“I dinna like it,” Katie objected.
“Nor do I, but I feel we have no choice. If it is any solace, I dinna think Rannoch will harm Brianna. She is too valuable to him alive. If the marriage takes place, she will be his claim to your father’s lands.”
Chapter 31
Katie watched Keith lead Asilinn off in the direction of her father’s chamber. Crossing herself and sending a prayer heavenward, she headed out to find Jamie. She had no doubts about him or Tessa. Katie must speak with them first to see what had been happening with Brianna.
It seemed odd to be sneaking around in the castle that had been her home for all her life. If Rannoch caught her, there would be hell to pay. Ducking down a little used hallway, Katie made her way to Jamie’s room. She rapped lightly on the door and Jamie opened it with nothing on save a plaid wrapped around his loins.
“Katie, how did you get here?” he asked as he embraced her. “Are there others with you? Have you come to free us?”
“Asilinn MacLean is with me. She and Keith have gone to speak with father.”
“I’m glad Keith found you.” Jamie ran his hand through his hair and turned from her. “There is something I must tell you,” he said as he slowly faced her.
“There are many things you must tell me,” Katie interrupted, “but my time is short. Ian and Jared gather an army to attack the castle. Timing will be the key to our deliverance.”
“Tessa was right.”
“Aye, where is Brianna? Is she with us or against us?”
Jamie hung his head. “She has allowed Rannoch certain liberties and now she fancies herself in love with him.”
Katie grabbed his arm. “What liberties? Has he taken her?”
“Brianna denies their actual union, but they have come close. Rannoch came to father to ask his permission and told him of his conquests with our sister.” Jamie let his breath out in a rush. “Father, Tessa, and I have convinced Brianna to sequester herself from him until the wedding. We told her father would approve their marriage and wanted her to go to the marriage bed a virgin. She sequestered herself in old north tower.”
“And Rannoch hasna visited her there?”
He shook his head. “Nay, he says he will respect her wishes and wait for their wedding day. He has quite the celebration planned. Will the clansmen arrive before the marriage takes place?”
“I pray so,” Katie said.
“I canna believe Jared MacLean and Ian let you and Asilinn come alone.” He studied her face. “They dinna ken you have come do they?”
“Nay, they forbade it. Asilinn felt otherwise and she and I are here.”
“You should have listened to them. Now you place yourself in danger. Rannoch hates you for what you have done. If he finds you, he will kill you. He has a Blackburn to marry. He doesna need you anymore.”
“Who tells you these things?” She gazed at Jamie. “Are you still getting lessons from the Red Witch?”
Jamie blanched at her comment. “Aye,” he finally said. “’Tis what I was going to tell you. I am expecting her at any moment.”
Shaking her head, Katie held her temper in check. “Well, you must continue with your plan. I dinna want her to get suspicious. I will go to Tessa. We must time your disappearance so that Rannoch wilna be suspicious. As soon as we ken the men have arrived, we will decide the final plan.”
“I have already decided my final plan. I will fight with Ian and Jared.”
“Jamie, you are our father’s heir. You must be safe. I will hear no more of this.” Heading for the door, Katie turned to face him. “Please tell me you havena betrayed your family by telling Sorcha of our plans.”
“I would never do that, but I dinna think she is as evil as everyone believes.”
“Your cock rules you brain as far as Sorcha is concerned,” Katie rasped. “How could you join with her? She tried to kill father by poisoning him slowly for months.”
Jamie’s face flushed red. “Or perchance she convinced Rannoch to keep him alive rather than kill him outright. You dinna ken Sorcha the way I do.”
“I should hope not,” Katie snapped. “I leave you now to rut with your Red Witch.” With that, she flew from his chamber and hurried down the hallway to find Tessa.
Asilinn and Keith reached Laird Brian Blackburn’s chamber without discovery. Plans for the wedding kept the guards occupied at other stations. Apparently, Rannoch did not fear Laird Brian in his current state and had sent his men elsewhere. The chamber had not changed much since the last time Asilinn entered it the last time. It contained the same opulent bedding and ornate furniture. If she closed her eyes, she could still see Katherine Blackburn straining to give life to Tessa. Sweat dripped from Katherine’s brow. She ripped at the bedding as contraction after contraction racked her body. Blood oozed out onto the sheeting, but not the child.
Asilinn had given birth to her own son just a year earlier. The sight before her tore at her heart. The child was breach and despite Katherine’s best efforts, her labor did not progress. Katherine Blackburn had been at this for some time. A lesser woman would already be dead. When Asilinn arrived, it was too late.
Katherine took one look into Asilinn’s eyes and saw the truth. “Leave us,” she ordered. “I need to be alone with Asilinn.”
No one wanted to obey, but they all did, especially when Asilinn agreed. “Aye, so. Leave us and I will see what I can do.”
When the door closed, Katherine took Asilinn’s hand. “You must save the baby,” she whispered through parched lips. “I ken you canna save us both. I have lived and loved. I have no regrets. Save my child.” Her words cut off as another contraction grabbed her body with unrelenting insistence. Asilinn watched the new life inside Katherine try to push out of her. Her abdomen rose as the babe fought to be free of its dying mother. “Asilinn, you must do it now. Cut the babe out of me before the child dies with me.” Katherine’s eyes lit in her pale face. “Free the child and let me see the babe once before I die.”
Nodding, Asilinn grabbed her dirk. She sliced open Katherine’s belly and pulled forth a child the likes of which she had never seen before. As soon as she touched Tessa, she felt the infant’s power. Her head bore a coating of hair so white-blonde the blood colored it pink. Little Tessa struggled and gurgled, finally drawing a deep breath, but no birthing cry rose from the infant. “A fine little girl,” Asilinn said, showing the infant to Katherine.
“We shall call her Tessa after my mother,” Katherine whispered. “Asilinn, I would have her marry your son. Please tell me you agree. Only your family can keep her safe. I canna explain it. I just feel….” Katherine broke off as pain racked her body.
“It will be so.” Asilinn placed the little girl in Katherine’s arms. As soon as the babe touched her mother, the tiny infant let out a resounding cry. Suddenly a gush of bright red blood flowed onto the sheets and Katherine went limp. Searching for a pulse, Asilinn felt Katherine slip away from them. She picked up the tiny babe just as Brian Blackburn flew back into the room and stared stone-faced at his beloved wife.
“I’m sorry,” Asilinn murmured. “She bade me save the child. I couldna save Lady Katherine.”
Brian collapsed on his wife’s ruined body sobbing uncontrollably. Asilinn walked slowly from the room clutching little Tessa to her chest.
“Lady Asilinn,” Laird Blackburn’s voice brought Asilinn back from the untimely vision. “You have come to help us.”
Walking close to the bed, Asilinn took Brian Blackburn’s hand. “Aye, Jared and Ian will be here soon with an army to defeat Rannoch.”
“Your father?”
“He survived. He will live his life in a different way now, but he is with us.”
“Thank God,” Brian said. He squeezed her hand. “You were remembering, weren’t you… the night Tessa came to us… the night we lost Katherine.” He sighed. “I could tell by your expression.”
Asilinn nodded feeling his eyes on her. “I am sorry about the way things turned out.
”
“’Twas not your fault, Asilinn. Were it not for you, Tessa may also have died. “
“I am still sorry.” She drew a deep breath and let it out. “But let us get to you. Can you walk… move at all?”
“I have improved greatly since Sorcha cut back her dose… and then my little Tessa replaced her poison potion with water. I can speak and move a little. That is all.” He grasped her hand. “Asilinn we will do what it takes to aid our rescuers.” He looked around his chamber. “Where are Jamie, Katie, and Tessa? I ken we must leave Brianna to her fate. Where are the others?”
“Katie went to find Jamie and Tessa. When the time is right, we will determine the final plan. Much depends on when Jared and Ian arrive with the troops.”
“What of Brianna?” Brian asked. “Will they arrive before the bastard takes her for his wife?”
Asilinn nodded. “That is our hope. They will come through the cave and attack just after dark tomorrow. Until then, we are on our own.”
“Sorcha will check on me, perchance even Rannoch will come by as he prepares to marry my daughter. We must be careful in our plan.”
“Aye, so,” Asilinn agreed.
“I dinna like it,” Keith grumbled. “Why can’t we hide the family before the attack?”
“Keith, you and I will stay close, but if any of the family goes missing now, Rannoch will be warned.” She put a hand on Keith’s arm. “I ken it is hard for you.”
“Keith, you must trust Asilinn’s judgment in these things. I wilna have the men who come to our rescue threatened by our lack of courage.”
Keith nodded his assent and went to stand near the door.
Asilinn took a small pouch from her belt and went over to Sorcha’s medicine table. “Laird Blackburn, I have some potions of my own,” she said over her shoulder. “Once I mix this up, I think ‘twill improve your ability to move… most likely just in time for the wedding.”
Brian smiled.
Brianna had never felt so alone. Her thoughts and dreams centered on Rowan Rannoch and the feelings he awakened in her. Why did she need to stay in this dreary tower? But her father was right about the sequestration. Rowan entranced her in a way she had never experienced before. Left to her own devices she would have begged him to take her. Surely, she could wait one more night. Tomorrow evening she would be his. Her heart throbbed in anticipation. She would be a virgin bride and that would please her father. Brianna seldom got his approval.
A sound outside the door drew her attention. “Brianna,” Tessa’s voice called. “Unlock the door. I brought you some dinner.”
Brianna let her little sister in the tower chamber. Tessa carried a basket and the fine aroma of chicken and fresh baked bread swirled through the air. “A feast.”
“Aye, of sorts. I thought we could share a small repast. I ken ‘tis not easy for you to be separate from Rowan.”
“At this time tomorrow, I will be his wife,” Brianna said. “I love him, Tessa. And he loves me.”
“I pray that is so,” Tessa responded. Sitting next to Brianna on the bed, Tessa began arranging two plates of food. “Rowan has made plans for a wedding feast. Of course, ‘twill be difficult for father to attend.”
“He must. I would have the whole family see me take my vows and celebrate my marriage.” Brianna looked at her younger sister. “Does that trouble you?”
“I wish Katie were here to share in the happy occasion with us,” Tessa said.
“Katie wouldna approve. Rowan thinks Katie is here hiding somewhere in the castle. Even if she is here, she wilna come. This is something I must live with.”
“Does Rowan ken you want father at the wedding?”
“Aye, we discussed it. He is eager to have him there as well.” Brianna snatched a piece of roasted chicken and took a bite. “This is delicious,” she said. Hugging Tessa, she smiled. “Thank you for being a true sister to me in my hour of need.”
Tessa’s blue-violet eyes swept over her. “I am your true sister, and I will always be here for you. No matter what fate may befall any of us.”
Brianna laughed. “Oh, Tessa, you are always such a dark, little prophet. Whatever fate may befall us? You make it sound as if we are all about to die. We will be celebrating my wedding.”
Tessa smiled. “Aye, a wedding to remember,” she said.
Chapter 32
Ian read the missive Jared handed him and cursed. “Why would they endanger themselves by going to Duntaigh?”
“My wife and your bride-to-be are of a singular mind. They only obey when they see fit.” Jared cast Ian an amused glance. “You must get used to it, Ian. Think of how you and Katie met. Do you really think you can stop her when her mind is set?”
“It doesna seem so.”
“Then we will make the best of it and use it to get our benefit somehow.”
Ian shot him a doubtful look. “And how might that be?”
Jared grinned. “I dinna ken. We will let the plan unfold in whatever way ‘twas meant to be.”
With a groan, Ian urged his horse forward. They were almost to Duntaigh. Soon they would enter the cave that would take him back to Katie’s side. Blast the woman for disobeying him like this.
A few hours later, they secured their horses and made their way through the narrow cave that would give them the advantage of surprise. Ian took the lead with the other following. He jumped when Tessa rounded the corner and leaped into his arms. “Ian, you return to save us,” she babbled as she kissed him. He set her back on the ground.
“Tessa, tell me what has transpired.”
“Asilinn and Keith hide above. Brianna requested father attend the wedding and Rannoch agreed.”
“For no other purpose than to torture Brian,” Ian snorted. “The bastard wants to rub his face in it.”
“We must hurry. The wedding will begin shortly in the great hall. You arrived just in time.” Tessa looked at the men lined up behind Ian. “I forget myself. I thank all of you for coming to our rescue. The Blackburn clan will ever be in your debt for your bravery.” She turned back to Ian. “There are so many.”
“Aye, a tribute to your father. These men respect him and would see him restored to power.” He brushed her white-blonde hair out of her eyes. “Tessa, where is Katie?”
“Ian, I want you to be calm,” she began.
“Where is Katie?”
“She hides near the great hall awaiting word from you. Rannoch thinks she escaped Sorcha’s tower with Keith’s help and that she hid here at Duntaigh Castle all this time. Katie plans to catch them all off guard by creating a scene.” Tessa looked at him for support. “It is a good idea. She will walk in and take them all by surprise. Rannoch wilna dare do anything to her in front of the gathering, but it will unsettle him. After they are all drunk, you can surround them and take the castle.”
“Out of the question,” Ian bellowed.
“Ian, ‘tis a good plan,” Jared said. “The unexpected always gives the advantage. We will send men to take care of Rannoch’s guards. Most of the others are loyal to Brian. When he appears at the ceremony, his troops will rally to support him. They only follow Rannoch because they think ‘tis Brian’s will. We will bide our time and take them all with little bloodshed.” He eyed Ian. “If Katie were not involved you would like it.”
“But she is.” Ian shook his head in frustration. “I canna lose her.”
Tessa took his hand. “You wilna lose her, Ian,” she assured him. “I have seen it.”
With a groan, Ian held his hands high. “I surrender, but if you are wrong, little one….”
“I am not,” Tessa said with confidence.
Jared just grinned.
“What?” Tessa asked.
“Oh, nothing,” Jared retorted. “The time is not right yet, Tessa.”
Tessa frowned. She led them into the larger chamber where they could organize their attack. “Now I must go and watch my sister marry Rannoch,” she said. “Dinna fail. I canna stay and witness Brian
na bearing his children.”
“Go,” Ian instructed. She took off in the direction of great hall.
Brianna gazed again at the image in the looking glass. Her happiness on her wedding night seemed to shine through the candlelit room. Her emerald green, velvet gown hugged her curves, dipping low at the bodice. The tight sleeves and midsection glittered with golden beads Maura had sewn onto the fabric. Under her headband, a sheer golden veil covered her hair and fell halfway down her back. Soon she would marry the man she loved and be free to taste all the pleasures of their union. A quiver of delight shot through her at the thought. What a night this would be.
There was a knock at the door. “Lady Brianna, I have come to escort you to the great hall,” Draco called.
Drawing a deep breath, Brianna allowed him to enter. “I am ready,” she said.
She had not ever seen such an expression on Draco’s face before. “Milady, your beauty leaves me breathless.” He bowed. “Rowan Rannoch is a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Draco,” she said, feeling a blush color her face. “Let us go. I am eager to be wed.”
Draco smiled and offered her his arm. “And Rannoch is eager to have you for his wife,” he added.
Clutching Draco’s arm, Brianna allowed him to lead her down the dimly lit passage towards the great hall. In the distance, Brianna could hear the lyrical sounds of a flute then a lone singer began an old Scottish ballad. In a short time, she would be Rowan’s wife. The thought made her heart flutter.
Two guards stood outside the doors. “Announce Lady Brianna,” Draco directed.
The guards flung open the heavy, oak doors. The massive chamber overflowed with all the warriors and their wives. Brianna saw a wide variety of plaids about the room. She let go of Draco’s arm. The crowd grew silent when one of the guards stepped forward. “May I present, Lady Brianna Blackburn,” he cried.
All eyes were on Brianna as she walked into their midst. In the distance, she saw her family sitting at the great table on the elevated platform at the far end of the hall. He father sat propped between Tessa and Jamie. He smiled at her when she entered with Draco following behind her.
Highland Legends 04 - Captive Highlander Page 23