My Highlander: A Cree & Dawn Novel, page 8
Ann was quick to speak this time. “I know little about him. She kept him a secret.”
“Why?”
“He told her to.”
Again Cree asked, “Why?”
“I do not know. Lara told me it was not safe for her to say, but in time all would be known and all would see how much he loved her. I told her she was being foolish. That she should not trust him.” Ann shook her head. “I am ashamed to say I began to believe it all a tale, that there was no handsome man whose garments were of the finest cloth. So one day I followed her. I caught a glimpse of him. He was wickedly handsome and his garments were of the finest cloth, but,” — she shivered— “he had an evil grin. I warned her not to return to him, but she told me I was jealous and she spoke of him no more to me.”
“Did you tell Lara that you saw the man?”
“I did and that was when she told me I was jealous of her.”
“Do you know if she told this man that you saw him?” Cree asked.
“I do not believe she did. She got angry with me when I told her, saying that if he knew someone had followed her, then he would not trust her anymore.”
“You should have come to me with this when Lara first told you of this man,” Cree said with a harshness that brought fresh tears to the young woman’s eyes.
“I thought it a harmless tale. When I heard that Lara was responsible for what happened to Lady Dawn, I feared I would be blamed, having known she was meeting someone in the woods. Please, my lord, forgive my foolishness,” Ann begged.
“Did she continue to meet this man after Dawn was believed lost?”
“That I do not know. She never spoke of him again, though she did grow more and more solemn after Lady Dawn disappeared. I thought nothing of it since the whole village had grown solemn as well. Again, my lord, I beg your forgiveness.”
“It was your duty to report this man hiding in the woods to Sloan or me. I will not abide duty being ignored or the excuse that fear stopped you. You should have feared more what I would do to you than your friend losing her lover. You will spend two days in the stock.”
Ann paled worse than before. She had seen what had happened to Dorrie when placed in the stock. The villagers had thrown all sorts of rotted food at her and had spat on her.
Cree signaled one of his warriors with the snap of his hand. “Have this woman put in the stock for two days.”
“What is happening here?” Elsa asked, upon hearing Cree’s decree as she stepped out of the cottage. “Ann has harmed no one and I am in need of her. She is my only helper.”
Cree turned a scowl on Elsa. “Her punishment could be far worse and I will hear no more from you.”
“As you say, my lord,” Elsa said, aware that she had already said too much.
Cree took strong strides to the keep, then stopped suddenly. He turned with hastened steps to make his way to the stocks. A crowd had formed, curious whispers circling the area as Ann’s neck and wrists were secured in the stocks.
Silence took hold of the crowd as soon as Cree stepped forward. He stood tall, his shoulders back, his chest more powerful with muscle than it had ever been and his demeanor as commanding as ever.
“Ann chose to keep a secret of Lara’s, not thinking it may have helped in finding Dawn when she had gone missing or to find Lara when she had disappeared. Her punishment is two days in the stock. It could have been far worse, but since she had the courage to finally tell me, I saw fit to lessen her punishment. You will not throw garbage at her or spit on her or you will join her in the stocks. Ann may have delayed coming to me, but in the end she did tell me what she knew. For that, I commend her. If you know something, even think you may know something, talk with Sloan or seek me out.”
Cree turned and walked to the keep not expecting anyone to step forward and speak. They would all think on his words, then seek out Sloan if they thought they had something to share. They were too fearful to come to him.
“You will wait for me,” Cree said to Henry his tracker as he passed through the Great Hall to his solar. Once he entered the room, he looked to the messenger weary from travel. “What word have you for me?”
Chapter 8
Dawn woke with a small stretch and turned to see Beast, his chin resting on the bed and a whispery whine coming from him. He needed to go out, which meant no one had seen to his care since he had been left with the twins.
With another stretch, Dawn got out of bed, feeling much refreshed. She had to remember that her body still needed to heal and a nap helped with that. It took a moment for her to recall what had brought her to her bedchamber… a pain and a faint.
She patted Beast’s head and patted her chest and pointed to the door, letting him know they would be leaving the room.
Beast danced around in circles, his happy dance that he let only her see.
She slipped on her boots and would have lingered to tend her braid, far too many strands falling loose, but decided not to delay. Beast looked far too anxious to go out.
When Beast finished outside, she would return and see to the twins, but right now she hurried through the Great Hall, greeting Henry with a smile and a nod as she rushed through the room and out the door. Beast took off as soon as his feet hit the keep steps.
It was then she remembered Lara. How could she have forgotten? But then the nap had left her feeling peaceful, content as she once had felt. Now, however, with Lara on her mind, that peace turned to troublesome thoughts. She made her way to Elsa’s cottage, hoping she could talk with Lara.
Dawn was surprised to find Lara alone and one look made her think death had claimed the young woman. Guilt had her saying a prayer over Lara. There had been enough suffering, it was time for it to end.
Lara’s eyes suddenly opened and when she caught sight of Dawn, her eyes spread wide. “Sor-ry,” She struggled to speak or was it that she struggled for breath? “Fool. Never loved me. Please forgive…”
Dawn found her heart going out to the woman, struggling with every breath to beg forgiveness. Lara had realized her mistake too late and that mistake had cost her dearly, but then her poor choice had brought heartache and troubling times to many.
Lara continued to struggle for breath while her eyes continued to beg for forgiveness.
Forgiveness came easy to Dawn and yet she stood looking down at Lara with a heavy and not so forgiving heart. The last three months had been like a living hell that she would not soon, if ever, forget. However, she was home, reunited with her family, all those who loved her, and Lara was dying.
Dawn reached out and gently took her hand and smiled.
“You,” —Lara coughed, blood dribbling from her mouth— “forgive me.”
Dawn nodded, feeling her heart swell with sadness for the woman and glad to realize that she did actually forgive her.
Lara tried to smile, but she coughed, more blood spilling from her mouth and she gripped Dawn’s hand tightly and mumbled something.
It took Dawn a moment to understand what Lara had said.
Frightened.
Dawn perched herself on the edge of the bed, keeping hold of Lara’s hand, and rested her other hand on the young woman’s chest, then on her own and back on Lara’s chest once again, letting her know that she was there with her. That she was not alone.
Lara struggled to speak, but Dawn shook her head, letting her know it was not necessary, and brought their clutched hands to rest against her chest so Lara would know she was there and all was forgiven.
It was not long before Lara took her last breath, her hand going limp in Dawn’s and a tear trickled down her cheek.
“You have a good and forgiving soul.”
Dawn shut her eyes against the tears that had gathered there before she opened them, then laid Lara’s lifeless hand on her chest and stood to turn to Elsa.
“Lara was very sorry for what she had done,” Elsa said, tears in her own eyes.
Dawn nodded and wiped at the few tears that spilled free.
Elsa wiped her own tears away and straightened her shoulders, her chin going up. “I have a favor to ask of you.”
Cree entered his solar to find the young messenger enjoying a tankard of ale with Sloan.
“What news do you have for me?” Cree asked, though it sounded more of a demand.
The messenger, not more than ten and four years, put his tankard down, and gave a respectful bob of his head. “I am Evin of the Clan MacLoon, Lord Cree. I have come with a request from Chieftain Walsh. He is concerned with the Clan Macardle. Chieftain Angus Macardle claims that a good portion of MacLoon land actually belongs to him and he has demanded the land be returned to his rule or he will claim all of MacLoon land and the clan with it.”
Cree had helped the Clan MacLoon many years ago when his life had consisted of nothing but endless battles, and the stench of blood and death were everyday odors. Chieftain Walsh MacLoon was a good and honorable man, his clan not large, but proud and resilient. They had pledged their fealty years ago to the neighboring Clan MacFiere or as the powerful chieftain was known… Tighearna an Teine.
Lord of Fire.
When Cree had come upon the Clan MacLoon, there had been barely a handful of the neighboring Clan MacFiere left. He had been told that the Lord of Fire had left on a mission. It had not been long after that that his wife and son left and little by little the Clan MacFiere had dwindled. What went on there now, Cree did not know, though rumors had circulated that an illness had claimed the last few occupants of the MacFiere clan and fear kept the curious away from what many now believed a haunted place.
“Chieftain Walsh MacLoon has appreciated the help you have given us in the past and requests your help in keeping the clan safe against the Clan Macardle and says he will pledge his fealty to you.”
“Castle MacFiere still remains empty?” Cree asked.
“Aye, my lord.” Evin nodded and his thin frame shivered. “It’s a frightening place, sitting there on the hill, as if staring down on all around it, brooding and waiting for its chieftain’s return.”
“This land that Macardle claims belongs to the Lord of Fire, has it ever been in dispute before?” Cree asked.
Evin shook his head. “No, my lord, it has always been MacLoon land. Chieftain Walsh MacLoon believes Angus Macardle looks for an excuse to battle and take possession not only of the Clan MacLoon and our land, but of the MacFiere castle and land as well.”
While Cree had no desire to return to battle, he would not abandon the small MacLoon clan and their honorable chieftain.
“I will have a troop of warriors return with you and see your clan protected. I will also send along a missive to Angus Macardle and let him know that if he intends to battle with the Clan MacLoon he will also battle with me as well,” Cree said and went to the door, opened it, and barely got Flanna’s name out when the woman appeared. “See that this young man is fed and has a place to rest.”
“Aye, my lord,” Flanna said.
“The Clan MacLoon is most grateful to you, Lord Cree,” Evin said his young face alit with relief as he gave a respectful bob before following Flanna.
Cree went and filled a tankard with ale and turned to Sloan. “I wonder what goes on with Angus Macardle that he should suddenly want to war with his neighboring clan.”
“It’s been what four or five years now since the MacFiere castle has been deserted?” Sloan asked, trying to recall. “Perhaps he feels this is his chance to gain more power in the area.”
“Closer to six years I believe. Why now, though? Angus is not a young man and he has three daughters that are of marriageable age. Why not marry one of them to a MacLoon and unite the two clans? I recall meeting one of his three daughters. I believe her name was Willow.”
“I recall some talk about her. She is the eldest of the three sisters,” Sloan said and a quick smile appeared. “I also recall someone saying that her mum gave her daughters names to impart their nature on them. Willow was named after the willow tree that bends and sways and adapts to whatever must be weathered.”
“So there is a good chance she will be a dutiful and uncomplaining lass. Traits that make for a good wife. Why would Angus not wed his eldest daughter to a MacLoon and settle this feud easily? Something does not seem right. We need to learn more.” He took a swig of ale. “Send Tannin with a troop of warriors to accompany Evin home. That will make Angus Macardle think twice before he does anything. Also Tannin will deliver a message to Angus from me. Ready the troop to leave tomorrow.”
Sloan left to see Cree’s orders carried out.
Cree downed his ale and went to the Great Hall to speak with Henry.
“Tell me about finding Lara,” Cree said and motioned for Henry to sit when he stood as he joined him at the table.
“I came upon her by accident, my lord. I had picked up signs of a trail, to the east of the village and was following it when I found Lara. From what I could see, she had been crawling. I believe she was trying to make her way back to the village. I thought she was dead and when I turned her over, she looked upon me with fright and was about to crawl away when she recognized me. She spoke only one word. “Home.”
Knowing Henry well, Cree said, “You followed her trail after returning her here?”
Henry nodded. “I did but it ended abruptly almost as if the person realized he had left a trail and began covering it.”
“You did well, Henry,” Cree said.
“Thank you, my lord,” Henry said with a nod. “One other thing, I have been backtracking, thinking on the day Lara had claimed Lady Dawn had fallen in the stream. The area she had pointed us to and also where I found Lara had spots that have no sentinels. Lara must have alerted this person to where our sentinels patrol.”
Cree’s scowl surfaced. “That will change today. You will also speak with Ann. She followed Lara one day. You can see if that is another area that lacks sentinels.”
“Aye, my lord,” Henry said.
“Ann is in the stocks for not telling me what she knew. Go and speak with her. I will join you there after I see to Lady Dawn.” Cree stood.
“Lady Dawn?” Henry asked, appearing confused.
“Aye, she is resting.”
Henry looked doubtful about speaking.
“Say what you will,” Cree ordered.
“Lady Dawn passed through the Great Hall a while ago.”
Cree shook his head, though a smile crept up to tease the corners of his mouth. His wife was healing well, her having ignored his orders to rest attesting to that. He turned to go find her just as the door opened and she entered, Beast at her side. Her presence surprised him. He had thought he would find her freeing Ann.
Henry hurried out of the hall as Cree approached his wife. Dawn was taller than most women and there were times after first meeting her that her posture had been that of most servants, head bent and body drawn in so as not to call attention to themselves. And he could well understand why, since she was more vulnerable than others, having no voice.
No more, though. She had gained courage and confidence in the two years they had been together, not that she never possessed either. It took enormous courage to face the world with no voice and she did it with tremendous confidence and a smile. So seeing her now, her head bent, her shoulders slumped, alarmed him. Something weighed heavily upon her and she had been through enough that she should carry another burden.
Even Beast worried over her, turning his head up to glance at her often as they slowly made their way toward Cree.
Cree did not wait. He went to his wife, his arm going around her waist, and placed a kiss on her brow.
Lara. Dead. She mouthed.
He tried to find it in him to feel some sympathy but he could not. “Lara had caused much grief and pain and also was the making of her own tragic tale. Say a prayer for her if you will, but do not let her death burden you. Come, we will sit and share a hot brew and you will tell me what else weighs heavily upon you.”
She cast a faint smile on him. He knew her far too well. She gave no protest as he eased her along to a table to sit.
“A hot brew,” he called out to a servant who had entered the hall and was about to take her leave, looking as if she did not want to disturb the pair.
She nodded and scurried off.
Beast kept close to Dawn, lying near to where she sat, his head on his paws and his eyes fixed on her.
“Tell me what troubles you,” Cree said, slipping in beside her on the bench and wishing he could take hold of her hand, but she needed her hands to speak with him, and he needed to comfort her. He moved closer, their shoulders touching, and she slumped against him. His arm went around her. “Tell me,” he urged again.
Dawn was not in a rush to speak with her husband. She was relishing his warmth and strength. She needed it. She had missed it. But she needed to share her concern. She reluctantly and slowly sat up straight and gestured being locked in the stocks.
“This is about Ann’s punishment?” he asked.
Dawn nodded.
“Her punishment could have been far worse,” he said and, thinking his wife too soft-hearted, since he assumed she was going to ask him to free the woman.
Dawn nodded again and mouthed Elsa and pointed to him.
“Did Elsa ask you to speak to me about Ann?”
Dawn tapped his arm once.
“Elsa should not have involved you. Ann is suffering far less than she deserves to and my word is law. I will not change the punishment.”
Dawn nodded and patted her chest.
“You agree with me?” he asked surprised by her response.
She nodded again.
“Then what troubles you?”
Dawn’s hands began to move and she lost the battle of trying not to cry, tears gathering in her eyes.
Cree had come to know her gestures and it had become easier to understand her, more so when she moved her hands slowly as she did now. The problem was what she was telling him.
He interrupted her. “Are you telling me that a rope was placed around your neck and your captives led you along by it?”
