by Donna Grant
Kenna righted herself with a hand on the wall. She shifted the book in her arms and looped her arm through the basket handle. Using slow, measured steps she walked down the stairs. Every instinct in her told her to run as fast as she could, but she couldn't draw attention to herself. Not if she wanted to live.
How she made it out of the castle and into the stables without being stopped, she never knew. Nor did she encounter the Wallace. It was luck she hadn't expected.
The stable lad looked up as she entered. “The laird bade me fetch ye a horse if ye've a mind to have one to return to yer cottage."
Kenna blinked. “What?"
"Laird Wallace. He came to us last eve and told us to make sure we gave ye anything ye need. He said he expected you might wish to return to your cottage this morn, and he didn't want ye walkin'."
She almost laughed. Almost. Instead she nodded to the lad. “A horse is what I require. A fast one."
* * * *
Frang sprinted the last bit of distance to Kenna's cottage. As soon as he broke the clearing, he stopped and bent over with his hands on his knees as he gulped in air. No movement showed in the cottage, but then again she should still be sleeping. He made himself walk to the cottage and open the door as if he didn't have a care in the world.
It wasn't until he looked to the bed, the empty bed, that real panic set in.
"Kenna,” he said and rushed back outside as he looked to the castle.
Chapter Ten
Kenna had no idea where she was going. There wasn't time for her to return to her cottage. She sat atop her horse in the forest and closed her eyes, letting herself delve into her powers.
Which way?
No answer.
Please. I need to find the Druids. Which way?
East.
Her eyes flew open. Laughter bubbled up in her. She had heard it, her powers. Clear and distinct. Though her very life was in danger, a smile pulled at her lips as she turned the mare to the east and urged her into a gallop.
She was halfway out of the forest when she realised how close to her cottage she was. Since she had no food or a cloak, she needed to grab as much as she could. Besides, she wanted one last look at the cottage that had been the only home she had ever known.
As Kenna rode closer, her eyes misted with unshed tears. She couldn't believe she was leaving. But she really didn't have a choice.
She stopped her horse and slid off its back, careful not to spill the basket. The reins dropped from her fingers as she slowly moved towards the cottage. It looked sad, as if it knew she was leaving for good. Kenna pushed open the door and stepped into her home. Her gaze looked over her belongings since she half expected the Wallace to be here waiting on her.
When she realised the cottage was as empty as it should be, she put the basket on the table and rushed to the backroom. She quickly grabbed a satchel and stuffed a few herbs into the bag. Then, she ran to the kitchen and wrapped a loaf of bread, some oatcakes and a small block of cheese in a cloth and also stuffed it into the satchel.
She then spied the basket on the table. Her hand shook as she reached for the black tome. She lifted it and put it into the satchel behind the food and herbs. The fit was tight as the book was long and thick. She lifted the strap and walked to the door.
Just before she stepped outside, she gave one last glance over her home. Her gaze came to rest on the spot before the hearth where Frang had slept. She felt a pang in her heart at not being able to tell him goodbye, but maybe it was for the best. He'd ask questions. And she didn't have the answers he wanted.
With a deep breath, she walked from the cottage and to the waiting mare. She looped the satchel over her head and under one arm so the strap ran diagonally across her body and the bag itself rested on her hip.
She mounted the mare and turned towards the east. A click started the mare into a quick gallop that took her farther and farther away from her cottage to a new adventure, a new life.
One she was most excited to discover.
* * * *
Frang raced through the forest, his blood pumping loudly in his ears. He kept telling himself to stay calm, that he'd find Kenna. Find her and make her explain everything to him.
He was so intent on thinking of Kenna that for a moment he thought it was his imagination that conjured her up atop a horse galloping through the forest. He stopped running and followed the horse with his eyes as it darted around trees and leapt over fallen logs.
"Kenna,” he whispered when he spotted her flame red hair trailing behind her.
Immediately, Frang's gaze swung towards the castle. He expected to see the Wallace and his soldiers right behind Kenna, but only the sounds of the forest filled the air.
His eyes moved to where he'd last seen her and knew he had little choice. He turned and ran after her, praying he caught her before she did anything rash.
By the time he returned to the cottage, his side ached and sweat soaked his body. He pushed through the door, but Kenna was nowhere to be found.
"Kenna,” he shouted as he walked to her backroom.
He took in the few herbs that littered the ground and had been trampled by hurried feet.
"Jesu, Kenna."
Frang turned and spotted the basket he had seen sitting in the Wallace's tower. The basket full of linden. Nothing made sense, least of all Kenna's odd behaviour.
Just what was going on?
"Maybe you should ask her."
Frang swung around to find Aimery leaning against the doorway to Kenna's backroom. “Shite, Aimery. You scared ten years off my life."
Aimery chuckled and pushed away from the doorway. “You look ... awful."
"And it is so nice to see you too, old friend.” Frang wasn't fooled. Aimery's presence meant something was off. “I hadn't expected to ever see you again."
Aimery's flaxen brow rose. “Did you take my friendship so lightly then?"
"Nay. I just assumed that since I am no longer cursed you would turn your attention to other things."
Aimery let out a breath and moved to the table. He leaned against the table, his hands on either side of Kenna's basket. “I never abandon friends, Frang. Never. You should have called to me."
"I thought about it.” Frang watched the Fae commander carefully. Aimery's investigation of Kenna's herbs was telling.
Aimery looked up, his swirling blue eyes pinning him. “Do you know what these are?"
"Aye."
"You need to find her."
Frang ran a hand down his face. “That's what I'm trying to do."
Aimery closed his eyes and tilted his head back as if he were listening to something. He opened his eyes and straightened. “She's headed East."
Frang stood rooted to the spot. East? To the Druid's Glen? Impossible. He had never told her where they were.
"What are you waiting for?” Aimery asked sharply.
Frang met his gaze. “There's something else. I found the Book of Magic."
"What?” Aimery's voice was so low and held such anger that he almost didn't hear him.
Frang nodded. “In a tower at Wallace castle."
"How did the Wallace get it?"
"That I don't know. I just happened across it."
Aimery turned and paced the small cottage. “If he has the book then there is no telling what he is trying to do."
"I know.” Frang pointed to the basket when Aimery stopped and looked at him. “Those herbs, taken just the right way with just the right magic will make him immortal."
"Sons of the dragons,” Aimery cursed. “I cannot touch the book for the magic was put into that book to battle the Fae. One touch would kill me."
Frang nodded. “I know."
"Why didn't you take it?"
"I thought I had more time. I just wanted to look around, to see if the Wallace was doing what I suspected. I thought he might be experimenting with trying to gain immortality with the linden herbs, but never once did it enter my mind he had found the Book of Magic."<
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"You should have taken it."
Frang nodded. “I know, but I didn't. I'll have to go back for it tonight."
Just then, the sound of approaching horses drew his attention. He went to step out of the cottage but Aimery grabbed his arm.
"No need,” the Fae said a moment before he made them invisible.
Frang stood silently as the front door was slammed open and the Wallace stepped into the cottage.
"Kenna,” he bellowed. He looked strained, as if he had lost a prized jewel.
"Laird, a horse came through here,” a soldier called from outside.
Wallace ran a hand down Kenna's bed. “She must have been taken,” he said to himself. Then he raised his voice for his men. “Find her."
He was turning to go when Frang saw him spot the basket.
"Nay,” the Wallace said in a pained whispered. “Kenna, nay. Not you."
Frang watched as the laird's face mottled with rage and he swiped the basket from the table before he stomped back to his men.
"The healer has taken a costly possession of mine. We'll return to the castle to get reinforcements then set out after her."
As soon as they were mounted and gone, Aimery lifted his hand from Frang and the invisibility shield evaporated.
"It appears as if I don't need to return to the castle after all,” Frang said as he turned to his friend.
Aimery regarded him silently. “Frang,” he began.
"Don't,” Frang stopped him. “I know what you would say, and I would rather you didn't. Trust me to make the right choices."
"I would trust you with my life."
Frang clenched his jaw as a wave of emotion overtook him. Aimery had never, in the three hundred years he'd known him, said anything of the like before.
"Thank you,” Frang finally managed to say.
Aimery walked out of the cottage. With his back to Frang he said, “I cannot accompany you, as much as I'd like to. You'll need to find her before Wallace and his soldiers. They'll kill her without hesitation."
"Aye,” Frang said.
With a wave of the Fae's hand, a beautiful grey stallion came running out of the forest. “A gift for you to aid you in your recovery of the book. Call to me if you need me. For anything.” Aimery's gaze was severe, his voice rough.
"You have my word."
And with that, the Fae commander was gone.
Frang walked to the awaiting horse and patted his neck. “You are a beauty.” His gaze ran over the steed. “And built for speed. Let's see if you can catch our little thief."
He vaulted up on the horse and grabbed the reins. A smile pulled at Frang's lips when he spied the Fae knot work on the reins and halter on the horse. A glance down at the saddle showed the same artistry. He lifted the flap of the small bag attached to the saddle and found a few apples and a loaf of bread as well as a skin of water.
Once again Aimery had made sure he was ready for anything. The smile faded as he stared off towards the east. There was only one way Kenna had known which way to go to the Druids, her power had been discovered.
How much of it, Frang didn't know. For her sake, he hoped he found her before Wallace did.
He spurred his mount into a canter as they raced after Kenna, his thoughts on catching her. And although he should be thinking of the questions he would put to her, all he could think about was crushing her soft, sweet body against his.
Chapter Eleven
Aimery walked into his chambers to find his king waiting for him. He hesitated only a moment before he shut the door behind him.
"You aided Frang.” Theron's voice was muffled and low.
"I did."
Theron turned to face him. His king's arms were crossed over his chest and his face held disappointment. “You went against my direct order."
"I did."
"You aren't going to plead your case?"
Aimery took a deep breath then shook his head. “He's a friend, Theron. After what we've done to him, I figured I owed him the horse."
"And the direction the girl took."
"Aye. That as well."
Theron sighed as his face sagged wearily. “I cannot punish you for something I would have done myself."
"And the Book of Magic?"
Theron's inhaled and stood straighter, his face once more that of a king. “Frang will find the girl. What he does after that is his decision. Once that book is in his hands, he can change the tide of history."
"He won't,” Aimery stated.
Theron laughed though the sound held no mirth. “I have always been amazed at how man reacts to power. We shall see how strong a man Frang truly is."
"He won't let the power influence him."
"I hope you're right."
* * * *
Kenna stopped beside a stream at noon. Both she and the mare were exhausted. She had ridden a little over the years, but never for most of the day, and her day wasn't even done. Already her legs ached but she pushed aside the pain as she slid from the mare, then collapsed on the ground when her legs gave way beneath her. The mare turned her head and looked at her with soulful brown eyes.
Kenna chuckled as she patted the mare's velvety nose. “Aye, I know I'm a sight. Go drink,” she said as she gave the horse a little push.
While the mare drank, Kenna slowly crawled to the water and splashed some on her neck and face before drinking in great mouthfuls. Once she'd slaked her thirst, she reached inside her satchel and took out an oatcake.
She was out in the open with no shade or cover, making her easy to spot. Too easy. With a sigh, she rose on wobbly legs and took the mare's reins to lead her to a nearby grove of trees.
Kenna sank onto a fallen log and ate while the horse munched on the sweet, green grass. How Kenna wished she had gotten the exact location of the Druids from Frang, because even though she trusted her powers to lead her in the right direction, it didn't tell her where the Druids were.
After resting, Kenna rose and mounted again, wincing at her sore muscles. “Ride like the wind,” she whispered into the mare's ears, for Kenna knew her treachery would be discovered.
The Wallace would demand payment. With her life.
Unless she reached the Druids in time. She grimaced as she thought of Frang. She'd feel so much better if he were there with her, giving her his strength and his laughter.
She nudged the mare into a walk as she fingered the dagger through the material of her skirts. If only she could have trusted him with her secrets. If only he had given her some sign he wasn't after her secrets as well. She didn't know who to trust anymore.
With the heel of a hand, she rubbed her tired eyes. It was only midday, and she had much more riding to do. Already her legs ached so badly she could barely sit atop the mare, and her bottom was so sore it hurt just to think about sitting down. Yet, she had no choice.
After a deep breath, Kenna sat straighter in the saddle and pushed her pain into a dark corner of her mind. She'd deal with it later, after she found the Druids.
* * * *
It didn't take long for Frang to find Kenna's trail. He urged his stallion faster. The suspicion that the Wallace and his men were gaining on him was strong, leading Frang to ride harder and faster.
The fact the horse took everything he asked without complaint, or seeming to get tired, told Frang that the stallion was most likely gifted with magic.
A smile pulled at his lips. Aimery never failed to think of things most humans wouldn't. Frang lowered himself over the grey's neck as the ground became a blur beneath him. The wind whipped at his face, drying his eyes and his lips.
When he came to a fork in the path, he pulled the grey to a stop and jumped to the ground. He squatted next to the paths, searching for signs as to which way Kenna travelled. If he chose wrong, it could very well mean her death and put the book in the Wallace's hands once again.
"I cannot allow that.” Frang stood and turned to the stallion. “Do you know which way she went?"
The
horse nodded his great head and nickered softly. Frang blew out a tired breath and mounted. “Take me to her."
Without hesitation the stallion continued straight, his legs nearly flying over the rough terrain of the Highlands.
* * * *
Kenna shifted in the saddle again. She had slowed the mare to a walk despite the urgency that pushed her, but her body had needed the rest. Yet, with every step the mare took, pain lashed though her like lightening.
She glanced at the sun, grateful to see it sinking in the sky. It wouldn't be long before she could start looking for a place to rest for the night. Once she had some food in her, she'd put some rosemary into her water to help ease her body so she could sleep.
Suddenly, she was jerked out of her musing by her mare's sudden stop. Kenna immediately gripped the reins tighter and looked around her. She couldn't see anything, but the way her mount began to whinny and prance to the side told her there was a predator lurking nearby.
"Easy, girl,” Kenna whispered to the horse and looked over the side of the narrow trail to the rocks several hundred lengths below. But no amount of calming words would ease the mare. A howl split the air, and the mare reared up.
Kenna somehow managed to keep her seat. She tried to kick the mare into a run, but the mare's wild eyes told her they wouldn't be going anywhere.
When the mare reared again, she wasn't prepared. She tried to grab onto the mare's mane, but her fingers slipped through it.
A scream tore from Kenna as she felt herself falling.
* * * *
Frang jerked. “Kenna,” he whispered into the fading light of day.
He leaned over the stallion, giving him a whistle that sent the horse leaping into a run. Frang knew in his heart Kenna was hurt, but how badly he couldn't guess.
In fact, he shouldn't care. But he couldn't forget the way her amber eyes had danced with laughter as he'd told her stories while they'd eaten their supper. Or how her flame red hair seemed to come alive in the sunsets.