Asilinn returned to Jared's side a short time later garbed in another of Wynne's daughter's shifts. The jade green color matched her clan's colors, which she wore draped around her shoulders.
Jared took her hand and led her down a path towards a nearby barn. When they were out of earshot of the villagers, Jared turned to her. "You have a knack for peacemaking that will insure our success."
"Dinna think because I cooperate I go willingly to become your wife."
"I'd never think that." His eyes sparkled as he stifled a grin. "I have something for you."
Asilinn bit back a sharp retort as a sandy-haired boy led a dapple-gray filly from the barn. It was a fine horse, better than most in her father's stable.
"I was undecided at first," Jared said, "but Ailleagian insisted."
Asilinn stroked the soft nose of her horse. "Has she a name?"
“Faileas, unless you choose another."
“And is she to be Ailleagian’s shadow as I am to be yours?”
“Perhaps, consider Faileas a wedding gift." Jared's jaw set defying Asilinn to deny his claim on her.
Asilinn surveyed the faces of the men watching them and decided this was not the moment to argue with the Laird of Dunbocan.
They were invited to eat with one of the villagers. The thick, lamb stew, and coarse, stone-ground bread tasted better to Asilinn than any meal they had eaten thus far and she ate heartily. Jared seemed amused as he watched her.
“Last supper?"
She shot him an angry glare. The Dragon of Dunbocan was determined to have her. She remembered her dream and sucked in her breath fighting to stop the image from reappearing. Jared was watching with those prying eyes.
“What troubles you, Asilinn?"
“Nothing." She was thankful he didn't press her further.
When they returned to the cottage Wynne was prepared to go. The three of them began the last leg of the journey.
The MacLean now kept to a more traveled route. Passersby greeted him warmly then cast questioning glances at Asilinn. Wearing her clan’s colors wrapped around her shoulders, she held her head high and acted as if it was normal to be traveling with the MacLean laird.
She noticed Jared's eyes perused each person, checking them carefully for their reaction. Most people seemed confused and dared not question what their laird was about. Jared volunteered nothing, deflecting the queries of those who sought to engage him in conversation.
As they grew nearer to Dunbocan, Jared veered off on a little traveled road that fell away to a footpath. They seemed to wind endlessly through the moors until he pulled up beside a thatched-roof cottage. Several horses waited outside the small structure. When they approached, three men strode out to meet them. Two of them bore a close resemblance to Jared, kin no doubt. One of them looked at least ten years older than his laird; the other appeared to be near Jared’s age. The third man had red hair and was generally more rumpled in appearance.
“Well I see you have done the deed," the older man said, giving Asilinn a brief inspection. “Tales of her beauty were not exaggerated."
Jared laughed. “Lady Asilinn, Wynne, I'd like to present my first in command, Morven MacLean, my cousin." Jared motioned to the other two. “Morven’s brother, Liam, and Keith.”
“My pleasure," Morven said. The other two nodded but Asilinn noticed Liam’s dark eyes inspected every inch of her and he didn’t seem to care who noticed.
Jared shot Liam a look of displeasure. His young cousin straightened and turned away with a deep sigh. “Do you support me now?” Jared asked. “I'd like to know who my enemies are.”
“I'll never be your enemy or Lady Asilinn's when she is your wife," Morven assured him.
“I support you as well, Milord,” Keith said.
“And you, Liam?”
Liam turned to face them his black eyes lit with anger. “There are those who will risk all to bring you and your peace plan to an end, but I am loyal to you, regardless of what you may think.”
“We were attacked on the trail. I'm sure they meant to kill Asilinn before she could become my wife."
“Perhaps you should go inside the walls of Dunbocan this evening.”
“No, I'll ride in tomorrow not sneak in like a thief in the night.”
Liam shrugged. “If that be the way of it, it would be best if we stood guard this evening.”
After the women settled into the cottage, the men took up positions outside. Asilinn could hear their voices when Jared spoke with them, but she couldn’t make out the conversation.
Later in the evening Asilinn heard Jared come in. He stood in the firelight his face weary and unguarded for perhaps the first time since they'd been together.
Pushing back her cover, she rose and walked toward him. She could feel the heat of his observation, but she forced herself to move closer, stopping a few feet in front of him.
“Milord, I ask you once more to release me from this madness," she pleaded. "There is too much hatred for our people to set aside."
“'Tis too late, Asilinn. Tomorrow you'll be my wife. Dinna question me again.” Jared's eyes moved over her in the fading firelight. “I'll do all in my power to keep you from harm in the bedlam that is about to transpire."
Asilinn bit her lip and touched him lightly on the arm. "I believe you will," she murmured, for at this moment she did not question his sincerity.
“You will be my downfall or my destiny," he whispered, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips in a soft caress. He lingered overlong as his warm lips seared her flesh. She pulled away and went over to her bed. He sank to his pallet still watching her through the darkness.
Chapter Four
Jared's hushed voice woke Asilinn from her troubled sleep. "Wake up," he whispered, bending over her. "Wynne will help you dress."
Asilinn looked up into the depths of his eyes and breathed a tremulous sigh. She pulled herself up to a sitting position and started to mouth a protest. He placed his finger firmly across her lips.
“Dinna cross me, Asilinn. You'll be my wife by nightfall." Asilinn quivered and a faint smile curled his lips.
As Jared exited the cottage, Wynne flew to Asilinn's side. Her fingers rapidly untangled the braids of the day before. The freed hair cascaded over Asilinn's shoulders in a wild jumble of golden curls—it was much like her mother's hair. And now she was doomed to relive her mother's fate. Her dream had foretold it.
“Oh Milady, yer hair is like spun gold," Wynne gushed.
Asilinn rose and discarded her shift with a shiver, allowing Wynne to slip the fresh gown over her slender form. The surcoat hugged her curves as Wynne tightened the side laces. Asilinn's hands slid over the soft fabric and the delicate golden threads woven across the bodice. This was her wedding gown. Her day of reckoning was at hand.
As they went out to meet Jared, Wynne handed Asilinn a thick slice of bread. She waved it away. "I cannot eat."
“It will be some time before you get anything else, Milady. I beg you to try."
With a woeful smile, Asilinn bit off a piece and chewed. She finally managed to swallow a few mouthfuls.
Asilinn saw Morven look up from tending the horses when she walked out into the chill morning air. Jared stood a few feet away his gaze transfixed on her.
“This innocent pearl will dazzle even the most hardened heart," Morven said with a laugh.
A dark scowl clouded Jared's face. He strode over, picked Asilinn up, whisked her into his arms, and carried her toward the horse. She could feel his muscular chest against her and his steaming breath on her hair. There was anger in him she could not fathom. His closeness brought back the vivid vision—it was a premonition of what was to come. Asilinn shuddered when her eyes met his.
Wynne said something to Morven. Asilinn barely heard the exchange. She was held captive by Jared's smoldering gaze. Fire danced through her veins making her pulse pound with a reckless rhythm. Would this man ravage her tonight as her dream predicted? Unable to bear the thought
she blinked to free herself from his spell.
Jared placed her on Faileas. His stern expression gave no clue what brooding thoughts had angered him when she first came out of the cottage. His hand lingered in hers for a fleeting moment then he squeezed her fingers as if in reassurance. He handed her the Innes colors. "Wear them with pride, Lady Asilinn," he said.
She threw the wrap around her shoulders and looked down at him, his strong jaw, and the hypnotic jade of his eyes. She would be his before the next day dawned. Asilinn knew it as surely as she lived and breathed. And the brief picture of the future her gift had given her sent shivers to her heart.
Jared left her side and gave the order to mount. She fell in beside him as they headed toward Dunbocan Castle.
The trail led upward across the moor until they crested the ridge. Asilinn was unprepared for the view she was afforded when she looked out over the valley below. Dunbocan Castle seemed to float above a crystal lake like a ghost fortress. The early morning fog bank made the whole place ethereal. It was an island in the mist hovering over and reflecting in the still waters of a looking glass.
An involuntary gasp escaped her and Jared turned to her with a smile. "Dinna tell me you're impressed with Dunbocan?"
"You know 'tis breathtaking," Asilinn snapped. "That does not mean I'm glad to be here."
He laughed an act that softened his features into a kinder perspective and gave her the faintest glimmer of hope. If he meant to keep her for his wife, perhaps he would not be too rough with her. His voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Dinna let Dunbocan's beauty seduce you into believing your way is not fraught with danger. It will be some time before we can be assured the peace is successful."
She wanted no part in his peace plan yet he acted as if the decision was made. Even if she too craved an end to the killing, how could she lay with her enemy?
"Come Asilinn, 'tis time." His voice reached through the fog of her innermost thoughts and brought her back to reality. She rode alongside him as they approached Dunbocan Castle.
In the distance, peasants moved back and forth on the bridge connecting the castle to the mainland. The massive gates were open and they carted their wares to the market set up just inside the walls. Word spread quickly when Jared came into view. A crowd gathered when Jared and Asilinn rode together toward the entrance. The gawking stares unnerved Asilinn, but she gave no clue to the gathering throng. Instead, she pulled herself up straighter and nodded demurely to the people they passed.
By the time they reached the market a sea of wondering faces surrounded them. Jared held up his hand and the entourage stopped in the center of his clansmen.
"I present Lady Asilinn Innes." He extended his hand to Asilinn. There was a flurry of jeers, but Jared scowled and silenced the culprits. "Today I shall take Lady Asilinn for my wife and end forever the feud between the MacLeans and the Innes Clan. The wedding shall take place this afternoon at Dunbocan Chapel.”
A dirty man in peddler's garb spit in Asilinn's general direction. Jared rode over and knocked him to the ground then wheeled Ailleagian to face the angry crowd. "I will tolerate no disrespect toward Lady Asilinn! She is not a prisoner. She will be my wife and bear my children. The blood feud will be ended by our union." His emphasis on the word ‘will’ made Asilinn blanch.
Jared cast a stern eye across the assembly daring any to repudiate his claim. Satisfied no others would show their unhappiness, he addressed them again. "All are invited to celebrate with us."
The people were gaping at Asilinn as if she had three heads. Not a single friendly face looked upon her. Faileas danced excitedly when the crowd pressed too close.
Jared moved in and slipped his arm around her. He was prepared to lift her to his lap if need be, but the horse settled and Asilinn regained control. He gave her a nod and urged the horses forward until the people separated, letting them pass to the next gate of the castle.
They moved inside the gate to the innermost part of the fortress. Now they were within Jared's inner circle of clansmen. Fierce-looking, Scottish warriors watched their laird when he led Asilinn into their midst.
"Protectors of Dunbocan, I give you Lady Asilinn Innes, most prized daughter of Laird Angus Innes, stolen from her father." A roar went up from the gathering. At first Asilinn wasn't sure whether it was approval or disapproval, but soon the cheers became apparent.
"I'd like to have seen the old goat's face when he realized his daughter was gone," one warrior shouted.
"The perfect insult," another added.
Jared held his hand up to still them. "This was not meant to sting Laird Innes. I plan to marry Lady Asilinn and stop this blood feud with the Innes clan. You will give your lives to protect her as you would give them for me." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Jared pointed to a blond man in the crowd. "Kyle, how many of your kin have you lost to this bloody war?"
"Two brothers and a son," Kyle replied.
"And you, Tristan?"
"Three sons, Laird," Tristan answered.
"Ross?"
"My father and my brother, Laird."
Jared looked out over his clansmen. "The toll is too great and for what? If we fight, it should be against the English dogs that seek to rob Scotland of her freedom, not against each other. Lady Asilinn is the key I shall use to unlock the chains of war and give us peace. Our children will unite the clans of MacLean and Innes as one blood. Who of you will support us?"
Ross began his cry of support. Soon all Jared's men joined in. Tears sprung in Asilinn's eyes when she realized the full weight of her purpose in being here. Much could be gained if this plan succeeded.
The cheering mob was interrupted when a black-haired beauty flitted gracefully out of the main portal of the castle. The girl ran to Jared, who pulled her up on Ailleagian and kissed her on the cheek.
"Skye, this is…."
"The Innes bitch," Skye blurted out. "She'll kill you in your sleep."
Jared looked at Asilinn. "My sister, Skye."
Asilinn studied the girl who sat in Jared's lap scowling at her. She had her brother's magnificent eyes. She was young, maybe in her twelfth year. Her height made her appear older at first glance. Asilinn arched her eyebrow and addressed the errant young girl.
"I take issue with your accusation. If I decide your brother needs killing, I'll run him through while he's wide-awake. I dinna hide my true feelings under cover of trickery and deceit," she said coolly.
The girl's face darkened like threatening storm clouds. Jared gave Skye a look silencing any further insolence. When he glanced back at Asilinn, his gaze seemed to search for something deep within her, but what?
"And will you be using your dirk, lass?" Jared asked with a grin.
Asilinn's heart fluttered in her chest. The man knew her every thought past and present. "I dinna have my dirk, Milord," she reminded him.
Jared ignored her jibe and turned his attention back to Skye. "Have they seen to the new room arrangement?"
"Aye, it was near impossible to drag furniture up those winding stairs, but Flanna has a bed prepared there. It will be all you really need to start." Asilinn's face flushed. Skye’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
"You are incorrigible, imp." Jared let his sister slide gently to the ground. Jared dismounted and helped Asilinn down. "Let me show you your new home." Jared guided Asilinn through the massive, oak door.
They entered a huge hall that was obviously a gathering place for the warriors. A large, stone fireplace blazed at one end of the chamber taking the chill off the air. Jared led Asilinn up a winding staircase to the main reception hall. As they walked in a young servant girl ran to offer Asilinn a plate of bread in salt.
"Welcome to Dunbocan, Lady Asilinn," the girl said. She held forth the traditional offering to newcomers.
Asilinn picked up a piece of the coarse, stone-ground bread and dipped it in the salt, tasting the morsel. "Thank you," she murmured.
Another servant arrived with mead
as Jared guided Asilinn into his main reception hall. Taking up a goblet, Asilinn drank a hefty draught of the heady, honey-sweetened wine and felt it burn down through her. Perhaps the fiery liquid would steel her for what lay ahead.
The chamber they were in was at least two stories high, maybe three. It was much grander than her father's castle. A balcony ran around the room allowing observation from the upper level. Tapestries decorated the walls and high above the balcony hung a series of portraits.
Seeing where her gaze wandered, Jared smiled. "My father was patron to several artists."
"Well worth their keep," Asilinn commented, continuing her survey of the hall.
A heavy, walnut chair sat on a raised platform at one end of the chamber. The intricate carvings on the back of the chair caught Asilinn's attention. A muscular warrior was depicted slaying a dragon without benefit of armor. Rather fitting for the Laird of Dunbocan, she thought, especially after the incident on the trail.
A second more delicate chair sat to one side. It was there Jared directed her to sit. She listened stoically while he gave orders for the wedding preparations and feast. Many of Jared's clansmen had come into the room with them and laughed heartily when he told the tale of Asilinn's abduction. Determined not to show her fear, she forced herself to ignore their spirited responses to his story.
In a short while, he would take her for his wife and… and what? Rape her? A shiver of dread shot through her. Could she make herself cooperate with him? Would he force her if she resisted? She had foreseen it herself—in her dream, her naked body writhed beneath Jared while he made her his. Asilinn closed her eyes trying to maintain her composure.
One thing was sure. It was too late for some magical reprieve. Even if her father was right behind them, he could never storm the walls of this fortress before Laird Jared MacLean put his plan into action.
A thin man with stringy, dark hair entered the hall. "You did not rush to greet us, Osred. Is all in readiness?"
The man looked into Jared's eyes then cast his eyes down submissively. "Aye, Milord," he murmured.
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