Highlander the Dark Dragon (14 page)

Heather went to stand but Rhys said, “Stay as you are.” He hunched down in front of her. “Tell me you feel well enough to be about.”

She smiled, glancing over his face and seeing why she had not recognized him when she had first laid eyes on him. The faint lines around his eyes, the slight scrunch of his brow from frowning so often, the lack of a smile and the fullness of his face from the passing years, concealed the man she knew and loved. But he was there, she knew he was there and somehow, someway she would get him to reveal himself. “I feel good. I have a bit of pain now and then, and I will acknowledge if I do too much and if I am in need of rest.”

“And you give me your word on this?”

“I do,” she said and reached out to rest her hand on his arm, remembering the many times she had done just that while they walked, talked, and laughed. “Besides, I will be with you. What could happen?”

Rhys did not want to think about that, since the prospects would be far too terrifying. And the thought that he would fail to protect her was even more terrifying. Never, ever, would he let that happen. As he stood, he took her hand and she stood along with him.

Once on her feet, she slipped her arm around his and held tight. She intended to make sure she kept him close. “I want to thank you for being so tolerant of me last night. I felt safe with you close.”

“I will not deny you when you need me. I will always be there for you.”

Heather felt her stomach clench. Quinn had said those words to her before he knew he would be leaving. He had never intended to leave her, but things do not always go as wished.

They walked along slowly. “Tell me where you heard of the secret passage.”

She did not want to implicate Nessa and have her subjected to endless questions, but she also wanted to be honest with her husband, so she said, “I believe it was a servant who made mention of hearing of it. Do you think that is how the intruder got into our bedchamber last night?”

“No, I heard the door open.”

“That is why you shoved me aside?”

“It was his light footfalls that let me know he did not want to be detected.”

“How could he have gotten into the keep with so many of your men keeping watch?” she asked. “And why do these men who smear their faces with grime chase after you?”

“I would tell you it is nothing you need to concern yourself with, but I know that would mean little to someone as inquisitive as you.”

She laughed softly. “See you known me well already.” Her laughter faded along with her smile. “Who are these men who want to harm you?”

“Old enemies and as you saw for yourself very dangerous ones. So it would be very wise of you to finally obey me. Is that all you know of the secret passage?”

Heather hesitated, knowing that Seamus would not be forthcoming to the Dragon and not knowing what the Dragon would do if the old man was not.

“What causes you to pause?”

What did cause her to pause? While he was the Dark Dragon, he was also Quinn and Quinn would never harm an old man. But he was a changed man, could she be so sure? In her heart, she felt she could. “I know of an old man who may know something, but he does not trust the Dragon or his men.”

Rhys did not bother to ask her how she knew all this, he already knew. She had a kind soul. People saw it in her caring ways and her generous smile. They trusted her, were drawn to her, felt comfortable around her, and so they spoke openly with her.

“He would trust you,” Rhys said.

“I believe he would.”

“Do you feel well enough to speak with him now?”

“I do, and I am eager to speak with him and see what he knows, for I do not want another intruder interrupting us in our bedchamber.”

“That I agree with,” Rhys said, “Shall we go find him?”

“I would like that.”

And he liked that they would be spending the day together. He could make certain she stayed safe that way and besides he wanted her no other place than by his side.

Heather sat on a bench while Nessa slipped her boots on. Heather could very well do it herself, but her husband had insisted. Rhys stood a distance away speaking with Pitt, and it was a good thing since Seamus saw her and wandered over to her.

“Your mum often went barefoot. You are the exact image of her. Beautiful and kind,” Seamus said.

“You knew her well?” Heather asked just as Nessa finished and took her leave.

“Well enough.”

“Please sit and tell me more.” Heather patted the spot beside her on the bench.

Seamus sat. “She was a good friend to Mary McComb long before you were born. They would often spend time in Mary’s solar stitching and talking. Your mum cried along with her with every babe Mary lost. Sometimes it is just not meant to be.” Seamus nodded his head toward the Dragon. “Your mum would not be happy, you being married to the likes of him.” He scrunched his brow. “Though, I do recall overhearing your mum telling Mary one day that you would marry a good man who loved you deeply and you and he would have many children and have a long and good life together. She had a knowing about her and I do not remember her ever being wrong. She had even mentioned to Mary that she would not be here to see it and that saddened her.”

Heather remembered how her da always took his wife’s warnings seriously. “I have a few good and happy memories of my mum, others have faded with time, though I wish they hadn’t.” Heather cast a glance toward her husband. “I believe my mum was right. My husband is a good man, though most do not believe him so.”

Seamus snorted. “Do not be blind to the devil’s ways, lass. The Dragon is not a man to trust and I have heard not a kind man to women. Your mum would not want you to suffer with a man such as him.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Run if you get a chance.”

Heather took the opportunity that presented itself. “How can I when he keeps an eye on my every move?”

Seamus shook his head and whispered. “There is a secret way out of the keep, but Fane never did tell me where it was. The only thing he mentioned to me was that Mary knew the way and that was all that mattered.” Seamus scratched his head. “I would not be surprised if she confided in your mum, they were that close.” Seamus shook his head again. “Here I am talking away when I should be asking how you are feeling.”

“I am doing very well.”

“The Dragon did not harm you, did he?” Seamus asked his voice remaining low.

“No, it was an intruder and the Dragon saved me from him.”

“Intruder you say?” Seamus said questioningly. “How can an intruder sneak past all the ghost warriors without being seen? It would seem more likely that it was one of the Dragon’s own that was the culprit.”

“I never thought of that, but why ever would one of his warriors do such a thing?” Heather said.

Seamus shrugged. “My guess is a mighty sum of coin was involved. The Dragon does have more enemies than friends. You need to be careful, my lady. You should keep your distance from the Dragon. You do not want his fate to accidentally become yours.”

“Daaaaaa!”

Seamus winced. “That daughter of mine never lets me be. I say if the Dragon is going to do me in, I will go down fighting like any honorable Highlander.” He stood and bowed to Heather. “Lady Heather, it has been a joy talking with you. It reminds me of the days your mum would come and visit.”

Heather smiled. “Until next time, Seamus.”

He grinned. “I look forward to it.”

Heather’s smile faded as Seamus walked away. She may not have learned what she wanted to about the secret passage, but she did discover something she had not expected to and it would explain how the intruder got into their room. She could understand her husband not wanting anyone to know of this, for if it was made known the culprit would know his time was limited. The Dragon would find him and he would suffer dearly for it.

“Heather, are you all right?”

Heather looked up and it was not the Dragon she saw standing there...it was Quinn. How had she missed it?
Fear.
She had been so afraid of the prospect of being wed to the Dark Dragon that it had blinded her to what was right in front of her. Years, though, had seasoned him. He was no longer a young lad on the verge of manhood...he was now a man.

“Heather?”

Concern had grown heavy in her husband’s voice and she was quick to smile, reach out, take his hand, and tug him down on the bench beside her. “Seamus spoke of my mum. It brought back memories.”

He squeezed her hand. “Good memories.”

It was not a question he asked, for he knew the answer. She had spoken often of her mum to Quinn, but she made no mention of that. “What few memories still linger in my mind of her are very good ones and Seamus gave me more good ones to enjoy.”

“Then I am pleased for you.”

“Unfortunately, he knew of the secret passage but not of its location.”

“You believe he tells you the truth?”

“Without a doubt I do,” she said. “He told me I should run from you if I get the chance and if he knew where the secret passage was he would tell me so I could do just that.”

“I would find you. There is no place you could go that I would not find you.” There was no anger in his words. He was simply stating the truth.

Heather rested her hand on his arm. “You would not need to find me, for I am where I want to be. You were good to me last night, Rhys, when I needed you. You will make a fine husband.”

He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes, though a smile teased at the corners of his mouth. “I have not decided yet if you will make a good wife or not.”

She grinned and patted his arm. “Good or not, I fear you are stuck with me, for we are wed and it cannot be undone.”

Rhys leaned his face close to hers. “We have yet to seal our vows, wife, so I could give you back to your da if I so wish.”

“Or you could see our vows sealed and keep me, for I will make a better wife than you think.” Heather felt a chill take hold of her as his slight smile faded and a shadow fell over him, or had it stepped out of him?

“I have warned you before that there is darkness in me—”

She pressed her finger to his lips and whispered, “I will chase it away.”

He captured her finger with his hand, moving it away from his mouth. “Be warned, wife, for it is an evil darkness and may consume you.”

“Do not waste your breath in trying to frighten me,” she said and stood, taking his hand to tug him to his feet. “Come, we should examine that trampled grass and see what we can discover.”

Rhys tugged her back against him. “You do not give me orders, wife, or tug me along at your whim, or soon the villagers will think that you tamed the Dragon.”

Heather laughed softly. “Those familiar with me already know I have a way with animals and probably expect no less from me.”

“Never will you tame the Dragon,” he said as if the task was impossible.

“My dear husband, do you not know that
love
can tame any creature?”

“Excuse me, my lady.”

Rhys turned on the young man with anger in his voice. “You dare to interrupt when I am speaking with my wife?”

The young man quickly lowered his head. “I am sorry, my lord, but—”

“I will hear no excuse. Leave us be!”

The young man shivered in fear, but made no move to leave.

Rhys took a sharp step toward him, but Heather stepped in front of him, resting her hand to his chest. “Perhaps he is in need of help.”

The young man did not wait, he spoke up and he spoke fast before he could be stopped. “My wife Jenny is having difficulty birthing our babe, and the women who are helping her do not know what more they can do. Can you please help her, Lady Heather? I know you suffered an injury last night and I have no right to ask you, but I fear for Jenny’s life.”

Rhys knew there would be no stopping his wife, so he snapped at the young man, “Show us the way.”

Once again words rushed like a rapidly flowing stream from the young man’s lips. “Aye, my lord. Thank you, my lord. I am most grateful, my lord.”

Rhys waved him on and the young man turned and hurried off, leaving Rhys and Heather to follow.

Heather cast her husband a smile as she picked up her skirt and hurried along, Rhys keeping pace alongside her.

When they reached the small cottage, Rhys grabbed her arm and gently brought her to a halt. “I will wait out here and if you feel unwell you are to tell me, or so help me, Heather...”

“I will not cause myself undo harm.” She kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “I wish to save all my strength for tonight when
we
seal our vows.”

He stared after her as she disappeared into the cottage and wished it was night already. He turned to the young man who remained outside as well, though a distance from him. “Your name,” Rhys demanded.

“Gillie, my lord.”

“Gillie, you are going to pass the time with me by helping me decide on a fitting punishment for you, for daring to interrupt me when I was speaking with my wife.”

Gillie lowered his head. “I care not what punishment you serve on me, my lord. I will suffer anything as long as my Jenny and our babe are well.”

A piercing scream ripped through the air and Gillie winced, suffering along with his wife. And Rhys knew there was no punishment he could serve on the young man as bad as the one he now suffered.

Rhys turned when a few minutes later he heard rushing steps and saw Pitt hurrying toward him.

“There is a problem,” he said.

“Get Henry and bring him here. I will not leave Heather without someone I can trust watching over her.”

Pitt went to do as told and returned in a few moments with Henry in tow.

“Once my wife finishes take her to the keep and wait in the Great Hall with her until my return,” Rhys ordered and as he walked off another piercing scream followed him.

~~~

Heather took account of the situation. One thing she had learned about births, after delivering so many babes, is that all are not alike. Each mother is more comfortable, more likely to birth her babe with ease, if no complications arise, when left to her instincts than those forced to do as others say.

“I have done it all as I have been told,” Jenny cried, pacing the floor by the bed. “I have squatted, walked, knelt, sat and still the babe refuses to be born. I can do no more.”

Heather turned to the two women who were helping Jenny. “We will need buckets of fresh, heated water.

The two women looked at her oddly wondering over her request, but neither of them asked. They simply went off to do as Heather bid.

Once Heather had the two out of her way, she went to Jenny. “What is it that you would like to do now?”

Jenny stared at her not sure what to say, then said, “I would like to rest, my lady. I am so very tired.”

“Then that is what you shall do,” Heather said and helped her into bed, making her as comfortable as possible and pressing along her stomach as she did.

When the pain came again, Heather talked her through it with a soothing voice. “You are doing wonderful, Jenny, and I am sure the babe will come soon now, so we must get you ready.”

Jenny agreed with an eager nod and Heather quickly helped her to bring her knees up and push her nightdress back over them to drop on her stomach. She was soon urging Jenny to push, telling her how the babe was nearly there. With more eager coaxing from Heather, and Jenny anxious to be done with it, the babe came in no time.

“A fine lad,” Heather cried out as the babe made himself known with his own cries.

The two women were shocked when they returned. The babe lay wrapped in a blanket in Jenny’s arms while Heather saw to the aftermath of the delivery. Once Jenny was seen to, she saw to cleaning up the babe and wrapping him in a cleaner blanket that Jenny had recently finished stitching.

Heather turned to the two women who were fawning over the new babe in Jenny’s arms. “If you both would go to the keep’s kitchen and ask for Nessa and tell her that I sent you to collect food for Jenny and her husband, enough for two days, she will see it done.”

The three women looked at her as if they could not quite believe what she said.

Jenny finally spoke up, “My lady, that is far too generous of you.”

“A gift from the Dragon and his wife, and you know you cannot refuse the Dragon.”

The three women simultaneously nodded their heads vigorously.

“I will wait with Jenny until you return,” Heather said. “And please tell my husband I wish to speak with him.”

The one woman stepped forward. “The Dragon left. Henry, Belle’s husband, has been left to wait for you.”

Heather would have liked to ask them if they knew where her husband had gone, but that would not be proper for her to do. She went to the door with the two women and stepped outside, calling out to Jenny’s husband to come see his newborn son. He came running, a broad smile upon his face.

She closed the door behind him to give the couple time alone and walked over to Henry, standing a few feet away. “Henry, you are feeling well?”

“Very well, my lady,” Henry said with a firm nod.

Heather cast a glance about, noticing that clouds now threatened the beautiful day. “Some rain I think.”

“It feels it for sure.”

“Do you know where my husband is off to?”

Henry shook his head. “No, my lady. I only know I am to take you to the Great Hall when you are done and I am to remain with you there until the Dragon returns.”

Something had happened to take Rhys away. She had seen or perhaps had sensed that he had been just as eager to spend the rest of the day with her as she had been to spend it with him. Something urgent must have happened to take him away from her.

And she intended to find out what it was.