The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2)

by Gafford, Deborah

  At times, Megan felt compelled to defend her brother against the woman's somewhat harsh tongue, but other times, she agreed with Nelli's sentiments. 'Twas then Megan realized though she and Logan were twins, she could not expect him to always think as she did or count on him to remain there to help.

  They were each growing up and apart. Certainly his interests seemed to have changed recently, and she supposed, so had hers.

  Aye, of late, her thoughts were more of Calum than aught else.

  It had been two years since he had surprised her in one of the castle passageways with her first kiss. For a time, she had been confused over her feelings about it. But as she grew older, shared secret talks with other lasses and watched the braw lads as they worked on the training field, she thought fondly of it.

  Then, after accidentally walking in on the chambermaid and one of the grooms kissing lustily in the stable, Megan's awareness of passion had bloomed. 'Twas soon after that she realized her feelings for Calum had changed.

  She had always thought of him as another brother. He had been at Kirkholm since she was eight. She had grown accustomed to having him there to tease and talk with, ride and eat with, just as she did Gavin and Logan. But now she began to daydream about him in a different way.

  Calum had become muscular and strong from years of hard work and training with a sword. 'Twas the same with all of the men in her clan. Yet she caught herself noticing only him and the way he looked when he came in from the fields, sweat glistening on his face and arms, and his shirt and breeks clinging damply to his brawny form.

  More and more, she began to think of that first kiss. True, she had received a few others since that day from eager lads in their clan, but they had not affected her. Nay, 'twas not to see the other lads that she just happened to be crossing the courtyard as the men came in from the fields.

  Only one man interested her. If Calum was not among the weary group of workers, she would walk back to her chamber disappointed, her step less lively than before.

  Now that she was eighteen, she often found herself unsettled by strong emotions. Yearning for Calum left her dreaming of being wed and having a home and family of her own.

  The sound of approaching footsteps pulled Megan from her thoughts. She turned and spoke to the clanswoman as she neared. "Good day, Iona. I have finished polishing the silver. Would you take this goblet and put it with the rest? I promised Calum I would meet him in the courtyard this afternoon and I fear I may be late."

  She untied her apron and dropped it on the worktable as the woman nodded and picked up the glistening vessel. Megan smiled and called over her shoulder as she hurried across the room. "Thank you. If Nelli has need of me, tell her I will not be long."

  She had been working diligently alongside Nelli for several days preparing for the clan's annual feast with the help of their clanswomen and women from the nearby village. All had gone well except for one thing.

  With all of the preparations for the feast, she had seen Calum much less than she liked and there were several weeks' preparations yet to be done. Gavin and Ailis had been gone for nearly three days and, in all that time, this was the first occasion she had had to spend a few moments with him.

  As she left the keep, she glanced up at the sky. The sun was high overhead. Fie, 'twas past the time she had promised she would walk with him.

  A brisk breeze blew past pushing the damp curls from her face and she breathed deeply. The cooler air outside was most welcome after working all morn.

  "Meggie, over here," Calum called as he waved to her.

  She saw him standing near the well and hurried over.

  He smiled as she joined him. "Och, lass, I was plannin' to besiege the keep if ye didna come soon. I didna know if ye had forgotten or if ye had decided nay to meet me as I asked."

  "Nay, I had not forgotten. And 'tis certain I wish to walk with you." She felt her face heat and quickly looked down at her skirt, brushing it off.

  "'Tis good to hear, lass. Come stroll with me in the garden."

  As they walked about, talking of simple things, she noticed he seemed preoccupied, but 'twas to be understood. He had much to do as well to ready the keep for the annual festivity.

  "Ah, lass," he said. "I will be glad when this celebration is over. I've nay had a moment alone with ye since before Gavin and Ailis left."

  "Aye, I know. Preparing for it takes more of my time than I like as well."

  He motioned to a stone bench nearby. "Sit with me. There is somethin' I wish to say to ye."

  "What is it? If 'tis about the feast–"

  "Nay, not that."

  Her heart began to race when he took her hands in his. She darted a glance about the garden. It was empty. Merciful saints, was he going to kiss her again? Her hands trembled at the thought, but there was naught she could do to stop them. She had wanted him for too long now.

  He cleared his throat and leaned closer. "Meggie, for some time now I have–"

  "Fie, there ye are, lass." Nelli's voice called out from across the garden. "I have need of ye in the great hall."

  Calum frowned. "By all the saints, Nelli, can it no wait? Meggie an' I wish to spend some time together."

  "When all is finished, ye can do so but for now 'tis still much to be done. Come along, lass."

  "Aye, Nelli," Megan sighed. She forced back her disappointment and stood, pulling Calum with her as he held to her hands. "I'm sorry, but I must go. I will see you at dinner and you… you can tell me then." Seeing the frown on his face, she said, "Do you mind so?"

  "Nay, Meggie. Ye know I can deny ye naught. 'Tis only… och, it can wait. Go with Nelli. I had best finish cleanin' the stable. Gavin and Ailis should be back any time now."

  Megan heard Calum mutter, "Bloody damn interruptions," and watched him head toward the stable with a shake of his head before she turned and followed Nelli into the keep. Merciful heaven, she could not agree more.

  #

  Megan stopped to catch her breath. She had been running about all day deciding who would sit at the laird's table, which pieces of the silver should be used there, the order the foods should be served, and countless other tedious things.

  By the evening meal, she was tired and feeling the strain of the preparations. In truth, she had been so busy that she had nay realized the hour had long passed since Gavin and Ailis should have arrived.

  She made her way to the great hall, hoping to relax and share dinner and a pleasant moment with Calum and the others, but the large room was empty.

  Hearing raised voices in the main corridor, she hurried to the passageway. Calum's deep voice carried across a small crowd of men and women. His fierce expression surprised her. "What has happened?" she asked. "Why is no one in the hall? Have Gavin and Ailis returned? "

  Logan stood facing Calum, his eyes filled with fury. He answered before Calum had time to reply. "Nay, they have not. One of our men rode out and told me as I was riding toward our herds and I came back to go in search of them. They should have been here long ere now. I was gathering a group of men to go look for them when Calum, here, took it upon himself to disperse them as if what I say matters naught."

  Logan angrily nodded his head in Calum's direction then turned back to her. "He holds Gavin and Ailis' safety of no concern."

  Megan looked at Calum and saw his anger start to build. She laid a hand gently on his arm and spoke to her brother. "Logan, you know him better than that. I am sure he has a reason for acting as he did."

  Calum reached over and gently but firmly pulled her hand from his arm then stepped between her and her brother. "Thank ye, lass, but I will speak for myself."

  He looked at Logan and shook his head in obvious reproof. "Ye are too eager to ride off half prepared with no knowledge of what ye need to do. Ye've always been that way. Ye would do well to learn a bit of self-control, laddie, like your brother. He wouldna thank us for ridin' to his rescue and leavin' the castle ill manned if there was nay need."

  "Why you
bloody oaf! Who do you think you are? You are naught but a homeless cousin with no clan to call your own! You've no right to look down your nose at me or gainsay my orders to the men!" Logan pulled his sword from its sheath and stood facing Calum, his deadly intent gleaming off the shining blade.

  Calum pushed Megan away as he drew his sword.

  "Nay!" Megan screamed. "Logan! Calum! What in God's name are you thinking? Put away your weapons. We are family."

  Calum partially lowered his sword but did not sheath it. He stood silent and waiting.

  Logan grunted angrily and sheathed his blade. Without another word, he spun on his heel and strode out of the castle.

  Megan hurried over to Calum as he resheathed his sword, threw her arms about him and laid her head on his chest. "Sweet Mary. I fear for you and my brother, both, when his temper takes hold."

  Calum wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Shh, Meggie. 'Twill be all right. He will cool down as he always does and all will be well."

  As his voice drifted down to her, she glanced up at him. His words might have reassured her had she not seen him staring in the direction Logan had gone with a look of grave concern on his face.

  Calum looked down at her and brushed her cheek gently with one hand. "Come, lass, let us eat before Nelli feeds our dinner to the dogs." Motioning to the people standing about, he said, "The food grows cold. Let us eat."

  The small crowd drifted apart and followed them into the great hall. Calum and Megan sat alone at the dais. Throughout the meal, she hoped Calum would mention whatever had been on his mind in the garden, but he merely ate in silence, as if in no mood to talk. Megan sighed. Perhaps it was not as important as she had hoped.

  When they finished eating, Calum said, "If Gavin and Ailis do not return by mid day on the morrow, I will take men and search for them." As he rose from the table, he added, "I hope I willna need to do so, but 'tis always best to have a plan. Dinna worry, Meggie. I am sure they are all right."

  "Aye. I hope so, Calum."

  Chapter Twelve

  Logan rode to the nearby village looking for his friend, Domhnull Murdoch. When he could not find him, Logan rode on to the alehouse. Entering the smoky, dimly lit room, he scanned the faces of the men there. Domhnull was not among them.

  A woman's throaty voice caught his attention. "So ye are back, are ye? Will ye be wantin' a drink or mayhap somethin' a wee bit more satisfyin'?"

  Logan looked at the buxom barmaid standing before him. She was a tempting sight to be sure but he was not in the mood. "Nay, I seek Domhnull Murdoch. Have you seen him this eve?"

  "Nay." The wench sidled up close to him and lowered her voice. "Are ye sure ye wouldna like to spend some time wi' me instead? I could make ye forget yer troubles."

  Logan relaxed a bit and smiled. "I have nay doubt of that, lass. Bring me a jug of usquabae. 'Tis but one more place I know to look for my friend. If I do not find him I will return and put myself in your skilled hands."

  Smiling, the woman nodded and walked away. She returned shortly carrying a large earthenware jug.

  As Logan reached for it, she held it away from him and he frowned. "Do not be doing that, lass. I told you I am nay of a mind for sport right now."

  The woman shrugged. "Aye, weel, I was told to take yer coin ere I give ye this jug." She nodded in the direction of the owner of the alehouse standing across the room.

  Logan's anger rose again. Did that fool think himself above him too? 'Twas just the one debt he had not honored and Gavin had paid the bloody money. Digging a few coins from his sporran, he tossed them on the table beside him and grabbed the jug. Whirling around with the jug beneath his arm, he stomped out of the alehouse. He mounted his horse, took a long drink and rode out of the village.

  The only other place Logan knew to look for Domhnull was the area where they had hunted together so many times in the past. He had not gone back there since the fateful hunting trip when Fearghus had been killed.

  He frowned to himself and took another deep drink as he remembered the three days he had spent away from Kirkholm. The adventure had started out innocently enough. He had been bored staying in the castle constantly while Gavin and Calum were away. Though he loved his sister well, he saw no need to stay in the keep with her all of the time. There were others who could man the castle and see to her care without him, and if aught threatened her safety, he would return posthaste and protect her with his life.

  The only enjoyable time he'd had of late was when Domhnull and Fearghus came to the castle occasionally to train. One day as they trained, Domhnull had suggested that Logan accompany him and Fearghus on a hunt for a few days. It had sounded so good that Logan had wished to go along, and said as much.

  But Gavin's orders had been clear. No matter the appeal of hunting with his friends, he would never risk his sister's safety. Logan shook his head. "I will go another time. While Gavin is away, I must stay at the castle for Megan's protection."

  Domhnull had laughed. "Fer her protection? Ha! Ye ken what I think, Logan? I think yer big brother means to leave ye out o' aught excitin' as he did when we wished to go to battle with him an' Calum when yer da was killed. We could have gone an' had a taste o' battle an' come home victors like the others. Did ye see the way the young lassies swooned all o'er them? But nay, yer brother an' Calum wished to keep all o' the glory an' lassies to themselves."

  With that, his friend jumped forward and raked his broadsword through the air. Quickly lifting his heavy sword in defense, Logan felt the impact as the two weapons met in a strong clash of metal.

  He thrust his sword at Domhnull as he recovered from the mighty swing. "Nay, 'tis not so. We stayed behind to defend the castle and our kin. Gavin told me he felt better, knowing we were there to guard it. We had nay experience fighting hand to hand to go into the battle field."

  Domhnull jumped out of the way of his sword thrust with a snort. "Ha! An' do ye believe aught that yer sainted big brother tells ye? If we were so untrained to fight in the battle, how wouldst we have defended the castle if the battle took it? Yer brother kenned 'twould nay come close to the castle so he told ye that tale to convince ye to stay behind an' leave all o' the glory fer him an' that bloody cousin o' his."

  "Take care what you say. I will have no man speak ill of my family, not even you."

  Domhnull shrugged then twisted to the side and sent his sword slicing the air close to Logan's shoulder.

  Sidestepping away from the vicious blade, Logan spoke between breaths. "I told you when the battle was over and Gavin and the men returned, neither he nor any of them would speak of it. That is not seeking the glory you speak of."

  "God's blood, Logan. Ye are more green than a willow saplin'." His friend took a deep breath, thrust his sword high and brought it down in a flashing arc toward Logan's head.

  As Logan dropped to all fours on the ground to miss being struck by the sword, Domhnull added, "Of course he wouldna speak o' the fightin' with ye. He didna wish fer ye to realize we could easily have fought with them. He was nay goin' to share the attentions o' the grateful lassies."

  Logan quickly rolled across the ground and stood with his broadsword at the ready, as Gavin had taught him to do.

  Domhnull took a hurried breath and continued. "Did ye notice how yer sister followed him around like she worshipped him? An' the kitchen maid, Lia. She near threw herself on him when he first returned. An' then what did yer fine brother do? Why he didna even take what Lia offered him freely. She has nay offered it so freely to me."

  This time it was Domhnull who had to jump out of the way as Logan's blade whistled past his ear. He grunted and circled, looking for an opening to wield his weapon. "Come huntin' with me an' Fearghus. Be a mon fer once! We will nay be gone more than a few days, an' yer brother needna ken it. Unless ye would fain stay with yer sister coddled an' protected inside the safety o' the castle like an old woman an' wait to hear o' our adventure when we return."

  "'Tis not me that needs pro
tection," Logan said. With a swift sideways stroke, he knocked his opponent's sword from his hand, ending their training. "Perhaps you are the one needing it".

  Logan thrust his sword into the ground and wiped the sweat from his eyes. By the saints, it felt good to be doing something, not merely biding time within the keep until his brother returned.

  Glowering at him, Domhnull said, "So, are ye goin' with us or nay?"

  Answering before he could talk himself out of the decision, Logan said, "Aye. I will meet you on the village road at daybreak on the morrow."

  "Ye surprise me. I didna think ye would do it. I will be there with Fearghus before daybreak. If ye are nay there by sunrise, we willna wait."

  "I'll be there."

  The next morning before dawn, Logan had led his horse out the postern gate and then had ridden swiftly to the village. He knew Domhnull would never let him forget it if he were to be left behind again. That time, he meant to have an adventure to remember!

  As he slowed his horse and turned onto the village road, he saw Domhnull and Fearghus riding ahead of him. Spurring his horse on, he shouted, "Hold, Domhnull! 'Tis nay daybreak yet."

  Turning in his saddle, his friend called back, "Weel, ye did come after all. I thought ye might have changed yer mind." Grinning, he halted his horse and waited.

  "Nay." Logan grinned as he caught up. "I gave my word. Never doubt the word of a MacPherson. You would do well to remember that."

  Domhnull snorted. "Och, aye. I will think of naught else for the rest o' my days. Come on!" Slapping his reins against his horse, he set off at a gallop.

  Grinning and yelling in excitement, Logan and Fearghus rode after him.

  The three rode hard for several hours, until they had left Kirkholm and its village far behind. By mid morn, the weather had turned warm so the three men stopped in the shade of a thicket beside a loch. They hobbled their horses to graze and shared the food and drink they had brought with them. As they filled their stomachs, they boasted of who would bring down the largest kill.