Highland Pride

by Dana D'Angelo

  Kila’s heart ached for Isabel. She recalled the lass sitting on the raised platform like a miniature lady, her movements well-mannered and deliberate. It was obvious that she was given education on proper etiquette. She had no siblings or friends, so the lass was forced to conform to the demands of her station. Kila’s childhood, on the other hand, was more carefree. Her older siblings took on the responsibilities of the castle, leaving her and Ewan, the younger ones, to explore the fortress, and get into all sorts of trouble.

  A sudden inspiration struck Kila. “I have a present for ye.” She pulled out the hairbrush that she had bought earlier.

  The lass stared at her outstretched hand.

  “Go on, take it,” she said gently. “I bought it for myself, but I think ye might make better use of it.”

  Still, Isabel hesitated, and she looked briefly at William as if she required his permission to receive the gift. At her father’s nod, she slowly reached for the hairbrush.

  When she held it in her small hand, she studied the carved images on the wooden grip. A small smile touched her lips.

  “What are they?” she asked quietly.

  “These spirits are called brownies. See here?” she bent and traced the artwork with her finger. “The creatures like tae toil while everyone is asleep. When the people wake up, they’ll find that many of their chores are completed.”

  “I thought spirits are evil,” she said, her brows furrowed.

  “Nay, these spirits are neither guid nor evil, but having brownies in a home is a boon. Their presence actually ensures prosperity,” she explained. “The house owner is expected to give an offering such as a bowl of cream or porridge, and leave it by the hearth. They dislike lazy servants, and will often punish them by pinching them in their sleep. Woe is the owner who offends a brownie, for it might leave the home, and take prosperity away with it.”

  “Do ye think brownies live in the keep?” she asked, her voice filling with concern.

  “I wouldnae ken,” Kila said. “As far as I understand, they’re invisible tae the average person.”

  “If they did live in the keep, they must be gone now,” she said. “My grandmother often says the servants are lazy and dinnae do their chores.”

  At first, Kila didn’t know how to respond to her revelation. But then she decided to stick to a safe topic, and recount what she could remember about the household spirits.

  “How do ye ken sae much about brownies?” Isabel asked after Kila revealed all she knew.

  The question was filled with childlike wonder, and Kila laughed because this was how she felt every time she read about magical creatures.

  “I learned about them in my Scottish myths and legends book,” she said. “I also hear stories at various ceilidhs. I’ll tell ye more about the fae later.”

  “I would like that.”

  Isabel pressed her palms together and looked up at her with a shy expression on her pretty face. She then bent and offered the hound another pat. The dog released a happy bark, and his mistress giggled in response.

  Kila found a twig on the ground and offered it to the lass. “Toss the stick, and it will chase after it.”

  Isabel obediently threw the stick, and the hound raced to retrieve it. Kila grinned at seeing the two friends engaged with each other. But then she sensed William watching her. He stood a couple of feet away, and when she turned, she caught his gaze. Somehow she felt drawn to him. Not wanting to fight the urge, she went to him.

  “I’m certain Isabel could spend hours with that mongrel,” she said.

  “She played with it often it before it got banished from the castle.”

  “This explains why they still get along sae well,” she said, smiling at the duo.

  The dog was wagging its tail, waiting for the lass to throw the stick. Isabel obliged and threw the broken branch over and over again.

  “Ye are guid with the lass.” William looked at her as if he couldn’t decide what to make of her. “Isabel disnae take tae strangers, so I thank ye for being kind tae her.”

  “’Tis my pleasure,” she said warmly. “I’m sure that ‘tis quite stifling inside the castle.”

  “Tell me, why are ye here?” he asked. “Ye dinnae say ye were planning tae visit the village.”

  “I came here tae buy some trinkets for my family. But dinnae fear, I’m nae alone. Iagan brought me here.”

  “He did?” William asked, a note of disapproval entering his voice. He looked around as if he was trying to locate his cousin. “Ye are a visitor here, and I dinnae want anything tae happen tae ye. Where is Iagan now?”

  “I’m nae certain,” she said, hesitating slightly. She didn’t want Iagan to get into trouble with William. After all, Iagan was doing her a favor by bringing her here to make purchases. “I believe he went tae speak with a friend. I’m supposed tae meet him here by the well afterward.”

  There was a dangerous glint in his eyes. “He shoundnae have left ye alone.”

  “I’m fine,” she said, brushing away his concern. “There is still daylight, and I dinnae think any hazards are lurking anywhere in the market.”

  “There are hazards,” he said, contradicting her. “We have concerns with outlaws on this land, and ‘tis not ideal for a lassie tae be wandering on her own, even if ‘tis still broad daylight.”

  William’s revelation made her slightly nervous. Her own brothers were very protective and didn’t allow her and her sister to leave the main tower because of this reason. Outlaws were intent to rob innocent folk, and they weren’t opposed to harming their victims for a few coins. She cast a quick look around her, hoping to locate Iagan. To her relief, she saw him sauntering toward the well.

  “Och, there he is,” she said.

  Kila raised her hand to wave at Iagan, but he wasn’t looking at her. Instead, his attention was trained on William. She wasn’t certain whether she imagined things, but it seemed that he appeared displeased at seeing her unexpected company. On the surface, the two men appeared civil to one another, although underneath a simmering tension seemed to exist between them.

  But then as Iagan came closer, the expression on his face eased, and he looked like his affable self. Suddenly, she began to doubt herself. Perhaps she had imagined the look of distaste a moment ago.

  “I dinnae ken ye were coming tae the village,” Iagan said to William when he came within earshot.

  “’Twas nae something I announced at supper.”

  The conversation seemed normal enough except she sensed the tension again. And it was growing. Kila intuitively understood that if they continued to be in each other’s presence, they were likely to brawl. She grew up in a home that consisted mostly of brothers, and she knew about male aggression.

  Kila looked around her and saw that there were bairns and elderly folk wandering in the town square. If a skirmish ensued, these innocent people might get hurt.

  “If ye dinnae mind, I would like tae leave,” she said.

  “I’ll escort ye home,” William said grimly.

  “There is nay need,” Iagan said. “I’ll take Kila back tae the castle since I was the one who brought her here. Let’s go.” Without looking at his cousin, he grabbed her arm.

  “Wait,” she said, pulling away from his grip. “Let me at least say farewell tae the lass.”

  When Isabel saw Kila walking toward her, the wary expression on her face diminished.

  “I’ll tell ye a new story at another time,” Kila said, bending down until she was level with the bairn. “Would ye like that?”

  She nodded eagerly.

  Kila laughed and patted her softly on the cheek. “All right, I’ll see ye at supper then.”

  As they started to stroll back through the market, Iagan went back to his jovial self and acted as if the incident at the well hadn’t occurred.

  Kila glanced back to find William watching them with a disapproving look still etched on his countenance. But then he turned back to his daughter. The lass dropped her stick and
seemed disappointed that her father wanted her to leave. However, she didn’t put up a fight. The two of them silently walked away and disappeared into the crowd.

  A few more minutes later, after Kila passed a couple of stands, she noticed a stall that was set up outside an apothecary shop.

  “If ye dinnae mind, I’d like tae look at some of the dried herbs before we return tae the tower,” she said.

  “Why would ye want tae browse smelly leaves?” he asked, wrinkling his nose.

  “My brother’s wife is always looking for new medicinal plants for her healing work,” she said.

  “Ye can go ahead. I’ll wait here,” he said.

  She nodded and hurried to the table, knowing that he might soon lose his patience, and leave without her. As Kila examined the different dried herbs that were on display, she noticed some that she didn’t recognize. Likely the vegetation was local to the area, and Darra would appreciate having new herbs to include in her healing arsenal.

  At the moment the merchant was dealing with an elderly woman, and Kila waited patiently for her turn. The man was showing the woman plant matter and describing the medicinal properties of each. He expressed extensive knowledge of the roots and plants. As Kila listened, she concluded that her sister-in-law would be impressed by this man.

  “I cannae afford your prices,” the woman complained after the seller revealed the cost. “The amount ye are charging is the same as highway robbery.”

  “If ye want it for pain, then ye will have tae pay for it.” The seller took the dried herbs back and placed them on the table. “This plant isnae easy tae come by. It has tae be specially picked and prepared by me.”

  The older woman made a sound of disbelief, causing Kila to glance her way. As she studied the shopper, her brow creased. She had seen this person before. In a flash, Kila recalled that this was the servant who had spilled broth on her gown. The woman had been rather unpleasant, and Kila didn’t like to be reminded of her first night at the castle. She began to move farther down the table.

  But then the servant’s tone changed. “Please, my grandson needs this medication,” she said, desperation starting to creep into her voice. “I only have two coins. Will ye nae find it in your heart tae just let me have it?”

  He frowned at the coins in her palm. “If I give away my herbs tae everyone who needs it, how do ye expect me tae support my family?”

  “Ye have a black heart!” she said.

  Frustrated and angry, the servant turned away. It was obvious that she desperately needed the medication; however, she didn’t have the funds to pay for it.

  “Wait,” Kila said to the woman.

  She glanced quickly at her, and her eyes narrowed slightly when she recognized her. There was a combination of puzzlement and irritability on her lined visage. She gave her head a shake and then picked up her pace.

  Kila hurried after her and touched her sleeve. “Please.”

  The woman slowed her steps. “What do ye want?” she snapped.

  But Kila realized her irritation wasn’t directed at her, and she ignored her churlish tone. “I want tae help ye,” she said.

  The annoyance in her face fell. “Ye want tae help me?”

  Kila nodded and led her back to the booth. “I overheard that ye need medication for your grandson.” She nodded to the merchant and offered him the coins from her pouch. His eyes lit up at seeing the money. “I’ll take all that this woman requires.”

  The seller quickly gathered the dried plants and gave it to her. In turn, she offered it to the older woman.

  “Please accept this,” she said.

  The servant reluctantly accepted the gift, although she appeared slightly confused. “Why are ye doing this?”

  “I want tae help ye. In my clan, this is what we do. We support others in need.”

  The woman held the dried herbs tightly in one fist. The displeasure was now gone from her face and was replaced by a sheepish and apologetic expression. She reached for Kila’s hand and squeezed it. “Bless your heart, mistress.”

  Chapter 13

  A week had gone by, and Kila was starting to get used to the castle routines. She was actually enjoying her visit.

  “Ye are spending a lot of time with Iagan,” Alys said casually as she brushed Kila’s hair.

  “He’s verra winsome,” she said, smiling. “I like spending time with him. He’s everything that I imagine in a man. Lately, he has become my unofficial guide. And just today, he showed me the grounds and told me more about the history, and the type of people who live here.”

  “I think he must have feelings for ye.”

  “Ye do?” she asked, liking the idea. “Of all the years I lived at Tancraig Castle, I have never met anyone as charming or as wonderful as Iagan.” She plopped her elbows on the dresser and stared dreamily into the looking glass. He was especially attentive to her, and just by being with him, he made her feel beautiful. In addition to that, she could easily imagine a life with him. “He’s the perfect man. I wonder why our paths have never crossed.”

  “Though several years older, William MacTyrnell is a braw man too,” Alys pointed out. Admiration crept in her voice as she continued to talk about the chief. “He’s a fine catch for any lass, I’m sure. Alas, he would never look at me since I’m only a servant. But ye, on the other hand, have caught his eye. I’ve seen him look at ye. Are ye certain that ye dinnae want tae marry him?”

  Kila’s smile froze at the mention of the chieftain. For a moment, the image of the dark Highlander floated in her mind’s eye. He certainly was handsome, but he was unpredictable. The man rarely showed much emotion, and she couldn’t bring herself to trust a man who hid his feelings. He often seemed distracted. And the only time she witnessed a softer side to him was when she encountered him in the village. At that time, he appeared vulnerable, especially when he tried to engage with his young daughter. Her heart broke when she witnessed his struggle. He cared for his daughter, yet he had no idea how to connect with her.

  “I dinnae ken much about him, but Iagan tells me that the MacTyrnell is vengeful. On top of that, he disnae adequately govern the people. A clan needs a strong man who could guide the group. I’m nae certain why he’s the chief when his cousin would make a much better leader.”

  “Are ye certain that William MacTyrnell isnae a strong chief? He seems tae have excellent relations with his clansmen,” Alys pointed out. “If a leader is incompetent, I’m sure he wouldnae have the support of his kinsmen.”

  Kila twisted her lips as she digested the truth of her words. And as much as she tried to stop it, a twinge of doubt wormed its way into her mind. She had only been at Domlainn Castle for a short while, and she didn’t know how this clan operated. There was a chance she misjudged William. But then she dismissed the thought from her mind. Supper would be ready soon, and she looked forward to seeing Iagan again.

  ***

  Before supper, William went to check on the horses. The stablemaster had told him that one of the animals was ill, and he was determined to figure out what caused the sickness. Utmost in his mind was knowing that if he left this issue alone, the disease might spread to the other mounts. And this wasn’t something he could risk. If their mode of transportation were compromised, their position would be weakened if they ever came under attack. Healthy steeds gave them an edge. To lose that advantage would bring potential suffering to the clan.

  When he reached the stable, he spent long hours with the stablemaster, however by the end of it, he still had no solutions. His only option was to go back to the stable tomorrow and decide whether the steed could be saved.

  With those troubling thoughts occupying his mind, William returned to the castle. He had just enough time to clean up before he joined his kin for the last meal of the day. The night had become cooler, and even though the servants kept the fire roaring in the fireplace, the cold air still managed to seep through the stone walls.

  An hour later, supper finished, and half the clan members re
tired to their quarters. The other half remained in the great room. To the left of him, a small cluster of men played chess. And at the center table, a group held boisterous conversations over ale, whisky, and women. William probably should have sought his bed, especially after such a long day. But for some reason, he didn’t want to turn in just yet. Likely there was a dark-haired lass that caused him to linger. Though he spoke quietly to Grant, he was somehow aware of the bonnie lass and what she was doing. Every time he heard the tinkle of her laugh, he was tempted to look her way.

  But William knew that he wasn’t the only one mesmerized by her loveliness. In the past week, he had noticed how enamored his men were toward the MacGregon lass. Half his men who weren’t in relationships watched her with longing and admiration. His cousin especially made a fool of himself in her presence. But it was easy to see why. Certainly, Kila was beautiful on the outside, but another sort of beauty seemed to shine from within.

  Iagan jumped out of his seat. “I’ll recite a poem,” he said, his voice echoing in the chamber.

  “Och, I adore poems,” Kila said, pressing her hands to her chest.

  As William’s cousin stood, he began to perform a nonsensical rhyme that he probably just made up. Iagan had a natural flair in theatrics and seemed always to say the right things at the right time.

  His cousin finished the recital and gave a low bow while Kila clapped enthusiastically.

  “How can anyone possibly like this rubbish?” William said, unable to hold back his criticism.

  “’Tis nae rubbish,” she said, her lush lips curving into a frown.

  “I have tae agree with the MacTyrnell,” Ewan said. “’Tis useless. But ye willnae be able tae change Kila’s mind. Her thoughts are always in the clouds thinking about the fae, or about love.”

  “The fae disnae exist,” William said. “And the flowery words of love my cousin spouts are all fantasy.”