by B. J. Scott
“Och, Lady Gweneth, what have they done to you? I couldna believe my ears when I heard you’d been thrown in here.” Enid was covering her mouth and nose with a scented linen rag. “How do you bear the horrible smell?”
Gwen shrugged. “I don’t, but have no choice.”
“I wish there was something I could do to help you. I’d speak to the laird on your behalf if I thought it would help, but he never listens to those he sees as beneath him,” Enid said. “He’ll be furious if he finds out I’m here, but I had to check on you and bring you this.” She handed Gwen a small sack that contained a wedge of cheese and piece of bannock, and a flask filled with water. “I couldn’t imagine you eating the pig slop they serve the prisoners or drinking the filthy water they provide.”
“Thank you so much. I haven’t eaten since breakfast and truly appreciate this, Enid, but hate to think you risked the laird’s wrath by coming here. How did you get the guard to let you in?”
“The guard likes his spirits and often drinks until he passes out. I’m sure he sees you as no threat, so I waited until he fell asleep and was able to walk right by him.” Enid glanced over her shoulder and down the corridor. “He’s still sleeping now, but you should eat. I dare not tarry long. I still have things to pack for you before we set sail.”
While she hated to waste a drop, Gwen poured some of the water on her hands to rinse off the grime, then ate every crumb of the food and downed the remaining contents of the flask. While simple fare, she couldn’t believe how good it tasted. She handed the flask through the bars to Enid and thanked her again.
“At least you will only have to stay here until the ship is ready to sail,” Enid said.
“Laird Gower was very angry and may decide to chain me in the hull of the ship,” Gwen replied. “I wouldn’t put it past him. I’m also afraid that he won’t wait to consummate the marriage, and for me, that would be a fate worse than death.”
“But did he not say he would honor the agreement he made with your brother and wait until you are wed?”
“That excuse is only going to last me for so long. Once we are at sea, Damen will never know what happens.” The more she got to know Duncan Gower, the more distasteful the idea of bedding him became. “He doesn’t believe that I won’t try to run away, so I fear he will always have me under lock and key.”
Enid clucked her tongue. “I know it seems grim, but you must have faith. Pray that things will change.” She patted Gwen’s hand and offered a sympathetic smile. “I must go, but will return when I can. In the meantime, I will pray for your release.”
Unfortunately, Gwen didn’t share Enid’s optimism. She returned to her corner and sank to the floor. Once settled, she pulled her knees up close to her chest, bowed her head, and asked the Lord for answers.
~ * ~
Kyle shivered and tugged the plaid over his shoulders. He opened one eye peered around the clearing. Upon realizing it was still dark and all was quiet, he closed his eyes again. He’d taken the first watch, standing guard for three hours while Blair and Rory rested. By the time it was his turn to sleep, he was ready to collapse, but concerns about Gwen haunted his dreams.
“Are you planning to sleep the day away, cousin?” Rory kicked the sole of Kyle’s foot as he passed by. “Blair should be back any minute.”
Propped on one elbow, Kyle dragged his fist across his eyes. “Back from where?”
“The castle. Are you hungry?” Rory asked.
Kyle sprang to his feet and strode to where his cousin was kicking dirt on the remaining hot coals of their fire. “When did Blair go to the castle and why didn’t he wake me?”
Rory tossed him a sack containing an oatcake and some dried venison. “It was a one man task. Blair wanted to check out the castle and see if he could figure out a way to get us in and the best way to rescue Gweneth.”
“And he did figure out a way.” Blair announced and strutted into the clearing with what appeared to be a brown robe slung over his arm.
“How?” Kyle wanted to know what he’d learned and couldn’t wait to get started. The sooner they got into the castle, the sooner he could be with Gwen.
“The castle is well guarded, but I managed to get in via the postern gate. It wasna easy and there is no way three of us could get in unnoticed. But I do have a plan,” Blair said. He squatted, picked up a twig and sketched a map of the castle in the sand. “The stronghold is here, the woods here, and the shoreline where the ship is moored is over here.”
“What about Gwen?” Kyle asked. “Did you find out where she is?”
“Apparently, she is in the dungeon. The laird caught her trying to run away, so decided to keep her there until they set sail.”
The news that Gwen was being held in the castle dungeon caused Kyle’s chest to tighten. He was pleased to know she was alive and prayed she was well, but the idea of her being imprisoned gutted him. It also made rescuing her more complicated. “Getting into the castle grounds will be hard enough, how will we manage to sneak into and out of the dungeon as well?”
“We dinna breach the dungeon or the castle,” Blair said.
“Then how do we get her out?” Kyle asked.
“We wait until they are loading the ship and pluck her off when everyone is busy getting the vessel underway,” Blair explained.
“In broad daylight?” Kyle scratched his head, the plan giving him serious pause for thought. “You think we can just get on board and walk off with her and no one will stop us? Sorry but it doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.” He was an optimist by nature, but Blair’s suggestion sounded more like a suicide mission than a plan that might work.
Blair tossed Kyle the robe. “Laird Gower is a verra religious man and willna set sail without a priest or monk on board, someone to say a prayer before they set sail and as a good luck token.”
“Brother Caol, it’s nice to meet you.” Rory slapped Kyle on the back and laughed.
“And what will you two be doing while I am giving the benediction? I’m just glad I can read and speak Latin.” One of the perks of being a doctor, Kyle chuckled to himself.
“As the men are loading the ship, we will lure two of them away, tie them up, and steal their clothes. That way, we can blend in with the others onboard when we take their places,” Blair replied. “I visited the monastery after I went to the castle, to borrow the robe, a bible, and this cross.” He handed Kyle an intricately carved wooden cross on a leather thong. “After the laird boards with Gweneth and we learn where she is being kept, we will free her and make our escape.”
“It sounds like a simple plan, but there is one flaw,” Kyle said.
Blair shrugged. “And that is?”
“We will be at sea and none of us can walk on water.”
“Before we set sail, I will secure a small wooden boat to the back of the ship. Once Gweneth is freed, we can make our escape. The trick is to locate her quickly and make our getaway before we get too far from shore.”
“It could work. But what happens when two monks show up?” Kyle asked.
“That willna happen. I made a generous donation to the brothers and explained the young lady’s plight. They have no love for the Gowers, so were more than happy to oblige.” Blair stood and picked up his plaid from the ground and shook off the dirt and leaves. “We need to get ready to leave, timing is important.”
Chapter Seventeen
As Gwen was lead out of the dungeon and into the bright sunlight, she cupped her hand over her eyes, blocking the blinding rays. Once her vision adjusted, she inhaled slowly, allowing the scents of salty sea air, pine and wildflowers to fill her senses. After spending the night locked away and subjected to horrible odors, she was grateful for a breath of fresh air. The guard didn’t say where he was taking her, but she figured anywhere but the dungeon would be an improvement.
“This way, Lady Gweneth,” he said and motioned toward the keep.
“May I ask where you are taking me?” It was obviously to the castle,
but her stomach knotted at the prospect of going to the Laird’s solar.
“Laird Gower has ordered a bathing tub be sent to your chamber. Once you’ve bathed and donned clean clothes, it will be time to leave for the Orkneys.”
A chance to rid her hair, skin, and clothing of the dungeon stench sounded glorious, but she wasn’t looking forward to going to the islands or being confined with the laird on a ship.
“When do we sail?”
“In two hours. They are taking on supplies as we speak,” the guard said, then ushered her up the stairs of the keep and inside.
Two hours was not very long and, in that time she saw no way she could locate Beatha and get the information she needed to return to her life and home in 2017. Once she left the mainland, she wondered if she would ever see Beatha again. “You mentioned they were loading supplies. Is it a long journey we are embarking on?”
“Two days, maybe three, depending on the headwinds. The laird usually only visits the mainland once a year, sometimes less. He always stays here with his brother and purchases things that he canna get on the islands. Those things he takes back to his stronghold on the Orkneys.”
“Where does everyone sleep when onboard ship?” She didn’t imagine there would be many chambers, which drastically reduced her chances of having her own room.”
“Dinna fash, m’lady. The men sleep in the crew quarters located in the hull, however the laird has a private chamber, normally reserved for the ship’s captain. The two of you will have all the privacy you need.” He grinned and wiggled a brow.
“That’s what I was afraid of,” she mumbled.
“Did you say something, m’lady?
She shook her head. “No.”
When they arrived at the door to her chamber, she faced the guard. “Thank you, but you may go. I can handle things from here.” She pushed open the door, pleased to see Enid standing beside a wooden tub that was placed before the hearth.”
“I’ll na be going anywhere, m’lady,” the guard said. “Laird Gower told me to stand watch outside your door, and that you are na to be left unattended. After you bathe, I am to deliver you to the ship.”
Knowing it was a waste of breath to argue, Gwen entered her chamber, closing the door behind her.
“Och, Lady Gweneth, I am so happy to see you. I feared the laird would have you taken directly to the ship. When I learned he’d ordered a tub and change of clothing, I was thrilled.”
“As was I, Enid.” Gwen removed the pin her mother gave her from the gown and placed it on the table beside the bed. She proceeded to disrobe, then stared down at the filthy garment in her hands. It smelled awful and brought every minute she’d spent in that rat-infested hellhole flooding back.
Enid held out her hand. “Would you like me to wash that for you?”
Rather than hand it over, Gwen tossed the dress into the fire. “I never want to wear this again.” She was shocked at how quickly the fabric ignited and was consumed by the flames. She made a mental note never to stand too close to an open fire. She’d read somewhere that deaths as a result of burns from when a woman’s clothing caught fire were common in the past, and she could see why.
“Best you get on with your bath, m’lady. The laird will soon be expecting us at the ship.”
“I’m so glad you will be coming with us, Enid.” She said as she climbed into the tub, then lowered herself into lavender scented water until only her head and shoulders were visible. “This feels amazing. I could stay in here forever.”
After dumping another pail of hot water into the tub, Enid handed Gwen a linen rag. “I too am pleased to be accompanying you, m’lady. I’ve never ventured beyond the village afore. Have you traveled much?”
“You have no idea how far,” Gwen said, then closed her eyes, savoring the warmth.
Unfortunately, as with all good things, Gwen’s time in the bath went far too quickly. Enid helped her to wash her hair, then gave her a bit of privacy to dry off before helping her dress. She went about packing the last of Gwen’s things, and placed the satchels on the bed.
“That should do nicely. I’ve gathered everything you brought with you, along with some other things I think you might like or need. They belonged to Laird Collin’s late wife.” Enid paused and made the sign of the cross. “God bless her soul. She is gone and no longer needs them, so I am sure she would be pleased to know they are be being put to use. His current wife, Lady Helen, dinna want anything that belonged to the former lairdess, and I am sure her husband will never miss them.”
While she wasn’t in the habit of taking hand-me-downs from dead women, Gwen was grateful. Lilith had only packed her a couple of gowns—one of which, she’d just burned—and she had no idea what would be waiting for her when they reached the island castle. “Thank you. I appreciate the kindness.”
“That is a lovely brooch,” Enid said when Gwen plucked the pin from the table and attached it to her gown.
“It was a gift from my mother and means a great deal to me,” Gwen replied softly. She thought about her mom, Wanda, tears welling in her eyes. She loved her so much and missed her. Then Lilith’s face flashed before her eyes and she felt a pang of affection there too. In a way she felt fortunate to have two amazing women in her life, but sad when she remembered she might never see one of them again.
“A gift from your mam does make it special,” Enid said, smiling. She opened the door and addressed the guard. “Lady Gweneth is ready to go. She has several satchels containing her belongings and wondered if you will be bringing them or if you’ll be sending someone to fetch them?”
“My duty is to escort the laird’s bride to the ship. I will send someone up to get her belongings.” He stepped away from the door and bowed. “After you, ladies.”
When they approached the ship and she saw Laird Duncan Gower standing on the deck, Gwen’s chest tightened, and she suddenly found it hard to breathe. The urge to run was overwhelming, but she knew it was futile. With a guard at her side and so many of the laird’s men present, she didn’t have a prayer of escaping. She clasped Enid’s hand, squared here shoulders, and trudged forward.
“Och, the vessel is so large,” Enid said as they arrived at the gangplank. “I hope I dinna get seasick. My stomach is doing flips just looking at the ship.”
Gwen patted Enid’s hand. “Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“Here they come, brother,” a man standing next to Duncan Gower said. “I am assuming the comely lass in the emerald gown is your betrothed.”
“Aye, that would be her,” Duncan replied, but his expression never softened as he glared at Gwen when she boarded the ship.
“M’lords.” She bobbed a curtsy and lowered her gaze, partially out of fear and partially because she couldn’t bear looking at the brute she was supposed to marry.
Collin Gower stepped forward and took Gwen’s hand, kissing the back of it. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Gweneth.” After ogling her for a moment, he faced Duncan. “Well done, brother. She’s a bit scrawny, but I am sure she’ll give you many fine sons.”
Gwen tugged her hand free and tamped down the urge to vomit. She hated being gawked at like a prize brood mare and referred to as if she was one as well, but refrained from comment. Once the ship set sail she’d be forced to endure the company of her betrothed and she’d already gotten off on the wrong foot with him.
Gwen smiled sweetly. “It is nice to finally meet you as well, Laird Collin. I’m sorry circumstances were such that we didn’t get to meet sooner, and I never met your wife, Helen. Please give her my regards.” She all but choked on the words.
“Lovely and charming too. You are lucky I dinna keep her for myself, Duncan,” Collin said.
Duncan grunted, but never commented on either her appearance or personality. But Gwen already knew how he felt about her. She recalled what the guard who escorted her to Gower Castle had said. It doesn’t matter if she is attractive, because all women are
the same beneath the pelts in the laird’s eyes.
“Take her below to my room and lock the door. Once she is there, see the maid back to the castle,” Duncan said to the guard. He turned to his men and shouted. “Prepare to set sail. We depart as soon as the clergyman arrives.”
Gwen clasped Duncan’s forearm. “I thought Enid was coming too. What about my things? They haven’t arrived yet.” She couldn’t believe this was happening. The only solace she had was knowing Enid would be with her.
“I have reconsidered my original plan, and decided to leave the maid here. I will assign you a new servant when we arrive at my estate. The room in which we are staying onboard is small and should I decide to sate my needs, I dinna want an audience,” he growled. “As for your things, my brother can send them along later. I am sure I can find a gown for you to wear amongst my dead wife’s things.”
The cold way he spoke to her and the reference to his dead wife sent a shiver up Gwen’s spine. That he was considering consummating their engagement while on the ship, hit her like a blow to the chest. She knew he was a cruel bastard, but her gut told her he was far worse than she’d ever imagined. Now that Enid would not be there to provide a buffer, she didn’t know what she was going to do if he tried to take her against her will.
Duncan glared at the guard. “What are you waiting for? Take the lady below and then return the maid to my brother’s home.”
The guard clasped Gwen’s elbow, but she tugged free and rushed to Enid and hugged her. “I wanted you to come. I canna believe he changed his mind,” she whispered in the maid’s ear.
“Nor can I, m’lady. Take care of yourself. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.” Tears ran down Enid’s cheeks as she backed out of Gwen’s embrace.
“Enough. The lady of a castle doesna embrace her servants,” Duncan snapped.
The guard led Gwen down a steep set of stairs to the captain’s cabin where she and Duncan would spend the next two nights. She had to duck her head to keep from bumping it on the low doorframe as she stepped inside. Once there, he locked the door behind her.