Enchanted Lover

by Scharon, Connie C.

  “You have my answer friar. If you wish to overrule me you shall have to talk with my husband.”

  The friar walked over and sprinkled holy water around the bed. Some of it splashed on Ian who let out another anguished cry. “He is possessed!” the friar declared.

  “He is delirious with fever. As soon as my medicine takes effect he will be fine,” Asilinn said sharply. “I ask you to please leave.”

  Giving her a last penetrating stare, Friar Hoban left the room.

  Asilinn took a cloth and wiped Ian's brow speaking to him in soft, comforting tones until he finally began to rest.

  ***

  Intent on his task, Jared bent to examine the feet of the horses in his stable. A voice called to him from the doorway.

  Jared straightened and stood to greet Liam. “Did you get word to Laird Innes about Ian?”

  “In a manner of speaking,” Liam said, shifting uncomfortably under Jared's inquisitive stare. “They took their dead and Laird Innes listened to my message but he presented me with a stone face and didna give me any inkling of his thoughts on the matter.”

  “What did he say?”

  “He told me I had delivered enough ill tidings for one day and he would not grant you favor of reply. When I left, men wearing his plaid ambushed me on the trail. The men I took with me were killed.”

  “How is it your men are killed and you remain alive to tell the tale? Perhaps you killed them yourself and never gave word to Laird Innes.”

  “You do me a great injustice with your accusation,” Liam replied testily. “I was knocked from my horse and rolled down a small ravine. They left me for dead. When I came to and climbed back to the road my men lay dead. I walked for miles before I recaptured my horse.”

  Jared's rigid stance relaxed a little when he noted the huge lump on the side of Liam's head. “Forgive me if I've wronged you. The traitor among us has me lashing out at shadows. Go and get some rest.” Liam gave Jared a fiery glance and turned heading for his cottage.

  The next intrusion on Jared's privacy came when the good friar walked into the barn. Not wishing the man to observe his actions, Jared urged him to talk while they walked toward the main gate.

  “Milord, please, I….” The fat little man huffed and puffed while he tried to keep up with Jared's long strides. “I must speak to you about Lady Asilinn.”

  Jared stopped in his tracks and stared at the man. The friar ran right into Jared's chest and jumped back apologizing. “What about my wife?”

  Friar Hoban whispered, “Perhaps this discussion should take place in private.”

  With a scowl, Jared led the man into one of the deserted cottages lining the east gate. “Talk,” he ordered.

  “Well….” The friar seemed to be suddenly speechless but one look at Jared freed his tongue. “I fear your wife may be consorting with the devil. I found her in her brother's room. She had the poor man tied down and fed him some potion of her own creation. The very air in the room reeked of evil. He's possessed and she refused to let me remove his bad blood to free his spirit. In short, Lady Asilinn is a witch.” The man gazed up at Jared with an earnestness that was frightening.

  It was all Jared could do to keep from striking him. “This is ridiculous. Lady Asilinn knows about cures from her grandmother. I'll hear no more of your lies! I warn you if you breathe one word of these accusations to anyone I'll cut out your tongue and hang it on the castle gate.” The rotund cleric turned pale and drew back from Jared. “Do you understand?” Friar Hoban nodded. “Good, now leave me before I lose my temper.” The man flew from the room so quickly he ran right into Morven. The friar fell down and Morven picked him up and sent him on his way.

  Jared looked up. “What ill news do you come to deliver?”

  “Keith is giving speeches in his home village urging the people not to support your peace plan,” Morven said.

  “Does he do this openly?”

  “Nay, Milord, they gather in secret in various houses depending on the night. Perhaps he is the villain you seek.”

  “His whereabouts were accounted for the night of the attack on Laird Innes and Ian.”

  “He could have sent others to do his bidding.”

  “Perhaps,” Jared said evenly.

  “You have never asked me where I was that night.”

  “I know where you were. I checked myself.”

  “Even I am not above suspicion. Does that mean you will no longer keep counsel with me?”

  “There are things no one can know but me. I'm protecting you by keeping you in the dark.”

  “I canna say I like it, Milord.”

  “Nor do I,” Jared replied.

  ***

  Asilinn's silent vigil was rewarded when her brother awoke with clear eyes and recognized her for the first time. “Asilinn,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “Where am I?”

  “You are in Dunbocan Castle. Jared brought you here after you were injured.”

  “I was wrong about him. When the masked riders began the skirmish, he saved father's life and my own. Thanks to his actions and quick thinking a major battle was averted.” Ian lay back breathing deeply. “How long have I been here?”

  “Two days,” Asilinn said, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.

  “Dinna cry,” Ian whispered. “I'll be fine.”

  She wiped her eyes. “I'm not crying for you. I'm just relieved to know Jared dinna lie to me.”

  Ian broke into a wide grin. “You care for him.”

  “You’re daft. I only feel relief I am not married to a murderer.”

  “So you say, but either way I'd fix myself up a bit if I were you. You look like you havena slept in days.”

  “And you should talk. You are the reason,” she taunted.

  “Well leave me to rest and go and see to yourself,” he said.

  Just then, Skye breezed into the room in a filmy white gown. “Oh Asilinn, I'm sicker than I thought. Look, an angel has come to take me,” Ian joked.

  “Behave Ian,” Asilinn scolded good-naturedly. “This is my sister-in-law Skye, and though she is a beauty, the girl is only twelve years old. Have a care or Jared will change his mind about saving you.”

  Skye was totally captured by Ian's charm and begged to take up Asilinn's post. “All right,” Asilinn relented. “I shall follow Ian's instructions and make myself presentable now he is his ornery self again.” Skye grinned and Asilinn made her way to the tower room for the first time in two days.

  A quick glance in the glass told her Ian had not exaggerated his appraisal of her appearance. She slipped out of her rumpled gown and brushed the tangles out of her long, silken mane. The Dragon's Spring would be the perfect ease for her weary bones. Slipping on her robe, she made her way through the passage.

  The bathing chamber was empty. She let her robe drop and sank into the soothing water. Using the scented soap Wynne had given her she washed away several days of grime. The lone torch she brought with her gave the room an eerie glow. She luxuriated in her bath lost in thoughts of her last trip to the Dragon’s Spring. Was Ian right? Did she care for Jared more than she thought?

  Asilinn didn't hear the door when it eased open but the draft caught her attention briefly. Unable to pinpoint its source she soon was back to her daydreams.

  The hot water made her drowsy and she decided to take a nap before Jared returned. Rising from the water, she walked over and picked up her cloth, drying her hair as rivulets of water rolled across her ripe body. She raised her hands above her head stretching in the warm, steamy air.

  A sigh came from a dark corner of the chamber. Startled Asilinn covered herself with the towel.

  “Jared,” she called out.

  There was a shuffle in the darkness and a tall figure dashed for the door. It closed with a resounding slam when he retreated. Asilinn shook with fright. The man who had been watching her was not her husband, but who?

  Quickly she dried off and donned her robe. Heart pounding she checked the hall for
the intruder. Not seeing anyone, she hurried back to the safety of the tower room.

  The room was empty and Asilinn fought to regain her composure. Some stranger had seen her most intimate parts. She blushed crimson at the thought. Sitting by the fire, she pressed most of the moisture from her hair.

  The warmth of the room eased her tension and she wrapped herself in a cozy nightdress and climbed into bed. It was only minutes before sleep overtook her.

  Asilinn was in such a deep sleep. She never even stirred when Jared came in and joined her in their bed. Gently he pulled her against him, until she snuggled into him, encasing herself in his sheltering arms.

  Inhaling the sweet scent of her freshly scrubbed hair Jared drifted into a restless sleep.

  When the gray light of morning seeped into the chamber, Jared woke to a loud commotion below. It sounded as if a fight were progress in his old chamber.

  Muttering a low curse, Jared snatched his plaid and wrapped it around him. He rushed to the room Ian now occupied. He burst through the door with a bare chest and no weapon to find Skye riding piggyback on a masked intruder. She was trying to cover the man's eyes while Ian struck weakly at him with a sword.

  Jared shoved Ian back to the bed and grabbed the sword. The man sought to escape when he saw his new opponent. He turned to flee and Jared pulled Skye off the man’s back.

  “Stay here!” he ordered, running after the would-be assassin.

  The man ran out on the balcony above the great hall. Jared followed, but the man had vanished.

  Jared stood confounded for a moment and then he noticed a slight movement of one of the tapestries on the wall. He walked over and ripped the heavy covering off. The masked man behind it ran full tilt and leaped over the balcony. He fell two stories down to the stone floor of the great hall. Rushing to the balcony, Jared peered over.

  Ivy entered the room below. Seeing the man, she let out a shriek that brought people running from all corners of the castle.

  Jared dashed down the steps, taking them two at a time and ripped off the mask of the dead man. Wynne, who stood at the front of the crowd, gasped. “You know this man?” Jared questioned.

  “Aye, Milord,” she murmured. “It is Sherwood, son of Thurlow of Cock Bridge.”

  Jared's eyes narrowed. “I want to speak to you in private, Wynne,” he said. “Morven, get him out of here.” He took hold of Wynne's arm and led her into one of the small chambers on the same floor. “Did you know this man was in Dunbocan?”

  Wynne stared at her feet. “Aye, Milord,” she whispered fearfully. “But, Milord, I had no idea what he was about. He came early in the morning of the day you left to defend Cock Bridge and told me of the impending attack. He said his father Thurlow sent him to be with me in order to keep him safe. You had other things on yer mind, so I let him stay without thinkin’ it wrong. Please forgive me, Laird,” she begged.

  “Why did you not tell me the news of the planned attack?”

  Wynne gasped. “Milord, I thought you knew. Had I this knowledge before you?”

  “So it would seem,” Jared said. The woman before him threw herself to the floor.

  “I beg for your mercy, Laird. I swear to you I would never harm yer cause.”

  Jared took her hand and helped her to her feet. “I believe you, Wynne. It explains why you gave such an excuse to Lady Asilinn. I did not think you would have admitted knowing that morning if you did not think everyone knew before you.” He gave her a smile. “Let Lady Asilinn sleep awhile before you wake her. She is in need of rest.”

  “Aye, Milord,” Wynne murmured gratefully.

  Jared started up the stairs to Ian's room. As he rounded the corner, he came face to face with Glenna. “How many times do I have to tell you, you are not to wander around here?” Jared was irritated by her presence.

  “I'm sorry, Milord,” she said. “I shall do my best to keep out of your way.” She hurried down the stairs.

  Jared stared after her puzzled by her accommodating remarks. He had a nagging sense of her involvement in the plot. The most troubling aspect was whom she claimed to have spent the night with when Laird Innes and Ian were attacked. If Glenna was involved, he might know the traitor. He shoved the thought aside in disgust and went to Ian's room.

  Ian sat propped up in bed with Skye fussing over him. “Are you all right?”

  “Aye, Asilinn's potion has had a miraculous effect and luckily the fellow was no match for Skye.”

  “Skye,” Jared repeated.

  “She hit him over the head and helped me try to fight him off,” Ian explained.

  Jared smiled at his sister. “Imp, what am I going to do with you?” He reached out and stroked Skye's dark hair. “Dinna take so many chances, I couldna bear to see you harmed.”

  Skye's eyes filled with tears, but her face wore a grin. Jared gave her a smile and turned back to Ian. “If you feel up to it, I'll take you back to your father. It seems I still have a serious problem here and I know you would be safer at home.”

  “I'm up to it. How about letting Asilinn come with me?” Jared frowned and Ian hurried on. “Just for awhile, until this treachery is put to rest.”

  “I will not let any harm come to Asilinn.”

  ***

  Asilinn had been dimly aware of her husband leaving the room, but she couldn't seem to break the veil of sleep surrounding her. In her semi-conscious state the torment of her vision returned. The men were attacking Jared on the road, stabbing him and kicking him while he rolled across the ground. She cried out and sat up in bed.

  The chamber closed in on her and she shoved back the covers. Rising she flew out the door desperate to find Jared and warn him. She ran to Ian's chamber but it was empty. A cold fear closed its fingers over her heart. Where were they? She ran downstairs and bumped into Ivy who looked at her with a shocked expression.

  Ignoring the woman's gaping perusal, Asilinn searched the room for Jared. “Where is Laird Jared?” she demanded. “I must speak with him at once.”

  Wynne entered the room. “Lady Asilinn, are you ill?” Asilinn realized she was barefoot and in her nightgown but in her frenzy to find Jared she paid the servants little heed.

  “I need Jared. Where is he?”

  “Milady, he prepares to escort yer brother back to Cairngorm Castle. He tried to wake you but you seemed exhausted. He decided to let you sleep.”

  “No!” Asilinn shrieked. “Has he left yet?”

  “I dinna think so, Milady. They are out in the….”

  Wynne never had an opportunity to finish. Asilinn brushed by her and ran out of the main hall and down the steps to the front door. Flinging it open, she found herself in the midst of a group of clansmen watching their laird mount Ailleagian.

  “Jared!” she screamed. “Dinna go!”

  Jared grinned. “Sweet wife, I only go to take Ian home. There was an attempt on his life this morning and we decided he would be safer at Cairngorm Castle.”

  “You would go without telling me?” she cried. “You cannot! I have foreseen your death by ambush on the trail. I beg you not to leave.”

  Jared urged Ailleagian over beside her and lifted her into his lap. She burst into tears and he pulled her to his chest. “Asilinn,” he whispered soft against her hair. “I promise you I'll return safely.” He pulled her head back and gently kissed the tears from her cheeks. “Dinna be afraid for me. I'll come to no harm.”

  “You dinna understand,” she persisted. “Ever since I was a child I have had the gift. I have dreams that come to pass. I can see little glimpses into the future.” There was a collective gasp from the assembly.

  Ian moved his horse closer. “‘Tis true, Jared,” he agreed. “Asilinn foresees what is to be and she has never been wrong. It is a gift from God.”

  Jared stared at his wife in disbelief. “Mayhaps you misinterpret your vision,” he suggested. “The dream could have been about the attempt on Ian. A masked intruder tried to kill him this morning but Skye saved his life and
the culprit lies dead.”

  “No, it was you. You were alone on the trail. I saw three men attack you. I beg you not to go.”

  “Asilinn, I have to go. I already sent a messenger to your father so he'll meet me halfway. Ian must travel slowly. Besides, I'm not going alone. Morven and ten of my men ride with me.” He ran his hands through her tangled golden hair. “Garrick is in charge. He'll see to anything you need.” He covered her mouth with his, tenderly kissing her until she clung to his chest. “I am relieved you seek to warn me instead of hurrying me on my way.”

  Asilinn glared at him. “I just dinna wish to wear widows weeds at such a young age,” she snapped. Laughing he lifted her gently back to the ground.

  “You have just made poor Ian's ride hell. I will surely rush him along in my desire to come back and test the true depth of your affection for me.”

  “You flatter yourself, Milord. I just dinna want your blood on my hands.” She glanced at her brother. “Are you sure you're up to this, Ian?”

  “Aye, I have malingered long enough.”

  Asilinn stood watching until they disappeared from view. Did she care for Jared? If not, why was she desperate to warn him?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Asilinn stood staring after Jared. Wynne took hold of her arm. “Mistress, let's go to your room so you may dress.”

  Looking down at her bare feet and rumpled nightgown, Asilinn let her breath out in a rush. She still had an overwhelming feeling of dread about Jared's trip, but now it was out of her hands and the servants stood gaping at her immodest attire. Brushing by them, she headed to her chamber with Wynne close on her heels.

  When they reached the tower, Wynne performed with her usual efficiency. In no time, Asilinn slipped into a simple rose-colored gown. She sat pensively while Wynne worked the tangles out of her hair. Wynne tied back the upper part from Asilinn’s face and let it hang in a single braid while the rest hung free in a wild cascade of curls.

  “What is it, Lady Asilinn?" Wynne asked. “You've barely spoken. Perhaps it is your mistrust of me.”

  Asilinn met her gaze hesitantly. “Should I mistrust you, Wynne?”