by Pruitt, Anna
Nathanial was lost in thought. He had no idea what his next move would be. Where was she going? What was her next move? These were the answers he needed in order to track her down. Nathanial had no idea.
“What would you have me do to him, Laird?” Chaim was Nathanial’s brother. More than that, he was a loyal follower. He would do what needed to be done.
“Keep him away from women.” Nathanial commented, earning a huge boom of laughter from Angus.
“Aye, good advice for any young man.” Angus slammed his hand down hard on Chaim’s back. “If only I’d had that bit of wisdom when I was a lad.” Angus, realizing no one else was laughing, quickly sobered.
“Duncan,” Nathanial stood now, fierce as ever. “Get word to Margret. Tell her to come to me.” With that, Nathanial was gone from them.
Nathanial moved hastily back to the spot where Hector showed him, the spot where he switched places with Lydia and did not see her more. He strode into the forest where she undoubtedly disappeared, and then he stood still. There was no sign of her. No piles of her belongings, no sign that she had ever even been through there.
“Laird,” Chaim came to stand by him.
“More bad news?”
“Well, I hadn’t thought about it before now.” Chaim had to mentally prepare himself before he gave his brother bad news. It has always been that way. “About eight men came through early this mornin’. They were trading some horses for weapons.”
“Nothing unusual about that.” Nathanial stared off into the trees, thinking about Lydia.
“I’m just sayin’, they didn’t seem like Scots to me.” Chaim shrugged when his Laird glanced over to him. “They were wondering about a Callum Ferguson. Old man that lives by himself over the mountains. Hope that means nothin’ to ye. Truly do.”
Nathanial nodded. At this point, it did mean nothing to him. Nathanial felt a strange feeling come over him. He was worried for Lydia. She had no idea what she was involved in. Perhaps he should have told her sooner. Maybe she would have trusted him enough to stay with him until this nasty vengeance matter was resolved. But he had said nothing. He did not need to say anything. He was Laird, after all. His word should have been all Lydia needed. But, she was English, and that tainted bloodline ran through her always.
None of that mattered at the moment. The rage he felt died down ever so slightly. Nathanial needed to get to her first, he realized. If Fane’s men were, indeed, in the Highlands, they would be looking for her. She was not safe. Nathanial was overcome with the thought that he might actually not get to her first. What would they do to her? Wherever Lydia was heading, these men were well ahead of her. Might they be waiting for her?
Nathanial left the forest with a new rage inside of him. He was going to get her back. Nathanial would get to her first.
Chapter Seven
Four days into her journey alone, Lydia, exhausted after a long day of climbing, hiking, walking and running, was ready to turn in. She found a large tree and climbed high enough to hide from predators for the evening, both animal and human alike. She had a few close calls in recent days. She almost ran straight into a group of Highland warriors as they made camp for the night. She was able to backtrack away from them. She was not going to have a close call like that again.
Lydia rested her head against the tree and closed her eyes for a moment. Within no time at all, Lydia was deep in a dream. She was walking in a meadow, nothing on her feet as the wind gently blew her hair behind her. This was peace. Lydia lay down in the field and closed her eyes, taking in the serenity.
“She came through here. I’m certain of it.” The deep brogue jarred Lydia from her dream. She was still sitting in the tree, her small bag of belongings wrapped tightly in her arms. Lydia narrowed her vision below her, completely disoriented from lack of food and rest. What was her mind doing to her now? It had been a voice she’d heard before. Were the Highlanders haunting her dreams now?
Lydia calmed down after several seconds; now certain she made the voice up, or was dreaming about it. Either way, she was glad to be safe.
“I’ll not be able to track her again ‘til morning, Laird.” It was the tavern keeper from before. Lydia stiffened until she matched the tree she leaned against. “Let’s stop for the night.” Chaim waited for a response from his brother and Laird.
Lydia saw him step into the moonlight then. It was Nathanial. He had found her. The giant of a man looked up into the sky for a moment, taking it all in. Lydia was sure he’d seen her. Lydia stopped breathing until Nathanial lowered his gaze.
“Tell the men to get rest. We leave at first light.” Nathanial commanded before turning his attention back to the sky.
Of course. Lydia closed her eyes, as if it would make her invisible. Of course they were making camp right under her. There was no God. Lydia was sure of it this time. She’d come to this decision before, but somehow was always pulled back to the light. There was no saving her this time.
Lydia was silent for hours as the men made camp and began to fall asleep for the night. There would be no such luxury for her this night. Her eyes were wide with fear every time someone spoke, or even moved. By the time the sun started to rise, Lydia was sure she was going to be caught soon, and she was going crazy with dread.
“No woman is worth this.” Lydia heard Chaim mutter as he rose early in the morning. Lydia felt herself nod. No human was worth this, she thought. Why couldn’t Nathanial see that? What did he want with her? Couldn’t he just let her go?
Nathanial’s next words answered her question and chilled her to the bone all at once. “When the woman belongs to you, Chaim, you’ll change your mind.”
Belongs to him? Lydia felt her face go red. She wanted to climb down and give her a piece of her angered mind. She did not belong to anyone.
“She ain’t yer’s yet, brother.” Angus spoke now.
“Aye.” Nathanial spoke with utter finality. “She is.” Lydia went from furious to petrified. The way he said it, the harshness of his voice, it made her tremble.
Lydia continued to sit in the tree, replaying his words over and over again long after they had left. “Aye, she is.” Lydia had to close her eyes and breathe deeply whenever she heard the words replay in her mind. There was something terribly wrong with that man.
Lydia decided this is the thought that would keep her going today. Every day another thought, she knew. Every day something new to carry her to Callum’s cottage, where she would be safe. Lydia double backed and went a longer route on this day. She was sure they would realize her trail was cold and come back at some point. The last thing she needed in her life was to run into them when she was so close to freedom, so close to safety. Within the next day she would be safe.
****
As the night sky settled just outside of Callum’s land, Lydia slunk through the forest, taking refuge in the trees. She could not be sure that Nathanial and his men were far. They could be anywhere. It was hard for the girl to contain her excitement as she came closer to Callum. He would be home, not expecting to see her. But he would welcome her. Nathanial was close, Lydia was certain, but he would have no idea what her final destination was. As long as she was careful, she would be free from him. All she had to do was make it to Callum and she would be safe. He would never let the Highlander or Fane’s men get to her.
When Lydia climbed the last steep hill overlooking Callum’s land and saw the smoke billowing into the sky, all desire to be secretive and safe left her. Lydia was in a full panicked sprint towards Callum’s cottage. The entire time she ran, she prayed to the gods. Was it too late for them to hear her? Had she angered the gods for the last time?
Lydia’s running came to a dead stop as the cottage came into view. It was burning to the ground. Lydia blindly sprinted towards the madness, but managed to dive behind a large tree when she saw a man dressed in Highland plaid come into view. Lydia hit the ground hard and felt the pain radiate through her wrist. It was not the time to think about her own discomfort, though.
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She watched the man stalk around the property, lighting the roof on fire, making sure it was destroyed. Lydia searched for Callum and could not see him. He must have made it out. He had to have made it out. He was a hunter. That was the last thought Lydia had before she saw Callum on the ground near the stables. He had a sword pinning his dead body to the ground. Lydia cried out in agony, placing a hand over her mouth to keep her from being heard. Lydia reached out to Callum with her other hand.
How long she lay in the dirt crying in agony, she could not be sure. The only thing Lydia was aware of was the pain ripping through her entire being.
Her despair quickly replaced with rage only the devil could ever feel, Lydia stood and removed her dagger from her boot. Lydia closed her eyes for a moment, readying herself for certain death and then started moving. She hadn’t taken two steps before she was being apprehended from behind. The whale of a human behind her knocked the dagger out of her hand easily. Lydia whirled around and came face to face with Duncan. She broke down in his arms at once.
“I caused this.” Lydia was able to force the words out through her hysterics.
Duncan instinctively wrapped his arms around her. “It’s going to be alright, lass.” He lied. “You’re going to be alright.” Duncan held her tight, shielding her from what Nathanial and the other warriors were doing to Callum’s murderers down below. Lydia could hear the killer’s screams blend in with the roaring flames of Callum’s home. Within minutes it was all over, but the fire continued.
Duncan sat Lydia down by a tree and took notice of her complete devastation. His heart broke a little for the child. They were just too late. Had they not double-backed to find her trail, they would have arrived in time, Duncan didn’t doubt it.
Duncan turned his attention to the raging Laird down below. “Lydia!” Nathanial called out to the flames again and again. Was she in the cottage? Was he too late for her, too?
“Laird!” Duncan called out, but was ignored. Nathanial, feeling pain unimaginable, fought his urge to run into the rubble and look for her. “Laird!” Duncan tried again, not getting through. Nathanial was breathing hard, panicking. He’d failed. If she had only trusted him—no, he should have said something.
“Nathanial!” Duncan finally broke through his concentration. Nathanial turned, death in his eyes. He saw Duncan’s relief and immediately felt it, too. “I’ve got her.” Nathanial thought his legs were going to collapse under him. He bounded up the hill to Duncan.
Lydia didn’t look up at him as he came to stand in front of her. She didn’t move. She sat below a tree, completely motionless. Her devastation obvious. Her butchered black hair lay all about her shoulders, her clothes covered in filth. Lydia was not the girl he met mere weeks ago. As Nathanial stood staring at her, a new anger grew. She could have gotten herself killed. He almost lost her.
“Gather the men. We’re moving out.” Nathanial started away. “Duncan, bind the girl. She’s riding with you.”
Lydia, finding new panic within her, shot up from the earth. “Callum.”
“Is dead.” Nathanial cut. “Had you not been so difficult, he might yet be alive.” Nathanial wasn't looking at her anymore. He missed the look of realization on her face. He missed the pain. Duncan saw it.
“I have to--” Lydia spoke up once more. She was stopped short when Nathanial whirled back around on her, seizing her by the back of the neck. Lydia took a sharp, frightened breath in. Duncan took a step forward.
“You have to what?” Nathanial’s breath was on her ear as he spoke. He squeezed the back of her neck until Lydia was sure he was going to kill her.
“Laird.” Duncan warned. Nathanial blocked him out. He was focused on Lydia. Her frightened, tear-brimmed eyes tore into his.
“I have to bury him.” Lydia could barely get the words out, so overcome with pain. “I have to.”
Nathanial loosened his grip on the back of her neck, but still held her close to him. He’d missed the feel of her against him, he realized. Then he let her go entirely.
“Duncan.” Nathanial started away again. “Bury the man.”
Lydia caught her breath, relieved to see Nathanial leave.
“Come along, lass.” Duncan, suddenly realizing he cared about the girl, offered his arm to her as he started down the hill. “Come along.”
****
The sun was completely set by the time Duncan and Lydia finished. Duncan left her alone to sit by his graveside, all the while keeping her in his sights. The last thing he needed in his life was for her to escape again. If he learned one truth about Lydia James, it’s that she was never quite as vulnerable as she appeared.
Lydia sat by Callum for over an hour, lost in the grief losing him came with. She mindlessly ran her hand through the loose dirt that covered him.
Duncan watched her and could not help but want to comfort her. He heard Nathanial walk up behind him and immediately changed his gaze. He did not need to be seen as weak in this moment.
“Quinton rides ahead with a message for the keep.” Nathanial shared. “Margret should prepare to care for the girl.” The girl, Duncan knew, was the one his Laird could not stop staring at in this very moment. “We’re not safe here.” Nathanial was right. Duncan nodded. “Bind the girl.” Nathanial commanded again. “She’s riding with you.”
****
Lydia hadn’t fought Duncan when he tied her hands together with rope. It was like she hadn’t even noticed. She made no outward reaction when he led her to his horse, or even when he pulled her up in front of him. Lydia’s back was rigid; she would not lean back on him as they started their journey back to Laird Garrison’s keep. She kept her hands still and her back straight as they climbed through treacherous landscapes. The same landscapes she climbed through on foot for days.
When they stopped for the night, Lydia climbed down and found a large rock to sit on for hours. Duncan approached with sliced bread and placed it down next to her.
“Ye’ve got to eat somethin’, lass.” Was he the only one who saw what this poor girl was going through? All the other men kept their distance from her. Nathanial sat far enough away to convince Duncan he thought Lydia was the plague. But he was watching her, Duncan knew. Nathanial had been watching her ever since they got her back.
Lydia made no movement to eat anything. She simply stared out into the distance, void of emotion.
Duncan made his way to Nathanial, trying to think of the most delicate way to tell his Laird he was being a fool. As he started to open his mouth, Nathanial spoke.
“Tie her to that tree for the night, Duncan.” It was a slap in the face.
“Nathanial.” The older man warned. “Listen to me, lad.”
“I’m in no mood to track her down come morning, Duncan.” Nathanial’s tone, as usual, left no room for debate. “Tie her to that tree or I will.”
Lydia heard the exchange, she heard everything. It took everything in her not to break down as Duncan came back with a long rope and started to explain what was going to happen. She forced herself to stare straight ahead as he tied the final knot behind her. Duncan came back into view one last time, though Lydia refused to look at him.
He started to speak to her, but changed his mind when he noticed Nathanial watching more intensely now. Duncan sighed and walked back to the other warriors, who were all ignoring this situation completely, or at least trying to.
Nathanial watched Lydia as she stared off into the distance. He promised himself that with her bound this way, he would be able to get some sleep tonight.
Chapter Eight
He didn’t sleep that all. Nathanial sat to the side of Lydia, watching her profile for hours. He promised himself as soon as she closed her eyes, so would he. That might have even been the truth. Except, she never closed her eyes. Lydia kept the same, blank expression until the sun came up the next morning. She did not turn her head once. If she had, she would have seen Nathanial’s intense stare boring into her.
In the early hour
s of the morning, when all his men were waking, Nathanial forced himself up with them. Body screaming from the agony of several days without proper rest, Nathanial came to grips with reality—this woman was going to be the end of him.
“Duncan.” Nathanial commanded.
“I know, I know.” Duncan made his way to Lydia with the same bread as the night before. He leaned down in front of her, attempting to capture her gaze. It did not work.
“Lass,” Duncan’s voice was low and much softer than he had ever heard. “Lydia, ye’ve got to eat.” Duncan placed the bread in her lap and went to work untying her. He then leaned down in front of her once more and took her bound hands in his. He cut the tie loose and let go, half expecting the girl to attack him. She didn’t. Lydia did finally look up at him, though. Her gaze had his heart breaking all over again. “It’s not yer fault. Not really. And killing yerself won’t bring him back.” Duncan held her gaze for a long while. She finally nodded slowly. Lydia picked up her bread with shaking hands and began taking small bites. “There ya go, lass.”
Duncan sat in front of her with his own meal minutes later and together they ate in silence. When he’d finished, Duncan made his move to leave her there.
“Was it Fane’s men?” Lydia frail voice brought him back. He nodded.
“Aye, it was.” Duncan waited for her to ask more, but she just looked away from him and into the void again. Duncan left her there to get his horse ready for the day.
Lydia lost herself to her thoughts then. Duncan was right. Dying would not make it right. Callum was dead. The only way she could make it right now was to kill Fane herself. Lydia took another small bite of her bread and forced herself to hold onto that thought. She would kill Baron Fane with her own two hands if she had to. That would make things right.
****
Lydia was exhausted the entire day. It was hard for her to hold on to any thought for longer than a couple seconds. She felt herself slip out of consciousness several times. Each time she would slump against Duncan’s chest, causing the man to feel all kinds of discomfort. Every time she laid her head back on him, Nathanial became angrier. Lydia would jerk back awake and then sit rigid straight again, but only for a few moments. Then she would slump back into him and Duncan would feel Nathanial’s jealous rage simmering. It was all too much to bear.
