The Seer

by Hildie McQueen

  Alasdair reached for her and touched her upper arm. The woman gasped, but remained frozen, her widened eyes meeting his.

  The warrior, the man he’d met with twice already, and Guiles appeared next along with other shadowy figures. They were in a cave. There were murmurings and whispers, urgency thick in the air.

  “Ye are part of the resistance,” Alasdair stated. “Now, I do find that interesting. That ye felt the need to spy on the men I met with. Could it be ye are the one they fear dwelling among them?”

  She moved back, her upper lip lifted in a snarl. “Ye had no right to do that.”

  Tense seconds passed as they stood at a stand-off. In truth, he’d not sensed she was the one who spied. The reason for her being there was not clear. It could be she was ensuring no harm came to her brother. However, it was not uncommon for sibling rivalry to be taken to extremes.

  A part of him trusted her. At the same time something about the woman brought out a strange protective reaction he’d never felt before. Then again, it could be he was struck stupid by her beauty.

  “How can ye be around people?” She asked. “I believe most to be kind, however so many have dark secrets and horrible thoughts that ye can sense.”

  Her question was valid and despite the truth of her words and reminder of the burden he constantly carried, Alasdair shrugged. For years he’d hidden away from people, finding solitude wherever possible to escape the onslaught of sensations.

  Thankfully as he’d matured it became easier to block out more and more. There were still many days when he was caught with his guard down and was overcome, his mind and body taken by emotions.

  Of all of the senses, sadness was the hardest to keep away. So many times, the emotion wept from someone who bumped into him, or met his gaze. Those were the times, he dreaded the most. Not so much because he felt sorry for people, after all, sadness was part of life. It was the constant reminder of the overabundance of it.

  “It is something I can control for the most part and why I prefer to live alone.”

  The woman’s brow furrowed. “That is not a life at all. Is it?”

  If she was using kindness as a way to get him be less suspicious her, it did the opposite.

  Instinctively Alasdair did not trust his senses at the moment because at times physical attractiveness had a way of concealing the most horrible parts of a person. Not only that, but like most men he was rattled when attracted to a beauty like the one before him.

  “Good day milady.” Alasdair stalked away. He needed to get away from her and think clearly. There was much to accomplish, and his mind had to be sharp. For some strange reason being around the woman was clouding his ability to think clearly.

  Chapter 4

  When the man mounted and rode away, Dallis let out a breath. He’d not asked her name, and neither had she asked his. Now, she wondered what it was. The man was like no one she’d ever met before.

  Gold speckled eyes that seemed to pierce the flesh and burrow deep into a person were set in a ruggedly handsome face. The angry slash down the right side of his face did not distract from his attractiveness. Instead, what would be considered a disfigurement seemed to enhance his allure. How was that possible?

  He was the seer her brother and Niven had summoned to find out who was untrustworthy. She had no doubt he would have answers for them.

  Dallis shuddered. What had he seen when touching her? Had he felt her desperation not to marry a man she abhorred? Fear that harm would come to her brother, whom she loved with all her heart. Was it possible he’d sensed her determination to lead the resistance, not only because she disliked the Macphersons, but to ensure the safety of her clan?

  The burden of so many secrets weighed heavily, making her wonder how it was possible for the Seer to carry not just his own, but those of people around him. Looking in the direction he’d gone, Dallis let out a long breath. She did not envy the man at all.

  Her brother and Nevin had left, making it safe for her to head back to the keep.

  She loved her brother dearly, would give her life for him. Although he wasn’t aware, the reason for her argument with the men at the tavern was not that they’d stolen money, but because they had not provided protection for Guiles. He’d evaded them, perhaps thinking they were a threat.

  Afraid for him, she’d hired them to ensure no harm came to him after a near miss with archers.

  Now she had to come up with another plan to ensure her brother was kept from harm. He didn’t need her really, he was a full-grown man and good fighter. However, he was also the sole heir to be laird. Her father had no siblings therefore a distant relative would have to take control if something happened.

  Through the trees, the man and horse had quickly disappeared. Whoever he was, she considered that he would be the perfect guard for Guiles.

  The corner of her lips curved. Her brother would be so angry if he found out the painstaking efforts she’d gone through over the years to keep him safe.

  Dallis had argued many times with her father about her overprotectiveness of Guiles. Her argument was always the same. That he not be allowed to go to battle and that he be kept safe because one day he’d be laird. Instead of agreeing, her father had sent him off with the guard to train.

  Despite her arguments against it to both her father and her brother, Guiles had gone to battle many times over the years and each time, Dallis had been crippled with fear.

  Yes, it didn’t make sense. No one understood, even she didn’t, the unreasonable obsession with ensuring her brother was safe. It could just be that once her parents were gone, Guiles would be the only person she could rely upon.

  “Ah there ye are darling.” Her mother Allora, entered the great room. As usual, dressed in a beautiful gown and with her hair intricately braided, her mother was beautiful. “Where have ye been all morning?”

  Dallis placed her cup down and looked up just as her mother’s eyes rounded. “I went for a ride...”

  “Ye look horrible. Why, yer hair is in disarray and that dress...is in shambles. Ye must bathe and change at once. Our guests will be arriving any moment now.”

  “Guests?”

  Allora let out a long-suffering breath. “Yes Dallis. Do ye not remember? The Gordons as well as the Robertsons and their families are coming to visit for a few days. He is meeting with yer father along with Laird Robertson.”

  “Oh.” Dallis inwardly cringed. If the Robertson brought along his eldest son, she’d be spending the next couple days evading his roaming hands.

  “I will change at once. I’m sorry Mother, I’d forgotten.”

  Her mother blocked her from leaving. “Dallis, ye are to be married soon. I implore ye make more of an effort in yer appearance and how ye spend yer time. We cannot afford ye to be out and about, among the guard and who knows where, while yer father is planning a marriage for ye.”

  “What difference does it make mother. My marriage will be arranged and neither I or the unfortunate groom will have a say in it. Whether he finds me attractive or not, matters little to me.”

  The fact she could be married off to the Macpherson’s son was not any sort of incentive to be more attractive or appealing. If anything, she would appear covered in muck with leaves and twigs in her hair. The visual made her giggle, which earned her a glare from her mother.

  “Besides, I am to marry a frog of a man, who could never do anything to better his appearance.”

  “This is not a time to jest. I am serious Dallis.”

  “I apologize Mother. I will change at once and do my best to be pleasant and feminine throughout the visit.”

  Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “See that ye do.”

  The visitors were going to make stealing away to meet with the resistance group harder. She wondered if Guiles was aware of what happened.

  “Mother, where is Guiles?”

  “With yer father. He too is being chastised for avoiding his duties this morning.”

  She entered her chambe
r to find a wooden tub set before the hearth. A fire had been started warming the room.

  Upon dipping her hand into the water, Dallis discovered it to be lukewarm. It would not be a pleasant bath. Being it was her fault for not being there when the bath was drawn, she could not complain really.

  Dallis poured water from the rinsing bucket into an iron pot and pushed it closer to the fire to warm.

  Meanwhile, she inspected the clothes that had been set out on her bed. Dark green dress that laced down the front, with skirts spread was displayed along with a chemise, and matching ribbons for her hair.

  It was one of her favorites, the color reminding her of the different shades of green of the forest. Brushing her fingers down the velvety fabric made her wonder if the seer’s skin was a soft.

  Dallis snatched her hand away. What a ridiculous thought to have at a moment like that.

  After bathing and changing into the clothing that had been set out for her, Dallis went in search of Guiles. He was in his chambers, standing at the window brooding.

  She walked in and closed the door behind her. Her brother turned to her, his face a study of worry.

  “How are we going to manage slipping away tonight?” Dallis blurted. “Did ye know visitors came?”

  Guiles’ gray eyes met hers. “I’d forgotten. With everything that has been happening, visitors are not something I care about.”

  “What did Da speak to you of?”

  “The Gordon wishes to present his daughter to me as a possible wife. If I marry her, we can join and form an alliance.” He frowned and once again peered out to the distance. “I do believe it would be good for our clan do ye not?”

  Her lips curved at Guiles’ brooding. Fiona Gordon was her dear friend, who adored Guiles. Both had flirted incessantly with each other for years. Fiona was pleasant, sensible and lovely. She’d make a good wife to her brother.

  “Ye know I adore dear Fiona and I do believe ye do as well. Why are ye brooding then brother?” Dallis asked.

  Always bound to duty, Guiles would do what was necessary for their people. As the only son, Guiles’ responsibilities were many. Not just was he responsible for continuing the Sinclair lineage, but also for marrying to advance and benefit the clan.

  “I had plans. Thought to coerce the Macpherson’s young daughter into marriage to keep Da from marrying ye off.”

  Her heart melted with the abundance of love she had for her brother. “Truly? That would have been horrible. Besides, the Macpherson’s daughters are much too young so it is doubtful the man would have agreed. The eldest at ten and three would make a horrible wife, and she has the most disagreeable temperament. Besides, the thought of us joining with those people makes me want to vomit.”

  “If our plans fail, what other way can there possibly be?”

  Dallis joined Guiles at the window. “I hope the visiting lairds will come up with a plan and dissuade father, from the idea, of an alliance with Clan Gordon.”

  Despite the fact they were alone, Guiles lowered his voice. “We have plans. Dangerous plans. This is not the time to take on a wife, to start a life. I can’t be distracted with such nonsense.”

  “Yer first duty is to the clan. As our father’s only son, we must keep ye safe. Guiles listen to me. If there is some sort of peril, Niven and I will go. Ye will remain behind.”

  His jaw clenched at the ever-present argument. Before he could say anything, Dallis shoved him. “Think brother. Yer death means there is no one to carry on the bloodline. Ye must not fight. I know ye hate the idea of it. But there is no other choice.”

  “And allow my sister to?”

  Dallis blew out a breath. “I have trained to fight but am not so stupid to think I can hold my own against a warrior. There are many ways I can help. I can be a distraction, a distraught lady in need of rescue. A bawdy loose woman offering more than a handshake. I can slit a throat or stick out a foot to trip someone when needed.”

  Despite the situation, Guiles chuckled. “Ye paint a clever picture, but battle is not like that.”

  This time it was Dallis who set her jaw. “I am well aware. Must I remind ye I have fought before?”

  “I do not want to think about it.”

  Dallis chuckled at her brother’s angry expression.

  The door opened, and their mother peered in with a wide smile. “I heard laughter and it lightened my heart. Our guests arrive.”

  The siblings peered out the window to the view of a party arriving. Two banner carriers holding up the clan crested flags rode side by side at the front.

  Next atop overly large steeds were the lairds, each with their personal guards flanking them. Behind the men rode wives and other family, also protected by guardsmen. The procession was rather idiotic in Dallis’ opinion. They presented clearly marked moving targets if anyone wished to attack.

  By the way the guards kept turning side to side keeping watch, they were of the same opinion. No doubt by now they all had sore necks.

  “Why would they carry on in such a fashion in the midst of unrest in our area?” Dallis said shaking her head.

  Guiles snorted. “I don’t think they did so until nearing our home. Neither of the lairds is stupid enough to do that. Being that The Gordon comes to present his daughter to consider for marriage, and the Robertson his son, it calls for a display of grandeur.”

  “Son?” Dallis turned to her mother. “Please tell me the Robertson is not hoping to dump his repulsive son on me?” She huffed.

  Her mother giggled. “I certainly hope not. Guiles, why would ye say such a thing? Did yer father mention something?”

  By the widening of Guiles’ eyes, he’d spoken out of turn. “I am not sure...”

  “Well, it won’t happen. I’d rather stick a dagger in my heart than marry that toad of a man.”

  “Dallis,” her mother said, while obviously attempting to keep a stern expression. “Enough. We don’t know if it’s true.” She placed a hand on Dallis’ shoulder. “Besides, the Robertson’s son is not terribly unattractive. It’s his nature that makes him so. I sense, yer father already has other plans for you when it comes to marriage.”

  “Oh, that’s right. My options are so wonderful. Either I marry a distasteful creature or the evil oaf son of our enemy.”

  Their mother ignored her last remark. “Let us go now. We must join yer father and prepare to greet the visitors.”

  When their mother hurried away, Guiles pulled her back. “We must figure out a way to continue our plans.”

  Dallis nodded. “No one is more desperate than I.”

  The families arrived, the men went to sit with her father and began the bothersome pleasant tries as prescribed by custom.

  Meanwhile, the women were to see about getting settled into bedchambers before sitting together to rest and drink warmed cider or honeyed mead.

  It took longer than expected as they’d arrived later than planned and before long everyone went to the great room for last meal.

  Along with her brother and mother, the visiting lairds were invited to sit at the high board. Although grateful not to have to sit up there and be scrutinized by everyone, Dallis noted it would still be hard to slip away until late in the hour.

  Guiles had sent a message to Niven, encrypted so that the archer delivering it would think it had to do with him cancelling going to the tavern for drinks and hunting the next day.

  So far, from the eager looks of the people attending, it was possible the festivities would not end until very late.

  It was up to her, she had to be at the clandestine meeting and to personally see how things would play out when the seer showed up at the caves.

  His face formed in her mind. The warrior was attractive, his intense eyes seeming to see more than just the visible, his gaze as direct as his personality. Yes, he was too handsome. Dallis quickly pushed the distracting thoughts away.

  The pomp and frivolity of the evening was ridiculous. There were threats of being overtaken by the Macpher
son and border fights between farmers, yet her family held a celebration.

  Dallis tapped her foot impatiently and she huffed when a trio of musicians entered the room.

  Everyone was finishing the meal, the conversations light as those in attendance gave themselves permission to enjoy the evening.

  When Dallis looked away from the tables and back to the high board, Guiles was no longer sitting there. She quickly scanned the room, but he was not there.

  Her friend Fiona smiled and touched Dallis’ arm. “Ye seem put out tonight. Is something amiss?”

  Fiona loved to dance. There was rarely a festivity that her friend wouldn’t dance almost the entire night. Nonetheless, she was the most loyal of friends and the one person, besides Guiles, Dallis trusted with all her heart.

  “Come, I must speak to ye.” Dallis tugged Fiona away to stand near the back of the room. They stood just inside a hallway, which led to the kitchens.

  Fiona looked over Dallis’ shoulder. “The music is about to start. Can we speak at another time?”

  “I need to slip away. If anyone asks, will ye say that ye just saw me? That I went out for fresh air.”

  Fiona glanced out again and giggled. “The Robertson’s son hasn’t begun to needle ye yet. Why leave so soon?”

  “I need to see about something important...and I have to find Guiles.”

  Fiona frowned. “He was just inside. I doubt he will be gone long.” Her friend looked around when the music began. Obviously, there wasn’t anyone she wished to dance with by the long sigh. Fiona was forced to skip the first dance.

  “Oh look, there he is now!” her friend exclaimed pointing to the great room entrance, with more excitement than necessary.

  “What?” Not only had Guiles appeared, but beside him was Niven. Just behind Niven another man came into view. Although she couldn’t see him clearly, somehow she knew it was the seer.

  The trio moved to a table and settled while conversing. No one seemed to take much notice of them, as there were people in attendance from everywhere. Only a few knew everyone present.