Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (15 page)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Juliana dreamt about the illusions that had plagued her since childhood. She was a small child, running in the dark to find mama. In her dream, her father was hurting her mama.
‘Mama,’
she cried in her sleep. She ran across the chamber to help, but her father struck her. Her head hit something hard and she couldn’t see. Everything went black, but she heard his yelling and their struggle—then nothing but blackness.

A shadowy face loomed above, which she couldn’t see clearly. Angrily, the voice spoke, ‘
You will never leave the tower, ye shall die there.’
The voice’s laughter resounded. She was pulled by guards and shoved into a cell, her hands clutching the cold iron bars, screaming,
‘Please, I beg ye. Don’t leave me here.’

Julianna flew off the bed, breathing hard, and shaking. Dreaming, she was only dreaming. She often had the dream and knew what her father had done.

“Oh, Mama, I couldn’t help ye.”

She tried to clear the horrid dream from her mind. Usually the dream only came when she was overly tired, but after receiving the message from the king, she supposed scenes from that horrible night would haunt her sleep.

Julianna prayed, “God, please don’t let it come to that, don’t let him find me.”

She went to the basin and rubbed water on her face. Her mind numbed from all the anxiety. “I must get out of here before I go mad.”

It wasn’t too early to rise, since dawn lurked beyond the gray shadows in the distance. Sara was nowhere to be found, and Julianna had searched the entire downstairs. She considered that Sara must still be in her chamber, probably taking care of her babe. The day called to her. Exiting the keep, she noticed the drizzle, but decided to take her walk anyway. Seeing a copse of trees in the distance through the gate, she went to look for ingredients to make soap. She walked a great stretch to the woods, not bothering to keep track of how far she traveled. As she picked a few weeds that grew in a patch between the trees, a noise drew her attention. Dropping the weeds, she turned to search for it and tucked herself behind a tree.

Edging her way around the tree trunk, she saw four men in the distance. They weren’t of the clan KirkConnell, so she leaned forward to hear their words. Their voices echoed.

“Horace, I tell ye I saw her come in these woods.”

“Where the hell is she?”

“Keep looking. The lord said to bring her back and we shall. I don’t like being in Scotland. These savages will cut our throats in our sleep.”

“Cease complaining, Briggs. We’ll find the girl soon.”

“We should have some fun with ‘er first. Ye saw how comely she is. The lord didn’t say we couldn’t.”

“We’ll decide when we find her.”

Julianna waited until the men disappeared before she turned back toward the keep. She walked and walked, yet couldn’t find her way. Sitting on a rock, she tried to gain a sense as to where she was. The rain fell heavily now. Placing her plaid over her head, she looked around for familiarity. The tree in front of her seemed familiar, but mayhap not. Hours passed; it had to be past noon hour. Why had no one come for her? Of course, she hadn’t told anyone where she went. Realizing her blunder, she prayed, “I promise to tell someone where I’m going, if you’ll get me out of here, God.”

Yellow eyes shone from the brush, making her rise and hurry away. It was getting darker. The eyes followed along when she moved through the forest. “Please, someone find me.”

The beast suddenly charged from under the brush. Shrieking, she ran to a large crag, crawled on top of it, and looked at the wild boar below. “Be gone! Get.” The beast didn’t move, but waited at the bottom of the rock. Growling low in its throat, the hideous creature crinkled its snout. It smelled rank and it was quite an ugly animal. She waited for it to leave, leaning her arms on her knees. The beast couldn’t make it up the steep incline, so she felt safe enough. After some time at this standstill, the beast sniffed the air and ran off. She was glad to see the last of him.

Julianna climbed down the crag. The ground had become slippery from the rain, and she almost lost her footing. She looked down at a path made by horses. Deciding to follow it, she hoped it would lead to the keep. She noticed the sky darkened to dusk. Slipping on a slope of lichen and moss, she fell to her knees and landed in a bog. The muckiness covered her. Laughing, she crawled on her hands and knees until she reached a tree to rest. She closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of a merle squawking overhead. Likely no one would find her here in the mist.

In a deep sleepy trance, Julianna couldn’t seem to open her eyes, nor move her body. A strange and curious vision came to her of Bleeth and Colin walking through the forest. She whimpered to get their attention, but was unable to open her mouth.
I’m here, over here. Pray, come, this way. I’m here.

Bleeth walked beside Colin, exploring the woods.

“I cannot see much in this dank mist,” Bleeth said.

Colin stopped in a small clearing, and looked to be scanning the area. “She has to be here somewhere. Julianna, can ye hear me?”

Colin, I am here.
She whimpered, trying to alert them. Her voice wouldn’t work, but her mind screamed.
Help me.

“Do ye hear something?”

“’Tis probably your imagination, Bleeth. She has to be here somewhere.”

“I heard something, I tell ye. I say we split up and you go in that direction. I’ll stay here and look among these trees. Mayhap she’s hurt.”

Colin frowned, but nodded.

Julianna wanted to cry out to him, he was walking away.
Nay, nay, don’t leave me, Colin.

Bleeth, now alone and only a scant distance away, called her name. She wanted to reply, tried to, but she wasn’t able. He called out again.

“Julianna, answer me. I am here, cherub. I won’t let the highlander rescue ye. You have to let me know where you are.”

In her mind, she saw him wave his hands. She groaned and fidgeted. He mustn’t try magic.
Now is not the time for foolishness. Help me.

“Julianna, I will have your favor, and I promise to find ye. I know one way to keep the Scot occupied.” He looked at Colin’s back, for he’d walked a short distance from Bleeth. “There,” Bleeth said, pointing in Colin’s direction.

Julianna muffled a cry and squeezed her eyes, not wanting to see the horrible thing Bleeth had surely done to Colin, but no matter how hard she closed her eyes, the vision was adamantly clear.

Glowing embers appeared, emanating around them. Before Bleeth could move, Colin hurried away and stepped out of the radius. It was too late, as Bleeth was now trapped inside, while the Colin disappeared in the mist.

Don’t leave, Colin, come back. Pray, come back.
She could hear his footsteps nearby.

She muffled a sound, a tiny cry that seemed to be swallowed by the mist. “I’m here.”

Colin heard her and came running. He crouched beside her. “Jules.”

With her eyes closed, she whispered, “Help me. I cannot move.” He almost fell backwards when she spoke.

“Ye sound like a frog, Jules. I searched for ye all day, you had me worried, love. I’ll take ye back to the keep. Can ye hold onto me?”

She could tell he tried not to sound angry, but she heard a bite to his words.

“I am sorry, I … got lost.”

Colin lifted her, and she wrapped her arms around him. “You’re hot, Jules. You’re burning with fever. Aye, that’s what ye get for walking out in the rain.”

She sighed. “I couldn’t find my way b-back.”

He kissed her cheek. “Remind me not to let ye set off by yourself again.”

“I saw men … in the forest. They were not KirkConnells.”

He now frowned. “How many were there?”

“Four.” She snuggled against him, happy to set her head on his shoulder. Her eyes burned, and she was hot, too hot. Now that Colin had found her, she could rest.

“You’re shaking, lass, and ye look like a wet sheep.” He laughed.

Julianna didn’t have the strength to pinch him as she wanted to. He set her down and Colin took a plaid from his body and wrapped it around her. His body warmth still heated the material and an instant comfort came to her.

She sneezed then asked, “What is it?”

“I forgot Bleeth, he’s here somewhere. He helped me search.” He cupped his mouth and shouted, “Bleeth.”

They walked to where Colin thought he had left him. “He should be here somewhere. Bleeth, I found Jules.”

Bleeth stepped forward, appearing from the mist between the trees. He ran to them, and stopped before he knocked Colin down.

“Are ye hurt, my lady?”

“Oh, Bleeth, thank ye for coming. I’m well.”

He took her hand. “I’m relieved you are all right.”

“We must return to the keep,” Colin said. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying, and has the fever.” He took her in his arms again.

Julianna kept her eyes closed, feeling secure against Colin’s chest. He held her tenderly. She let her senses take him in and listened to his gruff speech, she smelled his wonderful scent, and felt his hard, warm body. He made her feel as safe as a newborn babe.

When they reached the keep, Bleeth didn’t say a word and went in the direction of the barracks. Colin carried her into the hall and told Steven and Sara what happened. Then she was carried up the steps and set in bed, with him looming over her saying something about staying there.

Sara followed them and had a warm bath waiting her return. Behind a makeshift screen, Julianna was undressed and submerged in the bathwater. She felt the chill fighting the heat, and her teeth began chattering. Voices beyond the screen sounded like Colin and Steven, and she tried to concentrate on what they were saying.

“Jules said she saw four men riding on your land. She didn’t give a description, but I thought ye might want to send a sentry.”

“Aye, I’ll have my men ride out,” Steven said. “Who do ye think they are?”

“Probably men after Jules,” Colin muttered.

“They dared to come on my land? She’s in that much danger?”

“Aye, I’ll set someone to watch her when I’m not with her. The English tried to get to her once, but they weren’t fortunate that day. I’m certain her father will send more men. I want to know why he wants her return so urgently. Mayhap the king sent men.”

“We will keep a watch. Colin, this is getting severe. I will set more men on sentry. You should take her to your home soon. She would be better protected there.”

“I shall think about it, but right now, she needs rest.”

The voices retreated, and Sara helped her from the basin. She continued to chatter her teeth, even though the warm nightrail she was placed in felt comforting. No sooner had she been placed in the bed, she closed her eyes.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Colin rode with Steven’s sentry to search for the men Julianna had seen, yet no intruders could be found. He returned to the keep and immediately set off to Jules’ chamber. Slipping inside, he could see her form on the bed. As he approached, he noticed her thrashing. He sat next to her, placing his hand to her head and frowned. Her fever burned. Colin wasn’t sure what he should do and so he went to the basin, wet a cloth, and applied it to her head. He wondered if he should awaken Sara. But most likely, she couldn’t do anything for a fever. He striped her garments and covered her with his plaid.

‘Nay, Father, nay. Dungeon … I shall die. Laila, run, monsters.’
Her arms flailed and she cried. Colin listened to her secrets as she continued to move about the bed. He lay next to her and tried to soothe her by caressing her arms and face, but it did no good. Her muttering continued and her fever raged.

‘I won’t marry him. Run, the soldiers … the blood. Colin, I need ye. Don’t leave me.’

“I won’t,” he promised. Her turmoil fueled her tossing, and he tried to shake her awake, but she wouldn’t open her eyes. Taking the cloth, he soaked it again in the cold water and reapplied it to her head.

‘He killed Mama. I do care for ye, Colin. I have to go back … for Laila.’

He held her, but she was strong, and continued to thrash. His gentled words finally calmed her and she cried softly in her sleep. Colin fell asleep beside her sometime during the night. When he awoke, he found her naked body nestled against him. His body responded to her warmth—even in his sleep he wanted her. Grimacing, he couldn’t believe he actually thought about that when she was so ill. Besides, he wouldn’t take advantage of her, no matter how much he wanted her. Toward morning, her fever subsided and she slept peacefully. He decided to get Sara, because he wasn’t knowledgeable in healing matters. He left the chamber to get assistance, and found Sara in the hall when he entered.

“Laird MacKinnon, ye look … horrible. Did ye get any sleep? Are ye unwell?”

“I was with Jules all night. Her fever subsided, but she needs care. I thought to ask you, but I realize that ye shouldn’t. I’ll continue to see to her.”

Sara responded to his statement by taking the stairs two at a time, and when she returned, she walked silently into the hall.

“You must think of your bairn now, Sara. She’ll be well soon. Don’t worry for her.”

Colin wasn’t sure how to comfort Sara, especially when she began sobbing. He slunk away and went to the kitchens to seek the advice of the cook.

Laden with linens and water, he returned to Juliana’s chamber. His thoughts became more crazed when the fever spiked. Many times, he checked her breathing, thinking she’d died. His heart wrenched, because he wasn’t about to lose her when he’d only found her again.

“If anything happens …” He rasped a sigh, stretching his body out next to hers. With one arm across her stomach, his head cuddled near her shoulder, her warmth relaxed him and he fell asleep.

He dreamt about her. She smiled as she held their bairn, cradled in her arms, swinging around gaily, calling him, ‘
Colin.’
It was a bonny sound, filled with laughter and love.

His da’s face came. ‘
You must avenge me, Colin, lad. The McFies are awaiting.’
He turned away from Julianna and her smile faltered.

‘Don’t leave me, Colin. Don’t go.’
He didn’t acknowledge Julianna, but moved away.

‘Avenge me … the McFies.’

‘You will never see me again. I won’t be here when ye return.’

The voices came at him at once and he woke with a start, wondering why he had dreamt such a thing. He knew he must finish the feud before he could pursue a relationship with Julianna. That thought made him cringe. If he returned to the feud, she might not be there when he returned. He would command her to stay, but she was a headstrong lass. The only way to get her to stay with him was to … He wouldn’t consider it. Sitting forward in the chair he’d taken, he leaned on his knees. Maybe he should join her in the bed, but before he could move, she awoke.

She pressed her hands to her head and opened her eyes.

“You’re ill, sweetheart. I am taking care of ye.”

Julianna groaned. “The hell ye are. I feel terrible.”

He laughed. “That’s no way for a lady to talk.”

“My throat is sore. Get me water,” she said irritably.

“Jules, you’re cranky in the morn. Get me this, get me that, so demanding.” He teased.

“God above, leave me to die in peace, will ye?” She groaned again, pulling the covers over her head.

He shook with laugher. “I’ll get ye broth. Don’t move from that bed or you’ll be sorry.”

“Sorry? Colin MacKinnon, ‘tis indecent for ye to be … Oh my, I’m naked! Get out!” she yelled, before her voice finally gave out.

“I have been here for two days? Everyone knows.”

“Everyone? How embarrassing. I do feel terrible.” Her face had turned a bit pink. “Did ye undress me? Nay, don’t answer that, because I don’t want to know.”

“Aye, lass, stay put. I’ll return with food.” He left to get fare, hoping it might make her more agreeable.

When Colin entered the kitchens, the ladies smiled and giggled. Their silliness made him feel awkward. He asked for a bowl of broth, and he was given it, along with all sorts of foodstuffs. As hungry as he was, he took it and muttered his thanks.

He passed by Sara on his way back to Julianna’s chamber.

“Jules awoke. I’m taking her food.”

“Do ye want me to take it?”

“Nay, she’s mighty grumpy. I’ll deal with her.”

Sara laughed and said, “I’m sure you will.”