The Seer

by Hildie McQueen

  In all the years of meandering around the country, he’d always pushed away any thoughts of settling.

  His mother would welcome a daughter through marriage, as he was an only child. Although his father was long dead, he’d left her with a well-built home in the village where he’d grown up. Surrounded by cousins, nieces and nephews, his mother lived a good life. Whenever he visited, she always begged him to remain and to marry a local girl and give her grandchildren.

  While he ate, an idea formed.

  Chapter 9

  “It’s not safe for a woman to traipse in the forest at night.” Cuthbert blocked Dallis as she neared the side entrance to the keep.

  She pretended to find humor in his words. “There is a lame mother wolf with pups. I feed them whenever I can.”

  His head cocked to the side. “Surely ye can come up with a better tale than that. Who is he? The lover ye meet.”

  Unable to keep from it, she pressed her lips in a tight line and glowered up at the annoying man. “Get out of my way.”

  There was a large lump on his left temple from the fight earlier with Alasdair. Guiles informed her that Cuthbert’s guards had not attempted to help him, which spoke volumes of the man’s character.

  “That is a nasty bump on yer face. What happened?”

  “Low branch,” he mumbled, his eyes on her in challenge.

  “Surely ye can come up with a better story than that.”

  When she took a step forward, he moved to block her again. “I am going to ask yer father for yer hand in marriage. However, before I do ye that favor, I need to assure myself ye are indeed still a virgin.”

  Cuthbert yanked Dallis forward by the shoulders and wrapped his arm around her waist while with his other hand, pulled up her skirt.

  Although she tried, with his arm around her, it was hard to fight. She was much too close to be able to kick or lift her leg to knee Cuthbert between the legs.

  “Let me go,” Dallis hissed. “I will scream.”

  Somehow Cuthbert’s hand traveled up her thigh and she shook with revulsion and fear. “If ye do, then the guards will come and see us like this. Yer father will demand I make reparation and marry ye.”

  He was right. Everything was always in the man’s favor.

  Dallis struggled and bit his shoulder while doing her best to kick him. He groaned and loosened his hold on her just enough for her to move away. With the momentum of moving away, she stumbled forward onto the forest floor.

  There was satisfaction in his expression, lips curved and eyes gleaming, as Cuthbert neared and stood over her. He was a cruel man who’d mistreat his wife. See her more like a belonging than a human. It was clear in the way he enjoyed the current situation, he did not particularly care for her.

  When he reached for her again, a growl sounded, and Cuthbert stared toward the forest. Dallis didn’t have to look to know it was the wolf she had fed just a few moments ago.

  “So ye do have a pet. One who by the way she’s showing her teeth and will not hesitate to defend ye.” He took a step backward.

  “Ye said she’s lame. Which means, I could possibly fight her off...kill her.”

  In that moment, Dallis hated him. The wolf was not only lame, but she did have a litter of pups.

  Fortunately, the door opened and the cook along with two maids walked out. They stopped at spotting them.

  “Milady, ye fell?” Cook hurried forward not giving Cuthbert even a glance. “Let’s get ye up. Yer mother is looking for ye.”

  Along with the three, Dallis hurried toward the door. Cook gave Cuthbert a long look over her shoulder. “No harm should ever come to the she wolf. She is protected by our clan.”

  The warning was clear. The wolf was the clan’s mascot and part of the Sinclair crest. The animals were not harmed without provocation on their lands.

  Still she worried, not just for the wolf, but also if Cuthbert dared approach her father. Something had to be done.

  “There ye are,” her mother said as she neared. “Where have ye been? Ye are to be present when lairds visit, ye know that.”

  Dallis followed her mother at a loss of what to think. “Cook just rescued me from that horrible Cuthbert. Mother, I beg of ye, do not allow it. He is cruel.”

  Her mother studied her obviously believing her to be petulant. “Dear, he is a laird’s eldest son. Ye must understand that he must have been raised with expectation of becoming laird. Cuthbert Robertson is still an option.”

  “I will never marry him. It will be the one time I go against Da.”

  “Believe me, I understand. I don’t care for the man myself. However, it would be a marriage that would strengthen the bond between the clans. One day Cuthbert will be laird over the three clans.”

  “I shudder to think about that. He is a cruel and unstable sort.”

  “That we do agree upon.”

  Dallis considered it for a moment. “Why didn’t Da insist on becoming laird of the clans? Guiles would make a much better leader.”

  “Ye know the Robertson clan is the largest. His guard alone is almost twice the size of our entire clan.”

  Considering the situation, Dallis understood why her parents would see her marriage to Cuthbert as a good idea. If ever there was a time to wish for something, it was that Cuthbert was not truly first born to the Robertson.

  They entered the great room. The Macpherson party had departed, however the Robertson and Gordon remained. Although the lairds were absent, the wives and their companions remained. Entertaining visitors the last few days had become draining. Along with that, Dallis worried about what would happen with Alasdair.

  If he left, then she’d have to forget him. A man who did not remain and fight for a woman, had no worth.

  She joined Fiona at a table and accepted her friend’s hug. “Where is Alasdair?”

  “I don’t know. It could be he left without saying goodbye.”

  Her friend shook her head. “Mayhap, he went to get things in order so that he could return and ask for yer hand in marriage properly.”

  “That I doubt.” Dallis let out a breath. “Tell me, did anything interesting happen?”

  Fiona began to fill her in on what had occurred earlier. Mostly about the visiting laird’s daughter who always ignored them and about what the other women in the room wore and whom they flirted with.

  Before long Dallis relaxed enough to eat and drink sweet mead. Her brother entered and lowered across from her and Fiona. “How fare ye, sister?” His question was of course not meant exactly as said. He was asking about Alasdair by his direct stare.

  “Well. Waiting to see who comes next to see me.”

  He nodded and leaned forward to whisper in Fiona’s ear. Fiona blushed and smiled widely. Her brother’s match would bring forth the best in him.

  Although happy for her friend and brother, Dallis could not help the tinge of jealousy. “Fiona, ye must stop beaming so. Ye are hurting my eyes,” she chided her friend who elbowed her and laughed.

  Morning came and Dallis got up quickly. She had to seek out Niven and find out what plans there were for the day when it came to Alasdair. Not only that, but also she would speak to her father and beg not to be married to Cuthbert. This was one instance where she’d do whatever possible, even admit to what happened between her and Alasdair, to keep from marrying a fool.

  After two quick raps at the door, a maid hurried into her chamber. “My lady, the laird requests ye come down to his study immediately.”

  “What happens?”

  “I can’t say,” the maid replied, wringing her hands. “However, I can tell ye, yer father is furious.”

  Heart thudding, Dallis rushed to dress and after a couple strokes with the comb left her hair down. She followed the maid downstairs as the girl seemed too scared to return without her.

  “Hurry my lady,” the girl urged her. “He demanded I did not even give ye time to dress.”

  “What?” Dallis wondered what had happened. If Cuthber
t had lied about the day before, she would kill him.

  They entered the study only for her to stop and stare. In the room were only Guiles, her parents, and Alasdair.

  After meeting Alasdair’s flat stare, she looked to Guiles who was expressionless and then to her father.

  Nostrils flared and jaw clenched, he stood and glared at her. “Is what this man says true? Ye gave yerself to him? Or did he take advantage of ye?”

  Dallis swallowed past the dryness in her throat. Why had Alasdair come to her father? “Tis true.”

  A gasp sounded as her mother pressed a hand flat on her chest. “Dallis...”

  “Do not say anything,” her father snapped at his wife. “Dallis be truthful. If this man accosted ye, he will be flogged and banished.”

  “He speaks the truth. I went to his chambers. I went willingly. I did not wish for Cuthbert to have my maidenhead.”

  She dared a glance at Guiles, hoping he didn't have both hands around Alasdair’s neck. Instead her brother seemed more interested in what transpired between her and their father.

  “Why him?” The laird slid a look to Alasdair.

  The entire time, Alasdair stood straight, shoulders back with his right hand resting atop his sword. He didn't seem ill at ease, but more as if he’d come to offer his services and awaited a reply.

  Dallis met his gaze however and saw warmth. He’d come for her, to fight, to accept whatever price her father set.

  “Because I care for him,” she admitted. “I wish to be with him.”

  “The decision of whom ye are with and marry is not yers,” her father said in a calmer voice. “It is our responsibility as the head of our clan to do what is best for the people over and above our own desires.”

  “I understand Father,” Dallis replied. “However, Guiles marrying Fiona will bond us with the Gordon clan. The Robertson will become our leader and after him, his son, whom I fear will not make a good laird.”

  Her father brushed her words away. “The Robertson is well aware his son is lacking in ability and plans to name a successor other than Cuthbert. We are hoping it will be Guiles. However, that has nothing to do with the current situation.”

  “Laird, I have offered my services as ye require. I wish to marry Dallis and do not take what happened between us lightly,” Alasdair proclaimed.

  Her father looked to her and his wife. “Leave us.”

  Chapter 10

  Anger emanated from Laird Sinclair, and Alasdair did not blame the man for his ire. It was, however, the only way he could come up with not losing Dallis. As a member of the guard and perhaps other work as the laird saw fit, he could claim some honor.

  “Do ye have land? A home?” the laird asked through clenched teeth.

  “I do not. I have coffers of money, more than enough to purchase sizable land and build a home in the north to live in.”

  The laird was an astute man. “Niven claims ye are his cousin. Is that true?”

  Guiles slid him a look. It was hard to tell what he wished him to say. Instead of replying, Alasdair concentrated on the emotions in the room, wishing to glean what was the best direction to go.

  “He and I are related.”

  The laird looked to the doorway. “Call Niven.” One of the guards rushed off.

  Moments later, Alasdair and Niven walked together out of the keep gates after the laird informed them he needed time to consider what would be done.

  Alasdair looked to his friend. “Ye know him better than most. What do ye think he’ll decide to do?”

  “I don’t think he will trust ye to take Dallis away. If he agrees to allow ye to marry, ye will both remain here.”

  It was not what he wished, but in a way, not surprising since at the moment he did not have a home to take Dallis to. Alasdair vowed to buy land and build. Even if it would be years before he was allowed to leave, any children that came from his union with Dallis would have land and a home.

  In the distance, the Tavish brothers, who’d been released from the dungeon the day before, along with two other guards sparred. Moving back and forth, the sounds of the swords clashing in a solid rhythm.

  “I don’t wish to be at odds with anyone, however, I will do whatever it takes to marry Dallis.”

  A bird flew overhead squawking loudly and both looked up for a moment following its path.

  “Is it the challenge or because ye truly care for her?” Niven asked.

  It was then that Alasdair realized Niven also cared for Dallis. Perhaps in a brotherly way, it was not clear. He was willing to wager Dallis had no idea. Niven had never made his intentions known, which Alasdair was glad for at this point. Having known each other perhaps their entire lives, Niven did have a lot in common with the beautiful Dallis.

  Alasdair let out a long breath. “I do it because I care for her. She is all I think of. Everything about her calls to me and I am fortunate that she too feels attracted to me.”

  Niven only nodded, seeming to be in deep thought. “I hope my laird agrees to allow ye both to be together.” His friend pressed a hand over his shoulder.

  “Otherwise?” Alasdair had sensed nothing but anger from the laird. Of course, it had been impossible to touch or go near the man to get a good reading of what he considered doing with the information he’d been given.

  “There is little that can be done. Other than perhaps get another man, who the laird considers worthy to marry the lass.”

  “Cuthbert Robertson?”

  His friend gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I do not dare guess.”

  “What was it ye wished to speak to me about earlier?”

  Niven scanned the area. “I came to hear about ye through family. We are indeed cousins, distant but related. My sister, Miora, has gifts such as yers. However, it’s kept secret. When I asked her to come and help find the spy who was in our midst, she refused. It was then she told me one of my aunts, had told her about ye.”

  “Who is yer aunt?”

  “Finella Creag.”

  “She is my father’s cousin. It is true then, we are related. Why did ye not tell me this before?”

  His cousin blew out a breath. “Didn’t seem important. Besides, I wasn’t sure ye were trustworthy yet.”

  “I suppose it is not important for what I was called to do originally. However, ye could have spoken up to the laird and informed him of my swordsmanship.”

  Niven snorted. “Do ye believe to be better than me?

  “Let us see.” Alasdair unsheathed his sword and waited for Niven to do the same. They crossed swords and began to spar.

  Back and forth they trained, jumping over hurdles and evading strikes. The sparring helped Alasdair forget what was transpiring inside the keep. That someone would decide his future was not something he was accustomed to.

  After first meal, with a whirl of activity and chaos, finally, the visiting clans departed.

  A lot of people remained in the courtyard. Some servants took tents down, while others dismantled tables, carrying the wood to be stored.

  Dallis hurried after some maids who carried buckets of water while carrying one.

  “Come,” Alasdair walked past her and continued on to the side of the keep. There was a large garden beside the building, as well as short wall that gave some privacy.

  When Dallis appeared, she was breathless. “We cannot be caught alone. Father is already furious. What were ye thinking to go to him?”

  “What do ye think will happen?”

  Her gaze finally met his and her expression softened. “I do not know. I hope he will touch his heart and allow us to be together.”

  Alasdair closed the distance between them. “I will fight hard for yer hand. I wish to treat ye like the treasure ye are. I promise to cherish ye always.”

  When she reached out to him, Alasdair took her hand and kissed the back of it.

  Her lips curved into a soft smile and Dallis let out a long sigh. “I sincerely care for ye.”

  Voices sounded and Dallis s
natched her hand away. She whirled and hurried around the corner back to the festivities.

  The evening meal came. Thankfully only the Sinclair clan remained. It was the first time in many days the hall was not as full, and the mood was subdued. It was as if everyone relaxed by the way the murmur of soft conversations and soft chuckles filled the room.

  Alasdair sat at the guard’s table with Niven and waited for a maid to bring food. Meanwhile one came and placed tankards down in front of them. At the high board the laird spoke to his wife, his son sitting on his left. Guiles’ attention remained on his intended, who’d had stayed behind for a season.

  Dallis was seated next to her mother, her face devoid of expression. Whatever decision the laird was making had obviously not been announced and no one had any idea of the outcome.

  The meal continued and it was as if the air became thicker as more time passed. Surely the man would put him out of his misery soon.

  “Ye look as if in pain,” a guard next to him said. “Did Niven pierce yer stomach today?”

  The other guards laughed, and Alasdair glared at them. “No, but he did get a wee bit scared at one point.”

  “When exactly was that?” Niven replied, resting an elbow on the table.

  They continued the banter, which Alasdair was grateful for.

  “An announcement.” Niven motioned to the high board. Alasdair’s stomach dipped and he turned to find that the laird stood with tankard in hand.

  Laird Sinclair’s eyes moved across the room. “I thank our people for their loyalty in following me into a future in which we will stand united with two other clans under one flag. The Sinclair colors will continue to be ours, although we have sworn fealty to the Robertson.”

  Tankards and glasses were raised. People murmured in agreement.

  The laird looked across the room. “By joining in marriage with the Gordon, this means we will be stronger in our bonds with the clans we are united with. Anything that happened in the past between the clans will be forgiven as now we are one.”