Enchanted Lover

by Scharon, Connie C.

  The soldiers were everywhere watching the comings and goings within the household. In an attempt to escape their attention, Skye wandered off in the direction of the stable. Four soldiers loomed in front of her further down the path. Frustrated, she ducked into a narrow alley between two cottages and hid behind a large rain barrel. The soldiers passed by without noticing her. She leaned back against the wall and let out her breath.

  “Skye,” a shaky voice called. Skye jumped and looked around. She couldn't see anyone. “Skye,” the raspy voice repeated. “Over here!”

  The noise seemed to be coming from the thick undergrowth of the overgrown garden at the rear of one of the cottages. Carefully Skye moved toward the bushes and pulled them apart. She gasped at the sight she beheld.

  Liam lay sprawled on the ground. A trail of dried blood matted the hair on half his head. Seeing her, he tried to rise. He extended his hand and fell back to the ground unconscious. Frantic Skye peered into the windows of the nearby cottage. It was unoccupied, but there was a straw-filled ticking in one corner. Grabbing Liam by the arms, she inched him toward the door. He moaned when she slid him over the rough ground.

  Skye was near tears. She had succeeded in pulling him out of his hiding place but now she didn't have the strength to get him in the door. She heard whistling from the path in front of the cottage and hope sprang in her heart. Fergus! Dashing through the alleyway, she grabbed the stable man’s arm and led him to Liam.

  “You must help me,” she implored. “We need to get him into the cottage.”

  Fergus eyed Liam. “If he is the one who betrayed Lady Asilinn, he can rot before I'll help him.”

  “I'm sure he's not,” Skye pleaded. “I have no time to argue. Help me or leave me to my task.”

  Fergus leaned over and picked up Liam, struggling under the larger man's weight. He managed to wrestle Liam into the unoccupied cottage and ease him down on the ticking. “Are you sure you know what you're about?” Fergus asked. “If they catch you hidin’ him, it could be the end for you.”

  Skye's face hardened with determination. “If you are afraid to help me further, I can manage from here on my own. The man will die without my help. I wilna leave him like this.”

  “I'll fetch Flanna,” Fergus replied.

  “Please hurry.”

  She sat on the floor beside Liam gently trying to examine his wound. He seemed to have no injuries other than the head wound. Skye pressed her fingers to her temples—what had Asilinn used on Jared?

  She had watched Asilinn care for Jared during his recovery and learned much about the potions and cures in the tower. What had Asilinn said about head wounds? She thought for a while and it came to her—the Foxglove distillate Asilinn had made and given in wine. She said it had special properties to help those who had fallen from high places and it helped internal hemorrhage.

  Liam hadn't fallen, but his head injury was surely similar. Asilinn had also placed a Grundy Swallow poultice on Jared's head wound every day. It was especially good for wounds struck by iron, or so she said. Now Skye had some idea what she might use to help Liam. If only Flanna would arrive and she could go and fetch the medicine from the tower.

  Her prayers were answered when Fergus and Flanna came through the back door with a basket and a bucket of water. “How is he?” Flanna asked.

  “Not good, but I remember what Asilinn used on Jared when he was ill. Please cleanse the wound and see if you can get him to drink some of the water.” Flanna moved to clean up their patient.

  “Go ahead, Skye. I've brought some clear broth and bandages. He'll be safe in my care,” Flanna assured her.

  “Dinna bandage him until I come back,” Skye directed. “I want to put a poultice on his wound.” Flanna nodded and wiped away some of the dried blood. Liam moaned and tried to pull away. Fergus knelt down and held him still while she worked.

  Skye hurried off to the secret passage and made her way to the tower. A wide array of cures sat before her on the shelves. Ransacking her memory, she searched through Asilinn's collection for the herbs which would bring Liam back to help her.

  It took her longer than she would have liked to find what she sought. Clinging to the hope she could heal Liam, she made her way carefully back to the cottage.

  Flanna greeted her with a smile. “There is a chance,” she confided. “He had a few moments of wakefulness while you were gone and I was able to get him to drink some water and some of the broth.”

  “Did he say who did this?”

  “He was mumbling and really not very clear on where he was or what had happened. You must give him time.”

  “You and Fergus leave now,” Skye said. “You'll both be missed and they may begin to search for you.”

  “But how can we leave you here alone?” Fergus objected.

  “There is no choice,” Skye said. “We must all make our appearances or our absence will be noticed.”

  “As soon as supper is served I'll come to relieve you,” Flanna suggested.

  “And I'll come to spend the night watching over him,” Fergus added.

  Skye nodded. “For now it's the best we can do. As soon as possible I'll move him into the secret passage.”

  Flanna hugged Skye when she took her leave. “God be with you,” she murmured as she and Fergus slipped out into the dusk.

  Skye set about applying the poultice to Liam's head until she was satisfied it at least resembled what Asilinn had done for Jared. Next, she mixed the Foxglove distillate with a portion of wine. She worried over this at some length because she had no idea of the right proportions. Asilinn had warned the wrong dose of a helpful medicine could prove harmful or even fatal. The decision was taken from her when Liam stirred and opened his eyes.

  “Skye,” he whispered, a wan smile crossing his lips. “Is Asilinn safe?”

  “You dinna know?”

  “No, I was on my way to get her when….” His face grew troubled.

  “What is it?”

  Liam shook his head. “Things cannot be the way they appear.”

  “Why? What do you remember?”

  “I… I'll discuss this with your brother,” he said.

  “In the dungeon,” Skye questioned, arching her brow. “I think you need tell me now.”

  “Laird Jared is in the dungeon?” He looked at her incredulously. “It canna be.” Her expression told him the truth of it. “Skye, please wait until the cobwebs have lifted that I might not falsely accuse my own blood of treachery.”

  “Morven,” she gasped in a stunned whisper.

  “I dinna know,” Liam whispered. “He is the last person I remember seeing. I turned to address him when I was struck. Perhaps he also has met with foul play. I woke hours later. It was dark and I crawled into the bushes. From then on I lay in a haze.”

  “Morven rode out three days ago. He was perfectly fine. He accompanies Asilinn to Edinburgh to assure her safety. If he is the villain, she may not survive the trip.” Skye bit her lip as tears filled her eyes.

  Liam groaned holding his head. Skye brushed his brow with a damp cloth. “Are you in pain?” He nodded. “I have some of the Foxglove potion mixed with wine. Asilinn used it on Jared for his head wound, but I have no idea if I have done it properly.”

  Liam extended his hand. “I'll have some, and we'll see,” he said with a weak grin. He sipped the medicine and ate some more of Flanna's broth. “How is it Jared is in his own dungeon?”

  “It is Osred's doing. He managed to convince the lieutenant Jared would be set free by the clan if they did not imprison him. They have not allowed me to see him for three days now.”

  Liam scowled. “As soon as I have recovered enough we'll get Jared free and go after Asilinn,” he promised. Skye smiled and patted his shoulder. A short time later, the drug took effect and he fell asleep.

  ***

  Skye took a deep breath and swept into the great hall. The looks she garnered from the assembled soldiers told her the extra care in dressing for dinner w
asn’t wasted. She looked every bit the young lady when she took her seat at the table in the front of the room. The lieutenant gazed at her in amazement.

  “Could it be, Lady Skye, you have matured into a woman since breakfast?” he asked.

  Skye looked over at him with an inquisitive expression. “I see you have judged me at my worst circumstance. I am more mature than you imagined and I have something of great import to discuss with you.” Giving him her most grown up face, she arched her ebony brow and gazed into his eyes daring him to deny her an audience.

  “Please speak freely,” he responded.

  “You aren't seriously going to entertain the ranting of this child,” Osred interrupted.

  The lieutenant glared at Osred then turned back to Skye. “Lady Skye, please tell me your problem.”

  “I have not been allowed to visit my brother since the first day of his imprisonment,” Skye said. “I want to assure myself he is unharmed by seeing him briefly. Surely if I am willing to brave the dungeon to speak with him, it should be my privilege.”

  “Nonsense,” Osred objected. “The girl is a little hellion. She probably seeks to free him somehow.”

  “I think Osred overrates my abilities,” Skye remarked. “How could I possibly overcome the guard at the door and break Jared free of his chains? I wish only to be given the chance to see him.”

  “I think it is a reasonable request,” the lieutenant replied. “You shall be allowed to visit your brother once a day.” Osred started to protest, but the lieutenant threw him a withering glance and he stopped.

  Skye fought to conceal a grin over her small victory. When she rose to leave the dinner table, the lieutenant grabbed her arm lightly. “I must insist you visit during the day. I would not want a young innocent wandering alone in the dungeon at night. If you like, I'd be glad to accompany you.”

  “Thank you,” Skye said sweetly. “But I fear it would upset my brother unduly. I'm not uncomfortable going on my own.”

  “Very well, however you like,” he said. Skye breathed a sigh of relief and went off to check on Liam.

  ***

  Jared thought he was hallucinating the first time Skye breezed into his cell decked out in full womanly regalia. His face clouded with a dark scowl. “Skye, what game do you play?”

  “They would not grant me permission to see you as a child but it seems when I appear a little older the lieutenant can be convinced to succumb to my desires.”

  He snorted derisively. “He forgets your tender age. Skye, the man lusts after you. Give up this avenue of attack immediately!”

  Skye paced the cell in anger. “Do you think I enjoy pretending to be older,” she asked. “I see these grown men act like such jackasses because of a pretty dress and demure manners.”

  “You dinna know how you endanger yourself,” Jared insisted. Skye's mahogany hair was swept back and tied up in a knot, making her appear at least several years older than her actual age. The dress she wore was an altered version of one of her mother's, adding to the masquerade. Her jade eyes glimmered at him in the dim light. “I am afraid for you, Skye,” he whispered. “I am not there to protect you if this farce goes awry.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but if I have my way you'll soon be free to pursue Asilinn. I found Liam. He was cold-cocked by someone when he went to help Asilinn escape.” She paused, toying with her necklace. “Jared… it may have been Morven.”

  Jared gave her a wry smile. “I'm sure it was,” he said. “I've tried to make myself look elsewhere for a traitor, but I've known for some time it was probably him.”

  Skye looked stricken. “How—why did you not warn us?”

  “I was not sure. I knew Glenna was involved. She was Morven's alibi for the night of the attack on Asilinn's father and brother. That made him the most likely traitor. I did not want to believe it. But as time went on, it became more evident.”

  The guard came to the door. “Lady Skye, your time is up,” he announced.

  Skye hugged Jared, leaning forward to whisper in his ear. “As soon as Liam is able, he and I have plans to free you.” She placed a soft kiss on his cheek and left.

  Jared leaned his head back against the cold stone wall, visions of his wife floating before him. He had to be free to save her. Already a plan formed for her defense. He trusted his friendship with Robert the Bruce to get her a fair trial in spite of her detractors. Jared had fought many battles at Robert’s side and felt assured of justice. All he had to do was get the evidence he needed and he could free her.

  ***

  Liam recovered rapidly under Skye's care and soon they were able to put their plan in action. Skye had not dared to tell him what Jared had said about Morven. She wanted Jared freed before they discussed it again. Liam accompanied Skye while she made her way to the dungeon. The guard eyed him curiously, but dismissed any hesitation when Liam explained the lieutenant had requested he accompany Skye to see her brother.

  While the guard was busy with the door, Liam struck him from behind. It was almost too easy. Procuring the key, he unlocked the cell. Jared looked up in surprise when he saw his visitors. Skye took the keys and bent to unchain him.

  “I told you I'd see you free,” she said. “Hurry, we haven't much time.”

  Jared didn't need her urging. He got to his feet and helped Liam bind the guard and lock him in the cell. They ran down the long passage toward the secret tunnels and opened the door, shutting it just in time to avoid a roving patrol of soldiers. Jared looked at his rescuers. “Thank you.”

  “The time was ripe. We have received word Ian and Angus will arrive by morning with three hundred troops. Our loyal followers await you in the Dragon's Spring. Thus far, we have kept it a secret from the soldiers. Garrick and your troops are there,” Skye explained breathlessly.

  “You have done well, Skye, and now I must request you take refuge in the tower,” Jared said tenderly.

  Skye stamped her foot in anger. “I have risked much to get you this far, and now you tell me to go and hide. I will not!”

  “Do as you are told. I would not like having to explain to Asilinn how I got you killed.”

  Skye looked to Liam for support, but he nodded his agreement with Jared. “Please, Skye,” Liam entreated. “We could never have made it so far without you. Dinna fog our minds with worry over your safety. Go to the tower as your brother wishes.”

  To Jared's surprise, she reluctantly agreed. He looked at Liam in wonder. Liam only shrugged. They made their way through the secret passage until they came to where the tunnels split. Jared gave Skye a quick kiss. “Wish me luck,” he whispered.

  Jared found his men waiting in the huge chamber that housed the larger more public Dragon's Spring. In no time, he had organized their attack. There would be a distraction in the area between the second and third gates. Several of the men were to pick a fight with the soldiers and another group would create enough ruckuses to get all the troops called out. Then by using the castle's underground maze, three groups of men would surround the soldiers and demand their surrender. Jared decided he would seek out the lieutenant and Osred himself. Their timing was to coincide with the arrival of Laird Innes and his men.

  When the sun crested the horizon, Jared's men stood waiting fully armed in their positions. The tradesmen were beginning to mill around awaiting the start of the business day. Four soldiers sauntered through the gates and Jared's men saw their opportunity. They created such a row that more soldiers came running to see the cause of the commotion.

  The second group entered the fray, enlarging its proportions until most of the soldiers had come running to subdue the rowdies. At that precise moment, Jared gave the signal and the three main groups moved up to enclose the courtyard. Realizing they were completely outnumbered, the soldiers surrendered without a single casualty.

  Satisfied with his success, Jared took a few men and went to wake the lieutenant. The man sat up startled.

  “My men hold most of your troops,” Jared said
. “Laird Innes will arrive shortly with three hundred men. You have nothing to fear if you obey my wishes. You and your men will be held in my dungeon pending the outcome of my wife's trial, at which time you shall be released unharmed.” The lieutenant was speechless when he was led away. “Only one left, and he is mine,” Jared said with a grim smile.

  Osred was fast asleep when Jared quietly entered his room. He studied the sleeping form fighting the urge to bash Osred's head in. He would await the trial for his revenge.

  In one motion, Jared stripped the blankets off the sleeping man. Osred blinked opening his eyes to stare into the fire in Jared's eyes. He let out a scream of terror and tried to jump up and run but Jared threw him to the floor with one sweep of his arm. The man lay there quivering in fright.

  “Dunbocan is mine and no one shall take it from me.” Jared pointed his finger at the quaking man's beady, little eyes. “If any harm comes to Asilinn because of what you have done, I shall have you drawn and quartered and decorate the castle gate with your head.”

  “What are you going to do with me?” Osred's voice cracked.

  “You will ride with me to Edinburgh. I seek my revenge on Asilinn's judgment day.”

  Osred's tongue slid across his lips in a snake-like motion. “If you will spare me, I'll help you set her free with my testimony,” he offered.

  Jared's eyes narrowed in disgust. “You'll tell me all you know. Then you will repeat it for the tribunal.”

  “Aye, Milord,” Osred squeaked.

  They were interrupted when Angus and Ian entered the room with a small group of MacLean clansmen. After a quick greeting, they all stared at Osred.

  “You had all the work done before we arrived,” Ian complained.

  “Let me kill this one,” Angus begged, pointing his sword at Osred's heart. “He doesna deserve to live another moment.”

  “Not until he sets Asilinn free with the truth,” Jared said. They all stood and listened while Osred poured out his story. When he had finished, Jared drew his breath in sharply. “Arrest every man named!”