by Carey Corp
Before he could say more, Vee interjected. “So will you, Prince MacCrae. The vision was clear. As your queen, I’m ordering you to escort the people out of Doon.”
Duncan leaned forward to stare down my best friend. In all the time I’d known him, I’d only seen him as furious one other time — when the kingdom was on the verge of annihilation and his brother ordered him to babysit me. His jaw flexed as he stepped back. “As ye command, Your Majesty.”
Then he whirled in my direction, pointedly ignoring me as he brushed past to growl orders at his soldiers. “Intercept the Rosettis and have them lead everyone out through the dungeon entrance.” Then to others he instructed, “Get to town — round up every horse and cart ye can find. I’ll take what I can from the royal stables. We rendezvous at the western paddock beyond the village. Dinna allow the people to scatter. We travel light and fast.”
As the soldiers scattered to obey orders, Duncan’s tortured gaze briefly connected with mine and then jerked away, leaving me to feel as if my entire world had slipped from my grasp. Focusing on the vicinity of my right ear, Duncan said, “Say your good-byes. We leave immediately.”
I searched his unyielding face, wondering if he could discern my relief that Vee’s command prevented him from his suicide mission. But saving him meant deserting the one person who’d stood by me my entire life. For Duncan’s sake, I was about to abandon my bestie.
The girl who shared my brain took my hand in hers. “It’s okay, Ken. I’m ordering you to go . . . You swore an oath to me.”
I knew I couldn’t refuse and yet I could not bear to solidify the distance between Duncan and myself by agreeing. Twisted every way, what answer could I give except to beg in vain, “Please come with us?”
Rather than acknowledge my plea, Vee squared her shoulders in resolve. “I’m counting on you and Duncan to see my people safely across the bridge.”
Fiona materialized at her side. “I’ll stay with Her Majesty.”
“No, Fiona.” Vee leveled her gaze on our friend. “Fergus would want you to be safe. And I need you to look after the Crew. As a personal favor.”
If she disagreed with the command, she did not let it show. “As ye wish, my queen. But if I may, I would petition Her Majesty to bring my Fergus safely back to me.”
“I will,” she promised grimly. Nothing short of death, which was a very real possibility, would cause her to break it. “Now be off. You too, Eòran.”
Mutton Chops made a guttural sound as he whipped his head back and forth. Appreciation welled in Vee’s eyes at her guard’s blatant disobedience. He would never abandon her. As she turned to embrace him, she whispered something in his ear. Although I could not hear what was said, the way the old badger’s eyes flickered in my direction made me suspicious that she was giving him a special assignment.
When she straightened, she said, “I’m counting on you, Eòran. Now you need to go. The Protector’s grace go with you.”
As Fiona and Eòran began to usher the Crew toward the passage that would lead to the dungeon and the exit beyond, Lachlan handed Vee a torch and one of the swords he’d tucked into his belt. “The Protector’s grace remain with you, Your Majesty.”
Vee placed the torch in a nearby wall sconce and the sword next to it before dropping to one knee. “You are one of my best knights. I’m counting on you to get the Crew and Blaz to safety.” She kissed the dog’s head and then gave him a little push. “He’s yours now.”
Lachlan shook his head, his dark curls bouncing in the flickering light. “Nay, Your Majesty. I’ll keep him safe for ye until next time we meet. You can count on me.”
“I know I can.” Unshed tears, for the boy’s brave words or the loss of her beloved pup or perhaps both, shimmered in her eyes.
With a few orders from Duncan, Fiona, Eòran, and the ragtag pack of children warriors began to double back toward the dungeons.
Once they were out of earshot, Duncan said to Vee, “I will do as commanded, but I won’t leave you alone.”
Vee glared at him. “One guard.”
A man I recognized from Duncan’s “war games” stepped forward. “I will stay with the queen — protect her with my life, m’laird.”
Duncan nodded in satisfaction, before addressing the remaining two soldiers, Analisa, Giancarlo, and myself. “We’ll make for the Brother Cave for weapons. From there the stables and on to the rendezvous point. Your Majesty should accompany us to the cave of Robert the Bruce.”
Vee took the torch and sword from the wall. To the soldier who’d volunteered to stay she said, “Go find Fergus. Let him know I’m waiting in the cave of Robert the Bruce.”
Without a moment to delay, we set off for the cave where the historic leader of the Scottish rebellion discovered the strength to persevere in his battle to liberate his beloved homeland. From there, Analisa could pick the lock of the iron door leading to the cavern that the princes used as their personal gym. The Brother Cave was not only full of weapons, it was also the shortest, most clandestine route to the stables.
Darkness dwelled beyond the door that barred our escape, indicating that it was still night. As if to reassure herself, Vee muttered, “It’s not morning yet.” She sagged against a rock ledge, shivering in her soggy gown. Unable to acknowledge the finality of our parting, I wrapped my arm around her trembling back, trying my best to impart warmth and strength.
All too quickly I heard Ana’s congratulatory exclamation as the door squeaked open. Without a word to my bestie, I jumped up and jogged into the Brother Cave. As the others gathered weapons, I ransacked trunks until I found a stash of clothes. With my back to the others, I ripped the bodice of my gown open and let the cursed thing pool around my feet. Quickly pulling a coarse tunic over my head, I kicked off my slippers and slid my feet into Duncan’s ginormous spare boots.
Vee stood in the doorway, longingly watching our chaotic preparations. Crossing to her, I handed off the other pile of oversized yet dry clothes. “Here. I’m done facing the end of the world in a pretty dress. So are you.”
“Thanks.” She hesitated. Knowing her as well as myself, I could see her wrestling with her emotions, not only our imminent parting but her barely in-check fear of rescuing her beloved and facing Adelaide Blackmore Cadell, the terrible Witch of Doon. Holding the clothes between us like a shield, she offered me a wistful smile. “See you soon, okay?”
“Whatever.” Grabbing the clothes and dropping them off to one side, I wrapped my arms around her. The minute we made contact, moisture began to seep from my eyes. With a hiccup-y sob that signified the beginning of an ugly cry, I held her as tightly as I dared. And to my utter relief, she squeezed me back.
All too soon, I felt Duncan’s unyielding grip on my arm. “We need to make haste, Mackenna.”
Before letting go, Vee whispered, “I love you,” and I murmured it back.
Then Duncan, my own heart, pulled me out of the cave and away from the other half of my soul. Stumbling alongside him in too-big boots, I scanned the night for some indication of the hour. Despite the inky, star-spangled sky, tendrils of pink and blue unfurled on the horizon. As I contemplated the ominous implication, a nearby rooster let loose an earsplitting crow as he heralded in the morning.
CHAPTER 37
Veronica
What had I done?
I paced in front of the empty frame that had hidden Robert the Bruce’s axe for centuries and was now an empty shell. Much like Doon was about to be.
I’d followed the Protector’s vision and sent the Doonians out of the kingdom. But when Fergus returned with Jamie, what would we do then? How would we fight back with so few of us left? And without my ring to shield me from the witch’s magic?
Jamie would know what to do. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were losing time. All I could picture was the counter on a bomb, the digital display ticking off the numbers until the explosion.
Reaching the end of the passage, I spun on my heel for another lap, grateful f
or the soft, clean fabric of the oversized tunic and leggings. A vision of Kenna’s grief-stricken eyes as Duncan had pulled her away almost brought me to my knees. Would they make it to safety? Would I ever see my best friend again?
I gripped the handle of the ancient weapon and squeezed until the rough metal dug into my skin, refocusing my thoughts. I rounded a curve, and soft, golden light seeped in through the Brother Cave entrance, reminding me that Jamie was out of time. “Come on, Fergus,” I muttered. “Hurry.”
As the words left my mouth, the ground bucked beneath me and I tripped forward. My sword clattered to the stone floor, and I smacked hard against the wall. “What the — ?” I gripped the damp stone as another tremor shook the earth. This was no bovine stampede.
The trembling stilled, and I sprinted to the entrance of the cave, gripping the bars, but the quake had collapsed part of the entrance. I shook the gate with all my strength. It wouldn’t budge. Another rumble vibrated rocks the size of my fist loose from the ceiling. I had to get out before the entire castle landed on me! Running in a stumble, I scooped up my sword, grabbed a burning torch from its bracket, and headed into the narrow passage that would — hopefully — lead me back to the stairs.
The world shivered, and I slammed into the close tunnel walls like a Ping-Pong ball. A rock smacked into my shoulder, sending me tripping into an intersecting corridor. But which way? Coughing on dust, I turned in a circle and tried to recall the way we’d come. A faint chalk mark on the far wall caught the light. Jamie’s old trail! I rushed toward it, thanking the Protector for my big, strong boyfriend’s fear of getting lost.
I reached the next intersection just as a hard shudder brought me to my knees, pebbles cascading down all around me. Tucking into a tight ball, I covered my head and waited for the tremor to stop. When I opened my eyes, the passage Jamie had marked was blocked with an avalanche of stone.
No!
With no other choice, I regained my feet and barreled in the other direction. I ran as fast as I could through the shaking earth. Were those footsteps behind me or just falling debris? Tunnel after tunnel, I ran, the sound of my labored breath echoing in my ears. A hard shake and I fell sideways as part of the ceiling collapsed, the displaced air almost snuffing out my torch.
I cupped the tiny flame and blew it back into life, but a pattern of sound — footfalls, not rocks — had me moving again. The witch must have sent Gideon down here to find me once she discovered I’d escaped the hole. Even though the old guard knew the catacombs better than anyone, I couldn’t let him find me. Could not let him drag me back to Addie to make the impossible choice.
The earth stilled and the footsteps grew louder. I thought I heard my name, but I couldn’t be sure over the thudding of my heart. I pushed myself to move faster.
“Vee!” Fingers grazed my shoulder.
I dropped the torch and spun around, swinging my sword in a wide arc. Metal hit metal and the impact knocked the weapon out of my hands.
A light-haired giant pulled me into his arms.
“Fergus!” I collapsed against him, my knees going weak with relief.
After returning his hug, I peered around my friend’s wide shoulders to find the anxious faces of several guardsmen.
But no smirking prince. “Jamie?”
Stepping out of Fergus’s embrace, I met his eyes. The earth rumbled beneath us.
He glanced up, and the moisture collecting on his blond lashes splashed onto his cheeks.
“Where’s Jamie?” I whispered.
Slowly, my friend shook his head. “He did no’ make it, lass.”
“What do you mean?” Blood rushed into my ears, dulling my senses.
“When the witch found ye missin’, she flew inta a rage and forced Jamie to the gallows.” He swallowed hard. “I’m so sorry, but we couldna get to him in time. I . . . I saw him from the castle window. I saw him . . . drop.” A great wrenching sound escaped his throat. “I’m so verra sorry.”
“I . . .” I blinked up at Fergus as the world fell away, leaving a gaping void beneath me.
Jamie could not be gone. It wasn’t possible. My brave knight. The boy who made me laugh one moment and kissed me until I couldn’t breathe the next. That boy was invincible.
My friend’s crumpled face wavered through the tears pooling in my eyes, and I had the overpowering urge to comfort him. “I’m s-sure . . .” My voice broke and I took a step back, lifted my chin and tried again. “I’m sure you did your best — ” A sob choked off my words but I swallowed it ruthlessly. “Thank you . . . for . . . for trying to . . . to save him.”
Fergus moaned, and I gave his arm a pat. The ground swayed, and I stumbled as if my bones were made of rubber and somehow ended up on the floor. The nothingness closing in around me, I fought to focus on the guardsmen who were looking to me for direction. But only one thought looped through my brain — there had to be some mistake, Jamie MacCrae was my Calling and I was his.
Then, a light pushed against the numbing blackness. Swiping at my cheeks, I reached into my pocket and clutched the ribbons he’d given me. “We’re getting married.”
“I’m sorry?” Fergus knelt beside me.
“We’re getting married,” I repeated louder as I pulled the ribbons out. The rich colors blurred through the prism of my tears. “We’re getting married within a fortnight.”
I looked up into Fergus’s face with expectation and lifted the evidence for him to see. The proof that Jamie couldn’t possibly be . . . gone.
Fergus’ moist blue eyes met mine, and his lips pressed tight as he shook his head. “Nay, lass.”
How could he know? He didn’t understand. I shot to my feet and shoved the rainbow-hued strands into his face. “He promised me. Jamie promised me that nothing would stop us!”
“Vee.” Fergus’s enormous fingers closed around my hands, and he tugged them to his heart, his watery gaze shining with conviction. “Jamie’d do anythin’ to keep that promise . . . if he could. He loved ye more than life.”
The bottom dropped out of my soul, and I pulled my hands back, stroking Jamie’s last gift to me. He’d loved me more than his own life. Past tense. His words in the throne room echoed in my head . . . Verranica, one of us will live to fight another day, and that must be you.
He’d known how this would end.
CHAPTER 38
Mackenna
The ground rumbled again, shaking so mightily that the wooden wheels of our wagon collapsed. As we bounced to a halt, the road before us split open like something from a big-budget action movie. “Is Doon trying to stop us?” I asked, doing my best to project over the noise of the earthquake.
“Nay,” Fiona yelled in response. “’Tis likely one of the witch’s spells preventing us from leaving.”
Duncan dismounted from the driver’s seat in one graceful leap just as the quake stopped. If the massive catastrophe rattled him, he covered it up well. Signaling the other drivers to halt, he barked, “The bridge is through yonder trees. We go from here on foot. Make haste. There’s no time to lose.”
Duncan helped Fiona down from the wagon before assisting me. From the way he touched me and the impassive expression in his eyes, I could have been any random villager. I hoped it was a momentary hiccup brought on by the direness of the situation. I couldn’t believe that he’d bear a grudge against me because of what Vee commanded. But I was too tired and disoriented to sort through things with the ground pitching and tearing beneath us.
Without making eye contact, he barked, “Get the Crew out of the wagon!” Then he turned to the next cart driven by Mario Rosetti. Sofia, Gabriella, and Mrs. Rosetti rode with him while the Rosetti boys flanked them on horseback. “We need to get everyone across that field to the Brig o’ Doon. Spread the word.” Giancarlo, who had been entrusted with Duncan’s horse, Mabel, galloped toward the rear to tell the others.
As Sofia and Gabriella scrambled to the ground alongside their brothers, I turned to the kids in the back of our wagon. Half
of them were already out. Lachlan scooted to the edge and handed me Blaz’s leash.
Vee’s dog whined as I took him in my arms. His long legs dangling, I struggled to hold onto him as the poor thing trembled like a baby. Lachlan jumped from the wagon as another vibration shook the world. The boy fell onto his butt, looking vaguely appalled at the ground revolting beneath him. Blaz squirmed in my arms, desperate to get to Lachlan, who was still trying to get to his feet. Grabbing the boy’s hand, I hoisted him up and handed him the dog’s leash. But another quake caused us to stumble apart mid-handoff. Blaz tumbled with a yelp and then took off running toward the castle.
“I’ll get him,” Lachlan yelled as he ran after the pup.
“Wait!” I demanded.
I started to go after him when Mario stopped me. “Nay, signorina. You must open the portal on the bridge. Addesso! Now!” He pointed toward the field. Little fissures crisscrossed the space that stood between us and the Brig o’ Doon.
I looked between the field and Lachlan’s retreating form, unsure what to do until Sofia Rosetti filled my vision. “Go to the bridge. I’ll get Lachlan.” She turned to her father. “Get Kenna to the bridge, Papà.”
Sofia took off after the boy as Mario began to tow me across the uneven ground. Behind us I could hear Duncan urging the people to run for the bridge. As more and more Doonians stepped into the field, nature reacted in total rebellion.
The emerald ring on my finger blazed green and the earth fell away, turning crevasses into canyons. I concentrated on my feet and maneuvering over the terrain in giant boots.
As the shaking calmed, I looked back over my shoulder, trying to locate Duncan. From the back of the mass of people I noticed Lachlan, flanked by Sofia and Gabby and towing Blaz. To their right, the red glow of Vee’s ring surrounded Duncan as he mounted Mabel.
Horse and rider galloped across the field like something from a Sleepy Hollow tale. At the rate they were traveling, they would make it to the portal before me. I turned my attention toward the bridge, intending to force myself to go faster, when the soil crumbled beneath me. Time stopped as my body dropped into a newly formed ravine.