Highland Warrior

by Connie Mason

  “Gillian...”

  Before Gizela could answer, Ross’s eyes dosed and he drifted off to sleep—a healthy sleep this time, not the death-like state from which he had just emerged. Patting Ross’s cheek, Gizela left the chamber to tell Ross’s kinsmen that their laird had awakened and would recover. It had been touch-and-go for a while, and even Gizela had begun to doubt her healing skills. But she no longer doubted. Ross would live and bring Gillian back to Ravenscraig, where she belonged.

  Seana met Gizela on the stairs. “What is the rush, old woman? Has the laird finally met his maker? Am I the new mistress of Ravenscraig?”

  “If that is your hope, then I am the bearer of bad news. Our laird lives and will recover. He awakened and spoke to me just moments ago. Move aside. The laird’s kinsmen must be told.”

  Seana and Angus had planned Ross’s demise carefully. Since it appeared that he was going to live, Seana hurried to her chamber to prepare another method guaranteed to bring Ross to a quick end.

  Seana wasn’t ignorant when it came to herbs and poisons. She knew that certain household poisons could kill a man if given in hefty doses. She had filched a small bottle of arsenic used to kill rodents from Hanna’s store of poisons and hidden it in the chamber she shared with Niall. She retrieved it now and tucked it into her pocket, waiting for the right moment to use it. She and Angus Sinclair deserved to get what they both desired.

  When Seana entered Ross’s chamber, she found Niall, Gordo, and several others crowded around the bed. Cursing her rotten luck, she joined Niall at Ross’s bedside.

  “I heard Ross has awakened,” she said to her husband.

  “Aye, Gizela said he spoke to her.”

  Seana went still. “What did he say?”

  Gizela must have heard, for she turned to glare at Seana. “Are you worried what he might say, lady?”

  Seana shrugged. “Like everyone else, I was hoping Ross would name his assailant.”

  “He will,” Gizela promised, her eyes glowing with a knowledge no one else possessed. “Mayhap you had best prepare for that day.”

  Niall sent his wife a narrow-eyed look. “What does Gizela mean, Seana?”

  “The healer speaks nonsense. Pay her no heed, husband. I am sure Ross will tell us who tried to kill him.”

  Gizela turned to address Niall. “Will you ask Hanna to prepare a rich beef broth for Laird Ross?”

  “Aye,” Niall said as he wheeled about and left.

  “The laird needs his rest,” Gizela said, shooing everyone from the chamber. “I will summon you when he awakens again.”

  Ross’s worried kinsmen filed out of the chamber. Seana hurried to catch up with Niall.

  “You have other things to do, husband. Let me fetch the broth for Ross.”

  Unaware of his wife’s duplicitous plans, Niall readily agreed. The kitchen was a woman’s province, and foreign to him.

  Hanna had heard about Ross’s awakening and had already begun preparing beef broth when Seana entered the kitchen. After Seana relayed Gizela’s message, Hanna said, “Tell Gizela I will carry the broth up to Laird Ross when it is ready.”

  “I’ll take it up,” Seana offered. “There is no reason for you to climb all those stairs when my legs are younger and stronger than yours.”

  Suspecting naught, Hanna nodded. “Sit down and wait. It shouldna be long.”

  The wait, though short, was too long for Seana. The sooner Ross got the poison, the quicker Niall would become laird of Clan MacKenna, and she the mistress of all she beheld. Seana smiled as Hanna ladled the broth into a bowl. Its rich, deep red suited Seana’s purposes perfectly. The arsenic would be undetectable.

  Hanna set the bowl of steaming broth and a spoon on a tray and handed it to Seana. Seana turned and started down the long passageway to the hall. Glancing about to make sure she was alone, she reached into her pocket and removed the small bottle of poison. Balancing the tray in one hand, she removed the stopper and quickly poured the poison into the broth, stirring it with the spoon to blend it in. If she couldn’t have Ross, no one else would.

  Seana continued on to Ross’s chamber. “It’s about time,” Gizela snapped when Seana entered the sick-room with the broth.

  “Has Ross awakened?” Seana asked as she set the tray on the bedside table.

  “Nay, but I am certain he will awaken soon. Now that his mind is clear, he will be able to name his assailant.”

  “Shall I feed him the broth?” Seana asked, all innocence and concern.

  Gizela’s eyes narrowed. “You doona fool me, lass. The devil in your eyes gives you away.”

  Seana backed off. “I doona ken what you mean.”

  “Leave me. I doona need your help.”

  Seana turned to leave, but before she exited the chamber, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Gizela pick up the bowl and spoon and bend over Ross.

  Everything was working out just as she’d planned. The old crone would be blamed for Ross’s death; no one would suspect Niall’s wife.

  Gizela waited until Seana left the chamber and closed the door behind her before turning her attention to the broth. She stared into the bowl, examining the contents closely Then she held it to her nose and sniffed.

  When Seana had entered the chamber with the broth, Gizela had seen a black aura surrounding her and realized she was up to no good. Her visions of late had been filled with warnings. She knew intuitively that someone in the keep wished the laird ill.

  As Gizela stared into the broth, an image began to form. She saw a hand, a woman’s hand, emptying a foreign substance into the broth. Her eyes flared angrily when comprehension dawned. Not one drop of this vile brew, she vowed, would pass the laird’s lips. She carried the bowl to the window, opened the sash, and spilled the contents onto the rocks below. Then she pitched the empty bowl and spoon after it.

  A few minutes later Alice entered with an armful of dean linen. “Mama wants to know if Laird Ross ate the broth.”

  Without telling her why, Gizela asked Alice to fetch another bowl. “Bring it yourself, lass,” the healer said. “Doona let anyone else touch it.”

  Alice sent her a puzzled look. “Was something wrong with the first bowl Mama sent up?”

  “ ’Twas the bearer of the broth I didna trust. Do as I say, lass. Laird Ross is awakening and needs nourishment.”

  Alice hurried off. She returned a few minutes later with a fresh bowl of broth and a clean spoon. Gizela stared at the contents several long moments before nodding acceptance.

  “Laird Ross canna be left alone,” she told Alice. “He must be watched over closely and protected from those who wish him harm.”

  “Does someone in the keep wish Laird Ross harm?” Alice asked, clearly aghast at the thought.

  “Aye. Until he is aware of what is going on around him, he is not to be left alone with Seana. Will you help me keep him safe?”

  Alice squared her shoulders. “You can trust me, Gizela. I will keep the laird safe for Gillian.”

  “Gillian ...”

  “The laird speaks,” Alice said in a hushed voice.

  “Where is ... my ... wife?”

  “You will see her soon, laddie,” Gizela soothed. “You must eat if you wish to regain your strength. Hanna made a tasty beef broth for you.” She dipped the spoon into the untainted broth and brought it to Ross’s lips. “Open your mouth, laird. The broth will strengthen your blood.”

  Dutifully, Ross opened his mouth. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until the liquid rolled down his throat to his empty stomach. To Gizela’s obvious delight, he finished the broth to the last drop.

  Gizela set the bowl down and stared into his eyes. “What are you ... staring at?” he asked. “I amna ... going to die ... if that’s what you are ... worried about.” His voice was becoming stronger with each word he spoke, his mind more lucid. , “Of course you are nae going to die, laird. Alice and

  I will see that you stay well.”

  Ross frowned as he considered
her words. “Something is wrong. What are you keeping from me, Gizela?”

  “Do you recall what happened to you?”

  “I hurt,” Ross said, touching the bandage over his wound. His brow wrinkled as he tried to recall.

  “Tell me what you remember,” Gizela urged.

  “Wick,” he muttered. “I remember going to Wick to purchase supplies. I rode ahead of the cart on the return to Ravenscraig, and ...”

  “And ... ?” Gizela prodded.

  Ross shook his head. “I canna remember.”

  The answer will come to you, laddie. Give it time. Shall I give you something for pain?”

  Ross closed his eyes. “No more laudanum. My head is still fuzzy, and I am verra tired. Tell Gillian I wish to see her when I awaken.”

  “Stay with him, Alice,” Gizela said. “There are things I need to do while the laird sleeps.”

  Alice pulled up a chair and sat at Ross’s bedside. “No one will hurt Laird Ross; that I promise,” she said.

  Gizela nodded and left. The moment she entered the hall, Seana began to wail, “He’s dead! Ross is dead!”

  His face a mask of horror, Nial stared at Gizela. “Is it true, Gizela? Is Ross dead?”

  Gizela aimed a fierce look at Seana. “Why would you think Laird Ross is dead, lass? He lives and is beginning to recall what happened to him.”

  “Did ... did he drink the broth I brought?”

  “Aye, every drop, and asked for more. I predict he will be up and around verra soon.”

  “Are you sure? Verra sure?”

  “Aye, no thanks to you.” The accusation hung in the air like autumn smoke.

  “Are you accusing Seana of something?” Niall asked.

  A fierce light appeared in Gizela’s eyes. The truth will come out. Evil doesna go unpunished.” After uttering those cryptic words, Gizela made her way to the kitchen.

  “Doona listen to that old hag, Niall,” Seana said soothingly “She shouldna be left alone with Ross. I will sit with him if it pleases you.”

  “It doesna please me,” Gordo spoke up. “I will sit with Ross myself.”

  Niall searched Seana’s face, his expression puzzled. “What is Gizela talking about, wife? What made you think Ross was dead?”

  “I wouldna put it past Gizela to give him a potion to end his life,” Seana insisted. “How do we know what she is feeding him?”

  “Gizela has no reason to harm Ross. No one here does.”

  “Aye, you are right,” Seana acquiesced. “Forgive me for accusing her falsely”

  Niall nodded and walked away. Seana waited until he was out of sight before hurrying to her chamber and packing a bag with her belongings. She didn’t know why the poison hadn’t worked, but once Ross remembered that her father had attacked him, he would put two and two together and realize that she was in some way involved. It might not be tomorrow or the next day, but when he remembered, she wanted to be far away from here.

  Seana knew the only place she would be welcome was Sinclair Keep. Donning her warmest cloak, she left the hall, telling no one but a servant that the day was so fair she’d decided to ride to the village.

  While Seana made a stealthy escape, Gizela was in the kitchen questioning Hanna about the rat poison she kept in the storage cabinet. When Hanna went to fetch it, she found it had disappeared.

  Chapter Twelve

  Ross awakened the following day with a clear mind. He saw Alice dozing in a chair beside the bed and frowned. Where was Gillian? He distinctly recalled asking for her, and couldn’t understand why she seemed to be avoiding him. When he tried to sit up, Alice awakened and went to him.

  “How are you feeling?” she asked anxiously.

  “Better. Will you fetch Gillian for me, pleased

  Alice gave him a strange look, then turned and hurried off. Ross didn’t think much about her reaction until Gordo, Niall, and Gizela entered the chamber.

  “Something is wrong,” Ross guessed from Gillian’s mysterious absence.

  “Do you recall who attacked you?” Niall asked.

  “Of course I remember, now that my mind is clear of drugs,” he answered, sending a reproachful look toward Gizela.

  “Twas for your own good,” Gizela muttered.

  “We held off storming Braeburn Castle until you awakened,” Niall explained. “But we are prepared to leave the moment you give the word.” He shook his head. “I doona understand why MacKay broke the truce, or why he tried to kill you.”

  Ross sent him a startled look. “Whatever made you think MacKay was responsible?”

  Glaring at Niall and Gordo, Gizela mumbled, “Men act impulsively; women search for the truth.”

  “Who else would want you dead, Ross?” Niall asked, ignoring Gizela.

  “Tearlach MacKay wasna responsible for attacking me,” Ross said. “The man who hailed me as a friend and betrayed me was Douglas McHamish.”

  A strangled gasp escaped from Gordo’s throat. “Nay! McHamish has no quarrel with Clan MacKenna.”

  “I saw him with my own eyes, Uncle,” Ross insisted, letting his head fall back against the pillow. “There was bloodlust in his eyes. He wanted me dead.”

  “For what reason?” Gordo asked.

  “Mayhap you should question Seana about that,” Ross replied. “But first, tell me why my wife isna at my side, where she belongs.”

  Niall cleared his throat while Gordo stared down at his feet. Neither man seemed willing to provide an answer.

  “Gillian isna at Ravenscraig,” Gizela said in a voice that left no doubt about her feelings on the matter.

  “She’s gone?” Ross gasped. He tried to rise but lacked the strength. “Why would she leave me while I lay near death?”

  Though Ross could think of many reasons why Gillian might leave him, none of them was comforting. Anticipating his death, had she fled into the arms of Angus Sinclair, the man she had really wanted to wed? Did she hate Ross so much that she couldn’t wait for him to die before leaving Ravenscraig?

  “They sent her away,” Gizela said, pointing a bony finger at Niall and Gordo. “Seana spoke out against Gillian. She accused Clan MacKay of trying to kill you, laird.”

  He rounded on his kinsmen. “And you believed Seana?”

  “W-we thought ...” Niall stammered.

  “What did you think?” Ross gritted out from between clenched teeth.

  “It wasna Niall’s decision alone,” Gordo added. “Everyone believed MacKay was responsible and began to look upon Gillian as the enemy.”

  “We had no choice but to order her to leave,” Niall said.

  “Niall is right,” Gordo confirmed. “Gillian didna want to go, but I advised her to return to Braeburn when things became ugly I feared for the lass’s life and wanted to keep her safe for you.”

  “I canna believe you forced my wife to leave her home!” Ross berated. “How long has she been gone?”

  “Three days. You opened your eyes and spoke shortly after she left but were in no condition to name your assailant. This is the first day you’ve been coherent.”

  “You were wrong to force Gillian to leave,” Ross declared. “You should have been questioning Seana’s loyalty, not Gillian’s. Fetch Seana, Niall. Gizela, bring me something to eat, something more substantial than the gruel you’ve been feeding me.”

  Though Gizela hurried off to do Ross’s bidding, Niall did not immediately leave; he merely shuffled his feet, looking uncomfortable.

  “I did what I thought best at the time,” Gordo said. “I knew MacKay would protect Gillian, and I talked the others into waiting until you were able to name your attacker before rushing off to lay siege to Braeburn.”

  “I will take your word about the seriousness of the situation,” Ross admitted grudgingly “If I find Seana is responsible in any way for her father’s unprovoked attack, she will be punished.”

  “As she should be,” Gordo agreed.

  “Go to Braeburn and fetch Gillian, Uncle. Tell her I want her to re
turn home.”

  “What about McHamish?”

  Ross’s expression darkened. “I will get to the bottom of this as soon as I am able. There has to be a reason for McHamish’s unprovoked attack.”

  Gordo took his leave. Ross glanced at Niall, his eyebrows raised in question. “Why are you still here? Did I nae just ask you to fetch your wife?”

  Niall shifted nervously. “Seana is gone, Ross. I havena seen her since yesterday. She’s not at Ravenscraig; no one except a servant saw her leave.”

  “Once the laird awakened, Seana realized she couldna stay without implicating herself in the plot against your life,” Gizela said as she swept into the chamber. She set the tray she carried on the bedside table. “She tried to kill you by placing poison in your broth. I saw it in a vision and threw out the tainted soup before it passed your lips.”

  “Seana would never poison Ross,” Niall scoffed. “She isna evil.”

  “Are you sure, Gizela?” Ross asked.

  “Yerra sure,”

  “But why? At one time she hoped to become my wife and mistress of Ravenscraig. I knew she was angry when I wed Gillian, but murder?”

  “Think about it, laird. Who would gain from your death?” Gizela hinted as she uncovered the tray.

  “Gizela is old and senile. Doona listen to her,” Niall said disparagingly.

  Ross sighed. “Leave me, both of you. I am hungry and tired and need to think. Send Gillian to me when she returns.”

  Niall looked as if he wished to say more, but left, as Ross had ordered.

  Propped up by pillows, Ross partook ravenously of beef-and-barley stew, fresh bread, and ale. Once he had eaten his fill, he decided to test his legs. He rose unsteadily, tottered a moment, and then regained his footing. Though he was still weak and in a good bit of pain, he was a strong man and expected to recover quickly.

  He managed to use the chamber pot without help and then staggered back to bed. He wasn’t ready to sleep yet; he had too much to think about. Seana had agreed to handfast with Niall with little complaint, and, recalling Gizela’s words, Ross now wondered about her willingness. Though his mind was still a bit foggy from the drugs Gizela had fed him, the answer came to him: Niall was next in line to become laird of Clan MacKenna if Ross died without an heir. Had Niall conspired with Seana? Did Niall wish to become laird badly enough to end his life?