The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2)

by Gafford, Deborah

  He wouldna stay an' wait for them to find him an' kill him. But before he left, he would take care o' this bitch. She had ruined everything. 'Twas her fault that his plan had nay succeeded.

  He would take great pleasure in hurting her before he killed her. Mayhap he would leave her body where Gavin an' Meggie would be sure to find it. Let them see what happens when they try to thwart him.

  Aye. He would enjoy doin' that.

  #

  Galloping through the castle gates, Gavin fought down his panic as he realized Ailis must be in Murdoch's hands. He must have abducted her when she went to speak with him in Megan's stead. The thought of what the man would do to her sickened Gavin and near drove all reason from his mind. He bent forward over Tairneanach's neck and urged him to greater speed.

  As the countryside flew by in a blur, he thought on the words Megan had screamed as he had run from the solar. He had been so fearful of Ailis' safety, he had not truly heeded them.

  Logan lost his dirk in a wager to Domhnull.

  To Murdoch!

  When Gavin had gone to check the herds, Logan had told him Murdoch had fought with a traveling ale merchant in the forest below Ben Dearg. The burned wagon and remains the shepherd had seen were in the same area and it was there Logan had been murdered with his own dirk!

  God, it must have been Murdoch! The bastard had sworn revenge when Gavin had fought him in Craigmuir and banished him from their lands. Aye, 'twould be like him to take his revenge by harming the people Gavin loved. The bastard was cruel enough.

  Gavin cursed. He should have killed Murdoch in Craigmuir! He had been lenient with him because the man was Logan's friend and it had cost his brother his life! God help him, he now had two reasons to find Murdoch; to save the woman he loved and to avenge his brother's murder!

  Gavin gripped the reins tighter as his heart pounded with the thundering rhythm of his horse's hooves. He should have seen Murdoch's evil nature before now.

  Thinking back over the years when Murdoch had come to the castle to train with Logan, Gavin realized there had been signs of a cruel streak in the boy. There had been times when Murdoch had taunted Logan unmercifully for refusing to fight underhandedly simply to win. To Murdoch, kindness and honor were weaknesses.

  And there was the time he had approached Gavin asking to wed Meggie. It had been shortly after their father's death by the murdering Campbells. Gavin had told him that Meggie was too young to be contemplating marriage and was surprised by her wish to do so.

  Murdoch had laughed and said that Meggie had nay thought of it; at least not with him. He saw no need for her feelings to come into the matter. He was smart and able bodied and would make a fine husband to any wench lucky enough to catch his eye.

  Gavin determined then that Meggie would never wed the brash young man and told him so when he asked again, a month later. Murdoch had become angry and claimed the refusal was a personal insult. He vowed to fight Gavin but Logan had intervened and calmed his friend.

  Over the years, Gavin had seen Murdoch watch Meggie in a covetous manner, but by that time, 'twas plain to see that she had set her heart on Calum. 'Twas also obvious that her feelings were warmly returned. From then on, Gavin felt at ease knowing that she would be well loved and cared for in the future.

  Murdoch had caused no further concern until he had accosted Ailis in the alehouse in Craigmuir. God, he should have made certain the bastard left their valley.

  Worry for Ailis' safety lashed at Gavin as he entered a heavily wooded area forcing him to slow his pace. Thank the saints, it took but a few minutes before he rode free of the trees and galloped toward the crossroads ahead. He pulled his horse to a halt when he reached the junction, then stood in his stirrups and searched the roads as far as he could see.

  Should he take the other road or continue on toward the village and Craigmuir? Frantically, Gavin looked about him as he tried to decide which direction to take.

  Murdoch would not have headed back into the village with a woman captive. For surely that is what Ailis was. That left the other road, hardly more than a beaten path that led back into the hills and glens. 'Twas an isolated spot. No one lived in that area for the land was nay fit for crops or sheep.

  God help him. If Murdoch had taken Ailis there, Gavin might not find her before it was too late. The man's vicious nature had proved itself in Craigmuir. Her life would be forfeit in his hands.

  Even though 'twas early afternoon, the area was shady and cool. A damp mist began to float in low over the ground. The filtered sunlight that shone through the tree branches turned it to a shimmering haze. As it spread over the area, it blanketed all possible signs of Murdoch's passage. No breeze stirred. Naught moved.

  Gavin sank back to his saddle. Never before had he felt so empty, so totally alone. Sitting there, he was powerless to save the woman he loved. If he chose the wrong path, Ailis would die. There was nay time to search each one.

  Please, God, do not take her too!

  Fear clawed at his spine. Which direction should he take? His moment of indecision might even now, be sealing her fate.

  No! Do not think so!

  His indecision near destroyed his ability to think calmly and rationally. Gavin drew a slow deep breath, closed his eyes, and forced himself to seek an answer.

  Perched unmoving atop Tairneanach, he felt his emotions, his very awareness, become one with his surroundings; just as his Celtic ancestors had done since time began. 'Twas as if he could visualize the trees, rocks and plants about him. Mutely, he concentrated on the two diverging roads before him. He sensed a stillness untouched by recent mortal intrusion in one direction. A feeling of human presence, touching and taking from the land, lay upon the other.

  Gavin opened his eyes and with a whispered prayer he was right, resolutely turned onto the second path away from the village. With a firm nudge to Tairneanach's sides, he urged his horse through the trees with all possible speed. As they broke through the dense woods and galloped into the sunlight, he knew he was right.

  This way. She had come this way. He could feel her fear.

  Hold fast, Ailis. Hold fast, my love. I will find you!

  He knew in his heart this was the correct path. But would he find her in time?

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Megan stared wide-eyed as her brother spun around and vaulted from the solar. "Calum, you must stop him! He is going after Domhnull. He will be harmed or…" She clutched her throat in terror. "Please, Calum, I cannot lose both my brothers! Do not let him leave!"

  Katie gasped. "Lose yer brothers? What do ye mean? What has happened?"

  Calum glanced at her and said, "Logan has been killed."

  "God have mercy!" the woman cried and crossed herself hurriedly. "But–"

  Shaking his head, Calum turned back to Megan. "Shh, Meggie. I could nay stop him if I tried. Murdoch must be brought to justice. And did ye not–"

  Meggie interrupted him, her eyes pleading. "Finding Domhnull will not bring Logan back. Make Gavin see reason. He must not go alone. Convince him to wait until men can be readied to ride with him. Please, Calum!"

  "Aye, Meggie, I know he cannot bring back your brother. But what of your sister? Have ye nay told me Ailis is as a sister to ye? Didna ye hear what Katie was sayin'? Think on it. Gavin must go now with all speed."

  "Oh my God! Domhnull has taken Ailis? I… I was so overcome I did not realize what Katie was saying. You must go after Gavin. Help him save Ailis!"

  Megan jumped up from the bench and gestured for him to go. Then her face turned gray and she sank, mindless, to the floor.

  "Meggie!" Calum and Katie's voices called out together.

  He lunged, catching her shoulders before her head hit the floor. He lifted her into his arms and called out to Katie as he carried Megan from the solar. "Quick, lass. Fetch Nelli to Meggie's chamber."

  "Aye!"

  Calum sat on the bench in front of the hearth in Megan's chamber and held her gently. The fire's warmth woul
d help bring her round.

  When Nelli arrived, she bustled in with her usual vigor, although her plump, care-worn face more closely resembled Megan's in color and her wrinkled hands trembled slightly.

  "Sweet Mary, Mother of God! Katie told me what happened. I canna believe Logan is dead!" She crossed herself then looked at Calum, her eyes filling with tears. "How did it happen? Who struck down my lad?"

  "We dinna know. Meggie said Logan lost his dirk to Domhnull Murdoch in a wager, but 'twas his dirk he was killed with. An' with Ailis missing, we fear–"

  "What? Katie said naught of Ailis. She just kept cryin' o'er Logan an' said Meggie needed me."

  Calum's worried expression darted to Megan and then flashed in anger as he looked back at Nelli. "Murdoch came here after the feast and bid Katie bring Meggie to speak to him. Ailis went in her stead an' none have seen her since. We fear Murdoch has taken her and may do her harm."

  "Saints protect her! But why would he take Ailis with him since Gavin banished–" Her words ended abruptly and her eyes grew wide.

  "Aye," Calum nodded grimly. "The bastard would harm her to get revenge." He spat into the fire. "An' for aught he brought upon himself."

  Nelli glanced worriedly at Megan. "My puir lamb. To ken her brother dead, an' him a twin! An' Ailis gone. 'Twill break her heart." Nelli looked at Calum and shook her head. "Ye are nay needed here now. I will look after her."

  Calum did not move. Instead, he gently stroked Megan's hair back from her face. "I will not leave Meggie. Say what ye will."

  "Hmph. That I will do, to be sure. See ye what the loss of one brother has done. An' how will our Meggie take it when she hears Ailis an' Gavin are murdered too?"

  Nelli thrust her hands to her hips. "Ye will help her most by takin' men and followin' Gavin. He an' Ailis must be protected. Then see to it that Logan's murder is avenged. A death for a death! Then the healin' can begin."

  The old woman glared at him. For a long moment, he and Nelli frowned at each other in grim silence. Then he sighed and nodded. She was right. He must go. Silently, Calum stood and carried Megan to her bed. He leaned over and gently kissed her forehead, then turned to leave. "Tell her that we will be home soon. All of us."

  "Ye can be tellin' her that yerself, when ye return. Mind ye, take care. I dinna wish to have to come to yer rescue as well!"

  Nelli's gruff reply didn't match the look of concern in her eyes. He laid his hand on her shoulder for a moment and nodded. Then she gave him a slight push toward the door, turned her back on him and walked over to Megan.

  Within minutes, Calum and four clansmen were galloping past the entrance to Kirkholm, their round wooden targes slung over their saddles and their broadswords sheathed to their sides.

  Dust and gravel flew from their mounts' hooves as they thundered down the road leading away from the castle. As they approached the crossroads, Calum raised his arm signaling them to halt.

  He peered in all directions but there was naught to show which road had been traveled most recently. God's blood. He had no idea which one to take. One road led into the empty hills, another to the village and on to Craigmuir.

  Dreading the loss of time, he chose to remain on the road to the village. Mayhap Murdoch had been foolish enough to return to his cottage there. Signaling to the men, he urged his horse into a gallop and they followed him in earnest.

  They rode for several miles before they came across a large rock slide obliterating their route. It appeared to have fallen a few days earlier.

  Two of the men dismounted and clambered with some difficulty over the boulders that covered the road and open land on each side. One called back to Calum. "Och. No mon on a horse came past this. Naught but a winged kelpie could venture farther."

  "Bloody Hell. We are losin' too much time. We will have to turn around an' go back the way we came. Watch the road with care, lads. We need to find their tracks as quickly as possible. I fear we may be of no aid if we dinna reach them soon."

  #

  Fear for Ailis' safety goaded Gavin like a devil on his back. He rode Tairneanach as fast as humanly possible while he scanned the road about him for any sign of her.

  After a while, the rocky road dwindled to a mere path leading into a barren valley surrounded by a range of hills. The soil was stirred up in places along the path. Had Murdoch come this way recently?

  Gavin slowed his horse, bent low in the saddle and peered at the ground as they covered the distance. Suddenly he spotted a fresh set of hoof prints sunk deep in the turf, as if a horse labored under the weight of a heavy load. Perhaps carrying two riders? Again, he closed his eyes, calling up ancient instincts to connect with the land of his birth.

  He could almost see in his mind's eye, the horse laboring to support Murdoch's heavy frame and Ailis as well. By herself, she would cause the animal no strain. But even the best mount's endurance would run out quickly with the additional load of another rider on its back, especially when pressed to hasten its gait.

  Gavin stood in his stirrups and scanned the countryside as he had done before. To his left, several small groves of trees dotted a hillside and grew along the edge of a small burn as it ran downward through a wide valley. Naught of man broke the solitude of the land there.

  Straight ahead, a rocky hill rose abruptly, dividing the valley in two with its crags and peaks. The burn disappeared around the back of the rock-strewn hill.

  Gavin's heart slammed in his chest as he turned his gaze to the right. A small hut sat in the distance, smoke curling from its roof. A solitary horse stood in front, tied to a barren tree. 'Twas too far away to identify the tartan roll on the back of the horse, but something called out to him that he had found her.

  Somehow, he knew Ailis was there. The emotional pull he felt could not be denied. Aye, she was there.

  But heaven help her, so was Murdoch.

  God, please, do not let me be too late!

  Gavin wanted nothing better than to raise his sword, ride for the hut as if all the hounds of hell were behind him, rush in and rescue Ailis. But to do so, would give Murdoch too much warning. The bastard would surely slay her as Gavin charged across the valley.

  Nay, as much as he longed to gallop through the valley and up to the hut, he did not dare do so. Her safety demanded surprise.

  For the span of several heartbeats, Gavin forced himself to remain still and think of what to do. 'Twas the hardest thing he had ever done. His heart cried out to rush to Ailis' side, but his mind warned it would surely risk her life.

  He scanned the area again, judging the best way to reach the hut without giving away his presence. He would have to backtrack and come around the hut from the rear, behind a high ridge of rocks. From there, he could dismount and work his way to the back of the hut on foot. After reaching it, he could slip around the side and through the entrance at the front of the hut with surprise on his side.

  Surprise was needful for Ailis' safety, but the plan would add several extra minutes to her rescue. Gavin prayed he would be in time.

  "Please, God, help me. Do not take her from me, I beg you."

  His prayer, once uttered, echoed over and over through his thoughts as he turned Tairneanach and rode away from the hut. The further away he rode, the deeper Gavin's fears grew. As soon as he was behind the ridge of rocks, he spurred his mount on at breakneck speed. Not until he neared the hut did he allow his horse to slow its pace.

  Gavin rode in as close as he dared and then dismounted, tying his reins to a tree. He smoothed his hand down Tairneanach's neck and forced himself to calm his thoughts as his horse munched at the few sprigs of grass at its feet. "There is a good lad. Stay quiet now. We must give no warning we are here."

  After checking to be sure his dirk lay snug in the top of his boot, Gavin moved his broadsword from his hip to the sheath across his back. He left his protective targe tied to his saddle. There would be little room to move in the close quarters of the hut and he would need both hands free to climb down the ridge.
He scanned the land he must cross and then started his descent through the rocks and boulders above the hut.

  Gavin was sure footed and used to strenuous work, but the need for silence coupled with urgent speed, soon left him frustrated and sweating as if he had run to the top of Ben Dearg.

  Anguished minutes seemed to stretch into hours before he finally reached level ground at the base of the ridge. For now, he was hidden from sight by a large boulder, but as soon as he stepped from behind it, he would be in full view of anyone coming around the hut or looking out the small window in its rear wall.

  He drew a deep breath and touched the slight lump that bulged beneath the neck of his shirt where Logan's talisman tangled with his own. He wore both now, but would give his to Ailis once she was safe.

  Gavin stealthily peered out from his hiding place and seeing no movement, pulled his broadsword free from its sheath and ran across the open space behind the hut. He did not stop until he reached it, then silently inched his way along the wall until he stood beneath the small window. He listened intently.

  At first, no sound reached him, throwing his thoughts into confusion. Then he heard a voice. 'Twas Murdoch! The murdering bastard was talking to someone. But he was calling her Meggie. By God, was he mad? Did he not know who he had abducted?

  There was the sound of a slight scuffle and then the unmistakable sound of ripping fabric. Gavin heard Murdoch's harsh growl as he ordered Ailis to look at him and then the sound of her gasp. Whether it was from fear or pain, Gavin knew not, but the sound of her struggling with her captor sent adrenaline racing through his veins. Fury and fear for her safety seethed together, fair boiling in his veins.

  Murdoch's angry voice carried easily through the window opening. "Ye! What are ye doin' wearin' Meggie's shawl?"

  Ailis cried out as if in pain as Murdoch shouted something about a talisman. Then there were sounds of a fierce struggle.

  Gavin raced to the front of the hut and vaulted through the doorway. Inside the meager dwelling Murdoch was bent over Ailis grabbing viciously for her throat. She was forced backward over a small table, her breasts bared, fighting off his hands as best she could.