by Aury Dobsyn
G
Ella covered her face with trembling hands and gave vent to the agony piercing her heart. She began to shake as the terrifying images built in her mind. Within moments her fear turned into white-hot anger, and a wave of rebellion washed over her. Dangerous thoughts took hold, forming her own plan of attack, her own personal revenge.
Seething with mounting rage, she changed into a dark tunic and breeches then took one of Gavin’s daggers. She grabbed her bow and arrows with lighting speed, then her medicinal satchel as she choked back a sob of leaving the love of her life. Using the secret passageway, she left the castle and went to the stables.
With all the men occupied in the village and the women in the hall, Ella was able to reach the postern gate and stables without notice. The darkened shadows of night were as dismal as her thoughts when she saddled Apollo, Righ, and Coisi. The latter was a black mare with an insatiable desire and an innate ability to gallop at a fast pace for long durations. Her Celtic name, Coisi, meant sprinter in Gaelic.
Branches thrashed and snapped as she rode through the gloomy woods just beyond the castle and village. The glittering moonlight glimpsed between tree branches helped to illuminate her way, but she was still forced to ride with caution until she reached the burn.
She slowed the horses to a walk as they splashed their way to the other side, where she would be able to gain speed and distance on Fraser land. It was a risk, but it was the fastest way to travel north without the hindrance of dense woods. Keeping close to the burn, she rode for at least four hours, switching horses often, before she saw the old timber bridge she needed to cross over onto Mackenzie land. Here, the burn was as wide as it was deep.
She knew the bridge was still used by travelers, which Paen had explained to her only a sennight ago when they were out riding. However, it was not used by the Mackenzies or Frasers, since they had severed ties years ago.
Her one advantage, she thought as she crossed the bridge, was that she knew the hidden passageways throughout the Mackenzie fortress. They had been built over a century ago and the knowledge of their existence was given only to immediate family.
Whether it be redemption or revenge, she would see her brothers and nephew safe, even if it brought her death.
75
Gavin returned to the castle when word came that his sister and a handful of Mackenzie warriors had arrived at Doran Castle. Dread lurched in his heart as soon as he entered the bailey and he saw their panic-stricken expressions.
He embraced his sister and said, “Eva, my God, what has happened?”
“Greystone arrived at our gates with Guy and Hamon,” she began with tears coursing down her face. “They had been severely beaten and Hamon was unconscious. Greystone demanded entrance and surrender or they would kill Keir’s brothers.”
“Yer husband surrendered?”
“Aye, what choice did he have,” she defended. “Keir ordered six of his men to take me and Gabriel out through the postern gate, then to travel here. Gabriel was with us, but at the last moment he ran back to be with his father. Gavin, I tried to go back for him, but Keir’s men would nae allow it. They sent someone back for him, but I dinna ken if he was successful. I’m terrified, Gavin ”
She became hysterical as she continued, “Greystone says he is waiting for Alex to return and finish what was started years ago.”
“Let us go to the hall to plan our attack,” Gavin said as he gathered his sister into his arms.
Upon entering the hall with his sister, he learned the true horror of the night.
With a parchment in her hand, Lady Esme rushed over to her son, daughter and husband and cried, “Gavin, she’s gone! Ella is gone!”
His bellow of outrage was cut short by his mother next words.
“Ye must read this,” she said as she handed Gavin the missive. “It was found in her chamber.”
Startling astonishment crossed his features as he read the missive. Dear God, Ella is Alex Mackenzie’s daughter. The daughter who has been assumed dead for eight years.
Stunned to his core, Gavin was unable to give voice to the unexpected discovery, so he handed the missive to Bowen.
Both Bowen and Eva read the missive as Lady Esme continued, “Aye, but I ken Ella would nae kill her own mother.”
“Aye,” Gavin agreed as shock yielded to fury. “But, Greystone has convinced her otherwise. Bloody hell, Ella was only ten summers at the time. For eight years that bastard manipulated her into believing that she was to blame for her mother’s death and that her father. . .”
He ran his fingers through his hair as he spat, “I dinna ken all of it, nor do I care. All that matters is getting her back, along with her brothers and Gabriel.”
Eva stood flabbergasted, then said, “Isabel . . . Bella is alive.”
Gavin saw the tears cascade down his sister’s cheeks as she absorbed the newfound knowledge. “Aye, Eva. She is my wife, and nothing will stop me from getting her back.”
His mother put her hand on his arm and said, “We must send word to Alex Mackenzie to inform him that his daughter is alive.”
“Laird Macleod,” yelled a Macleod warrior rushing into the hall. “We have just received word that Laird Mackenzie has just passed through the gates.”
Profound relief flooded Gavin. He would have need of the legendary Highlander to get his wife back, and Alex would soon learn that his daughter was alive.
Turning to his mother, Gavin asked, “When was Ella last seen?”
“Two hours ago.”
“Och, I thought at least we would be able to catch-”
His words died in his throat by the sudden arrival of Alex Mackenzie bursting into the hall bellowing, “Where is she? Where is my daughter?”
Gavin asked, “Ye ken?”
“Aye,” Alex replied with agitation, “All was discovered when Lady Eleanor, Sir James and Nicholas appeared before the King of England.”
“They are alive?”
“Aye, but Sir James was badly wounded, which is why it took so long to reach the king’s court. After hearing their testimony, King Henry has given permission to dispose of Greystone and Montgomery as we see fit. Now, where is my daughter?” He roared the latter.
“Read this,” Gavin said as he handed Alex the missive.
The greatest warrior known throughout Scotland and England wore fear like a tunic. It was stark and vivid, for all to see. The despair and longing lay naked in his eyes when Alex asked, “She is nae here, is she?”
Seeing such anguish in the man who was like a father to Gavin was like enduring a mortal wound. With a strong hand, he gripped Alex’s shoulder and said, “Yer daughter’s bravery is immeasurable, a trait she has inherited from her sire nae doubt. She left when we received word of a fire in the village. Alice and Lyall’s bodies were discovered near the burning cottages. I suspect the siblings joined forces with Greystone when I had them both banished. ‘Tis likely that Alice left that missive for Ella, then fled back to her brother.”
“Death was too good for either of them.” The angry retort hardened Alex’s features.
“Aye, I agree. Now, let us plan our attack afore we ride out.”
Alex nodded, then said, “I have twenty men, along with Nicholas. They will arrive within the hour.”
“Good, we will need as many men as possible.”
Gavin and Alex were eager to depart, but knew success depended on strategy. The next hour was spent planning on how to rescue their loved ones, take back the Mackenzie stronghold, and kill their mutual enemy. During this time Gavin learned the full extent of Greystone’s deception over the past eight years as well as Montgomery’s treasonous deeds against the King of England.
“As soon as my daughter let loose the arrow aimed at the man attacking her mother, she was knocked unconscious. My Bella never saw what her arrow hit. Greystone took advantage of this information, then for eight years used it against her. That bastard produced a missive stating that . . .”
Gavin
, his mother, sister and blackguard sat in silence while Alex regained his composure.
After a moment, Mackenzie continued, “Stating that I would kill her if she ever returned to Scotland. Eleanor was told the same story and shown the missive as well, but dinna believe as Bella did. That whoreson preyed on my ten year old daughter, used her pain and grief . . .”
Alex took a deep breath, then explained, “Eleanor tried only once to get word to me, but it was intercepted by Philip.”
“In eight years, Lady Eleanor tried only once to-”
Gavin’s angry tirade was cut short by Alex’s malevolent response. “He dinna punish Eleanor for the deed, but he did let loose his wrath on my daughter. Beaten so severely she was unable to walk for a fortnight.”
Rage filled curses echoed through the hall by Gavin and his men as the doubled doors of the great hall burst open. Nicholas and twenty Mackenzie warriors entered bedlam and learned what had transpired in their absence.
Once everyone was seated, Mackenzie continued, “Eleanor believes it was Greystone who killed Emma, as well as their father. When Phillip returned from killing the brigands he blamed for the attack on my wife, daughter and men, he was wounded in the shoulder by an arrow. Yet, the men who rode out with him that day returned only with injuries caused by a sword. Eleanor discovered his wound days later, but at the time thought naught of it. Only recently, when I told her how Emma was killed, did she realize what Greystone had done. My daughter’s shot was true. Her arrow sank deep into the flesh of the man who murdered her mother and my wife. Eleanor also explained that Emma had tried to hide our daughter, but alas our wee Bella would ne’er leave her mother to confront an enemy alone.”
“How did Phillip keep Ella’s identity from those in the castle,” Gavin asked. “I canna believe that someone dinna notice her accent or even her name.”
“Philip planned well. My daughter was kept in a tower for six months learning to speak with an English accent. When this was accomplished, Phillip told her the only way to keep her safe was to change her identity. From the day forward she was known as Eleanor, but called Ella, named after her distant relation. My daughter’s real name is Isabel, but we have always called her Bella. Philip thought it believable that she was named after his wife, but to prevent confusion he shortened it so that it was similar to her own nickname, one which she would respond to.”
Bowen asked, “Would Phillip have hurt his wife, Lady Eleanor, if Ella revealed the truth?”
“Aye,” replied Alex. “Neither Eleanor nor Bella were allowed at court, which greatly limited their communication to the outside world. Eleanor dinna want to risk Ella’s life on the chance that the missive Phillip fabricated was true. She dinna tell a soul, nae even her brother, Sir James.”
“Ye mentioned Montgomery committed treason,” Paen reminded Alex.
“Aye. When I arrived at Windsor, I learned that Henry had taken ill. The royal physicians proved useless as they were unable to explain or cure the mysterious sickness. When Eleanor arrived with her brother and Nicholas, as ill as the king was, he demanded to see them at once. Henry learned the truth about Phillip while the gifted healer cured his affliction. Shortly thereafter it was discovered that Montgomery had coerced a royal physician to poison the King of England. Needless to say, the physician was put to death, as will Greystone and Montgomery should they return to England.”
With maternal concern lingering on her brow, Lady Esme asked, “Sir James, is he well?”
“Aye, under his sister’s care he will fully recover. King Henry had rewarded Sir James’s years of service with Montgomery’s title and all of his lands.”
“’Tis fitting. He deserves that and more.”
“Aye, he does,” Alex agreed. “I will be gifting him as well, for keeping my daughter safe during the five years he served at Greystone.”
“He also aided in the escape of Gabriel,” Gavin stated.
“Aye,” Alex choked out, as thoughts of what his wee daughter suffered to protect his grandson. “My Bella . . . she endured . . . she dinna even ken Gabriel was her nephew.”
Gavin put his hand on Alex’s shoulder and said, “Ye have the right of it, but nae more talk of the past. I want my wife back, and I want a painful death for the men who have hurt her.”
Right before his eyes Alex transformed back into the battle-hardened warrior he had always known and admired. His expression turned fierce when he asked, “Do ye love my daughter?”
“More than my own life,” he stated with conviction.
Comforted by his words, the older laird said, “Aye, ‘tis good, since I wouldnae hesitate to end yer life is ye unwisely said nae.”
“Ye dinna have to worry, for she is my heart,” Gavin said just before he spotted Ualan standing by the hearth.
“Come, my friend,” he said to the burly man. “I have need of ye this eve. Ye have heard all, aye?”
Toying with the dagger in his hand, Ualan nodded then said, “Tell me what is needed, for I will nae rest until she is back.”
Pride was evident in the Macleod laird as he looked at the surly cook, who had at one time been one of the greatest warriors within the clan. Although Ualan still limped, through the care of Ella he had made great strides towards returning to his former occupation.
Once Ualan was by his side, Gavin asked, “I trust yer claymore is ready, for we leave within the hour.”
Ualan nodded, not trusting himself to speak as gratification and pride filled his chest. It had been many years since he rode out with his laird and the Macleod warriors to defend their land and the people they loved. It was Ella’s determination to see him walk and ride without pain that made this moment possible.
As Ualan listened to Gavin and Alex explain the rescue mission, he saw Fin at the top of the stone stairs that lead to the kitchen. Even with the tears staining her cherubic face, he saw how proud she was that he would be contributing to the return of their mistress, their friend.
Just before leaving the hall with the other warriors, Ualan stopped in front of Fin. He cupped her face and said, “I ken ye fear greatly for Ella, but-”
“Aye, but I fear greatly for ye as well,” she cried.
“I am only half a warrior, but I vow to keep our dearest friend safe, then . . .”
“Then?”
“Then I will return and marry ye, if ye will have me. I have loved ye from the moment I saw ye, but I’m nae the man I once was.”
Fin wrapped her arms around him and said, “I love the man ye are now, and would be honored to be yer wife.”
Her last words were smothered by his passionate kiss before he turned and followed Laird Gavin from the hall. With Lady Esme, Eva, Maeve and Father Logan, she watched the men ride out over the drawbridge as she silently prayed that all would be well.
76
Dawn was a few hours away when Ella entered the secret tunnel that lead into the Mackenzie fortress. The trap door was hidden in the hollow of an ancient yew tree, a furlong from the castle. She moved her hand along the wall of the long, narrow tunnel until it branched into two, one leading to the dungeons, the other to the far side of the castle. There was also an iron ladder built into the wall, leading to the passageways that ran behind the bedchamber above the hall.
She heard voices coming from above and decided to scurry up the ladder to hear what was being said in the hall. Reaching the first floor, she overheard Phillip speaking with one of his men. She quickly learned that Gabriel was confined to a bedchamber above stairs, and that he would receive neither food nor water. Good, she thought, Gabriel’s absence would not be noticed immediately.
With slow, quiet movements, she continued up the ladder to the second floor. Unaware which chamber belonged to Gabriel, she began to panic, then suddenly she heard a child’s soft weeping. Her relief was short-lived when she realized that she would unintentionally startle the frightened boy, causing him to scream. Unfortunately, time was not an ally.
As quietly as she could, she e
ntered Gabriel’s chamber through the stonewall. To her surprise the little boy was face down on the bed. She moved to the bed just as he was turning over and before he could react, she quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
“Gabriel, it’s me, Ella.”
He recognized her at once, threw himself into her open arms and cried, “Ella, thank God! They have-”
She put her finger to his lips and said, “Shhh . . . I know all. We will get them out. You must listen to me very carefully and do exactly as I say.” When he nodded she continued, “First, you must remain silent, especially when we are in the secret passageways.”
When she saw his look of confusion, she explained, “There is a reason why you were not told. You have not yet reached your ninth summer, only then are children shown the passageways. We do not have time for me to explain all, for we must get your father and uncles out of the dungeon. I can’t do this alone. I will need your help and complete trust.”
Gabriel nodded, remembering that she had told him not to speak.
Before leaving the chamber, she stuffed clothes under the bed cover so it would look like Gabriel was just sleeping in case a guard was ordered to check on the boy. Moments later they were in the tunnel that led to the dungeon.
She picked up her medicinal satchel that she left at the split, then headed to where her brothers were imprisoned. She was not sure what kind of shape they would be in, but knew she would have need of her tools to open their shackles.
After ordering Gabriel to stay in the tunnel, she knelt on the ground and pulled a huge stone out from the wall. The stone was as tall as her knee, so she had to crawl through the opening. Once inside, with her satchel over her shoulder, she walked slowly towards the three figures sitting at the opposite side of the dungeon.
She was provided enough light from the torch above the stairwell to see that her brothers were shackled, and only Guy was conscious. Each one had been beaten, but their injuries appeared not to be life threatening. As she approached, the partial light afforded her a glimpse of the three faces she had not seen in eight years. Even with the bruising, to her, they still looked devastatingly handsome.