I be of any assistance?”
“I’m just about finished.” Fiona laced the back of Roslyn’s gown, then stood. She wiped her hands on her apron before gathering the healing supplies and returning them to the canvas sack. “You’ll have need of these along the way.”
Ian knelt beside Roslyn and gently caressed her cheek. “How are you feeling, leannan?”
“I can honestly say I have known better days, but I’m feeling stronger than I was last evening.” She gazed up at Ian. “Best we be on our way. Could you help me up?”
When she tried to stand, Ian planted his hand on her shoulder and shook his head. “Rest for a few more minutes, then I’ll assist you,” he replied. “After what you’ve endured, my guess is you’re still as weak as a newly born colt. How a brother could treat his sister in such a deplorable manner still has me baffled, na to mention appalled. You’re lucky the bastard hasna killed you.”
“Roderick has his reasons.” Roslyn glanced away. “My brother cares for but two things, wealth and power. And as you’ve seen, he will stop at naught to get what he wants. When my parents were alive.” She paused and crossed herself. “They were able to keep a rein on him. But after our mam died, things changed. Our father became distant and lost interest in the clan and life in general. It was then Roderick seized the opportunity to assert himself. Fiona can attest to that.”
“Aye, he is a ruthless tyrant to be sure.” Fiona scurried to the doorway and peered down the hall toward the stairs, then quickly returned, wringing her hands. “Do you think it wise to tarry, Lord Fraser?” Fiona asked. “It will soon be time for the guards to change.”
“My name is Ian, Fiona. Naught has changed between us so there is no need for you to be so formal.”
“Oh but it has changed, m’lord. Before, I thought you were a servant, a commoner the same as me. But now I know differently.”
“Am I na still the same man I was when we entered the dungeon?” Ian touched the top of his head, quickly shot a glance behind himself, then blew out an exaggerated breath. “I’m relieved.”
“M’lord?” Fiona stared up at him.
“I thought perhaps I’d sprouted horns and a tail?” He chuckled.
“Of course you havena transformed into the devil.” Fiona giggled.
“Then please call me Ian.”
“If you wish, m’lord.”
Ian laughed and clasped Roslyn’s hand. “I’d like to give you more time to rest, leannan, but Fiona is right, we must make haste.”
“I’ll be fine.” Roslyn smiled up at Ian and Fiona. “If one of you could assist me, I—”
“Och, of course we will.” Fiona cupped Roslyn’s elbow and together with Ian helped her up.
While pleased to see Roslyn standing, Ian could tell by the pallor of her face and her wobbly stance, she was not feeling as well as she’d let on. When she began to sway and it appeared she might fall, he lifted her into his arms.
“Put me down, Ian. There is no need for you to carry me. I can walk,” Roslyn said, then rested her head on his chest.
“I’ll be the judge of that, ma gaol.” He nodded at Fiona. “Let’s be away, before anyone comes.” He carried Roslyn to the door and turned toward the stairs. “Lock the cell, lass, then follow me. And pray no one catches us when we leave this place.”
“Wait.” Fiona stopped him. “There is another way out of the dungeon, one that doesna require going through the main halls of the castle.”
“Explain,” Ian said.
“When the keep was built, the original entry into the dungeon was from the outside. Those being punished never set foot in the main part of the castle. It hasna been used in a very long time, but I’m certain it’s still passable.”
“You’re full of surprises, Fiona. Lead the way.” Ian followed her until they came to a wooden door with a large padlock. “What now?” Ian peered over his shoulder in the direction from which they’d just come. “We’ll have to take our chances and go back.”
“Perhaps one of these might work.” Using the ring of keys she took from the wall outside Roslyn’s cell, Fiona tried each one until she heard a click. She tugged the door open. “Take her out this way and I’ll lock the door behind you.”
“We all go,” Ian replied sternly.
“Ian is right,” Roslyn said, “we canna leave you behind, Fiona. Not after all you have done for us.”
“Someone has to stay back and see they dinna know how you escaped. Once you’ve fled, I will lock the door from this side, and return to the main floor of the castle. I’ll then go about my business and resume my usual duties. No one will be the wiser.”
“The guards know,” Roslyn reminded her. “They will most certainly report you.”
“I’m aware of that,” Fiona replied. “But it’s the only way to buy you the time you need to get away. Should your brother’s men find the door unlocked, they will know how you got out and be close on your heels. If secured from the inside, they willna suspect,” she explained. “If need be, you and Ian could even hole up in the tunnel until dark when it is safer to leave. Not even Lord Roderick would think to look for you there.”
“You’re risking your life, Fiona, to save mine and I canna allow that. If you remain in the castle, and my brother learns of your part in this, he will kill you.”
“I have no intention of staying in the castle for long,” Fiona reassured her. “Once I leave the dungeon, I will gather a few things, then tell the warriors guarding the castle gate that I must go into the woods to collect herbs for the clan healer. I’ve done it many times before so they willna think it odd.”
“But you have never tried to go beyond the curtain wall when a prisoner has escaped and the castle is on full alert. Where will you go?” Roslyn addressed Ian. “Tell her it isna safe. Demand that she accompany us. Please.”
Ian shifted Roslyn in his arms. “My cousin Bryce and my two brothers, John and Collin, are waiting for me in a glen about three
miles to the west of here. If we go there, they will help us get to Fraser Castle. You are welcome to stay with us or go on from there if you please. Either way, you’ll be safe.”
“I’m afraid the terrain is too steep and rocky for Roslyn in her condition,” Fiona said. “Stay close to the river and you have a better chance. Take her and leave, Ian. The old entry to the dungeon comes out very near the postern gate. Like the secret tunnel leading into Lord Roderick’s chamber, it’s overgrown with weeds and brambles, but that should work to your advantage.”
“Where do we go from there?” Ian asked.
“When safe to do so, follow the foot path for about mile. You’ll come to a large rock and a solitary oak amidst the pines, it’s there you’ll veer off to the left. Travel another half-mile or so through the brush and you’ll eventually come to an abandoned croft nestled in the woods. It isna much, but will give you a place to rest.”
“Thank you, Fiona, Roslyn and I will be forever in your debt.”
“I almost forgot. Take this.” Fiona handed Ian the sack. “When I packed the healing supplies, I added some oatcakes, dried venison, and a flask of ale. It will tide you over for a day or so. There are also the ingredients to make an herbal tea. The brew will ease her discomfort and prevent the wounds from festering. See that she drinks it.”
“Please, Fiona, you must come with us,” Roslyn begged.
“Dinna fash, my friend. Your brother and most of the warriors are out searching for Quinn, so I should be fine, once I get out of the dungeon.”
Ian suddenly remembered the arrangements he made with Bryce. “If I dinna return to the glen by tomorrow evening, Bryce and my brothers will come after me. I canna just disappear and not let them know I’m safe.”
Fiona held the door open and gestured with a sweep of her hand for Ian to proceed. “I’ll find them, let them know you’ve escaped, and warn them to watch out for Lord Roderick and his men. But best you be off. Or we will all end up prisoners slated for execution.”
While Ian wanted Fiona to come with them, he knew better than to argue any longer. Not only was time precious and the risk of being caught greater with each passing minute, but he’d learned once Fiona made up her mind, there was no swaying her.
Fiona clasped Roslyn’s hand. “Be off, and God’s Speed. I pray the Almighty will someday see fit for us to be with each other again.” She looked to Ian. “Take care of my mistress, Ian Fraser. I’ll find your cousin Bryce and will pass along your message.”
Ian offered a curt nod. “I’ll guard her with my life.” He lifted his foot. “Take the dirk from my boot and give it to my cousin Bryce. He will recognize the weapon crafted by his father and know you speak the truth.”
Fiona took the small dagger, then closed and locked the door.
Ian carried Roslyn down a dark passageway and up a short flight of stairs. But they didn’t leave the keep. Not yet. He’d do as Fiona suggested. Wait until he deemed it safe, then slip out using the postern gate.
He glance at the ceiling of the tunnel and again asked the Lord to watch over them and guide their way.
Chapter 17
After the guards passed on their rounds and Ian deemed the coast was clear, he nudged Roslyn, who was sitting on the ground beside him with her head resting on his shoulder. “Wake up. It’s time to go.”
She opened her eyes and brought a hand to her mouth, stifling a yawn. “I’m sorry. I dinna mean to nod off.”
“There is no reason to apologize. You needed the rest and we couldna go anywhere until it was safe. Are you able to run, or do you need me to carry you?”
She crawled to the doorway and peered outside. “The forest is too far away for you to run while toting me in your arms. I can do this.”
“Are you certain you can make it?” He helped her to stand and waited until she was steady on her feet.
“I’ll na know unless I try.” Before Ian could protest, she bolted toward the trees, collapsing when she entered the forest.
Ian hovered over her. “We made it. But we canna stay here. Can you stand?” He glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the castle, then scooped her up. “Never mind, it isna worth the effort.”
He followed Fiona’s instructions, traveled along the footpath for a little over a mile, then came to large pillar-shaped rock and a tall oak tree that he guessed must be centuries old—the trunk crooked and gnarled. As instructed, he left the path, being careful not to break any branches or disturb the surrounding flora. He didn’t want to leave a sign they’d passed this way.
The trek through the woods was more grueling than the journey on the trail, but Ian trudged through the thick brush and tangle of branches until he located the croft. The hut was so well hidden by trees, had he not been given exact instructions as to its whereabouts, he’d never have found it, thus making it a perfect place to rest and hide from Morgan’s men.
“We’re here,” he said. But Roslyn didn’t respond. She’d passed out not long after they left the castle so he’d carried her the entire way.
Pleased to find the door unlocked, Ian shoved it open using his elbow and stepped inside. His gaze skimmed the dimly lit surrounds. Fiona was correct when she said it was a simple dwelling. He gently lay Roslyn on the bed, being careful not to wake her. After covering her with a pelt, he went to the window and opened the shutters, allowing some much needed fresh air to fill the dank-smelling croft.
In a corner, he spotted several dry logs and a small pile of peat and tinder. He only planned to stay the night so it would be enough to get them through. Since he didn’t want to draw attention to the croft, he decided to wait until after dark to light a fire. At night, the smoke billowing from the chimney would be less conspicuous than in the daytime should anyone happen by.
He also noticed an iron pot hanging on a chain in the hearth. It would come in handy for brewing a tea for Roslyn, using the healing herbs Fiona packed. They’d passed a small stream not far from the hut where he could fetch some fresh water.
Roslyn moaned, and Ian rushed to her side. He stroked his fingers across her brow, thankful it was cool and she’d not yet developed a fever. He squatted beside the bed and took her hand. “You’re safe, leannan,” he whispered, then pressed his lips to her cheek. “Rest now, we can talk later.”
Roslyn’s eyes fluttered open. She peered up at him and smiled. “Ian. Where are we? How long was I asleep?”
“We’re at the abandoned croft Fiona told us about. You passed out not long after we left Castle Morgan.”
“Why did you na awaken me? I canna believe you carried me this far.”
Ian shook his head. “Nay. I felt given your injuries, it was for the best that you rest. How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” She brought her hand up and stroked his cheek. “I’m sorry to be such a burden to you.”
Ian pressed two fingers to her lips. “Dinna say such things. You’re na a burden. And you can sleep as long as you like. We’re staying here for the night, then we’ll head out at first light.”
“Do you think it safe?” Roslyn frowned. “What if my brother’s men are looking for us? Surely they know by now that I am no longer in the dungeon. Perhaps we should keep going. I’m certain I can walk if I try.”
“We are staying put. The croft is well hidden and it will soon be dark. If they havena caught up with us by now, they’ll likely quit searching and resume the hunt in the morn.”
“I see that as a reason to keep going, na to tarry. The more distance we can put between us and Morgan Castle, the better.” Roslyn nibbled on her bottom lip, then clasped Ian’s hand and stared up at him. “Or perhaps it would be for the best if you leave me here and go on alone. It’s important that you warn your cousins that Roderick is coming for Quinn and I’ll only slow you down. They mustna recapture the lad.”
“We’ve already been over this,” Ian said. “Connor is fully aware that your brother could be hot on their heels. He has met Rodrick in the past and knows he is a tenacious
bugger. I’m confident my cousin will take all necessary precautions to keep Quinn safe.” Ian gave her hand a squeeze. “Besides which, Fiona was on her way to let my other cousin and my brothers know we have escaped. She will warn them about Roderick as well. They have swift mounts and if I know Bryce, they’ll reach the rescue party well before your brother does.”
“I pray Fiona arrived at your cousin’s encampment safely,” Roslyn said. “I wish she would have come with us and na stayed behind to face my brother’s men alone.”
In an attempt to offer her some reassurance, Ian patted Roslyn’s hand. “Fiona is a resourceful lass. I’m sure she got away and is with Bryce and my brothers as we speak. Perhaps, she’s even on her way to Fraser Castle.”
“I hope you’re right, Ian. I couldna bear the thought of anything happening to her.”
“I’m sure she will be waiting for us when we arrive home. But right now, it’s time for you to rest, leannan. If you’ll permit me to check your wounds, Fiona packed some healing salve for me to apply. So far you’re showing no sign of illness related to your flogging, and I would like to keep it that way. I promise to be gentle.”
Roslyn rolled to her side, allowing him access to the ribbons securing the back of her gown. “I trust you, Ian,” she said on a breathy sigh, then bit the inside of her cheek when he peeled back the fabric. Until now, Fiona had tended her, and this would be the first time Ian viewed her wounds.
Ian let out a quick gasp, and Roslyn was sure she heard him mumble something under his breath, but other than that, he remained silent. As promised, he moved swiftly and his touch was gentle. He swabbed her back with a cool liquid that stung when it came in contact with her lash marks, but otherwise, there was no significant discomfort.
“I’ll apply the ointment and leave the wounds to heal. They appear to be doing nicely,” Ian said. “Then you can rest for a while, ma gaol.”
