The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2)

by Gafford, Deborah

  Ailis moved closer, her eyes sparkling with merriment as if his words amused her. "And you would have me believe such a tale?" She cast her gaze about as if she looked for proof.

  Suddenly, a brisk breeze stirred, lifting autumn leaves from the ground and whirling them around in a small eddy. Dappled sunlight shone through the trees creating a shifting whirlpool of yellow, orange and red. Then, just as suddenly, the breeze ended dropping the leaves back to earth.

  Ailis' voice whispered in the quiet stillness. 'Tis easy to see why folk believe as they do. There is almost a magical feel here."

  Gavin nodded. "Aye, I have not believed in faeries since I was a lad, but there is something about our land. Something that seems to connect us, to call out to us. Sometimes I feel as if—" He pursed his lips and looked away. By the saints, what was he doing? The lass would think him daft if he were to tell her his thoughts.

  Ailis picked up a golden brown leaf and twirled it in her fingers. "In Ireland, 'tis said the spirits of our ancestors speak to us if we will but listen."

  "Och, lass, we Scots feel much the same but I feared to say as much lest you think me daft." He smiled at her. "Let us speak of other things. What think you of Kirkholm? Of my clan?"

  "I know not what to say. Kirkholm is grand and your people have treated me well. Megan is as dear as a sister to me…" Her voice trailed off.

  Gavin saw her shoulders slump and watched as she bit her lower lip as if to keep from voicing her sadness. It grieved him to see her so troubled. Silently, he again vowed to track down and kill the bloody bastard who had caused her so much pain.

  He reached out, pulled the dry leaf from her fingers and dropped it to the ground. Then he tenderly enclosed her hand in his and squeezed gently until she raised her gaze to meet his. "I am glad you feel so accepted with my clan, lass. You will always have a home and family at Kirkholm if you choose to stay with us."

  Slowly, he leaned forward until his lips were nigh unto touching hers, their breaths mingling as one. For a moment she returned his gaze then her dark lashes drifted down hiding her eyes from him. He leaned closer, softly touching her face with his lips. Leisurely, he kissed the raven hair at the edge of her brow, then the creamy skin of her forehead and her temples. Forcing himself to go slow, he kissed her closed eyelids and then her cheeks.

  Moving languidly across her face, he caressed and kissed each beautiful feature. When he reached her full lips, reddened by her worrying, he blew a slow warm breath against them before he covered them with his own. God. They were soft as doeskin and sweet as honeyed mead. Never had he been so stirred by a first kiss.

  'Twas naught he could do but deepen it. Slowly, he suckled her bottom lip, feeling her open to him. With a tenderness he ne'er knew he possessed, he pressed his tongue past the edge of her mouth, savoring the feel of her warm lips. Time stopped as he tasted the inner recesses of her mouth and held her in his arms. He could go on this way forever. In truth, he ached to touch her. All of her. To feel her beneath him—

  Her whimpered breath mingling with his own brought him sharply to his senses. He leaned back against the tree and looked into her wide eyes. What he saw surprised him.

  'Twas not a look of reproach or one of lusty experience that he saw mirrored in her dusky gaze. Nay, 'twas an expression of such trust and innocence that he felt humbled. Never before had a maid touched his heart as mightily as his passion.

  By the saints, he best stop before he found himself before a priest and wed for the rest of his days. For that he vowed never to do and 'twas nay use trying to explain. Silently, he gently squeezed her hands, then stood and helped her to her feet. Picking up the basket and plaid, he led Ailis back to the wagon.

  Chapter Seven

  Ailis darted a nervous glance at Gavin as she rode beside him. Her thoughts were so jumbled, she could think of naught to say. Sweet Mary, what had she been thinking to let him hold her and kiss her as she had? She had ne'er done so with any man before. Aye, but ne'er before had she met a man like Gavin, one who stirred such longing in her.

  She touched her lips, still tender from his kisses and glanced at him again. Heat washed over her as their gazes met. Embarrassed, she dropped her hand to her lap and forced her gaze straight ahead.

  After minutes of staring at the rutted wagon path ahead of them, Ailis shifted on the seat and straightened her clothing, brushing the dust from her dress. She watched the clouds overhead, clasped and unclasped her hands in her lap and tapped her foot against the wagon.

  How long was it going to take to get to the village? By the saints, how would she endure sitting beside him for the long ride to Craigmuir without losing her sanity? Aye, or perhaps her honor? She dared not look at him again. Those smiling green eyes of his could charm her into his arms and the bed of the wagon or out on a mossy hillside. Of that she had no doubt.

  He reached over and covered her fidgeting fingers as they tapped together in her lap. She jumped and snatched her hand back. Against her will, she raised her eyes to look at him. By Saint Brighid, he was a handsome man. If only… nay, she must not hope for aught between them.

  Even though her earlier suspicions of his cousin and him were fading like the morning mist when the sun begins to rise, she must not let herself become too fond of him. Only heartbreak or worse lay down that tangled path. She shook her head to clear her mind of her tempting thoughts.

  His chuckle surrounded her like a mild spring breeze, soft and enticing. "Why are you shaking your head at me, lass? I only meant to point out the village to you." He raised his arm and pointed to a cluster of small buildings ahead of them.

  Once again, Ailis felt her cheeks grow warm beneath his gaze but she said naught. Grasping her hair and pulling it forward over her shoulder, she began to plait it into a long braid. Perhaps if she took her time, she would not have to look into his eyes again before they arrived.

  Fie, what was she thinking? The new surroundings would do naught for her unsettled thoughts. Only returning to Kirkholm and escaping to the room she shared with Megan would help. As long as she was near Gavin, she would desire what she could not have.

  Pushing her braided hair back over her shoulder, she felt the talisman rub against her skin beneath her dress. Her breath caught in her throat as the truth hit her.

  She darted a quick glance at the smiling man beside her, then looked away. The proof had been within her grasp when he had held her in his embrace. For the space of a heartbeat, sunlight had reflected from it where it hung in the open neck of his shirt as he had leaned down to help her to her feet. Fool that she was, she had been so dazed by his kisses that her pitiful mind had not realized what her eyes had seen.

  Praise the saints, a talisman hung securely about Gavin's neck on a silver chain. True, she had seen but a mere glimpse of it, but 'twas there. Unless he had two, then the one she had found could not belong to him. And the talisman she had was nay so fine as the one he wore. The realization brought tears to her eyes and she blinked them back.

  How could she have suspected him? Aught he did bespoke of his innocence. For over a fortnight now she had secretly watched him as he labored daily alongside his people for the benefit of all. He truly cared about his clan and treated everyone with honor and kindness. Never did he react with harshness or rule unjustly.

  His actions regarding Paddy proved he would do much simply to spare an old man's pride. No black-hearted murderer would concern himself with such. Ever since she arrived at Kirkholm she had seen proof that Gavin was not the murderer she sought. Nay, even before then. Had he not cared for her and fed her when she burned her hands? Aye, there was goodness in Gavin not often seen in other men.

  The tightness eased in Ailis' chest. Why had she not seen it before? Her heart had known what her mind had not. Never could she feel so strongly about a killer. Nay, he was not the one.

  Somehow in the days she'd spent wandering the forest she had missed finding the true murderer. Stumbling across Gavin and his cousin there had convinc
ed her of their guilt. Naught else existed to prove it. In truth, everything she saw spoke of their innocence.

  "Well, lass, are you going to talk to me or have the faeries stolen your tongue?"

  Startled from her thoughts, she looked up and smiled. "My… my apologies. I fear my mind was elsewhere."

  "Aye, the ride can be distracting if you have not come this way before."

  Ailis nodded. Never would she tell him that he was the cause of her distraction.

  #

  Within minutes, they arrived in the village. Ailis noticed the pleasant greetings Gavin received as they passed by. 'Twas for certain the man beside her was well liked.

  Gavin nodded and waved back in open friendship. He leaned toward her and spoke softly. "We have many MacPherson kin and friends here."

  Shortly, he pulled the wagon to a halt in front of a shop that sold all manner of wares. Reaching inside his sporran, he took several coins from it and turned to her. "Here, lass, perhaps you'll find something that you desire."

  She shook her head. "Nay, 'tis no need to do that."

  He smiled and pressed the coins into her hand. "'Twould please me for you to take them and buy something for yourself."

  She nodded and closed her fingers over the coins.

  He dismounted, walked around to the other side and reached up for her.

  Ailis leaned into his strong grasp. His touch sent a quiver of delight coursing through her as he wrapped his hands around her waist. With seemingly no effort, he lifted her down from the wagon. For a wondrous moment his firm, broad hands lingered at her waist, then he released her with a smile. She shivered.

  Sensing his gaze, she looked up at his pleased expression. He leaned close, his whispered breath caressing her cheek. "Ah, lass, can it be my touch causes you to tremble?"

  "Nay. 'Tis just the cool air. 'Twas warmer in the wagon." She would not admit to wanting his touch. She had her pride.

  He stared intently at her for a moment. His eyes darkened as if from some intense emotion. "Aye, lass, sitting beside you warmed me as well."

  Suddenly, she could not meet his bold gaze. Seeing it once had been enough. 'Twas nay need to feed his confidence further by letting him see into her heart.

  The air sizzled between them. She looked down at her wrinkled skirts and smoothed them with shaking hands. Perhaps if she delayed, he would go on ahead. She tugged at her long sleeves. He did not move. She straightened the belt at her waist. Still the man stood there.

  Fie, did he not know she wished to be alone? When he offered her his arm, she gave up with a sigh and walked beside him into the shop. As Gavin spoke with the owner, she walked around looking at the various items.

  There were bright pieces of cloth and ribbon, mugs and trenchers of clay and fine bowls of thinly beaten pewter. For a moment, she gazed at the lovely ribbons and fabric. How nice it would be to have a new gown of her own. One that would stir Gavin's attention. She shook her head. Nay, 'twas useless to wish for such.

  Wandering over to the pewter bowls, she selected a large one and quickly paid for it with the money Gavin had given her. She smiled as the shop owner's wife wrapped it in a bit of old cloth. 'Twould make a fine gift for Megan for her kindness.

  While Gavin was busy purchasing other items, Ailis put the bowl in the back of the wagon and then returned to the shop and looked about as she waited for him to finish.

  In a few minutes, he helped her back onto the wagon seat and they rode further to a carpenter's shop. After helping her down, they walked together into the building.

  Gavin immediately began to do business with the carpenter so she wandered about the shop admiring the many lovely carved wooden pieces for sale. Several wood working tools lay about and she looked at them trying to guess their use.

  A lovely harp stood in one corner of the shop. She walked over and tenderly touched the smoothly turned wood. Unable to resist the urge, she thrummed her fingers across the taut wires. The silvery chord brought back bittersweet memories. She had learned to play her mother's harp when she was young and had played it for Da and Jenny over the years. It had been one of the few things of any value they possessed. Not so much in coin, but in the joy its music had given them.

  She glanced across the shop. Gavin and the carpenter had walked outside and were deep in discussion. Longing to hear the music she had played in happier times, she pulled over a small stool and quickly sat down at the end of the harp. Pulling it onto her shoulder, she closed her eyes and let her fingers drift across the strings. She played the tune her da had always asked to hear. It had been her mother's favorite and it brought him ease to hear it.

  How good it felt to feel the strings move beneath her fingers and hear the beautiful notes whisper and echo in the room. 'Twas almost as if she was once again with her family. They had shared many pleasant evenings listening to her music.

  When the song ended, she stood the harp back up and ran her fingers over the intricately carved wood. She glanced up and saw Gavin standing across the room. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed leisurely across his chest and a smile on his face.

  Embarrassed that he had watched her and listened as she let her emotions unfold, she pulled her gaze from his and nervously glanced back at the lovely harp. Nay, theirs had not been near so grand, but it had pleased them well.

  But it, too, was gone. There had been naught left of it after the fire. Biting back a sob, Ailis rose and hurried outside into the street.

  A gentle hand touched her shoulder. "Are you all right, lass?"

  Even without seeing his face, she could sense the concern in Gavin's words. She felt drawn to it as a moth does to a flame. She nodded, reassured at the familiar sound of his voice but unable to meet his gaze. If she looked into those green eyes and saw compassion there, she would be lost. He would not thank her for throwing herself into his arms and sobbing out her fears and loneliness. Of that she was sure.

  She straightened her shoulders and stared down the road without really seeing it. "Aye, I am fine. My… my family had a harp once. I used to play it for them."

  He squeezed her shoulder gently as if he understood her sadness. "You must have given them much joy with your music. In truth, your playing touched me as well. Do you wish to wait here while I finish speaking with the carpenter?"

  She nodded, her gaze still fixed on the road ahead. The loss of his comforting touch on her shoulder told her he had gone.

  Gavin concluded his business quickly and rejoined her outside. He took her hand as if in affection and walked by her side.

  When they neared the wagon, Ailis hesitated. Should she ask for his help or climb to her seat unaided? Before she could decide, he bent and wrapped his hands around her waist. A breeze stirred the air around them and she inhaled his musky fragrance. He smelled of leather and a masculine scent all his own.

  Slowly, she raised her face to look at him. He bent lower. Then lower still until his lips touched hers in a tender kiss. Longing burned through her like a fiery brand. For a moment she would allow herself to forget her loneliness in his embrace. Aye, for one moment.

  As his arms wrapped around her and pulled her closer, she shivered against him. His mere touch left her trembling and his kiss stole all thought from her head until she clung to his broad shoulders, in an effort to remain standing.

  His kiss quickly deepened. She felt his tongue glide over her closed lips once again seeking entrance. Eagerly, she opened her mouth to his sensuous assault. His hot tongue darted inside touching and toying with hers till she felt breathless and dizzy. Lifting one hand from his shoulders, she threaded her fingers through his hair until she felt the thick corded muscles of his neck. She spread her fingers wide and stroked across his taut warm flesh.

  "Beggin' yer pardon, m'laird."

  Ailis jumped free of Gavin's arms and turned away, staring hard at the wagon. Sweet Mary, what was she doing? They were not in some secluded glen caught up in a moment of passion brought on by a forced togetherness,
no matter how pleasant. She gripped her hands together in front of her and prayed that night would fall immediately so she would not have to witness the people's knowing looks as they rode through the village.

  Her eyes watered as she looked upward. The afternoon sun held to the heavens mocking her for her foolishness. Drawing a deep breath, she cast a glance behind her.

  A young carpenter's apprentice stood with his face bowed apologetically and fidgeting with a wooden trencher in his hands. "'Tis sorry I am, m'laird. I didna remember to put this wi' yer wares. It should ha' been wi' the others. I… I will put it in yer wagon fer ye right away."

  The nervous boy ran to the wagon and scrambled over the side. He hurriedly placed the trencher in the cloth bag with the rest like it and, just as quickly, climbed back out of the wagon. He sent a look of obvious regret to Ailis and uttered his apology once again before he ran back into the carpenter's shop.

  Ailis did not speak. No words could erase her embarrassment nor convince Gavin that she was not the harlot she seemed to be. 'Twas one thing to kiss him in private, but to do so in the street for all to see was brazen indeed. She berated herself in silence. How could she face Gavin again? He would surely think her no better than a common strumpet, a wench to bed and forget.

  Gavin's light touch on her shoulder shattered her thoughts. She whirled away from him and scurried to her side of the wagon. Grabbing her skirts up in one hand, she grasped the side of the wagon and pulled herself up before he could assist her. She sank down onto the seat without a word.

  Gavin did not speak as he climbed up beside her. Clicking the reins on the horse's rump, he started the wagon down the road.

  They stopped at the blacksmith next. Iron implements crowded every bit of available space in the small yard outside. Even sitting in the wagon, Ailis could feel the waves of heat spewing from in front of the shop as the blacksmith's bellows fanned a white-hot fire.