Blessing The Highlander (23 page)

 
           “I will see ta me wife’s safety, auld woman. And this moment I see that she is over-tired. We must depart for home.”

 
           Alred glanced at Garrick then Seonaid. He had hoped for a longer visit but seeing the dark circles under her eyes, he knew that Garrick was right. He approached the table and picked up the gold locket. Snapping his fingers, he removed the magic that had sucked her into the vortex then turned to them both.

 
           “I would ask that you wear this locket always, daughter. I removed the magic and replaced it with something else. If you are ever in danger, or need me, just call out and I will be there in an instant. Will you do this for me?”

 
           She nodded wearily. As he placed it around her neck she said, barely above a whisper, “I had hoped you would visit longer. I wish to get to ken you better.”

 
           He cleared his throat as emotion threatened to close it. “I will see you later… after you have rested. Go now with your husband and build up your strength. We will have a better visit when you are not so fatigued.” Then he whispered in her ear, “You do not have to be in danger to call me, you know.”

 
           She beamed up at him warming his heart. “I was hoping you would say that...Da.”

 
           Alred was startled at the familiarity then grinned at her. He had waited ten and seven years to hear that word from her precious lips. Tears filled his eyes as he kissed her brow. He glanced at Garrick and nodded.

 
           “Keep her safe, Son. I will see you later.” Then he turned and disappeared.

Chapter XI

 
           Seonaid dozed all the way home nestled in her husband’s warm embrace swathed in his plaid. He had insisted that she ride with him fearing that she might fall from her horse. She did not mind. She treasured every moment he held her. It made her feel well-protected.

 
           He carried her up the three flights of stairs to their chambers and disrobed her down to her chemise. She scarcely stirred from her slumber and nestled into the furs as he settled her into the bed. Seonaid drifted off into a deep, restful sleep for the first time since she was injured.

 
           After assuring himself that she would stay asleep Garrick silently left the room. Just outside the door stood Angus and William looking a little concerned.

 
           “Is m’lady well?” William inquired of him.

 
           “Aye. Just weary. She has been through much this past sennight. Let her rest. I will return to bring her some sup.”

 
           With a look of relief they gave Garrick a slight bow taking their places near the door.

 
           Garrick went to his study, informing Mary on the way that he would attend to his wife this eve. He wished her to get as much rest as possible. Her frailness troubled him somewhat. He would need to keep an eye on her to be sure she was not ailing and keeping her own counsel.

 
           He retrieved a mug of ale and sat at his desk pondering everything that had occurred that day. As he waded through the murky waters of intrigue the one thought that kept reappearing was that someone wanted King Alred dead. Why else go through all of this just to get the Spear of Destiny? The answer had to lie there at his doorstep. He was about to call Lokai when he heard a scratching at his door.

 
           He turned his attention to the door calling out. “Enter!”

 
           Malcolm, his second in command, approached his desk after closing the door behind him. He gave Garrick an innocent look as he asked, “Is the mistress well, m’laird? The men were concerned when they saw that ye carried her all the way back.”

 
           “They need not be. She simply was nae strong enough for such an outing this day. Me lady wife has been through much lately and thinks she is sturdier than what she truly is. Naught more.”

 
           “I see that ye are keeping her well-guarded, m’laird. Is something amiss?”

 
           Garrick narrowed his eyes distrustfully but kept them averted from Malcolm, busying himself with some parchments on the desk.

 
           “Nay. Tis just for me own peace of mind. She is a Countess and as such she is a target for ambitious men. Tis all.” He kept his voice light so to avert suspicion.

 
           “Tis wise indeed, m’laird.” He nodded sagely. “I would be honored if ye allow me the duty of keeping her safe.”

 
           Garrick glanced up swiftly at him. Once again suspicious of his motives. “I thank ye for your concern, Malcolm, but tis nae necessary. I have it covered well and good.”

 
           Malcolm ground his teeth in irritation. He needed access to the lady if he was to steal her away. He would have to think up a way to get her alone. Well he had plenty of time. She was not going anywhere. He nodded to Garrick.

 
           “Will ye be training with the men on the morrow?”

 
           “Aye. At first light.”

 
           “Very well, m’laird. Good day then.”

 
           Garrick watched him leave from the corner of his eye. Why would he wish to watch over Seonaid when she was certain he had a dislike of her? No good thing could come of it.

 
           “You are right about that, Brother.” Lokai strolled into view. “What do you know of this man? Is he your kin?”

 
           Garrick shook his head. “Nay, nae kin. He has only lived here at Castle Brodie for seven years. Truth be told, I ken next ta naught about him. But he was the first ta swear fealty ta Seonaid. He is beginning ta show too much interest in me wife recently, I think.”

 
           Lokai considered his words. He had come to speak with Garrick about the new revelation concerning Seonaid’s vision but had stayed out of sight until Malcolm departed. There was something familiar to him about that mortal. Something that made his hair stand up. It was not his appearance, of that he was certain, nor his voice. But there was something… He would watch him.

 
           “I came to speak with you about the possible imposter of the king. There are no Fae that would do that now and yet there is no one else who could accomplish the task. If my father was still around then I would say it was him...but he passed on a few years ago. No one else comes to mind.”

 
           “I have been giving it much thought as well. This has ta be about the Spear of Destiny which means that it concerns the death of King Alred. Tis the only thing that makes any sense.”

 
           Lokai nodded in agreement as a drink appeared in his hand. He sat down opposite of Garrick and took a swallow. Garrick watched him as Lokai mulled over the problem in his mind. After several moments he spoke.

 
           “My father was an ambitious Fae. He felt that his grandfather wronged him by not awarding the kingship to his father. He selected Alred’s father instead. I remember when I was a lad hearing his indignation about it. The king took me out of his household before I was tainted by his madness.” He swirled his drink in the cup as he spoke. Garrick’s brow rose at the term ‘madness’.

 
           “The Fae are dangerous enough when sane… but madness! How much more so if mad!”

 
           “That is true. An insane Fae is unheard of in our realm and yet...I can think of no other term that would fit what I had witnessed.” Lokai shook his head. “But he has passed on to the spirit form so it cannot be him.”

 
           Garrick eyed him as a thought crept into his mind. “Did ye see him pass on yourself? Or were ye simply informed by someone else?”

 
           Lokai raised his head to meet Garrick’s gaze. “It does not work quite like that. There is some residual essence present when they pass over, like a marker, so that anyone would know if they happened upon it. It stays there for about a month’s time then dissipates. I experienced my father’s marker myself.”

 
           “I see. Could it be feigned? Either about whose marker it be or of the ‘passing’ itself?”

 
           Lokai sat up straight as he absorbed the questions. “I do not know. It never occurred to me that a falsehood could be involved. Why would anyone want to fake their passing?” He shook his head. “But now...maybe you are on to something, Brother. I suppose that the ‘passing’ marker could be false but not who it belongs to...that is unique.”

 
           “Then, perhaps, ye should see what ye can discover about that. Right now your father seems ta be the one with the most ta gain.”

 
           Lokai agreed as he thought over the likelihood.

 
           “How goes the wedding, Brother? Has Diedre confessed?”

 
           “She is being stubborn so it is delayed. It is just as well. The king wants me to keep a watch on Seonaid while-”

 
           Garrick stiffened. “I can protect me wife! There is nae need!”

 
           “True enough. But if it is a Fae...you cannot.”

 
           “Aye. I think that I can...with the Spear.” His hands clenched. He gave Lokai a hard stare.

 
           “You may be able to kill a Fae but you cannot recognize one...I can.”

 
           They were nose to nose at an impasse. Both were equally resolute. “Well, I can nae stop ye...but stay out of me way!” Lokai gave a terse nod leaving as swiftly as he had entered.

 
           He was loathed to acknowledge it but he did need Lokai’s assistance. His fist crashed down on the table. This was infuriating. Garrick detested intrigue and his life has been full of it since he found Seonaid. She was worth it though. He smiled, recalling her passionate embrace.

 
           Glancing at the narrow window, he perceived that it was growing late. He headed for the kitchens whistling to himself. It promised to be a pleasant eve.

            The dreary sky held the possibility of a summer storm as the beggar hobbled through the gates to the inner bailey.

 
           “Ho there! What be your business here, auld timer?”

 
           Lokai turned weary gray eyes on the guard. “I but request shelter from the weather as I clearly can nae outpace it, kind sir.”

 
           William laughed. “Aye. I would have ta agree with ye on that.” Determining that he was harmless he grunted. “Go round ta the kitchen and tell them ‘William’ sent ye ta get a morsel ta eat. Ye can make yourself a pallet in the stables. I will let Laird Brodie ken of ye so ye will nae be troubled.”

 
           The stiffening breeze blew back his cowl a tad as he gave William a grateful expression. “Thank ye, kind sir, twill nae be forgotten.”

 
           William scrutinized him as he shambled off in the direction he had sent him. Satisfied, he returned to his duties. The beggar looked innocuous enough.

 
           With a full stomach, Lokai was preparing a pallet in a dark corner of the loft as he heard the first patters of rain begin to fall. A woman’s squeal alerted him that he was not alone as he observed Garrick and his bride running into the stable leading their steeds. He slunk back into the shadows.

 
           “Ye grow stronger every day, mo cridhe.” He gave her a hug. Her arms wrapped round his waist as she returned the embrace. “Are ye happy, wife?”

 
           She smiled up at him. “More than I ever imagined possible, husband. I am content.” Majesty nudged Seonaid’s shoulder bumping her a bit off balance. “Mind your manners, lass!” she scolded. “I had best get her put away. She is impatient for her meal.”

 
           She led the mare to the rear of the stable, pausing momentarily as she neared the shadows where Lokai was concealed above her.

 
           She sensed being watched but she felt no threat and continued on. As Seonaid used straw to wipe the sweat from Majesty’s golden coat, she shuddered. She was being watched again. This time it felt menacing. She sucked in her breath as she hurried to finish her chore.
Do nae be silly! Nae one would dare try to harm me with my husband just a few feet away!
There was a scuffling sound. Her head jerked round to perceive two sinister grey eyes glaring back at her before they vanished. She fled from the stall, running straight into a wall of hard flesh.

 
           Garrick had sensed her rising panic. He caught her as she virtually flew from Majesty’s box stall.

 
           “What is amiss, Seonaid?” He glanced past her but saw only the mare. She shook her head struggling to steady her breathing.