Highland Sanctuary (28 page)

Serena rubbed her eyes. Every muscle in her body felt like a heavy stone. When she tried to sit up, she might as well have been hauling logs across the bed. She brushed her tangled hair from her face.

"We shouldn't involve more people. Gavin, I don't wish yer family to resent me. Helping me could ruin their reputation and cause people to choose sides," Serena said.

"Ye're more important than our family reputation. Besides, ye don't have a choice." Gavin leaned over her. "The bishop will have to act when he receives Father Kendrick's request. Yer fits will become so well-known that people will take sides regardless. Ye'll need some people with power to speak up for ye. I intend to make sure ye get whatever support we can gather."

"Will yer family and clan have that much influence?" Evelina asked, her voice hopeful.

"I'm not certain, but we must try. When Doreen comes with yer meal, ask for some parchment paper with quill and ink. I'll not only write to my da, but I'll also write to my sister's husband, Bryce MacPhearson. He's chieftain of the MacPhearson Clan. They both have favor with the King."

"Verra few have any favor with King James the Third," Evelina said. "Yer family has achieved a rare feat, indeed."

"True. The King isn't known for his compassion or justice, but he does reward loyalty at times." Gavin paused at the foot of the bed. "I need to ask ye both about a specific cave in the village. Does it exist?"

This was the last question Serena expected from Gavin. She glanced at her mother for a sign of how to answer.

"How did ye hear about the cave?" Evelina asked.

"I overheard the earl's men trying to trick Quinn into telling them the location. Beacon arrived before he could give it away." Gavin leaned his knuckles on the bed. "I saw the two of ye exchange a look when I asked ye about it. I need ye to be honest with me. Does this cave exist? If so, could we use it as a hiding place for Serena?"

"Nay!" The single word escaped her lips before she could stop it. The idea of being stuck in that cold, dark place where she couldn't easily come and go filled her with fear. Wouldn't she be better off here in Iain MacBraigh's protection?

"So it does exist!" Gavin leaned forward, his expression intense. "It could be the perfect place to hide until I can form a plan to get ye home to MacKenzie land." Gavin paced again. He snapped his fingers, whirling. "What's in that cave to make the earl seek it out?"

"Mayhap he's only curious about it," Evelina said, shrugging.

"I think it's more than that. I suspect that cave has something to do with the strange things that have been going on in the village, only I canna prove it yet."

"What I'd like to know is how the earl even knows about the cave," Serena said.

"More important than the cave, I want to figure out a way to save Serena. How much time do we have before the bishop sends an exorcist?" Evelina shifted and adjusted the cover.

"I'll meet with Iain to find out what I can about the process. Then I plan to go to the village to see if anyone has any ideas." Gavin strode to the door and turned to meet Serena's gaze. "I'll do my best."

G
avin paused at the sight of a guard stationed outside Serena's door. The man stood with his back against the wall and his arms crossed over his chest. He eyed Gavin, his jaw set at a superior angle.

This new situation would make it harder for him to escape with Serena. Gavin nodded in greeting and strolled away, keeping his steps steady. He didn't want to do anything to raise the guard's suspicion.

Voices echoed from Iain's study. Gavin knocked on the door and was granted entrance. Inside, Iain and Father Kendrick sat in wide-wooden chairs with embroidered cushions facing each other. Both men looked up with expectant gazes in Gavin's direction.

"Serena is now awake. She's calm and herself again. Her mither is keeping her company." Gavin forced himself to maintain a casual tone that wouldn't be mistaken as a challenge. "I noticed the new guard outside their door."

Iain sipped from his goblet and glared at Father Kendrick over the rim. His silence surprised Gavin, but he refused to be alarmed. Iain may still lend his support on Serena's behalf. All Gavin had to do was remain patient, hope and pray God would give him the right words to turn things around in Serena's favor.

"It's unfortunate," Father Kendrick said, "but I insisted on a guard for Serena's own well-being. These things are unpredictable. I didn't want to take a chance."

Gavin strolled further into the room and swallowed. He felt like pacing, but kept his feet planted and his hands at his sides. "I promised I'd stop by for a visit on the morrow. I'd like to keep my word." He raised an eyebrow, waiting to see if his request would be denied.

"Since she's possessed, I'm concerned that the demon could try to transfer to others," Father Kendrick said.

"I've been around her twice now during a fit and have seen no evidence of such things," Gavin said. "I'm sticking to what Father Tomas has thought all these years. I believe she has a condition in the body, not a demon."

"Well, ye've no knowledge of spiritual matters. I understand yer point of view, but I happen to know better." Father Kendrick paused, tapping his chin. "Mayhap this is why everyone in that village is so strange."

"I'm not sure what to believe," Iain said. "I agree that caution must be exercised on Serena's behalf, but I'm not in favor of making her a prisoner here in her new home." Iain pointed at Gavin. "Ye may visit her if ye choose. I don't wish to deprive her of company as well."

"Thank ye." Gavin bowed his head in a slight nod. He glanced at Father Kendrick to see if the man begrudged Gavin's triumph in their small battle of wills, but he showed no sign of it. His expression remained the same.

The mention of company brought Lady Fiona to mind. She'd claimed to be here as a friend to Serena, but she had turned against Serena at the first opportunity. Gavin wasn't fooled. What did the woman want? "Where's Lady Fiona?" he asked.

"She excused herself to her chamber," Iain said. "I believe she mentioned something about writing her da."

No doubt to inform the earl of Serena's latest fit. Then he knew why Fiona was there. She had been sent by her father as a spy. But why? Did they think Fiona could earn Serena's friendship and trust in order to learn the cave's location?

"I presume ye've already written to the bishop and someone will arrive in a fortnight?" Gavin asked Father Kendrick.

"Indeed, I took the liberty of sending one of the servants with a message. The sooner this matter is settled, the better." Father Kendrick crossed his ankle over a knee and adjusted his robe. "About a month ago, I heard that an exorcist was visiting the nearby shire of Wick. With divine assistance, the clergy may reach him before he leaves the area."

A wave of fear dashed across Gavin's flesh, raising the hairs on his neck and arms. They wouldn't have much time to come up with a plan. He'd have to send a messenger to his father and Bryce. His mind raced, grasping at fleeting ideas.
Lord, help me help her.

"When did ye do this?" Iain stared at Father Kendrick, tight-lipped. Gavin had to commend Iain, he contained his anger well.

"After ye and Gavin carried Serena to her chamber," Father Kendrick said.

Iain set down his goblet and linked his fingers. "Gavin, ye may have a seat and join us. No need to stand." Iain nodded toward an empty chair.

"Thank ye, but I need to visit the barracks." Gavin glanced from Iain to Father Kendrick. "Father Tomas will be by in the morn to check on Evelina's burns. He may want to see Serena as well."

Gavin turned and strode from the room. After stopping by to visit with Leith and Craig to update them, Gavin set out on Sholto for the village.

As he approached the site of the new kirk, he reined in Sholto. All the villagers bowed on their knees. Kyla was the first to see him. She stood and walked toward him. Without a word, he raised an eyebrow in question.

She raised up on her tiptoes. "In times of a crisis, we fast and pray as a whole," Kyla whispered, glancing back at the bent heads. "This is how we fight our battles."

The realization of what she meant blazed against Gavin's chest like a flaming torch. Humbled, he swallowed. He had been mentally tormented trying to figure out a plan to save Serena. Other than the day he had prayed upon the cliff, when else had he bothered to pray? Fasting never crossed his mind, not that he truly understood the purpose in it, but right now he'd try anything. Not since his sister's kidnapping years ago had he felt so helpless. In the end, God had made everything all right. Why couldn't he trust that things would be fine this time?

A restless burden raged in his heart, distressing him and robbing him of peace. This wasn't a battle he could ride into and claim victory with a sword. The enemy was invisible, but real.

"We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and darkness,"
Father Mike's words came from a childhood memory. Strange how the right scripture sometimes came to mind when he most needed it.

"May I join ye?" Gavin bent toward Kyla.

A fortnight passed as Serena adjusted to the changes in her life. Father Kendrick only allowed Gavin, Father Tomas, or himself to accompany her outside the chamber. He claimed it was for her safety, but she knew the truth. He wanted further evidence to condemn her. Whenever she occupied her chamber, a guard was stationed outside her door and all through the night.

She couldn't even take consolation in her work as she wasn't allowed to be around the other servants, lest she transfer a demon. Serena considered reading, but it gave her a headache. She had never had so much idle time. At least she and her mother kept each other company.

Unlike Gavin, Iain had not repeated his wish to wed her. His reaction to her secret had been as she'd imagined—distant and uncertain.

Serena fastened her mother's veil around her head. The black netting hid her healing scars well. They continued to apply the salve, hoping for the best.

"I think it will do us both good to stroll about the courtyard and take the fresh air," Serena said.

"I've never considered myself a vain woman, but the idea of people seeing me look so hideous turns my stomach." Evelina touched her middle as if she were already ill. "This way, no one is uncomfortable."

Serena opened the door and gasped as booted footsteps charged down the hall like an army of knights. She peeked around the corner and caught a glimpse of Iain and Father Kendrick hurrying to keep up with two men who resembled warriors on the frontline of battle. They wore grim expressions, as their sheathed swords rattled against their sides. Their broad shoulders were wide enough to discourage the average man, let alone two defenseless women.

Where was Father Tomas? He usually visited about this time of day.

She stepped back and braced for their entrance. With Gavin away, she could only assume they were here for her.

"What is it?" her mother asked, stepping closer, and laying a hand on Serena's shoulder.

"I don't know," Serena whispered, looping her arm around her mother's. Footsteps drew nearer and Serena's throat went dry.

"Gentlemen, please allow me to break the news," Iain said.

A few moments later, he appeared, wearing a scarlet, purple, and dark blue plaid draped over his shoulder. His mustache had been trimmed, but his red eyes spoke of little rest. Surprise flickered in his eyes at seeing the door open and Serena and Evelina waiting.

"Were ye expecting us?" he asked, glancing uneasily at the men behind him.

"Not at all. Mither is feeling better and we thought to take a walk in the courtyard when Father Tomas arrived," Serena said. She forced a smile as she met each man's gaze, willing her nerves to remain calm.

Father Kendrick stepped forward. "Serena, I've heard from the local bishop. He was able to reach the exorcist with a message before he left the area. He's agreed to come to St. Gilbert's Cathedral to meet ye and work to set ye free."

"Who are these men then?" She gestured toward the large men with their muscled arms crossed over their chests.

"They were sent by the town's magistrate to escort ye. Be assured ye've naught to fear as long as ye come peacefully."

"What if she wishes to stay here in Iain's care?" Her mother tightened her grip on Serena's arm, refusing to let go. She swung her attention from Father Kendrick to Iain, who dropped his gaze to his feet.

Alarm rose in Serena as goose pimples forced a shiver throughout her body. If Iain wouldn't look her in the eyes, then guilt plagued him for a reason.

"I'm afraid she doesn't have a choice." Father Kendrick addressed Evelina. The men behind him stepped closer, their presence a demanding threat. He turned to Serena. "As soon as Devlin Broderwick delivers ye, these men will escort ye back here."

"Devlin?" Her mother whispered, her grip on Serena faltered. She swayed.

"Mither?" Serena reached for her, but she slipped through her grasp. "Nay!"

Iain rushed to her, his arm slipping around her back. "I've got ye." He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

Serena followed, bending toward her mother. "We need to call Tomas. Please." She pulled the veil back and brushed her mother's hair off her forehead. Familiar green eyes blinked.

"I'm fine. Just a weak moment is all. Mayhap I tried to go out too early." Evelina's voice didn't sound as solid as before, but she laid a hand over Serena's.

"Ye know I'll take care of her," Iain said.

"I'm not leaving her," Serena wrinkled her brows, a low determined tone passing through her tight lips.

"Ye must, Serena. Ye're expected at St. Gilbert's Cathedral and we canna detain Devlin Broderwick longer than necessary. Too many people need him in other places," Father Kendrick said.