Enchanted Lover

by Scharon, Connie C.

  “Have you no faith in my vision? Jared, if it is the masked men, can you afford not to check on it?”

  “I canna put you in danger,” he said sternly. “I dinna want to hear any more about it!”

  They mounted and headed down from the lofty peak but when they reached the bottom, Asilinn wheeled Faileas around and took off at full tilt in the direction of Burnum Woods.

  Jared muttered a curse and lit out after her, finally catching her when she slowed to enter the brambles near the tree line. He started to drag her back but a horseman was approaching. Instead, he led her to a thicket until the rider had passed. He scowled at her.

  “How could you take this risk?”

  “It is for an important cause,” she reminded him. “Come on, we are so close now. Listen, I hear voices.”

  He motioned for her to dismount, grabbing her hand, and leading her through some prickly underbrush until they had a view of the clearing he had found with Liam and Keith.

  Twenty men were gathered by a blazing bonfire. They all wore black robes with hoods and their faces were covered. A single man in a red robe came out of a nearby path. The noise from the twenty died away when he entered the throng.

  “Laird Jared has had a minor victory,” the figure said. The voice seemed familiar, but the mask distorted it. “Now we shall call forth the forces of darkness to help us in his final defeat. Satan, we do this for you. Grant us the power to overcome our enemy and rule on earth as you rule in the kingdom beyond.”

  Asilinn felt like icy hands grabbed her heart. She looked at Jared in horror but he put his finger to her lips and bade her be still.

  Six men came forth carrying a draped coffin. Their master ripped off its covering and ordered it set down. “Before you is the body of our departed sister, Glenna. She dwelt with us in life and now has taken her seat as the devil's handmaiden.”

  The man moved over and opened the coffin revealing the naked body of the deceased woman. The corpse wore decorations of blood. A fiendish mask covered her face. Asilinn gasped and Jared clamped his hand over her mouth.

  “Now you will show your allegiance to our master by consorting with the dead,” the leader continued. “Observe her come back to life beneath me.”

  The woman was lifted from the coffin and placed on a stone slab by the fire. “This is your altar, Satan! We are your children,” the man cried. “Show us your power as we show you our faith!” The man raised his red robe revealing his engorged member. “With this shaft, I shall raise Glenna to life. She shall pleasure us all before she sinks again to the underworld,” he declared. Some of the men gathered milled around nervously.

  Their leader tied his red robe back out of the way and lay upon the girl, running his hands over her until she wriggled and moaned. He plunged into her and rode her to his climax. The men around him circled the stone altar chanting. “All hail Satan!” they cried.

  Jared grabbed Asilinn's hand and led her back to the horses, throwing her up on Faileas. “Hurry,” he urged. They quietly made their way out of the woods then took off at a dead run for the castle.

  When they reached the safety of Dunbocan, they rode directly to the stable. Asilinn jumped off Faileas and threw herself into Jared's waiting arms sobbing. “It is witchcraft,” she cried. “They use the power of evil against us.” Jared hugged her to his chest until she regained some control.

  Fergus came in. “Milord, is everything all right?”

  “Fergus, has Glenna been buried yet?” Jared asked.

  “No, Milord, her body lies in the small room off the armory.”

  “Please see to the horses.”

  “Aye, Milord.”

  Jared took Asilinn's hand. “I would see her for myself. Will you come?” Asilinn nodded in the affirmative trying to stop trembling. They walked hand in hand into the armory and opened the door to the small chamber. The body was covered with sheeting. Jared moved over and lifted it while Asilinn watched from the doorway. Glenna's corpse lay cold and rigid on the cot.

  “Just as I suspected,” Jared mused. “He uses fear to control them.”

  “But how?” Asilinn asked.

  “Obviously he planned the ceremony to bring the doubters back in line after their recent debacle.”

  “I am afraid,” Asilinn whispered.

  Jared moved over to put his arms securely around her. “I'll protect you,” he promised, hugging her to his chest.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The next morning Asilinn and Jared woke to sounds of chaos below. Jared dressed and hurried to the great hall. The sight that greeted him froze his heart. Soldiers from Edinburgh filled his hall and Osred was in the head chair. The room grew silent when Jared entered.

  “What is going on here,” Jared said. He pointed to Osred. “Why is this man not in chains for imprisoning my wife?”

  The lieutenant in charge stood up and faced Jared. “We've come to take your wife to trial in Edinburgh for the crime of witchcraft. King Robert bade me inform you the church is insisting they must look into the allegations against her.”

  “No,” Jared thundered. “Asilinn is not a witch!”

  Two soldiers moved to restrain Jared when he rushed forward to attack the lieutenant.

  “The bishop in Edinburgh has informed Robert the charges are as follows: consorting with the devil to raise the dead, specifically one child named Toby, practice of the black arts in use of spells and potions to enchant Laird Jared MacLean of Dunbocan, use of magical visions and dreams to control the actions of those around her.” The lieutenant paused and looked at Jared. “By special order of Robert the Bruce, Laird Jared MacLean shall not be held responsible for any of his wife's crimes, but will be confined at Dunbocan Castle until her trial is completed.”

  “What is this blasphemy?” Osred shouted. “Laird Jared is in league with the devil and his enchantress wife. I demand the forfeiture of all his lands for his crimes!”

  The lieutenant stared at Osred. “It is the decision of the rightful king of Scotland, Sir Robert the Bruce, Jared MacLean is not accountable. Would you question that?”

  “Sir Robert does not understand the situation. I must insist you arrest Laird Jared,” Osred ranted.

  Jared glanced across at Liam. Liam nodded understanding the unspoken plea and slipped quietly out of the room.

  “It is the order of Sir Robert that Laird MacLean is to be held at Dunbocan pending the outcome of the church’s investigation of his wife. Until such time, the eldest member of the high council is to assume control.” Jared saw Morven's face grow red with rage.

  “I am second in command!” Morven shouted.

  “And as such your loyalty to your laird may undermine your duty,” the lieutenant replied. “Garrick shall be in charge, and you, Morven, will ride with us to Edinburgh to assure Laird Jared his wife is treated fairly.”

  Jared prayed Liam was successful in hiding Asilinn before the troops were sent to collect her. He had promised only yesterday to protect her and now he stood powerless against the forces of evil striving to destroy them.

  ***

  Liam took the stairs two at a time, rapped lightly on the chamber door, and entered unbidden. “Lady Asilinn, wake up.” He shook her. “Asilinn, come on.”

  Asilinn opened her eyes. “What is it?” she asked in a frightened whisper.

  “Osred has brought troops to take you to Edinburgh to stand in front of the bishops. They accuse you of witchcraft. Dress quickly. I've come to sneak you out of the castle.”

  Asilinn stared at him in disbelief. An inquisition by the church in such matters was usually a death sentence. “Where is Jared? Why did he not come?”

  “This is not the time to question my loyalty,” Liam warned. “Jared is being held by the soldiers until you have been tried at Edinburgh. He is powerless to help you now.”

  “Kindly avert your eyes,” she said briskly. When he looked away, she rose from the bed and dressed hurriedly.

  There was another rap on the door
. Asilinn looked at Liam in terror and Wynne's voice floated through the door. “Lady Asilinn, open the door.”

  Asilinn flew to the door despite Liam's nod to the contrary. “She could be a traitor.” Ignoring him, she flung the door open.

  “Lady Asilinn, you must hurry and escape. Soldiers are here to arrest you,” Wynne sobbed. “Go to Cock Bridge and hide in my old house. No one will look for you there.” Wynne glanced at Liam. “Be he with us or against us?”

  “He is loyal to Laird Jared,” Asilinn responded with conviction. “He came to help me escape but how can I go without Jared?”

  “There is no choice. The laird can fend well for himself,” Wynne assured her. “His only concern will be for your safety and the safety of the child you carry. You must away. There is no time to lose.”

  “Both of you go down and act as if nothing is amiss,” Asilinn ordered. “Liam, I'll meet you in the stable. Have the horses ready.”

  “But, Milady, wouldn't you be safer in my company?” he asked.

  “No, I'll take the secret passage out and meet you. This way I can bolt the door from within and keep the soldiers occupied for awhile.” She turned to Wynne. “Tell Jared where we have gone. I know he'll come if he can.”

  Wynne gave her a tearful hug. “Go with God,” Wynne murmured as she fled the room.

  Liam grabbed Asilinn's arm. “Let me go with you through the passage.”

  “You must go below and make your presence conspicuous before you sneak away. That way, if I am caught, you may be able to avoid blame in my escape. Please go. There is not much time.”

  He was reluctant, but she pushed him toward the door. Obliging, he kissed her forehead lightly and left the room. Asilinn slid the bolt into place and heard Liam start down the steps.

  ***

  “Take Laird Jared and have him locked up so he is not influenced by the witch when she leaves,” the lieutenant ordered.

  “No!” Jared shouted. “You must let me speak with Asilinn.”

  “Lock him in one of the upper rooms.”

  “Upper rooms,” Osred cried indignantly. “The man has been sleeping with a powerful sorceress. She is the embodiment of evil! You must lock him in the dungeon.”

  Garrick scowled at Osred's suggestion. “In view of the fact this shall turn out to be a groundless accusation, the upper room should suffice.”

  “Look! She has won them all over with her spell of enchantment,” Osred argued. “As soon as you leave with her, he will escape! They will help him.”

  “All right, the dungeon it is,” the lieutenant agreed. “Take him away.”

  Skye flew to Jared's side smothering him with her stranglehold around his neck. She was crying but found the presence to whisper in his ear. “Tell me what to do.”

  “Send Ross to Cairngorm Castle with a letter explaining what has transpired,” Jared directed in a hushed voice only she could hear. “Tell Laird Innes to come immediately with as many men as he can muster.”

  One of the guards pried Skye away. While Jared was dragged toward the dungeon, she gave him an affirming nod.

  ***

  Asilinn pushed open the secret door trembling with trepidation. Securing it behind her, she made her way quietly down the stairs. She paused at the entrance to the passage where she had fallen prey to Osred and Glenna. She could hear several men coming down the hall. Paralyzed with fear, she peeped out the hole into the passage.

  Her heart stopped at the sight she beheld. Jared was being led away in chains toward the dungeon. She longed to cry out to him and rush to his side, but it could not be. Tears streamed down her cheeks when he disappeared into the darkness of the long passage.

  Composing herself, she opened the door and made her way up the hall. She pushed the torch bracket and the door sprung open. Rushing through the portal, she closed it behind her.

  Carefully she snuck into the stable. Liam hadn't arrived yet. Asilinn didn't know how long she should wait for him to appear. A terrible thought crossed her mind. If she was mistaken about him, he could be the one to deliver her into the hands of the soldiers. She grimaced at the thought and hid in a pile of straw in the corner.

  ***

  The soldiers followed Wynne up the stairs and pounded on the door to the tower room. When there was no answer, the lieutenant turned to her. “Call for your mistress.”

  “Lady Asilinn,” she cried.

  The soldier in the front tried the door. It didn't move. “Is there a bolt on the inside?” he asked.

  Wynne nodded, suppressing a smile. “The door is three inches of solid oak and the bolt is heavy metal from the blacksmith. I fear it will take a while to break it down.”

  The lieutenant muttered a curse. “Get me a battering ram!” he ordered.

  ***

  Liam made his way through the gathered crowds anxious to hear word of their laird. He clung to the edges of the group trying to fade into the background. He rounded a corner and slipped back an alleyway toward the stable. A tall figure stepped out to block his path. He jumped.

  “You startled me,” he said.

  “Are you going to help Lady Asilinn escape?”

  “Aye, she waits in the stable,” Liam confided.

  “What can I do to help?” Morven asked.

  “I dinna know, some sort of distraction perhaps,” Liam suggested.

  Morven smiled. “Come this way, it is quicker,” he said, pushing Liam in front of him.

  Liam started to turn and say something, but his thoughts were cut short when Morven dealt him a heavy blow to the head and he crumpled in a heap.

  ***

  Asilinn knew she had been waiting too long. Liam should have been here. She was about to climb out of her dusty hiding place when she heard footsteps enter the barn. Peering through the straw, her heart sank. Six soldiers stood in the archway.

  “Well, he said search the barn,” one said. “I suppose it is better than carrying that damn battering ram up the steps.”

  They all laughed. “I think this time we got the easy duty,” another man said.

  They moved apart looking around. Just then, a wisp of straw tickled Asilinn's nose and she let loose with an uncontrollable sneeze. The men rushed to the pile of straw and jerked her out, dusting her off with groping hands.

  “God, she's a beauty,” the shortest one exclaimed. “Mayhaps we should try her out before we take her in,” he suggested.

  “I am Lady Asilinn Innes MacLean,” Asilinn spat defiantly. “And you will keep your hands to yourself!”

  “You are in no position to make demands,” one man said with a sneer. He grabbed her wrists and pulled her close.

  “Fool,” their leader chided. “She is a witch. The devil gives her the beauty to enchant us. Come on,” he said. He jerked Asilinn along with him while headed back to the keep. “My lieutenant will be spared the trouble of knocking down the tower door after all.”

  Asilinn was led to the great hall where they forced her servants to identify her. Flanna and Wynne stood by weeping. “In the end I will be cleared of these ridiculous charges. It comforts me to know I have your support,” Asilinn assured them.

  The lieutenant came into the room with Morven at his elbow. “This man rides with us to assure your fair treatment,” he said, pointing to Morven. “We'll leave immediately. Half of my troops will remain to see Laird Jared is not released by his own men.”

  Wynne stepped forward. “I would accompany my mistress,” she said boldly. “Lady Asilinn may need my services in her journey.”

  The lieutenant pursed his lips in thought. “All right,” he agreed. “Certainly none of my men are up to seeing to her without becoming enchanted by her charms. But I warn you, if you try to help her escape, you will burn at the stake with her.”

  Wynne snorted. “Lady Asilinn will not burn at the stake,” she retorted. “You shall realize your error at her trial and set her free.”

  “If that is what you wish to believe,” the soldier replied evenly.

>   ***

  Jared heard the clatter of hooves in the courtyard and felt a deep ache in his chest. They must have captured her. Otherwise, they wouldn't be leaving so quickly. The door to his cell opened and Skye rushed to him. She threw her arms around his neck and wept.

  “Five minutes,” the guard warned when he shut the door.

  “They found her,” Skye whispered. “They're taking her away while we speak.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “When they led her out to the courtyard, she stood straight and wouldna cry.” Skye broke off sobbing.

  Jared found his mind flying back to another time when he had watched Asilinn overcome her fears to walk dignified and straight to her destiny, only then it was to the altar to become his wife. “You must get me out,” he told Skye. “Has Ross gotten off on his mission?”

  “Aye, I sent him before they found her.”

  “As soon as you can you must find a way to free me. But, Skye, use caution. I dinna know who my enemies are.”

  “Morven has ridden off with the soldiers to see Asilinn is treated fairly. I canna find Liam. He has disappeared. Garrick has been left in charge. They found Keith's body on the way in. I heard the guards talking. He was murdered. I suppose there is only Garrick to help us, but they left half the soldiers to see he does not free you and let you ride after them.”

  “We must await the arrival of Laird Innes and his men,” Jared said.

  “It could be a week before they can get here and that's assuming they will come,” Skye objected.

  “Bide your time, Skye, they canna get Asilinn to Edinburgh too fast with such a large troop. Somehow, I must find evidence to prove her innocent before the tribunal. Now leave me and come back when they allow it. I will not perish in the dungeon.”

  The guard opened the door and motioned for Skye to leave. Giving Jared a last kiss on the cheek, she rose and followed the guard out the door. Jared's chains rattled when he gave Skye a parting wave. She sobbed at the sound and hurried on her way.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  It had been three days with no progress toward finding a way to free Jared. There was a general unrest among the people. They seemed to support Jared and Asilinn against the charges, but were powerless against their occupation without Jared to lead them. Skye was at her wit's end.