by B. J. Scott
“Who goes there?” One of the men shouted and moved in the direction of the noise.
“Where are you going, Fergus?” one of the guards asked. “We were told na to leave our post.”
Fergus pointed. “I heard a noise. Over there, Donald. Did you na hear it?”
Donald shook his head. “Nay and best you get back here before the laird finds out you’re shirking your duty.”
Blair tossed another handful of rocks, gaining Donald’s interest as well.
“You see? I told you I heard something or someone.” Fergus moved farther way from the cave entrance and Donald followed.
“Now!” Blair said as he rushed the men from behind.
Alex sucked in a deep breath for courage, quickly asked the Lord for strength, and followed with his weapon raised. But by the time he reached the guards, Blair had already made use of the element of surprise and struck both men across the back of the head with the hilt of his sword, knocking them out cold.
“Were you waiting for a formal invitation?” Blair grumbled as he sheathed his weapon. “Best you fetch the lass and make it fast. While I hit them hard, there is no telling when these buffoons will wake up. And when they do, they’ll na be so easy to handle.”
“What will you be doing while I fetch Ciara?” Alex saw no point in continuing the discussion of why he had not been of more help. He was just thankful he was not forced to injure or kill anyone.
“I’ll keep an eye on these two and watch for others. Once you’ve freed the lass and are away, I’ll head back to the castle,” Blair replied.
“You’re not coming with us?”
Blair shook his head. “Nay. I’ll go home so no one is the wiser. Someone needs to make excuses for your absence and distract your da while you make your escape. If anyone asks where you are, I will tell them you went hunting and should be back in a few days. By the time they realize it was you who absconded with the lass, you’ll be many miles from here and safe. Your da willna be happy when he finds out you’re gone again, but he’ll get over it once you return.”
“What about the guards?” Alex asked as he nudged one with the toe of his boot. “Are you certain they can’t identify us? What if one or both of them die? You hit them pretty hard.”
“While both will awaken with a headache, they will survive. I’m also confident they have no idea who attacked them.” Blair planted his hand on Alex’s shoulder and pointed to the opening of the cave. “Now go get the lass. If you keep yammering, this will all be for naught. When these bampots report that their prisoner has escaped, I will be at your da’s side, acting shocked and claiming to have no idea who might have done the deed. And if asked, I’ll be vouching for your whereabouts.”
Alex removed his hood and handed it to Blair. “This might frighten her.” He grabbed a torch from a sconce on the wall and entered the cave, peering into the darkness. The space surrounding the pit was so small, he quickly located Ciara. With his back pressed against the wall, he inched along the ledge until he reached the spot where she was shackled to the wall.
“Who are you and why are you here?” Ciara asked, a hint of fear detectible in her voice.
He raised the torch so she could see his face. “Alex Innes. I’ve come to free you.” He unlocked and removed the iron cuff from around her right wrist, then quickly released the left. “There’s not much time, so we must leave, now.” He cupped her elbow, but she tugged free of his grasp.
“I canna go with you. You heard your father. I am the chosen one. This is my destiny.” She lowered her gaze.
“I’m aware of that. But they mean to leave you here to die.” He slid two fingers under her chin and lifted until their gazes met. She trembled at his touch, but didn’t pull away. “Let me help you.”
“You are the son of Laird Innes and I am nothing to you. I must do this. I have known that for years and so have you,” she said. “Why do you care about what happens to someone from Clan Dunmore? There has never been anything but hatred between our families and it has only become worse over the last few years, as we drew closer to this.”
His heart clenched when he noticed the unshed tears glistening in her eyes. “Perhaps the time has come for that animosity to end. It could start here and now, with you and me.”
“What are you talking about? If I were to go with you, it would only make things worse for me and for my people. My clan would most likely be blamed for my escape and forced to face your father’s wrath. And they’ll take my sister instead. I’ll na have that upon my head.”
Alex couldn’t believe she was refusing to accompany him, yet her unselfish bravery touched a spot deep within his soul. “Are you telling me you want to die, lass?” Alex asked and lightly stroked her cheek, catching a stray tear with his thumb.
“Of course I dinna want to die. I would much rather marry someday and raise a croft full of bairns. But I have no choice. I willna allow this to fall to my sister.” She released a shudder breath. “I willna disgrace myself or my family.”
“You could have your dream and more.” He reached for her hand, but she took a step back. “Just come with me and together we will find a way for it to happen. I’ll make sure the laird knows your clan had nothing to do with your escape.”
“But my sister—”
“I won’t allow her to be harmed.”
“If only that were true, I would gladly accompany you. But how can you promise that? Someone must bear this burden and I was chosen. As much as I wish they would, so far the gods have revealed no other path”
He could sense by her tone that she was beginning to waiver. “And I can’t leave you here to die. Please come with me.” He didn’t want to force her, but there wasn’t time to argue. They had to leave before the guards woke up or anyone else came along. If she wouldn’t go with him of her own accord, he’d have no choice but to carry her out. But hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
“If only it were that simple. Imbolc is almost here. If Cailleach finds me a suitable offering, she will free the land from winter’s icy grip,” Ciara replied. “If angered, she may never allow the spring to come.”
“I swear to you, spring will com. You are not responsible for appeasing the hag,” Alex said. “And while I know everyone believes this Imbolc ceremony is critically important, I am confident that just as day turns to night—no matter what we do—spring will come whether you live or die.”
“It is na for you to decide. If you interfere with your father’s plans for me, he willna take it lightly,” Ciara said. “I saw the way he glared at you and heard the anger in his voice when you questioned him earlier.”
“You let me worry about the laird. I know he puts great stock in this, but it must be stopped. Have you ever known a day or night to go on forever?”
She shook her head. “Nay. But—”
He quickly closed the gap between them and placed his finger to her lips. “And you never will. It is the same with the seasons. Come with me. Choose life.” As if drawn by a force to powerful to ignore, he leaned closer and brushed her lips with a gentle kiss. Pleased when she didn’t resist him, he raised his head. “And to answer your question as to why do I help you? It’s because I feel as if we have known each other forever, like we belong together.” He clasped her hand. “You helped me after the plane crash. Let me help you, now.”
“Plane crash?” Her brows knit together as she stared back at him. “What trickery is this? You speak in a strange tongue, and I have no idea what you’re havering about.” She tried to wrench free, but he held firm. “I’ve never heard tell of this place or thing you call plane. And we dinna know each other. We met for the first time today, when I was presented to your father in the bailey and na before.”
Alex had no idea what to think of all this. He was certain she was the girl he saw. Furthermore, he absolutely knows the ritual isn’t necessary. But he also knew arguing with her would get them nowhere and they had to act now. “There is no time to explain, but I will as soon as it is
safe to do so. You must trust me.” Alex tugged her toward him, the same spark of energy and surge of warmth he’d felt when she touched him at the crash site, radiating up his arm. Judging by her wide eyes and the blissful expression that crossed her face, she felt it too. “Please come with me, Ciara.”
She hung her head. “Even if I did agree to go with you, the guards will never let us pass. How did you manage to get by them in the first place?”
“With a little help from a friend,” Alex said, smiling. “The sentinels are currently incapacitated, but may not be for long. There really is no time to dally.”
“You attacked them?” Ciara gasped and pressed a hand to her throat. They will surely report you to the laird, and he will no doubt hunt us down and punish you.”
“You’d better hurry, cousin. No telling how long these buggers will be asleep,” Blair shouted.
“We’ll be right there,” Alex answered, then looked at Ciara. “No need to fret.” Alex squeezed her hand. “Every precaution was taken to see they don’t know who attacked them. They can only tell the laird you’re gone, not who helped you to escape.”
“And you’ll make certain my clan is na blamed and that my sister will be safe?” She nibbled on her lower lip.
“You have my word.” He crossed his heart “Will you come with me?”
Her eyes lifted and she caught his gaze, then offered a hesitant nod. “Aye. I canna explain it, but I feel as if I can trust you.”
“You can.” Relieved he’d finally convinced Ciara to accompany him, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “Let’s go. Mind your step, the ledge is slippery.” Alex carefully led her toward the entrance. But as they emerged from the darkness, he noticed her feet were bare. “Where are your shoes?”
Ciara shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight. “The guards took them so I wouldna be able to run.”
Blair rolled the larger of the two men over, then scooped the slippers from his belt. “Would these be them?”
Ciara nodded, then whispered to Alex. “Who is that man? Can he be trusted not to give you away?”
“Blair Innes, at your service, m’lady.” He bowed before her, then handed her the slippers. “Best you put these on before your feet are frozen.” He turned to Alex. “And you had best be off, cousin, before you’re caught absconding with the lass and get thrown into the pit. I’ll go back to the castle and cover for you as long as I can, but I doubt I can gain you much time, so hurry.” He dashed off before Alex could respond.
“He’s right,” Alex said. “The longer we stay here, the better chance there is we’ll be caught.”
“Where will we go?” Ciara asked. “The laird will surely come after us, and we canna go back to my village. My clan wouldna welcome you, even if you did save me. They have no reason to trust you, and would surely turn you over to your da the first chance they got. Besides, that is the first place your da will look.”
“He’ll not find us there,” Alex tried to reassure her. “I promised we wouldn’t involve your clan.”
“Perhaps, but if there is no one to exonerate them, I fear your father will wreak havoc on innocent women and bairns in retribution. It willna be the first time.” Ciara hung her head. “Worse, he may choose another maiden to take my place. I couldna live with myself if another were to die in my stead. Perhaps this was a bad idea and I should go back.”
Fearing she might bolt, Alex folded both her hands between his own. “I know the laird has been harsh on your people in the past, but he can be a fair man when he wants to be.” He wasn’t entirely convinced what he said was true, but knew if he waivered or gave her slightest indication that Laird Innes might retaliate against her clan, she’d insist on returning to the well.
“Are you certain? I havena seen that side of him, only the vengeful tyrant.”
“Positive,” he lied, but couldn’t risk her going back. As soon as they were safe and Imbolc was over, he’d find a way to return to the castle for the talisman and convince the laird of the Dunmore clan’s innocence. He prayed it wouldn’t be too late.
We’ve come this far and must be away. I can’t let you go back to the well. Nor can we stand here debating the pros and cons.”
“The what?” Ciara stared at him. “You speak so oddly, m’lord.”
“It means we can’t waste time discussing all the good and bad reasons for leaving,” Alex explained.
One of the guards groaned and tried to raise his head.
Being totally unfamiliar with the area, and having no idea where to take Ciara suddenly became the least of Alex’s worries. They had to leave, now.
Chapter Six
Alex tugged on her hand. “Come on. We can hide amongst the trees and bushes, giving us a fighting chance to get away. There is no time to dally.”
He dragged her through the woods, over fallen trees, dodging boulders, and across a frozen stream. They didn’t stop running until her legs cramped and she couldn’t take another step. Exhausted, she collapsed to her knees.
Alex squatted beside her. “I’m sorry for pushing you. I would have stopped sooner, but just as we reached the trees, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed one of the guards stagger to his feet. The more distance we put between us and them, the better.
Winded, Ciara rested her hands on her lap and sucked in a shallow gulp of air. She began to shiver, her teeth chattering. “I’m so cold, I can scarcely catch my breath.” She glanced skyward. “And it is starting to snow, making it easier for them to follow us. This is madness” She wrapped her arms around her body in an attempt to stay warm, but in a lightweight gown and slippers there was not much hope.
“You’re lips are turning blue.” Alex caressed her cheek with his knuckle. “I was in such a damned hurry to get you out of the cave, I failed to notice you had no cloak. What happened to the one you were wearing when arrested?”
“They—they took it before chaining me up,” she stammered. “They thought it would lessen my chance of running should I get away. And now we have, I’m afraid they made a wise decision.”
“We need to find shelter. Do you have any idea where we can hide out?” Alex asked. He briskly rubbed he arms, hoping to generate some heat.
Ciara shook her head. “Nay, but you’re right. We canna stay here.” As the words left her lips a strong sense of foreboding washed over her. “We must go so they canna track us.”
“If it snows any harder, we won’t have to worry about anyone following us. Our footprints will fill in as soon as we make them. But if we stay here talking, we will surely freeze to death. Can you stand?”
“Aye.” She slowly climbed to her feet.
Alex quickly removed his padded gambeson and handed it to her. “Put this on. It might be too large, but it will help to keep you warmer than what you’re wearing.”
“What about you? If I take this, you’ll have naught to keep you warm.” She tried to hand the doublet back to him, but he refused to take it.
“Please, put it on. I’ll be fine. I’m a lot sturdier than I look,” he chuckled.
She knew he was as cold too, and only trying to be gallant, but he insisted she wear the gambeson and there was no point in arguing. Ciara slipped it on and nestled beneath the padded fabric—the garment still holding the warmth of his body. She inhaled deeply, his musky male scent made her head swim and caused her pulse to quicken. “This canna be,” she muttered aloud.
“Is there something wrong?” Alex caressed her shoulder.
His touch made her tremble with forbidden delight. Overwhelmed by her powerful reaction, she glanced away, too embarrassed to look him in the eye. No man had ever elicited such responses. They were ones she’d only heard the women of her clan discuss in whispers. Was what he told her in the cave true? Had fate brought them together?
“If you’re sure nothing is wrong, we best be on our way,” Alex offered her his hand.
But she didn’t accept. She gave her head a shake and trudged into the forest—the snow
now past her ankles, making it difficult to walk.
As the storm intensified, Alex shielded his face against the wind and snow with his forearm. “We need to find a place to spend the night. The snow is not going to let up anytime soon. I can hardly see a few feet in front of us.”
Ciara agreed, but remained silent. It took every bit of her concentration to remain upright and moving. Her feet were numb, as were her legs, the sting of the wind on her face unbearable at times. But they had to keep going. The farther from the castle they got, the better.
Alex clasped her arm and pointed to a light in the distance. “Do you see that croft over there?”
Squinting, she tried to focus, but her lashes were frozen and her vision blurred. “Nay, I canna see anything.”
“Look closer.” Alex cupped her head from behind and turned it slightly to the right. “Do you see it now? It’s just beyond that hill.”
“Aye.”
“I wonder who it belongs to. Perhaps they will grant us shelter.” He took her hand and moved in the direction of the croft. “But we must approach with caution.”
Ciara planted her feet and refused to move. “What if they recognize us and turn us away. Or worse, hand us over to your father?”
“I understand your concerns, but it’s a risk we must take. We can’t go any farther in this storm.” Alex replied. “The snow is damned near hip high in spots and every step is like a dozen normal ones. We’re soaked to the skin and will die if we don’t find shelter.”
“Even if the owners of the hut turn out to be our foes?” She nibbled on her bottom lip and wrung her hands with worry.
“We have to take the chance and pray the occupants are friends. Can you make it?”
“I’ll try,” she stammered. But as she began to take a step, her legs buckled and she collapsed to her knees. She peered up at him. “You’ll have to go on without me. I canna feel my feet and—”
Before she could finish, Alex scooped her up and carried her toward the croft, as if she weighed no more than a feather. Her heart fluttered and her stomach did a quick flip. She felt so safe and warm in his arms, as if it were where she belonged. Resting her head upon his chest, she focused on the hut, hoping whoever owned it would take pity on them and grant them entry.
