Her betrothed stood in the middle of the chamber with the bishop who came to perform the ceremony. She felt Rowan’s hungry gaze sweep over her. When she reached his side, Rowan bowed before her. “Milady, your beauty takes my breath away,” he murmured.
“Rise,” she entreated. “Let us begin.”
Laughter rumbled through the crowd. Brianna heard some whisper comments at her eagerness. She didn’t care.
The bishop smiled and began. He took Brianna’s hand. “Lady Brianna Blackburn, do you agree to marry Laird Rowan Rannoch and keep yourself only unto him till death do you part?”
“I do,” Brianna said.
“And do you, Laird Rowan Rannoch, agree take Lady Brianna Blackburn for your wife and vow to be her protector as long as you both shall live?”
“I so swear,” Rowan said, kissing her hand. “I am yours alone,” he whispered. Brianna’s heart skipped a beat. He gave his promise to give up Sorcha. The Red Witch stood in the shadows near the dais watching, but Brianna had no time to dwell on the past.
“By the power of the Holy Catholic Church, I declare you husband and wife,” the bishop finished.
Rannoch swept her into his arms and kissed her long and lingering to the cheers of the crowd. The melodic strains of the harp began. Brianna leaned on him heavily to keep from stumbling as he led her to the dais to greet her father and her siblings. Jamie and Tessa hugged Brianna and wished her well. Her father sat stone-still. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. He smiled at her. It moved Brianna to tears to have their support in the happiest moment of her life.
Rannoch took up a goblet and held it high. “Let us begin the wedding feast,” he shouted. More cheers rose up as the servants brought the food forth. When they sank into their seats at the middle of the table, Rannoch again found her lips with his. It was the perfect dream coming true.
The spirits flowed: wine, ale, and mead. Servants served roasted venison, chicken, and beef from a spit hung over the fire. Rannoch filled her glass and urged her to drink. She smiled and took his hand. “Milord, I dinna wish to be too deep in my cups. I want to feel everything when you take me,” she whispered in his ear.
“I promise you will,” he said, grabbing her hand and leading it under the table to touch the hardness between his legs. “You make me ready with your words,” he told her. “We wilna stay much longer. I am eager to make you mine.”
She smiled and kissed him.
Suddenly the doors of the massive chamber flew open and Katie walked into the midst of the celebration. Brianna dropped her knife and stared at Katie as she approached them. The hall grew quiet as they awaited the exchange between Katie and the happy couple.
Rannoch stood. “Lady Katherine, you have seen fit to attend our wedding feast,” he said with a slight bow.
“I am sorry I missed the ceremony, but I offer both of you my best wishes,” Katie said. She dropped her gaze then looked Rannoch in the eye. “I hope you will forgive my foolishness. For a time, I was not myself.”
“Of course,” he said.
Katie came around the table, hugged Brianna, and planted herself on the other side of Jamie. The feast resumed. A short time later, Rannoch took Brianna’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “My lady and I are going to retire,” he announced, nodding to Sorcha. The crowd cheered dutifully as Rannoch led Brianna from the room.
“Now,” Katie whispered.
Jamie nodded, rose, and went in search of their rescuers. When he reached the hallway, Ian and Jared had already dispatched the guards.
“The men wait at every entrance to the great hall,” he assured Jamie. “When we burst in the door, they will all show themselves.”
“Thank you,” Jamie said. “You save us all.”
“Let us hope,” Ian replied. He nodded to Jared and they shoved the doors open so hard they hit the inside walls with a resounding crash. The stunned revelers fell to shocked silence, not sure what occurred.
Heavily armed Scottish warriors appeared in all corners of the room. The men that circled the balcony drew back their bows and prepared to rain arrows down on the assembly. “Throw down your arms!” Ian shouted. “We take back the castle for Laird Brian Blackburn.”
Screams rent the air as many of the women tried to hide from the invading troops. The men were deep in their cups and struggled to stand and face their opponents. The clash of sword against sword rang through the great chamber as those true to Rannoch realized what was happening and attacked.
Brian Blackburn rose and slammed the table with his cup. The hall fell silent. “Rowan Rannoch and his Irish healer poisoned me in a plot to steal Duntaigh Castle and the Blackburn lands. The men who now surround you have restored my place. Lay down your weapons, or be taken to the dungeon.”
Despite Brian’s warning, skirmishes broke out around the great hall. The Blackburn clan now rallied around Katie’s father and this gave them a heavy advantage. Ian reached Katie’s side and shoved her under the huge table on the dais. “Stay put,” he warned. “We are not done yet.”
“My sister,” she cried.
“In time,” he said moving off.
Ian saw a warrior clad in Rannoch’s colors coming up behind Jared as he battled two others in front of him. Jumping into the fray, Ian sliced off the man’s hand, sword and all, with one skillful slash. The man screamed and fell to the floor as Jared finished off the other two. Chairs clattered to the floor and tables overturned as Rannoch’s forces attacked. Ian motioned to the archers, who sent a flurry of arrows down upon them. Screams rang out as they hit some of Rannoch’s men. The people below hid under tables as another onslaught rained down on them thudding into the heavy wood. Ian signaled for the archers to stop. Only twenty or so of Rannoch’s men continued to fight.
Katie peered out from her hiding place. Scanning the great hall, she looked for Draco. If he escaped, he would warn Rannoch. Ian led the warriors who captured Rannoch’s men. She could not wait for him to help her. She would go herself to see what became of Draco.
Slipping into the dark, adjoining hallway, she headed toward Rannoch’s chamber. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Some evil lurked nearby. Turning, she felt Draco’s steel grip as he grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth with his hand. Teasing her throat with his dirk, he smiled. “Dinna make a sound, lass, or ‘twill surely be your last. Do you understand?”
Katie nodded. He removed his hand. “Your quest is lost,” she advised. “Flee while you still can.”
“As long as you are my captive I dinna think any of them will risk stopping me. Not even your newly resurrected lover.” He pushed her in front of him down the shadowy hallway. “Let’s check on Rannoch and your sister before we leave. Perchance they would care to accompany us.”
Inside the great hall the chaos subsided. The MacLean, Innes, and Blackburn clans surrounded the remnants of Rannoch’s troops. Throwing down their weapons, the rabble surrendered to the superior numbers. Draco was not among them. Ian began a frantic search of the huge chamber, turning over felled warriors to check their faces.
“What is it?” Jared asked.
“Draco is not here,” Ian replied immediately looking for Katie. He made his way quickly to the dais. “Where is Katie?” he asked Laird Blackburn.
“She was right here moments ago,” Brian said. “She vanished as you brought the rest under control. I dinna see Draco either. Has he been captured? You must find him before he can warn Rannoch.”
“Dinna worry, I will find them both,” Ian promised. He started towards Rannoch’s chamber.
Chapter 33
Brianna shed her gown until she was down to the sheer under-dress. She picked it especially for this night. It coated her body in a see-through netting of white to signify her innocence. Rowan watched with eager eyes. “Are you pleased, Milord?” she asked in an urgent whisper.
“Aye, Brianna, I am very pleased.” He walked over to her with goblet in hand. “This wine contains a special potion. Drink deeply from
the cup.” He kissed her flat belly with his hand. “This will help us conceive a child. I want my offspring to grow inside you.” Brianna sucked in her breath as his hand ran lower. “Tell me you want that too.”
“Aye, Milord. I would welcome your babe inside my womb,” she said in a breathless whisper.
He took his hand away and gave her the cup. Gazing into his eyes, she drank it all down. Rowan smiled, walked over to the table, and refilled it. While she watched, he swirled the contents of the goblet. “Here’s to a virgin bride and a wedding night conception.” He drained the contents.
Heat surged through Brianna. She felt flushed and dizzy. “’Tis is a strong potion,” she murmured. Suddenly a movement in the corner drew her attention. Sorcha Blaine walked from the shadows. “Why is she here?” Brianna choked coming at Rannoch with fisted hands. She pounded his chest.
He struck her hard across the face. The blow spun her around and sent her face first into the bedding. Getting to her feet, she wiped the blood from her lip.
“Lie down,” he snarled.
“Nay, Milord, I will end this marriage before the deed is done and plead for an annulment.”
He grabbed her roughly and tossed her onto the bed. Sorcha rushed forward, grabbed her thrashing hands, and secured her to the bedposts. Rannoch had her ankles, doing the same until she lay tied and open for the taking.
“She needs more of the potion, Milord,” Sorcha said. She walked to the table and brought over the tainted wine.
Rannoch forced Brianna’s jaw open and made her choke down more the elixir. Fire snaked through Brianna’s body, driving a hunger the likes of which she had never known. Panting, she twisted against her restraints. “Let me go,” she pleaded, her voice ragged. “Please Rowan, let me go. I wilna tell anyone.”
His laugh seemed to echo off the ceiling and fall down around her. He poured himself more of the evil potion and drank it down. “I am far from done with you, wife. Your night is just beginning.”
Hot tears streaked down Brianna’s face. Sorcha’s magic worked on her body. She could almost feel herself opening for him. Brianna wanted him quench the ache tumbling through her body.
“She is ready now,” Sorcha observed.
“Leave us,” Rannoch ordered.
“But, Milord, I could be of help,” Sorcha objected.
Rannoch walked over and stroked Sorcha’s cheek. “You have helped enough, my naughty healer. I will be relentless in plowing the furrow you have opened for me.”
Brianna whimpered, her need so keen she could not stop writhing in the sheeting.
“I would be alone with my wife,” Rannoch said, giving Sorcha a shove toward the door.
Heeding his command, the Red Witch left the chamber.
Rannoch turned to Brianna. “You promised me you would bend to my wishes,” he reminded her. He opened a tall cabinet near the bed.
Brianna’s breath caught in her throat. A myriad of implements of torture hung on hooks inside the cabinet. She didn’t know which instrument terrified her more. A collar with a long chain and spikes inside the neck dangled near her face. Thumb screws, whips, a variety of sharp spikes, and an evil looking branding iron took their places beside it. Her body began to twitch involuntarily as fear joined with the terrible potion. She fought it. “You canna use these things on me,” she cried. “Be with Sorcha. Use your torturous devices on your whore.”
“You are mine and I will do as I wish with you, Brianna.” She sobbed when he tore his clothes off and climbed into the bed. “I feel Sorcha’s elixir working,” he said. “So do you. Dinna fight it.” Taking one of the spikes from the cabinet, he teased it across her breast. “Before the night is done, you will ken all the pleasures of the flesh, my virgin bride.”
Rannoch loosened the ties on the curtains that hung around the huge poster bed. They dropped closed blocking out most of the light. In the shadowy space, Brianna felt the nearness of his body. The blade moved across her nipple and down around her full breast. At first, it kissed her torso then Rannoch pressed it into her. She screamed when the spike cut into her tender flesh. The whole chamber spun as his assault continued. Her shadowy world dissolved into a cauldron of fire and pain. Punishment and pleasure made her wild with fear and desire. She gasped and tore at the sheeting as the darkness swallowed her.
Ian caught a flash of color entering one of the chambers near the top of the stairs. It was the same hue as Katie’s dress. “Katie,” he called. No sound. Step by step, he walked closer to the door. “Katie,” he repeated. He heard a shuffle inside the chamber.
“Ian, look out!” she cried.
Her warning came too late. Draco pushed the door open hard hitting Ian and making him fall. Draco shoved Ian backwards down the stairs then leapt down on top of him. Draco’s full weight landed hard on Ian’s chest. The blow knocked the wind out of Ian. Gasping for air, Ian fought to keep Draco’s dirk from slicing his neck.
Katie jumped on Draco’s back trying to pull him off Ian. With a quick twist, Draco sent her flying across the floor. Ian saw her head strike the wall. She moaned and stayed down. Ian brought his knee up hard in Draco’s groin. Draco recoiled clutching his stock. Getting to his feet, Ian grabbed his sword and swung at Draco, but the man had recovered his balance. He drew his own sword and lunged at Ian. Out of the corner of his eye, Ian saw Katie get up. She ran by them and headed up the stairs toward Rannoch’s chamber.
Distracted, Ian barely avoided Draco’s next attack. His sword flew out of his hand as Draco’s blade gashed his knuckle. Lowering his body, Ian drove his shoulder into Draco’s midsection knocking him off balance and sending them both tumbling across the floor.
A scream rang out from Rannoch’s chamber. The diversion allowed Draco to gain his footing. Ian hopped up and shoved Draco against the wall. Amid Draco’s blows, Ian grasped his dirk and plunged into Draco’s belly drawing the blade upward through the center of Draco’s chest.
Stumbling away, Draco watched the blood gushing from the wound. He looked bewildered as he saw his blood puddle on the floor. With one glance at Ian, he took a few faltering steps and fell to the floor with a death rattle.
Ian rushed up the stairs. Flinging open the door, he saw Katie trying to rip Rannoch off of Brianna. The heavy curtains which once obscured the occupants of the bed sat in tatters on the floor. Brianna lay tied to the bed bucking wildly against her restraints and moaning. Her eyes rolled as she let out a scream that would wake the dead. Rannoch appeared out of control as he sought to shove his fully erect tarse into Brianna. Katie’s blows were useless.
Running toward the bed, Ian pushed Katie aside, grabbed Rannoch around the neck, and threw him to the floor. They rolled across the cold stone, first with one on top then the other. Rannoch fought with the strength of ten men. Ian never saw the likes of it before. No matter how hard the hit, Rannoch acted as if he didn’t feel it. His punches punished Ian with every tumble. Grasping Ian’s head, he slammed it against the floor. Katie got into the fray, but Rannoch got up, grabbed her by the hair, and snatched his dirk from the table. He took hold of Katie sliding the blade across her throat. Rannoch pulled her neck back so Ian could see the blade dancing across the pulse point in her neck. Ian struggled to his feet and faced them.
“She is mine. They both are mine and you wilna take them from me,” Rannoch ranted.
Ian walked slowly toward Rannoch and Katie with his hands outstretched. “It is over, Rannoch. Your men are dead or captured. Let her go and give me the knife.”
Rannoch pulled Katie with him as he moved to the door. He shoved the bolt into place. “It is just us now,” he said. “They canna break it down in time to save any of you. So careless of me to leave it unlocked when Sorcha left, but I was anxious to take my wife.”
“Leave off this insanity and I will show you mercy,” Ian told him.
“Not a chance,” Rannoch replied. Ian moved closer. Rannoch drew blood with his blade. Katie cried out in pain. “Back off.” Ian stopped. His eyes
never left his quarry.
“If you hurt her, you are a dead man.”
“In the cabinet is a collar. I had intended to use it on Brianna. Now it will find another use. Put it on,” Rannoch ordered.
A slave chain from the dungeon hung on a hook. It had a neck collar with spikes on one end and a padlock on the other. Ian picked it up slowly.
“Put it on!” Rannoch screamed.
Heavy footfalls sounded in the hallway outside the door. Jared’s voice rang out. “Ian, Katie, are you all right?” Ian heard the men outside try the door. “Open up,” Jared called.
“Never,” Rannoch cried.
Ian heard Jared’s order for a battering ram.
“Put it on.” Rannoch’s eyes turned black as pitch. “If I have to ask you again, she is a dead woman.”
Ian snapped the collar into place around his neck feeling the sharp spines dig into his neck. “What now?”
“Throw the key across the room.”
Ian did as Rannoch bade hearing the clatter as it landed near the fireplace.
“Over to the bed. Chain yourself to the post.”
The heavy chain dangled from Ian’s neck without touching the floor. Brianna lay shaking in a pool of her own sweat. She tried to call out to Ian as he came closer to the bed, but no sound came forth. Drawing a deep breath, Ian wrapped the chain around the post and pretended to snap the lock into place.
“Good,” Rannoch said. Breathing hard and sweating profusely, Rannoch dragged Katie over to the far side of the bed. He shoved her down on the bed face-first right on top of her sister. His knife still danced along her neck. Katie tried to twist away and he struck her. While she suffered the effects of his blow, he began to fumble beneath her skirt.
Ian’s eyes met hers. “Submit,” he said.
“Ian,” she cried. “How can you ask this of me?”
“Do it,” he ordered. “I would rather have you raped than dead.” He saw her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Trust me.”
Highland Legends 04 - Captive Highlander Page 24