Malcolm lifted her to her feet, snatched her chemise from the ground, and tugged it over her head, repeating the process with her gown. “Quick, lass. Do your laces.”
She complied, feeling near tears.
“Can you stay your horse at a full gallop?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
“You’ll ride with me then. The mare will follow.” He took her hand and led her down the path. Hoisting her onto his gelding’s back, he freed her mare and swung up behind her.
“I’m sorry, Alethia,” he murmured in her ear, his arm coming around her waist.
She couldn’t speak and didn’t want to think. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she gripped the gelding’s mane as they cleared the forest. Malcolm spurred his horse into a dead run. Her mare matched the gelding’s pace, galloping beside them.
In no time they reached the village. Malcolm let out a shrill whistle and pulled up hard on the reins in front of the stable. Two youths came out in a rush, and one immediately caught the mare’s bridle. Malcolm barked orders as he leaped from his horse, turning to help her down. Not even sparing a moment to ask the boys what had happened, he took her hand and pulled her to the ferry landing at a jog. Still she couldn’t speak.
A small crowd waited to be taken to the safety of the curtain wall. They all watched the ferry return from the island, and she wondered how many trips had already been made. She withdrew, going deep inside herself, as if doing so could erase the fear and the icy dread filling her heart. Madame Giselle’s words echoed in her mind. Whatever situation had caused the warning tones to be sounded, it could lead to Malcolm’s peril.
Slightly more than two months had gone by since she’d come back to this time and place, and the specter of the task she’d been given had hung over her like a dark cloud. At times, she almost forgot. The warning brought it all back.
Her hands hung at her sides, and she stared at nothing. Malcolm twined his fingers with hers behind the folds of her gown. She gripped his hand tight.
“Once we land, go to my mother’s solar.” Malcolm put his hands on her waist and lifted her to the ferry. Taking his place beside her, he bent to whisper into her ear. “Dinna even think to argue. Once I know what is going on, and I’ve seen to our people’s safety, I will come for you.”
All she could do was nod, grateful he continued to hold her hand. More than anything, she needed to feel connected to him. With so many strong emotions emanating from all directions, she couldn’t hold a thought of her own or stem the rising panic. The ferry landed, and Malcolm lifted her to shore. His strides were long and fast, and she had to run to keep up with him through the portcullis.
The inner bailey teemed with villagers and warriors armed and on full alert. Malcolm headed up the steps to the doors of the keep, stopping at the top to face the bailey. Scanning the courtyard and the ramparts, he shouted orders in Gaelic to those milling about. His voice acted like a catalyst, galvanizing everyone. Suddenly, every man, woman and child moved with purpose and direction.
Chaos reigned inside the great hall. A single man, his clothing and hair singed and sooty, his face and hands bloody, sat on a bench before the hearth, surrounded by angry men and women all shouting at once. Alethia spotted Hunter and Tieren in the mob, their eyes wide with fright. She caught Hunter’s eye and signed for them to come to her. Malcolm took command, ending the chaos and issuing orders. The sound of his booming voice echoed behind her as she led the boys toward the stairs.
Around a corner, Beth leaned against a wall as if she’d been waiting for her. She pressed a finger to her lips, grabbed Alethia’s wrist and pulled her along to the narrow back stairway, the same one Alethia had used when sneaking to the lake to bathe so many weeks ago. They ascended to the first landing and turned into a short, narrow hall ending at an opened door of oak. Again Beth cautioned them to be quiet, and they slipped silently through the entrance.
There, in the minstrels’ gallery, Elaine and Lydia, along with several other women, sat huddled on the floor with their backs against the balcony wall overlooking the great hall. All eyes turned to her as she entered. Elaine motioned to a spot next to her, and the others scooted over to make room for the boys. Alethia took her place and reached for Elaine’s hand. Hunter climbed into her lap, and Tieren pressed himself close to her side.
From their place they could hear everything being said. Malcolm ordered the women out of the hall and called for Robley, Liam, Angus and Galen. He sent someone for ale and food for the messenger, and told him to wait until those he’d summoned arrived before telling his tale. He spoke in Gaelic, but Alethia caught the gist of what was said.
The sounds of people coming and going continued until all were assembled, and Malcolm bid the messenger to speak. The bloodied man told his tale in a loud voice for the benefit of all, and the women surrounding her gasped in shock.
“The Comyns have taken Meikle Geddes,” Elaine whispered in her ear. “Uncle Robert and Aunt Rosemary reside there. ’Tis one of many MacKintosh holdings.” She gripped Alethia’s hand as the conversation continued below. “Several of our clansmen are dead, and their cottages have been burned to the ground. Our people have driven the livestock into the surrounding forest, and they hide there now. Those who are able will come here in the cover of night. Those who are not will continue to hide in the forest. A number of men will stay to protect them and to care for the animals.”
Elaine looked at her in shock. “He says Black Hugh of clan Fraser rides with the Comyns against us. We fostered him as a child,” she huffed in outrage. “He became a knight under my father’s tutelage. That treacherous viper.”
Hugh. Had he joined the enemy out of revenge? She leaned her head back against the stones. Dread filled her. Her destiny, the reason she’d been sent back in time, seemed to be unfolding before her as Malcolm and his men discussed the insult done to them by the Comyn clan. Their voices raised in anger, the men spoke too rapidly for her to understand. “What will happen? What are they saying?”
“Malcolm commanded a watch be set upon the hills surrounding Loch Moigh. He’s ordering the villagers to the island by nightfall. All but one of the boats are to remain here on the island. One will be hidden in the forest to be used by the men rotating on watch and to transport those who come from Meikle Geddes.” She paused, listening for a time, and then continued. “The messenger says only a score or so of Comyn’s men remain within the keep; the rest of have ridden off. He knows not where they’ve gone.”
She sucked in a breath and gripped Alethia’s arm. “Liam has volunteered to gather information. He claims to have a spy in Castle Rait. That’s the Comyns’ keep. Malcolm has bid him go with all haste. He’s traveling alone. ’Tis very dangerous.”
The conversation below became hushed, and they could no longer hear what was being said. Lydia was the first to leave the gallery, motioning the rest to follow. Like ducks in a row, the eavesdroppers traipsed after her to the solar.
Once the door closed behind them, everyone spoke at once, and the conversation flowed around her. While she waited for Malcolm, her thoughts went back to their time together at the spring. He’d apologized. For what? Had he been sorry things had gone as far as they had? Lord, what had she been thinking? All those lessons about safe sex flew right out the window when it came to Malcolm. It couldn’t happen again. The possibility of pregnancy terrified her. Life in the fifteenth century already held all the complications she could handle.
Thinking about the way she’d come apart in his arms made her blush. The memory of his powerful body covering hers, the way he’d made her feel, she’d never forget. His touch had been so tender. He’d driven her crazy with desire and love. Surely Malcolm felt the same. Why else take her to drink from the sacred spring with him if he didn’t care? No, she knew he cared. But was it love? Whenever she tried to read him, what came back was a tangle, strong complex emotions all wound together into an indecipherable mass. “What will happen?”
“W
e’ll take Meikle Geddes back, of course,” Lydia said.
“Oh.” The comment brought her back to the present. She hadn’t meant to voice her thoughts out loud. “Will the Comyns attack Moigh Hall?”
“No one has ever laid siege to our island fortress.” Elaine’s tone was tinged with pride. “The loch makes it impossible.”
“So Malcolm will lead men into battle.” This was it. She had to go with him, had to be there to save his life. “When do you think they’ll leave?”
“Not until our people have arrived safely from Meikle Geddes and are settled. He’ll wait for Liam’s return. Within a se’nnight, no doubt.”
Alethia waited all afternoon, through supper and late into the evening for Malcolm to return. Her thoughts went from one worst-case scenario to the next until exhaustion numbed her brain. She’d finally handed Tieren off to his mother, reined Hunter in and made her way to her chamber. Elaine joined her in the corridor, taking her arm as they walked.
“Once our people arrive, you and Hunter are to share my chamber,” Elaine told her as they reached Alethia’s door. “Every corner of the keep will be full.” When she didn’t respond, Elaine looked at her with concern. “You are upset.”
“Of course I’m upset.” She opened her door, and Elaine followed her in. “Wash and get ready for bed,” she told Hunter. “Malcolm will lead men into battle. Aren’t you worried?”
“Not overmuch.” Elaine shrugged a slender shoulder. “Only a score of men remain to hold Meikle Geddes. Malcolm is a seasoned warrior and quite skilled, as are all the men he will take with him.” Elaine sat on the bed as Alethia helped Hunter. “Have faith in my brother.”
She tucked Hunter in and leaned down to kiss him on the forehead. His arms came around her neck in a fierce hug, and she sensed how frightened he was by all he’d witnessed. Like her, he’d been inundated by the strong emotions emanating from everyone around him. She held him tight and sent him reassurance that all would be well. Disentangling herself, she signed that she would explain everything tomorrow, kissed him again, and rose to join Elaine on the bed. “Have you forgotten why Giselle sent me here?”
“Nay. If you are here to save Malcolm’s life, then you shall do so. Giselle gave you no hint what is to be done?”
“None.”
“I canna say why, but I feel it in my bones.” She patted Alethia’s shoulder. “All will be well.”
The day had been eventful in more than one way, and the upcoming battle was not the only thing on her mind. For a few moments, her thoughts returned to her interlude with Malcolm. “Elaine, can I ask you a personal question?”
“Aye, are we no’ the best of friends?”
“You and Dylan love each other, right?” Elaine nodded. “Have you and he ever…um…have you two—?”
Elaine gasped. “True, are you asking if he and I have…lain together?”
“Well, have you?”
“Nay, of course no’. Such a thing must no’ happen until after a woman is wed.” She looked indignant for a moment, then blushed and stared at her lap with an expression of contrition. “We’ve come perilously close,” she muttered. “Have you and Malcolm…? Nay, dinna tell me.” She put her hands on her ears and made a face. “He’s my brother.”
For the first time that day, her spirits lifted enough to laugh. Elaine looked thoroughly disgusted by the thought of her brother having sex. She reached over and pulled Elaine’s hands away from her ears. “No, but we’ve come perilously close. Where I come from, being a virgin is not that big a deal.”
“Big…a deal? You’re no’ a…?”
Elaine looked utterly perplexed, but Alethia’s train of thought had left the tracks, and she couldn’t seem to find the brakes. “Yes, I am. I haven’t had much experience with men. I’ve always been too wrapped up in my music to become involved with anyone.” She sighed. “I don’t know what to do. You know my situation. I can’t let what I feel for Malcolm go any further. What would happen if—”
“Malcolm has feelings for you. Dinna doubt it, True. He’s an honorable man, and he’ll no’ let Giselle take you from us.”
“I’m sure he’d try to prevent Giselle from taking me; I’m not sure he’d succeed. What if I carried Malcolm’s child and she returned me to my home? What if I had no way to get back here? Even if I could return, what if your father wouldn’t approve of a marriage between us?” She put her elbows on her knees, her chin in her hands, and groaned. “This just gets worse and worse. I am so screwed.”
“Screwed?” Elaine’s expression clouded.
“Yes. Screwed. Every which way from here to there.”
Malcolm seethed. Hugh had informed the Comyns that Malcolm’s father and uncle were away with a good number of their warriors. Of that he was certain. If they thought him unable to strike back, they would soon learn otherwise. In the meantime, organizing the refugees from Meikle Geddes, guard duty and planning the strategy to retake their holding had occupied every minute for the past several days.
It preyed on his mind that he’d not spoken to True since they’d left the sacred spring. He could well imagine the new what-ifs plaguing her thoughts.
His sentries had signaled Liam’s return, and Malcolm paced back and forth at the ferry landing, awaiting the final bit of information before putting their plans to action. From the corner of his eye, he saw his cousin Robley approach from the direction of the garrison. He met him halfway. “Robley, gather the men and have them meet us in the great hall.”
“Aye, Malcolm. I came to tell you our provisions are secured, and we’ve moved them to the mainland. The men are ready to ride at a moment’s notice.”
“Good.” With Robley on his way with orders, Malcolm returned to the landing and resumed pacing. Once Liam disembarked, he joined him on his way to the keep. “You are well?” Malcolm asked, scrutinizing his cousin.
“Aye. I have much to tell.”
“Wait until we reach the keep. I’ve sent Robley on ahead with orders to fetch the men. Liam, I would have you remain at Moigh Hall to take command in my absence.” Malcolm didn’t miss the slight ease in tension at his request. What secret did Liam keep? Why did he not share it with him, rather than True? He did not doubt Liam’s loyalty to clan and family, yet he couldn’t help but wonder who in the Comyn keep his cousin went to for information.
A lass, no doubt. Mayhap his mysterious trips and long absences were for assignations with a Comyn lass. If that be the case, he did not envy his cousin. For such a match would be ill-fated indeed.
All were assembled around the table by the time he and Liam arrived. Malcolm took his place and accepted an ale. He heard a sneeze from the minstrels’ gallery, followed by shushing noises. At once he realized the value of True’s signs. He knew the women listened from above. As a lad, he’d oft joined them and done the same.
He signaled for attention. “Keep your voices low.” He pointed to the gallery above their heads. “The women listen, and I’ll not have our plans known to them just yet.” They nodded their understanding and put their heads together to speak in quiet tones.
“The men who took Meikle Geddes are high in the Comyn command,” Liam began. “A score of warriors remain in the keep, Black Hugh among them.” He gave Malcolm a meaningful look. “Hugh had a hand in this, make no mistake. In exchange for a place in their garrison, he gave them information. The rest of their men have ridden on to Nairn, where they’ll remain. The laird resides at Rait, and did no’ ride with the party. Though he commanded the attack, his nephew led the raid and leads the party for Nairn.” He met the eyes of each man around the circle. “They believe themselves out of our reach there. To the Comyn laird’s credit, they’ve left Black Hugh behind to suffer our wrath.”
They argued long into the afternoon. Would they take Meikle Geddes first and then travel on to Nairn? Or travel first to Nairn, taking back Meikle Geddes on their return trip. Malcolm let the argument flow around him and counted down the hours before his reckoning with True.<
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Malcolm ended the discussion with a raised hand. He’d come to a decision and let his men know what their course would be. “We dine this eve in the great hall with our people. Our women will want reassurance, and our presence is required for such.” He gave them all a stern look. “Dinna speak of our plans to anyone—not to wives, nor to lovers, not to brothers, sisters or parents. Dinna even tell your horse.”
“Why such secrecy, Malcolm?” Angus frowned. “Ye’ve no’ required such in past.”
Robley grinned. “He’s no’ had a certain lady hell-bent to be his savior in past.”
“Och, I ken your concern, lad. ’Twill vex my wife. And ’tis certain this night will be…quite chilly, as no doubt I’ll be sleeping outside.” Angus grimaced and reached over to clasp Malcolm’s shoulder. “Not a word will I utter on the subject, upon my honor.”
All his men gave nods of agreement, their faces grim.
Sitting upon the dais next to True, Malcolm wanted nothing more than for the meal to end. The few times their gazes had met, the uncertainty and what-ifs swirling behind her anxious eyes tugged at his heart. He’d reached for her hand under the table, only to have her pull away.
“Walk with me this eve,” he whispered in her ear. “I understand you’re upset. ’Twas no’ my intent to leave you as I have for days without word.” He watched her swallow hard a few times as she stared at the trencher before her. She’d hardly touched her food. Malcolm reached for her hand again, this time keeping a firm grip until she nodded her assent. The sooner he had his arms around her the better.
When finally he led True through the doors of the keep, the sun had set and they walked in darkness lit only by the waning crescent moon. She held tight to her woolen wrap with both hands, walking stiff and silent beside him. With his own hands clasped behind his back, he steered them out of the inner bailey, toward the portcullis and onto the path toward the loch. “’Twill be Samhain soon,” he said to break the silence.
True to the Highlander (The Novels of Loch Moigh) Page 15