Once Upon a Highland Moon (The Highland Moon Series)

by Gwyn Brodie

  He shrugged. "I'm in need of an heir and your dowry is quite impressive. 'Tis naught more. In order to acquire either, I must marry. As for taking you to bed, I prefer more seasoned lovers. But, I intend to teach you what you must ken to satisfy my needs. Mind you, it won't be very often I'll come to your bedchamber, for I have my mistresses to keep my attention." He turned and walked away.

  Sorcha shivered. She had no intention of learning about Archibald's needs. Looking around for a place to rest, she found one on a bed of pine needles. She lay down on her side, with her head on her arm. Once she regained her strength, she'd try her best to escape. Perhaps she could even persuade Garreth to help her.

  Someone was coming her way. She sat up, her hand gripping the hilt of the sgian dubh strapped to her calf.

  "M'lady? 'Tis I, Garreth."

  She relaxed her grip on the weapon.

  He crouched beside her and handed her a bit of bread, cheese and a skin flask. "I thought you might be in need of food and water."

  Sorcha wanted to hug him for his generosity, but knew if Archibald saw her, the young warrior would have hell to pay—and so would she. She took the food and the flask. "Much thanks. Your kindness will not be forgotten."

  He smiled, his teeth white in the pale moonlight. "You are welcome," he said, then rushed away. No doubt he was afraid of Archibald seeing them together again.

  She savored every last bite of the stale bread and moldy cheese, then washed it down with the water. With her hunger somewhat abated, she lay back down. Perhaps she could convince Garreth to help her escape. She believed him to be an ally, but she couldn't be certain. After all, he was Archibald's nephew.

  Sorcha had only meant to close her eyes for a moment. But instead, she fell into a deep sleep, only to be rousted by Archibald spouting orders to his men a few minutes later. Her muscles ached, but by the time Archibald reached her, she'd managed to get to her feet.

  Garreth was behind him, leading the horse she'd been riding.

  "Hurry up and mount," Archibald said, "MacLachlan and his garrison aren't far behind."

  Hope danced its way through Sorcha's heart. Galen would be with them. Was he upset because he'd had to delay leaving Ravenskull? 'Twasn't her fault. She hadn't planned to be kidnapped.

  She prayed they'd catch up to Archibald, before he managed to get her back to Clifftower. If he did, it would be but a matter of minutes before they were wed. And the life she'd once dreamed of having with Galen would never have a chance to be more than just that—a dream.

  ***

  Galen squinted into the pale moonlight and listened. Naught a sound reached his ear, but that of the night birds. He frowned, worry for Sorcha's safety clawed at him. Campbell wouldn't care how hard he had to push his horses, his men—nor her—to make certain he kept one step ahead of them. What if Campbell had already forced himself on her? A cold blade of steel pierced his heart. If the whoreson had taken her innocence, Galen would take his life, 'twas as simple as that.

  A horse drew up beside him. "Don't fash yourself, Galen," Cinead said. We'll catch up to them sooner or later."

  Galen snorted. "Och, better sooner than later."

  "Do you really think he intends to marry the lass?"

  A cold hand wrapped around Galen's heart. "Aye, I do. It'll not matter to Campbell whether or not he has MacPherson's blessing. Once Campbell weds Sorcha, the king will force Alex to give him the dowry."

  Kade had sent Shaw on ahead to learn what he could, and he'd returned. He drew his horse up beside them. "Campbell took time to rest the horses perhaps a mile or so ahead, laird."

  "Good work, Shaw," Kade came alongside Galen. "Unlike us, this is the first time Campbell has taken the time to rest his horses. If we push our own, it shouldn't be any trouble to overtake them before they reach Clifftower, which would be in our best interest. As we've said before, we don't ken the size of the garrison there."

  "We'd best be on our way then," Galen said, anxious to find Sorcha.

  They continued on, but at a much faster pace.

  The closer they drew to Clifftower, the more concerned Galen became. What if he arrived too late and the bastard had already married her? Nay, they would catch up to Campbell before then. They had to. Sorcha's future—and his own—depended on it.

  Chapter Ten

  Sorcha prayed Galen would find her before she was forced to wed Archibald. The thought of giving herself to him in the marriage bed made her ill. Before finding out the sort of man he was—and before she met Galen—Sorcha had believed it her duty as his wife. If she were forced to marry him now, he might have her body, but he'd never have her heart—for Galen already owned it.

  Dawn was on the horizon when Clifftower castle came into sight. Waves of dread washed over her. Galen, where are you?

  A war cry echoed through the glen, bringing Archibald's garrison to action. Their gazes scanned the craggy hills jutting up on either side, but they saw naught.

  "You there, William, climb up on the rocks and see what you can find out," Archibald ordered.

  William did his bidding, then returned. "'Tis the MacLachlans, m'laird, perhaps fifty of 'em."

  Archibald frowned. "You try to get away from me, Sorcha, and I'll make you sorry." His eyes were wide as he glanced about.

  He left her for a moment to speak to Garreth, then quickly returned. He slid back in the saddle. "Get in front of me," he ordered. "We're about to make a run for the castle, as that is where the majority of my garrison yet remains."

  She quickly shook her head. "Nay, I'll not."

  Archibald sneered, then grabbed her hair.

  Pain shot through Sorcha's head, as she clawed at his hand. "Let me go!" she screamed. Her frightened horse squealed and lunged sideways. She let go of Archibald's hand and reached for the saddle to steady herself.

  Archibald took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her waist and pulled her onto the back of his horse.

  A stab of pain pierced her ribcage, as her body slammed against the saddle. She cried out, then somehow managed to get herself upright.

  "Your dowry is mine, and you'll not be taking it from me," he snarled against her ear.

  Anger surged through her. "Nay, I'll not marry you, Archibald Campbell. If you force me, I'll run away again."

  His eyes narrowed. "Once we're wed, your dowry becomes mine, no matter what happens to you, whether it be by your own doing—or mine."

  Had that been a threat upon her life? She shouldn't be the least bit surprised.

  Archibald moved them to the head of the garrison, then kneed the horse into a run.

  With his forearm pressing hard across her chest, she could barely breathe. She held onto the saddle for dear life, knowing with a certainty, if she fell, she'd be trampled to death.

  Another battle cry sounded nearby, but this time it was followed by many more directly behind them. Sorcha dared a look over her shoulder. The MacLachlan garrison was drawing down upon Archibald's own. Relief flooded her, but was short lived when the remainder of Archibald's garrison rode out to join the others.

  Archibald whirled his horse around and surveyed the scene. "The MacLachlan's garrison are sheep for the slaughter," he said, obviously pleased by what he saw.

  Several men lay on the ground. Some moved, whilst others lay still. Panic like she'd never known welled up in her throat. She needed to see Galen. She had to make certain he and those with him still lived.

  Sorcha's gaze darted about the battlefield, searching. Then she saw him. He quickly bested a Campbell guard. She watched the massive muscles of his arms and shoulders strain against his shirt as he effortlessly swung his broadsword, taking out one man and then another, clearing a path to her. Their gazes met for a brief moment.

  Archibald growled and spun his mount around, once again heading for the castle. He forced the mare to run at break-neck speed across the field. "Raise the gate," he ordered.

  Saints above! If he got her inside, she was as good as married. Panic clut
ched at her heart, as she clawed wildly at his arm.

  "Damn you, wench, you'll pay for that."

  Fear kept Sorcha fighting. She held on to the saddle and repeatedly slammed her body back against his, hoping to knock him from the horse—or at least slow him down a bit. She had to buy enough time for Galen to reach her. She glanced around. She couldn't see him. Had he been injured? Or perhaps even killed? Fingers of fear wrapped around her throat.

  Another battle cry, one Sorcha recognized all too well, echoed though the valley. It belonged to her brother. The skill and fighting prowess of Alex and his garrison was obvious, as they battled their way toward the castle—and her.

  Spurred by hope, Sorcha fought even harder to free herself and elbowed her captor in the chest. She yanked up her skirt and grabbed her blade, then began swinging wildly at Archibald.

  He uttered a curse, then grabbed her arm and shoved it behind her back.

  Intense pain shot through her shoulder. She screamed—but she couldn't move. She feared her arm would snap if she did. Her fingers opened and the blade dropped.

  "Now you'll behave yourself, will you not?" he said, taking her closer and closer to the castle—and farther away from Galen—with every hoof beat.

  With Cinead beside him, Galen circled around, always keeping Sorcha within his sight. He growled. If the lass didn't stop fighting Campbell, she'd get herself killed.

  "Cin, Shadowmere is fast—faster than my horse—or anyone else's—for that matter. He's the only hope I have to reach Sorcha in time."

  "Aye, then he's yours," Cinead said, bringing the black stallion to a sliding halt.

  The two quickly exchanged horses. "Come in from behind, once I draw Campbell's attention."

  Cinead nodded and rode away.

  Galen took off across the field to their left. Shadowmere's long legs and powerful muscles quickly ate up the ground and he was upon Campbell before he noticed him.

  Campbell brought his horse to a halt and let go of Sorcha's arm, then quickly unsheathed his broadsword. "Come any closer, MacKinnon, and I'll use my blade on her."

  Galen slowed the horse, and walked him in a circle around Campbell, who watched his every move. "I don't doubt for one minute you'd do her harm. That's the sort of bastard you are."

  He snarled and thrust his weapon toward Galen, who quickly moved out of the way.

  "Let Sorcha go. She's already told you she doesn't wish to marry you—nor will her brother allow her to."

  Campbell chuckled. "No matter. I will have her dowry. And I need an heir. Besides, I rather fancy her lying beneath me." He ran his hand over the curve of her breast, to the flat of her belly.

  Galen heard her sharp intake of breath and fear flickered in her wide eyes.

  Rage welled up inside him, threatening to explode. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. The only thing stopping him from lopping off Campbell's head was fear he'd injure or kill Sorcha in the process.

  Galen took a deep breath. At the moment, his anger would do Sorcha more harm than good. Besides, Cinead was coming up behind them. He needed to keep Campbell's attention until Cinead got there. "Och, why not set the lass on the ground, then you can fight me like a man," Galen grinned and raised a brow. "Or does hiding behind a skirt suit you better?"

  Campbell uttered a curse and swung his sword.

  Galen blocked the blow with his targe.

  Campbell turned and saw Cinead. He took another swing at Galen, before kicking his horse into a run and heading for the gate, now a short distance away.

  Galen couldn't allow Campbell to get Sorcha inside. He sheathed his broadsword. It would be of no use to him now. He rode after them. Campbell's horse was fast, but no match for Shadowmere. Drawing up alongside them, he reached for Sorcha.

  Campbell jerked out his dirk and stabbed at Galen, leaving a gash on his right forearm. He made a second attempt, but this time aimed for his chest. Galen quickly moved out of his reach.

  Ignoring the blood dripping from his fingertips, Galen spun Shadowmere around and made another grab for Sorcha, this time pulling her from Campbell's saddle and across his lap. He unsheathed his broadsword and faced Campbell.

  With dirk raised, Campbell came at him, then changed his mind when he realized Cinead was almost upon him. He snarled and hurried into the bailey. The guard quickly lowered the portcullis behind him.

  Helping Sorcha to a sitting position, Galen cupped her chin and pressed his lips against hers. He didn't give a damn who was watching. He'd come far too close to losing her.

  When he lifted his head, she looked up at him and blinked.

  "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for being such an arse, lass."

  Her green eyes flickered with emotion, then her gaze fell on his injured arm. "Saints above! You're bleeding! Quick, give me your blade. I lost mine fighting Archibald."

  "Aye, I saw." Hesitantly, Galen handed her the small blade strapped to his left arm. Perhaps he should've made certain she'd actually forgiven him before giving her a weapon.

  Sorcha lifted her skirts and sliced off the bottom of her shift, then carefully wrapped the material around his forearm and secured it. "Annag the healer will see to you when we return to Ravenskull, but I think that will do for now. Does it hurt overmuch, Galen?"

  Concern for his welfare caused his throat to tighten."Nay, lass, it feels much better now," Galen lied. How could he have ever questioned whether or not he loved her?

  She smiled and his heart danced.

  The fighting had ceased. Kade, Duncan, Alexander, and one of Campbell's men were gathered together on the knoll. After returning Shadowmere to Cinead, they joined the others.

  "Galen, this is Garreth Campbell," Kade said, nodding toward the man beside him. He's not only head of the garrison here, but Campbell's nephew and heir apparent to Clifftower—unless, of course, his uncle manages to produce an heir."

  Galen nodded. He couldn't help noticing how Garreth's gaze kept traveling back to Sorcha.

  "Garreth has requested a truce," Kade said, "and I've agreed—as has MacPherson."

  "Good," Galen said. "'Tis not necessary for any more blood to be shed. Campbell has crawled into a corner to lick his wounds. There's naught more he can do—and Lady Sorcha is safe."

  Alexander watched Galen curiously, glancing from him to his sister. "Much thanks, MacKinnon, for rescuing her."

  "'Twas my pleasure," he said, grinning down at her.

  The corners of Sorcha's alluring mouth hinted at a smile. "Archibald had a priest waiting to perform a marriage ceremony the minute we arrived," she said to her brother.

  Alex snorted. "Surely you jest. The marriage contract was clearly broken. I have many witnesses to attest the fact."

  She shook her head. "He said it didn't matter. Once we were wed, my dowry would be his. He also said that after we were wed, he didn't care what happened to me, whether it be by my hands—or his."

  Alexander growled.

  "I'm afraid Lady Sorcha is correct, Laird MacPherson. My uncle readied for the ceremony before he went after her," Garreth said. "Since his return to Clifftower, he's been a man obsessed with revenge. I tried to talk him out of doing anything further, but as usual, he didn't listen to me. Once he has his mind set on something, there's no changing it."

  Sorcha smiled. "Garreth was very kind to me during my stay at Clifftower. On the journey here, he made certain I was fed and had something to drink. Archibald never cared enough to even ask if I was hungry or thirsty."

  "I thank you for that," Alexander said.

  Garreth nodded.

  Galen looked at the young man and narrowed his gaze. A completely foreign emotion washed over him. Was it jealousy? If so, he didn't like it even a wee bit. And he didn't much like the way Garreth was grinning at Sorcha either.

  Kade met Galen's gaze. A speck of humor glimmered in his friend's eyes. "'Tis time we head back to Ravenskull. MacPherson, you are more than welcome to stay the night there, as 'tis a much gre
ater distance to Blackstone."

  Alexander nodded. "I'll accept your hospitality, MacLachlan."

  "Garreth," Kade said, "if you do one day become laird of this place, I would much prefer to have you as an ally, than an enemy." Kade looked around the circle of men. "There are many powerful clans before you. Some are lairds, others destined to become lairds—just as you may. Remember what I say."

  Garreth nodded. "Aye, I'll not forget. But I warn you to watch your backs, for I fear my uncle may still seek revenge. He is a vengeful man."

  Galen slipped an arm protectively around Sorcha's waist. "Let him come." He gripped the hilt of his sheathed broadsword. "I'll be ready."

  "Then I'll take my leave here," Garreth said. "'Tis a certainty, my uncle has been watching and is more than ready to give me a sound tongue lashing, once I am inside. He often threatens to take away my position as head of the guard when I question his actions, which of course I did concerning this whole affair. I bid you farewell. His gaze stilled on Sorcha, then he turned and led the Campbell garrison through the portcullis.

  Galen glared after him, drawing Sorcha back.

  She smiled up at him, then settled against his chest

  They all headed toward Ravenskull. Thankfully, none of their own men were killed in the skirmish, but several had been badly injured. Once they arrived at the castle, Annag the healer would have her hands full.

  The top of Sorcha's head fit perfectly beneath his chin. "You came for me."

  He kissed the top of her head. "Was there ever any doubt that I would?"

  She said naught for a long moment. "I believed you cared for me, but after you told me you wished to leave Ravenskull—and me—I wasn't certain of how much, until you risked your own life to pull me from Archibald's horse."

  Care for her? She'd become everything to him.

  "I trust that Jillian and Robbie are well?" Sorcha asked.

  "Jillian's face is badly bruised. And we found the wee lad in the wood."

  Sorcha gasped. "And he is unharmed?"

  Galen nodded. "He is, but for being muddy, with a few minor scratches."

  She blew out a sigh of relief. "I knew the postern gate had been left open and feared for the little one's safety. I'm glad he was found before something terrible happened to him."