The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2)

by Gafford, Deborah

  Gavin gently helped Ailis sit beside him.

  Megan poured a goblet of wine and handed it to her. "Here, drink this. 'Twill help to clear your throat and ease your breathing. Are you sure you are well?"

  Ailis nodded weakly and sipped the wine. She coughed and took another small sip. "Aye, Meggie, I am fine."

  "Thank the saints," Megan said. She leaned over and hugged Ailis. Grinning, she added, "I have not seen my brother move that fast since I dropped an eel in his lap last All Fool's Day."

  Ailis smiled at Gavin and a faint blush covered her cheeks. "My thanks, Gavin. I am very grateful for your aid. I… I beg pardon for disrupting the feast."

  Gavin reached over and gently took one of her hands in his. "No feast is as important as you, lass."

  The faint blush on Ailis' face deepened and she squeezed his hand gently before she pulled hers back.

  "Gavin," Megan said, "you had best watch her to make certain she fares well."

  "Aye, Meggie, with pleasure." He glanced at Ailis and was rewarded with another tremulous smile.

  Soon all was as it had been moments before.

  All but Gavin's heart.

  He felt as though he'd climbed Ben Dearg with the weight of the castle on his back. By all the saints, he did not know if he could bear such fear for Ailis' safety again.

  Chapter Eighteen

  "By the saints, Gavin," Laird Declan Munro's gruff voice boomed from further down the table. "Do ye have nay other drink than this lowlander's puir excuse fer wine? I heard ye had a new brewer that promised ye a fine ale fer the feast, but I havena tasted such."

  Gavin looked over in annoyance. The MacPherson and Munro clans had been allies since before he was born, but he had no great liking for Declan Munro. The man was a good warrior, true, but he was a braggart and a womanizer. 'Twas no secret that though the man was wed with heirs aplenty, he still had more than an eye for the lasses.

  Bloody hell, but the man's words came at a poor time. Ailis had begun to favor him with a friendly manner once again and Gavin wanted naught to change that. He scanned the room for Paddy. Since he had heard naught of a new ale, he assumed Ailis had not been successful.

  But by the rood, he would not have her embarrassed for not providing the ale she had promised. Surely there was other ale that could be served.

  Ailis leaned over and whispered to Megan. "It seems a good time. Do you not agree?" Then she reached over and touched Gavin's arm. "Gavin, I will take my leave–"

  "By the saints, lass, 'tis no need for you to leave! You have nay reason to fash about the ale. 'Twas a slim chance that Paddy would have agreed with your ways."

  Ailis smiled. "And who says he did not?" She stood, picked up Gavin's wine goblet and drank the last sip. Then she handed it to him. "A celebration such as this calls for fine ale. You best have an empty glass ready if you wish to enjoy it." She stepped back, tapped Calum on the shoulder and quickly walked across the crowded hall to a side entrance leading to the cellars.

  Bemused, Gavin watched as Calum stood and held his goblet high in the air. Immediately, the piper began playing the MacPherson March. Everyone in the hall looked to the dais and waited expectantly. "What are–" Gavin began. Megan touched his arm. "Wheesht, Gavin. Ailis has promised a grand surprise for the feast. Let us wait to see what it is."

  Gavin looked from his sister to Calum and then back to his sister again. 'Twas obvious they knew something he did not, and that sat ill with him. He was laird. Naught should occur in his keep that he was not aware of. He watched the piper march to the side entrance where Ailis had disappeared, then turn and stand in the doorway, as he continued to play the MacPherson March. Within moments, the bodhran player joined him.

  Suddenly, the piper and drummer played more vigorously and began to march across the open space in the center of the hall. Ailis and Paddy entered the hall together behind them. Ailis had woven several colorful ribbons in her hair, and Paddy, why the old fool had a bright ribbon tied to his tartan sash as well. There was a flurry of movement behind them as one of their Highland ponies pulled a small beribboned wagon across the floor. An ale cask lay inside the wagon on a bed of straw.

  Several young women with ribbons in their hair walked on either side of the wagon holding jugs and ewers. The piper and drummer led the colorful procession across the hall to the dais, then stopped and bowed to Gavin and the other lairds at the lord's table before they went to stand silently at the side of the room.

  Gavin looked back at Calum when he heard him speak. "MacPhersons, allies and friends, tonight we celebrate the clan feast and my betrothal. Our good laird has arranged for a special ale to be brewed in honor of the occasion. Let us drink to him and continued prosperity for our clan and our allies." Calum turned and raised his goblet toward Gavin before he sat down.

  Gavin leaned across Megan and spoke in a quiet voice. "'Twould have been nice to know of this aforehand."

  Calum grinned. "Aye, well 'twas Ailis' idea, no mine. And how could I tell ye when ye werena here?"

  "Excuse me, my laird." Ailis smiled at Gavin as she spoke. "With your permission, we will serve the new ale."

  "Aye, lass, but as laird, I claim the first glass." He held his goblet out to Ailis and added in a whisper, "Would that I were tasting your lips instead." He grinned at the way her hand shook and another blush warmed her face. When his goblet was full, he stood then turned and raised it to all who sat at the high table before he held it out toward the crowd.

  Gavin lifted the goblet to his lips meaning only to take a small sip. But when he tasted the rich full flavor, he drank heartily before he again held his goblet high in the air. "MacPhersons, allies and friends, the ale is indeed worthy of our celebration. Let us drink to our good fortune. Slainte!"

  Ailis filled Laird Munro and Laird Cameron's goblets next and then filled Calum and Megan's. Then she walked over to the small wagon in the middle of the hall, filled her jug from the cask and returned to the dais. After she had served everyone at the high table, she joined the other women serving ale. She walked throughout the hall offering it to everyone there.

  Gavin drummed his fingers on the table after several minutes went by and Ailis had not returned to sit beside him. His hungry gaze followed her about as she spoke to everyone and gifted them with her beautiful smile. The smile that was meant for him alone.

  Paddy strolled up to the lord's table with a broad grin. "'Tis a fine thing ye brought Ailis to Kirkholm, Gavin. Why, between the lass and me, all will ken Kirkholm brews the best ale in all o' the Highlands!"

  Laughter erupted between Laird Cameron and Laird Munro. "Aye, Munro," Cameron said. "Ye have it aright there. Yer brewer is nay so comely. By the saints, he could use his knobby knees to stopper his own kegs!"

  Laird Munro laughed then lowered his voice, but his words were still easily heard. "I am thinkin' of offerin' the lass the task at my keep. I would love a good pint of Ailis, uh, ale on a winter's eve."

  Cameron slapped him on the back with a snort. "Ye'd best make sure yer wife doesna ken or yer bed will be colder than Loch Rannoch in winter."

  Paddy shot Gavin a look of concern and whispered, "Ye are nay goin' to let her go are ye? 'Tis fer certain every bonnie new lass in his keep gives birth in a year."

  "Nay, Paddy. I have no intention of letting her go. Ailis will stay with us."

  "Aye, well… good. I want… eh, she needs to stay with us. 'Tis much I have yet to teach her." Paddy nodded brusquely and walked away.

  Hearing her laughter, Gavin looked out across the hall and marked the clansmen who seemed over anxious for her attentions. Come dawn, they would face him in the lists. They would soon learn to look elsewhere when seeking a lass's favor.

  When her laughter trilled across the room again, Gavin looked over at Calum. "Have the men clear a space for dancing." Then he shoved his chair back and called for the musicians. He was through waiting. He meant to enjoy Ailis' company and was not too proud to fetch her himself to do so. 'Twas
time to show her how he felt.

  When the musicians approached, he said, "'Tis time for dancing, lads. Give us some music to woo our ladies with." Then he strode across the hall.

  By the time he reached the beribboned ale wagon, clansmen had carried several tables and benches away and stacked them against the walls.

  He nodded his approval. As soon as the dancing began, he would have a reason to take Ailis into his arms and show her how he truly felt. Not that he needed a reason, but the dancing would surely aid his cause.

  Ailis smiled when she saw him and hurried over. "Gavin, you must be pleased with the ale to come seeking it yourself."

  "Aye, lass, 'tis delicious. But in truth, I came for you. I find I miss your company more than I dare admit. Will you dance with me?"

  She looked down quickly, but not before he saw the blush that covered her cheeks. "Aye. I would enjoy that."

  Gavin nodded as the musicians began a slow gentle ballad. "Ah, 'tis just what you need. A dance with me will no doubt do you good after all your labors."

  Her eyes sparkled and she flashed him a brilliant smile. "Are you sure 'tis necessary for me to dance with you?"

  "Ah, lass, I have never been more sure of anything in my life."

  You belong in my arms, his heart whispered. Always.

  With great care, he gently pulled her to him. Encouraged by her nearness, he slowly swept her across the hall in his embrace, mentally searching for a way to express his thoughts. Somehow he would find the right words to tell her of his love and ask her to be his bride. As his wife, she would never want for true love and protection. And as her husband, by Highland law, he would hunt down and repay the bastard responsible for the deaths of her father and sister. Aye, soon.

  When the ballad ended, he stood with his arm about her waist and waited for the music to begin again. No other lass had ever felt so right in his arms. Only her. He looked down at her lovely face and felt his heart whisper its approval.

  For a moment, he wished he had a bit of Declan Munro's skill with the ladies. The man never seemed to lack fine words to draw the lasses to him. Gavin dismissed the thought abruptly. By the saints, what was he thinking? Munro's words were empty. Enticements of lust, nothing more.

  He would find his own words to convince Ailis of his love. And after she agreed to wed him, Nelli and Cook would be busy indeed. For that betrothal celebration would be the grandest the Highlands had ever known. Ailis deserved nothing less.

  The piper began a lively fling favored by the Highlanders and suddenly the floor filled with dancers. Gavin held Ailis close as they spun around the room. The music played faster as the crowd clapped and called out encouragement to the dancers to continue. Soon, only two other couples besides Gavin and Ailis remained on their feet.

  Gavin darted a quick glance at the other dancers. One couple was a man and wife from the village and the other was Laird Munro and a lass from the man's own clan. Gavin nodded, glad he would not need to protect a MacPherson lass from Declan's amorous advances.

  The bodhran player joined the piper and the tempo increased. A spurt of laughter rang out as the village couple twirled once more and sank to a bench, fanning their faces and calling for drink.

  "'Tis but MacPhersons and Munros now," Laird Munro called out as he swung his lass in a quick circle. "Care ye to wager on it?"

  Gavin looked down at Ailis. "We will never hear the last of it if we do not best him, lass. What say you?"

  Ailis nodded. "Am I not Irish? We love to dance." She tossed back her head with a grin. "We shall not be bested."

  Gavin returned her smile and called back to Munro. "Aye. A cask of ale to the winner!" He winked at Ailis. "All right, lass, let us show him how 'tis done!" Gavin grasped her waist and twirled around with her until the crowd became naught but a colorful blur.

  As the music reached the tumultuous finish, Gavin lifted Ailis high in the air and spun about in a circle. Ailis' laughter and Gavin's fast steps brought the cheering crowd to their feet. When the last note of the pipes faded, he lowered her to the floor and held her tightly to him, their chests heaving against each other as they gasped for air.

  "By the saints, you please me!" Gavin managed. Then, before he stopped to think on it, he bent his head and kissed her. He deepened the kiss for a moment, despite the crowd's applause and laughter then reluctantly pulled away. He ran his fingers down the side of her face and then tipped her chin back and gazed into her eyes. "Aye, love, you please me well."

  Before he could say anything more, a large mug was thrust between them. "Here, mon, have a drink and let the lovely wench breathe."

  Laird Munro stepped between Gavin and Ailis. "Ah, lass, if I had ye to look upon each day, I would count myself a lucky mon indeed. I hear ye are the person responsible for the wondrous ale." He smiled and leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I have need of another… brewer at my keep and would be honored if ye would accept the hospitality of Munro Castle." He lifted her hand to his lips.

  Gavin's hand shot out and pulled her fingers from his grasp. "Her place is here, Munro. You will have to look elsewhere for another brewer."

  Laird Munro arched an eyebrow and bowed his head slightly. "My apologies. I heard the lass was nay a MacPherson and merely thought to offer my keep if she were in need of a home. Perhaps ye will allow her to come to Munro Castle for a time to teach my inept brewer how ale should be made."

  Gavin's eyes narrowed. "I fear she is too greatly needed here to allow her to leave. As I said, you had best look elsewhere." Turning to Ailis, he smiled, offered her his arm and led her back to the lord's table.

  Once she was again sitting beside him far from Munro's reach, Gavin relaxed and took a moment to catch his breath. Then he gazed at Ailis and he lost his breath all over again, along with his heart.

  She returned his gaze with a questioning look. "Do you require something? A drink, perhaps? Faith, you look as if you have run to Braemar and back."

  He breathed deeply to steady his racing heart. "Aye, a glass of your ale would be welcome." And you beside me for the rest of my days.

  Ailis stood and looked across the crowded hall and then waved at someone.

  Gavin followed her gaze and saw Paddy make his way toward them with a small barrel under each arm.

  When he reached the dais, he set the barrels down with a thunk. "Here ye are lass, saved apart, just as ye asked." Paddy looked at Gavin and grinned. "After all that dancin' …and other… ye will have a terrible thirst, I daresay. Mind ye, these are nay so mild as the other." He winked at Ailis and walked back toward the beribboned ale wagon where the other lairds stood, calling out as he went. "Laird Cameron, Laird Munro, what think ye of our ale?"

  Gavin looked at Ailis and watched her smile fondly at Paddy as he walked away. "You are truly a wonder, lass. It seems not only have you taught Paddy to brew, but you have won his crusty old heart as well."

  "I will not deny he has come to mean much to me. As has your clan." She smiled at him and her smile seemed to lend sparkle to her eyes.

  "All of my clan?" Gavin took her hands in his. "Is there not someone in particular you feel strong affection for?"

  "Aye… there is." A deep blush lit her face as she slowly pulled her hands back and reached for her goblet. He laid his hand on hers. "I would hear the name, lass."

  Her fingers trembled beneath his. "I… I fear our talk has left me thirsty." She grabbed her goblet with her free hand and quickly took a drink.

  He released her hand and wrapped his fingers around hers where they held her drink. Her eyes grew large. They stared at him over the edge of her goblet.

  He stroked her fingers with his thumb. "You've naught to fear from me."

  "I but meant… I… uh…" She thrust her goblet at him. "Here. You must be thirsty as well."

  "What I thirst for cannot be found in there."

  "Please… drink. I wish for you to taste the other ales."

  Gavin smiled and took the goblet from her. "All right, love
. But do not think I shall forget what we were discussing." He finished the contents of her glass and slowly licked his lips, savoring the full, rich taste. "Ailis, you have truly wrought a delightful change." In my life more than the ale.

  He set the goblet down, then captured her gaze with his and slowly leaned toward her, his mouth seeking hers.

  "You must taste this one!" she squeaked as she quickly pulled one of the small barrels to her. "I had hoped to make a large cask for all to enjoy, but 'twas nay enough honey for it." She poured some in the goblet and then handed it to him. "Taste this."

  "I'd rather taste your li–"

  "Drink!" Her face flamed and she darted a glance around her as if to see if anyone marked them.

  Gavin took the goblet and swallowed all of it in one quick gulp, meaning only to be done with it so he might be about other pleasures. The bite of the ale caught in the back of his throat, stealing his breath. He choked and coughed until his eyes watered.

  Ailis laughed and slapped him on the back. "Paddy told you this one was nay so mild."

  "Aye… he did. But he failed to say 'twould rob a man of breathing." Gavin sat back, took a slow deep breath and then held out the goblet. "Pour me a wee bit more, love. I have learned my lesson. It will not vanquish me again."

  It was indeed stronger, but now he had the good sense to sip it slowly. The delicious, sweet taste reminded him of the honeyed scones he tasted once in Ballantrae.

  "By the saints, Ailis, what is this?" He held the goblet close to his chest, jumped to his feet and darted a glance around the hall. Then he dropped back in his seat and tapped his forehead as if deep in thought.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Ale this grand is surely fit for the king alone and he no doubt will come for it. I had best have a reason for making off with his royal drink before I find my sorry ar… self in his dungeon. "

  Ailis laughed.