Immortal Love

by Victoria Craven

  “God help them,” she prayed.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Dominick rode away from Eleanor with a heavy heart. They had been on the brink of happiness, and then McPhearson’s treachery had brought it all to a halt.

  He didn’t doubt Eleanor’s love for him, but her vehement defense of Liam chimed bitterness in his mind. If he killed Liam she would never forgive him, but he couldn’t let the kidnapping of his wife go without retaliation. His anger stood on the edges of a sword.

  If Liam hadn’t taken her to his brother, she would not have been in such peril, yet he saved her, risking his own life.

  Dominick was sure that Robert McPhearson would not take such a traitorous action lightly. His men were more than likely already hunting Liam down.

  As they approached Liam’s camp, he could hear the wolves barking, growling and howling. Liam’s men stood back to back in a tight circle, waving torches, at the animals. Dominick’s soldiers circled the small band of men.

  Erik called off the wolves, and they quickly retreated into the darkness. Now instead of torches, Liam’s men drew their swords, ready for battle.

  Dominick, Randolf and Erik rode into the center of the camp. He looked over the small group of men. “Liam McPhearson?”

  “That would be me.” The man stepped forward, sword ready. He was built like a soldier and in no way resembled his brother.

  Dominick dismounted, keeping his sword in its sheath. “We must talk.”

  Liam’s eyes narrowed. “Is this some sort of trick?”

  “No.” Dominick nodded toward his men. “As you can see, you’re outnumbered. I don’t have to resort to trickery. I only wish to talk.”

  Slowly, Liam lowered his sword. His men did the same. “What is it you wish to talk about?”

  “Your brother.”

  Eleanor’s emotions were shattered, and she felt wary and broken down. She stood at the edge of the forest and sobbed. She felt a sense of loss. There was no doubt her husband would come back to her, but could she forgive him for murder.

  She needed to be home, where she could regroup and collect her thoughts. Finally, when the tears were spent, she re-entered camp.

  “Captain, I want to go home.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  They broke camp and were quickly on the road. During her ride she could only imagine the scene taking place in Liam’s camp, and images of his body and the others lying on the ground, bloodied, beaten and lifeless filled her head. This was the world her husband lived in, and she wanted no part of it.

  The four men sat around the campfire. Dominick fought hard not to stick his dagger in the man’s heart for taking Eleanor, but that would accomplish nothing.

  He was surprised with his own restraint. But logistically it would serve no purpose. Dominick knew Liam was a good warrior, unlike his treacherous brother.

  Finally when everyone was settled, Liam said, “You wanted to discuss Robert.”

  Dominick paused for a moment, to settle the conflict within him. When resolution was met, he continued. “I don’t want a war with Aurora, but I want your brother to pay for the crimes he committed against Godwin, its people, the King and, most importantly, my wife.”

  Liam shrugged. “I don’t care about the crimes he committed against your king.”

  “I will not discuss politics with you. Robert is an evil man and must be stopped. Think about the fate of your people. Like mine we cannot plunge them into war. We must align ourselves against Robert, and end his tyranny.”

  “Aye, you’re right. Robert needs to be reined in. But what guarantee will you give me that once I help you that your army won’t march across our borders and take Aurora for yourself?”

  “I’m only interested in Godwin, nothing more. In addition to your brother’s removal, I want a signed treaty between us. Each side stays within its own borders.”

  “How can you assure me that you will keep this treaty?”

  “We will appoint a council that will meet regularly to air any differences or conflicts we may have.”

  Liam shook his head. "How could I trust any friend of King William? This sounds too good to be true.”

  “As I see it now, you have no choice but to trust me, for with or without your help I will take your brother.”

  “Why do you want my help?”

  “Because you know how to get in and out of Aurora without being seen.”

  “How would you know this?”

  “You managed to escape with my wife. If you had left through the front gates, your brother’s men would have stopped you immediately.” Dominick leaned closer. “I want to get in and out with Robert without having to put our people at risk.”

  “The great warlord would do that?”

  Dominick rubbed his eyes. He was tired. Not in the sense of fatigue, but tired of fighting. “I have discovered over the years that there is no honor in war. Only land to be gained. And a conquered people will never truly be loyal.”

  Liam’s back stiffened. “Pretty words, but how will I know that you will keep your word?”

  “You don’t. You have to trust me.”

  “Trust an ally to the King? I’m not sure I can do that.”

  Dominick spoke with a deadly calm. Resolve stopped the doubts in his mind. Liam would concede or the man would die. “You have few choices.”

  “I have choices. It comes to fighting you, or saving my people.”

  Dominick could tell the man was weighing his options.

  Liam stared into the campfire, toying the embers with a stick. When its tip caught fire Liam blew it out. “I will help you on one condition,” he said,

  “What would that be?”

  “That my brother is captured, not killed.”

  “I will not promise his safety.”

  Liam didn’t answer right away, and Dominick knew he was settling his decision. “I will send men of my own to assure his safety."

  “So be it, but I owe Robert a mark or two for what he did to Eleanor.”

  Liam smiled. “I have already taken care of that. I left him in an unconscious state when I took her from Aurora. Not to mention the gash that she left across his cheek. In future, he’ll not be quite so vain.”

  Liam made a clearing in the dirt and began drawing an outline of Aurora Castle then poked his stick into the ground where the north wall was represented. “A long forgotten bolt hole lies right here. I’m sure my brother isn’t aware of its existence. It has been many years since anyone has used it. “We can enter there with a few men and take Robert. I recommend you take him out the same way. You won’t have to fight your way through his soldiers.”

  “Will you be ready to ride in the morning?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then we will settle down for what little is left of the night and head out at dawn.”

  Eleanor couldn’t shake the unconquerable gray cloud of sadness that hung over her. Yet as hard as she wanted to push forward to get home, her exhausted body demanded rest.

  “Captain, I would like to make camp.”

  “As you wish, my lady, but we must not linger for too long. Lord Dominick's orders were to get you to Godwin as soon as possible.”

  Fatigue weighed her down. “Just for a few hours.”

  A tent was set up for her. She entered it, looking forward to the solitude, and rest. But rest eluded her. The image of the night before, when Dominick stood unwavering in his decision to attack Liam’ camp tormented her. She couldn’t rid herself of the sickening horror. Exhaustion finally allowed Eleanor’s mind to drift.

  A cold draft entered the tent. She pulled the blanket tighter around her.

  Eleanor.

  Her eyes flew open at the sound of her mother’s voice. Sitting straight up she looked around the tent. “Mother?”

  Eleanor, my child, open your mind and you will see me.

  “I’m not sure I know how.”

  Let go of your anger and sadness.

  “I can’t. It clings t
o me like smoke.”

  I know what torments you. Allow me into your mind further, and I will release you from the sadness you bear.

  Eleanor lay back on her pallet and concentrated on the darkness behind her eyelids. A cool breeze crossed her forehead, as though her mother were stroking it.

  Suddenly her mind flew above trees and meadows. Her heart raced at the speed with which she traveled. Soon she came upon a group of men. Her traveling slowed and she circled them. Her heart leapt for joy. Clearly, she could see Dominick riding beside Liam and they were heading toward Aurora.

  As suddenly as she had left, she was back in the tent. Opening her eyes, she saw the fabric of the tent ceiling. Her words to Dominick the night before came flooding back. Gut wrenching guilt forced her to sit up and double over.

  “Oh, Mother, what have I done?”

  Eleanor.

  Looking over to the corner of her tent, she saw her mother’s apparition floating like a filmy curtain.

  Put aside your regret, child. Dominick is in danger. McPhearson is gathering his men. He knows of Dominick’s approach and is setting up an ambush.

  “But how? McPhearson was unconscious when we left.”

  He sent his spies after you. His evil is widespread. It didn’t take long for them to find his brother, and to add to his good fortune, he found Dominick as well.

  “God’s blood! Mother you have got to warn Dominick.”

  Eleanor saw the sadness cross her mother’s face, and cold dread swept through her.

  I cannot reach him. His heart is filled with too much hate.

  “Tell me what I have to do to save my husband.”

  Dominick sent some of his men to meet up with you. You must reach them first and lead them back to warn him of the ambush.

  “How will I know how to get there?”

  Keep your mind open, my love, and I will guide you. Now go.

  Instantly Eleanor was out of her tent. She went up to one of her soldiers. “Bring me my horse.” She then went to find the captain. “We must go back to Aurora,” she said urgently.

  The captain shook his head vehemently.

  “But, my lady our orders are to get you to Godwin as quickly as possible.

  “I’m changing those orders,” she said, mounting White Wind.

  “Begging your pardon, my lady, but only Lord Dominick can change those orders. I must insist that we head back to Godwin.”

  Eleanor’s eyes narrowed. Nothing would keep her from getting to Dominick and warning him of the ambush.

  “Then I guess you’re going to have to catch me.” With a kick to White Wind’s flanks, she bounded away from Dominick’s soldiers.

  Robert McPhearson sat quietly on his horse hiding in the denseness of the forest.

  “My lord, Lord Dominick and your brother are riding to Aurora.”

  “That’s good. We will attack them as soon as they cross the meadow.”

  McPhearson couldn’t believe is brother’s arrogance thinking that he could take Aurora from him.

  The bruise near his eye gave him an awful headache and the gash on his cheek pained him with a persistent throb. Daggers of pain shot through his rib cage with every breath. But none of it mattered. Hate and anger kept him mounted.

  “You will pay for your treachery, my brother.” Robert’s order to his men was to capture Liam alive, then he would punish him with torture, even castration. Liam’s humiliation would cause him to take his own life or live in a monastery, never to plague him again.

  A wicked grin crossed his face, causing his cheek to burn, but his thought was too delicious to stop. He looked around at his men in the forest, confident that they could ambush Dominick and Liam without much resistance. “You’re as good as mine Liam.”

  He thought about doing the same to Dominick, but he was too dangerous to keep alive. His men were ordered to kill him on sight. Once he was dead he would take over Godwin and reclaim Eleanor.

  He touched his cheek causing it to throb even harder. The bitch will be punished for that. “Oh how you will pay.” Revenge would be the sweet salve to all his aches and pains.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Eleanor’s words haunted Dominick, piercing his heart like spears, each one driving the sharp pain deeper into his chest. He couldn’t take a breath without feeling it. Not since he had been sent away from his home as a child had he felt such pain.

  Eleanor might have apologized to him before, but she obviously still thought him to be a murderer. A blood-thirsty warrior. That he would commit senseless acts of violence on innocent people. Would she ever see him as anything else?

  She didn’t see that he was protecting her. Robert McPhearson had to be stopped or there would be no end to his continued assault. The people of Godwin would never be safe

  He rode in silence until Liam said, “You’re a lucky man to have such a wife. She is very brave. Even when she thought her life was in peril, she never gave in to her fear.”

  “She is a brave woman,” he said, sighing deeply.

  Liam chuckled. “She would have to be.”

  Dominick shot a quick look toward him. “Why?”

  “She married you.”

  Dominick’s soldiers entered the edge of a meadow and a forest lay just ahead. Dominick saw Randolf draw his sword. Conditioned from years of fighting together, Dominick drew his own. He halted the men behind him.

  “What is it?”

  Randolf didn’t answer. Instead, he stared into the forest ahead. “Erik, send Celeste.”

  Without hesitation the connection was made, and the bird took flight.

  Alertness pulsed through Dominick’s body. “What do you suspect?”

  “Robert’s men are in the forest.”

  “How on Earth would you know that?” Suspicion was written plainly on Liam’s face.

  “I just know.”

  Liam was about to ask more questions when Celeste’s loud cry pierced the air, and Erik turned to them. “There are about a hundred men hiding in the forest, waiting to ambush us.”

  “How is it you know that,” Liam said.

  “Whether you believe it or not, it’s true. Robert is hiding in that forest, Dominick said.”

  Liam turned to Dominick, “What is your plan now?”

  Dominick’s hand twisted tightly on Aries’ reins. “We will wait here and draw them out.”

  Dominick drew his sword, as did the others. In moments a group of thirty men charged out of the forest. Dominick looked for Robert McPhearson, but saw no sign of him.

  Giving a command to his men, they all rode to meet their attackers. Horses, swords, and bodies collided on the charge. The clashing of swords and the shouts of men were deafening. Dominick fought with instinct, due to years of battles. Many bodies fell after one or two blows of his sword. The door he had opened for Isolde now forced him to see what he had hoped he would never see again—the spirits of the dead leaving their corpses. Some walked toward a great light, and some tortured souls wandered around in the darkness.

  He turned away. Unable to help them, he had to focus on the battle at hand. Fighting his way through the chaos, he was determined to find McPhearson. Dominick could no longer keep his vow to not destroy his enemy. McPhearson had taken them by surprise. His resistance was certain and he would have to be taken down.

  More men fell to Dominick’s mighty sword. Randolf, Erik and his men flanked him like an inverted ‘V’. Liam and his soldiers followed the same pattern, mowing down the enemy.

  More of McPhearson’s men came out of the forest attempting to surround them. Dominick was in a position to see Liam and his soldiers’ fighting skills and was grateful they were fighting on the same side. Together, they were able to keep McPhearson’s army from overtaking them, but for how long, he wasn’t sure. More men came out of the forest. Soon they were surrounded.

  Dominick and Liam’s men fought back to back in a tight circle trying to move outward. The coppery smell of blood filled the air. They were losing due
to the large numbers of McPhearson’s Men. They were fighting to survive.

  Suddenly, a great roar sounded over the cacophony of metal striking metal. The fighting paused for a moment. Looking across the meadow, Dominick saw the company of men he had sent to escort Eleanor charge into the battle. If his men were there, who was guarding Eleanor?

  Confusion overwhelmed him. A sword swiped at him. Dominick had to overcome his surprise, and took the man down in three strokes.

  Each stroke became more calculated. Desperately he worked his way to his captain to find out what had happened to her.

  Dominick and his men were winning the battle. When he dropped another man, he got a clear view of the forest. He spotted Eleanor sitting on her horse. Her gaze swept the battlefield until finally, it settled on him.

  He saw the visible sign of relief and her shoulders slumped. Even at a distance he could see her mouth the words, “I’m sorry.”

  He moved his horse toward her, but one of McPhearson’s men cut off his path. Blocking a blade just before it came down on him. Their swords were joined at the hilt. Dominick slammed his attacker with his shield, knocking the wind out of him despite his armor. His enemy’s sword arm went weak and Dominick spun the sword out of his hand, knocking it to the ground. Then with the hilt of his own sword he hit the man in the throat causing the attacker to fall off his horse.

  To Dominick’s horror when he looked back at Eleanor, McPhearson was charging toward his unaware wife.

  In helpless fright, Eleanor watched the battle taking place in the meadow. The sound of swords clashing, horses crying and men dying made her heartsick. The smell of blood and gore drifted on the wind, engulfing her, threatening to turn her stomach.

  To her relief she found Dominick amidst the chaos, alive and unhurt. Her heart pounded in her chest when she saw a man lurch at him with sword raised. Dominick quickly dispatched him with a downward blow.

  The thundering of hooves headed toward her drew her attention, and she turned to find McPhearson charging at her. She kicked White Wind’s flanks, but the horse had no time to gain momentum and escape before McPhearson’s arm slipped around Eleanor’s waist and he pulled her from her saddle. He planted her firmly in front of him, turned his horse and rode back into the forest.