by B. J. Scott
Edina nibbled on her lower lip and shifted in her seat, tempted to race after him, to beg him to stay. But by doing so, she would embarrass her father and insult Duncan before her entire clan. Despite what was in her heart, she did not act on her impulse.
“He seems like a nice fellow. I’ve heard tales of his valor in the battles with the English.” Duncan sat, picked up his tankard of ale, and took a sip. “Have you known him long?”
“Aye. Since we were bairns. His da was one of my father’s dearest friends.” She answered Duncan’s questions, but her eyes remained on the door. Dare she hope Alasdair would have a change of heart and return for her? But as the minutes passed, she resolved herself to the fact she’d likely seen the last of him.
The thunder of his pounding heart resonated in Alasdair’s ears. Anger threatened to consume him as he stomped toward the stable with his fists balled. Had he not contained himself and acted on instinct, he’d have taken Duncan by the throat and pummeled him for being so forward with Edina.
It was plain the man had no sense of decency or respect for the lass. The suggestive way Duncan spoke to her and kissed her hand in front of her kin and the entire clan infuriated him. The familiarity with which he put his arm around Edina, acting as if he already owned her, caused Alasdair’s blood boil.
Alasdair refused to stand idly by and watch Duncan take inappropriate liberties, but it was not his place to intervene. The sooner he left, the better, lest he end up in a brawl and wound up in the pit again.
“Will you slow down?” Jayden shouted as he raced up from behind, almost running into Alasdair when he came to an abrupt halt and turned to face him.
“I have nothing tae say and must be on my way. There is no reason to tarry here any longer and there are things I must do afore I rejoin the Bruce. Naught you say will change my mind,” Alasdair growled. Why his friend could not accept his decision was a puzzle.
“You could stay and fight for her. Is that not reason enough tae remain?” Jayden blurted out. “Nay-say it if you want, but any fool could see you care for my sister a great deal and my guess is she feels the same. If not for you, she’d have died on the beach. She owes you her life and I know she would like you tae stay.”
“You’re daft. She is merely grateful. Women are nothing but trouble and I have no desire tae take a wife. Even if I was interested, which I am not, she is promised tae Sutherland, a man who has far more tae offer her and your clan. The battle with the MacDougalls and MacCanns will soon take place and I must get back. Robert needs every man he can round up.”
“If you werena so thrawn and in such a rush tae leave, I’d join you.”
“Then come with me. But make haste. I have delayed long enough,” Alasdair replied.
“You know I canna leave afore the wedding. If you are too bull-headed tae speak up for her, I willna insult Duncan by my absence. One day, I will be laird of Clan Sinclair and I refuse tae do anything to disgrace my father or my kin.”
“You’ve made your choice. I respect your right tae choose loyalty tae family over friendship, just as I wish you would respect my decision to go. I may not have a future with your sister, but I’ll not stand by and see Edina wed tae another man.” Alasdair turned to leave, but Jayden placed his hand on his shoulder, halting his retreat.
“I wish we’d had more time to catch up. Once Edina is married, I will join you. Together we will face the MacDougalls.” Jayden held out his hand, but when Alasdair grasped his wrist, he yanked his friend into a tight embrace. “Take care, Alasdair. If you stop tae see your brothers afore you join the Bruce give them my regards.”
“I will if I can ever be on my way.” Alasdair laughed and backed out of Jayden’s embrace.
Jayden nodded. “Godspeed. I will see you in a sennight.”
Alasdair heaved a sigh of relief when Jayden trotted back toward the castle. Had he kept up his relentless badgering much longer, he might have succeeded in convincing him to stay, and to fight for Edina’s hand. A battle he had no hope of winning and no intention of waging. Sutherland had so much to offer, and he had naught but himself. A poor comparison by any man’s standards.
Despite the inevitable, Jayden was right in his assumption. Alasdair’s chest felt like it was being crushed by bands of iron. Edina had managed to worm her way into the carefully guarded heart. He’d miss her sweet smile and the soft lilt of her voice, along with her strong will and dogged determination. Her offer to run away with him had been tempting, but they were not destined to be together.
He cursed. He wanted no woman in his life, but Edina had him questioning his chosen path. She was better off without him and the sooner he left Sinclair Castle the sooner he could forget about the little minx.
Determined to purge her from his mind once and for all, he gritted his teeth and resumed his trek toward the stable. He’d saddle Odin and be on his way. If he rode hard all day, he’d be able to put a good deal of distance between them.
“Lad, fetch my horse,” Alasdair said to a young stable hand.
“Are you leaving, m’lord, or just going out for a ride?” the lad asked.
“What difference does it make? I need my mount either way. If you must know, I willna be returning.” Alasdair softened his tone. It was not the lad’s fault he was in such a foul mood.
“Then I’ll put some oats in a sack for you tae take along.” The lad limped over to a large barrel in the corner, picked up a canvas bag, filled it with grain, and handed it to Alasdair. “I’ll go fetch your horse.”
“Never mind.” Alasdair brought his fingers to his lips and whistled.
Odin trotted into the stable and stood a few feet away from his master. “Good lad. You’ve never let me down.” Alasdair stroked the animal’s mane before addressing the lad again. “What ails you? I saw you in the bailey yesterday. The other bairns were playing, but you stood off to the side watching.” He noticed on closer scrutiny that the lad’s left leg was not nearly as well muscled as the right.
The lad lowered his eyes and kicked at a stone with his good leg. “I’m not like the others.”
Alasdair cocked his head to the side and studied the lad’s downtrodden expression. “I dinna understand. You appeared tae be the same age as the other bairns, mayhap even a tad older.”
“Aye, I have seen twelve summers, but they dinna wish tae play with me.” He balled his fist and pounded it against his left thigh. “I’m small for my age and my leg gives me trouble. I canna keep up. They taunt me because I’m different and call me names. My da told me I had better learn tae accept it. He said I was cursed with poor health and a game leg when I was born and would never be like the other bairns, or grow tae be a strong warrior. Sometimes, I think he is ashamed tae call me his son.” He dropped his chin and stared at the ground.
Alasdair swallowed hard as memories of his youth, his own afflictions, and the frustration he’d felt when he was not much older than this lad came crashing back. “Your da is wrong,” Alasdair blurted out, allowing the depth of his emotions to color his words. “You can be or do anything if you want it badly enough. I was a sickly bairn and there was a time when people said the same things about me. My two younger brothers fought my battles for me because I couldna do it myself.”
“You, m’lord?” The boy’s mouth gaped open. “You are a brawny warrior, mayhap one of the largest, strongest men I have ever seen. I’ve heard tales of your ferocity in battle, that men fear you.”
“I was born with a weak constitution and spent most of my younger days in a sickbed. Many believed I wouldna live tae see manhood. Tall, but spindly for my age, with my ungodly hair, the bairns teased me as they do you, about my size, appearance, and limitations. But I proved them all wrong and so can you.” He placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “If you work at it, you can become stronger than, and as fierce as any warrior in King Robert’s army.” I would stake my life on it.”
The boy’s eyes widened. “Do you really think so?”
“I would
stake my life on it. Dinna listen to what others say. Follow what is in here.” Alasdair thumped his chest. “And here,” he concluded and tapped his brow.
The lad nodded. “I will do my best, m’lord.” A broad smile crossed his lips.
“I can offer you one more bit of advice, and it pays tae mind. You canna go wrong with a horse for a companion. But stay as far away from woman as you can.”
“I’ll keep it in mind, m’lord,” the lad replied. “Will you be needing me for anything else?”
“Nay, you can run along. I am sure you must have plenty of work tae keep you busy.”
The boy bowed and turned to leave when Alasdair called him back. “You’ve taken excellent care of Odin. Accept this with my thanks.” He tossed the lad a piece of silver.
“Och, thank you, m’lord.” Beaming, the lad clutched the coin in a tight fist.
“You’re welcome. Now be off with you.” Alasdair tousled the lad’s hair, then patted him on the backside.
“What do you say, Odin? Shall we be off as well?” After tightening the cinches, Alasdair threw his leg over the animal’s back, and pulled himself into the saddle. With a sharp kick to the flanks, his mount bolted forward. He dipped his head as they passed under the doorframe of the stable and did not look back as they sped across the bailey and through the iron gates of the castle.
Chapter 19
Edina pretended to listen as Duncan told her about himself and his plans for their future. She nodded politely, but her thoughts kept wandering back to Alasdair. Was he really gone?
“Good riddance,” she muttered under her breath. If he was too blind to see they were meant to be together, he deserved to be alone.
“Did you say something?” Duncan asked.
“Nay. Please tell me more about your clan.” Edina forced a smile and gently touched his forearm, but she averted her eyes, afraid he would know she was lying.
“I am sure you will like living at Sutherland Castle. My da has not been well and I’d like tae return as soon as possible. If you are agreeable, I will speak tae your father and see if we can be wed on the morrow.”
“I’m sorry tae hear your father hasna been well. Is that why Laird Sutherland dinna accompany you?” She was determined to keep the discussion away from the topic of their upcoming marriage. Albeit unsuccessful.
“Aye, he has been ailing for a while and plans tae step down as laird once I am married. He will be anxious for me tae produce an heir, so I want tae try for a babe right away.”
Edina swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat the size of a boulder. She nibbled on her bottom lip, not sure how to broach the subject foremost on her mind. “Can I ask you something?”
“Certainly. What is it you want tae know,” Duncan replied.
“Is this agreement between our fathers, the wedding I mean, what you truly want?” she blurted out.
“Why would you ask?” Duncan’s brow furrowed.
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other and stared at the floor, searching for the right words. The last thing she wanted to do was offend him. And she certainly did not want to make him angry. But the need to know gave her the courage to press on.
“I’ve heard rumors about a lass from the Mackenzie Clan. I was told the two of you have been in love since you were bairns, and would understand if you wished tae marry her in my stead.”
There, she’d said her piece. Edina peered up at Duncan, waiting for his response.
Duncan coughed to clear his throat. “The past means naught. We canna always follow our hearts, Edina. Especially if we are destined tae lead a clan and must abide by tradition.”
“That isna what I asked you.” Edina wrung her hands and shuffled her feet. “Do you still love her?”
“Whether I love Oceana or not doesna matter. Our fathers entered into a pact and it is our duty tae honor their wishes. The King has also sanctioned this union in hopes of uniting the clans and we are bound tae abide by his decree. Are you not pleased with your father’s choice?”
“You are a dashing warrior, Duncan. Any woman would be proud tae call you husband. But I dinna wish tae marry a man who is in love with another.”
“I can promise I will be a good husband, Edina. I’m sure in time we will grow tae care for each other,” Duncan replied.
Care for each other? That is not what she’d hoped for in a marriage. Unlike her parents, she wanted to wed a man she loved, someone who felt the same way about her. “I have known since I was a wee bairn that a mate would be chosen for me, I just hoped that we would love each other.”
Duncan did not answer. Instead, he changed the subject. “After the fine meal your cook has provided, I would like to go for a walk. Will you accompany me, mayhap give me a tour of the castle grounds?”
Edina covered her mouth to stifle a yawn. “As you know, I am still recovering from my tumble intae the water and near death. I find myself verra tired. If you dinna mind, I would like tae go tae my solar and rest awhile.”
Duncan took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I understand. If you’ll permit me, I will escort you tae your chamber.”
She placed her free hand on his chest. “Thank you, but it willna be necessary. I am sure my father and brother have many things tae discuss with you. I have lived in this castle since I was a babe and can find my way.” She slid her hand out of Duncan’s grasp, curtsied, turned on her heel, and scurried out of the great hall.
When she arrived at her chamber, Edina entered and quickly closed the door. She rested her back against the wooden slab, her heart racing. What was she going to do? William had not returned with the Mackenzie lass, and even if he did, she was no longer certain her plan would work. Duncan seemed bent on honoring the pact between their fathers and wanted the wedding to take place as soon as possible. If only Alasdair had been willing to fight for her.
She ran a shaky hand down her gown as she crossed the room, a sense of dread suddenly washing over her.
Something was amiss.
A strong arm snaked around her waist and hauled her against a solid wall of muscle. A dirty hand covered her mouth.
“I’ll bet you thought you’d seen the last of me. Thanked the Almighty when you assumed he’d seen tae my demise,” the man hissed in her ear. “Did you think you’d get off that easily? You got away once, but it willna happen again.”
Her chest constricted. She recognized the gravelly cadence of Callum’s voice. When her struggle to break free failed, she bit down on his hand, tasting blood.
“Satan’s bitch,” he yelped, then released her, bringing his injured hand to his lips.
Edina backed away and rubbed her eyes in disbelief, but when her vision cleared, he was still standing before her. “How can this be? You’re dead.”
“Am I?” he growled, then tossed back his head and laughed. “Then I suppose you are about to be bedded, then flayed by a spirit.”
“This canna be! My father’s men saw you fall to your death from the cliffs.” Edina gasped for air as she continued to back away, but her eyes remained focused on Callum. He was blocking the doorway, her only means of escape, so she frantically searched for a weapon, something she could use to defend herself.
“That little slip played nicely into my plans. The fools never found my body, did they? Suffice tae say, they were mistaken when they presumed I was dead.” He pulled a dirk from his boot and took a menacing step forward.
“You are a wanted man. Why would you return to the castle and risk capture?” Edina asked on a strangled breath. Her heart hammered against her ribs and fear squeezed, but she refused to show any weakness. A blackguard like Callum would use that to his advantage and she had no intention of giving up without a fight.
He lurched forward with his hand outstretched, but she managed to sidestep his grasp. “You were meant to be mine and I am here to collect my prize.”
“Damn you, Callum.” The curse left her lips before she could stop it, the words feeding his anger. “You willn
a get away with this. If they dinna catch you in the act, my father will hunt you down and see you punished.”
“I am already damned. Your father has seen tae that. You may not be a virgin anymore, but I can still sate my needs afore I slit your throat. No one betrays me and gets away with it. You should have heeded my warning when we were on the ship.” He inched closer.
“You dinna have tae do this, Callum. If you leave now, you can escape afore anyone knows you were here. I always thought of you like an uncle, and my father trusted you, treated you like a brother.” While she was certain trying to reason with the man would do no good, she had to try.
“Your father is a fool. Were it not for my guidance, he would never have been a great leader. I run this clan, not him, and have for many years,” Callum boasted. “But you had to ruin everything.”
“I did naught. It was you who tried tae accost me against my will, betrayed my father’s faith in you. But despite your treacherous acts, I am sure my father would have shown you mercy, that he had no intention of seeing you hang.”
Callum spat on the floor. “I dinna want his kind of mercy. If he banished me, I’d have nothing tae live for. I would rather he’d run me through. But your da willna get the chance tae humiliate me before the clan. Once I finish with you, I will help myself tae some coin from the village coffers, then be off afore anyone knows I have been here.” An evil smirk crossed his lips. “By the time they find your body, I will be long gone. Since everyone believes I am dead, they will have no idea who committed the deed and I will be free to start my life anew.”
When Callum tried to grab for Edina’s arm, she picked up a tankard from the table and tossed it, striking him on the side of his head. He cursed and lunged at her again, catching the sleeve of her gown as she tried to scoot around the bed, but she managed to twist free.
“It will do you no good tae fight me, lass. You’ll only prolong what is destined tae happen.” He groaned when he struck his toe on the leg of the bed. His face flushed red with anger and a string of ribald curses spewed from his mouth.