by B. J. Scott
“You are aware of what was required this year, yet you seem to have issue with it all of a sudden. Your speech is odd and you are behaving strangely,” the laird snapped.
Blair stepped forward before his uncle finished. “He fell off his horse and bumped his head. I’m sure he’ll be fine once he’s had a chance to rest. And maybe had a tankard or two.” He wiggled a brow and tried to make light of things. Hopefully easing the tension between father and son. “Come, cousin, let’s leave this to your da and the clan elders. There are a couple of new tavern wenches I want you to meet.”
Alex’s gaze locked with Ciara’s, pleading emerald eyes a man could get lost in. “I’m not going anywhere. Not until she’s released.”
“Then you will be waiting until Hell freezes over,” the laird snapped, “because I certainly won’t allow this land to remain frozen. Meet me in my chamber once we’ve finish here. And be prepared to explain your behavior of late.” The laird faced the guards. “Take her to the well.”
Alex watched as the warriors led her away. He couldn’t help wondering why she didn’t fight or beg for mercy. But then again, her stoic spirit and refusal to cower before her captors only added to her appeal, making him even more determined to get to know her better. But first, he had to rescue her.
Chapter Four
“Take your hands off me.” Ciara glared at the guard when he grabbed her elbow and tugged her toward the ancient Pictish Fort that was located at the edge of the village. She dug in her heels and refused to budge. “I’m capable of walking on my own. I dinna need or want your assistance.”
“Your wants and needs dinna matter,” the guard snapped.
“Is she causing a problem, Fergus? Throw her over your shoulder if you must, but let’s get this over with,” the second guard said.
“That willna be necessary.” She tilted her chin. “Unhand me, and I will go with you.”
“Suit yourself.” Fergus released his grip and gave her a shove, causing her to stumble. “Dinna dally.”
Ciara staggered, but managed to remain upright. “While I see no point in it, my ankles are in irons and my hands are bound with shackles. If you remove them, I could walk more quickly.”
“And risk having you run off?” Fergus shook his head. “I think not.” He yanked on the chain.
“I have no intention of running off. But even if I chose to run, it’s na like I could get away from the two of you.”
“The laird’s orders,” Fergus grunted.
“Move.” The second guard planted his hand on Ciara’s shoulder, steering her toward the fort that loomed before them. But when they reached their destination, they did not enter. Instead, they travelled along a tall grassy hill that formed one of the ramparts.
Fergus threw back his head and laughed when they arrived at the entrance to the well. “Your new home awaits, m’lady. At least until the winter hag decides if you suit her fancy. The bowels of the netherworld yawn before you.”
Ciara stared the opening of the cave, a cold shiver skittering up her spine.
The second guard knelt beside her and unlocked the ankle irons.
“What do you think you’re doing, Donald?” Fergus asked. “The laird will skin us alive if she gets away.”
“It’s either free up her feet so she can walk down the stairs, or carry her,” Donald replied. “Unless you have a better idea, hold your wheesht.”
“Get on with it, Donald.” Fergus blew on his hands and rubbed them together. “The sooner she’s down there and the hag comes for her, the better. This has been a brutal winter and I willna be sad to see it go.”
Donald lifted Ciara’s right foot, removed her slipper, and repeated the action with the left.
“What are you doing now?” demanded Fergus.
“She willna need these where she’s going. And with the ground frozen and covered with snow, should she decide to run, she’ll na get far if barefoot” He tossed the shoes to Fergus. “I’m na married, maybe your wife can use them.”
Fergus tucked the slippers into his belt and grabbed the chain attached to the shackles binding Ciara’s hands. “Let’s go, lassie, and watch your step. We dinna want you to fall and crack open your skull. If you do, the laird will have to find another wench to give to Cailleach.”
Her feet numbed by the cold ground, Ciara found it difficult to take a step, but she’d not beg for mercy, nor would she admit her weakness. She squared her shoulders and began her decent, mentally counting each of the twenty steep, stone steps leading to an enclosed chamber with rounded corners. In the center of the dark cavern was a spring-fed, rock-hewn basin, surrounded by a narrow ledge. She’d been there more than once to fetch the water for healing purposes and in preparation for the Imbolc festival in her nearby village. But now she entered the forbidden space as a prisoner. Her chest tightened as she stared into the darkness. She’d not be leaving this time.
Created not only for the purpose of drawing water, the well was the setting of religious and pagan ceremonies dating back to ancient times. Considered a place of worship, purification, and healing, the hot spring was also used by the former inhabitants of the area for executions by drowning.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, she peered up at Fergus. “I forgive you. I know you believe this is for the best. But it wasn’t necessary. I had every intention of offering myself.”
As if frozen on the spot, Fergus stared down at her.
Donald placed his hand of Fergus’s back and pushed, nearly knocking him off balance. “Let’s get it over with. This place makes me nervous.” He removed her cloak and set it on a nearby rock. “She’ll na be needing this either.”
Fergus offered a curt nod and lit a lit torch, using it to light the way as they entered the cavern. He inched along the narrow ledge with his back pressed against the wall, taking Ciara with him. When they came to a wider lip of stone, he halted. “This is far enough.” After chaining her to iron rings attached to the wall. “May the Cailleach be pleased by your sacrifice, lass,” he said as he left the cave.
Ciara closed her eyes and muttered a prayer as Fergus disappeared from view and she was shrouded by darkness.
~ * ~
Not allowing himself to intervene when the warriors led her away took every ounce of self-control Alex could muster. Heart hammering, his gut twisted in knots, he gritted his teeth and repeatedly opened and closed his clenched fists as he stared at the entrance to the fort.
His mind racing, Alex tried to regroup his thoughts. So much had happened over the last twenty-four hours, he seriously questioned his sanity. He’d yet to determine why he’d suddenly found himself in the twelfth century, but he was convinced there was a reason he’d come to Scotland precisely when he did, why he’d been spared in the plane crash, and why this beguiling woman kept popping into his life. Now all he had to do was link the pieces of the puzzle together, and try to figure out why events that according to documented history would not have taken place during this era were not only happening, but were accepted by these people as necessary.
A wave of guilt washed over him. Was he a coward for not chasing after Ciara and fighting for her freedom? He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to her because he failed to act. But to do so in the presence of so many villagers and under the direct scrutiny of the laird and his warriors could have only ended in disaster. Before he could help her, he needed a plan. For it to be successful, he’d have to bide his time and not draw suspicion, regardless of how he felt about Ciara or her plight.
“That look of determination on your face can only mean one thing, cousin.” Blair leaned closer. “If you’re considering the idea of going against your da’s wishes and setting the lass free, you’d best think long and hard about the consequences.”
“Tell me, what you would do if in my place?” Alex glowered at Blair. “If she is left chained to the wall with no food or water, she’ll die.”
“First, I wouldna question the ritual. Our ancestors have a
ppeased the winter hag since before the time of the Druids. Second, I wouldna deliberately invite your father’s wrath for a woman you dinna know.” Blair wriggled a brow and leaned closer. “Unless there is something you havena told me and wish to share. Mayhap a dalliance is the real reason you disappeared.”
“You’re spouting nonsense.” Alex replied. “I’m aware the ritual’s important, but I refuse to stand by and allow Ciara or anyone else perish. Not when I can do something to stop it. I could never live with myself if I let that happen. I know the Imbolc ceremony is important, I understand the fear of being locking in winter forever, but there has to be another way.”
“Get caught setting her free and you willna have to worry about that. If I dinna know better, I’d say you have a personal interest in this woman. Are you sure there is na something you want to share?”
“Nay.” Alex answered.
Blair crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance. “Then why is her life so important to you? She is a Dunmore. There has been enmity between our clans for centuries. In addition to that, she was caught trespassing on our land and dipping a bucket into the sacred well, claiming she needed the water to heal her ailing father. Your father feared she intended to try some dark magic in an attempt to save herself and he couldn’t take that risk.”
“She’s a healer and not a witch.” Alex countered sharply.
“How do you know she’s a healer?” Blair challenged.
“I just know. And if she claims she needed the water badly enough to risk capture, then I believe her. It’s no excuse to sentence her to death.”
“This plan has been in place for years. We knew an offering would need to be made to the hag soon. It has never bothered you before. Drop this and come away with me, Alex, afore you do something you’ll later regret.”
“Well it bothers me now.” Alex began to pace. And while Blair might think he’d he taken leave of his senses, nothing he could say was going to change Alex’s mind. “I’m assuming the well will remain guarded.” If he intended on helping Ciara, he needed a plan.
Blair’s frowned as he studied Alex. “What sort of a question is that? You know as well as I that your da wouldna risk her changing her mind and bolting. Then again, her clan might decide to help her escape even if it would mean perpetual winter for them as well.” He cupped Alex’s shoulder and tried to steer him toward the bailey. “Forget this fool’s errand and join me for a drink. Willing lassies and cold brew await.”
Alex planted his feet and shrugged free of Blair’s grasp. “I’ll pass. I’m not thirsty and have no need for a dalliance with a wench I don’t know. Time is wasting and there is no point in beating this dead horse any longer. But don’t let me stop you from enjoying yourself.” He hoped Blair could be trusted to hold his tongue.
“You’re a thrawn arse,” Blair snapped. “Not only are you going to anger your father, but by helping the lass, you are sentencing all of us to an endless, bitter winter.”
“I know you don’t understand this, but I’m certain it isn’t necessary for her to give her life to ensure the return of spring. Think what you will but I’ll do whatever it takes to save Ciara,” Alex said and darted toward the castle. If he was going to rescue her, he needed to prepare himself.
Once inside the keep, Alex headed for the stairs, intent on going to his chamber, but was stopped by a passing servant.
“Your da wishes to see you. He’s in the great hall, m’lord.” The servant pointed down a long hallway on the main floor of the castle.
“Thank you for letting me know. I’ll go see him at once.” Alex waited for the servant to go on his way, then dashed up the steps. The laird would have to wait.
Upon entering his chamber, Alex approached the weapon-covered wall and lifted a claymore. While struggling to hold on to the massive piece, he marveled at the workmanship, and wondered how a man could carry such a heavy blade into battle, let alone wield it. He was not a violent man, and had never struck another person in anger. But holding the medieval weapon felt surprisingly natural, like he’d done this before. Ciara needed him and there was no place like the present to learn. After swinging the massive blade a few times, he opted for a much lighter broadsword.
Alex quickly donned a padded gambeson and leather gauntlets. He’d promised his father to return the amulet to its original resting place and after he’d helped Ciara, he intended to do just that. He contemplated taking it with him, but decided it would be safer if he returned it to its hiding place. Should he fail in his attempt to free Ciara and was caught, he didn’t want the gem to fall into the wrong hands, so he tucked it away for safekeeping. Armed with his sword and a dirk tucked in his boot, Alex left the castle in search of the well.
As he’d suspected the entrance was guarded by the same two warriors who’d taken Ciara away. Alex crouched in a large thicket of brush on the edge of the forest, close enough to the entrance of the well to assess the situation, but far enough away to remain unnoticed. After he’d rescued Ciara, he had no idea where he’d take her or how he’d keep her safe. But he’d worry about that once he’d subdued the guards and set her free. He prayed he was up to the task.
“One insurmountable problem at a time,” Alex mumbled as he scanned his surroundings. He hated being so unprepared, but given the urgency of the situation, he’d have to do the best with what he had. Being alone and totally out of his element in the twelfth century didn’t help either. He’d quickly discovered that studying the time period and actually being there in person were two totally different things.
He unsheathed the sword, not certain if the time came he could bring himself to use it. But he didn’t see any other options. The guards were not about to hand Ciara over without a fight. He swung it up and over his head, getting a feel for it in his hand.
“Stand fast,” a man said as he crept up from behind Alex.
Chapter Five
Heart pounding, Alex whipped around to face the intruder, then rocked back on his heels and expelled the breath he was holding. “What in God’s name are you doing here, Blair? You sacred the shit out of me.”
“Better me than one of your da’s warriors,” Blair replied and squatted beside Alex. “While I’m convinced you’re daft for attempting this fool thing, I thought you might need some help.”
“Why are you risking your neck for me when you clearly do not agree with my decision to help Ciara?”
“Have I ever let you down in the past?” Blair asked.
“I can’t honestly say that I’ve ever known you to abandon me.” Even though he’d not met Blair until today, something told Alex that he could rely upon the man to watch his back. For a moment he considered disclosing the truth about being from the future, but it sounded unbelievable to his own ears, so he held his tongue.
“This is my idea, my fight,” Alex continued. “I appreciate your help, but would rather you returned to the castle and forgot you saw me here.” As the words left his lips, Alex wished he could take them back. While he didn’t want Blair to risk the laird’s wrath, he could really use the help of someone skilled with a sword by his side.
Blair shook his head. “Save your breath. You’ve always been more like a brother to me than a cousin. Where you go, I go. Even if I do think you’re mad.” Blair chuckled as he slapped Alex on the back, then peered through the bushes at the entrance to the well. “It willna be easy, but if we can distract the guards long enough to sneak up from behind, we might be able to subdue them.”
“I won’t ask you to risk your neck,” Alex said. “If they see our faces, they won’t hesitate to report us to the laird.”
“Then best we na get caught.” Blair handed Alex a canvas sack and a length of rope.
Alex stared at the items. “What do you expect me to do with these?”
“If we wear hoods to cover our faces and dinna speak, the guards willna know who attacked them.” He tugged a sack over his head and positioned the eyeholes, before securing it in place using the rope.
“Unless we let them defeat us. And that is na going to happen.”
The idea of losing caused Alex’s stomach churn. If they were going to do this, he hoped Blair was as skillful as he was confident. “You’re a stubborn fool, but we’ve obviously reached a stalemate, leaving me no choice but to let you assist me.” Alex donned his hood and faced Blair. “How do you propose we distract the guards?”
Blair drew his sword. “You go to the end of the thicket and be ready to move when I give the signal,” he explained. “I’ll toss some rocks in the opposite direction to catch their attention. When they go to check out the cause of the disturbance, that’s when we’ll make our move.”
Alex glanced at Blair’s weapon, then slowly raised his own. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” He blew out a heavy sigh. “I have to warn you, I’m not sure how to wield one of these things.” The words slipped out before he could stop them.
Blair tossed back his head and laughed. “This is na the time to jest, cousin. There is na a man in all of Burghead that could best you in a fight. Aside from me, perhaps.”
“I was the state medium weight wrestling champ two years running when I was in college. But this is different,” Alex mumbled aloud, his eyes locked on is sword as if in a trance.
“The state what?” A puzzled expression crossed Blair’s face. “What on earth are you havering about?”
“Never mind. I was thinking aloud. But it’s not important.” Alex dismissed Blair with a wave of his hand and moved to the end of the thicket as instructed. “We’d better get this over and done while we have the chance.” He parted the bushes, studying the two men guarding the entrance to the cave and swallowed hard. Not only were they huge, they were both heavily armed. “One problem at a time,” he mumbled under his breath.
Blair scooped up a handful of rocks and hurled them across the open glen between the forest and the entrance to the well, the stones hitting the ground and catching the guards’ attention immediately.
