Highland Legends 04 - Captive Highlander (19 page)

“Why not take her now and assure
your place?”

“Draco, there is a subtlety in the
way these things must be done. I wilna have her until she is legally mine.” He
smiled. “And then I will take her over and over until she can barely walk from
my use of her.” Drawing a deep breath, he licked his lips. “I can almost taste
her.”

Draco frowned. “I dinna see it.
Will you use Sorcha’s magic every time you take her?”

“The small sample I received
makes me think that wilna be necessary. Brianna took her first initiation to my
touch almost too well. It is new to her. She craves it now.” He smiled. “She
agreed to bend to my every desire if I would leave off taking Sorcha.”

Draco laughed.

Tessa opened her door and pulled
Ian inside. “You live,” she murmured, hugging him joyfully. “I wasna wrong.”

Ian held her for a minute then
pushed her back from him. He ran his finger across her forehead. “Your mind’s
eye?”

“But of course,” she said with a
grin. Her face quickly turned grim. “What of your father? I have no visions of
him.”

Ian grimaced. “Jared tells me he
lives and has been sent to my sister for a cure.”

Her innocent face lit with
wonder. “Lady Asilinn wilna fail, Ian, I am sure of it.”

“From your lips to God’s ear, if
my sister doesna succeed in saving him it will take a terrible toll on her.
Asilinn doesna accept failure easily.”

“And thus she is usually
triumphant.” Tessa offered him a seat near the fire. “The Dragon of Dunbocan
aids our cause?”

“Aye, we are one blood since his
marriage to my sister.”

“But you are here to rescue
Katie.”

“Aye, please tell me I am not too
late.”

“Rannoch brought her back and put
her in the tower now occupied by Sorcha. He claimed Katie was not herself and
couldna see or hear what transpired around her.”

“The shock of thinking we were
all killed.”

Tessa nodded. “So it would seem.”

“Where is Sorcha’s tower?”

“I will take you there, but you
must have a care. It is where the Red Witch keeps her cures and potions. All of
it is black magic if you ask me. Jamie visited Katie earlier today. He says
Katie has come to her senses and now only pretends not to see or hear anything
going on around her. He advised her to fake a slow recovery.”

Ian hesitated at his next
question, but he had to ask. If anyone could tell him, it was Tessa. “Did he
hurt her?” he asked.

“I dinna think so, Ian. Jamie
made no mention of any abuse. I believe her state frightened Rannoch and he
didna touch her. He has turned his attention to Brianna.”

“Brianna?”

“Aye, so, Brianna desires his
attention and he has given it. He plans to marry her in Katie’s stead.”

“Does Katie ken Rannoch’s plans?”

Tessa shrugged. “You will ken
soon enough. I will see you safely into Sorcha’s tower. You must do the rest.”

He grabbed Tessa’s hand. “I must
get Katie safely away and go to Dunbocan to plan the attack on Rannoch. Will
you be safe until I can return or do we all need to go together?”

“If we all go, Brianna and
Rannoch will move up the wedding in order to assure his position. You must
leave us all here save Katie. Father canna travel in his state. His condition
is improving since I switched out his medicine with water, but not enough to
allow such a journey. Come back with troops to free us from Rannoch. That is
all we ask.”

“I need to see your father. I
want his blessing on my plans.”

“It is too risky. You should just
get Katie and go.”

“I must insist.”

“Why?”

“Just take me to him.”

Tessa let out her breath in a
rush. “Very well, put on your monk’s robe and come with me.” She rose and
peeped out the door, checking the hall in both directions. “You will play the
same part as before should we meet anyone.” Ian nodded his agreement.

When they reached Laird
Blackburn’s chamber, the two guards he had encountered before were standing
outside the portal. Tessa approached them. “I bring the monk to pray over
father,” she said.

“Very well,” one of them said
stepping back to allow them entrance.

Tessa opened the door and ushered
Ian into her father’s chamber. Brian Blackburn stirred in his bed when they
entered. As they walked closer, Ian could see that Sorcha’s potions had taken
their toll on Katie’s father. Ian pushed back his hood as he moved closer to
the bed.

“Ian, are you alive, or does my
mind play tricks on me?” Brian asked.

Ian sat on the edge of the bed
and took hand. “I am very much alive and my father is injured, but alive and
sent to my sister.”

“Thank God,” Brian murmured.
“Have you come to save us?”

“There are things I must ask you
first,” Ian said. “Laird Blackburn, I wish to take Katie for my wife. Will you
give your blessing on our union?”

Brian’s face broke into a grin.
“What does Angus say about that?”

Ian withdrew his mother’s ring
from his sporran and showed it to Brian. “He bid me use the ring he used to wed
my mother when we spoke the vows.”

Tears streamed down Brian’s face.
“Finally my old friend has forgiven me for stealing Katie’s mother from him.”

“May I wed your daughter?”

“Aye, you have my blessing.”

“There is more I need to tell
you. Jared works with us against Rannoch. He is at Dunbocan gathering an army
to rout Rannoch from Duntaigh Castle. I must go to lead them into the secret
passages that will give them the advantage they need, but I canna leave Katie
under Rannoch’s control. I came to take her with me to Dunbocan.”

Brian nodded. “’Tis a good plan,
Ian, but only if news you are alive remains a secret.”

“Rannoch may suspect I live when
Katie disappears.”

“Perchance not, Keith is here in
hiding. We could blame the deed on him. This would allow you time to give
Rannoch the surprise of his life.” Brian chuckled. “Just imagine Rannoch’s
expression when you show up with an army.”

“I will do anything for you and
your family, especially Katie. Still I hesitate to leave you and your other
children here with Rannoch while we carry out our plan. Is there any way for
you to come with me?”

“Sadly, it is impossible. Brianna
cannot be trusted. She hangs on Rannoch’s every word. Tessa and Jamie will see
that all of us sneak away to the secret passages if things turn bad. Rannoch
doesna ken where they are. We will be safe.”

“Thank you, I’ll go and find
Katie. You have my word I will return.”

“You are like your father. Your
word is your bond. I ken you will come for us. I will tell Jamie of the plan. I
expect him soon. Wait for the cover night. ‘Twill aid your escape. Now go
before they discover you are alive.”

Chapter 24

Sorcha prepared to seek out
Jamie. She had a taste for him now. His innocence delighted her almost as much
as her experience and guidance delighted him. A light rap on the door
interrupted her thoughts.

“Milady, ‘tis Gareth, I come to
guard Katie.”

Sorcha let him in. “She is locked
in this chamber,” she told him, indicating Katie’s room. “The key hangs on a
nail outside the door. I have gotten Katie to eat some dinner and now she
sleeps. You are not to disturb her.”

“And if she calls out or asks for
something?”

Sorcha gave him her best mournful
look. “Gareth, Katie’s mind has not recovered from the terrible things she saw.
She doesna ken what she is saying. You must ignore any pleas from inside her
chamber.” Sorcha shrugged. “This advice might not be necessary. I dinna think
she will ask for anything. Remember, you are just here to protect her from
harm.”

“Very well, Milady. How long will
you be?”

Smiling, Sorcha adjusted her
bodice. “I wilna return until morning. Laird Rannoch has given me a task that
will require some time.”

“Aye, so.”

“And dinna fall asleep,” she
warned. “You must stay alert.” With that, she left the tower.

Her feet practically floated down
the hallway. Rannoch ordered her to do exactly what she desired. She would
savor Jamie Blackburn and tie him to her in an allegiance she might need in the
future. She could not wait to begin her task.

Sorcha decided to try his chamber
first. The hour grew late and she felt confident he would be there. Jamie
opened the door when she knocked. His hair fell in tousled ringlets about his
youthful face. He smiled slowly when he saw her and opened the door wider so
she could pass by him. Her flesh skimmed his bare chest as she ducked under his
arm and entered his chamber. She heard him slide the bolt in place. Sorcha
turned to face his burning gaze.

With one hand, she undid the
laces of her bodice and let it fall open. Shrugging her gown off her shoulders,
she let it fall to the floor. “Milord, it would give me great pleasure if you
would allow me to continue our lessons,” she said in a dark whisper.

In three steps, he closed the
distance between them and reached out to touch her. “I crave all the knowledge
you can impart,” he assured her.

Tessa led Ian through the dimly
lit passages that led to Sorcha’s tower. “I am glad you will be my brother by
marriage,” she said.

“And you saw this as well?”

“Aye, so,” she replied.

“It will be hard for me to live
with two sisters with the gift of foresight.”

“I would think ‘twould be a great
advantage.”

Ian smiled at her. “Are we
close?”

Tessa nodded, grabbed a candle from
one of the wall sconces, and pulled back a tapestry to reveal a hidden door.
“Through here,” she said, pulling him along with her. Cobwebs fluttered in the
gust of air created by the open door. Tessa shut it. The small, flickering
flame lit the silent, dark passage. A stale smell met Ian’s nostrils. “This is
hidden and little used. Few have knowledge it even exists,” Tessa explained.

“It doesna look like anyone has
been through here in a long time. Does this lead anywhere else?”

“I dinna ken. Once you have freed
Katie, perchance this could aid in your escape.”

Ian’s pulse quickened at the
thought of seeing Katie again, holding her in his arms, and assuring her that
he was very much alive. He must put these images away for now. They would only
distract him from the business at hand.

Tessa stopped short in front of
him and lit a candle lantern that hung on the wall of the passage. She
indicated a nearby bracket. “When you turn this, a cantilevered door will swing
open and admit you to tower,” she said. “Let us peek inside before you enter.”
She pulled a small stone out and put her eye to the opening. “I dinna see the
Red Witch, only Gareth. He is loyal to Rannoch. Sorcha doesna usually allow
anyone into her mixing room. She must be away and they sent him to guard
Katie.”

Tessa moved to open the door, but
Ian staid her hand. “I will take it from here, little one. Go back to your
chamber now.”

“I could help,” Tessa protested.

“Not this time. When I come back
with an army to take the castle, we may need your help. Wait for that.”

With a groan, Tessa agreed.
“Alright, but there is something else I want to tell you. From the other side,
the secret door appears to be a built in storage shelf. Should it close while
you are busy freeing Katie, you must run your hand down the left side and find
the latch that will make it spring open.”

“Thank you, Tessa. Now humor me
and get to the safety of your chamber.”

She rolled her eyes then grinned
and obeyed. He watched the dim candlelight flicker into the darkness until it
disappeared beyond a turn.

Ian made the sign of the cross
and petitioned God for help in his next endeavor. Checking the position of the
guard again, he sprung the latch on the door. It swung open so quietly he
didn’t think the guard heard the noise.

Ian crept silently inside. The
circular chamber had several doorways off of the central hub. Much of the main
chamber held Sorcha’s assorted cures and mixing table. In another section,
comfortable chairs and a smaller table sat close by the hearth. A fire crackled
and popped in the main fireplace making the whole area quite comfortable. His
quarry slept there with his chair propped back against the wall.

Ian came slowly up beside the
guard. The drunken man snored softly. If Rannoch knew Ian lived, it would spoil
the surprise attack they had planned. Ian recognized the guard. Gareth attacked
the Innes clan with Rannoch. It would be so easy to slit this man’s throat ear
to ear, but Ian never killed a man except in battle. To protect Katie and their
plan, he must find another way. The answer was right in front of him.

On the table sat a large wrought
iron candle stand. Its considerable weight would do the trick. Grabbing his
weapon of choice, he struck Gareth over the head. The large guard gasped then
fell forward onto the table. Ian wasted no time gagging and binding the man
with his own plaid.

“Who goes there?” He heard
Katie’s voice call out.

“Katie,” he cried running to the
door where voice came from.

“Ian? You live!”

A key hung on a nail beside the
portal. He used it to open the only obstacle that separated them. Katie sprung
into his arms kissing him repeatedly as he swung her around and held her close.
“Aye, love, I am very much alive,” he told her. Their lips met in a searing
kiss that took his breath away, but soon Ian broke it off and let her feet drop
slowly to the floor. “Love, we must get out of the castle before we continue
this,” he whispered.

“What of my family?” she asked.
“Are there more troops?”

“Not yet, love.” He took her face
in both of his hands and gazed deep into her eyes. “We will come back with an
army to free them.”

“Ian….” She started to protest.
He cut her off with another kiss.

“I went to your father and asked
for his advice. He bid me take you and leave. He said Tessa and Jamie would
help him hide if it became necessary.”

“What of Brianna?”

“Until she is free of Rannoch’s
spell, there is little we can do for her.”

“Rannoch plans to marry her.”

“Tessa told me. All the more
reason to hurry and get back with troops before he can set his plan in action.”

“But, Ian, what will they think
when they find me gone? They will ken someone helped me.”

Ian grinned. “Keith will take the
blame for your escape; meanwhile he will stay hidden and be safe. Rannoch must
continue to think I am dead.” He hugged her. “’Tis your father’s wish, Katie.”

With tears running down her face,
she nodded her agreement. “If this is what my father wants, we will go for
help.”

Ian kissed her forehead. “That is
not all your father wants.”

“What else?”

“He gave me his blessing. You are
to be my wife.”

“And I have no say in it?” she
asked her face coloring with a blush.

“I will get you to agree,” he
said. “But for now, we must away. I dinna ken how long Sorcha will be gone.” He
put his arm around Katie. “I hoped you might have some secret way to the
dungeon from the passage I used to surprise Gareth.”

“Aye, let’s make our escape.”

“First I must lock up Gareth.”
Ian dragged the man across the floor and into the chamber where Katie had been.
He locked the door and hung the key on the hook then turned to Katie. “Ready?”

“Aye,” she said, taking the lead.

When they entered the secret
passage, Katie twisted the lever and door swung closed as quietly as it had
opened. Ian grabbed her and found her lips again—forcing them apart with his
insistent enticement. She opened her mouth and let him slip his tongue into the
warm well of her mouth. Katie moaned and he continued his attention until she
responded in kind. Then he ended the kiss and gazed down into her
passion-flushed face. “You are already mine,” he whispered. “Vows or not, you
and I are one. Would you deny it?” When she didn’t answer, he pressed the
point. “Deny your love for me if you can.”

“I cannot,” she cried.

“Then tell me you love me, as I
love you.”

“How can you love me? I caused
the death of your father and your kinsmen. How can you take me for your wife?”

“Katie, my clansmen did what they
did by their own choice. ‘Tis not your fault they are dead. As for my father,
he still lives. Jared MacLean sent him to my sister Asilinn in the hopes her
care will be able to save him.”

“Your father lives?”

“I hope that he still lives.”

“Where will we go?” she asked.

“We travel to Dunbocan Castle.
Jared is rallying troops there to attack Rannoch.”

“I caused all this….” Her face
looked so forlorn it plucked at Ian’s heart.

“Katie, Rannoch caused this with
his devious plot to destroy your father and take his lands.” Ian ran his hand
across her cheek. “Our love did not cause any of this. It was born of the
passion that occurred when we met, the special feeling we both have of
belonging to one another. You ken you are mine regardless of any vows spoken
before a priest.”

Shakily she touched his chest. “I
love you, Ian” she rasped. “I love you more than life itself.” She took his
hand and led it to her flat stomach. “When I thought you were dead, I prayed
your seed took root inside me—hoping beyond all reason that I carried your
child so that part of you had survived.” She broke off in a silent stream of
tears.

With a hitch in his breath, Ian
leaned closer and slowly began kissing her tears away. “Dinna cry, love. If you
dinna carry my child now, I will be happy to plant my seed over and over until
it takes root.”

She grinned through her tears.
“You are an impossible man.”

“Aye, but now we must go. No more
of this until we are safely away.”

Rannoch stood outside Brianna’s
chamber. How fitting he would again enjoy a visit with Katie’s sister while
Sorcha enticed Jamie to support him. He rapped lightly and Brianna opened the
door. She wore her nightdress, a free-flowing, see-through thing that covered
her, but let the beauty of her shape shine through.

“May I come in,” he asked.

“Rowan, ‘tis late,” she said
fluttering her hands over her chest. “I am not dressed.”

He smiled and stepped inside the
door closing it and bolting it behind him. “You will be my wife soon enough.”

“But… Rowan… you said we
would not do more until we spoke the vows.” She dropped her head blushing and
staring at the floor.

He reached over and forced her
head up so that she looked him in the eye. “Tell me you havena dreamed of our
last encounter,” he said. “Tell me it did not excite you, and I will go.”

Brianna licked her lips. “Milord,
I fear neither of us will be able to stop if we tempt fate again. Please allow
me to go to our marriage bed as a virgin.” Her eyes rimmed with unshed tears.
“This is a gift I would give you on our wedding night.”

“And so you shall,” he told her.
“We will do no more than we did before. This sharing of mutual pleasure will
serve to make our future joining more delightful.” He ran his hands over her
quaking flesh and felt her tremble beneath the light covering. “If you tell me
nay, I will leave.” When she did not answer, he moved back toward the door.

“Rowan.”

He turned. “Brianna.”

“Stay,” she said dropping her
thin covering to the floor.