by Aury Dobsyn
Ella looked at the hardened warrior, who was feared by so many, but obviously had a great love for horses. “Aye, I will teach you the words.”
Paen lifted his brows and said, “And more about training horses?”
He reminded her of a little boy asking for one more sweet. “Aye, I will teach all that I know.”
An hour later the threesome headed to the village with Apollo and Righ in tow, and Arth on their heels. As instructed, Leif had warned the villagers to keep their distance because they were working with Righ in an attempt to socialize him slowly. The villagers did as they were bade, but smiled and waved to the odd group.
If anyone thought it strange that the laird’s new wife, his bastard brother and a stable boy walked two gigantic stallions with a half wolf, half dog trailing behind, they did not comment and acted as if it were quite common.
Ella was unaware that the villagers had learned from Colban’s family that she was their laird’s new wife and the reasons she had been forced into marriage. They also had been apprised of her heroic acts, generous nature, and remarkable skills in healing. The Macleods no longer cared that she was English and were eager to welcome her with open arms and hearts.
By the time the sun was low in the sky and twilight was upon them, the threesome returned to the castle exceedingly happy with the progress they made with Righ. But, their happiness was short lived when they learned that the King’s men and a midwife were in the hall waiting for Lady Ella.
47
Paen and Leif protectively flanked Ella when they entered the hall, greeted by Lady Esme.
“Our priest has just explained to the king’s men that ye have been lawfully wed to Laird Macleod and will not be returning to England. They have brought with them a midwife to examine ye and verify that ye are nae longer a virgin.”
“How did they know to bring a midwife?”
Lady Esme grimaced, but answered, “The King of England has dealt with similar situations in the past. I am sorry to say that ye will nae be able to refuse, but they will allow me to be with ye during the examination.”
Ella would have spoken, but just then one of the king’s soldiers stepped forward, obviously impatient to be done with the task.
“Is this Lady Ella?”
Lady Esme stepped in front of her new daughter and glared at the soldier as she said, “Aye, this is she.”
“Then ‘tis time for the midwife to examine her. If she is nae longer chaste we will leave without her, but if she is still a maiden, then she comes with us and the marriage will be annulled.”
Mortified, Ella was taken to her chamber, where she was stripped, probed and finally declared unchaste by the aging midwife. Lady Esme and the midwife reentered the hall a short time later with confirmation that the lady in question was indeed wife to Laird Macleod. The king’s party left, but their presence lingered.
The hall was full of Macleods for the evening meal, yet the mood was far from jovial. Lady Esme sat with Paen and Tavish on the dais at the head table, speaking to Father Logan about Lady Ella.
“She refused to come down to the hall for the evening meal, but I canna say I blame her. Suffering the humiliation of being examined by a midwife sent by the King of England, will hardly lift her spirits,” Lady Esme stated.
With a look of pity, Father Logan shook his balding head and said, “Aye, but we knew that a midwife would be sent along with the king’s men. But, ‘tis over now. If it pleases ye, I would like to stay on until Gavin returns. The lass may have need to speak with me during this difficult time.”
Lady Esme smiled at their long-time priest they shared with the Clan Mackenzie as well as a few other neighboring clans. “Aye, Father, ye are always welcome here.” Her attention turned to Maeve, who had come from Ella’s chamber and was now just entering the hall.
“How is she, Maeve?”
Maeve was wringing her hands in her apron when she answered, “The trencher of food I brought an hour ago remains untouched. She just stares out the window, silent as the dead.”
Father Logan asked Lady Esme, “When will Laird Gavin return?”
“A fortnight, mayhap less. I just pray he has Lady Eleanor and Sir James with him.”
“We will all pray for Ella and her family,” Father Logan said as he covered Lady Esme’s hand.
While the Macleods continued in the hall, Ella was in her chamber, feeling violated and disgraced. Her thoughts turned from the horrible ordeal she had suffered with the midwife, to her husband, the man who was the cause of her torment.
Why did he betray me again? He allowed me to believe that I would be going with them to England just so I would consent to the marriage. I will never forgive him, never trust him again.
Hours later, she crawled into bed beside Arth, who already dozed. She listened to the rain outside her window and later the rumbling of thunder as she tried to drift to sleep. Alas, she was plagued by thoughts of her husband throughout the night and into the morning.
Feeling drained and lifeless, she opened her eyes the next morning and saw early daylight spill through the window. She hastened through her ablutions, dressed, and then left the chamber.
Heavy with melancholy, Ella made her way to the stables and was greeted by Paen and Leif. They were both grinning at her.
“Thought ye get started without us, did ye?” Paen teased as he came to her side.
“Here, we brought ye an apple,” Leif said as he handed her the fruit.
Ella gave them both a shy smile in gratitude.
During the next few days Ella, Paen and Leif worked with Righ in the mornings, took long rides throughout the countryside in the afternoons, and in the evenings they shared a meal with Colban and his family.
Although Ella’s anguish persisted during these days and her contagious smile all but disappeared, there were glimpses of the once happy, carefree young woman. Paen observed that it was Iain and Helena’s two young sons that brought life back into her eyes.
Obe was two summers, his brother Cole, short for Colban, was just shy of four. And they both adored Ella’s playful nature, they way she tickled them until they burst with laughter or played hide-n-seek games around the cottage. The boys especially loved when she would act out stories of dragons, using their parents or Paen as characters.
Much to the amusement of Colban’s family, she always made Paen play the evil dragon and after a few nights of being cast in this role, the hardened warrior soon became an animated character.
Paen often shook his head at her remarkable ability to enchant those around her. He still couldn’t believe that this slip of a girl could goad him into playing a fiery dragon, just to entertain two small lads and their family.
Late one eve, after everyone retired for the evening, Tavish and Paen sat in the great hall discussing the day ahead.
“Tavish, starting tomorrow ye will take Lady Ella to the village and introduce her to the families.”
“I would be happy to, but did ye forget about Alice?”
Paen took a seat next to his brother at the hearth and said, “Och, I thought she would have left with her brother.”
“Nae, she told Maeve that Lyall would send for her when he joined another clan.”
Running his hands through his hair, Paen asked, “Did Gavin have enough sense to tell Alice that she was nae longer needed in the castle?”
Tavish took a swig of ale before answering. “He told Alice she could work in the castle as a maid, but will nae be needed in his bed.”
“I have nae seen her in the castle since we left in search of Gabriel,” Paen admitted.
“Gavin told her to come when she was ready to work, otherwise she would be confined to the village.”
“Since occupying our brother’s bed, she has nae lifted a finger to help mother or the other women in the castle. Do ye really think she will come?”
“Aye, she told Maeve she would and that Gavin will always have need for her skills. I fear she dinna plan to relinquish her claim on
our brother easily.”
Paen finished his ale and said, “She is a manipulative bitch, whose only skills are on her back and using people for her own selfish needs. Let us hope ye and Ella dinna cross paths with her.”
“Aye, I plan to avoid her like the plague.”
“Good. I will be with Ella in the morning then ye can take her around the village in the afternoon. I will be training the men in the bailey if ye have need of me, but I pray ye won’t.”
“Aye, me too.”
48
Four days after leaving the Scottish Highlands, the Macleods arrived at Westshire Abbey at mid-day, exhausted from the grueling pace their leader had set, but eager to see Sir James and hopefully Lady Eleanor.
Gavin and his men were escorted to a private chamber by the Abbott, who had refused to answer any questions until they were alone. The moment the thick wooden door to the private chamber closed, Gavin knew Sir James had failed to remove Lady Eleanor from Greystone.
Abbot Davis was shaking his head when he began, “Laird Macleod, it grieves me beyond words to tell you this, but Sir James and Lady Eleanor were caught escaping Greystone last eve. They were apprehended riding along the cliffs that overlook the ocean, a place called spitting caves. Greystone, Montgomery and ten men ambushed them afore they crossed onto our land. I had sent Brother Daniels to the Greystone-Westshire border to offer assistance if needed. He hid in the trees half the night and witnessed the soldiers creeping up from the woods, preparing a trap for Sir James and Lady Eleanor.”
Walking to the hearth, Abbot Davis put his hand on the mantel and bowed his head before he continued, “Brother Daniels said Sir James and Lady Eleanor were roughly pulled from their horses. Montgomery tied Sir James’s wrists, then pushed him to the edge of the cliffs, while Philip threw Eleanor to the ground. The moon provided little light, but Brother Daniels saw that Lady Eleanor had been severely beaten, prior to her escape.”
“Greystone then pulled out a dagger and stabbed Sir James in his side. When Lady Eleanor saw this, she rushed to aid her brother, but the moment they embraced, the edge of the cliff crumbled beneath their feet. They. . . they. . .” Tears came to the old man as he choked out, “They fell to their death.”
Gavin’s broad-carved face twisted in shock, then yielded to fury, hearing the two people closest to his wife, her only family, were dead. Turning his back on his men, he closed his eyes and tilted his head back as he tried to regain what little control he possessed. He heard Bowen speak, but rage made him deaf to the words.
“Were their bodies found?”
The Abbott shook his head and said, “They were carried into the caves that lay at the bottom of the cliffs. We cannot even gain access to them in order to search for their bodies.”
Stepping forward, Nicholas asked, “Why canna a man be lowered by rope?”
“Nae, the rocks that line the walls of the cliffs cut any rope lowered. Those who have attempted were swept into the caves and their bodies never found,” Abbot Davis explained.
Bowen saw that Gavin’s controlled ire was like the moment before a battle or storm, and it was only a matter of time before his wrath was unleashed. He walked over to the man he considered a son and said, “Let us leave, Gavin. Once Greystone is made aware of yer marriage to Ella, he is sure to send a message informing her of the death of Sir James and Lady Eleanor. Yer wife needs ye now.”
Warily approaching, Abbot Davis said, “Laird Macleod, Sir James left all his possessions to your wife, Lady Ella. There is also the letter he wrote afore he left last eve. He loved her with all his heart, as did Lady Eleanor, and it was their profound wish that she be safe and happy.”
“Happy!” Rancor sharpened Gavin’s voice. “Think ye she will be happy learning her only family is dead!” Towering over the distraught old man, he continued, “My wife would have sacrificed her own life for Lady Eleanor and Sir James. Her only thoughts, only concerns, were for them. And now. . .”
Walking over to stand beside the Abbott, Nicholas turned to Gavin and said, “’Tis my wish to stay here and investigate this further.”
“Why?”
“I would ken more about these caves and the death of Ella’s loved ones. Being English, born and bred, will also allow me to keep an eye on Greystone and Montgomery.”
“Aye,” Gavin replied tersely, then turned his gaze on the Abbott. “He will need lodgings.”
Ignoring Laird Macleod’s offensive tone, Abbot Davis replied, “He is welcome to stay as long as he wishes, and we will assist him in any way possible.”
Reining in his uncivil behavior, Gavin put his hand on the Abbott’s shoulder and said, “My apologies, Abbot Davis. ‘Tis a difficult time.”
“Nae apologies are needed, Laird Macleod,” the old man replied as he reached into his habit and handed Gavin a missive. “Please, give this to your wife, Lady Ella. Along with my words of condolences, I’ve explained what transpired last eve as well as what I learned over the last few days.”
“What have ye learned?”
“I received verification that Greystone has arranged a betrothal agreement between himself and Baron Stafford’s daughter. A missive has been sent informing King Henry of Philip’s intention and duplicity of arranging a second marriage afore his wife’s untimely death.”
Gavin asked, “How did ye verify this?”
“I sent a message yesterday to the priest who resides within Stafford. Instead of replying, Father Charles arrived an hour after dawn this morn and confirmed the verbal betrothal agreement. He penned a missive indicating what Stafford and Greystone intended, and sent it along with mine to the king. He penned a second letter, word-for-word as his first, which I hold in my possession. Father Charles will also see that the church learns the truth of the matter as well.”
“Ye have done us a great service this day. I now understand why my wife thinks so highly of ye,” Gavin acknowledged.
“From the moment she came into our life five years ago, she has been our pride and joy. Please, take care of her, for she is a blessing in more ways than you know.”
“I give ye my word of honor that she will be well taken care of all the days of her life.”
Outside the abbey, moments later, Gavin spoke with Nicholas.
“Once I receive word from Mackenzie, I will seek to avenge the death of my wife’s family.”
“Aye, and I will be at yer side when the time comes. Until then, go to yer wife while I learn more of what occurred last eve and spitting caves. I fear there is more to this situation than we have been made privy to.”
“Aye, I agree. Learn what ye can, but watch yer back.” Gavin paused, then offered, “Mayhap, I should leave half the men with ye?”
“Nae, they will only reveal my presence here, for they look and speak like Highlanders.”
“They are Highlanders,” Gavin retorted.
“Aye, and they will do me nae good here in England,” Nicholas admitted.
“Do ye forget that ye are a Highlander as well?”
“I can speak like an Englishman if need be. And once I cut my hair and dress accordingly, a bodie would nae suspect me as Scot”
Gavin nodded his head, then took hold of Nicholas’s forearm and said, “Take care of yerself.”
“Ye as well. Godspeed.”
“Until we meet again.”
All but Nicholas headed back to the Highlands to deliver the devastating news to Lady Ella. Nicholas did not envy Gavin the task before him and hoped with time, she would find some measure of peace among the Macleods.
Even if the pain of losing her family lessened, would she ever be able accept Gavin as her husband? Did she know that her husband was in love with her?
The questions that continued to plague Nicholas’s mind only strengthened his determination to learn the truth, which would ensure the fall and destruction of both Greystone and Montgomery.
49
It had been over a sennight since Gavin and his men departed for England, and Ella’s f
ears increased with each passing day. To ease her trepidation, she engrossed herself in training Righ and filling the role of healer to Macleods. Although she had befriended many of the men and women of the clan, with the exception of Paen and Leif, she had remained distant to those who lived within the castle.
After declining Lady Esme’s numerous invitations to dine within the great hall, Ella had finally decided to stop acting like a child and agreed to be present during the evening meal.
It was late in the afternoon when she returned from the village and headed to her chamber to wash and dress for supper. As she passed the hall, she heard a commotion coming from kitchen.
Lady Esme had warned her to stay clear of the kitchen because the cook, Ualan, was a miserable beast of a man. Apparently, Ualan had been one of Gavin’s finest warriors until his leg was wounded in battle a few years ago, leaving him crippled.
Ella silently crept down the spiral stone staircase, stopping just outside the threshold of the kitchen, then slowly peeked inside. The sight that greeted her eyes was an enormous man, with poker straight bronze hair tied back with a leather strip and coal black eyes that narrowed with ire. He looked to be a score and ten years, but was hard to tell, since his face was crimson with rage. Apparently, he was cross with one of the serving girls, and thrashed around like a madman until she ran crying from the kitchen. The girl was so distraught that she didn’t even glance at Ella as she rushed past.
When she looked back into the kitchen, the cook had turned his wrath on a petite young woman with raven black hair. The poor lass seemed dwarfed by the barbarian as she took bread out from the oven, a few paces away from him.
“We have less than an hour’s time till we serve the evening meal and that worthless wench has the audacity to spill wine over the freshly baked bread,” Ualan shouted, causing the pots that hung on the walls to vibrate. .
“I am pulling out another batch of. . .” Her words abruptly stopped, replaced by a gasp of pain.
Ella saw the female cook needlessly burn her hands when she attempted to save a tray of bread that threatened to fall on the ground. In her haste to retrieve the new batch, the cloth the covered her hands slipped, and with lightning speed the girl hurled the bread onto the counter adjacent to the two large ovens.