Highlander Lord of Fire

by Donna Fletcher

Snow placed a gentle hand over his. “About a week will at least give us a clue and after a month I should know for sure. I hope it is so. I want to make many bairns with you and have them fill our home with love and laughter, but…”

  Tarass watched the joy fade from his wife’s face and knew her thought. “Your da.”

  She nodded. “I want to tell you without any doubt that my da had nothing to do with your parents’ death, and I can say without a doubt that the da I knew well would never have done that…”

  Tarass heard another but without her saying it. He also heard the conflict in her voice, and he remained silent knowing it was difficult for her to continue.

  “My da changed when his mind illness grew worse and he did things—” she paused, biting her lower lip to stop it from trembling. It didn’t help. “He did things I never expected him to do. So while I can say with certainty that when he was lucid he would never have done something so horrific, but when he was someone I don’t think even he, himself, knew,”—she shook her head—“I can’t be sure and that breaks my heart.” She buried her face against Tarass’s chest and let her tears fall.

  It broke Tarass’s heart to see his wife cry and continue to suffer over her da’s illness that had left her with a father that had been barely recognizable to her.

  He held her and spoke gently, though his words held weight. “Angus Macardle was a good, fair man. That was what my da had said often about your father. My da was good at determining a man’s nature and from what I recall about your da, I believe my father was right about him.”

  Snow sniffled as her tears subsided. “Do you recall what my da and your da argued about?”

  “I only recall that your da was agitated about something when he arrived and he demanded my da not do something. Before your da said anymore, my da sent me from the room and I hoped to listen from outside the door but my mum was there and she chased me away.”

  “Maybe Willow would know something about it. She and my da talked often, and he relied on her after our mum died. Maybe we could visit them once the snow permits it.”

  “We’ll see,” he said, concerned with all that was going on that it might not be wise to travel just yet.

  A rap at the door had Tarass bidding Nettle to enter. He didn’t, however, expect Rannock to follow her in.

  “What now, Rannock?” Tarass asked, annoyed at being disturbed.

  “Abbot Bennett claims he’s isn’t feeling well enough to travel,” Rannock said. “He insists on shelter for the night.”

  “That is not going to happen,” Tarass said and with a finger to his wife’s chin, gently turned her head to face him. “I will get rid of them and return here before you finish your brew.”

  “Please be sure to make them leave. I fear their presence will only bring more problems,” Snow said, then kissed her husband’s lips lightly. An excited ripple raced through her when his lips suddenly were partially visible to her, fuzzy, but visible.

  Once her husband was gone, Snow turned and was pleased to see Nettle had a more defined shape to her gray blur. Could her sight actually be improving? She felt such joy at the possibility, especially now with a chance of her being with child. She would be so grateful to be able to look upon her bairn’s face when he or she was born.

  Nausea rose up to roil her stomach once again. Not as bad as before when she fainted, but enough to make her feel unwell.

  “You pale, m’lady. Do you not feel well?” Nettle asked, concerned.

  “My stomach churns again.”

  “Perhaps it’s a bit of food you need.”

  Snow’s stomach didn’t recoil at the thought of food. “It’s worth a try, Nettle.”

  Nettle was barely out the door when Snow got out of bed. Thaw was quick to rush to her side, letting her know he was there to help.

  She slipped on her shoes, she kept by the bed, and made her way to the chair near the hearth. She had no intention of staying in bed. She felt much too vulnerable there and she already felt vulnerable enough with the Abbot and Lord Polwarth still in the keep.

  Thaw’s paws were suddenly on her thighs and she leaned over and gave him a kiss and a rub. She startled when his dark eyes came into focus.

  Please. Please let it be so that my sight is returning.

  She didn’t dare say it aloud for fear of somehow chasing it away. Instead, she gave Thaw another kiss and looked more closely at his face, blurry but visible to her.

  “You’re a handsome one and you’re getting so big.” She smiled.

  After she lavished him with kisses, rubs, and praise, Thaw curled up by her feet for a nap.

  Snow hugged herself, not for warmth but out of sheer happiness. She never thought she’d be as happy as she was now. Even with all the problems facing her and Tarass, she still felt a sense of joy and most of all hope.

  Thaw jumped up suddenly and started growling.

  Snow followed suit, standing and listening. Thaw’s growl meant one thing.

  Someone approached he didn’t like or he felt was a threat to Snow.

  “You cannot expect me to leave when I’m not feeling well,” Abbot Bennett said, sitting at a table in the Great Hall with a tankard of ale in hand.

  “I don’t care how you feel, Abbot Bennett, you’re not welcome in my home. You will take your leave with Lord Polwarth and never return here,” Tarass ordered, the strength of his command leaving no doubt he meant it.

  “Your father would have never been so rude,” Abbot Bennett sneered.

  Tarass slapped his hands down on the table right in front of Abbot Bennett. “My father wasn’t a heathen… I am. And I’ll show you just how much of a heathen I am if you don’t get your arse off that bench and leave.”

  Abbot Bennett’s eyes grew as round as full moons and he drew his head back, his mouth falling open and his lips moving, though failing to find words.

  “If you make me repeat myself, I’m going to reach across this table, drag you over it, and toss you out on your arse,” Tarass warned.

  Abbot Bennett stood and raised his hand, pointing a finger at Tarass.

  Tarass straightened to his full height and glared at the Abbot. “Shake that finger at me and you’ll be leaving here with nine fingers, maybe less if you continue to annoy me.”

  Abbot Bennett immediately dropped his hand to his side. “You’ll rue the day you disrespected me.”

  Tarass walked around the table, Abbot Bennett backing up as he did, but not fast enough. Tarass reached out and grabbed him, the Abbot wincing as his hand closed like a shackle around his upper arm.

  “Listen well, Abbot,” Tarass said, forcing the man to keep step with him as he rushed him toward the door. “Threaten me or dare to bring harm to my clan and you will know a wrath like nothing you have ever seen. Try to take my wife from me—” Tarass stopped abruptly, the Abbot cringing as Tarass’s hand squeezed his arm so hard the pain brought tears to the Abbot’s eyes. “And I will see you die a slow, agonizing death. On that you have my word.”

  The Abbot paled and Tarass’s abrupt steps had the Abbot stumbling alongside him to keep up.

  Tarass didn’t bother to ask Rannock if the horses waited outside for the Abbot and his entourage, he knew they would be there. He all but dragged the Abbot down the steps to the shock of the clerics waiting by their horses.

  One wide glance had Tarass turning to Rannock. “Where’s Lord Polwarth?”

  “He was here a short time ago,” Rannock said, looking around as well.

  The Abbot cringed in terror when Tarass grabbed him by the throat. “Where is he?”

  “I-I-I don’t kn-know,” Abbot Bennett struggled to say.

  “Liar!” Tarass screamed and tightened his grip on the Abbot’s neck. “Rannock, alert the warriors.”

  Rannock let out a vicious roar that sounded as if it echoed through the village, when actually his roar was echoed by others and suddenly men and women poured out of their homes weapons in hand, ready to battle.

  “Tell me w
here Lord Polwarth has gone?” Tarass demanded again as the Abbot began to turn red and struggle for breath. Tarass loosened his grip when he saw that the man fought to speak.

  In between gasps, the Abbot said, “He only wants to save her soul.”

  Tarass let out a roar that sounded as if it came from the depths of hell itself and shoved the Abbot so hard that he tumbled to the ground.

  “Let no one leave the village,” Rannock yelled out and rushed up the stairs behind Tarass.

  “Is someone there?” Snow called out when Thaw’s growls grew stronger.

  “It’s only me, Snow,” Lord Polwarth said, entering through the open door.

  Fear sent gooseflesh rushing over Snow, even more so when she caught more than one shape enter the room.

  “You have no right to be here in my private chambers,” she scolded, keeping her voice strong, though she trembled inside.

  Thaw keep guard in front of Snow, his snarl warning not to approach.

  “Your father would not want this for you, Snow,” Lord Polwarth said and took a step toward her.

  Thaw jumped forward snapping and growling, warning him to stay away.

  “I don’t want to harm your dog but if I must—”

  “Harm Thaw, Lord Polwarth, and I will see you dead,” Snow threatened with a snarl that matched Thaw’s.

  “I’m only trying to help you. Do what’s best for you as your father would want.”

  Snow caught the anger in his voice even though he managed to keep his tone calm. She also realized he referred constantly to her da and what he believed her da would think best for her.

  “I don’t believe you knew my da as well as you claim to,” she said.

  “Of course, I did. We were good friends,” Lord Polwarth insisted.

  “If what you claim is true, then you would know my da would be happy that I found love.”

  “There is no time to discuss this now. Later, when you’re safe at my home, we can talk about it,” Lord Polwarth said.

  “I’m not going anywhere with you,” Snow said, fighting the fear that was growing ever stronger in her.

  Thaw’s growls and snarls increased, sensing her distress.

  “If you don’t want any harm to come to your pup, I’d advise you to come with me,” Lord Polwarth warned.

  Snow was shocked that he threatened to harm Thaw when he knew how much she loved the pup. He was nothing like the man she thought he was, which meant she had to be careful and do whatever she needed to keep Thaw safe.

  “It’s all right, Thaw. All is good,” she said, keeping her voice light.

  Thaw stopped snarling, but his growl remained low as he sat, leaning against her leg.

  “You’ll come with me quietly and all will be well,” Lord Polwarth instructed.

  Snow had little choice, if she didn’t want Thaw harmed.

  “I have your cloak,” Lord Polwarth said and approached her.

  Thaw jumped at the man, his teeth bared and snarling viciously.

  Snow was quick to scoop the pup up, worried he sensed her fear, and soothed him as best she could. “It’s all right, Thaw.”

  Thaw calmed some, but growled as Lord Polwarth placed the cloak over Snow’s shoulders.

  Snow startled when Lord Polwarth took her by the arm and Thaw snapped at him. She warned Thaw again. “No, Thaw. It’s all right. I’m all right.”

  When they reached the door Polwarth stopped. “Leave Thaw here. When all is settled, I’ll send for him.”

  Snow knew he lied to her and she knew Tarass would come for her. So it was easy for her to comply, though it did nothing to alleviate her fright.

  “Once you all leave the room, I’ll put him down and shut the door,” Snow said and heard one of the other men urging Lord Polwarth to hurry. Taking no chances Thaw would be hurt, she hurried to set Thaw down and whispered as she did, “Find me when free.”

  Thaw’s barking started as soon as she shut the door on him.

  Lord Polwarth took her arm again, and she was surprised when he took her to the room she had claimed as her solar.

  “We need to hurry,” someone said.

  Snow was suddenly tugged forward and surprised to see an outline of a narrow opening in the wall. She was shoved through it, a musty odor assaulting her, and with someone close in front of her and someone close behind her, she was led precariously down the narrow stairs.

  She thought of one thing with each step she took.

  Tarass would rescue her.

  Chapter 28

  Tarass sped up the stairs, his heart pounding madly in his chest. When he heard Thaw’s frantic barks, he took the steps three at a time. It was Thaw’s soulful howl that made Tarass realize that Snow was gone before he reached the bedchamber door and threw it open.

  “Find Snow, Thaw!” Tarass commanded as soon as he and the dog’s eyes met.

  Thaw took off and Tarass raced after him, Rannock keeping pace behind them both.

  Both men were puzzled when Thaw brought them to Snow’s solar and went to a section of one of the walls and began barking.

  “The secret passage,” Tarass said, shocked and wondered how Polwarth would know about it. “I know where it comes out. Let’s go get Snow, Thaw.”

  The pup didn’t hesitate; he followed after Tarass. Once outside, Tarass bolted for the back of the keep, Thaw staying right beside him, and as he rounded the one corner he saw the hidden door open. A man hurried out, tossing a torch to a pile of snow, the fizzled flame sending black smoke wafting into the air. His wife tumbled out behind the man, and Lord Polwarth grabbed her arm to stop her from landing face first in the snow.

  Tarass let out a terrifying roar that his mum’s people would use when going into battle and that never failed to have the bravest of men cowering. It didn’t fail this time either. The two men with Lord Polwarth ran like the devil was after them, but Polwarth kept hold of Snow.

  Thaw bolted past Tarass and launched himself at Polwarth.

  Tarass didn’t stop him.

  Snow’s eyes had difficulty adjusting to the change in light. She thought she saw Tarass running toward her, but there were so many gray blurs behind the larger one she couldn’t be sure. However, she was sure of the small gray blur that headed straight for her. It was Thaw.

  Thaw might have grown some, but he was still a pup and when Snow felt Polwarth lift his leg to give Thaw a harsh kick and stop him from attacking, instinct had Snow reacting.

  She swerved around and his leg caught her in the knee and sent her tumbling to the ground with such force that her arm was ripped out of his hand.

  Thaw immediately dropped down beside her, trying to get his nose under her face that was buried in the snow.

  Fury and fear gripped Tarass and while he wanted to go after a fleeing Lord Polwarth, he was more desperate to see to his wife.

  “Get him!” Tarass yelled, knowing Rannock and his warriors were coming up behind him.

  They rushed past him as he dropped to the ground beside his wife and gently turned her over to lift in his arms. He was surprised and relieved when she started brushing away the snow that had stuck to her face, Thaw’s tongue helping her.

  “I’m good, go after Polwarth,” she urged.

  “No need, Rannock and my warriors will get him and the other two,” Tarass said. “Besides, if I leave you, you’ll just get yourself into more trouble.”

  “If I did, you would rescue me like you always do,” Snow said with a tender hand to her husband’s cheek.

  “Aye, wife, always,” Tarass said and turned so that his lips kissed the palm of her hand and Snow shivered.

  “Let’s get you into the keep and get you warm,” Tarass said, standing and carrying her around to the front of the keep and groaned when he saw Abbot Bennett and his clerics shivering in the cold as six of his warriors stood guard over them. “Inside, you have much to explain. Your men as well, before they freeze to death,” Tarass said as he walked past them.

  “Thank the Lord you
r unharmed, m’lady,” Nettle said when the couple entered the Great Hall.

  “I suffered a bit of fright but no harm, Nettle,” Snow acknowledged, hearing the worry in her voice.

  Tarass’s anger surged, learning she had been frightened and he hadn’t been there to prevent her terrifying ordeal.

  Nettle looked to Lord Tarass as she spoke to Snow. “Has this ordeal worsened your churning stomach, m’lady?”

  Tarass was pleased that Nettle alerted him to the matter and acknowledged her with a nod.

  “I had no time to think about it, but now that you asked, it seems to have settled,” Snow said.

  “Perhaps some food and a hot brew will keep it that way,” Nettle suggested.

  “A good idea, Nettle, and tell Maude there are guests to be fed,” Tarass said and placed his wife on her feet.

  “And please take Thaw with you and get him a treat,” Snow said and went to bend down to give Thaw a hug and kiss and let him know how brave he’d been. As soon as she moved, a pain shot through her knee and if Tarass hadn’t snatched her up in his arms, she would have tumbled to the floor.

  Thaw whined and followed Tarass and waited while he lowered Snow to a bench at one of the tables in front of the fireplace, then the pup sat beside her and whined as if he shared Snow’s pain.

  Nettle hurried around the table to the bench to see if she could help and gasped when Tarass lifted Snow’s tunic and shift and she saw the deep bruise covering her knee.

  “That bad?” Snow asked.

  “I’m going to kill him,” Tarass mumbled.

  A cacophony of raised voices had Tarass and Snow’s heads turning as the door opened.

  “We got them,” Rannock called out, escorting Lord Polwarth in with a firm hand to his arm.

  “Shackle Lord Polwarth and the two men that helped him and have the warriors keep watch over Abbot Bennett and his men. I’ll let you know when I wish to speak with them,” Tarass said and once again lifted his wife in his arms.

  “Nettle, fetch Runa and bring her to my solar. Thaw, follow me,” Tarass ordered.

  Snow sighed with relief after her husband settled her in a chair near the hearth and placed her foot on a small stool to ease the pain in her knee. She wrapped the shawl around her, Tarass had ordered a servant to bring her, tucking it high around her neck.