Highland Lies (The Band of Cousins Book 4)

by Keira Montclair

  Euphemie reached for Rose’s gown and cut it, then yanked it off of her, leaving her shivering in just her shift. “Och, look at those nice titties. I think the monks would love to see them up close.” She grabbed Rose’s shift and gripped her knife, ready to cut it off her when a bird flew down and squawked directly in her face.

  “Leave, you rotten bird.” She swung her arm out in an attempt to hit the bird, but he evaded her.

  It was Rose’s owl, come to help her. Its gold eyes flashed at her as it dived at the lasses who were attacking her. She felt her sire had sent her protection from beyond.

  “I’m leaving,” Ada said. “That owl is wild.” She raced back toward the abbey and the third girl followed her, leaving Euphemie there by herself.

  “Fine,” Euphemie sneered. “Saved by an owl. I’ll leave you with your shift, but I’ll find you again. And if you tell anyone, you’ll pay harder next time.”

  The owl squawked again, and Euphemie covered her face and bolted back down the path. Once the lasses had all fled, the owl landed in front of her body, strolling back and forth as if to judge if she were hale and hearty. It pecked at the gown on the ground next to her, tugging at a few strands, but then it stopped. Could it possibly be trying to cover her?

  If so, he failed, but she knew she had a new friend.

  She needed all the friends she could get.

  Lying on the cold ground, tied up and unable to move, she forced herself not to cry.

  Come what may, she would not allow anyone to hurt her anymore.

  Chapter Twelve

  To Roddy’s surprise, a group of travelers arrived at Muir Castle early the next morn. Since he hadn’t slept much, he made it to the gates before they dismounted.

  Exhausted, Maggie said, “We tried to get here last night, but we were just too tired.” Will helped Maggie down.

  Gavin and Gregor came up behind them. “There must be more excitement here because there is naught to follow in the periphery other than the two abbeys. We’re hoping you’ve found out more.”

  “Och, we’ve discovered plenty,” Roddy said with a smirk, “but we’re still short on details. We need to investigate more. We could use your help.”

  Cairstine and Braden came outside to greet them. “You must be famished. We have plenty of porridge. Come inside.”

  Steenie burst out the door, rushing down the steps of the hall. “We have visitors! And some people I don’t know. The Wild Falconer is here! Did you hear that, Paddy? Where are your falcons, Will?”

  Will whistled and the two birds appeared, swooping down near them to Steenie’s delight. He did his best to chase each one when it neared him, but he failed.

  Uncle Brodie emerged from the hall and muttered, “I wish I had half the lad’s energy.”

  They made their way back to the hall, chattering amongst themselves.

  Once the cousins finished eating, they all took a seat around the largest table in the hall to share information.

  “I take it you’ve also learned something?” Connor asked.

  Will nodded. “Maggie’s parents received word of one more group, in England. ’Tis the main artery of the network. It stays well hidden, and no one has any idea where ’tis located. In all likelihood, it moves around.”

  “Could it be related to the Englishmen we saw at the Abbey of Angels?” Roddy asked.

  Will shrugged his shoulder. “Verra possible they are related. We shall keep that in mind as we continue.”

  “Shouldn’t we go after them first?” Daniel asked. “Mayhap ’twould put a stop to the rest. And we seem to be waiting for something to happen here. There’s been naught, as of yet. Are we not wasting our time?”

  “Hold on. Hear me out,” Will said, raising a hand. “It would seem the third group, in the western Highlands, has increased their activity. More than half a dozen lasses go down the firth each month. Families are traveling to the king to complain about their missing daughters.”

  “Then why have we not come upon that yet?” Connor asked.

  “I think ’twill be happening soon. We need to gather our resources and expect some movement soon if they follow the previous patterns,” Will replied.

  “The clans suspect a nun or someone similar arranges for the sale of the lasses,” Maggie said, “but no one can identify the woman involved. I suspect the mother abbess at Sona Abbey may be who we’re looking for.”

  “Are you sure ’tis a religious person?” Roddy asked. He had another possibility in mind, a mother who was not fond of her daughter and had access to a firth, but he hoped for Rose’s sake it wasn’t true.

  “Aye, lasses have gone missing from a few abbeys—the kirk will not allow the families to see them because they’re in training—but people have grown suspicious. You won’t be surprised to hear that many of the lasses were left at Sona Abbey. We have orders from King Alexander to stop the sale of the lasses. He’s received enough complaints that he’s spoken with the religious community about it, but he wants our group to root out the source. He thinks we can be much quicker about it, and after the information you have just given us, I cannot disagree with him. We’re close.” Maggie glanced from face to face as if gauging whether they were all in agreement.

  “So you see,” Gavin said, “we really are all heading to the abbey.”

  Maggie said, “We need a place to sleep because ’tis a distance away. Do you have enough room for us, Braden? Will and I don’t mind sleeping under the stars, but if the weather turns bad, we’d like the stables.”

  “Nonsense,” Uncle Brodie said. “We have plenty of unused chambers inside Muir Castle. Cairstine’s sire built a strong fortress, and from the sound of things, you may stir up some trouble in your travels, so ’twould be best if you’re all behind a curtain wall. The four of them ran into a large group of reivers before they returned from their scouting. ’Tis most unusual in this area. Word must have gotten around that someone in the area is dealing in quite a bit of coin. I’ll stay back with Steenie and Cairstine and Celestina. The rest of you need to move on this soon.”

  Maggie nodded. “Our thanks.” Turning to Roddy, she asked, “And have you discovered anything? Any unusual activity at Rose’s home?”

  “Aye, indeed. Her mother just moved her to Sona Abbey,” Roddy explained.

  “What? Why?” Maggie asked

  Connor did his best to hide his smirk. “She tells all that Rose will be taking her vows, but Rose says she was moved there for kissing a lad.” His smirk could no longer be contained, and he tipped his head toward Roddy.

  Gavin guffawed. “Roddy, you devil. You’ve sent a lass off to the abbey for teaching her bad things?”

  “Laugh all you want about that part, but the truth of it is quite twisted.” He then proceeded to tell them what Jean MacDole had told her daughter about sinning.

  Silence descended on the group as they considered such cruelty.

  Maggie whispered, “Tell me how you think this affects our mission.”

  Roddy said, “She got rid of her daughter because something illegal is going on at MacDole Castle. Rose already told us about the boat that visits the dock, and last night she indicated her mother may know something about it. What if she’s tied to someone at the abbey?”

  Connor nodded. “Aye, and if the operation became too large for them to rely solely on trading lasses from Sona Abbey, perhaps they started building Abbey of Angels to expand—and to keep people off their trail. They can send a constant supply of lasses there.”

  Will said, “I suggest we search the area in pairs today and on the morrow. I wish to know the area well before we form our plan to destroy their operation. I also don’t want to make anyone suspicious that we’re aware of their activities. If it weren’t for the possibility of nabbing the Englishman, we could go after them right away, but we must proceed with caution. We wish to catch them in the act.”

  As the others discussed the journey to come, Roddy turned to Connor, “I need to travel back to Clan Grant b
efore I go any further here. Do you have any reason to stop home?”

  Connor gave him a probing look, but when he didn’t rush to explain, his friend said, “I’d be glad to go with you. We can leave after we take our repast and still return in time to strategize.”

  Roddy nodded and set their proposal to Will and Maggie.

  Maggie said, “Go. You know the area. We need to learn it. You have time. From what we’ve learned from you and from our parents, this will not take place soon. We have time to prepare.”

  He could not handle another night of nightmares. It was time to find out the source of his dreams. If not, he’d never be confident in his ability to protect Rose.

  ***

  It felt as though two days passed before she was discovered, though it was probably only an hour. At the sound of approaching footsteps down the path, she moved into the moonlight as much as possible.

  She said a quick prayer that it was not Euphemie, and it was not.

  Father Seward came upon her. “Rose?” he gasped in shock. “What are you doing out here? Are you hurt?” He untied her hands and feet, then grabbed the torn gown to cover her as best he could. “Who did this to you?” He helped her to her feet, but she struggled to stand, nearly tipping over, so he settled her on a nearby bench.

  The hoot of her new friend echoed from above.

  “Rose, I must know you are all right. Are you hurt anywhere?” His hands moved over her body, searching for injuries. He clucked when he saw the raw abrasions from the rope. “Oh my. I must get you to the infirmary right away. I care not what your mother says about leaving you in your chamber alone. Not after this.”

  Rose wanted to cry with relief. Perhaps Constance would find her way in to visit if she were in the infirmary. At least there, she would be able to wash away the filth, though mostly imaginary, of the attack.

  “Can you walk, Rose?” He looked at her with such sympathy that she dared to hope she’d gained another ally. Would he go against her mother and allow her to learn to read?

  She nodded, pulling the ripped garment around her for privacy. Father Seward moved slowly beside her, making sure she could keep up with him.

  They didn’t pass anyone else along the way, but as soon as he entered the infirmary, one of the other nuns hurried to his side. “What happened? What’s wrong with the poor lass?” They ushered her into the chamber she’d stayed in before, though the other bed was empty this time.

  “She was attacked and bound. I don’t think she was hurt, mayhap just roughly treated.” He pointed to the abrasions on her wrists and ankles. “You must take care of these spots.”

  “Who did this to her?” the nun asked Father Seward.

  “I don’t know, but I aim to find out.”

  “Her mother will be furious.” The nun brought both her hands up to her cheeks and shook her head with worry.

  “No need to call her back just yet. Let’s give it a few days. I want to find out who did this, investigate a bit more before we contact her mother. She’ll want answers.” He began to pace the small room.

  Rose settled on the bed and hid under the plaid, resting her head down with a sigh. She was exhausted from the attack.

  The nun looked at her and said, “Who did this? Was is a lad? A lass?”

  Rose refused to answer. She would not tattle—she planned to take care of this herself.

  “Was it Euphemie?”

  Rose closed her eyes and didn’t answer.

  Father Seward spewed words of anger. “It could have been Euphemie or Ada or one of the other girls. Mayhap it was even one of the visiting monks. How will I find out if she cannot tell me? Shameful that she was stripped of her gown in a place of our Lord. Shameful. Give her a tonic to help her sleep if you must, Sister. She’s to stay here one more day. In fact, I’ll send her friend for a visit on the morrow, cheer her up a wee bit. Poor lass. Mayhap Constance can help me get through to her.”

  Once they left, Rose closed her eyes and allowed herself to think of Roddy Grant. How she wished he were here to comfort her. The thought of him had helped her get through the torment of the hour she’d spent bound on the garden path. Somehow she knew he would hold her, even allow her to cry if she needed it.

  Roddy Grant made her believe there was more to life than climbing over rocks and listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the stones gleaming in the moonlight. And yet she couldn’t deny that she missed the water. The force and power of the waves against the rocks had always given her strength.

  Her happiest memories were of the time she and her father had spent on the cliffs over the water. Sometimes he would hold her hand and other times he would set her free to explore on her own, slipping here and there on the slick surfaces.

  Only once had he admitted her mother did not understand the soul of a child, but he’d assured Rose her mother still loved her, just differently than he did. Her father had adored her, of that much she was certain. If her mother did indeed love her, it was a kind of love that baffled her.

  She’d lost her father, but she’d never lose his love or the confidence his seeds of love had sown in her. Once he’d spoken to her about the day she’d meet a lad who would stir her differently than others did, and he’d advised to open her heart to him when that day came.

  It was time to open her heart to Roddy. She prayed he’d return soon, and if he did, perhaps she’d have the courage to kiss him first this time. She needed Roddy.

  And she also wanted to learn how to defend herself. She was sick of feeling like a helpless wee lassie, unable to do anything for herself. The time had come to take charge of her life.

  Chapter Thirteen

  It was nearly dark by the time Roddy and Connor arrived at Clan Grant. They were greeted by Connor’s older brothers, Jake and Jamie.

  “You’ve missed me so that you’ve come to greet me?” Connor chided as soon as his brothers came abreast of them. “I take it you’re desperate for my advice on how to run the lists?”

  Jake said, “Och, we could use you in the lists. Jamie has been going soft ever since he married Gracie.”

  “I have every reason to be soft for a week or two,” Jamie countered.

  Roddy couldn’t have been more surprised by this pronouncement, but Connor was quick to ask the question on his mind.

  “And why would that be? I’ve not heard of you going soft before.”

  “Because Gracie is carrying, and my guess is ’tis a laddie.” Roddy swore he saw Jamie’s chest puff out a bit.

  “Gracie?” Roddy asked. “Congratulations! I’m to be an uncle for a second time! I’ll bet Aunt Maddie and my mother are quite pleased.”

  “Mama is especially pleased,” Jake stated. “Kyla is also carrying. And if you wish to have some entertainment, watch Finlay and Jamie argue over who’s going to have the first Grant laddie of the next generation.”

  Jamie snorted. “Och, Finlay likes to brag that Jake and I will only have lassies. He’d like to think he and Kyla will have the next laird of Clan Grant. After Jake and me, of course.”

  The banter continued until they passed through the gates and left their horses with the stable lads. It wasn’t long before a voice called out to the group. Finlay’s usual sarcasm carried across the courtyard.

  “Jake and Jamie, why do you not go inside and practice your needlework with the lassies while I speak to the men about their travels. You’ll need to learn quickly in order to teach your daughters.”

  Jamie said, “I’d be thrilled to have a wee lassie, but she’ll have a brother before the next year is out, so do not get your hopes up, Finlay.”

  Appearing out of nowhere, Finlay crept up behind Jamie and crowed, “Kyla and I will have our second laddie before you have one, lad.” He clasped Jamie’s shoulder and said, “Someday, I’ll give you pointers.”

  Kyla came out to the courtyard to greet them, emerging just in time to overhear her husband’s boasting. “Please, Finlay. Enough bragging. You make me ill. Imagine how you’ll
feel when Aunt Caralyn announces in several moons that ‘tis a wee lassie and she looks just like her grandpapa. My father wants another lassie, and I’m out to please him.” Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, glaring at her husband.

  Finlay laughed and quickly amended his stance. “And you know I’d love a lassie who looks just like her mother as much as her grandpapa will.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her on the cheek, only flinching slightly when she delivered an elbow to his side.

  Roddy said, “Congratulations to both of you. Is my sire inside or is he at our cottage?”

  “He left the keep about an hour ago,” Jake said. “I’m sure he’s home by now. You wish to speak with him?”

  “Aye,” he said. “Connor will fill you in on what we’ve learned. I’m going to grab a meat pie and head home for the night. I’ll see you on the morrow.”

  Connor said, “We leave at first light?”

  “Aye,” Roddy replied, heading straight for the kitchens once they stepped into the empty great hall. “I’ll see you then.”

  He wanted to speak with his sire alone and given the happy news about Jamie and Finlay’s wives, he expected the men would be up late in front of the hearth.

  He had a pair of violet eyes in his mind—but he would not be able to help Rose, or anyone, himself included, unless he faced his fears.

  He cantered his horse at a good pace because the night was clear, and he loved galloping across the meadow between Grant Castle and the loch. All was dark inside their hut when it came into sight, but his sire sat out on the porch overlooking the loch in a wooden chair they’d built together.

  “Roddy, I was not expecting to see you. What a pleasant surprise. The others are all asleep. Grab a goblet of ale and join me outside. ’Tis a beauteous eve.”

  “Thanks, Papa.” He led his horse over to the loch for a drink, then took him inside their small stable for a nice meal of oats before he fetched his own drink from the hut. Sitting on the porch opposite his sire, he said, “I hear I’m to be an uncle. I hope Gracie’s feeling well.”