by B. J. Scott
“Thank you. I’d appreciate your help with the laces.” After donning her gown, Gwen wrapped her arms around the maid’s shoulders and hugged her. “Be careful and don’t get caught.”
“Dinna fash. I can move about unnoticed when I want to.” She left the chamber, closing the door behind her.
After freshening up, Gwen went to the great hall for the evening meal. Lilith claimed Ronald MacQuin was her real father, but she still didn’t believe that Wanda and Ross Lindsay were not her birth parents. However, for the time being she decided to go along with what Beatha and Lilith had told her.
About to enter the hall, she paused and drew in a deep breath for courage. Her first encounter with Ronald MacQuin had been a disaster and she hoped this one would go more smoothly. She thought about Mara and prayed she’d be safe, but knowing that the children would not go to bed hungry tonight eased her concern.
The din of conversation and roar of laughter came to an abrupt halt when Gwen entered the great hall. Feeling as if all eyes were trained on her every move, she made her way toward the dais. Heart hammering and chest so tight she felt as if it were wrapped in bands of iron, she stood before the head table, waiting for one of the occupants to speak.
The laird stood and glared at Gwen. “So we meet again, but this time I’m told it is under slightly different circumstances.” He waved her forward. “Step closer and let me look at you in better light.”
Gwen did as he requested, then waited as he examined her from head to toe in silence. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking—his face expressionless, his mouth drawn into a tight straight line. Finally he spoke. “Though you and Damen appear quite opposite in appearance, I do think you favor your mother. Sit beside her.” He pointed at the empty chair to Lilith’s right.
Lilith smiled and urged her to come, but Gwen stood still, staring back at the laird in disbelief. She wanted to say something about his cold welcome and general lack of interest in his long lost child, but held her tongue. She knew from what she’d heard, Ronald MacQuin was a cruel, gruff man who showed little compassion or emotion for anything but wealth and land, yet a wee part of her hoped for a slight show of joy at her presence.
Damen stood silently at his father’s side, but his glower spoke volumes. He was definitely not pleased to have Gwen there, and if looks could kill, she’d crumple to the floor in agony. Suddenly feeling like she was standing before the entire clan naked, she scurried around the dais and took the seat beside Lilith.
“That went well,” Lilith said smiling.
“It did? I certainly did not feel welcome or as if the laird was pleased to learn of my existence. As for Damen, his contempt for me goes without saying,” Gwen whispered so only Lilith could hear her.
Lilith patted Gwen’s hand. “Your father isna one to show joy or affection, he prefers to maintain a brusque, unyielding image when before the clan. That he allowed you to sit at his table and dinna declare that you were an imposter, is a testimony to his acceptance.”
Gwen’s stomach grumbled when platters of food were brought to the table, but she couldn’t help thinking about the poor members of the clan and quickly lost her appetite. When the laird stood and banged his eating knife against a pewter tankard, she wondered if he was going to formally welcome her to the clan, but instead he announced the arrangements Damen had made with Laird Gower of the Orkney Islands. “My son has been busy these last few days, arranging an alliance with Clan Gower.” Before he could say more the crowd erupted in cheers.
“They seem very happy,” Gwen whispered to Lilith.
“Aye, they are. Our clans have been enemies for more years than I can count, and this alliance will end the bloodshed and pillaging,” Lilith replied.
“I don’t understand how a clan living on an island in the North Sea poses a threat to the MacQuin Clan,” Gwen said.
“There are two brothers who both own land and title. Duncan Gower who lives in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, and his brother Collin. His land is on the north shore, bordering clan MacKay. It is that part of the Gowers who raid our land.”
“Then I suppose an alliance would be a good thing if it means less bloodshed,” Gwen said.
“I just wish the terms were different.” Lilith lowered her gaze and pushed the food around her trencher but didn’t eat.
“What do you mean?” Gwen asked.
“My husband is about to make the announcement.” Lilith pointed to the laird who was waiting for the crowd to stop cheering.
“Damen has procured the section of land on the north shore of Scotland and property on the Orkneys. In addition to the coin and livestock I sent, Duncan Gower will wed my niece, Ainsley. She will be taken to his brother’s stronghold on the north shore, then a ship will take them to the islands”
“Nay!” An attractive, petite, buxom young woman with raven hair rose from a table adjacent to the dais, then stumbled forward and dropped to her knees. “Please, Uncle, I beg of you. I dinna wish to marry Laird Gower. He is more than twice my age and I dinna even know him. I wish to marry James, the son of your chief guard.”
Ronald’s brow knit together as he glared at his niece, the veins in his neck bulging, his face red. “You will do as I command and marry who I say. Ready yourself this night for you leave on the morrow to join your betrothed. He is sending an escort for you.”
“But I’ve heard he is a horrible man and I dinna love him,” Ainsley sobbed.
“How awful to be forced to leave her home and the man she loves, to marry a man she doesn’t.” Gwen said in a hushed tone.
“She is the daughter of Ronald’s sister, Denalda. Because he didn’t have a daughter of his own to barter, he used his niece,” Lilith said. “It is a good thing you dinna come home afore now, or it might be you leaving on the morrow.” She quickly made the sign of the cross and mumbled a prayer of thanks.
“Can he pawn off his sister’s child?”
“He’s laird and can do anything he wants with the women of the clan.” Lilith whispered.
“Please Ronald. Will you na reconsider?” A woman stepped forward and looped her arms around Ainsley’s shoulders. “She is my only bairn.”
Laird MacQuin stomped around the dais and approached his sister with fists balled. He grasped her upper arm and shook her. He then grabbed Ainsley and dragged her to her feet. “She should be honored to represent our clan in this alliance, and I dictate who marries who. Take your sniveling brat back to her chamber and see she prepares to leave at first light.”
Denalda bowed and backed away, taking her daughter with her. Once they’d left the hall, Ronald headed back to his seat. However as he reached the end of the dais, he clutched at his chest and doubled over, using the end of the table for support.
“What is it, father?” Damen eased him to the ground, then hovered over him. “Dinna speak, I’ll send for the healer.” He turned to the steward. “Fetch her at once.”
The steward bowed and ran out of the room.
“Wait here,” Lilith said to Gwen and rose. “He may be a tyrant, but he is my husband and duty calls for me to be at his side.” She moved to where her husband lay on the floor and lifted his hand.
Moments later the steward returned with the healer. “Stand back and give the man some air,” she hissed, then examined the laird. Upon completion of her assessment, she peered up at Damen and Lilith. “His heart is weak and I’ve warned him to avoid getting angry or upset. I’m afraid he’s had a serious spell and it is too soon to know if he will recover.” She opened a small pouch, plucked out some herbs, and placed them under the laird’s tongue. “These should help, but I suggest you take him to his solar where he can rest more comfortably.
Damen rallied several strong men and together they lifted the laird and carried him from the hall. Lilith followed, leaving Gwen alone with the rest of the clan.
Not knowing what to do and having no appetite, Gwen returned to Lilith’s chamber to await news of the laird’s condition. Tomorrow she woul
d start her search for Beatha and, with any luck, be home by the following day, if not sooner.
Exhausted, Gwen didn’t bother to undress. Instead she climbed onto the bed, tugged a pelt over her shoulders and nodded off. She was so tired she’d have likely slept through the entire night, but awakened when she heard the door close and the soft patter of feet on the plank floor. “Is that you Lady Lilith?”
“Aye, dear.”
Gwen sat up in bed. “What time is it?”
“Around three,” Lilith replied. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“No problem.” Gwen yawned and scrubbed her fist across her eyes. How is the laird?”
“He is resting, but it is too soon to know if he will live or die.”
Gwen patted the bed beside her. “You must be exhausted. What you need is a good night’s sleep and, hopefully, things will be better in the morning.” She waited for Lilith to lie down, then covered her with a pelt. As she watched her sleep, a pang of guilt gnawed at her gut. If she truly was the daughter of Ronald MacQuin, she should be upset about his heart attack, but she felt nothing for the man, and wondered if Lilith might secretly be relieved should he pass away, ending the fear and subservience she’d endured for so long. But she’d just met Lilith, so had no idea what was in her heart. Any opinions she might have were purely speculation. Dwelling on it would do no good so she lay down and dozed off again.
~ * ~
“Wake up, now!” The door slammed against the wall and Damen stormed into Lilith’s chamber.
Both Lilith and Gwen sat up with a start. “What is the meaning of this, Damen?” Lilith asked as she slid to the edge of the bed, then rose. “Has something happened to your father?”
“Da is still alive, if that is what you are asking. Not that you would care,” he hissed.
“That is unfair. You know I have done my utmost to be a good wife to Ronald, and a loving mother to you.”
Damen grunted, then approached the bed and glared at Gwen. “Get up and dress. You are leaving in an hour.”
Gwen sprang to her feet and marched toward Damen. “Going where?”
“To Gower Castle on the coast, and then to the Orkneys. Ainsley ran off during the night with her lover, and the Gower’s men will be here at dawn to pick up his bride,” Damen said. “Since Ainsley is gone and you claim to be the laird’s daughter, you should do nicely as a substitute.” He pinched Gwen’s chin between his thumb and forefinger and tilted her head so he could study her face. “You are comely enough, so Gower shouldna be too disappointed.”
Lilith grabbed Damen’s forearm. “You canna be serious. Only the laird can make such decisions.”
“My father is unable to act as laird and may never again. I am therefore in charge of the clan and will take his place in accordance with his wishes.” He pried his mother’s fingers from his arm and shoved her to the ground. “Laird Gower is expecting a bride and the alliance depends on it. The lass will go and had best not give me any arguments.”
Gwen squatted beside Lilith, then glowered up at Damen. “What kind of horrible beast are you. This is your mother and you treat her like she doesn’t matter. As for me going with Gower’s men and getting married, think again. I am not going anywhere because you say so.”
Damen wrapped his fingers around Gwen’s throat and squeezed until she gasped for air. At the same time his features contorted into something terrifying, his eyes glowing red. “You will go and not give the Gower any trouble. You are correct when you say Lilith matters na, and if you disobey me, I will kill her before I finish you off as well.” He released Gwen and stormed toward the door, but stopped and shot a menacing glance over his shoulder. “Be downstairs and ready to ride within the hour. If you do not show up, I will find you. That is not a threat, it is a promise.” He left the room, slamming the door behind him.
Returning to Lilith’s side, Gwen slid her arm around her waist and helped her to stand. “Are you alright?”
While shaken and a bit wobbly on her feet, Lilith nodded. “I’m fine, but we must get you out of here and far away from the castle before Damen returns for you.”
“You heard him. If I’m not downstairs and ready to leave when Gower’s men arrive, he will hunt me down and force me to go regardless of my wishes, but more than that, I fear he will make good on his promise and kill you first.”
Tears welled in Lilith’s eyes as she clung to the sleeve of Gwen’s gown. “I just got you back after twenty-four years. I canna bear being separated from you again. The thought of you married to a man like Gower makes my skin crawl. I’d rather die than see you bound to such an animal.”
“I couldn’t live with myself if you died to save me, so I guess we are at crossroads,” Gwen said. “I will go with Gower’s men, but you must try and find Beatha. Hopefully you can locate her before the ship sets sail, and she can help me return to my own time.” She released a soft sigh. “I know it means leaving you again, but—”
“At least you’d na be married to a fiend. While it would break my heart to lose you, I could live with the fact you have returned to a place of safety, where you have a choice and are with people who love you.” Lilith pressed a kiss to Gwen’s brow. “But what happens if I canna find Beatha in time and you are forced to spend your life married to that tyrant? And worse, the seer told me you’d perish at his hand. For that reason, I think it best you do as Ainsley did and flee. There is a priory not far from here. I’m sure they would grant you sanctuary.”
“We could debate this forever and never agree,” Gwen said. “If I don’t go willingly, Damen will kill you and force me to go anyway, and all chance of finding Beatha will be lost. If I flee, he’ll hunt me down. If I stay and stand up to him, or the laird grants me a reprieve, which is highly unlikely,” she quickly added. “You don’t think Damen will let me live, knowing I am the one person who can send him back to the other side?” Gwen moved toward the door. “No. My only hope is to go to Gower’s castle and pray you find Beatha and the answers we seek before it’s too late. She turned and left the room.
Chapter Nine
MacQuin Castle 2017
“I’ve already told you that I love Gwen and will do what is necessary to find her,” Kyle said to Beatha. “If what you implied is true and she is in danger, we are wasting time talking—precious time Gwen might not have.” He dragged his fingers through his hair and released a heavy sigh. “Hell, I don’t even know if you can do what you claim, if you have the ability to send someone back in time, or are just a delusional woman living in a fantasy world.” He wondered which one of them was crazy. Her for suggesting she had the power, or him for believing it. But right now, he’d do or say whatever it took to have Gwen in his arms where she belonged.
“Dinna fash, I have the ability to send you back if I so choose, along with many other things.” Beatha stroked her chin and her brow furrowed. “Confessing your love and willingness to risk all is the first step, but the declaration must be sincere and come from the heart, na empty words to get what you desire.”
Frustrated, Kyle thumped his fist against his chest. “I don’t know how I can prove it, short of lopping off an arm, but Gwen and I were destined to be together and I won’t stop searching until I find her.”
“Admitting you believe that fate brought the two of you together is a good start in proving your devotion,” Beatha said. “However, if I do sent you back, there are things you need to know before you journey to the fourteenth century.”
“Tell me.”
“If you choose to do this, there is no guarantee you will arrive exactly where or when you want,” Beatha explained. “I can aim for a date, and usually am successful, but you could arrive a few days earlier or later than you wish, even weeks or years. It has been known to happen.”
“Then you can just bring me back to the twenty-first century and we can try again,” Kyle blurted.
“There are other things I must explain about time travel.” Beatha shifted her weight from one foot to the
other, then continued. “Once you’ve traveled through time, it is na always possible to return from whence you came.”
“Are you saying I could end up in the wrong time period, or if it is the right time, that I might arrive too late to save Gwen?” He had no qualms about going back to rescue the woman he loved, but had no desire to be lost in a different era and never cross paths with her again.
“Many factors determine the success of time travel, and there is always a chance you willna end up in the right place,” Beatha said. “Or, you could arrive early and what you do could avert the danger Gwen faces before it happens.” Beatha inclined her chin. “I have been around for many seasons—too many to count—and am good at what I do. Naught is guaranteed in life.”
“How can you be certain where she is?”
I know where Gwen is because fate sent her there when she stepped into the fairy ring on Samhain Eve, and once set in motion, there is no turning back on what has been preordained. I also spoke to her briefly when she arrived in the fourteenth century.”
“The fourteenth century?” Things were sounding more far-fetched by the minute, but no matter what he thought, Gwen was gone and Beatha was adamant about her whereabouts and how she got there. Kyle was familiar with this sort of fable and lore, because his grandparents had insisted he learn about his Scottish heritage—something else that he and Gwen shared. “You said it was not easy to go back and forth in time, but you claim to have spoken to Gwen in the thirteen hundreds and are here now, so it is obviously possible. What did you mean when you said one must face what was preordained?”
“I am an ancient, and can come and go as I please. You, however are a mortal man, so there is a difference,” Beatha explained. “This isna the first time Gweneth traveled through time on Samhain Eve, but it is the first she will remember. She was born on that night eight hundred years ago and has gone back to face her destiny. Unless you do something to intervene.”