The Chieftain's Daughter

by Leigh Ann Edwards

  “Never you mind what I’m doin’; I’m not speakin’ to you at the moment!”

  “Ah, so what’s the lovely wee sound comin’ out of yer sweet mouth then?” He attempted to lighten her mood.

  She did not respond for she had been overtaken with a clear vision. She was a small child, so very young that she had not remembered this deeply suppressed memory. It was surely long before she had come to live with Morag for at that time she’d been three years of age. In this vision she was possibly not yet able to walk for Morag carried her upon her hip. She watched as Morag pulled back the glowing stone while she held her in her arms.

  Then Alainn watched intently as her younger self removed the silver metal crest from within the hole in the wall. Morag had surely known the metal was charmed by Mara and that only Alainn would be able to remove it. How would she ever be capable of remembering where the portion of the amulet had been taken or placed when she had perhaps not lived yet one year on this earth at that time it was removed?

  “By all that is holy, curses Morag, what the hell have you done?” she screamed aloud, causing half the men in the dungeon to quake in fear and Killian to open his eyes and stare uncertainly at her.

  “You’re cursing the dead now, are ye? Not content to simply direct your anger at the druids, me, or Irishmen in general? Alainn, look at the bright side of all of this.”

  “There’s a bright side to this, Killian. I simply cannot wait to hear what could be construed as a bright part of this night!”

  “Aye, well we thought we’d be spending this night apart and sure we’re together after all!”

  Alainn knelt down beside him once more and she felt the tears sting her eyes again as she looked at Killian and the love and warmth that remained within his pain-filled, green eyes. She tenderly caressed his hair and softly brushed her lips against his. He seemed relieved and she saw his lids close.

  She had a sudden notion, but wasn’t certain if it was actually a viable possibility. She carefully removed her amulet once more and placed it in her pocket. His eyes remained closed and he did not seem aware of her recent actions. She took both his hands in her own and quietly asked him to envision the spring in the glade. Although he seemed uncertain what she was attempting, he halfheartedly did as instructed. Alainn concentrated on it as deeply as she could, but when she opened her eyes nothing had changed. They remained in the dungeon. She wasn’t certain what to do next.

  She knew she could be transported from one place to another, but she’d felt certain she could ensure that Killian could be transported along with her. Once, in the realm of the gods, she had unsuccessfully attempted to bring Killian to her, but this was entirely different. She would be taking him with her. She dared to remove the amulet that hung around his neck. He called out in pain at even this slight movement, and it was clear he wanted to ask her what she was doing, but he was surely too weak and helpless to speak.

  Once more, when she attempted to take them to the glade, nothing happened. She was nearly at her wit’s end, when she remembered something she’d once told Killian. She could seldom hear his thoughts unless they were joined. When they were one, her magic was the strongest and they had the strongest physical and supernatural connection.

  She despised having his amulet off for such a lengthy time, especially when she was uncertain when or if the dark demon, who often could be found lurking in the dungeon, would appear at any time, but there was naught to do about it.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Killian lay on his side and she wasn’t certain what she hoped to attempt was a possibility at any rate. She placed his amulet in the pocket of her frock beside her own. There was no easy way to achieve what must be done and, in the dismal shape he was in, she doubted he would be capable of the actions that must be achieved. She edged closer to him and ever so gently placed another kiss on his lips, a slow tender kiss. She felt him respond, but only to calm her fears and reassure her he was not unconscious again. When she persisted with the kiss and began kissing him in a way that involved the use of her tongue in a distinctly sensual manner that was often done only when they were passionately making love, he opened his eyes again.

  “Lainna, if you’re thinkin’ what I believe you’re thinkin’, yer about to be gravely disappointed, for there’s no way we’ll be spending’ tonight together in that fashion. I can’t image you’d think I would be capable of doin’ what you’re suggesting, nor can I believe that is what you really want, not here, like this, even though you’ve admirably arranged for us to have the chamber all to ourselves.”

  “Hush, Killian!” she whispered as she fervently kissed him, a long and lasting kiss again, and this time her hands went to the fastenings of his trews.

  “Pain is surely not the greatest inducement for arousal, Alainn!” He groaned as he felt a slash on his back being opened further.

  “You underestimate the great power of arousal to momentarily assist you in forgetting your pain, Killian!” she whispered as her kisses tasted the musky saltiness of his neck. Her hands continued with their intended actions and he was disbelieving to find himself becoming hard, despite his belief it would not be a possibility.

  “And now what do you intend to do about this, Lainna. Sure, I can’t move without bein’ in a good deal of discomfort, and I believe you’d be hard-pressed to think of a position that won’t hamper my maladies!”

  She lay down beside him with her back to him. Careful not to disturb his position, she untied the overcoat and pulled her skirts up over her hips, resting her softness against him. She guided him within her as gently as she could manage, and he cried out once, but she soon felt his arms tighten around her and his hand found her breast. He slid it beneath her torn chemise and she felt her nipple harden at his touch.

  The pain in her own shoulder screamed out wildly, but she moved slowly and then she spoke to Killian who had apparently become most intent in what they were doing. “Now you must picture the glade, the water where we made love only this morning! Do you see it; can you feel the warmth against our bodies?”

  “Oh, I feel a lovely warmth, Lainna, but it has nothin’ to do with the water in the spring!”

  “Killian.” She gasped as she arched her hips in response to her own mounting passion. “Listen to me; think of making love in the spring!”

  “By Christ, I have the most demandin’ wife ever known to man, I swear it!”

  She moaned lowly, becoming more and more appreciative of both the sensation of his hand caressing her peaked nipple and of him moving within her.

  It was at this moment the captain arrived with the physician. He was about to unlock the door when he peeked inside the window of the large wooden portal. He looked once then looked away, but looked back again.

  The physician wondered what had startled the other man so completely. “Are we not going to go in to take them the spring water and the ointments?”

  “I think the woman is administering her own type of treatment at the moment. We’ll not disturb them for a time!” Mac felt his cheeks flame and shook his head at the very consideration that Killian O’Brien was bedding his wife, or she him as it appeared to be. The lashes on the young man’s back were as deep and laid open, as severe as Mac had ever seen. He’d been lashed once as a lad, about Killian’s age, and he’d barely been able to move for days. Killian was either an extremely virile, young lad, or his wife was capable of making him forget anything but her.

  The physician finally peeked inside the door himself to see what had the large Scot blushing and had left him speechless.

  “I don’t see anything!” He declared.

  “Well, maybe they’re through with it then!”

  “No, Captain, I don’t see anything or anyone. This chamber is entirely empty!”

  “What in hell are you talking about, man? Are you blind, then?”

  Mackenzie MacArthur turned and glanced inside the cell once more and he thought he’d lost his mind completely, for indeed, the room was vacan
t. Killian and his young bride were nowhere to be found, and Mac deemed he was going to be in an unenviable predicament if Hugh O’Brien learned of this unusual development!

  Killian was not yet vaguely aware that they were no longer in the dungeon. He’d felt Alainn move from him and now she was apparently attempting to remove his trews. The pain wracked his body and made him tremble involuntarily. He heard her weeping in earnest and he wanted to comfort her, but he was far too weak and weary. He wanted to feel her warm hands upon him, sense her healing him, but mostly he wanted to sleep. He needed to sleep and he knew she’d understand. His hand briefly managed to touch hers before he gave in to the nagging, overwhelming weariness.

  Alainn struggled to remove the trews. And when she finally managed it she realized the disturbing reason for the difficulty. The lashes had gone through the fabric of the garment and pieces of the fabric were deeply imbedded in the wounds that covered Killian’s buttocks as well as his back. She sobbed throughout the entire time she gently pulled him through the water and onto his side against the bank of the creek that fed the spring. She removed the remnants of his garments and then bathed his wounds with the healing waters. She’d returned their amulets to the place around their necks as soon as they had been transported to the glade. She watched as the wounds slowly begin to heal. It was taking longer than usual, but these wounds were not of a usual type. They were deep and lain open and she reasoned whoever had issued the lashings had not shown any mercy because Killian was the earl’s nephew. In truth, he’d probably suffered a greater infliction of the whip.

  She heard the many fairies and creatures whispering around her. Many came to see what they might do by way of magic to assist them. She attempted a smile at their sympathetic gazes but her tears continued to fall.

  “Whomever amongst you who claims magical powers of healing please direct the healing to my husband and to the water. I would be much appreciative to all of you.” she sobbed.

  The many orbed fairies flew just above the water and Alainn saw the water begin to glow. The larger fairies lifted their enchanted wands and the water immediately grew warmer and Alainn inhaled the new scent of healing herbs.

  The elves, sprites, and nymphs, gracefully skimmed along the water so quickly it appeared they were running upon it, and soon it began to bubble and churn. The gnomes who were unable to tolerate being too near the water and who could not fly, soon congregated toward Alainn and whispered many words of enchantment and their bright smiles warmed Alainn’s heart. Soon the water began to swirl and tiny magical waterfalls poured gently upon Killian’s back.

  Then Alainn looked up to see a truly unusual sight, the one solitary creature they had seen previously, dressed in green and known for his mischievous tendencies and elusiveness, stood before her and the empathy in his deep-set eyes and crumpled face was obvious. His homely, little face smiled a sad smile at her as a lone tear rolled down his cheek when he looked at the many wounds upon Killian’s back. He sniffed aloud and then formed a fist and Alainn was uncertain what the creature intended by that action, then he whistled loudly and surely a thousand tiny prisms appeared above the water like miniature rainbows that shone upon the water and made it twinkle and sparkle surely brighter than any starlit night.

  Alainn smiled back at him for she knew his magic was of an unusually strong variety and that it would assist greatly in Killian’s healing.

  “Thank you, I thank all of you most sincerely!” she whispered to the mystical creatures. “My husband and I thank you for your many acts of kindness! It shall never be forgotten.”

  The little, solitary creature blushed deeply and then raced to hide behind the bushes once more as fast as his small legs would carry him. The other creatures replied in different manners. Some bowed, some sang, some spoke in their high squeaky voices, but it was evident that each of them needed no inducement to assist Alainn.

  She realized her own ailments were beginning to ease in intensity and she prayed Killian was beginning to notice some relief from his anguish as well. When she felt she’d done all she could for her husband, she sensed she was on the verge of sleep herself. She employed her powers to move his head and shoulders to rest upon the soft grass, but his body remained within the warm magical waters. She removed her own soiled garments, lay beside him and placed her arms around him protectively and lovingly. Finally, she allowed herself to enter slumber as well.

  When Killian awoke, he stretched and was astonished to find the movement caused little pain. He then became aware the sun shone brightly and magically upon him and he soon realized he was not within the dungeon. He had an unclear image of Alainn arousing him and them making love, and that was the last he recalled. He had still not opened his eyes and when he did he shook his head, thinking he was experiencing visions caused by possible fever.

  Alainn lay beside him, naked, sleeping, and he knew at once where they were, but remained uncertain how they’d come to be there. He turned in attempt to look at his injuries on his lower back. The lash marks were visible, but they no longer gaped open and, for the most part, but for a couple of scabbed areas where the wounds had been the deepest, they appeared nearly healed. He knew her powers and the healing waters had accomplished this seemingly impossible task. The bruises on her back were faded almost entirely, and her wrist no longer looked bent unnaturally. He wasn’t certain what time it was, but he reasoned they would need to get back to the dungeon before anyone learned they were gone. He gently shook Alainn to waken her and she awoke in a frantic state.

  “Killian? Where are you Killian?” she cried out.

  “I’m here, Lainna, right here with you, my only love!”

  He put his arms around her as she turned to face him. Her eyes held a haunted quality, and he wanted to see them shine once more with love and contentment. She only allowed the embrace to last for but a moment and then she sat up needing to assess the damage that had been done to him and how effective the water had been.

  “Move your arms, Killian! Show me you are mostly well!”

  “Aye, I’m a good deal better than I was last night! In truth, I’m feelin’ quite well!” he murmured as he gently pulled her down to the ground beside him. He attempted to nestle her in hope of a more amorous union. She swatted his hands away from her and she moved away and in an instant she stood and was attired in her tattered gown.

  “By Christ, Alainn. You practically raped me last night, had your way with me when I wanted was to lie still and never move again, and now that I’m feeling well and healed and in need of an intimate time with you, you’ll hear of none of it!”

  “You will expend not a muscle to love me or do anything else that requires strength or endurance, not until that infernal challenge is concluded, and if you attempt to argue with me, I’ll...”

  “What exactly will you do to me, Alainn?” he whispered tauntingly as he stood beside her and tried to kiss her once more.

  “Killian, I am most serious, and you should be, too. We must get back to the castle dungeon before Mac is punished for allowing us to be placed together.”

  She glanced at his muscular, impressive body and its present state of obvious arousal, sighed a deeply regretful sigh, and then reluctantly called upon her powers to see him clothed in his garments as well. He smiled a half-smile and that only proved to make tears to form in her lovely blue eyes.

  “Please forgive me, Killian. I would never have wished for you to be forced to bear the pain that was meant for me. And I did not intend to cross the priest. How did you know to come to my rescue?”

  He placed his strong arms around her and held her tight to him with his chin resting upon her head. “I place no blame on you, Alainn. The wee boys and their father came to me. They told me what had happened. Their father showed me their many brutal bruises, and I was horrified at what that despicable old man had done to them. When they told me he’d beaten you as well and that you’d been taken away, I imagined a hundred different punishments you might have been dealt. I
was only thankful I made it to you in time to prevent you from receiving the lashes.”

  “Thank you, my only love.” she whispered again.

  “I’m your husband, Alainn. ’Tis my duty and my honor to protect you from any and all unpleasantness, and from whatever hardship I am able!”

  “But how did they know to go to you, Killian?”

  “They said when you were sleeping they heard you speak to them inside their heads! Their father was greatly disturbed by that notion, but he was wise to listen to them.”

  “I don’t remember any of that, Killian, but I do know children are much more open to and highly attuned to the acceptance of supernatural abilities. I am most thankful for that!”

  Killian glanced up toward the sky to determine what time it might be, but then looked at Alainn for he knew there was no way for him to be capable of judging the time here in the glade.

  “Aye, ’tis time we must return!”

  “And how do we manage it? Can’t we go back in the same manner we came?” He suggested as he kissed her passionately.

  “Not this time. We are of considerable sturdier health than we were last night, so now I think we can simply envision the dungeon and we’ll be able to transport ourselves back. Hold tight to my hand and think hard of the darkness, the unpleasantness!”

  “I’d really rather accomplish it the other way,” he interrupted her.

  “Killian, I am attempting to be serious.”

  “And so am I.” He jested and playfully swatted her backside.

  “Heed me, husband.” She ordered and her eyes narrowed solemnly.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Killian sighed, but took her hands in his and envisioned the setting she’d been describing. When nothing happened, she pulled her amulet from her neck, yet again. Slowly the area around them became blurry, the daylight turned to darkness and they found themselves back within the chamber they’d been the previous night. This time, however, they weren’t alone for the captain stood there looking worried and displeased.