Enchanted Lover

by Scharon, Connie C.

  Jared’s blood surged through his veins. He could barely control his ire. “This has nothing to do with my wife! I seek peace. If I can convince Laird Innes I am sincere, a battle will not be necessary.”

  “Liar,” Liam shouted. All others at the table drew back in fear at Liam's bold accusation. “If you did not crave the sweetness of the Innes bitch, none of this would be necessary. If you really desire peace, give her back to him.”

  “Asilinn is my wife and our union has the support of the King of Scotland. Would you have me take her innocence and hand her back to her father in disgrace? My son or daughter could already rest within her womb. A traitor in our midst works against my cause. If any of you know who did this, speak now.”

  The silence in the room hung in the air. Finally, Osred spoke up. “Laird, you accuse us of much with little evidence. We are all aware you checked on where we were the night of the attack. Has this woman turned you against your own blood?”

  “Laird Jared is forthright in his purpose,” Ross said. “But he is right to assume someone at this table is not. He and Lady Asilinn were attacked on the trail when he brought her here. Only those seated here knew she was coming.”

  Again, silence fell over the group. “Were there any whose whereabouts were unaccounted for?” Garrick asked.

  “A few,” Jared replied. “A man can not always prove where he has been, especially if he claims to have been alone.” He glanced at Liam and continued. “Mayhaps I have wrongly accused you. If so, you have my apology. The matter at hand is more pressing. How do you feel about my plan to split the garrison?”

  “It leaves us protected on both fronts. We will be slightly outnumbered if all Laird Innes' forces attack Cock Bridge, but I, for one, am not afraid. I do question how you plan to go against Laird Innes without conflict,” Keith commented.

  “It will be a challenge. I'll lay out my plan as it unfolds to avoid any possible leaks. This is too important to take a chance,” Jared said. “Dinna take offense. In this, you will have to trust my judgment. Are you with me?”

  The men seated at the table nodded their assent one by one until it came to be Liam's turn. “If it is not possible to reason with Laird Innes, what will you do?”

  Jared's jaw grew taut. “I wilna risk the lives of my men by refusing to fight.”

  “Then I am with you,” Liam answered.

  The others nodded silent agreement to the plan and Jared adjourned the meeting leaving them to talk amongst themselves when he left the room.

  Chapter Twelve

  Jared found Asilinn still in Skye's company. He entered quietly through the secret door and stood in the waning light watching while his sister tried to comfort his wife. Both women jumped when his voice intruded on their solitude.

  “Skye, leave us. I need to speak with Asilinn alone,” Jared said. Without a word, Skye got up from the edge of the bed and left the chamber. Jared listened to her footsteps on the stairs until the sound died away. He let out a deep sigh and walked over toward the bed. Asilinn jumped up and stood to face him her eyes red and swollen from crying.

  Jared sucked in his breath and reached out to caress the soft line of her jaw with his hand. “I would do anything to take away your pain,” he whispered.

  She jerked her head from his grasp and glared at him. “Then release me,” she challenged.

  “Anything but that.” He moved closer until he could smell the sweet scent of her hair. “I did not sleep with Glenna, Asilinn. It is only your sweet flesh I crave. I canna let you go.”

  “What makes you think I care?”

  “‘Twas clear from your expression.”

  “I only fulfill the king’s wishes when I go to your bed.”

  “Your body tells me otherwise.”

  “You go to kill my father and brother.”

  “I go to stop them from killing my people. I will do it peacefully if I can.”

  “Dinna try to win my cooperation with your lies!”

  Jared's eyes lost their warmth. “I have never lied to you yet you choose to believe the worst. When I return, you will see the truth of my words.”

  “You are going to kill my father.” Asilinn felt fresh tears swelling in her eyes. “And you wilna allow me to try to remedy the situation with my presence.”

  “'Tis too dangerous, Asilinn. Write a missive to your father. I'll see it delivered before any conflict begins. My plan is to surround Cock Bridge and not move against him unless he attacks. He'll see your message and my own before things have gone too far. Instead of chastising me, aid me in my cause. You have naught to lose with your cooperation and everything to gain. Will you write the letter?”

  “Aye,” Asilinn murmured.

  “Hurry, there is not much time.”

  He watched her while she sat at the desk and wrote in a finely crafted hand. When she was finished, she handed it to him.

  Jared read it carefully and nodded to her when he had finished. “Thank you,” he said. “I'll do all in my power to keep your people from harm. Pray your father aids me in my quest. I would not have the peace spoiled by the hatred his death would bring.” He started for the door.

  “Jared,” she called. The tenuous quality of her voice made him turn to face her. “Dinna betray my trust.”

  “I have not betrayed you, Asilinn. It was you who did that when you ran from me.”

  His eyes searched hers. Finding no answer there, he jerked her to him for one final kiss. He was not brief or gentle when his mouth closed in on hers demanding the response he wanted. Relentlessly he plied her softness until she broke down and let him invade her. When he finally released her, she was clinging to him tearfully. “What is wrong now?”

  “You make my own body betray me.”

  He moved to the door. “Damnation woman, you will drive me mad!” He hit the door with his fist and faced her again. “Morven and half my men remain to see to your defense. Be here when I return or I will hunt you down until you are mine once more.” Giving her one last stormy look, he left the room.

  Asilinn bit her lip. Why did his threat seem like a velvet promise to her heart? A small ray of hope sprang in her breast. Deep down did she want to be his? The prospect frightened her. Could she trust him? Her father had warned her against it. There was a knock at the door and Asilinn threw it open. Wynne stood in the doorway wringing her hands.

  “Come in.”

  Hesitantly Wynne moved into the room. “Lady Asilinn, I'm sorry I didna come to help you dress this mornin'. I heard yer father was goin' to attack Cock Bridge and I couldna face you. 'Twas wrong of me and I'm sorry.”

  Asilinn studied her with some interest. How had she heard the news before Jared? Asilinn was present when Morven and her father's groom told Jared of the attack. That was several hours after Wynne should have come to attend her. Asilinn decided not to challenge Wynne on the point.

  “'Tis forgotten, Wynne,” she said to the servant.

  The clatter of hooves outside sent Asilinn running to peek out the tower windows. The sight she beheld sent a shiver through her.

  Jared was mounted on Ailleagian rallying his men to leave in defense of Cock Bridge. She saw him glance at the tower just before he led the troops out the main gate. It was impossible for him to see her, but it gave her some comfort to think his last thoughts were of her. Wynne came over to stand beside her.

  “Put yer trust in Laird Jared. He wilna disappoint you.”

  Asilinn's gaze again fell on the woman next to her. For the first time she doubted Wynne's sincerity and that left her feeling empty inside. Was she destined to live out her life among her father's enemies never knowing which of them were against her?

  “I could bring you a bit of supper up to yer room,” Wynne offered.

  “Thank you.” Asilinn checked her appearance in the glass. It would be plain to any who saw her she had been crying. She would not allow them to see her like this.

  Wynne scurried off to get her a trencher. Asilinn decided to brew a me
dicine to help her relax. The potion was ready when Wynne returned.

  “Wynne, I've just brewed a pot of one of my grandmother's restoratives. Would you like some?”

  “Why thank you, Milady,” Wynne said. She settled herself in a chair near Asilinn and sipped her cup while Asilinn ate.

  “'Tis hot, mayhaps you should let it cool first,” Asilinn commented.

  “What does it do?”

  “Grandmother said 'twas a balm for difficult times. I suppose I should drink the rest of the pot.”

  Wynne set her cup aside. Her face contorted—her whole body twitched uncontrollably. “I fear it doesna agree with me.” Wynne placed her hand over her mouth and tried to get up. Convulsing, she fell to the floor.

  Stunned, Asilinn ran to the prostrate servant and pulled her to a sitting position. “You must vomit it up, Wynne,” she urged, getting a basin for the poor woman. “Stick you finger down your throat.”

  Wynne protested, but Asilinn forced her to obey and soon the offending liquid was out of her stomach. She still wasn't well. “What have you given me, Lady Asilinn?”

  Asilinn sniffed the cup. “Someone must have tampered with my herbs. I believe some poison was placed in the jar of rosemary.”

  “Poison?” Wynne's face went even paler. Asilinn gave her a wan smile. She took another whiff. “By the smell and your reaction, I would guess henbane. Let me help you to your room. I'll get you some goat's milk. It counteracts the poison.”

  A short time later, Asilinn sat with her patient. Wynne was better and was settled in her own chamber.

  “How do you ken such things as poisons and their cures?” Wynne asked when her symptoms subsided.

  “My grandmother was a healer of some skill. I watched and learned.” Satisfied with her patient's progress, she took her leave.

  Wynne insisted Asilinn seek out Morven and make him aware of what had happened. He agreed with Asilinn's assessment of the situation and ordered her to keep to her room until he could shed some light on a possible culprit.

  When Asilinn finally retired, she was exhausted but she was destined to find no peace. Haunting dreams of Jared and Glenna tortured her mind's eye until she thought she might go mad.

  Finally, her nightmare faded. She embraced the blackness of sleep only to find a more disturbing image in her dreams. She awoke with a shriek. It couldn't be! Sweat dampened her brow as she once again saw what she would deny. There was no doubt this time. Her brother lay bleeding at the feet of her husband. She could see Jared bend over Ian sword in hand—then the image vanished into thin air.

  What did it mean? Would Jared kill her brother in battle? She tossed fitfully the rest of the night locked in the terror her gift had wrought.

  ***

  Jared's men reached Cock Bridge before the Innes clan. He ordered them to form a defensive line around the town and stay at the ready until Laird Innes and his men were spotted. Jared found he missed Morven's presence. In truth, Morven was the only one Jared trusted without hesitation.

  There was serious question as to whether Jared should watch for an attack from Laird Innes or one of his own men. Still he didn't rethink his decision. There must be peace and he was the one to achieve it.

  Ailleagian danced restlessly when Jared shifted in the saddle. A messenger came running to tell Jared his father-in-law approached with the complete compliment of men. “Bring me the groom,” he ordered.

  The man was brought forth begging and pleading not to be sent back to his laird. “He'll kill me for sure,” he said.

  Jared looked thoughtfully at the man. “Take him back. I'll go myself.”

  “No, Jared,” Liam said. “They'll kill you.”

  “I'll take a chance to make my point.” Jared urged his horse forward to the crest of the hill. Laird Innes and his men were just riding up. It was clear Laird Innes realized he had been betrayed and was livid. He and his men halted when Jared appeared. Jared rode steadily towards them until they were within range of his voice.

  “Laird Innes, I am here to inform you Lady Asilinn is fine. I carry a missive from her and a tentative peace proposal. I urge you to study it before you ruin all chances with a conflict. I wilna allow you to kill innocent people in a fit of anger over some supposed wrong. Your daughter is unharmed.”

  Laird Angus Innes rode up to meet Jared snatching the papers he held and ripping them open. He read Asilinn's letter quickly then looked up into Jared's eyes. “You caught her trying to escape and chained her up?”

  “Aye,” Jared said. “But it was in the tower and no harm befell her.”

  “And now I hear they tried to stone her. Is this how you protect her, Dragon of Dunbocan?”

  A band of masked riders broke from the woods to the right. Both sides moved closer as the mystery riders headed straight for them swords drawn. Jared parried the first thrust from the masked attacker saving Laird Innes from certain death.

  The attack ignited a powder keg of emotions between the gathered armies. Both clans joined the fray until the fighting became muddled and some fought each other rather than the interlopers. The masked men faded into the heat of a battle they had begun.

  Jared cursed his luck and sought out his father-in-law grabbing him from behind and almost being killed in an attempt to talk to him. “Call for a retreat! Go back to Cairngorm Castle and read my peace plan before this ends all hope!” Jared shouted. Laird Innes nodded and galloped off trying to bring his men back under control.

  A masked figure caught Jared from behind knocking him from his horse and turning to come at him with a sword. Ian Innes rode up, drew his crossbow, and shot the man just before he struck the final blow. “Now we are even, Laird of Dunbocan,” he cried. “Go back while you still can!”

  Jared whistled for Ailleagian. He was about to mount when he saw Ian felled by one of the masked intruders. He rushed to Ian’s side and dispatched the masked man before he could finish the job. Jared hoisted Ian onto Ailleagian and climbed up behind him. Ian was bleeding profusely and the battle was raging out of control.

  Finally the Innes clan rallied behind their laird and started to retreat at a dead run. Jared succeeded in calling back his men from their pursuit of the retreating army. There were few losses.

  Jared rode to Liam. “I must try to save Asilinn's brother's life. I leave you in charge. There is at least one of the masked assassins who perished under my sword. See if you can find any others. I want to see their faces. I'll be back.” Whirling Ailleagian around he took off for Cock Bridge.

  When Jared entered the village, the residents gaped openly at Ian. They were reluctant to help Jared get the wounded man inside one of the cottages. Ignoring them Jared carried Ian inside the nearest house and ripped off his tunic to examine the wound. It was deep. Perhaps fatal if the bleeding did not stop.

  Ian floated in and out of consciousness. If Jared didn't act decisively, the young man would surely die. Taking his sword Jared heated it in the fire until it glowed. Ian awoke just in time to see Jared coming towards him with the hot weapon.

  “You betray us,” Ian murmured.

  “No, Ian. I must cauterize your wound. It is the only way to stop the bleeding.” The younger man nodded weakly.

  Jared stood over his brother-in-law sword in hand. With one sure motion, he placed the hot metal on the wound. There was a searing sizzle followed by the smell of burning human flesh. Ian let out a tortured cry and fell from consciousness again.

  The action was successful. The bleeding stopped. Jared turned to look into the faces of several villagers who had followed him into the cottage.

  “Watch over this man,” Jared ordered. “If any harm comes to him at your hands, I'll have your heads. I'll be back shortly.” He hurried back to his horse.

  Jared found Liam with three masked bodies. His men were about to unveil them when he rode up. Jared dismounted and dropped to the ground to do it himself. The men stared in wonder at the faces of the three dead strangers.

  “Zounds, if an
y of you know these men tell me their names. Have each man look at their faces and try to place them. They are not from our clan and I must discover who they belong to.” Turning to Liam, Jared let out a deep sigh. “This plot is more complex than I imagined. How many of our men were killed?”

  “Two, Milord,” Liam reported. “Laird Innes lost two as well. Three if Ian dies. Each side sustained injuries. I dinna know the extent of theirs but ours are not too bad. How's Ian?”

  Jared's jaw tightened. “I canna say. It could go either way. I plan to let him rest here until he can travel then take him back to Dunbocan.”

  “You could leave him here in the villager's care,” Liam suggested.

  “I fear his fate would be assured in such a circumstance. I dinna want to stay away from Dunbocan too long and I wilna leave Ian to be killed by treachery.”

  “Aye, Milord,” Liam said. “All is in order here.”

  “Take Laird Innes his dead and the message his son is injured and under my protection. Tell him I'll return Ian personally as soon as he is able to make the trip. Take three men and do this yourself. Dinna send a messenger. Report to me when you return.”

  “Aye, Milord.”

  ***

  It had been three days since Jared and his men had left. No word had reached Dunbocan about the confrontation, at least none Asilinn had been privy to. She paced the floor of the tower nervously a prisoner by order of Morven. He claimed to fear for her safety if she ventured out.

  Her body needed the sleep which had eluded her for two tortured nights. Every time she closed her eyes, the terrible vision of her brother being killed by her husband flashed through her consciousness. Was it true or just another deception like the vision she had seen earlier of Jared raping her?

  She fought to stay focused on the possibility she was misinterpreting the dream but she could find no other explanation for the picture of Jared going towards Ian with a glowing sword. The dream had a quality about it that frightened her. It was one of the most vivid premonitions she ever had.