A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) (15 page)

Maidie’s hand went to her throat. She spoke to Nellie who
stood beside her, “Do you see the chief, Nellie?”

“Nae, Madam. Laird Munro seems missing from the group. His
gille
,
Colin, is no’ with them either.”

“Mayhap the two stayed in the village to assist the people.”
She prayed her words were true.

“Aye, ‘tis probably so.” Nellie’s voice sounded as unsure as
Maidie felt.

“You must help me dress in haste, Nellie. Where are Sven and
Alan?” Maidie left the window to find her clothes. Nellie followed.

“The lad wished to visit the pups this morn. Alan took him to
break the fast and play with the dogs. He promised Sven a trip to the stable
later in the day.”

“I hope Alan didn’t promise Sven a ride on one of the horses.”

“Alan would do naught. He kens you’d be displeased if he took
Sven for a ride.” Nellie defended her husband.

The two had Maidie dressed quickly with a kertch holding her
hair. No time to pin the locks up on her head. A knock sounded. Nellie hastily
opened the door to a weeping Davina who rushed past the maid into Maidie’s
arms.

“Andrew’s been taken captive or killed,” she sobbed on Maidie’s
shoulder, wetting the fabric of her dress.

“Ach! No’ the chief. How did this come about?” Shock invaded
Maidie’s mind. She could not think, only stand and hold Davina.

“Are any wounded?” Nellie asked?

“Two, but Angus is with them now.” Davina coughed on the
words.

“Where is the tanist? Is he wounded?” Maidie’s mind finally
cleared enough to think of the other warriors.

“Nae, he escaped injury but allowed Andrew to be taken.”
Davina pushed away and looked at Maidie with a spark of anger lighting the
depths of her eyes. “He should protect the chief, not let him be taken by the
enemy. He doesn’t know what happened to Andrew. Gavin left him to fend for
himself, and with his wound not healed.”

Maidie took Davina by the hand. “Come, we must see to the
wounded and talk to Gavin.”

“My brother kens naught,” Davina said with a voice filled with
anger.

Maidie led Davina out of the chamber and down the passageway.
Nellie followed. They paused at Gavin’s door. His loud voice sounded within. A
loud thud and thump followed like something being thrown to the floor. Maidie
and Davina exchanged puzzled looks. Davina raised her hand to knock, but Maidie
held it back.

“’Tis no’ for us to interfere with the tanist.”

“He’s my brother. I can interfere if I wish.” Davina removed
her hand and knocked on the door.

Maidie moved behind Davina to stand beside Nellie. She did not
wish to be seen as the one who knocked. The large door cracked opened. Erskin
came through the portal and then closed the door. He was covered with the filth
of battle, his weapons still about his person.

Erskin bowed his head to Davina. “M’Lady, the tanist is busy
with bathing.”

“You lie. He’s no’ dressing nor bathing. I wish to see him
now.” Davina was emphatic.

A voice came from the chamber. “Let her in, Erskin. I’ve faced
her ire once this day, although ‘tis worse than fighting a battle.”

Erskin opened the door wide for Davina to enter before him.
She reached for Maidie’s hand and dragged her along into the ornate bedchamber.
Nellie remained at the door. The chamber was furnished with a four-poster bed
larger than the chief’s with damask curtains in dark blue hanging from the
railings. The smell of whisky permeated the air. One chair and small table lay
overturned beside the hearth with a heavy glass flask broken on the floor.
Whisky oozed out of the crack.

Gavin, still covered with dirt and grunge, stood beside the
window. He held a pewter tankard and took a deep drink when the two women
entered. Tilting his head back to drain the last drop of the contents, he then
threw the tankard into the fireplace. Erskin quickly took a poker to retrieve
the mug, placing it on a small table beside an upright chair.

Gavin spoke to his sister, “Lady Davina. What else can I say
to you? Your pain is my pain. I have men looking for our brother as we speak.
He will be found, I can assure you of that.” Gavin’s gaze fell on Maidie. He
bowed his head. “Madam, again you see me not presentable to receive a lady.
Please excuse my appearance.”

Maidie curtsied. “Sir, I am thankful you’re no’ wounded.” She
turned to Davina. “I must go assist Angus.” She wanted to run from Gavin’s
angry eyes.

“Angus has assistants to help him.” Davina squeezed Maidie’s
hand. The lass seemed determined to argue with her brother. She turned back to
Gavin. “I still don’t understand why you left him.”

“Davina, I’ve told you several times. He could no’ go on after
Scara gave him a round and caused the wound to open afresh.”

“Ach! His wound bled?” The words fled from Maidie’s mouth
before she could stop them.

“Aye. Burning the village was a ploy to get us out of the
castle. Seems their plan was to capture one of us. They got lucky and found
Andrew before we could get back to him.” Gavin’s voice softened with the sound
of defeat. He rubbed eyes, heavy from lack of sleep.

“Then why are you not with those that are searching, Brother?”
Davina asked vehemently.

Gavin’s face fell. He turned toward the window. “Sister, I
explained to you. I came to give orders for taking care of the villagers.
Sending more men or going myself is useless at present. I have an idea where he
was taken.” Gavin reached into his jacket pocket and brought out a scrap of
cloth with Cameron colors. “He was probably taken to one of the MacKenzie
castles. They are closer than the Cameron’s, but Cameron is more likely the
instigator of the kidnapping.”

Maidie’s hand went to her mouth. She could not muffle the gasp
rising in her throat. Davina grabbed the scrap of cloth from Gavin’s hand,
turning it over and over in her own. She turned to stare at Maidie.

“Your kin have my brother.” Davina grabbed Maidie’s arm. “You
can get him back. Go with Gavin. The Cameron will listen to you. Take your son
and trade him for Andrew.” Davina released the arm, put her head in her hands,
and wept letting the cloth fall to the floor.

Maidie’s feet became lead weights when Davina’s words
penetrated her mind. Blood drained from her head and she wobbled on shaky legs.
Erskin rushed to catch her when her knees buckled. He held her under both arms and
helped her to sit on the upright chair.

“Madam Munro, I returned to the castle to receive the ransom
note I am sure is forthcoming.” Gavin spoke to her, but his words sounded
distant. “Naught has been decided, but once received and the terms stated, I’ll
make the decision that needs making for the chief’s release.”

Maidie could not think. She could only say, “I must go to my
son.” She stood and left the chamber with Nellie at her side.

***

The small beam of light made its way
through a tiny slit of a window at the very top of a stone wall in the dark
dungeon cell. The bottom of the cell remained in the shadows while the light
danced along the ancient stone ceiling. Andrew slapped a flea biting his arm.
The stench of human waste and stale air took his breath. “Don’t lie on that
straw, Colin. It has vermin crawling in it.”

Colin stood and joined Andrew, who sat with his back to the
damp, slime-covered wall. Andrew put his hand under the leather jacket and felt
the wet warmth of blood on his
léine
.
Scara had given him a hard round and caused the wound to bleed. He should have
stayed at Fàrdach Castle, but had never missed leading his warriors in battle
and would continue to do so as long as he had breath. Although his breath may
now be taken away at any moment. He anticipated the executioner and the hanging
rope for he and Colin, or mayhap torture at the hands of the jailer. The
Camerons would probably watch with glee as he was made to pass through the fire
or slowly drowned, or some such ordeal. Mayhap they would be gentlemen enough
to let him die fighting. He was small game for a warrior of any size and skill
now, since the loss of blood had weakened him. Andrew pulled the great plaide
tighter around his chilled body. The garment, still damp from the night’s mist,
offered little warmth in the cold dungeon.

Colin clutched at the cross around his neck. “Do you think
they will torture us, M’Laird?”

“Ha, knowing Ewin Cameron and Hugh MacKenzie, aye. They will
take delight in watching the two of us suffer, especially me.” Andrew scratched
at the fleabite on his arm. A large rat ran across the cell and stopped close
to his feet. He folded his long legs out of the way trying not to touch the
rodent. The rat finally scurried away and left the cell through the bars.

“Then I shall pray the Lord will help me be brave and not yell
or scream too loudly. I dinna wish to dishonor you, M’Laird.” Colin turned the
gold cross over in his fingers.

Andrew put his finger on the bare place of his neck where the
crystal had lain. The stone of protection did not perform its job very well
this day. One of Cameron’s warriors probably wore the large stone now, yet they
left Colin’s cross. Mayhap they feared the necklace and let it be.

“If you pray, lad, pray for a means of escape. That will do us
the most good.” He looked sideways at the young man sitting next to him—a
true and loyal lad. He had fought hard to protect his chief, but alas, they had
been outnumbered three to one. A trap had been set. Colin and he had fallen
into it.

“Aye. I will pray for a means of escape.” Colin closed his
eyes. His lips moved in silent prayer while his fingers turned the cross over
and over.

Andrew watched the
gille
pray and thought of Maidie.
The memory of a dream from the previous night rose through the dark recess of
his mind. A fair maiden came from the mist to beckon him. She had hair of spun
gold and eyes of sky blue. A large pearl hung around her slender white neck. He
remembered trying to touch the pearl, because she promised life and love.
Andrew put his head in his hands, resting both on his knees.
Lord in the
Highest Heaven, if you are there and listening to my plea, send the maiden back
to me. I will try with all my might to touch the pearl if touching the gem is
required for life and love. If you dinna grant life to me, grant it to this
fine lad. Let him live.

A voice rang in his head.
Your
heart must be pure to touch the pearl.

Andrew raised his head to look at Colin. The lad still prayed.
“Did you say something to me, lad?”

“Nae, M’Laird, only to God.” The young man shook his head.

Doors clanged. Several pair of boots scraped along flagstone
floors. Torchlight lit the dark passage. Loud talking and guffaws sounded
throughout the dungeon. Andrew and Colin looked toward the sounds. Four finely
dressed gentlemen, accompanied by several guards with two carrying torches,
approached the bars to the cell.

“Saint’s above,” Andrew whispered under his breath when he
recognized his father-in-law, Bryson Fraser, with Ewin Cameron and Hugh
MacKenzie. The fourth man was a stranger.

“My, my, what have we here? Seems we captured a prize, lads.
None other than the chief of Clan Munro, the Black Falcon of Ferindonald.” The
man with a full red beard streaked with grey leaned his head back and roared
with laughter, then bent forward to slap his thighs. The others joined his
hearty mirth. “Let’s see you fly out of this one, Black Falcon.” He slapped
enormous thighs once more and laughed even louder.

Colin’s mouth hung open. He started to stand, but Andrew put a
hand on the lad’s arm. Andrew looked ahead and remained seated. “Hello, Hugh.
Pleased to bring so much amusement to you and your friends.”

“You could stand and give me the respect I require, Munro.
After all, we did best you in a fair fight.” The MacKenzie chief put his hands
on his hips.

“You call burning my village a fair fight, MacKenzie? Were your
friends part of that crime also?” Andrew’s hand pointed to the other three men.
His voice rose in angst.

“Had to be done, Munro. Only way we could get you or the
tanist away from Fàrdach. We were hoping to capture your brother, but got the
prize instead.” The big man laughed again, along with the other three.

“You could have killed one of the villagers.”

“Nae, peasants are hearty people. We set the fire slowly so
they could escape. Stand up and face me if you want the terms of your release.”
The MacKenzie’s voice took on a tone of authority and impatience.

Andrew rose to his feet with great effort. Colin followed and
stood beside his chief, ready to assist if needed. Andrew looked into the faces
of his captors. He nodded toward them. “Hugh, Ewin, Bryson. Sorry I dinna ken
the fellow with you.”

“’Tis my brother, Charles Cameron,” Ewin Cameron said.

Although somewhat shorter and stockier than his brother, the
man with fair, shoulder-length hair mixed with grey and piercing blue eyes held
a resemblance to the chief of Clan Cameron. Andrew knew him to be Cameron kin
before Ewin spoke.

“Aye, so ‘tis. I see the family resemblance, beady eyes and
all.” Andrew couldn’t help but smile at the man.

Charles Cameron moved forward. “Now look, Munro. If you wish
to get ugly, I can oblige you.”

“Hold off, Charlie.” Ewin caught his brother’s arm. “We have
the Munro just where we want him. He’ll be more miserable shortly.” Ewin smiled,
showing large yellow teeth.

Andrew felt sure Colin and he would be the objects of their
amusement all too soon. The rat ran across Charles Cameron’s foot. Cameron
jumped and cursed, causing all eyes to follow the creature as it ran back into
Andrew’s cell and scurried under the straw with the other vermin.

Hugh MacKenzie laughed again. The others, except for Charles,
joined him in the hilarity. “Best make friends with the rats and other vermin
in your cell, Munro. You’ll be keeping them company for awhile.”

Andrew grabbed the cell’s bars. “What are you demanding of my
people, MacKenzie?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. Something of great value you can
be sure.”

“You butcher, my brother has better sense than to give in to your
demands.” Andrew moved toward the MacKenzie chief with fire rising in his
throat.

Hugh MacKenzie came close, staring into Andrew’s eyes. The
strong smell of whisky on the chief’s breath assailed Andrew’s nostrils. He
could not help but blink. “My demands will be met, you can be sure. One way or
another. I have the means to see to it.”

“There is naught you can do to me that would make me give you
anything.” Andrew stood his ground. They could torture him with all they have.
He would not give in to their demands.

“Is that so? Have you ever had your legs broken or your arms
pulled out of their sockets or your teeth pulled out one by one?” Hugh moved to
stand in front of Colin. “Or mayhap this young warrior could walk on hot coals
until his feet were burned to a nub. Or mayhap you and this lad would like to
spend time in my
cachot
with mire up
to your waist. The only way out is a hole in the top, and unless I throw you a
rope, you’ll die in the black hole.” Colin’s face turned white and Hugh
laughed, turning back to Andrew. “You see, Munro. I have my means.

“By the way, I won’t be attending your feast. My son is
already spoken for.” He backed away to stand beside Bryson Fraser, and slapped
him on the back. “Fraser and me will soon be linked in marriage.”

The young MacKenzie must be marrying Fraser’s youngest
daughter, Margaret. Andrew spoke to the Fraser, “I thought we were friends,
Bryson.”

“Ha, we haven’t been friends in nigh on four years, Andrew,
and you well ken the reason why.”

“Sorry to hear that, Bryson.”

“Come lads. Let’s leave the Munro to his friends, the rats and
vermin. They are all he has these days.” The MacKenzie snorted and then
motioned with a large hand. The others followed out of the dungeon. A large
metal door opened and then shut. Deathly quiet surrounded the two men, except
for the rat’s squeaking under the straw.

Andrew and Colin took their seats against the slimy wall,
wrapping their plaides tightly around their aching bodies. Andrew’s stomach
growled, his mouth felt like sand on the shore of Cromarty Firth. Colin surely
felt the same, but with the intensity of youth. Andrew looked at the lad.

Colin fingered the ornament around his neck. “My mither told
me of the Lord’s torture before He was hung on the cross,” Colin said with a
tired voice. “She said the Lord spent the night in a
cachot
afore he stood trial by the Sanhedrin on the morn of His
death. He suffered greatly, so I guess I can do the same.”

“Your mither must have been a saintly woman to teach you such
things.” Andrew didn’t remember his mother telling him such stories. She told
her children very few, and the ones she did tell were of selkies and magic. He
did remember hearing
Maighstir
Tam
telling of the Lord’s death and His resurrection to life again. Andrew had no
trouble with the torture and death of God’s Son, but the resurrection was
difficult to believe. If he were fortunate enough to return to Fàrdach Castle,
he would talk to the
maighstir
about
the Lord’s resurrection. Too many unanswered questions filled his mind.

Andrew stretched his legs out on the cold stone floor. He
reached inside the leather jacket to feel the blood dampened
léine
. It seemed the same, so mayhap the
bleeding had stopped. The wound, itself, felt like a firebrand to his belly. He
coughed. Colin turned to stare at him, but there was naught they could do now.

He wished for the cool, gentle hands of Maidie on his aching
body, washing the wound, his arms and legs as she had done before. Thinking of
the healer caused his heart to race of a sudden. What attracted him to the
woman? He had not felt such since Tara Fraser. There had been more beautiful
and desirable lasses, to be sure, but none affected his insides like she did.
Just a look from her sent his head spinning, throwing all logical thoughts out
of his mind. Images of Maidie being alone with Gavin added to his misery.
Saints in Heaven, he hoped she could withstand his brother’s amorous advances.
Although he didn’t know of a lass who could.

Andrew had to think of something else. He turned to Colin. “I
remember the day your da brought you to Fàrdach. A fine strapping lad you were.
The minute I laid eyes on you, I ken you would be a fine warrior, and you are lad.
A fine warrior.”

Colin turned to face Andrew. “Aye. My mither had just died. My
da and me still grieved over her death, but Da had great hopes for my training.
He wanted better for me than he could give, being a tenant crofter. He was
verra thankful to you for taking me in.” The lad had a far away look in his
eyes as he watched the dancing light on the ceiling. “I dinna keep you from
being taken.” Colin put his head on his hands and rested them on his drawn up
knees.

Andrew reached over and patted the head of the
gille
. “We’ll
get out of this. You’ve served me well. Why dinna you tell me some of those
stories your mither told you? I would like to hear them.” He settled into his
plaide the best he could. Colin did the same. They were in for a long night.

Chapter Thirteen

Maidie’s wet hair hung around her
shoulders. Steam rising from the water filled the room with the smell of summer
roses. She sat in a chair beside the fireplace wrapped in a robe with closed
eyes, praying for Andrew. A heavy knock on the chamber door broke her
concentration. Nellie opened the door, curtseyed, then stood to one side for
Gavin to enter. Gavin turned to Nellie. “Leave us,” he ordered.

With his eyes on Maidie, Gavin entered and waited for Nellie
to close the door as she left. He stood with a rolled parchment in his hands,
staring. His mouth tightened, an eyebrow lifted. Maidie felt heat rising to her
face under his intense scrutiny.

She met his eyes and smiled. “Sir Gavin, may I pour you a mug
of ale?”

“Aye. A mug of ale will be nice.” He took a seat across from
her.

Maidie reached for the pitcher on the table and poured some of
the brew into a cup. Gavin watched with an intensity that caused her hand to
shake almost spilling the ale. She handed the mug to him. He placed the parchment
in his lap, took the mug, and sipped slowly while staring at her over the rim.
His hazel eyes met hers. She sat quietly.

“I’ve come with news from the chief’s captors,” he managed
between sips.

“Aye. I thought as much.” She twisted the robe’s fuzzy fabric,
waiting for his reply.

He placed the cup on the table, swallowed with a heavy gulp,
and then spoke, “They require a heavy ransom for his release. One ‘tis crushing
my heart to pay.”

“Sire?” Her voice quaked with dread.

He hesitated. “I have word from the MacKenzie and Cameron.
They demand your return along with your son.”

She knew in her heart what her uncle’s demand would be for
Andrew’s release. Maidie put her face in her hands. Tears flowed through her fingers.
Gavin placed the parchment on the floor beside his chair, stood, walked to
Maidie, and removed her hands from her eyes. She looked up. He pulled her to
him, holding her close. She nestled her head in his chest and wept while he
stroked the damp locks of hair. She wept for a time, wetting his waistcoat with
her tears, then he pulled a large hand kertch from his vest pocket and handed
it to her. She wiped her eyes, looking up at him. His lips found hers in a hard,
passionate kiss. She did not return his kiss, but did not resist, only stood
still while he caressed her neck with his lips, her cheeks, the end of her
nose, then her lips once more.

He raised his head to look into her eyes and held her
trembling chin in his hand. “I’ll find another way if you’ll stay.”

She searched his eyes. “The chief’s life depends on my going.
I canna stay.”

Maidie’s head rested under Gavin’s chin. “I love you, Maidie.
I canna let you go. You’ve captured my heart.”

She pushed away from his embrace, walked to the window, and
watched the warriors on the sparring field. He followed, putting his arms
around her waist. “I will find another way to gain Andrew’s release if you’ll
stay with me.”

“Nae, you’re asking me to sacrifice the chief’s life. Sven and
I are in danger here. I must return to my father.”

Gavin turned Maidie around and looked into her eyes. “I will
find another way for Andrew’s release, and route out the one trying to harm you
and Sven. I have a good idea who the culprit is. Just stay with me. I have said
words to you that I’ve never said to any other. I love you. With all my heart,
I love you.”

Maidie wrestled away from his arms and walked to the fireplace,
leaving him to stare after her. She must reject the heart-wrenching confession
of his love for her. Gavin stood for a moment where she left him, then walked
to the chair and picked up the parchment.

“Make yourself and Sven ready to leave on the morrow,” he said
then stomped from the chamber, slamming the door as he left.

Maidie stared at the closed door. She could not deny the
emotions and desire Gavin raised in her, but he had an eye for many women, and
her heart’s desire bent in another direction.

Nellie returned and assisted Maidie in dressing for the day in
a plain brown wool skirt with linen blouse and wool vest. The chambermaid
combed Maidie’s almost dry hair, twisted it into a knot, then pinned the knot
to the top of her head. Nellie carefully pulled small tendrils of the golden
locks around Maidie’s face and curled them around skillful fingers to form ringlets.
The maid stood back to examine her work, smiling.

“You look bonny indeed, this morn, Madam, but you have dark
circles under your eyes. Did you sleep well last night?”

“Nae. I hardly slept at all, Nellie. Too many thoughts played
havoc in my mind.”

Nellie’s eyes searched Maidie’s. “I hope you stay with us, Madam.”

“I canna stay, Nellie. One of the conditions for the chief’s
release is for Sven and me to return to my father. You must help me get ready
to leave on the morrow.” Maidie slumped in the chair. She felt drained after
spending her pinned up emotions and tears on Gavin’s waistcoat.

Nellie put tender arms around Maidie’s shoulders. “I’m so
sorry, Madam. So verra sorry you must now leave Fàrdach Castle.” She hesitated
before speaking more. “Laird Andrew loves you. I can see it in his eyes when he
looks at you, and he hasn’t loved another since...” Nellie said no more.

Maidie looked up at the maid with a sniff. “Oh, Nellie. My
heart aches so I canna sleep or think. I dinna wish to give my heart again,
knowing it would bring only pain, but I canna help the growing love I feel for
the chief.”

Nellie patted Maidie’s head. “I understand love, Madam. I fell
so hard for Alan I dinna sleep nor eat for days, until he declared his love.”