Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  “Come and try to sleep. It will be morn before Garrick is close enough to fetch you. We may as well rest 'til then.”

  Seonaid yawned then bobbed her head in agreement as she lay in the bed and snuggled beneath the furs. “Diedre.”

  “Yes.”

  “Thank you for coming. Tis nae so bad with you here beside me.”

  She smiled to herself, her blue eyes misting. “You are welcome, sister. I am glad I came, too.”

  Lokai crept down the shadowy stone steps to the dungeon. Athor had not been as thorough as he thought. His magic had covered down beneath the earth on all sides but it did not go beneath the building. Once discovered, Lokai had no trouble entering the keep.

  He had overheard the last part of their conversation as he approached the door. It is good that Diedre is being a comfort to her sister. Her trivial jealousy must end. The king loves both of his daughters equally but they must be handled differently depending on their personalities and circumstance. It is the same in all families. He grunted to himself.

  The chamber was, also, blocked with a shield. But Athor had made the same error here. He would have them free in no time.

  Lokai entered the small room silently… expecting to find them huddled in a dark corner trying to stay warm.

  “Bloody hell!” His mouth dropped open in astonishment. He could not believe what he had stepped into!

  “Lokai! You have come to save us!”

  He regarded Diedre with irony. “From what? Too much extravagance? Yourselves?” He burst out laughing. “This is finer than your chamber at the palace! Are you certain you wish to leave?” He doubled over gasping as his laughter stole his breath.

  Diedre stomped her foot resentfully. “You stop that this instant! You cannot expect us to live in squalor while we wait to be liberated. We are Princesses of the Fae! Besides… all I did was light up the room… procure something to eat… clean up the dirt… warm the room… bring us some beds and throw down some rugs.”

  Lokai’s icy blue eyes twinkled with amusement.

  “Why did you not merely return to the palace?”

  “Do not be silly, Lokai. We are prisoners here.” Her eyes narrowed on him as her mind grew suspicious. “How did ‘you’ get in here?”

  He was relishing this.

  “Did you stop to wonder ‘how’ you were able to convey these things here? The shield blocks all magic.” A myriad of diverse expressions crossed her heart-shaped face until it settled on ‘chagrin’. She blushed three shades of red as a startled “Damn!” escaped her lips. She turned apologetic azure eyes on Seonaid who was gaping at her betrothed.

  “I am sorry, Seonaid. I was not thinking. If magic is possible inside this room then I had to bring these things through an opening. We could have gone at any time.”

  She did not hear her. She stared at her golden warrior in awe. She had always thought him to be a dream… yet there he stood.

  Lokai turned his attention to Seonaid, his eyes reflecting the shock passing through him as he scrutinized her wounds. “Why did you not heal her, Diedre?” he bellowed. He raised his hand to begin when he saw Seonaid shake her head.

  “I do nae wish it. Garrick will deal out his penalty according to my treatment. I will let him see them for himself.”

  Lokai gave a brusque nod. “Very well. But you will not remain here. He has requested of me to see to your welfare so he may deal with Malcolm without that concern. I will take you to your father’s palace. Even now they prepare to battle, to divert Malcolm while you are liberated.”

  Seonaid’s eyes widened in fright. “I must go to him! My vision! It revealed his death!”

  “No, Princess. You go to the palace...at this instant.” With a flash in his eyes he transported them to the Fae realm.

  He turned to Diedre and commanded, “See to your sister. I go to convey to your father and Garrick that all is well.” Then he was gone.

  Chapter XIV

  It was still dark when they began to break camp. Garrick hiked into the thickets to relieve himself before they continued the journey. He was exhausted and anxious about Seonaid. He wished to speak with her but he was not assured whether Malcolm could perceive the contact or not, so he refrained from the urge.

  He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He did not like leaving her protection in the hands of another...especially her ‘golden warrior’! Jealousy stabbed him. He knew that he had to trust her, but trust is something he did not give without difficulty. She loved him. He smiled to himself as he remembered her words. He will trust that.

  “Garrick.” A quiet murmur sounded from the trees. “She is safely away at the king’s palace. Do what you must.”

  His shoulders sagged in relief. A great shudder rippled through him.

  “I owe ye much, Brother. Thank ye. Is she sound? The bairn?”

  Lokai was silent. His hesitation increasing Garrick’s apprehension. Finally, he spoke.

  “They are both well but...”

  “But what? Did he touch her? Harm her?” He struggled to keep his voice low in his rising anger.

  “Yes, he hurt her...but not like you are thinking. She was not raped. She has been beaten though. I tell you this only because I would want to know if it had happened to Diedre.” He looked at Garrick and was satisfied with his reaction. “She is a strong woman, the princess. I did not realize she had so much strength.”

  “How so?”

  “She denied us allowance to heal her injuries until you have seen them. She wishes for you to give this man blow for blow. Only you have the right to dole out his punishment so she wishes you to see every bruise she has gathered under his care.” He grunted approval. “You should be very proud of her...I am.”

  Garrick’s face split into a grin. “Aye! I am very proud of her! She has a strong spirit within her.” His grin rapidly turned into a scowl. “He beat her severely?”

  “I would say so… yes. See for yourself.” Lokai impressed a mental picture of Seonaid as he had last glimpsed her into Garrick’s mind.

  Garrick gasped at the image. His vision blurring with a black rage as he examined the cuts and bruises.

  “Do not let it cloud your judgment when you combat him. Know that he did not touch her in a carnal way. He will try to use those thoughts against you.”

  “Aye, I ken it. He must suffer tenfold, though, for daring to touch me wife! I will rip him apart for this insult! This I vow. Come…tis time to end this.” He turned walking swiftly back to the encampment. As he approached, his eyes glanced over his men until he located Malcolm. He went to him straightaway, masking his emotions to play out this final act.

  “I want ye at me side this day, Malcolm. I may have need of your sword arm.”

  “Aye, m’laird. As ye wish.” He was a bit disconcerted at Garrick’s request. He always had Angus at his side if he was with them. Mayhap he did not suspect Malcolm after all. He smiled. Angus will not be pleased. Good.

  Angus rode up to Garrick as he mounted his stallion. Garrick flicked his eyes toward Malcolm speaking quietly to Angus. “Ye watch me back this day, cousin. Stay close enough to do so swiftly.”

  In a louder voice he said to him, “I need a sober man at me side this day. If King Alred has me lady then there will be a battle.”

  Angus puffed up. “Have I ever give ye cause ta ken I could nae fight because of the uisge beatha?”

  Garrick gave him a cold look. “Do ye question your laird?”

  Angus lowered his eyes. “Nay, m’laird, I do nae do that. I question your opinion of me fighting skills.” He jerked back on his steed’s reins steering him toward the second row of men in, what appeared to be, a fit of pique.

  The first light of dawn began to streak the horizon as they continued their journey. Garrick employed his time by querying Malcolm about the eve of the fire but he learned nothing new.

  The woodland thinned as they came within a short distance of the Fraser keep, opening to a extensive meadowland. Across the
way, they spotted the king’s banners flicking in the stiff breeze. Garrick halted his men as Malcolm pointed out the king.

  Shielding his eyes, Garrick saw King Alred and Lokai approaching the middle of the expanse under a flag of truce. He glanced back at his men, gave Angus a stern stare, and then motioned to Liam. When he neared, Garrick held out his hand.

  “Hand me the staff then return ta the men.” Slipping it beneath his belt, he gestured at Malcolm to follow as he put his spurs to Cadence.

  Angus enlisted Robbie and William to sneak through the tall grasses with their bows instructing them to keep them trained on no one but Malcolm. They exchanged glances but did not dispute the command.

  Garrick slowed to a stop just out of sword’s reach as he eyed Alred. Twas time to end this.

  “Where is me wife?” he demanded.

  The king bristled. “I do not know. I gave her into your care when you wed her. I have not seen her since. Have you failed in your vow to protect her?”

  Garrick’s hackles rose. That comment struck a little too close to home. “How can I defend against the Fae? Only ye could have taken her! She was safely in me home! Return her at once!”

  “Even if I had her, I do not think I would return her to a husband who, evidently, cannot protect her.”

  ”She is mine! Return her!”

  Alred smiled, shaking his head. “I do not think that I will...once I find her.”

  Garrick’s sword was in his hand instantaneously. “Then one of us must die! I will nae live without her!”

  “How do you expect to get her back if you are fortunate enough to kill me?” He asked as he drew his weapon.

  “The new Fae king will have nae reason ta keep her!” He glanced at Lokai, giving him a brief nod.

  Alred blocked his sword blow as he looked in astonishment at Lokai.

  Malcolm’s eyes widened in shock. Lokai was heir? His mind raced. Why is my son heir to the throne? That did not make sense unless...Diedre! My son is shrewder than I! What a smart lad! I should have spent more time with him, I see. With a crafty air he sized up his son as Garrick and the king clashed.

  Lokai stared unsympathetically at his father. He would kill him this day. He had no misgivings about it. His father had died a long time past in his heart. The man before him was a stranger…nothing more. He would do his duty and fulfill the prophecy. He almost pitied the man...almost. He looked over at the battling warriors just as Alred struck Garrick from his horse.

  A short distance away a woman screamed. Malcolm spun his horse on his hind legs to see Seonaid racing toward them on foot. He was enraged as he forgot who and where he was, racing to snatch her up to him.

  Garrick straightened in his saddle the moment he heard her scream. Seonaid! What was she doing here? Turn back, mo cridhe! His mind roared. Silence was his answer. He searched the meadow frantically. Where is she?

  Spying Malcolm spurring his horse toward the sound he had heard, Garrick urged Cadence to a full run as he leaned low over his saddle. The ebony beast ate up the distance with his enormous stride, reaching Malcolm within moments. He sank his teeth into the other steed’s flank causing him to stumble and fall as he whinnied in pain.

  Malcolm landed with a grunt as he rolled to avoid the crushing weight of his mount. Garrick leapt from his horse, drawing his sword as he glowered at the beast that dared touch his mate.

  As he rose from the ground Malcolm unsheathed his sword. He snickered at the laird as he judged his weapon.

  “You cannot kill me with your mortal weapons. I am Fae…my name is Athor and I am Lokai’s father! He will not allow you to harm me.”

  “Aye. I ken who ye be. Ye are the filth of the earth that dared harm me wife. For this ye will die.” Garrick swung his sword in a wide arc slicing his arm. Athor stumbled back then caught his balance. He laughed at the blood on his arm then glanced at Garrick.

  “Tell me, Laird. How will you kill me when I can heal each wound with a thought? Observe.” Athor willed the gash in his arm gone…nothing happened. His eyes widened in surprise.

  “Twould seem that ye boast of naught!”

  His head jerked around to glare at King Alred. He has taken my magic! I am defenseless now. How dare he side with a mortal against his people…his kin! Athor had not anticipated this. He scowled at his cousin as the King saluted him with a smile, then looked to his son beseechingly. The cold indifferent gaze that he met told him to expect no aid there. With an unwavering conviction he fixated on Garrick.

  “I can still kill you…even without magic.” He swung his weapon, narrowly missing Garrick’s stomach. They danced around for several moments, steel against steel, sparks flying as each blow was parried. Athor’s eyes glimmered as he spoke.

  “Your wife brought me boundless pleasure in our bed sport. I appreciate why you are so selfish with her attentions.”

  Garrick staggered back from the blow. Surely, she did not bed him!

  “Ah yes…most pleasurable. It always astounds me what some will do to save their miserable lives.” Athor snickered as he saw doubt cross Garrick’s expression.

  In an instant the distrust vanished. She has never lied ta me…and she vowed she loved me. Nay. This bastard lies! If she bedded him…it was nae by choice. It was rape! He rejoined him with a stinging blow, sending Athor’s sword flying out of his grasp landing several yards away. “Ye never touched me wife in that way,” he glowered at Athor…his breath heaving from exertion. “She does nae lie…particularly ta me!”

  Athor grasped the dirk in his boot as Garrick was distracted then leapt at him with a roar. He side-stepped the assault whacking the blade from his hand. Forsaking his sword, he chose his fists to vent his wrath. They traded blow for blow until Athor fell. Garrick pounced on him…pounding his knuckles in his face.

  Athor lay bloodied and senseless as Garrick stood up. He stared at him a moment, his fury spent, recognizing that he could not execute him. He was no butcher.

  Lokai was only a few feet away when Garrick handed the staff to him. He raised his brow in question.

  “The spear can nae be used in vengeance. Only ye can do this.”

  Lokai spun his horse around just as Malcolm extracted a second dirk from his boot to fling at Garrick’s back. As the staff transformed into the Spear of Destiny he raised it high and released it at the same moment that Robbie loosed his arrow at Malcolm.

  The spear struck true and Malcolm fell, dead before he hit the ground.

  Garrick mounted Cadence, searching for Seonaid but did not see her. Perhaps she had tripped, he thought as he combed the high grasses. He rode round the meadow widening the perimeter… frantically looking for her.

  “Seonaid! Mo cridhe, where are ye?” The only sound was the wind blowing through the grass.

  “Over here, m’laird!” Angus shouted kneeling down on one knee.

  Garrick’s heart plunged to his stomach as he drew near. He saw her indigo skirts first. As he drew closer… he saw more. She was nae stirring. And why was her shoulder all red? The dress was blue. Then he saw the bolt protruding from her back.

  “Nay!” he roared in agony. Leaping from his steed he fell to his knees alongside her, squeezing his eyes tightly to hold back the grief.

  “She still lives, m’laird. See...m’lady draws breath.” Angus placed his hand on his shoulder. “Liam! Me skin! Make haste lad!”

  Garrick’s hands trembled as he brushed her flaming locks from her cheek. “Awaken, lass,” he crooned. She did not stir. He bent over kissing her brow then, looking up at King Alred, beseeched him. “Her wound must be healed...I beg of ye.”

  The king’s eyes misted with tears. If they healed her in front of his men then she could be branded a witch. He looked into Garrick’s pleading face and nodded brusquely. His decision was made.

  “Send your men home. Keep only the most honorable here with you. What we do this day must not be spoken about.”

  “Angus! See ta it! I wish Liam ta remain. He has already proven tha
t he is trustworthy. Robbie. William. Henry, as well. The rest must return ta the castle.”

  “Aye, m’laird.”

  Shielded from the men as they arranged to leave, Lokai used his Fae magic to extract the bolt from her back. Garrick grew frantic as blood began gushing from the wound.

  “Stay calm, Son. Lokai is my best healer in the entire Fae realm. She will live.”

  He nodded as he drew an unsteady breath. His stomach began to roll as he sprinted a short distance away and bent over… purging it of its contents. Angus’ skin appeared before him.

  “I think ye may have need of it this day more than I.”

  Taking it gratefully, he took a long drink. “I have nae sickened like that since I was a lad killing me first buck.” He admitted in a trembling whisper.

  “Tis your fear for her. Tis understandable.” Angus shrugged. “Tis naught.”

  Garrick focused his eyes surveying their surroundings. “Are the men away?”

  “Aye. Robbie will travel with them for a wee while ta calm their concerns then return. Can the Fae heal her?”

  “Aye, I believe so. Her father says it can be done. I do nae believe he would lie about it. What transpired, Angus? How was she here?”

  “I am nae certain, Garrick. Ye were fighting and I was watching Malcolm, like ye said when suddenly, m’lady and another woman appeared next ta me. She was running toward ye before I could catch her.”

  Garrick’s face grew hard with animosity. He would kill her for this! Did she hate him so much that she would see her sister dead? He was not certain. Diedre had a lot of clarifying to do! “Who shot her?”

  Angus shuffled his feet apprehensively. “M’laird. Twas an accident. The bolt was unleashed just as she ran in front of it. Twas nae apurpose!”

  He ground his teeth. “Who?”

  “Please, Garrick, he feels abysmal about it.”

  “Who!” he roared at him.

  Meekly, Angus looked toward William. Garrick followed his gaze… boiling with anger. William sat on the ground weeping into his hands like a babe. Garrick shook out the rigidity from his hands approaching William slowly. He counted to ten before he spoke; releasing the fury that well-nigh consumed him.