by Patty Taylor
Darby grabbed her arm. “Dinna look back, Keara.”
Keara’s knees buckled, her arms and upper body shaking uncontrollably. Grief and anguish seared her chest. She lowered her head and sobbed, regretting she didn’t make Griselda come with them.
As if Darby read her mind, he stood behind, gripping her shoulders. “Griselda wanted it this way. She canna be hurt anymore.”
Keara rose, containing herself. She was determined more than ever to honor Griselda’s last wish—to not die in vain. All she wanted now was Duncan. And the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her.
Chapter 23
Rays of sunlight speckled through bare limbs, caressing Duncan’s naked body sprawled across a bed of ferns and fallen leaves. The transformation completed, he stood and made his way to his clothes and weapons lying nearby. His sporran dropped to the ground when he leaned over to pick up his kilt. Something shiny and small slipped through the tiny slit. His hand reached beneath it in time and caught it in midair. ‘Tis Keara’s golden amulet.
Darby must have put it in there on purpose. He wrapped it inside another pouch and placed it back in the sporran for safe-keeping.
Traveling a slight distance from the clearing, he stopped to get his bearings. From where he stood, he had a perfect view of the Cuillen Mountains, the final destination he’d been anxiously approaching.
The famous Dunscaith Castle. His own people called it the Castle of Doom. The drawbridge was still down. The Clan MacDonald had left the stronghold at the beginning of the century. Now empty and barren, the fortress was abandoned by all mankind. He peered over top of a hefty rock in search of the best way to the entrance. The women he anxiously waited for should have already arrived.
“Ye might want to drop yer weapons before ye turn around.” Duncan felt the prick of something sharp jab the middle of his back. “Why do ye spy on the castle?”
Duncan lowered his bow to the ground and lifted the quiver off his shoulders and gave it a toss. He bent over and untied the leather cords wrapped around the sheath holding his dirk.
He pivoted, his gaze meeting green eyes, a close resemblance to Keara’s. A breeze whisked a few reddish-blond curls across her stunning face. Dressed in a short, creamy crepe tunic, the woman wore a stylish long flowing green cloak that was fastened at one shoulder and draped over the other side of her body, hanging just above the ground. Her coppery wristbands were interwoven with a swirling Celtic design. It matched her braided headband and the center emblem on the V-shaped belt wrapped tightly around her waist. Her hair was a pretty shade of reddish-blond, with long braids hanging down past her hips. His gaze focused on the various Celtic designs tattooed on her exposed arm. The symbol of a small dragon caught his eye.
“I mean ye no harm. I come in search of help from the famous warrior queen, Sgathach.”
“By yer sturdy looks, ye dinna remind me of a man in need of any help.” With deliberate steps, the woman walked around him in a circle, her gaze inspecting him from head to toe. She stopped in front of him, her face mere inches from his. Her stare locked with his.
“‘Tis a shame it would be to let a good specimen such as yerself go to waste.” She smiled, lowering her gaze to his chest and arms, before assessing his manhood. She removed her dagger from her sheath and aimed the sharp point at his waistline. “Get undressed.”
Her scent was intoxicating. He’d heard rumors of warrior women seeking men to get them pregnant. Duncan cleared his voice and spoke fast. “I come not only for meself but in search of help for a lost traveler as well.”
With a stern look on her face, she straightened, head held high, arms crossed against her chest, her hand gripping the spear in front of her. The long, narrow gold bracelets on her arm sparkled. He began to reach for his sporran, removed the amulet, and handed it to her.
“This belongs to a woman named Keara. Ye may recognize some of the symbols engraved on the talisman.”
“Where is this Keara now?” The woman stared at him with keen interest.
“I’m afraid she’s been taken and held captive by the evil enchantress named Gabrielle. Keara has traveled far, from the future, and is now searching for a way home. That amulet is what brought her here.” Duncan knew from the woman’s strange appearance, she had to be one of the women he sought. He noted the shiny particles of silver and gold implanted in the decorative headband.
“And ‘tis what reason do ye seek help for yerself?” she questioned, watching his reaction with a cool stare.
“My name is Duncan McCord from a neighborin’ clan outside Dunvegan Castle. I seek aide to rid meself of a bloody curse. I now live as half man and half beast for eternity. I’ve waited ten long years for the chance to be cured.” He pulled his hair away from his neck and exposed the gold residue embedded in his healed wound from the arrow. “A mortal man would not have survived from an attack such as this. If ye need more proof, I can take ye to the forest and show ye the hoof tracks that change into mine.”
The woman lowered her spear and stepped back. “I accept what ye tell me as truth. My name is Oriana. I was trained by the great Amazon, Sgathach, along with many of my sisters. I’m the one you seek for now, as I’m the only sister to journey to Dunscaith this time.”
Duncan bent and picked up his weapons.
“I have heard of this curse, Duncan McCord. We have also heard of the one you call Gabrielle. She is very powerful and evil. We were warned of the prophecy and the birth of the extraordinary twins many years ago. Elizabeth was destined for good and born to become a mighty healer.” Oriana leaned over and pushed the dagger back inside the sheath on her lower leg. “The other, the one you call Gabrielle, was destined to become evil. The forces of good and evil were pitted against each other in a cruel test. Gabrielle has more control than ye can imagine. ‘Tis rumored ‘twas she that killed her own sister.”
“Then ye’ll come back with me and help me friend.” He stated more abruptly than he would have liked, waiting for her response.
“Aye. I need to meet this woman ye call Keara. But I’m afraid I canna help rid ye of yer curse.”
He halted, hesitating a few moments, shocked by her statement. His clenched fists at his sides relaxed before he spoke. “I dinna understand. Ye were me only hope of breakin’ this curse. If the reason ye canna help me is that ye’re allowed only to help one of us, then I will accept my fate and request ye help Keara.”
Oriana stepped closer, her gaze concentrated on his face. She pressed her fingers to her temples and closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed to an eerie stillness.
Duncan knew her people were well-known for being strong psychics and in tune with all forces of nature. He waited in silence, studying her markings, before she spoke.
“I know ye love this woman called Keara. I feel the strong connection the two of ye share. I sense much trouble ahead. I will come with ye and help where I am needed and finish what I was sent to do.” She glanced down, pointed at his sporran and gazed back up at him. “I can tell ye this much, Duncan McCord, the one ye seek to get rid of the curse is the one that owns that amulet. I’m sorry, but ye must remember that Gabrielle could be the rightful owner and planted it as a trap. Until I meet your Keara, I canna be sure.”
“Keara has told me herself, she does not understand the symbols on the amulet.” He frowned and grabbed his sporran. “She wouldna’ lie to me. For that, I am certain.”
Chapter 24
Darby led the way, with Keara in the middle and Colin bringing up the rear, while they zigzagged the rest of their descent over slippery rocks and wet, grassy slopes. The crashing waves from high tides muffled the rumble of thunder. When they reached the bottom, like quicksand, Keara’s feet sank in the wet sandy beach, water oozing inside the slippers Griselda gave her. The night air grew bitter, and even with the aid of moonlight, there was a thick, eerie mist h
overing around them. Keara clutched the robe tighter around her shoulders, chills running up her spine.
The wind howled. Keara grabbed her arms and kept walking. The further they trekked, the louder the whining grew, and she realized it wasn’t the wind. A woman sobbed. “Darby, wait. Someone’s crying. Can’t either of you hear her?”
“’Tis only the Green Lady ye hear.” Darby stopped and wiped his forehead. “‘Tis the ghost that haunts Knock Castle. She weeps fer lost souls and those in pain.”
The mere mention of a ghost haunting a castle would normally cause her to doubt and raise questions, but not anymore. Nothing was normal here. Ever since she arrived in this mysterious land, she had witnessed all sorts of strange phenomena she never believed existed. Everything odd was starting to become common, everyday occurrences. Her first thought was of the poor woman’s pain after hearing about the loss of a good friend. “You mean she knows about Griselda?”
“Aye, lass, I’m sure she does. The castle wasn’t all that far from Griselda’s home.” He glanced at the sky, and Keara noticed the stunning color palette of pink, white, and yellow hues of sunrise in the distance.
Keara’s thoughts drifted to Duncan, wondering if he was watching the sun rise as beast or man. Wherever he was, she hoped he was safe and back in his human form. She only hoped she’d get the chance to watch a morning sunrise with him before she had to go back home.
“’Tis only a wee stretch before we reach our destination.” Darby handed her a pouch filled with fresh drinking water.
Forcing one foot in front of the other, their hike appeared endless. Keara stopped and wiped her forehead. She leaned over and grabbed her knees, taking several deep breaths. Darby stopped and motioned to an ivy-covered path heading up a steep embankment. “Once we get to the top, we’ll stop to catch our breaths.”
The thought of each step bringing her closer to Duncan made her heart race and her body erupt with a renewed burst of energy. Taking long strides up the bank, she stopped abruptly at the top. A giant hare scampered in front of her and disappeared in the nearby shrubs of thorny gorse, still in bloom with yellow flowers. A small herd of grazing sheep shared a stretch of grass covered with morning dew with at least a dozen red deer. She gasped, overwhelmed by her surroundings. A doe raised its head, twitching its ears at the noise from her sigh. Glorious purple hues of heather spread in front of her, carpeting the Scottish moor. The beauty in front of her made the long walk worth the hard, rugged trek.
A hand tugged at her cloak. Darby motioned for her to sit. Colin squatted, taking a generous bite of bread. Darby handed her a piece of cheese and offered her some water. “Here, lass, refresh yerself a wee minute and we’ll move on. I’m afraid we willna be safe from Gabrielle until we reach the other side of that wooded glen.”
Keara’s stomach growled as she took a bite of food. Her gaze followed Darby’s and she spotted the trail of ancient hawthorn trees in the close distance. “How soon before we meet up with Duncan?”
“He’ll meet us right after we go through the Glen of Fairy Knolls. I’m sure ye’d enjoy seein’ that. But I know, ‘tis Duncan ye’re yearnin’ for more than anything else.” He grinned, then reached over and patted her knee. “I promise, ‘tis not much longer now.”
“I’m worried, Darby. I can’t explain it, but I have a grave feeling that something terrible is about to happen.” She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered.
“‘Tis probably everything ye’ve been through these past few days. I’m sure as soon as ye see Duncan the notion will go away.” Darby stood and wiggled his hand on Colin’s arm. “Come, lad. ‘Tis time to move on.”
Keara rose and stretched. Every muscle in her body ached. Her legs grew tired and her feet hurt. The only things keeping her moving were faith and the thought of being held in Duncan’s strong arms. She just wished these bad premonitions would go away.
As they entered the narrow walkway through thickets and brush, Keara caught glimpse of a foreboding shadow rushing past them. She stopped, hesitating to move on. “I swear something huge just darted and crouched behind those trees. Now it’s moving behind us.”
“Colin, ye head on in front, and I’ll stay in the rear. ‘Twas probably just a woodland creature we scared. The dark shadows in the woods can make everythin’ seem bigger.” Darby stopped to let Colin and Keara get ahead of him.
Leaves rustled beneath their feet. Cold chills enveloped Keara. Her fears escalated. Colin slowed and turned to look back. He screamed at the top of his lungs, “Darby! Watch out behind ye!”
Keara pivoted in time to watch Darby’s legs being pulled right out from under him by an enormous black creature. It resembled a wolf but was much grander in size. The creature crouched low to the ground and snarled, showing its ferocious canines with beads of saliva dripping from its fangs. Colin lunged and gripped Darby’s coat, tugging to pull him backward. The creature sprung in midair, knocking Colin backward. Sinking its teeth into Darby’s leg as if it were catching a morning meal, it dragged his defenseless, small body back to the open field.
Keara knelt beside Colin, making sure he was all right. He sprang to his feet and ran ahead of her. Colin held out his arm, blocking her from getting too close. She tried pushing his arm away, but his strength forced her back.
She cringed, feeling helpless just standing by, watching the vicious beast sink its teeth into Darby’s arms and legs as he squealed out in pain. Picking Darby up by his shoulders with its teeth, the creature thrashed her friend vigorously back and forth before tossing him high in the air. Like a crumpled ragdoll, Darby’s limp body fell to the ground. His eyes closed, he no longer moved. She couldn’t stand by any longer watching her friend have his limbs torn apart. “We can’t just stand here, Colin. We need to do something before it kills him.”
“Ye stay here, Miss Keara. I have an idea.” Colin grasped her arms and pushed her behind a thick hedge, safely out of the way. He darted in front of the beast. She couldn’t help notice the gangly teen was starting to turn into a brave young man. “Over here, ye wicked brute. Sink yer teeth into someone with more meat on their bones if ye can.”
“Colin! What are you doing? Get back,” Darby screamed, attempting to move. His eyes fluttered opened. The pained gaze caught Keara’s attention. “Forget about me and keep Keara safe. Get her to Duncan as fast as ye can.”
Crouched on its hunches, the beast lifted its head and growled. Fresh blood dripped from its fangs—Darby’s blood. With narrowed eyes, the golden amber irises turned red as they glared first at her and then focused on Colin. It was stalking its prey, getting ready to pounce and claim yet another victim.
Keara bolted to Darby’s side and knelt in front of him. Her hand cupped the side of his face while she took notice of his red-stained clothes, the blood seeping to the ground. Anger raced through her veins like a bubbling flask in chemistry lab, ready to explode. Darby’s voice was barely a whisper. “Take me coat, lass. Hurry. Before it comes back.”
“Watch out,” Colin shouted. “It’s gettin’ ready to attack.”
Within seconds, she jumped to her feet and sprinted several feet away from Darby. She spied Colin’s bow and raced to grab it, flinging the quiver over her shoulder. She yelled, trying to avert attention to herself, “No. I won’t let you hurt him anymore.”
She stood facing the creature. With all her strength, she steadied her grip and concentrated on her target while her hand gripped the center handle. She quickly placed the feather-fletched notch on the string and pulled it back nice and taut. Her mind raced as the beast lunged toward her. Her fingers relaxed, letting the arrow fly. It whizzed, spiraling through the air, hitting the animal in the center of its massive torso.
The creature howled in pain and fell to the ground at her feet. It snarled, exposing its fangs while it struggled to stand, the beast’s labored, hot breath brushed at h
er ankles.
“You redheaded little bitch!” Gabrielle’s piercing wails thundered behind her.
Chapter 25
“How dare you kill my pet right after all the trouble you caused with my grandmother? If it hadn’t been for you interfering and messing with her mind, the old woman still might be alive. Let’s see how you like losing something you care about,” Gabrielle threatened, her eyes shooting daggers at Keara, as she reached behind her long, flowing robe. She pulled a golden arrow from a leather sheath, inserted the feathery tip in the string, and aimed the shimmering point directly at Samson.
Keara panicked and bolted toward him. Darby rolled his shattered body in front of the hissing feline, catching the arrow in his own shoulder.
Gabrielle’s laughter echoed overhead, taunting Keara. “You! Stupid! Little! Witch! Instead of accepting your birthright and your powers, you destroyed your chances. Now I’ll be able to claim everything you denied. Including your golden amulet.”
Keara dropped to the ground. She lifted Darby’s head and placed it on her lap. For mere seconds, the color of Gabrielle’s eyes changed shades and her expression softened, displaying genuine grief at the loss of her grandmother and her pet. A flash of light lit up the sky behind Gabrielle. The evil red tinge returned to her eyes, and that brief moment of human weakness vanished.
“You even managed to ruin Duncan’s only chance of becoming fully human again. It’s a pity you couldn’t see him die. But I won’t deny you the opportunity of watching your friends die now.” Her tone was heavy with sarcasm as her eyes narrowed and she glared at Colin and Darby.