by Connie Mason
“Askher!” Gunn said, pointing a damning finger at Rose. “The bitch is dangerous. I wouldna be surprised to find ballocks beneath her skirt.” He reeled forward. “Let me at her.”
“Sit down, lad, whilst I get to the bottom of this.”
Gunn sent a menacing glare at Rose as he collapsed into a chair.
“What did ye do to Gunn, niece?” Murdoc asked in a low growl.
“He put his hands on me,” Rose retorted, “so I decided to teach him a lesson.”
“The bitch bashed me in the head with a pitcher,“Gunn shouted. He groaned and clutched his head.“I want her now, Murdoc. I want to teach her how to behave.”
Murdoc looked at Rose with renewed respect. “Ye did that to Gunn? Yer a brave lass, but I always knew that.” He sighed. “Ye shouldna have hurt Gunn. He isna an easy man to placate.”
Rose opened her mouth to tell Murdoc exactly what she thought of him and his stepson but snapped her mouth shut when Robina loudly cleared her throat. Robina was right, Rose reflected. Angering the men would serve no purpose.
“When shall we hold the wedding, lass?” Murdoc said around a mouthful of venison. “It must be soon. As I said before, Father Baen will only be with us a day or two.”
“I canna wait that long to put my hands around her neck and my cock inside her,” Gunn grumbled.“We will wed today.”
Her frustration mounting, Rose slammed her fist on the table. “I will not wed Gunn.”
Rose sensed Gunn’s eyes on her but refused to acknowledge him. She had angered and embarrassed him, and his expression told her he could not wait to punish her.
“Yer forgetting, niece, I hold the upper hand. Ye want yer vassals to live, do ye not?” Rose nodded.“Then do as I say, and all will be well. After ye and Gunn are wed, yer vassals can carry my demands to Dragon.”
“What demands, Uncle?”
That he abandon Dragonwyck, of course.” He raised his hand. “Say nay more, lass. Yer constant chatter upsets my digestion.”
Rose lowered her head and concentrated on her meal, hoping that Dragon would not be too angry with her for leaving Dragonwyck and that his pride would not prevent him from coming to her rescue once he learned where to find her.
At last the meal ended, and Murdoc escorted Rose to her chamber. She began pacing, too keyed up to sleep. Night arrived; all was quiet within the keep. Her nerves on edge, Rose wondered if Robina had successfully freed her vassals. All she could do was wait and fret until Murdoc learned of their absence and all hell broke loose.
Rose was still awake in the small hours before dawn when someone scratched on the door. Though the sound was barely discernible, she nearly jumped out of her skin.
“Rose, are ye awake?”
Rose rushed to the door. “Robina. Why are you still here?”
The key rattled in the lock, and Robina stepped inside. “Yer vassals refused to leave without ye.”
“You were successful, then?”
Robina beamed. “Aye, but Piers wouldna leave without ye. He and Vella await us at the postern gate. Hurry, lass.”
“You should not have returned for me,” Rose said.
Tell that to yer vassals. Donna tarry, lass.”
Rose did not wait for a second invitation but followed Robina out the door and along a rush-lit passageway. Rose’s chamber was in a deserted part of the castle so she was not worried about Murdoc hearing them, but there were bound to be guards about. Fear gnawed at Rose as she followed Robina through the darkened hall.
“Where are the guards?” Rose hissed.
Laughter rumbled in Robina’s throat.“I put valerian in their barrel of ale. They will likely sleep ‘til sunup.”
Rose watched in silence as Robina disappeared down a dark passageway leading to the kitchen. When Rose attempted to follow, a large hand clamped down on her shoulder. She darted a glance behind her and saw Gunn, his face contorted with rage. She tried to free herself, but his vise-like grip held her fast. She was caught, but at least Robina had escaped.
“Damnation, woman!” Gunn roared. “Who let ye out?”
‘Let me go!”
“I asked ye a question. Who let ye out, and where did ye think ye were going?”
“Home!” Rose blasted. “Nobody let me out. I simply walked through the closed door. Did you not know? I am a witch.”
Gunn’s expression held a healthy measure of skepticism and a small part of fear. His grip, however, remained firm.
“Donna jest with me, Rose. Yer no more witch than lama warlock. What ye are is a bitch. My head still aches where ye bashed me with the pitcher.”
As he pulled her away from the passage, Rose darted a glance over her shoulder, relieved that Robina had not returned to help her.
“We will see how easily ye can walk through doors with a guard stationed outside yer chamber.”
Gunn walked up to a guardsmen slumped against a wall and nudged him with his foot. When he did not awaken, he shook him violently. The man looked up groggily, tried to rise, and fell back against the wall.
“What in the hell is going on here?” Gunn took a good look at the guard and spit out a curse. “He isna sleeping, he has been drugged.”
Gunn dragged Rose to the solar and pounded on the door. He continued pounding until a sleepy-eyed Murdoc, still pulling on his hose, opened the door. “God’s nightgown, Gunn, how can a man get a decent night’s rest with ye knocking down his door? What is it now? Is the enemy at our gates?” Then he saw Rose and came fully awake. “What are ye doing with my niece?”
“I caught her trying to escape. I donna know how she got out of her chamber and she willna say. Something strange has happened,Murdoc.I couldna awaken the guardsman in the hall. He appears to have been drugged.”
“Wait here,” Murdoc said harshly. He disappeared into his chamber and returned a moment later with the key to Rose’s door. “I still have the key. How did ye free yerself, lass?”
Her chin went up. “I walked through the closed door.”
“Ye have a wicked tongue, lass.” He handed the key to Gunn. “Take her back to her chamber and lock her in. I will get to the bottom of this, and when I do, heads will roll.”
A silent prayer trembled on Rose’s lips. Please, God, do not let Murdoc catch Robina.
None too gently, Gunn returned Rose to her chamber and locked her inside. Daylight arrived; the sun moved high overhead. Rose’s attention sharpened when she heard noises echoing through the halls and a commotion in the courtyard beneath the window. Peering over the sill, she saw a large gathering of armed men. A moment later the door to her chamber crashed open and hit the wall with a loud bang. Rose flattened herself against the window embrasure as her uncle stalked toward her, his face a mask of fury.
“Robina did it! She let ye out of yer chamber, dinna she?”
“Nay, I told you—”
“Donna lie! Robina is missing and so are yer vassals. Gunn stopped ye from joining them, dinna he? They willna get far.I canna believe Robina would betray me.Ye better pray I donna catch her.”
He turned and stormed away, slamming the door behind him. Rose stared at the door, her knees quaking beneath her.
Chapter Seventeen
Roses are nature’s jewels, with whose wealth she decks earth’s beauty.
—Croly
Rose hated doing nothing while those she cared about were in danger. Unfortunately, there was no way she could stop Uncle Murdoc from intercepting Robina, Piers and Vella before they reached Dragonwyck. Though she had never known Murdoc to be brutal, there was always a first time, and it was all her fault. If they had not agreed to help her, they would not be facing danger now.
Rose heard the door latch rattle and swung around to face the portal. Her pulse racing, she glanced about the room for a weapon with which to defend herself. If she was going to escape, now was the time. The pitcher she’d used on Gunn had been replaced with another, and she grasped the handle, raising the pitcher high as she waited for the
door to open.
When a gray-haired woman that Rose recognized as Murdoc’s cook pushed the door open and slipped inside, Rose lowered the pitcher and returned it to the washstand.
Thelma, what are you doing here?”
“I’ve brought ye something to eat, Rosie, lass. Murdoc gave me the key and told me to see that yer fed. I donna know what Murdoc is about these days,” she said, shaking her head. “He shouldna keep ye confined like this. And now he’s chased sweet Robina off. Robina is a good woman; Murdoc willna find another like her. I’m thinking Murdoc has lost his senses.”
She set the tray she carried down and clucked her tongue. “Murdoc can think of nothing but getting an heir, and Gunn can think of nothing but power. I’m thinking ‘tis Murdoc’s fault Robina hasna given him an heir. His seed may be plentiful, but it isna potent enough to make a bairn.”
“If you don’t agree with what my uncle is doing to me, will you help me escape?”
“I donna know, lass.” Her expression grew thoughtful, and then she smiled. “Mayhap ‘tis possible. Murdoc left men behind to protect the keep, two of them my own sons.”
A glimmer of hope lit Rose’s features. “Will they help me? Murdoc must be stopped. He has to be mad to believe I will wed Gunn under any circumstances. I am Dragon’s wife, and naught can change that.” A sud den thought occurred to her.“Is Father Baen still in the castle?”
“Aye, lass, he is on his knees in the chapel.”
“Can you bring him to me?”
Understanding lifted Thelma’s frown. “Aye, Rose, I’ll fetch him for ye.” She gestured toward the tray.“Eat something while yer waiting.”
After the cook departed, Rose sat down and sampled the food Thelma had brought. She was famished and finished everything on the tray. She seemed to be hungry all the time lately but didn’t have the time now to consider the reason for her increased appetite. She had her suspicions but set them aside for the time being.
Thelma returned with Father Baen a short time later. The priest, a tall, thin man, bustled into the chamber behind Thelma and smiled benignly at Rose.
“What can I do for ye, my child? I hope ye can explain Murdoc’s hasty departure. He knows I canna stay long. I hoped to wed ye to Gunn today.”
“Father, I cannot wed Gunn today or any day.! am already married. Did Murdoc not tell you I have a husband?”
The priest looked at Thelma for confirmation. When Thelma nodded, he scowled. “Murdoc said yer marriage to yer English husband wasna legal, that ye were already promised to Gunn.”
“Murdoc lied. I was never promised to Gunn. Neither my father nor uncle signed a betrothal agreement. My father would have told me if such a document existed.”
“But the court—”
‘Scottish court, Father.I am an English subject and beyond the jurisdiction of Scottish laws. Uncle Murdoc brought the petition to invalidate my marriage before me court at Stirling, and I would not put it past him to grease palms to attain a favorable decision.”
“Are ye sure of this, lass?”
“Aye. I would not lie to you, Father. I cannot wed Gunn. Furthermore, Murdoc is holding me against my will.”
“Do ye want to return to yer English husband?”
Rose smiled wistfully. “Aye, he is my life. I love him and miss him. Can you help me? I want to go home.”
Father Baen’s face hardened with righteousness.“If what ye say is true, lass, then we will leave the keep together. There is no need for me to remain if there is to be no wedding. And I canna join a man and woman unless both are willing. How soon can ye be ready?”
Elation colored Rose’s words. “Immediately. The sooner the better.”
“Wait here.I will return for ye after I gather my belongings and say a prayer for our safe passage.”
“I can never thank you enough, Father.”
“Pray for me, child, ‘tis all I ask.”
“I’ll fix food for the journey,” Thelma said, hurrying off after the priest.
True to his word, Father Baen returned for her a short time later. “Are ye ready, my child?”
Rose snatched up her cloak and rushed from the chamber. Thelma stood in the passageway with her two sons.
“‘Tis all right, Rose,” Thelma said. “Hugh and Douglas understand and willna stop ye.”
“What about the others?” Rose asked.
“Leave them to me, child,” Father Baen soothed. “I am a man of God and ye are under my protection; harming ye could bring eternal damnation.”
The priest’s words held true. Escorted by Hugh and Douglas, Rose and Father Baen walked down the staircase and through the hall to the front entrance without being challenged. The priest had arranged for their horses to be brought around, and Ladybird and Father Baen’s mount were standing in the courtyard. Hugh lifted Rose into the saddle, and Thelma handed her a basket containing food.
“Uncle Murdoc will be angry with you and your sons for helping me,” Rose said as she took the basket from Thelma.
“Donna worry about us, lass,” Thelma said. “Not even yer uncle would challenge a man of God. Return to yer husband, Rose, and give him many bairns.”
Father Baen reined his mount through the gate and Rose followed. She could not believe how easy it had been as they cleared the gate without being challenged. God was surely looking out for her.
Dominic led his knights toward the Scottish border at full tilt. His wound, though nearly healed, caused twinges of pain and he could feel himself tiring, but it would take more than a few small annoyances to stop him. Rose needed him; he felt it deep within his soul, knew it with each breath he took. His expression was grim; there was no trace of softness in his dark, merciless eyes. The moment he rode forth from Dragonwyck, he became the fierce warrior men feared, the brave knight bards immortalized in verse.
Dragon had just crossed into Scotland when he saw three riders approaching from the north. He raised his hand to halt his men and waited for the riders to approach. Sir Eric rode up beside him.
“Is it Lady Rose?”
Dominic squinted against the glare of the sun as he attempted to identify the riders. Disappointment cut deep into his gut when he realized that Rose was not one of the two women accompanying the man.
” Tis Piers and Vella,” Eric observed when they drew close enough to identify.“And if I’m not mistaken, that’s Murdoc’s wife with them. I recognize Lady Robina because she often accompanied Murdoc on his visits to Dragonwyck.”
Anxious to learn why Rose was not with them, Dominic spurred his mount and rode out to meet the travelers.
“Lord Dragon,” Piers said. “Thank God. I feared we would not reach Dragonwyck before MacTavish caught up with us. How did you know to look for us in Scotland?”
“‘Twas a wild guess. Quickly, where is Rose? Why is she not with you?”
“I will try to explain, if I may,” Robina said.“I am Robina, Murdoc’s wife. Murdoc came upon Piers, Vella and Rose while raiding across the border and brought them by force to our fortress. I dinna like what he did and found a way to speak to Rose in private. She said Murdoc was threatening to harm Piers and Vella if she dinna agree to wed Gunn.”
“Murdoc is mad,” Dominic snorted. “Rose is already wed. Does he not know she cannot legally wed another?”
“Murdoc is a stubborn man. He claimed that Rose was promised to Gunn and asked the court at Stirling to declare yer marriage to Rose invalid. The court agreed, but Rose dinna, so Murdoc threatened to harm yer vassals if she dinna wed Gunn. She asked me to free Piers and Vella so they could fetch ye to Scotland.”
“Why did Rose not come with you?” Dominic asked harshly.
“I went back for her,” Robina explained, “and I thought she was following behind me. When I realized she wasna with me, I turned back to find her, but ‘twas too late.” She wrung her hands, gulping air before she continued.“I saw Gunn dragging her away. He dinna see me, and I hurried back to tell Piers and Vella. We decided to go on
without her and fetch ye. Ye are the only one who can help Rose now.”
She paused to catch her breath.“I couldna stay with Murdoc after betraying him. Rose said ye would protect me and see me safely to my father’s manor near Stirling.”
“Aye, I will protect you,” Dominic vowed. “Can you find your way to Dragonwyck, Piers?”
“Aye, my lord.”
“Then take Lady Robina with you and ask Lady Emily to see that she is made comfortable.”
“Be careful,” Robina said. “Murdoc canna be far behind us. With Piers and Vella gone, he has no hold over Rose and canna force her to wed Gunn.” A sob left her throat.“He will be verra angry with me.”
“You did right, Lady Robina,” Dominic advised. “Go with…”
His sentence trailed off and he cocked his head as the distant sound of horses’ hooves reached his ears. “Hark, do you hear?”
“‘Tis Murdoc!” Robina gasped.
“Into the trees, men! Half on one side of the road and half on the other,” Dominic shouted as he urged Piers, Vella and Robina into the woods.
“Stay here,” he ordered curtly.
Dominic drew his sword and waited for Murdoc to ride into the trap. The riders appeared several minutes later. Though heavily armed and carrying shields, they wore no armor. Dominic let out a war cry and rode out from the trees. Murdoc looked confused as knights wearing Dragon’s coat of arms upon their surcoats quickly surrounded him and his men.
Murdoc hesitated but a moment before he drew his sword and engaged the knight nearest him in battle. The fight was fierce. Men fell, others fought on. The Scotsmen were at a disadvantage without chain mail and began to fall back. Dominic saw Gunn fall and leaped from his destrier. Avoiding clashing swords and fallen bodies, Dominic reached Gunn before the Scotsman gained his feet and pressed the tip of his sword against Gunn’s neck.
Seething with rage at the thought of Gunn putting his hands on Rose, Dominic prepared to end Gunn’s miserable life when an anguished cry stopped the downward thrust of his arm.
“Nay! Desist! Donna kill him!”
“Instruct your men to lay down their weapons and mayhap I’ll spare your heir,” Dominic ordered.