The Highland Curse
Scottish Strife Series - Book 2
Dana D’Angelo
Copyright Information
Copyright © 2015 Dana D’Angelo
www.dana-dangelo.com
All rights reserved. This book, in its entirety or in parts, may not be reproduced in any format without expressed permission. Scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book through the Internet or through any other type of distribution or retrieval channel without the permission of the author is illegal and is punishable by law. Please purchase only legitimate electronic versions of this book and do not engage in or encourage piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
The characters, places and events portrayed in this fictional work are a result of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarities to real events, locales, or people, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Dedication
Acknowledgments
About The Author
Glossary
More Titles By Dana D’Angelo
CHAPTER 1
Tancraig Castle, Scotland, 1560
Piercing green eyes stared down at Adrina MacGill. The orbs were an extraordinary shade, she mused. At the center of the irises were splashes of amber, which flared out in golden streams and were encased in black rings. A surprising sense of raw power and intelligence shone in their depths. Her gaze traced along the side of his strong jaw, sliding down his corded neck, down to his broad shoulders until it became fixed on the hand that lay on his hard chest.
Her hand. She stared at it, astonished that her palm lay comfortably against the sash of his great kilt. Yet there was no disputing that the appendage belonged to her, because even through the plaid, she could feel the thudding of his heart. And the heat that radiated through the soft, well-made material caused her fingertips to tingle with a stark awareness.
“Who are ye?” she whispered.
The massive highland warrior said not a word. Perhaps he didn’t hear her, or didn’t want to answer her query. Suddenly she needed to know his identity. She opened her mouth to repeat her question when she noticed the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. And then a wicked, sensual smile touched upon his masculine lips. For some odd reason that small quirk caused a ripple of excitement to course through her body.
A flapping of wings drew her attention away from the man for a split second. Her head tilted up in time to see the distinct black shape of a raven soaring through the air. She followed its flight path until it disappeared into the branches of one of the alder trees, which grew along the edge of the loch. Rocks of varying sizes scattered along the bank. And in the body of water, the trees reflected off the surface in an explosion of crimson fire and burnished gold. A gust of wind skimmed across the glassy surface, causing ripples to form. That same breeze swept the clouds aside, allowing a brilliant ray of light to strike the crystal waters, and cast it back into her eyes. The unexpected assault forced her eyelids to shut. When she opened them again, she blinked, once more becoming aware of the mysterious stranger.
His large hand reached over to cup her chin, and his thumb stroked slowly back and forth along her bottom lip. For a long moment, his heated gaze seemed fixated on his actions. But then he glanced up at her, catching her stare. Just as their gazes locked, the breath caught in her throat. Undisguised passion swirled in his regard. This handsome stranger knew what he wanted. And at this moment, he wanted her.
But this wasn’t real, a logical part of her mind assured her. No man had ever looked at her as if he hungered for her kiss. The idea was preposterous, yet somehow he continued to watch her as if she was attractive, irresistible.
Tell him that ye are just an ordinary, homely lass, a voice demanded. Yet the feeling that he invoked teased her senses. She had never considered her appearance, but this was the first time she felt captivating and desirable. If she told him the truth, the fantasy he had of her would undoubtedly shatter. What harm was it to allow him believe in her allure?
He slid his warm hand across her jaw line and circled around to settle at her nape. Then without breaking his eye contact, he slowly dipped his head toward her. Her heart thumped frantically as she became aware of his intent. The heat that came off his masculine skin seeped into her pores, making her flesh turn hot and cold all at once. This was it, the brawny man was going to kiss her.
But why did this valiant Highlander not reveal his identity to her? a doubtful voice echoed in her mind. What was he trying to hide? And why in the world did he want to kiss her?
As she mulled those questions over in her mind, and before she could determine the answers, a faint knock entered her consciousness. The knocking became increasingly louder and louder. She was in a dream, she realized with a start.
“Nay, I will stay asleep,” she muttered, stubborn even in her semiconscious state. She had never been kissed before, and perhaps this was her first and only chance to experience it. A fantasy kiss was better than no kiss at all. She opened her arms to embrace her lover, but all she encountered was thin air.
She let out a low, frustrated groan, and allowed her hands to drop to her side. For once she was having a pleasant dream. Why did it have to end so soon?
Adrina could hear voices now, and she reluctantly opened her eyes. She was ready to berate the servant who disturbed her sleep. But her brows creased when she noticed the unfamiliar velvet drapes that surrounded her four poster bed.
“What’s this?” she said. Glancing down at the mattress, she confirmed that this bed that she slept on bore no resemblance to her own.
She scooted over to the edge of the mattress, but then she remembered her dream. For an instant, she sat there, touching her lips with her fingertips. Everything in her fantasy had felt so real. It was likely that if she was still asleep, the handsome man would have kissed her.
But then the events from last night came back to her. Exhausted from her three days of travel, she had arrived at Tancraig Castle late last night. When Mairead MacGregon saw her, she likely appeared a mess. However, with a sweeping glance at Adrina’s arisaid, her hostess accurately identified the unique colors and patterns of Clan MacGill.
In short order, Mairead sent for a servant to obtain food. At that time of night, all they could offer was a bowl of mutton stew. But this was fine by Adrina, since the only things she ate in the last few days were stale oatcakes and berries that she found in the woods. The warm stew did wonders for her spirits. And once she finished her meal, she was led to an empty bedchamber with the promise of meeting Chief MacGregon in the morning.
Now morning was here.
Adrina searched around for her clothing, and found that her arisaid had fallen to the ground. Picking up the plaid, she quickly secured it over her kirtle with a belt, and draped the excess material over her shoulders. She had only enough time to brush aside an errant strand of hair before she hurried over to open the door.
“I’m sorry tae wake ye, lass,” Mairead said, a pleasant smile on her pretty face. “But if ye would like tae speak with the chief, ye will need tae do s
ae before the others arrive. May we come in?” she asked, gesturing to herself and the maid that stood slightly behind her. “Ana can help fix your hair.”
“Of course,” Adrina said, opening the door wider.
“I hope ye slept well,” Mairead said, stepping into the chamber. She sent her an apologetic look. “I regret that I couldnae give ye a larger bedchamber. Most of the chambers here are occupied by those that have come for the gathering.”
“Gathering?” Her brows creased together in dismay. “I’m sae sorry! I wasnae aware that there was an assembly. ‘Tis nae my intent tae impose on your hospitality.”
The maid sat her down and began to brush the tangles from her hair.
“’Tis nay matter,” Mairead said, shrugging. “The clan chieftains will be meeting later today tae discuss warfare,” she explained. “We heard word that your father wouldnae be attending, sae ‘tis a pleasant surprise tae see ye here in his place.”
“I dinnae ken what ye are talking about,” she said slowly.
“Ye werenae informed that we’re hosting a gathering of the clans?” Mairead asked, her delicate brows furrowed slightly. “How did ye come tae be here then?”
She opened her mouth to respond, but she paused. Should she reveal the truth, and tell her hostess that her clansmen were in danger, and that they needed help? Likely if she gave the actual reason why she was at Tancraig Castle, they would dismiss her request. And what more, she would appear as if she was stark mad. However if she lied, and said that her father had sent her, they would consider her petition, and would think upon her appeal with all seriousness. Many years ago, Tevon MacGill had formed a strong alliance with the MacGregons. From what she knew, clans didn’t turn their backs on their allies.
“I — my da sent me here for a different reason,” Adrina said finally.
“I see,” Mairead said, leveling her gaze at her. But then she smiled, understanding that Adrina didn’t want to discuss the matter further. “Will ye be staying long? I believe that ye have never visited Tancraig Castle.”
“Nay, I’ve nae been here, although I’ve met the chief when he came tae Dunnvie Castle years ago. I wonder if he will still remember me.”
“Perhaps,” Mairead said, shrugging. She looked over at the maid. “All done?”
“Aye, milady,” Ana said, securing the last pin in Adrina’s hair. “’Tis done.”
Adrina had no desire to converse, and Mairead seemed to sense that. So as they made their way to the great hall, Adrina had an opportunity to formulate what she planned to say to Eanruing MacGregon. For now she wasn’t getting any help from her inner guidance. The guidance had led her here, but it was up to her to win the sympathy of the chief, and obtain immediate aid for her clan members. But she knew that it wouldn’t be easy. A cold sweat ran down her back. What was she going to say to Eanruing, and how was she going to present her plight?
Only too soon, they entered the great hall. Adrina looked up, and took in the grand wooden arcs that lined the ceiling. She noted that there were a half-dozen jackdaws roosting on the beams. They peered down at them as if they oversaw the comings and goings of the great hall. What she would give to have the life of those black birds. She would be free from worries, sorrow, and the responsibilities that weighed down upon her shoulders would be gone.
“This way,” Mairead said, maneuvering her around the crush of servants who were rushing around to ready the hall for dinner.
Mairead took Adrina to a small group of people who gathered at the side of the dais. The tall man bore a striking resemblance to Mairead. It was obvious that he was one of her older brothers, but Adrina didn’t know the identities of the two women who were with him.
They were almost at the raised platform when a voice rang out. “What is MacGill’s offspring doing here?” he said.
Adrina turned her head slightly, and her steps faltered when she saw Eanruing MacGregon sitting at the trestle table. The years had not been kind to the laird. The sallow skin around his face sagged, and the hair on his head and eyebrows were frosted with gray. Although his eyes were sunken, with deep lines etched around them, he looked out at her with keen observation that was not yet dimmed by old age.
She searched her befuddled mind, reaching into the past and remembering a fierce highland laird. It was difficult to fathom that the pale stranger that stared down at her was the same powerful chief. Her heart sank. Was this the man who would save her people?
“Chief MacGregon,” she said slowly.
“Nay,” he said, shaking his head. “Rory is the clan chief now.”
She glanced over at Rory who was coming toward her.
“Mairead told us just now that your father sent ye,” Rory said.
The Highlander stood an arm’s length away from her, and when she looked up at him, she had to resist the urge to step back. She had the distinct impression that somehow she had walked into a room of giants. Still, the expression on Rory’s handsome visage, though friendly, held a note of curiosity and puzzlement.
“Aye, that’s right,” Adrina said, clinging to the lie she had told his sister. Saying a quick prayer, she straightened her shoulders, and made herself as tall as possible. “On behalf of Clan MacGill, I’ve come here tae procure your assistance.”
A thoughtful look appeared on his countenance, and he exchanged a brief glance with his father. When he noticed that she witnessed their shared look, he merely smiled.
“And what is it that ye need help with?” he asked, one brow raised while he waited for her to continue.
Adrina took a deep breath. The only way to obtain their help was to tell as much of the facts as possible. “A great and evil curse has been placed on my clan, and I need help in breaking it.”
A silence descended upon the group, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if it was a good idea to reveal this information after all. Adrina found herself the focal point of each of the MacGregons. Their faces were impassive, and she couldn’t determine whether they believed her or not.
“Why would you say this?” the golden-haired beauty at Rory’s side asked. Adrina looked at the woman quickly, surprised to hear a distinct English accent.
“This is my wife Lady Darra, and her mother Lady Venora,” Rory said, answering her unspoken question.
“Miladies,” Adrina said, giving a quick curtsy.
“Aye, tell us what has happened,” Venora said, her tone mild. She was an older version of Darra, her appearance striking despite her age. There was also intelligence behind her eyes, and Adrina sensed that she possessed a wisdom that was far beyond the ordinary.
As Adrina recounted the long list of peculiar occurrences that her people experienced, the older woman studied her. She placed one hand underneath her chin while her finger tapped rhythmically against the side of her cheek. Her scrutiny seemed almost as if she was searching for any signs of madness in Adrina. It was one thing to claim that a specific person was placed under a spell. It was an altogether different matter to profess that an entire clan was put under an evil influence. But there was no mistaking the wickedness that descended upon her people. Clan members would, without any warning, collapse to the ground, and become paralyzed. Meanwhile others would contract mysterious illnesses in which the village healer was at a loss as to explain or treat. The demeanor of her people also changed. Clan members were no longer peaceful and law-abiding folk, but were mean and selfish individuals that engaged in violence against each other. It reached a point where there was so much chaos that her father enacted judgment and punishments on a weekly basis.
“And the clansmen have turned on us as well,” she continued. “My da is dealing with the instability at Dunnvie Castle while I have come here in his stead.”
Rory looked over at the older woman. “What do ye think, Lady Venora?”
“It appears that sorcery is indeed at play,” she said, smoothing the wrinkles from her kirtle.
“Aye,” Darra agreed. “The lass has described much corruption that cannot
be explained by mere happenstance.”
A wave of relief washed over Adrina. She had expected them to reject her story, but they believed her. Now she understood that it wasn’t the MacGregons that would help her, but these two women.
“How long has your clan been cursed?” Venora asked.
“For many months,” Adrina said, “As I mentioned, everyone is frequently ill and act oddly.” In fact they had suddenly become cool and uncaring toward Adrina, but this wasn’t something that she wanted to confide to these outsiders.
“I have a potion that will break the hex on your people.”
Adrina clasped her hands to her chest, her heart bursting with hope. “Och, bless ye for your help, milady!”
Venora gave her a brief smile before nodding to her daughter. “I will prepare the anecdote,” she said. “After dinner, take an escort and bring fresh nettle and angelica roots to me.”
CHAPTER 2
If it was possible, the great hall seemed busier than ever. The guests were starting to make their way out of the great hall while the servants hustled to clean up after the morning repast.
“Would you like to come with me to find roots, milady?” Darra asked, as they got up from their seats.
“I would like that,” Adrina said, glad for the opportunity to leave the stifling chamber. Since she wasn’t to leave Tancraig Castle until Venora finished preparing the tonic, she needed something to occupy her time and help stem her worries.
In short time, Darra secured an armed escort, and they made their way outside of the castle walls. They traveled through a worn path in the forest until they entered into the moorlands.
Several dolerite boulders scattered in the open space, while the bright morning sun reflected off the rocks. At this time of year the moor was a blanket of color, with golden splashes of tormentil, the distinctive mass of pink and green of sphagnum, and purple and gray heather. A slight westerly wind blew down, bending the long, bleached grass, and causing the heather to stir.
“We will stop here,” she said, dismounting before the guard could offer her assistance. She pulled off the basket that hung at the side of the horse, and moved out into the field. There was nothing for Adrina to do but to follow the woman.
The Highland Curse (Scottish Strife Series Book 2) Page 1