by Donna Grant
Conall shook his head. “I'd never turn a Druid over to evil."
"Then talk here. I need to leave."
"Why?” Conall asked. “Why the hurry to leave your home?"
Frang looked away. “You don't understand, Conall. I had to leave."
"With no word to us or the Druids?” Conall's voice had turned hard and cold.
Frang didn't blame him though. “Sometimes we aren't given a choice."
"There is always a choice."
He turned to look at Conall and saw the anger radiating from the laird. “I've missed you, too."
Conall snorted and rolled his eyes as his arms dropped and he turned away. He'd gone only two steps before he pivoted and returned to Frang. “What you did was wrong, Frang. Many people counted on you."
"I know."
"Is that all you can say?” Conall bellowed.
Frang took a deep breath. “I thought you had questions for me."
"That's when I actually thought you might answer them,” Conall retorted furiously.
"If I'm able to answer, I will.” Frang hated that Conall couldn't see past his own anger to the truth.
"Shite. I don't believe you."
Frang turned to leave and spotted Glenna. She stared at him with her golden brown eyes as if she had seen a ghost. Without a word she flew into his arms. Frang hugged her to him, welcoming the warmth and friendship she offered him.
She pulled back and searched his eyes. Gently, her hand came up to touch his face. “If it wasn't for your eyes, I wouldn't know it was you."
He smiled down at her. “Ah, ‘tis good to see you again, Glenna."
"We've missed you."
Frang glanced at a glowering Conall. “I don't think all of you did."
She tsked and waved away his words. “Don't pay Conall any mind. He's angry, and you know how he is when he's angry.” She started to pull him into the cave, but he stopped her. She turned back to him. “What is it?"
"He cannot stay,” Conall answered for him.
Glenna looked from Conall to Frang. “What is he talking about?” she asked Frang.
He sighed and tugged his arm free of her hold. “Just as Conall said. I cannot stay."
"But you've only just arrived and under attack I might add. You look as though you've been travelling for days. I'd say you need rest, food and sleep."
Frang shook his head sadly. “It won't be here, Glenna, as much as I'd like it otherwise."
"You'd leave without seeing the Druids? Without giving us reasons for your leaving in the first place? Without saying goodbye to the woman you brought?"
Frang clenched his jaw as he thought about Kenna. He couldn't say farewell to her, it would hurt too much. He looked away from Glenna. “I was never supposed to return. You have no idea how hard this is on me."
Conall strode towards him. “Then why did you come back?"
Out of the corner of his eye, Frang saw Glenna place a hand on her husband's arm. “Because of the woman,” Glenna said. “Sometimes you can be so dense for such a smart man."
Frang met Conall's gaze and waited. “Protect Kenna. She was only taught the basics of being a Druid, but she has a natural talent for healing. With training, she'll be a great asset."
Slowly Conall nodded. “You know I'll protect her with my life. Does she know who you are?"
Frang shook his head. “Wait until I'm gone before you tell her."
"Hell, I don't know what to tell her,” Conall shouted. “All my life you looked ... well, not as you are now. What happened, Frang?"
"It was a curse,” he answered. “It was fulfilled with the prophecy, and I was freed from its bonds."
Glenna's eyes filled with tears. “Did no one know?"
"Nay,” Frang said. “Only Aimery. None of you were ever supposed to discover the truth."
Conall clasped his shoulder. “Stay with us. Whatever you are now, you are still a Druid. They need a leader."
"They have a leader,” he said and looked to Glenna. “One more thing,” he said as he turned and grabbed the grey's reins. “Kenna has something with her that needs to be destroyed. See that it gets done immediately. Kenna won't want to part with it, but Aimery will make her understand why she needs to hand it over."
"What is it?” Glenna asked.
Frang didn't even want to say the words out loud. “It's a book, a very important book that doesn't need to be lying about for any man to get his hands on it."
He mounted and turned the grey to leave and found Kenna standing in the way.
Kenna's stomach was in knots, knots that fell to her feet like lead. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop on Frang's conversation, but she hadn't been able to tell them she was there after hearing he had returned to his home.
His eyes widened in surprise before he hid behind a mask of indifference. “You're safe. Just as I promised."
"You were going to leave without saying farewell."
"It's for the best."
"For who?” she asked. “You? I didn't even get to thank you."
Frang inclined his head slightly. “You've done so now."
Inside, she seethed with hurt and anger. The man before her wasn't the same man who had risked his life several times on their journey. The man before her was a stranger. “Godspeed then,” she said and turned to leave.
The happiness she had felt at finding the Druids was gone, leaving a festering wound in her chest that no amount of herbs would ever heal. She hadn't expected to hurt at Frang's departure, but then again, she had at least expected him to say goodbye to her, not leave her so unexpectedly.
She stumbled through the forest trying to find her way back to the stones when gentle hands took her shoulders to steady her. She looked to her left and found the beautiful woman she had seen in Frang's arms. She didn't like the jealousy she'd felt at seeing Frang touch another woman.
"Easy,” the woman said. “All will be well."
"Nay,” Kenna said and blinked back tears.
The woman ran her hand up and down Kenna's arm. “You're exhausted, Kenna, and very emotional. ‘Tis natural to feel as you do."
Kenna stopped and faced the woman. “You know my name?"
The woman smiled. “Aye. Frang told me. Forgive me,” she said. “I am Glenna MacInnes, wife to Laird Conall MacInnes."
"My lady,” Kenna said. Glenna laughed. “Nonsense. Call me Glenna. Now, why don't you tell me how you met Frang?"
* * * *
Frang sat atop the horse and stared at the spot where Kenna had been. He should leave, he knew, but he found himself unable to do so.
"Come have a drink,” Conall called from behind him. “You can leave afterwards."
Still, Frang didn't move. The hurt he had seen in Kenna's eyes was like a dagger to his heart. He knew leaving her was going to be difficult, but he had expected her to be occupied with the Druids and not notice his absence until he was gone.
"Frang,” Conall called.
He blew out a breath and kicked free of the stirrups before dismounting. He took the grey's reins and followed Conall through the maze of caves until they reached the bailey. Once there, he handed over the grey to a stable lad.
"Feed him well, lad. He deserves it,” Frang said before he followed Conall into the castle.
Frang looked around the great hall noting little changes here and there. A few more tapestries hung on the walls, but over all, the castle still beckoned to him like a long lost love.
Conall sat in his chair before the hearth and poured two tall goblets of ale. He handed one to Frang and lifted his to his mouth. Frang drank heavily, letting the intoxicating liquid pool in his belly.
"I'd never expected a woman would be the reason you'd returned,” Conall said after a long stretch of silence.
Frang lowered himself into the chair opposite Conall and shrugged. “I'd never expected to see the Glen again."
"You knew this and still you left?"
"Aye."
Conall shook his head. “Why?
"
"When you are cursed by the Fae, you do what you are told."
"How long have you been cursed?"
Frang let his head drop back against the chair as he gazed at the crossed swords above the hearth. “Three hundred years."
"Shite. Are you immortal?"
Frang laughed. “Not anymore. That was lifted with the curse."
"Are you sure?"
His gaze moved to Conall to find the laird watching him intently with his silver eyes. “I haven't tested it if that's what you mean.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth he remembered the wound on his arm and how fast it had healed at Kenna's cottage.
"What are your plans now?"
Frang hadn't thought past entrusting Kenna to the Druids. “I don't know."
"The Wallace and his men are gone, but I have no doubt they'll return."
Frang straightened in his chair. “I'd assumed that once he realised she was with the Druids, he'd leave her alone. Yet, I was a fool. He has no idea Druids are here. He'll keep coming after her until he has her. And the book."
"He nearly caught you. Had I not had my men at the ready, you'd be dead, and he'd be on his way back to his castle with Kenna."
Frang ran a hand down his face and sighed. He had never been wearier in his life. “Aye. He gained on us quickly. Too quickly."
"Magic?” Conall asked.
"I think so."
"Why does he want Kenna so desperately?"
Frang leaned his elbows on his knees. “He's looking for immortality, and with Kenna's knowledge of herbs, he almost achieved it."
"Surely not with just herbs alone."
Frang shook his head. “Nay. He had the Book of Magic."
"By the saints,” Conall exclaimed, his silver eyes flashing. “I thought that book was just legend."
"All legends start somewhere."
"But you said ‘had'."
Frang laughed. “Kenna took it from him."
Conall's face drained of colour. “She has it with her?"
Frang nodded.
"My God, Frang,” Conall said as he rose to his feet. “I knew the Wallace had left too quickly and without a fight, and now I know why. He knows where Kenna and the book are. He'll return with more men."
Frang let his head sag forward. There would be no leaving for him now. Conall and the Druids would need him. And more importantly, Kenna would need him.
Damn.
Chapter Nineteen
Kenna woke slowly and stretched. It felt good to sleep in a bed again. She hadn't wanted to take Glenna's offer to sleep in the castle, but she hadn't been able to dissuade her. Glenna could be most persuasive.
At first Kenna hadn't wanted to leave the Druids and the stone circle, but knowing it was within walking distance from the castle had put her at ease.
The Druids she had met were just as she expected. They were almost ethereal and enchanting. Their magic flowed around them like the sea, strong and true. She couldn't wait to return to the stones and begin her learning.
Yet, there was one thing that dampened her spirits. Frang's leaving. She couldn't believe he had left and had intended to do so without saying anything to her.
The anger that she had worked so diligently to expel the night before swarmed her again. She shoved aside the blankets, swung her legs over the side of the bed and rose. She walked to the narrow window and looked out over the land.
Since she had arrived at MacInnes castle in the dead of night, she hadn't seen much of it and was eager to explore. Her gaze wandered over the rolling hills that surrounded the castle, the thick forest and a loch. Though she couldn't see it from her vantage point, she knew there was a cliff and a mountain to the side.
A knock sounded on her door interrupting her gazing. When she opened it she found a smiling Glenna standing before her. In the daylight, Glenna was even more beautiful with her brunette hair and golden brown eyes.
"Did you sleep well?"
"I did. I didn't realise just how much I missed sleeping in a bed until last night,” Kenna said with a laugh.
Kenna stepped to the side to allow Glenna inside, and that's when Kenna saw the servants behind her. She turned to look at Glenna.
"I thought you might like a bath,” Glenna said as she motioned the servants to set the large wooden tub before the hearth.
Kenna licked her lips in anticipation while watching bucket upon bucket of water being emptied in the tub. “Oh, aye. Very much so."
"Take your time,” Glenna said and walked to the door. “I'll be waiting for you in the great hall."
Kenna couldn't wait to be alone and sink into the tub. Steam rose from the water, beckoning her and her tired muscles. As soon as the last servant left her chamber, she shut the door and quickly discarded her clothes.
She stepped into the tub and sighed. As she lowered herself into the water, she began to unbraid her hair, letting the red strands leisurely float around her.
Her head leaned back against the tub as she let her muscles relax and her mind drift. Immediately she thought of Frang and his kisses, his soft lips and the way they felt against her skin. Her eyes closed as she recalled the way his mouth moved over hers and how his hands knew just where to touch her to bring her the most pleasure. She wanted to know more of the glorious feelings he aroused in her, to explore the desire she felt when he was near. She had seen couples mate before, and knew Frang's rod would pierce her.
Her breathing grew ragged as she thought of seeing him naked, of stroking his rod in her hands. Instantly, her body heated, her breasts swelled and the ache began between her legs. She clenched her jaw angrily and opened her eyes as she sat up and began to wash.
It grated on her nerves that she couldn't stop thinking of Frang. What made it even worse was that apparently he had no problem forgetting about her, evidenced by his hasty exit.
She put her face in her hands and took a deep breath. She had to face the fact she had become attached to Frang because he had been her saviour, the one man that had put his life in danger for her. And the only man that hadn't begged to hear her secrets.
Her mind filled with snippets of conversations with Frang. She found it hard to focus on anything other than him, and just when she thought she couldn't take it anymore, she heard the song of the Druids.
The soft melody at once calmed her crowded mind and soothed her body. She picked up the bar of soap that floated in the water and once more set out to washing herself and her hair.
By the time she rinsed and stood to dry off, Kenna was able to set aside any anger she felt for Frang. He had his own secrets, ones that had kept him from his home for five years. Though she wished he had stayed, she tried to bear in mind he had no choice but to leave.
Kenna reached for her gown that she had left on the hooks the night before only to find it gone and another one in its place. She looked around the chamber to make sure no one had snuck in then touched the soft cream gown.
It was of plain design, but she liked it that way. She hurried to pull on the gown. The fit was nearly perfect. It was a little snug across her breasts, but it wasn't noticeable. Her gaze moved to the Wallace plaid she had worn all her life, a plaid that she would no longer wear. Kenna wondered if she would ever wear a plaid again. A few of the Druids wore the MacInnes tartan, but most went without anything.
And so would she.
Kenna, satisfied with her decision, reached for the comb atop the chest at the foot of the bed. It had felt wonderful to wash her hair, though it would take hours for it to fully dry because of its thickness. Not only was her hair thick, but it tangled easily. She had tried to keep it plaited during her journey here, but it was stubborn and often came out of its braid.
Kenna was so intent on combing out the tangles she never heard her door open.
Frang leaned against the door and watched as Kenna pulled the comb through her long wet tresses. Many times he'd wanted to run his fingers through the length, almost as many times as he'd wanted to kiss her.
<
br /> He wasn't sure why he had come other than he had wanted to see her, to know she was happy and safe. Now, as he stared at her, he wasn't sure what he would say. She was most likely still angry and had every right to be.
Suddenly, her gaze shifted to him. She stilled as they stared at each other across the chamber. Frang took a deep breath and straightened from the door.
"You're still here."
Her voice gave no notion whether she was angry or pleased with that fact. And that worried Frang.
He nodded. “It seems as though I won't be leaving for some time."
"Why?"
This was why he hadn't wanted to speak to her. He couldn't tell her everything. Not yet, maybe not ever. “I need to be sure the Wallace won't return for you."
She set aside her comb and moved her hair off her shoulder to trail down her back in a long red wave. “Do you think he will?"
"I know that we cannot discount that he might."
She turned away with a sigh. “It seems that our secrets once again keep us separated."
Frang stepped into the chamber and closed the door behind him. “Secrets have a way of revealing themselves with time. Just as one of my secrets was overheard by you last eve."
"Aye,” she said and moved to the window. “I did overhear a secret. This had been your home. That is how you knew of the Druids, but what it doesn't explain is why you left in the first place.” She turned to look at him. “Is that one secret you won't share with me?"
He moved to sit on the chest at the foot of the bed and raked a hand through his hair. “I'm tired of secrets, Kenna. I'll tell you everything, but be prepared to hear the answers."
She nodded and walked to him, then knelt before him. “How do you know about the herbs?"
"I'm a Druid. For a time, I was the High Priest here.” He licked his lips, trying to ignore the swelling of his rod at having Kenna betwixt his legs.
Her mouth opened in surprise. “Why did you never tell me?"
"I wasn't sure if you were a Druid. Not at first. Then, afterwards, there were other reasons I couldn't tell you."
"Other secrets you mean?"
"Aye."
She sat with her hands folded demurely in her lap, but Frang knew her mind raced ahead with questions. He wouldn't leave her chamber without baring all to her, and for some reason that didn't seem so hard as it had several weeks ago.