“Friends, meet Sir James Douglas,” Robert said, introducing him first. “One of my oldest friends, he’s been fighting alongside me against the Sassenach for neigh on fifteen winters now.”
“’Tis an honor to meet ye, James,” Adlin led out. “I cannae thank ye enough for all ye’ve done for our country.”
James Douglas, better known as the Black Douglas, was one of Scotland’s greatest heroes for all he had accomplished on behalf of Robert. The English had given him his nickname not only because of his black hair but his fearsome reputation.
Robert proceeded to introduce the other two as they stood. “And these fine men are Sir Walter Stewart and Sir Thomas Randolph.” He paused and reflected. “But then most of you already met Thomas at the Battle of Bannockburn, aye?”
“Aye,” Graham replied as he shook hands with Robert’s commander. “’Tis good to see ye again, Sir Thomas.”
Everybody greeted one another, including Walter Stewart, who was the hereditary High Steward of Scotland.
“Sit.” Robert gestured at the table. “There’s room for ye all.”
Everyone did as Adlin and Grant eyed the maps.
“So have yer plans changed any, Robert?” Grant asked.
“Nay and ‘tis good ye convinced me to put off the battle a day, Grant,” Robert mentioned. “Given the weather.”
Bryce didn’t miss the brief look Adlin tossed Grant. It seemed his uncle must have manipulated the weather a wee bit to make that happen. After all, as history told it the Battle of Byland Moor should take place on the fourteenth, not the thirteenth.
“’Tis my greatest hope we capture Edward soon,” James ground out. “I’ve a mind to hurt him in ways he cannae imagine not only for what he’s done to this country but more recently Edinburgh.” His eyes met Robert’s. “’Twas not nearly gratifying enough to pester his army afterward.”
The dark promise in James' eyes was telling. He would offer King Edward a tortuous death indeed. And Bryce well understood his sentiment, as did they all. Because, sadly enough, those who had not heeded Robert’s dire warning to leave the city but instead held out hope for the English to be merciful suffered greatly.
When Edward’s army never got their supplies thanks to Angus MacDonald, things grew far worse. Only aiding in Robert’s grand plan of starving and depleting Edward’s army, the weather was unseasonably wet with constant driving rain and high winds. Due to lack of shelter and food, the Sassenach soldiers began to suffer not only from fever and agues but Dysentery. Eventually and inevitably the English army became a barely controllable, sick and semi mutinous rabble.
Staying in the city was no longer an option.
On September second, Holyrood Abbey was set on fire. In a fit of petulance, King Edward ordered the slaughter of the remaining inhabitants of Edinburgh. The Sassenach soldiers ran amok, killing almost five thousand men, women, and children. Even babies were slaughtered and disemboweled in the streets.
Meanwhile, Robert had sent James Douglas and Thomas Randolph with extra Highland clansmen to harass the retreating English unmercifully. In the end, only half of the army that had marched into Scotland stumbled out of the country.
This, of course, was all part of Robert’s master plan. A great rout to be sure.
As James reported it, the demoralized Sassenach were now in a state of mutiny. Led by incompetent leaders, without adequate food or clothing, they were forced to flee from an implacable enemy in heavy rain. James’ eyes lit with pleasure as he told of them trudging through mud, swollen rivers, forced to sleep in the open as they staggered wearily toward York.
Each day men deserted the army, fell sick or fell beneath James’ and his men’s blades as they never gave up pursuit. By the time they reached where they were now, the encampments around Rievaulx Abbey, Byland, Shaws Moor and Scawton Moor, only one third of the army remained. At that juncture, unfortunately, they were joined by tens of thousands more English soldiers.
So those now surrounding King Edward at Rievaulx Abbey were the army they would be fighting on the morrow. An army that Robert with his brilliant strategizing didn’t seem wary of in the least.
The king kept discussing his battle strategy with Adlin and Grant who, naturally, gave nothing away. Bryce knew, though, that things were going as planned.
They continued to enjoy pleasantries as they visited. Like his cousins, he couldn’t be more honored to be sitting amongst such great men. If not for them, this country would surely not be where it was today.
“If not for you and your cousins too,” Jessie said into his mind. “You’re just as much heroes as any of these men considering what you’ve done for your country.”
“Och, I wouldnae go that far.” He squeezed her hand as his eyes met hers. “But thank you, lass.” Though his gaze returned to the others, he kept speaking to her. “Have you come up with a plan yet in regards to the warlock?”
“Yes,” she replied, opening her mind to the others as well. “I think as soon as we’re done here, we should find a private spot and summon the warlock. Because if we wait much longer, it’ll be time for the battle and we don’t want him making his move then.”
“I couldnae agree more, lass,” Grant responded. His eyes grazed her ring while he continued speaking with Robert. “Though your gem doesnae glow yet.”
“Hopefully, it will once we defeat the beastie, aye?” Adlin interjected. “Who knows. Mayhap if we throw everything we have at it, which is considerable with three rings already ignited, we’ll be able to defeat it without the power of the fourth ring.”
While Bryce appreciated Adlin’s optimism, he feared it wouldn’t be that simple. So did Jessie based on her less-than-convinced thoughts.
A few hours later, having found a spot a ways out from the encampment, the same reservations remained. Though Robert thought it peculiar that they wandered off to explore the forest and get a lay of the land, he was somewhat used to their oddities by now. More than that, he trusted that they had Scotland’s best interests in mind.
“Like I know all of you have, I’ve given this a great deal of thought,” Jessie finally said as she met their eyes over a crackling fire. “And I’m sure like all of you I’ve come to one conclusion.” Her eyes met Bryce’s. “It’s very likely going to come down to Bryce and me, just like it did with the warlock that had the enemy’s essence.”
“Aye, lass,” Grant agreed. “But as you all did in Pentland Firth, we can wear it down first and mayhap make it easier for you.” His brows rose. “And though ‘tis of the spirit realm, like Adlin said, we’ve got three magical rings now. Rings that might just help everyone attack the warlock in a way it didn’t anticipate.”
Jessie nodded, her eyes on Bryce. “Are you ready?”
He could see the growing strength and confidence in her eyes. She was prepared to confront this last warlock. It was time.
“Aye, lass.” He nodded. “I’ll be by your side from start to finish.”
Her gaze swept over everyone as she said a few final words. “Whatever might come of this I want you all to know how thankful I am. Not just for your inspirational courage but the kindness you’ve shown me.” Emotion flared in her eyes. “It’s meant more than you know.”
“We’re always here for you, sweetie,” Milly said as everyone nodded their agreement. “And we’re more than thankful for all you’ve done too.”
Jessie didn’t say anything else just held their eyes for another moment before she opened the book to a blank page, closed her eyes and started drawing. Bryce narrowed his eyes at the image as it began to take shape. If he wasn’t mistaken, it looked an awful lot like him.
Her eyes shot open and focused on the fire as she began chanting.
Moments later, his attention was torn from the book as a harsh chill swept through the woodland and shadows fell where there were none before. Though everyone visibly tensed, Bryce and Sven were particularly anxious. Whatever was heading their way had the unmistakable essence of dragon about i
t.
“He’s coming,” Jessie whispered.
Seconds later, a tall, dark inky shadow began shifting through the forest toward them.
“You are making this too easy, my love,” came his raspy voice on the wind, “bringing everyone to me like this.”
Jessie remained silent and perfectly still as he approached. Though he was hooded, his appearance soon startled everyone. No wonder she had been drawing Bryce...the warlock bore a striking resemblance. That, Bryce realized, was likely their first mistake.
Its offsetting appearance.
It was too disconcerting.
Or at least it was for everyone but Jessie.
She seemed perfectly at ease, maybe too at ease, as it drew closer. When it did, they formed a wide circle around it.
“I missed you, Jessie,” it whispered. “Let me finish this then come home with me, aye?”
Bryce frowned as the voice became less raspy and more like his own.
“Home,” she murmured as the book dropped from her limp hands. “I’d like that.”
Adlin shook his head, his face as disgruntled as the rest of theirs. Jessie’s mind was clouding over, drifting further and further away from them. All she could see was Bryce in the warlock. How much she wanted to be with him always.
“So ye’ll let me finish off everyone here,” the warlock whispered. “Then fix Scotland’s history so we can always be together?”
“Together,” she whispered as though under a spell. “Always.”
“Together,” he repeated. “Always.”
Their eyes held as though in mutual understanding before a sly grin curled his lips. “Ye really do want me, aye?”
“So much,” she whispered. “I always have.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “I’m strong when I’m with you. Not weak and emotional.”
It seemed Jessie had well and truly lost herself, so they sprang into action. Adlin and Grant began chanting, evidently accessing the spiritual realm as everyone except Jessie started throwing all they had at it.
As it turned out, the rings did help...somewhat.
Conall began by manipulating the air enough that the warlock glanced in his direction. The moment it did, Lindsay enchanted it to remain where it was. Milly confused it by astral-projecting all around it while Adlin and Grant started barraging it with something that made it scowl in discomfort. Though her blade didn’t seem to cause it any physical pain, Christina certainly irritated the warlock as she continually attacked it with her sword. Aðísla chanted and peeled away the branches overhead while Graham made sure rain clouds vanished and bright sunlight poured down.
For all appearances, the warlock seemed to be weakening.
Sven’s eyes had turned dragon as he took up position behind the warlock and nodded at Bryce. This was his moment, and the Viking intended to be his back-up in case he needed it.
More than ready to end this horrible creature once and for all, Bryce embraced his dragon. Blazing fury filled him as he peered down at the warlock. This was the moment he would avenge his mate. The moment she would finally get her dragon back. That in mind, he rallied his rage, reared his head back, ready to thrust it forward and release fire, but stopped short. Frozen, his insides twisted as the warlock’s eyes met his. No, not the warlock’s.
Jessie’s.
More so, her dragon’s.
Everybody had been so focused on Jessie’s reaction to the warlock that they hadn’t taken into consideration Bryce’s. Because what he experienced now was pure torture. Her dragon was in there. His true mate. How could he ever snuff her life out? It would be impossible. He would rather die.
A sly smile curled the warlock’s lips as he took full advantage of Bryce’s hesitation. Not just his but Sven’s too as the warlock’s eyes flared with the power of the dragon, broke free of everyone’s magic and spun on the Viking.
Fury ravaged Sven’s features when he went to shift but stopped. Then he drew his ax as if to fight but again stopped. Like Bryce, his dragon wouldn’t allow him to harm her dragon. She might not be his mate, but she was an innocent female. Kin. And that meant he could only ever protect not harm her.
The warlock released a horrible peal of laughter then a blink later vanished.
Just like that, he was gone.
Though furious, Bryce set aside his emotions as he shifted back and went to Jessie. Was she okay? He cupped her shoulders and tried to meet her eyes. Fear shot through him at her dazed expression. “Lass, are you all right?”
She blinked several times in confusion before, thank the gods, her eyes focused on his. “Oh no, I let you down didn’t I?”
“Och, nay.” He shook his head and pulled her into his arms. “If anything I let you down.”
“What happened?” she murmured. “I barely remember anything except you...” She shook her head. “I mean him.”
The way she said ‘him’ set Bryce on edge. As if she felt affection she just could not help.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, sadness in her eyes as they met his again. “I guess it’s going to be harder than I thought separating from him.” Her eyes welled. “We just have so much history.”
He frowned, not pleased with her wobbly, heartfelt words at all. Yet he didn’t fault her for her honesty or for feeling the way she did.
“’Twill be okay, lass,” he replied softly. “Now we know what to expect next time. What our weaknesses are.”
She nodded, still upset. But then how could she not be when their weaknesses seemed almost insurmountable. They now knew Bryce couldn’t defeat the warlock because he simply could not kill his mate. And Jessie? Well, she certainly didn’t seem to be strengthening any when it came to the warlock. Again, he didn’t blame her. She was a pawn in an evil game being played out by the leftovers of a corrupt man.
“We’ll figure this out,” Grant murmured. “There has to be a way.”
Jessie shook her head. “I had hoped at the very least you and Adlin might be able to sense the warlock’s weaknesses. Did you?”
“Nay, ‘tis verra powerful.” Adlin shook his head and scowled. “If anything, all we did was show it our weaknesses.”
“That’s what I was afraid of,” Jessie murmured as she picked up her book and shoved it in her pocket. “So I guess, in some ways, we’re back to square one.”
“There’s got to be another way, and we’ll figure it out.” Grant rubbed the back of his neck as he mulled it over. “I refuse to let this warlock win.” He sighed. “But what else to throw at it? I just used all my magic to no avail.”
“Aye,” Adlin agreed as he clasped Grant’s shoulder in reassurance. “’Tis all right, my friend. We’ll figure this out. We always do.”
It was a quiet walk back as everyone came to terms with what seemed to be a no-win situation. Nevertheless, they needed to remain vigilant in the upcoming battle because the warlock would be back and they hadn’t a clue what it had up its sleeve.
Later that evening after watching a day of battle preparations, things still weighed heavily on Bryce’s mind. He and Jessie had been given their own tent and were retired for the evening. Alarmingly enough, she had remained withdrawn all day, and it bothered him greatly. She seemed a great distance away from him, and it almost felt like she was doing it on purpose. That the warlock had truly affected her perspective on things. Namely Bryce himself. And based on what he sensed, it wasn’t good.
Yet he sought only to comfort her.
“’Twill be all right, lass,” he assured, whether or not he believed it.
Her eyes met his as they sat by the fire. “Yes, it will.”
And there, above all else, was the primary reason for his alarm. The new spark in her eyes. If he wasn’t mistaken, it was defiance. Yet he had the oddest feeling that defiance wasn’t directed toward who it should be.
“You dinnae seem yourself,” he said softly, eying her as her gaze returned to the fire. “What troubles you, Jessie?”
“What doesn’t trouble me,” she murmure
d. Her eyes remained on the flames like they had back in the beginning. “I can’t stand feeling so helpless...” Her brows pinched together in frustration. “So out of control.”
Though he could well imagine how that might bother her, she seemed far too focused on it. “Remember, you dinnae need to be in control anymore. ‘Tis time to lean on all of us...” He took her hand, hoping she would look at him. “On me.”
She didn’t look his way but scowled at the fire. “I am...I’m trying...”
But she wasn’t. He could feel her inner struggle. Her need to be as strong as she was before. It didn’t seem to matter that she had dragon lineage or even dragon magic. All she focused on was how she had been with the warlocks. How powerful.
“The warlock affected your mind today.” He frowned and shook his head. “That is why you feel as you do.”
“If anything, he reminded me,” she whispered.
Now he was the one scowling. “Reminded you of what?”
“Nothing,” she said softly as she stood. “I’m tired.” She headed for the cot without looking back. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, lass,” he murmured as she curled up under the blankets and turned away from him.
What the bloody hell was wrong with her? No kiss? Affection? She had gone from being lustful to cold and distant. The warlock had to have done this. There was no other explanation. Because she couldn’t truly be feeling this way, right? She couldn’t really be having doubts about them. About what she and Bryce had found together.
As he remained in front of the fire, he began to give into his own fears. Mayhap she truly was having doubts. Mayhap reconnecting with the warlock was all it took. As his thoughts festered, it seemed more and more plausible. Only one thing kept him level headed in the end.
Jessie.
Though the thought of letting go of their love both saddened and terrified him, he would if it meant saving her. He had promised her he would protect her at all cost, so that was what he intended to do. He would let her go because he loved her and refused to allow her to suffer a life with the warlock.
The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Boxed Set (Books 1-4) Page 102