Highland Resurrection (Blades of Honor Book 2) (14 page)

“If Quinn is still being held, I must go back for him.” Lazarus tried to roll to his side, but crushing pain in his chest and right leg stopped him cold.

Simon placed his hands on Lazarus’s shoulders and eased him to the ground. “That was foolish. You’re in no condition to sit up, let alone go after the lad. You have several badly bruised, if not broken ribs. Your right leg is fractured in two places. Not to mention you have a fever and other assorted injuries too numerous to count.”

“But, Quinn, he needs my help. I promised Sheena,” Lazarus sputtered. “I’m going and you canna stop me.” He made another attempt to get up, then lay back down and draped his forearm over his eyes, wishing the earth would stop tilting and his head would stop throbbing.

Alasdair returned, carrying a mug. “What is going on?” He squatted beside Lazarus, a deep frown creasing his brow. “Easy, man. Lie still before you do yourself more harm.”

“He has the foolish notion he can rescue Quinn from Father Marquis,” Simon said.

“The lad is still a prisoner?” Alasdair asked. “Why?”

Simon nodded. “When Sheena spoke to Marquis  last, he said that he would release Quinn after Lazarus was on his way to France.”

Lazarus could not believe his ears. “Sheena talked to Marquis?” He wanted answers. “I told you to keep her as far away from the abbey as possible? When? Why did you permit her to speak the sadistic bastard?”

“Easy.” Alasdair rested his hand on Lazarus’s shoulder. “Let Simon finish.”

Simon lowered his gaze. I tried to stop her, but she refused to listen. It was right after we came to see you at the abbey. We were about to leave when the guards confronted us.”

“Was she harmed in any way?” Lazarus asked.

Simon looked him in the eye. “Nay. It appeared one of the guards, I believe his name was Louis, might try to take advantage of her, but Father Marquis came along, interrupting his attempt. He dismissed Louis, then demanded we tell him what we were doing at the abbey.” He blew out a heavy sigh, then continued. “Sheena lied. She told Marquis that she had come to plead on her brother’s behalf. Fortunately he bought the story and as far as I know, never found out that we had been to see you.”

“And Marquis let her leave without issue?” Lazarus asked.

“Aye, but he refused to let Quinn go until you were on the ship and safely away. That is how we found out you were being sent back to France. The stubborn lass dinna want to leave without her brother, but I insisted.”

Alasdair scratched his head. “I dinna understand. If he had Lazarus in custody and the priest already arranged to send him back to France, why did no one challenge the bastard’s right to hold the lad?”

Simon shrugged. “I canna be certain, but am guessing he figured as long as he had Quinn, his sister would hold her tongue and not tell anyone what transpired at the abbey. Father Marquis is a powerful man, driven by greed, and he does what he does for selfish reasons. He committed atrocities that would not be condoned by the church if anyone found out.”

“But you know, as does his sister,” Alasdair pointed out.

“Aye. He doesna fear Sheena because in his eyes and those people who know her, she is a woman of ill repute and her word would mean nothing. Plus, he threatened to harm Quinn if she said anything, and knew fully well she wouldna risk her brother’s life. ”

Alasdair nodded. “I suppose if the lass is a whore, her word would mean naught.”

Lazarus grabbed Simon’s arm. “She’s not—” A wave of pain and nausea stifled his attempt to speak. He was fading fast, his mind so thick with fog, he could no longer concentrate on what was going on around him. “I must . . .”

“What is he trying to say?” Alasdair leaned closer.

“He wants you to know that the rumors about Sheena being a woman who lifts her skirt for coin are not true,” Simon replied. “She was unjustly accused and marked as such.”

“She is not a whore,” Lazarus said, then rolled his head from side to side, fighting to stay awake.

“Easy. You must rest.” Simon smoothed his hand across Lazarus’s brow. “We know the rumors about Sheena are false. But, for now, they may be the only thing that has saved her life. There is no telling what Father Marquis might have done to her, had she been a woman he thought people might listen to and rally behind.”

“Do you think the priest will harm her or the lad?” Alasdair asked.

“So far, they remain uninjured. But one can never know for certain. That is why I hid Sheena at the priory with the nuns,” Simon explained. “Just in case Father Marquis decides it would be better to depart for France leaving no witnesses behind. I’m sure he assumes Lazarus is on the ship as we speak, and he plans to leave Scotland in the next few days.”

“But he still has the lad,” Lazarus groaned.

“I dinna think he will harm Quinn. He is but seven summers old and poses no real threat. However, as a bargaining chip, he has proved valuable. I pray before he leaves Scotland, Father Marquis will set the lad free.”

“We canna take that chance.” Alasdair pointed at Lazarus. “And you, brother, are in no shape to go after them. I’ll gather some men and we’ll pay this Father Marquis an unexpected visit. I’m sure we can reason with him.” He slammed his balled fist against his open palm. “Besides, I’d fancy a few minutes alone with the bastard. Show him what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a beating.”

“It willna be as easy to get an audience with the priest as you think,” Simon said. “He has the abbey heavily guarded.”

“Let me worry about that. If it takes a battering ram and brute force to get in, so be it,” Alasdair said. “You take care of our brother while I fetch the lad. I’ll leave Bryce and Ian here to help you. You’re going to need someone to hold him steady while you set that leg.”

Simon nodded, murmured something in Latin, then made the sign of the cross in the air. “May the Lord watch over you and bring you back safely, Alasdair.”

Alasdair turned to leave, then glanced over his shoulder at Lazarus. “You stay put and mind Brother Simon. I’ll bring your lass and the lad back safely.”

Lazarus stared at the ceiling as darkness threatened to close in around him. At least if he died now, he would do so knowing an effort was being made to save Sheena and Quinn. But when Bryce an Ian approached, carrying two long branches and an armful of linen rags, his eyes widened.

“Where do you want these, Brother Simon?” Bryce asked.

“Right here beside me. Then I’ll need you to hold him steady,” Simon said, then glanced at Lazarus. “This is going to hurt like the blazes, but it must be done. If we dinna set your leg, you may never walk again.”

Bryce crouched beside him and placed his hand on Lazarus’s shoulder. “I have some whisky. Do you fancy a swig before the brother starts?”

“Nay,” Lazarus said through gritted teeth, then glared up at Simon. “Get on with it.”

Simon nodded, then placed a small branch in Lazarus’s mouth. “Bite down on this and I’ll move as quickly as possible.”

Lazarus waited with bated breath while Bryce positioned himself on one side of him and Ian on the other. He was not a coward, but when Simon grasped his ankle, then tugged on his leg, all he wanted to do was die.

Chapter 18

Sheena wrung her hands while pacing the length of her priory cell. A couple of days had passed since her visit to Coldingham Abbey and she could not get the image of Lazarus out of her head. Was he still alive? He was so weak, his face and body battered and bruised. She cursed beneath her breath, wishing she had never let Simon talk her into leaving him. And what of Quinn? Father Marquis assured her he was unharmed, but could she believe him?

The door opened. “I dinna mean to disturb you, m’lady, but I knocked twice and you dinna answer,” a woman said as she entered the room.

“I’m sorry, Sister Agnes. My mind was elsewhere.” Sheena faced the Reverend Mother of the convent. “Has there been any word from Brother Simon?”

Agnes shook her head. “Nay. We havena heard from him since he left you here. I just stopped by to see if all was well.” She glanced at the trencher of food on the small table beside Sheena’s bed and frowned. “You havena eaten enough to keep a wee bird alive and have remained holed up in your cell since you arrived. I’m getting concerned.”

“There is no need to fash,” Sheena replied. “I’m grateful for the sanctuary, but I canna stop thinking about my brother and—” She caught herself before she said any more. Father Marquis warned her not to tell anyone about what had happened to Lazarus, or that Quinn was being held prisoner. She feared for both of their lives.

Sister Agnes took her hand. “Brother Simon dinna have time to explain why he brought you to stay with us, only that you needed our help. You mentioned you have a brother just now. Where is the lad, and why are you so worried about him?”

Sheena lowered her gaze and shuffled her feet. She had to come up with an answer that would satisfy Sister Agnes, but not disclose the truth. She had already said too much. “I . . . um . . .”

One of the sisters burst into the room, panting in an attempt to catch her breath. “Sister Agnes! There is a man in the vestibule, and he is demanding to see Sheena.”

“What man?” Agnes asked. “Calm down, Sister Mairi, and tell me what this fuss is all about.”

Before Sister Mairi could explain further, a burly Scottish warrior appeared in the doorway.

“Who are you, sir, and what do you want?” Sister Agnes stood between the man and Sheena.

“I am Alasdair Fraser and I’m here to find Sheena MacLean. Might this be her?”

“Why do you wish to know?” Sister Agnes planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “This is a convent, a place where people come to reflect, worship, and find sanctuary. You have no business barging in here, and I ask that you leave at once.” She pointed toward the hallway.

“I’m here in regards to Brother Lazarus and am not leaving without the lass.” He returned Sister Agnes’s glare with one of equal determination.

“Who?” Agnes furrowed her brow. “I know of no Brother Lazarus, and the lass is going nowhere with you.”

Sheena had to admire the nun’s spunk. For a woman she guessed had seen at least sixty summers, she was as feisty and stubborn a woman as she’d ever met.

Sheena’s heart began to pound, her stomach knotting with dread. She was certain he came to deliver bad news, but she had to know. “What is it you want to tell me about Brother Lazarus?”

“You dinna have to speak with this man,” Sister Agnes reminded her.

“I want to hear what he has to say,” Sheena said. “Please leave us alone.”

The nun gave her head a shake, then folded her arms over her chest. “I dinna like the idea of you being alone with this man. You were left in my care, and—”

Sheena held up her hand. “I’ll be fine. Please leave us.”

Sister Agnes steepled her hands together as if she was about to pray and bowed. “As you wish. Come, Sister Mairi, we will leave them alone to talk.” She turned, then left the room, grumbling under her breath. Sister Mairi followed close behind. But as they reached the hallway, the Reverend Mother spun on her heel and addressed Alasdair. “I dinna like this one bit and I’ll be waiting in the hallway. Dinna try anything.”

“With you guarding the door, I wouldna dream of it.” Alasdair tossed back his head and laughed.

Sheena glowered up at him. “I see no humor in any of this. Tell me what you know about Brother Lazarus. Is he . . .?” She bowed her head and crossed herself.

“Nay, he isna dead. In fact, he is very much alive and if he werena injured and flat on his back recovering, he would be here himself. Instead, I have come to take you to him.” Alasdair held out his hand in her direction. “Come, we have much to do before we see Lazarus.”

She took a step back, then raised her hands in the air. “Hold. I’m na going anywhere with you. You’re a stranger, and how do I know this isna a means by which to trap me? How did you know I was here?”

Alasdair moved in her direction. “Brother Simon told us where you were hiding.”

Sheena wrapped her arms around her middle, then peered up at him. “You spoke to Simon? Why did he not come himself?”

“Because he is with Lazarus, tending to his injuries,” Alasdair replied.

“This must be some sort of trick.” Sheena slowly shook her head from side to side and backed away. “Nay. You lie. Lazarus is locked in a cell beneath Coldingham Abbey and Father Marquis wouldna let Brother Simon anywhere near him.”

“He was in a cell beneath the abbey.” Alasdair tried again to reach out to her, but she swatted his hand away. “I dinna blame you for being wary. Simon explained to me about the threats made by Father Marquis against Lazarus and Quinn. But you can trust me. I’m Lazarus’s brother.”

Her mouth gaped open and she found herself momentarily at a loss for words, then she squared her shoulders and pinned him with a stare. “Lazarus has no brother. He has no family. He was a foundling raised by the monks.”

“He is a Fraser. Andrew James Fraser to be exact. The oldest son of Laird Andrew Fraser of Beauly.”

“I dinna understand.”

“We believed he was dead or we would have left no stone unturned,” Alasdair said. “My brothers and I saw him slain along with our da during the massacre at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Or so we thought.”

“If you believed he was dead all these years, why do you seek him out now?”

“You were attacked in Berwick a little over a fortnight ago, were you not?”

She nodded.

“Our cousin Ian was in Berwick on clan business. He happened by right after you were assaulted and offered his assistance. Lazarus had already managed to run the assailants off, but you were injured and needed to be taken home. He paid my cousin to do so with a dirk like this.” Alasdair unsheathed a weapon with a jeweled handle and showed it to Sheena. “It was made by our father, and there are only six like it in all of Scotland. He made one for each of his five sons.”

“You said there were six dirks made by your father, yet he only had five sons.”

Alasdair nodded. “We recently had a matching one made for our sister, Arya. When Ian saw the dirk and noticed the strong family resemblance, he let us know right away that he suspected our brother was still alive. We came as soon as we could, but we had a lot of territory to cover. All we knew was he wore monk’s robes, lived near Berwick, and called himself Brother Lazarus. It was by pure luck we happened upon Ayton Abbey and Brother Simon.”

She studied Alasdair. “I see no family resemblance.”

Alasdair laughed. “That is because I got my handsome looks and auburn locks from our da. James, Connor, and Bryce took after our mother. Once you see the three of them together, you will have no doubts they are related.”

“That is an interesting tale, but Lazarus is being held prisoner by Father Marquis, so how could Simon be taking care of him?”

“Simon learned our brother was being sent to France, so we intervened before they reached the ship. There was a skirmish with the French soldiers, but we managed to free him.” Alasdair leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “I’m afraid the Frenchmen were killed.”

“I canna say I’m sorry to hear about the demise of those brutal bastards. And I’m relieved to know Lazarus is safe and no longer subject to their torture. When last I saw him, he was badly injured and in need of a healer.”

“When we first told Simon about the rescue plans, he suggested if we were successful in freeing him, that we take our brother to an abandoned convent not far from Berwick. It is there he is being cared for and is waiting for you.”

Sheena turned her back to him and stared out the window. “I canna go. If Simon told you about Lazarus, he must have mention that my wee brother Quinn is also being held by Father Marquis. I canna leave until I figure out a way to get him back.”

“That is the other reason I’m here, to see that Quinn is released as soon as possible.” Alasdair cupped her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I would never expect you to desert the lad.”

She fought back tears as she turned to face him. “How do you plan to get him back? Father Marquis is an evil man and willna give him up without a fight. He swore if I told anyone what had happened to Quinn, he’d—” She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

“Dinna fash. I intend to see nothing happens to the lad,” Alasdair replied. “I give you my word that Quinn will be returned to you before this day is over.”

“But how?”

“I’ll go into the abbey and demand the lad be released. And if Father Marquis doesna agree, I’ll take him by force if necessary. Either way, he will be returned to you hale and hardy.” Alasdair extended his hand. “Will you come with me?”

After a moment, she nodded. Going with a stranger might seem like a foolish venture, but since they’d talked, she sensed a sincerity about Alasdair, something that made her believe he was telling the truth.