Loki (6 page)

Loki took a few steps toward his cousin.

“Halt. Do not take another step or your friend dies.”

Loki did as he was told and froze in place. “No reason to hurt anyone. What is the problem? Why are you here? We’ve done naught wrong, we’re just two traveling Highlanders looking for some entertainment.” He smiled, hoping to give the impression that they were two foolish young lads.

The brute’s dark gaze skewered into Loki. “Why are you asking about the jewels?”

Loki shrugged his shoulders. “Because we heard about them and hoped to uncover them and become heroes. No other reason. Why do you not release my friend?”

“I ask the questions, not you.” He tightened his hold on Torrian, who turned a darker shade of red. “My assistant will be here soon to tie you up.”

“Why must you tie us up? We’ve done naught wrong. Tessa and Dona promised us a sweet eve of pleasure. ‘Tis all we were seeking. Let us go and we’ll be on our way.” Loki managed to move himself to the exact spot he needed for good aim.

The door opened and the man with the eye patch stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

“Where have you been, Egan?” Clyde asked. “Get control of him. Find your dagger. ‘Tis the only way he’ll talk.”

Egan reached into his hidden belt, but he came out with naught besides a puzzled expression. “Clyde? Where’s my…”

“That could be a problem,” Loki announced, both hands on his hips.

Clyde smirked, “And why is that?”

Loki winked at him as Egan reached into his boot for another weapon. “Seems I have Egan’s weapons.” Loki flung one dagger straight into Clyde’s thigh, then pulled out a second dagger and twisted Egan around until he had the dagger pressed to the man’s throat.

As soon as the dagger was embedded in Clyde’s thigh, Torrian swung the man around and pointed his dagger at his throat, though the stronger warrior was a little harder to restrain than Egan had been.

Loki said, “Not bad, cousin. Nice job, especially with one his size. I didn’t know you had those kinds of moves.” Clyde only growled in response.

Torrian said, “He is my uncle, you’ll remember, and he has taught me a few things. How’d you get his weapons?”

Loki laughed. “Didn’t trust the fellow, so I knocked him down in the passageway and stole his weapons.”

Torrian grinned. “Nice strategy. I have much to learn.”

Squeezing the dagger against Egan’s throat, Loki said, “Now, would you mind telling us what you know about the missing jewels and why you’re after us?”

Neither Egan nor Clyde responded. Loki squeezed again.

“All right, I’ll tell,” Egan spewed. “And this has naught to do with the missing jewels.”

“You wee fool! Blackett will whip you.”

“I do not care, Clyde. I’ve had enough. We have naught to do with the jewels. We’ve been hired by another to follow you both.”

Loki squeezed again.

“Nay! I’ll talk…”

Loki gave him a moment to catch his breath before squeezing again.

“Are you not Loki Grant of the Highlands?”

“Who wants to know?” Loki ground out.

“Your father,” Egan spit out. “The Earl of Cliffnock is your sire.”

Chapter Seven

Bella stood in shock in the middle of her father’s cottage. “What did you just say, Papa?”

“I said to make sure you have everything ready. You’ll be leaving with your sister in less than a fortnight.” Her sire continued shoveling stew into his mouth, ignoring his daughter’s reaction to his proclamation.

“I am? But I asked you the other day if I could stay and take care of you, and you promised I could.” She had asked him to stay after telling Loki she would wait for him. She could not break that promise. Not for anyone.

Her sire set his utensils down with a clatter and stared at her. “Arabella, I think it would be best if you went away for a short time. Why not travel with your sister, see her wedding, then return after another sennight? I think ‘twould be good for you. I’ll be going for the wedding as you must, but I’ll be returning immediately after the ceremony. I’d like you to stay for a while. ‘Twill help you get over that lad you pine for.”

Morna said, “Bella, you may as well go with me since Loki is gone and he’s not returning. He’s working for the crown. ‘Tis time for you to find another. Think on it. I’ll be running my own keep. You can help me get started running the kitchens since you have much more experience than I do. Besides, I’ll need to focus on my husband. And the only other chores you’ll have is to help me with are dressing and bathing. I’ll see that you have your own chamber, something you’ve always wanted. Mayhap my betrothed will match you with someone. Then we could live there together.”

Bella could not believe what her own sister had just said. “Morna, I do not wish to spend my life in the kitchens. I wish to marry and have bairns.” She pivoted toward her sire. “Papa, I do not wish to go with her. Besides, I thought you wished for me to marry a Grant lad. Is that not what you promised Mama?” Desperation took over as she searched her mind for anything she could use to reason with her father. She’d promised Loki she’d wait for him.

“I believe it will be good for you to travel with your sister. When you return we’ll find another for you. Morna, she will marry a Grant so cease your matchmaking. You have less than a fortnight, Bella, and you will obey me.” Her father stood up and moved to the chair in front of the hearth. “Now, pick up the dishes and see that they’re cleaned while your sister and I warm ourselves in front of the hearth.”

Bella spun on her heel and ran out the door. But then she tore back inside, ran over to her pallet, and packed a satchel before she took off again, slamming the door behind her, ignoring her sire’s comments yelled at her as she raced back out the door, tears blurring her vision. She loved her father, but she hated him for this, for refusing to accept the lad she loved and the life they deserved together. He was right, she had to get away, but from him, not the Grants.

She did not care where she went—she just had to leave. Morna was not so bad, but her father acted like he hated her. Where would she go? She slowed her movements once she was far enough away to let her tears fall. The only place she belonged was in Loki Grant’s arms, but he was not here.

She trudged through the courtyard and headed around the back to the kitchens, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Her vision was so blurred, she almost walked straight into Lady Celestina.

“Oh, my lady, please forgive me.” Her breath hitched as she tried to stop her tears.

“Arabella, are you crying? What is it, my dear? Why are you so upset this eve?” Celestina carried a basket of fruit and walked with wee Alison.

She tried to respond, but her chest hurt so much she couldn’t speak.

“Oh, Arabella, why do you not come and sit by the fire with us?”

Bella nodded and followed Celestina back toward the keep. Where else could she go?

Once inside their tower chambers, she greeted Brodie, Braden, and Catriona. Brodie asked, “Is there aught I can do, Arabella?”

Standing just inside the door, Bella swiped at her tears and shook her head.

Celestina took her satchel from her, setting it aside, and led her to a chair in front of the hearth. The three bairns were staring at her, so Brodie ushered them over to the table in their quarters.

“When you are ready, tell me what is wrong, Arabella,” Celestina said gently, covering her with a blanket.

Bella glanced at her and the entire story tumbled out of her. “My sire wishes to send me away when my sister marries—” her breath hitched, “—and I wish to stay here and wait for Loki. I love him.” Her sobbing increased no matter how she tried to stop it. Still, it felt good to confide in Celestina, who was the most kind-hearted woman she’d ever met. Celestina and Maddie, the laird’s wife, were much alike, and the entire clan adored them both.

She noticed Celestina and Brodie exchange a glance, and then he left his chair to sit beside her.

“Arabella, if you do not wish to go, I’ll speak to your laird and see if we cannot insist you stay to help us in the kitchens. I know Loki would not want you to leave, and it heartens me that you are staying true to him. Celestina and I believe he is confused right now, but he needs to sort out who he is on his own. None of us can begin to understand how his early life was or how it feels to not know your true parents. We must let him deal with this in his own way. We are comforted by the fact that he is still with family members, but we will need a great deal of patience.”

She hiccupped three times before she managed to speak. “You would speak to our laird for me?”

“Aye, we do not wish to lose you to your sister’s new clan. Rest assured, I’ll speak to our laird on the morrow. You may sleep in the bed with the lassies this eve and we’ll settle this matter later. How does that sound?”

Arabella nodded, trying to catch her breath and stop her tears. “My thanks.”

Celestina hugged her and whispered in her ear, “I know our son loves you. He’s just a bit confused right now.”

Bella hugged her tight, not wanting to ever let go.

***

Loki rode his horse next to Logan, and their guards followed directly behind them. At the king’s request, Logan had left Torrian with Alexander for the day. The king understood the importance of getting to know all of his vassals and chieftains-to-be.

Together, Loki and Logan approached the small castle where the Earl of Cliffnock resided.

“Are you sure you wish to do this?” Logan asked.

“Aye.” He glanced at Logan. “As we discussed, if this proves I’m of noble blood, Bella’s sire will have little excuse not to accept me as her husband. Morna is marrying one of noble blood so he would have to allow Arabella the same.”

“You do not think you’ll wish to stay here, mayhap live your life here? If you are his first born son, you could inherit all that is here, including the title.”

“Aye, possibly, but is it not more likely that I will prove to be a bastard? ‘Twas not the friendliest way to greet his son, either way.”

Logan shook his head. “I shall have to speak to King Alexander about this. Why weren’t we told long ago?”

“Mayhap Cliffnock kept it to himself for whatever reason.” Loki slowed his horse to give him the chance to take in everything about the land and the castle. It was not a large building, and there were only parapets on the gates, not on the walls. The cottages in the village outside were sparse and not well kept. A few clan members came out of their huts to stare, but none offered greetings. There was an odd feeling to the area.

Logan said, “My hunch is that Hamilton is right, and the something that is off centers around the earl, but I know how important this is to you, lad. Keep that clever mind of yours open at all times. I’d thought to leave you here for a fortnight to get to know your sire better, but mayhap not that long. My gut tells me nay. We’ll see if he offers us a place to stay for a night or two.”

Loki nodded, then brought his horse to a canter. They arrived at the gate when it was near dusk. A strange feeling of anticipation fluttered through Loki. This could answer so many questions. The first one he would ask was why the earl had allowed his son to live in a crate behind an inn.

The guard at the gate said, “Your business, lads?”

Loki cleared his throat and spoke loud enough for all to hear. “Loki Grant of the Highlands to see my sire, Edward Blackett, the Earl of Cliffnock.” He had to admit it had a nice sound to it. Wait until Bella heard he was the son of an earl. Even if he was a bastard, his noble blood would have to count for something.

His palms turned clammy as the gates opened, allowing them inside. Would his sire be kind? Would he get the opportunity to meet his mother? Did he have any siblings? One question popped into his mind after another. How he hoped he would finally get some answers.

Logan, as if able to read his mind, said, “Now remember to take it slow. I know you have many questions. We’ll get to them all in due time.”

A couple of lads emerged from the stables to take care of their horses. From there, they moved through the bailey, small but functional, and on to the steps leading to the great hall. A man came out and addressed them.

“My name is Hamish and I’m your sire’s second, Loki. I’m pleased to see you again after all these years.” He smiled and clasped his shoulder. “Do you remember me at all, lad?”

A flicker of something flashed through Loki’s mind, but not enough. The man seemed pleasant and kind, but Loki had no recollection of him. He shook his head. “Nay, sorry.”

“No bother. We’ll get to know each other all over again.” He led them inside the hall and over to the dais. The man in the center stood as soon as they entered the vast space. His gaze followed Loki as he made his way over. There was no lass beside him, Loki noticed.

“Come, come, I cannot wait to see you again, son. Please, come closer.” Once they were near, the man smiled and introduced himself. “Edward Blackett, the Earl of Cliffnock. I’ve waited a long time for this day.” He stepped down from the dais to be closer to Loki, gazing into his eyes, probably searching his face for some sign that he was truly his son.

Hamish said, “‘Tis him, Blackett. Do you not agree?”

The earl replied, “Aye, ‘tis my son.”

Loki was looking at the earl just as intently as the earl was staring at him. He did not see many similarities except the earl was almost as tall and thin as Loki, though the man was not muscular. “How can you be so sure?”

“Actually, ‘tis quite simple. You have your mother’s eyes, one blue and one green. Have you ever seen another with the same?”

Loki had to admit, he never had. His eye color had always been a curiosity to others. “My mother? Is she here? I’d like to meet her.”

Blackett motioned for them to sit. “And your friend?”

“My apologies. This is my uncle, Logan Ramsay.”

Blackett stared at Logan. “My compliments, Ramsay. I’ve heard of you and your wife by reputation, of course. You’ll have to tell me about her someday. But for the moment I’d like to talk with my son.”

He motioned for Loki to sit next to him and sent the servants for ale and meat pies.

After the servants left to do his bidding, the earl said, “I’m sorry, Loki, but your mother passed on a long time ago.” He paused. “She died giving birth, which upset you so much you ran away. I searched and searched for you…I had my guards comb the entire countryside, but we never located you. Where did you go?”

Loki stared into this father’s eyes, wondering if he was telling the truth. Without knowing the man, it was impossible to tell. “I lived in Ayr in a crate behind an inn near Woodgait for many years. I had no recollection of aught but my name, but I was fortunate to meet Brodie Grant. He eventually adopted me and took me to the Highlands to live with him and his wife. I’ve been there ever since.”

“You do not remember aught about me? About where we lived?”

“Nay, I do not. This castle is not familiar to me.”

“We lived in a small cottage when you were a bairn. I was given this land after the battle with the Norse. You do not recall your home or your mother?”

Loki shook his head, sad that he would never know his mother, but after all these years, his sire sat in front of him. He would do better to focus his attention on the present.

The servants brought out the food and drink, and once they were gone, Blackett asked, “How long ago did you move to the Highlands?” The flat expression on his face was puzzling. If he had been happy about meeting his long-lost son, wouldn’t there be a bit more of a spark in his gaze? “I moved after we battled the Norse.”

The earl paused and stared at Loki for an uncomfortably long time. “So you lived alone on the road, behind an inn for many years. How can I forgive myself? How could you forgive me? I’d understand if you did not.”

“Why did you not follow me right away?” Loki knew it was a harsh question, but he thought it fair.

“Och, lad, I did not have a group of guards at my command then as I do now. Hamish was a friend, but not many others lived nearby. We lost both your mother and the babe in one eve. I was so upset, I never noticed you were gone until ‘twas too late. ‘Tis all my fault, I know that. I should have kept a better eye on you, but I was distraught from losing your mother.”

“Do I have any other siblings?”

“Nay, lad, just the one sister who passed on with your mother. I never named her. Hamish buried her with your mother.”