Highland Barbarian (Highlander Series) (8 page)

Meredith followed her from the room and made her way to the great room, where the rumble of masculine voices alerted her that the others were already assembled.

She took a seat between Brice and Jamie and accepted food from the servants in silence.

Beside her, Brice cleared his throat. Odd. When they were alone, he had no trouble conversing with her. Now that they were with the others he felt the old awkwardness returning.

“You look lovely,” he murmured in a voice meant for her alone.

“Thank you, my lord. I would like to go to the scullery later to thank Mistress Snow.”

“I will take you myself.”

They continued to eat while the conversation swirled around them. There was talk of the queen’s visit, which led to a discourse on the scandalous marriage feast the queen had given her brother, James and his wife. The guests had openly danced, knowing they violated the laws of the kirk. The discussion then turned to the latest invasion of the Borders by English troops.

Beside Meredith, Jamie fidgeted. He had heard the whispers and rumors this morrow. Brice had banished Holden Mackay from the castle. Some said the lady had seduced poor Holden, while others whispered that Holden had forced himself on her. No matter what the truth of the rumors, Jamie was unnerved by them. He had witnessed glimpses of Holden’s cruel vengeance. He would not wish to endure the man’s wrath.

He glanced uneasily at the beautiful creature beside him. Though he was only ten and two, he was already as tall as she. And stronger, he suspected, risking a quick glance at the delicate hand resting beside her plate.

She was very quiet this morrow. But since her arrival he had heard her say very little. Her voice was unusual: deeper in timbre than most females, and as whispery soft as a lullaby. It was the voice he imagined his mother would have had, if he could but recall his mother who had died when he was a bairn.

Meredith sensed the scrutiny of the lad beside her and turned to give him a shy smile. He returned the smile before coloring and turning away quickly.

It mattered not to Jamie what the others whispered about the lady. He knew in his heart that she would never attempt to seduce a man like Holden. To Jamie, Meredith MacAlpin embodied all that was good and fine and noble.

No one mentioned the absence of Holden Mackay, and Meredith fretted that word of her attack had already been whispered about the castle. She frowned and quickly dismissed such thoughts. She would not dwell on somber things.

After their meal, she followed Brice from the great hall and through the maze of dimly lit passageways to the scullery.

The air was thick with the aroma of fresh bread baking in the ovens. A small deer was slowly roasting on a spit, in preparation for the evening meal. Servants were busy fetching buckets of water, while more servants scurried about, scrubbing, cleaning, cutting and preparing.

“Mistress Snow,” Brice called.

A small, thin woman looked up from a floured table where she was kneading dough. Seeing the lord of the manor she quickly wiped her hands on a linen square and hurried forward.

Her dress of pale pink was covered by a soiled apron. She touched the end of the apron to her brow as she walked. Dark hair was pulled back from a pretty oval face. Little tendrils of hair clung damply to her forehead and cheeks. Blue eyes danced with laughter as she studied the way her best gown looked on the beautiful woman beside Brice Campbell.

“Lady Meredith MacAlpin came to thank you for the use of your gown.”

“It looks far more beautiful on you, my lady, than it ever did on me,” she said with a slight bow.

Brice took a moment to study Meredith while she faced the young servant. Indeed she did look beautiful in the heather gown. But it was the exchange between Meredith and his servant that he found most fascinating.

Meredith caught Mistress Snow’s hands in hers, ignoring the dusting of flour that clung to her skin. “It was very kind of you to entrust me with the use of your gown. I shall find a way to repay your kindness.”

“I desire nothing of you, my lady. It is enough to know that you are pleased with my simple gown.”

“I am more than pleased. I am most grateful. Thank you, Mistress Snow.”

As they turned away, Brice was aware that the entire staff of servants had watched and listened to this exchange. It was a rare thing to see a highborn woman who would take the time to thank a servant for a kindness.

When they left the scullery they were aware of someone who appeared to be waiting for them. Brice’s hand went to the dirk at his waist. Meredith’s hand leaped to her throat in a gesture of distress.

Angus Gordon stepped from the shadows and put a hand to Meredith’s arm to stop her.

“My lady,” Angus said, his face turning a bright scarlet. “Forgive my boldness for approaching you in this manner. But I must beg your forgiveness for leaving my post last night. I am shamed by my lapse of duties.”

Now it was Meredith’s turn to blush. The young man seemed truly contrite.

“It was not your fault, Angus,” she said, avoiding his eyes.

“Aye, but it was.” Angus took a step closer, forcing her to look up at him. “Brice had ordered me to guard you. I ignored his orders, and allowed harm to come to you. If Brice had not returned, I shudder to think what would have happened to you at the hands of that coward, Holden Mackay.”

“It is forgotten,” she said in a tone that left no question of her feeling. “I would ask only that you never mention the name Holden Mackay again.”

Angus bowed slightly over her hand. “As you say, my lady. The man no longer exists.”

She shivered as Angus accompanied them along the hall. If only Angus’s words were true. But the fact was that somewhere in the forest surrounding Kinloch House, Holden Mackay dwelled. And in his heart he could very well be nursing anger and a desire for revenge.

If she ever managed to escape this fortress, there would be another danger added to the elements. A man who would show her no mercy.

I
n the courtyard a dozen horses were being readied for a journey. But though the men awaiting Brice were familiar to Meredith, they were no longer dressed like Highlanders. Instead of being bare legged, they wore trews, the long hose of the Lowland clans. Many wore breeches, as did Brice, and shirts of gray and dun instead of saffron. The colorful belted plaids they usually wore had been exchanged for simple wool cloaks. All the men wore daggers fastened to their belts. Most carried swords and had longbows slung over their shoulders. But though they were dressed in the garb of the Lowlanders, nothing could hide the fierce pride or the rawboned strength of these Highland warriors.

“You are leaving with your men?”

“Aye.”

Brice saw the fear that leaped into Meredith’s eyes. “Would Holden Mackay dare to return while you are away?”

His eyes narrowed. “This fortress is nearly impenetrable. But to assure the safety of those inside, I leave a dozen men capable of withstanding any attack.”

At his words of reassurance she took in a long, steadying breath. “Where do you go?”

“We ride to the Borders.”

“Then you must take me home.”

He saw the eagerness in her eyes and wished he did not have to be the one to dash her hopes. “Nay, my lady. We ride on a mission of revenge.”

Her heart sank once more. “Gareth MacKenzie.”

“Aye.” He draped the cloak across his shoulders at a rakish angle and pulled himself into the saddle. “When the MacKenzie is dead I will return you to your people.”

“And if you die instead?”

“Would that please you, my lady?”

When she remained silent he gave her a rare, heart-stopping smile. “If I oblige you by being killed, I would suppose the MacKenzie would come for you. That is,” he said with a sweep of his plumed hat, “if he still desires to align your two clans.”

“He will come for me,” she called.

But Brice did not hear her words above the clatter of hooves. Or if he did, he chose not to answer.

“Jamie,” he called to the lad who watched their preparations from the doorway. “I leave the lady Meredith in your care until I return.”

The boy’s cheeks flamed until they matched the color of his hair. “Aye, Brice. I’ll see to her.”

With shouts of eagerness the men whipped their horses into a run. Within minutes they had disappeared into the surrounding forest.

~ ~ ~

Meredith sat by the window watching the path of a shooting star. How strange life was. So often, when she got what she had wished for, it turned out to be not at all what she wanted.

She had wished for Brice to leave her alone long enough so that she could slip into the forest and make her way back home. But now that Brice had finally left her, she was unable to leave. Someone now lurked in the forest beyond Kinloch House who wished her even greater harm than could befall her at the hands of Brice.

And so she sat, alone and lonely.

Lonely? She did not miss Brice Campbell, she told herself firmly. How could she miss the quick temper, the cold, dark looks? Why would she care about the absence of the low, taunting voice, the occasional burst of teasing laughter?

At a knock on the door she looked up. Jamie MacDonald stood poised in the doorway. At his feet were several of Brice’s hounds.

“Come in, Jamie,” she called.

He took a step in and glanced about uneasily. He had never had occasion to enter a lady’s room before. The hounds, following his lead, proceeded cautiously.

“I—wanted to see if you needed anything, my lady.” His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down with each halting word.

Meredith smiled. “How kind of you, Jamie. I was just sitting here feeling lonely. I would treasure your company for a little while.” She indicated a chair pulled before the fire. “Sit awhile.”

He crossed the room and perched on the edge like a bird ready for flight. The hounds circled the room before settling at his feet.

“What do you do while Brice and the others are away?” she asked.

“I help in the stables, and sometimes go with the men who keep watch along the trails.”

“What do they keep watch for?”

“Surprise visitors,” he said with a trace of a smile.

Meredith was reminded of another’s smile. “Do you miss Brice Campbell when he is away?”

“Aye. Kinloch House is never quiet when Brice is in residence. But when he goes away, it is as if everyone lies sleeping, waiting for Brice to awaken them.”

What an oddly accurate description, she thought.

“And the hounds? Do they switch loyalties when their master is away?”

Jamie reached a hand to the head of one of the dogs. Instantly the dog sat up and rested his chin on the boy’s knee, staring sorrowfully into his eyes.

“Nay. The hounds follow me and allow me to pet them. But they leave no doubt as to their loyalty. They love only Brice Campbell. As do I,” he added fiercely.

Meredith was moved by his simple statement.

“Cara told me how you came to live here. Do you miss your home in the Lowlands?”

Jamie shook his head slowly. “I no longer remember it, my lady. I was but a babe when my father and I came here.”

“Do you not feel disloyal to your clan when you swear allegiance to a Highlander?”

Jamie stood and crossed to the window where he stared in silence for several minutes. When at last he spoke, his voice was as soft as a night breeze.

“I know that it could have been Brice’s arrow that slew my father. And I know here,” he said, touching a finger to his temple, “that I should avenge my father’s death. But here,” he said, touching a hand to his heart, “I know only that Brice gave me shelter when I had none. He gave me food and clothing, and has taught me to read, to chart the stars, to ride and handle a weapon like a warrior. When he scolds me, I know it is because he expects me to grow to be a man of honor. And when he praises me, my heart swells with pride. Though I am a MacDonald from the Lowlands, Brice Campbell is my father now. I would do nothing to dishonor him.”

With a lump in her throat Meredith crossed the room and touched a hand to Jamie’s shoulder. “I have a little sister,” she said softly, “named Megan. She is near your age. And much like you.”

“A sister?” Jamie tried to picture a younger, smaller version of the woman beside him.

“Aye. Two sisters, in fact. Brenna, with dark hair and eyes to match the heather. She is a gentle girl who would never harm a living creature. And Megan,” Meredith said with a laugh that bubbled forth just thinking about the child. “She is fair as the sun and as wild and free as the breezes that blow off the river.”

Meredith stared at the darkness beyond the window, knowing that Jamie’s loneliness was as acute as her own. “Sit and tell me about your life here,” she said.

He smiled and followed her back to the chair. He couldn’t think of any place he would rather be at this moment than right here, in the company of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

They talked and laughed for nearly an hour before looking up at a knock on the door.

Cara entered, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits.

“Mistress Snow thought you might be hungry.” The serving girl placed the tray on a low table in front of the fire.

“When the men ride to the Borders,” Meredith asked softly, “how long do they usually travel?”

“Oh, my lady, it could be days. There’s no telling how long they’ll stay away this time.”

Days. Meredith’s heart fell. She glanced at Jamie and saw that he, too, was dismayed. As she poured two cups of tea she had a thought. “Is there cloth here at Kinloch House? Enough for a gown?”

“Aye, my lady. There is fine cloth in the storehouse.”

Meredith smiled suddenly. “Tomorrow, Cara, after we break our fast, I would like Jamie to show me the storehouse.”

“But why, my lady?”

Her smile grew. “I owe Mistress Snow a gown. There is no better time to start than now.”

“And when you tire of sewing,” Jamie said with a wide smile, “I shall be happy to show you the stables. Brice said I can handle the horses as well as any of his men.”

“I would like that.”

Together Meredith and Jamie passed another pleasant hour before they bid good-night. And when at last Meredith drifted off to sleep, she felt more relaxed than she had at any time since her shocking abduction.

~ ~ ~

The line of mourners stretched around the manor house and up the lane for as far as the eye could see.

An old man, slightly stooped, with a walking stick in his hand, joined the crowd and moved slowly toward the house. A rough, shapeless cloak fell from his shoulders to his ankles. When someone in front of him asked his name, the old man cupped a hand to his ear and strained to understand the question.

“He’s likely from the MacKenzie clan,” one of the women called from behind him. “With Gareth MacKenzie spending so much time on MacAlpin land these days, the MacKenzie clansmen are everywhere. So many strangers,” she complained. “There was a time when we knew everyone who passed us on the lane.”

“What do you expect?” cried a thin youth. “With old Duncan MacAlpin and two wee lasses the only ones left to lead the clan, the MacKenzies have a free rein in MacAlpin affairs.”

“Aye,” another responded. “First Alastair, and then Meredith. Both were born leaders. But the younger lasses have not the heart for it. And Duncan is a beaten man.”

The crowd moved along and the old man struggled to keep up. Those around him, intent upon their gossip, ignored him.

“Some say old Duncan and Mary will never be the same now.” A plump woman with a baby at her hip spoke to the crowd.

“Aye. The murder of an only grandson is too hard to bear,” said a ruddy-cheeked man.

“Especially since Duncan’s son, William and his wife, Margaret, can have no more bairns.” It was a young, pretty woman speaking. Her coloring was similar to Meredith’s, since they were distant cousins. “Young William was the light of their lives.”

“Aye. Especially Duncan’s. He doted on the lad. He and Mary had depended upon young William to help with the chores.” An old woman lowered her voice slightly as she addressed those around her. “Gareth MacKenzie himself witnessed the murder of poor William. When he tried to stop them from beating the lad, he took a dirk in the arm from one of them.”

“Something must be done to stop the killing.”

The crowd murmured its approval.

“Aye,” said the ruddy-cheeked man, “And from what I’ve heard, something will be done.”

“What have you heard, man?”

“Gareth MacKenzie is planning to lead an army against the man who would murder even children in his lust for power.”

“The filthy, murdering coward,” someone in the crowd spat.

“Aye. Brice Campbell must be stopped before he manages to kill the entire MacAlpin clan.”

At that the shabby old man stopped in his tracks. Then, keeping his head bowed, he plodded slowly along with the others. When they reached the manor house he studied the faces of the crowd, nodding occasionally when his gaze met that of someone familiar, partially hidden beneath similarly shabby attire.

As they passed the simple wooden casket, the old man paused to study the lad who was being mourned. Young William, grandson of Duncan and Mary MacAlpin, dead at the tender age of ten and five. On either side of the casket stood the parents and grandparents, as well as the three pretty granddaughters who were openly sobbing.

Beside them were two young lasses who stood together, heads high, hands linked. The old man paused to study them carefully. Though their coloring was distinctly different, he knew them to be sisters. The younger sisters of Meredith MacAlpin.

The older of the two, with coal-black hair and eyes more violet than blue, stared above the crowd, drawing into herself to keep from feeling the pain. The other, with hair the color of the sun, eagerly scanned the faces in the crowd as though expecting at any moment to see the one she sought.

Meredith, the old man thought, noting the intensity of the gaze. The younger one had not yet accepted what the older one knew to be fact: that Meredith was not free to return to them in their time of need.

The old man’s eyes narrowed as he noted Gareth MacKenzie standing just behind the two lasses. Around him were a dozen or more of his most trusted men, all of them bearing arms.

As always, Gareth set himself up in a position of importance and made certain that the crowd of mourners heard every lurid detail of the lad’s murder.

“’Twas Brice Campbell,” he said loudly. “And at least two dozen of his cowardly men. I saw and heard everything. They asked the lad’s name, then began beating him with their fists.”

“Dear God, stop.” Duncan dropped an arm about his wife’s shoulders as she started to cry.

“When was this?” the shabbily dressed old man asked in a voice that quavered with age.

“On the day before last,” Gareth said. “I leaped from my horse and tried to go to the lad’s aid, but one of the cowards plunged his dirk into my arm while another held me down and took my knife.”

“’Twas Gareth’s weapon they used on my William,” Duncan said through trembling, lips. “It was found, caked with dried blood, beside his body.”

Gareth continued his story, eager to feed the crowd’s appetite for gossip. “When the lad was no more than a bloody heap, they let me go.”

“Odd they did not kill you as well,” the shabby old man said haltingly. “Why would you suppose they let you live?”

Gareth shot a cold stare in the direction of the speaker, then shrugged off his comment as being unworthy of a response. The shabby old stranger was probably just another of the MacAlpin clan. Gareth’s voice rose. “I call on all men of goodwill, be they MacKenzie or MacAlpin clan. It is time to show the Highland Barbarian, Brice Campbell, that he can no longer murder our young and helpless and then hide in the forests yonder. He captured your leader, Meredith MacAlpin, and holds her captive in his Highland fortress. Who knows what unspeakable things are being done to her this very day.”

Out of the corner of his eye the old man saw the two lasses tighten their grips on each other’s hands. Neither made a sound. Neither showed any sign of emotion, except for a tightening of their mouths.