“You’ll forgive me, Abbott Thomas, if I’m not sure of who you refer to.” She couldn’t be careful enough, not after all this time. She had surmised the monastery had in some way been an ally to Raven. In what way she wasn’t sure and she hadn’t wanted to jeopardize Raven’s safety by making too many inquiries.
“Of course, my child, I understand you not trusting and not acknowledging your friend, and it is wise of you. But I will tell you this… an agreement has been made and sworn to. There will be no changing it and many will have to accept it. You and others can take solace in the knowledge that it was done unselfishly and with much love and return the same in kind.”
“Why do you tell me this?” she asked, remaining skeptical, though curious about his cryptic message.
“Your friend thought it prudent you know and I waited for a moment I believed would be prudent to tell you,” he explained.
Her curiosity and skepticism remained strong and had her asking, “How did you come to know my friend?”
“A mutual acquaintance introduced us.”
“Do I know this person?” Purity asked, continuing to probe.
“I’m truly sorry, but I’m not at liberty to say. I’m sure you understand.”
She didn’t acknowledge his response since her skepticism remained. He either used it as an excuse, not truly knowing the name, or he meant to protect the person by not revealing it.
“You’re cautious, not sure of me,” the Abbott said.
“It’s not you, Abbott Thomas. It has been my way for a long time. I learned from a young age to trust little of what I hear and less of what I see—both can deceive.”
“Your young years were not happy ones, Purity?” he asked.
“They were lonely and I’m grateful they’re behind me,” she admitted and it felt good to do so, which was why she continued, “I believe my father has always hated me. I don’t know why. I’ve tried to understand, make sense of it. I thought maybe it was because I was a daughter and he preferred another son. After some time, I began to realize that it was me. He simply hated me.”
“I’m sure that can’t be true,” Abbott Thomas said. “Daughters have as much value as sons.”
“Value? My value was little according to my father, though my burden was heavy. He reminded me of that often enough. He took no pride in me, spent little time with me, spoke rarely to me—I only existed to him when the prospect of marriage came up.”
Abbott Thomas rested his hand on hers. “Your father loves you and cares what happens to you, and one day you will come to know that.”
“If you say so, Abbott,” she said, having no wont to argue with him. He hadn’t heard what she’d been saying or he chose to ignore it. After all, her father paid a yearly stipend to the monastery and to talk against the man could cost the Abbott.
“You will come to know the truth of my words, my child.”
She didn’t believe the Abbott’s words held much truth but she had no desire to pursue the matter. Instead, she asked, “How is Brother Noble?”
“Brother Noble carries a heavy burden with strength and courage that, unfortunately, will only grow more burdensome. He can use all the prayers you can spare.”
It wasn’t long after that Abbott Thomas took his leave and she was glad for the quiet once again. Her thoughts drifted back to Orvin and her curiosity had her getting to her feet. “I’m going for a walk through the village.”
Her announcement wasn’t only for King and Princess, who sprang to life and quickly followed along with her, but for the servants as well. They would be sure to tell her husband when he asked.
She hugged her cloak around her against the considerable chill in the air once outside, though she had to admit it felt good. She missed being outdoors as much as she had once been and she was eager to return to walks in the woods once it was safe.
King went his way after a short time, but Princess stayed close. It seemed the way for the two of them, one always remaining nearby. She was glad not only for the company they afforded her but for the protection they offered as well.
Dusk was a couple of hours away but with the heavy clouds that had moved in it made dusk appear imminent. People were finishing up chores while others lingered in talk and children ran about in play before the night or impending rain sent them inside. She was met with smiles and greetings as she made her way through the village and she believed it was due to her husband making it clear he wouldn’t see her disrespected, along with her own efforts to become more a part of her own clan. She was different now, no longer shy or fearful to speak, and people saw that and treated her differently. For the very first time, she felt this place her home.
Purity stopped a short distance away from Orvin’s cottage. She didn’t know if it was the cloudy day or that the cottage sat off alone, not a soul near it, that had her hesitating to approach it. Or perhaps it was that death lingered around it that kept everyone at a distance.
Princess followed at her side as she walked slowly to the cottage. Orvin’s body had been removed and was being made ready for burial. She doubted anyone had yet to clean inside, remove any stains of what had happened there. But she wasn’t interested in the inside of the cottage. Her curiosity had her walking around the cottage to the back. What she found had her brow creasing in a troublesome thought. Or it was what she didn’t find.
“No sign that anyone came this way,” she said, looking to Princess who was busy sniffing the ground.
She widened her search, keeping her eyes focused on the ground, thinking someone may have tried to cover his tracks, but there was no indication that anyone had come this way. If that were true, it could mean only one thing.
Whoever killed Orvin came through the village and if that was so, he had to be known to everyone.
She was suddenly grabbed from behind, her feet lifted off the ground. Fear had her heart racing wildly and instinct had her letting loose with a scream. Unfortunately, a hand clamped over her mouth before her cry for help reached her lips.
Chapter 23
“You need to watch where you wander, wife,” Arran said and dropped his hand off her mouth and turned her around in his arms.
Purity swatted him in the arm, but was relieved beyond measure it was her husband’s arms she was in. “You frightened me senseless.”
“You did the same to me when I saw how far you wandered into the woods.”
She looked around and gasped. “I didn’t realize.” Her glance returned to him. “I was so caught up in my search—”
“You paid no heed, a mishap that could prove deadly,” he warned, the fright she had given him having his stomach churning. “What are you doing here?”
“Orvin’s murder troubles me,” she said and pointed to the ground. “No tracks.”
Arran examined where his wife pointed.
“Wouldn’t there be at least some tracks showing the person approached from the woods? If not, then that would mean the person came through the village and wouldn’t that mean the person had to be known to the clan?”
“Travelers stop for drink or food that can be spared, not all are watched the whole time they are here. Brynjar could certainly have had one of his men disguise himself as such a traveler. He would have been paid little heed. Believe me, if Brynjar wanted entrance to this village, he would get it. Nothing would stop him,” Arran said, knowing all too well the evil ways of the man.
Her husband’s explanation made sense. Why then did she find it difficulty to accept?
Arran kept keen eyes and alert ears to his surroundings. It was far easier than most knew to sneak through the woods unheard and Brynjar’s warriors were good at it. They could be upon a person so fast, one wouldn’t have the time to draw a weapon. And though they weren’t that far into the woods, Orvin’s cottage still visible, he wouldn’t take a chance with his wife’s life. He took her hand and led them out of the woods.
“Are you prepared to wed me tomorrow?” he asked.
Purity was sur
prised by how serious he sounded and decided to toss his question back at him. “Are you prepared to wed me?” His response astonished her.
“More than ever. You’ve become part of me. I couldn’t do without you.”
“You touch my heart, husband,” she said with a soft smile.
“I touch all of you, wife,” he said with a teasing wink.
She laughed softly and leaned in against his arm as if in a hug. “That you do, husband, and I welcome and look forward to every touch.”
“Now you’re tempting me.”
“No. No,” she cautioned teasingly. “There’ll be no poking before the wedding.”
He stopped abruptly, his face poised in shock. “You’re not serious, are you? You don’t intend to refrain from coupling until we wed tomorrow, do you?”
“We coupled only hours ago. We can wait until tomorrow to couple again,” she said, though seriously questioned her own suggestion.
He brought his nose to almost directly rest against her pert one. “Tell me you can wait.”
She nibbled along her lower lip while giving his question thought, though knowing the answer.
“Keep plumping your lip, I love the taste of it even more when it’s plump and ripe for the picking,” he whispered and his teeth were quick to replace hers, nibbling along her lower lip.
She drifted into a passion-filled daze and yet a question intruded on her pleasure. She eased her mouth away from his. “You’re prepared to wed me, but tell me why you wed me.”
His hands went to her waist, holding her snug. “That’s easy to answer. It’s pure and simple —I love you. There isn’t another I would have as my wife.” He gave her lips a quick kiss. “And remember, you’re already my wife. I do this to show everyone I wed you freely. Our wedding will be a good day, a good memory to long remember.”
“I don’t know many of these people,” Purity said, turning to Oria after peeking into the Great Hall where so many were gathered for the wedding. “It reminds me of your wedding day when so many gathered.”
Oria took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “That might be so, but even if this day ended in an attack such as mine did, which it won’t, you will still be wed to Arran. Royden and I never got the chance to wed on what was to be our wedding day. And that Arran weds you freely for all to see makes this day even more special.” She squeezed her hand again. “Now let me see if I can tell you who some of these people are.”
Purity waited anxiously as Oria peeked out.
“The man with the golden-red hair, plain features, and solid girth is Fergus. He is Alynn’s husband. You remember Alynn from the Clan MacDonnegal, don’t you?”
“Aye, though I did not know her well,” Purity said. “I recall now, she was forced to wed him.”
“Luckily, she’s happy with him,”
“The tall, fine looking man beside the petite woman with the gentle smile and blonde hair is Trevor, Wolfe’s good friend and the woman is his wife, Demelza, and my sister,” Oria said turning to Purity with a smile. “You’ll like her. She is so nice and rarely pays heed to her husband’s orders.” Oria chuckled causing Purity to do the same. She took another peek. “And there are familiar faces, Arran’s da and Wren. Freen is in attendance and your friend Quiver and Princess stand beside Arran, who is looking mighty fine.” She chuckled again as she turned back to Purity and cast a glance down. “King remains by your side.”
King sat leaning against Purity’s leg.
“He stays close to your side,” Oria said.
“When it pleases him, though more often than not he is close by and has been since that day everything changed for everyone,” Purity said.
“And it has changed again, new neighbors and friends, and family as well.” She shook her head. “Everything is far different than I ever imagined it would be. I’m just glad through it all that I didn’t lose Royden and we are now husband and wife.”
“I dreamed but never thought it possible that one day I would be Arran’s wife. I just wish…” Tears pricked at Purity’s eyes.
Oria felt her own eyes moisten. “I feel the same. I wish Raven could be here as well. But she’ll come home. I have no doubt about it.”
“I want to believe that but I worry it isn’t safe for her to return.”
“She’ll find a way.” Oria shook her head but this time laughed along with it. “There’s no stopping Raven when she sets her mind to something.”
Purity nodded and laughed as well. “You’re right. Somehow she’ll see it done.”
“We’ll both keep Raven in our hearts and minds today so she can share this day,” Oria said. “Now it’s time for you and Arran to wed.”
Purity kept hold of Oria’s hand until they came to a stop in front of Arran. She reached out and took his outstretched hand and it wasn’t long after that they stood in front of Abbott Thomas, with family and old and new friends filling the Great Hall, that they once again were declared husband and wife.
The celebration spilled out into the village. A bonfire had been lit and food and drink were made available for all. Bethany had come the day before to help Iona and together they had prepared a delicious feast. People raised their voices in song and danced with joy.
“It is good we join in celebration with one another,” Demelza said, having joined Oria and Purity not far from the bonfire that spit and tossed sparks far into the air. “We become family that way.”
“I would like to think that,” Purity said and looked to where her husband stood talking with some men. “There has been enough hurt and harm to many, but I do wonder if my husband will ever forgive those who caused his family such tragedy.”
“I truly hope he can,” Demelza said. “I see what revenge has done to my brother. I wouldn’t want to see more heartache brought to any of us. I do hope we can live in peace together and protect one another from now on.”
“That would be a blessing and I will do my best to help make it so,” Purity said.
“As will I,” Oria said.
Demelza nodded. “And I as well.”
“What are you three conjuring?” Wren asked, joining them.
“A good future for us all,” Purity said with a sense of confidence she hadn’t felt before this moment.
“With three such strong women, it’s bound to be so,” Wren offered with a smile.
The women talked for a while until there was only Purity and Wren left.
“There’s something you wish to tell me?” Purity asked.
“You have gotten to know me well through the years, my friend.”
“And you helped me to grow—strong,” Purity said with gratitude.
“You were always strong. You simply needed to realize it.” Wren turned silent for a moment. “You need your strength now more than ever.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Evil stirs here. It lurks and waits and will strike again.”
Purity’s stomach roiled. “Is there anything you can tell me that will help me defeat it.”
“I wish I could, but it hides well.”
“Within the village or outside it?’ Purity asked anxiously.
Wren looked out over the people gathered, enjoying the celebration. “It’s not clear. I cannot see. I can tell you that the evil festers greatly. It is bitter with disappointment.”
Purity thought of Brynjar and the bitter disappoint and anger she had seen on his face when he learned he wouldn’t get what he believed had been agreed upon.
“This evil wants revenge?” Purity asked.
“This evil wants what he feels belongs to him. The two deaths are only the beginning. He will dispose of whoever stands in his way,” Wren warned.
“How did one of Wolf’s warriors and Orvin stand in his way?” Purity asked confused.
“Find the answer to that and you’ll find the evil one.”
Purity wished she could keep her mind on the celebration, on this special day, but Wren’s words remained with her long after the woman and Parlan took their leav
e along with Oria and Royden.
The hour had grown late, the bonfire had died down and would not last long, and the villagers began to drift off to their homes, not only overstuffed with food and drink but with enjoyment that had long been absent from their lives.
The murders had been pushed aside and replaced with the promise of a good tomorrow with Arran and Purity’s wedding. The Clan Macara had a future with the couple and with those who had laid claim to the surrounding clans having participated in the celebration, it showed that peace was at hand.
“I believe we are long overdue to take our leave from the festivities, wife,” Arran said, his arms going around her and drawing her back against him.
“It is the second time we exchanged vows, husband, and I for one enjoyed spending time with friends and making new ones.”
He pressed his cheek to hers. “I agree and surprisingly I believe your father felt the same since he was more cordial than usual, talking, laughing, and drinking with everyone.”
“His worries are at an end. He has what he wants. What he originally wanted—you to wed me. His clan’s future is not only secured, but he sees power and influence with us wed.”
“The Clan MacKinnon is not as powerful as it once was.”
“You’re wrong,” Purity chided. “It is even more powerful since your clan did not fall to the enemy. You all survived and returned home to reclaim what was yours and prevented the complete defeat of this area. You stopped the enemy from claiming victory. Now he is forced to live among you in peace. The Clan MacKinnon was the victor in this battle and that will not be forgotten.”
“I like the way you make me sound like a champion,” he said, nuzzling her neck.
“You are a champion—you’re my champion.”
Arran swung her up into his arms. “Your champion is about to claim his bride.”
Purity’s chuckle came to an abrupt halt when her husband turned with a flourish to see Abbott Thomas standing there.
“Forgive me for disturbing you, but I can’t seem to find your father, Purity. I wanted to say my good-byes since I will be taking my leave at sunrise and I don’t believe he’ll have risen by then since he has thoroughly enjoyed the celebration.”
Entrusted to a Highlander Page 22