“No, ’tis better when there is no affection. Perhaps the meeting of our bodies will calm us for a time, Killian, for ’tis not only you left burning when we are parted. But, we both know we cannot share a bed again. Ten years ago this very night, I stood in this room. A child of seven I was, I came with the intent of healing you and giving you purpose to live on. ’Tis perhaps fitting this is where it ends between us, for it has been a decade our lives have been entwined. Whatever debt you felt you owed me for healing you has long since been paid. And if you should die to save my honor, I feel I am unworthy, Killian. I will not ask you to withdraw your challenge for I have told you, I will not, but, if you should die, I swear I shall never forgive you. I will see to it your soul knows no peace. Mark my words. You well know what I am capable of in this life; sure the next will be no different.”
She pulled her hands through her long tresses and retied the knot. He did not respond, but felt his heart ache as she closed the door behind her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Alainn had not intended to go near the great hall, especially not to speak with Mary MacDonald, considering where she had just come from, but the young girl spotted Alainn and called out to her. She was friendly and considerate, and Alainn found herself feeling consumed with guilt, but clearly there was little to be done about it. When Killian appeared only a moment or two later, she tried to avoid looking at him, though the memory of his touch still lingered on her skin.
She finally made her excuses to Mary, ignored Killian, and went into the great hall just in time to see Iona, Riley’s intended, stick her foot out as Breena passed by with a huge tray of filled goblets. Throwing her arms out toward the girl, Alainn concentrated all her efforts on stopping time.
When she opened her eyes, she was amazed to see that everyone stood still as stone. Not one person moved; not one muscle twitched. Killian walked into the room, eyes wide in astonishment, as if he were in a world he did not recognize.
“What have you done, Alainn?” he asked more in amazement than accusation.
She smiled as he drew nearer to her.
“I wondered if the amulet would keep you from all my magic or only from the type that might harm you. I see you are unaffected by any of it.”
“What have you done?”
“I believe I have stopped time.”
“But why? For what purpose?”
Alainn pointed to Breena and Iona. It was clear what would happen next.
“When she falls, the contents will surely spill on the nobles around her, and ’twill enrage the chieftain.”
Killian nodded his agreement. “She’s horridly spiteful, that one. But why do you attempt to save Breena humiliation when it sounds as though she has caused you much grief through the years?”
“I would like to think I am not an evil woman, though the fact I just spent time in your bed and then had a lengthy conversation with your betrothed only moments later might indicate otherwise.”
“You are not evil, Lainna, not ever have you acted evil. Not for all your power and your supernatural abilities, and, in truth, I doubt many could state that claim if they possessed the capabilities you do.”
Alainn felt her concentration slipping as she walked toward the two women. With her witchcraft, she carefully moved Breena out of the way of the girl’s foot, turned the red-haired girl, and placed her in the direct line of Killian’s uncle Sean who was in the midst of laughing with two young red-haired men who looked very much alike. With that done, she ever so gently pushed the girl, and she began to fall.
“Now what are you up to, Alainn?”
“Setting a plan in motion.” She smiled at him and walked back toward the door. When she snapped her fingers, the room was instantly full of noise and movement. She turned in time to see Sean catch Iona and watch her beam up at him with a startled but appreciative look. Killian grinned to himself and turned toward the door, but Alainn was already gone.
Riley staggered over to him.
“Where have you been?” Killian asked.
“Out beddin’ a servant girl, trying to forget the fact that I am to marry that miserable woman who at present seems quite taken by our uncle. And where have you been, cousin? Were you out spillin’ your seed and trying to forget Alainn?”
Killian did not respond, so Riley goaded him further.
“You’re truly going to allow her to marry the farmer? Why then would you challenge my father when ’tis Alainn’s honor you fight for? Seems all a bit muddled to me. But, Christ did you see her in that dress tonight, cousin? ’Tis little wonder you are so bedazzled by her. I never thought Alainn to be so well-endowed in the bosom area!”
“What by God’s nails were you doing looking at her in that manner?” Killian growled.
The other man shrugged. “Well, if you’re going to allow her to wed the farmer, you can wager he’ll have done more than look at those fine young breasts by this time tomorrow. And you can’t order me not to look at her if you’re going to allow her to be married to another. Come to it, I might do more than look, since you’re clearly out of the runnin’ and this is her last night to be ravaged.”
“Are you purposely trying to annoy me, Riley?” he asked darkly. “Is this some ploy to force my hand and stop the wedding, or are you so entirely drunk that you think I’ll take pity on you and not break your nose before your own wedding day?”
“Even half drunk, I estimate I’d fare better than the steward’s son.”
“He only got what he deserved and so will any who attempt to hurt Alainn!”
“I’ve no intention of hurting her, cousin, but still I tell you she’s never looked lovelier or more bewitching than she did in that revealing dress. She was almost voluptuous.” He licked his lips. “Now you would have had much closer contact with her in that regard, but I swear to you she has blossomed most appealingly and surely only recently.”
“Go take a walk to sober up, Riley, before your own head lies at your feet.”
The other man narrowed his blood-shot eyes, and smiled a lopsided grin as he left the great hall. Rory approached Killian with their betrotheds on each of his arms.
“We’re heading out for a walk to the grove. There’s talk of a gathering, and we thought we’d go see what we will. Are you up for the outing, Killian? I’ve already ensured Brigid’s parents that we’ll take good care of the girls.”
“Aye, then I suppose we’re off for a time,” he said almost absentmindedly, as Mary hooked her arm through his, his mind still back on his conversation with Riley.
Chapter Twenty-Four
As she sauntered along the narrow path on her way back from the glade, giddy and refreshed from a swim in the spring, Alainn almost bumped right into Killian and Mary. She giggled when she saw the look on Killian’s face.
“Are the two of you off to the round tower?” she asked, purposely taunting him.
“To the round tower! That sounds most exciting, might we go, Killian?” Mary pleaded.
He scowled at Alainn and discouraged the girl on his arm.
“ ’Tis a long walk and the grass is certainly damp with this night’s dew. Sure your lovely skirts would be ruined.”
She seemed disappointed then noticed Alainn’s wet hair.
“Have you been for a swim, Alainn? That sounds heavenly, where is it you swim?”
“I’ve been to the spring in a nearby glade,” she said vaguely, “but it is also a considerable walk, and my skirts are not as fine as yours, Milady.”
“I’ve told you, Alainn, you must call me, Mary! And do you always walk alone in the darkness? Is that a wise consideration, does that not frighten you?”
“I like the dark if there is some moonlight, as there is tonight, and I was not alone.”
Killian’s eyes flashed with jealousy.
“I was with Wolf,” she snapped.
Mary’s eyes filled with horror, and she looked around with panic, shrieking with fright when Rory and Brigid came up the path.
&
nbsp; “What’s wrong with you, Mary? Your face is ashen.”
The girl still scanned the area with her eyes, and when she heard a rustling in the grass behind Alainn, she screamed and clutched Killian as though she were being pursued by demons.
“What is it Mary?” Killian asked his voice laced with genuine concern. Just then, a wolfhound came bounding up behind Alainn, and Mary became nearly hysterical.
“She’s terrified of wolves,” Brigid offered.
Alainn snapped her fingers and the dog lay down at her feet in submission. She put a hand on the other girl’s arm.
“I apologize for causing you such a fright. He is just a dog, Milady, an Irish wolfhound. Though I refer to him as Wolf, he is gentle and obedient. How long ago was it your brother was attacked by the wolves?”
The girl’s large brown eyes were filled with tears, her bottom lip quivering. “I was just a wee lass,” she managed to whisper. “He was protecting me when they attacked. He was not much older than I, and I saw him killed before my eyes, could do nothing but watch. I have been terrified of all dogs ever since.”
“I don’t blame you for that, no one could,” Alainn said soothingly as she took the girl’s hand. Killian cradled her protectively, and Alainn smiled at him approvingly as he gently calmed her.
“How did you know of the attack, Alainn? Mary has never spoken of it to me or my sister,” Brigid asked.
Alainn sighed deeply and admitted, “I am a seer, though oft I wish otherwise.”
“Where are you off to then, Alainn?” Rory asked, hoping to change the dismal subject.
“There’s a gathering. ’Tis to be a grand crowd with entertainers and musicians. Sure, it will be a lovely night.”
“And where is your intended this night, Alainn? I had hoped we might meet him,” Mary asked, seeming calmer now, though her voice shook lightly.
“I couldn’t say. I haven’t seen him. But I must be off, for I told Molly I would meet her at the gathering. She’ll be wondering where I am.” She clicked her tongue, and the dog followed her as she headed down the darkened path. Alainn was truly surprised when Rory’s betrothed, Brigid, followed her down the path.
“Might we come to the gathering? Would we be allowed to partake?”
“You are nobility; no one could stop you from attending if that is what you wish.”
“But would we be welcomed?”
By this time, all three nobles had joined Brigid, and Alainn looked toward the bright light of the torches up ahead. She seemed to wrestle with the notion but finally answered the girl.
“Aye, you may come with me, if you fancy the notion, but there are rules of attending a gathering of common folk. You must leave your titles and positions at the gate. If you agree to be all of one class within the gathering, then aye, you are welcome. Rory, Riley, and Killian have attended a few similar events through the years, but not for an age, I would suggest.”
When they got to the edge of the clearing, two village men greeted Alainn and called her by name. They glanced at her companions with suspicion.
“They are with me tonight,” Alainn explained.
“The women as well?” they asked doubtfully.
“You are making me sound rather a harlot,” Alainn jested, “if you suggest you’ve never seen me in the company of women!”
The two men laughed. “Are the ladies certain they want to be allowed within?”
“The stories and songs tend to be a bit rowdy and raucous at times,” Alainn explained to the women. “You must be accepting of that or you may be offended.”
“Not me!” Mary assured her.
“Nor I!” Brigid piped up as well.
“ ’Tis fine with me as well then,” Alainn agreed. “But you’re certain you’ll take no offense to be referred to by your given names by common people?” Once more the girls shook their heads, and Alainn led them into the boisterous crowd.
There was much gaiety and frivolity, with people dancing and others singing. The smell of whiskey and ale hung in the air. Two young men were having a lively discussion about who would dance with the young girl standing between them, but Alainn deducted that neither looked as though they were in any condition to dance. Mary and Brigid giggled behind their hands.
They found a spot where they could watch the festivities, and soon Cookson and Molly approached them. Molly affectionately embraced Alainn, who introduced her to the young women. Killian watched as the quiet young girl was introduced to Mary MacDonald. Though an obviously well-mannered girl, she made no attempt to hide her displeasure and threw him an angry look.
“My mother will be wonderin’ where I am,” she murmured and excused herself from the group.
Cookson offered the men ale, and they accepted. Alainn located cider and brought some back for Mary and Brigid. It wasn’t long before Alainn was whisked away by a young villager who Killian had seen a time or two. As they danced a lively jig to fiddle music, Killian tried to keep his gaze only mildly interested, when he wanted desperately to have her in his arms. She returned almost breathless from the lengthy dance but had no time to rest before being carried off to dance with another young man. Rory and Brigid soon joined the dancing circle, and when Mary looked at Killian quizzically, he took her hand and led her into line.
Several musicians and local fiddlers, harpists and pipers continued on with their music, playing a vast variety of Irish songs. There were fast-paced tunes that left everyone exhausted and laughing, and slow sad melodies that pulled at the heart-strings. The young soldier who had helped her upon her horse earlier that week played a tune on his fiddle to the delight of the crowd. Then MacKenzie MacArthur took a turn at playing a Scottish tune on his bagpipes. Mary squealed in delight to learn that she was not the only Scot in the crowd. Molly came and retrieved Alainn, and with two other girls, one being Breena McTeer, they danced so aptly and in such perfect rhythm it looked as though they had practiced for months.
When Alainn returned to stand beside Killian, he whispered, “When did you learn to dance so well?”
With a mischievous glint in her eye, she whispered back, “When you and your cousins were off sowing your wild oats, I danced.”
Molly came by at that moment and nudged Alainn.
“Are you up for a dare, Alainn?”
“I’m not sure, Molly. Breena and I have already locked horns once this night, I’m not certain I want to go head to head with her again.”
“Come along, Alainn. Sure, it’ll be fun!”
She pulled her to the end of a long line of women. Cookson explained what was happening.
“The girls will all line up,” Cookson explained. “The one at the end of the line chooses what steps the rest will follow, and if a step is missed, they must drop out. If the leader tires, she goes to the other end and allows the next in line to take over. ’Twill go on until there are only two left. ’Tis nearly always Alainn and Breena.”
As the dancing began, slowly, one by one the girls dropped out until only Breena, Molly, and Alainn remained. Killian felt himself nearly out of breath just watching the girls exert themselves at their fast pace and for so lengthy a time.
Molly finally tired and, laughing, came to join her brother next to Pierce, who smiled and took her hand. Killian did not miss how the young girl grew flushed and thought it had nothing to do with the fact she’d been dancing for some time.
When Breena signaled to Alainn to take over the lead, she stepped up the pace, which Breena answered with a knowing look. Alainn continued on, untiring, until her glance found Killian’s and their eyes burned into each other. She looked quickly away, but in that moment, missed a step, and conceded the contest to the happy disbelief of Breena. Smiling together, they went breathlessly in search of a drink.
Alainn was red-faced and breathing hard when she got to Cook. He passed her a drink of cool water.
“Still can’t think of drinkin’ ale, Alainn?”
She shook her head and drank the cool water, then loosened the
lacing on her garment and poured the cool droplets down upon her bosom. She felt Killian’s eyes on her and saw the desire within them.
As the night wore on, several locals took their turn at singing. There were songs of war and patriotic Irish songs, love songs and tales of heartbreak. And as promised, several racy tunes as well. When Riley joined the group some time later, he insisted Rory and Killian join him in a song. Though the other two assured him it was not a song to be sung in mixed company, they finally agreed and had the entire crowd roaring with laughter at the silliness and genuine affection between the three young men. Even Brigid and Mary were laughing uproariously upon hearing them.
When it was completed and Killian was standing between Alainn and Mary, Riley jested with him. “Pick one, cousin! Don’t be greedy!”
Killian seemed to not understand his cousin’s meaning.
“Pick one of the beauties who now flank you, and I’ll take the other!” Killian looked into the dark eyes of the one he was promised to and then into the deep blue sapphires of the one who had so long ago captured his heart. When he seemed incapable of choosing, Alainn made the decision for him.
“Well Riley, since neither your intended nor mine are here, I suppose we must be forced to suffer each other’s company.” She curtsied to him, and he whisked her off her feet. There was truly something to be said about large tall men, for it was a grand thing to have a man sweep you off your feet in a literal way. They danced two fast-paced jigs, and, when the next song was a slow stately love ballad, Riley brought her in closer and linked their hands. He moved with an uncommon grace especially given how much he’d had to drink that night. When he stroked the inside of her wrist, she pushed his hand away, but in no time it was back. When he led her in front of him, casting out of the line, his free hand crept to rest on her backside.
“Are you purposely trying to anger me, Riley, or are you doing this for Killian’s benefit?” she asked.
“Mostly for his benefit, I suppose, though I’ve always wanted to know what it would be like to fondle your wee arse.”
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