Enchanted Lover (22 page)

“Why did you not tell me the news of the planned
attack?”

Wynne gasped. “Milord, I thought you knew. Had I this
knowledge before you?”

“So it would seem,” Jared said. The woman before him
threw herself to the floor.

“I beg for your mercy, Laird. I swear to you I would
never harm yer cause.”

Jared took her hand and helped her to her feet. “I
believe you, Wynne. It explains why you gave such an excuse to Lady Asilinn. I
did not think you would have admitted knowing that morning if you did not think
everyone knew before you.” He gave her a smile. “Let Lady Asilinn sleep awhile
before you wake her. She is in need of rest.”

“Aye, Milord,” Wynne murmured gratefully.

Jared started up the stairs to Ian's room. As he
rounded the corner, he came face to face with Glenna. “How many times do I have
to tell you, you are not to wander around here?” Jared was irritated by her
presence.

“I'm sorry, Milord,” she said. “I shall do my best to
keep out of your way.” She hurried down the stairs.

Jared stared after her puzzled by her accommodating
remarks. He had a nagging sense of her involvement in the plot. The most
troubling aspect was whom she claimed to have spent the night with when Laird
Innes and Ian were attacked. If Glenna was involved, he might know the traitor.
He shoved the thought aside in disgust and went to Ian's room.

Ian sat propped up in bed with Skye fussing over him.
“Are you all right?”

“Aye, Asilinn's potion has had a miraculous effect
and luckily the fellow was no match for Skye.”

“Skye,” Jared repeated.

“She hit him over the head and helped me try to fight
him off,” Ian explained.

Jared smiled at his sister. “Imp, what am I going to
do with you?” He reached out and stroked Skye's dark hair. “Dinna take so many
chances, I couldna bear to see you harmed.”

Skye's eyes filled with tears, but her face wore a
grin. Jared gave her a smile and turned back to Ian. “If you feel up to it,
I'll take you back to your father. It seems I still have a serious problem here
and I know you would be safer at home.”

“I'm up to it. How about letting Asilinn come with
me?” Jared frowned and Ian hurried on. “Just for awhile, until this treachery
is put to rest.”

“I will not let any harm come to Asilinn.”

***

Asilinn had been dimly aware of her husband leaving
the room, but she couldn't seem to break the veil of sleep surrounding her. In
her semi-conscious state the torment of her vision returned. The men were
attacking Jared on the road, stabbing him and kicking him while he rolled
across the ground. She cried out and sat up in bed.

The chamber closed in on her and she shoved back the
covers. Rising she flew out the door desperate to find Jared and warn him. She
ran to Ian's chamber but it was empty. A cold fear closed its fingers over her
heart. Where were they? She ran downstairs and bumped into Ivy who looked at
her with a shocked expression.

Ignoring the woman's gaping perusal, Asilinn searched
the room for Jared. “Where is Laird Jared?” she demanded. “I must speak with
him at once.”

Wynne entered the room. “Lady Asilinn, are you ill?”
Asilinn realized she was barefoot and in her nightgown but in her frenzy to
find Jared she paid the servants little heed.

“I need Jared. Where is he?”

“Milady, he prepares to escort yer brother back to Cairngorm Castle. He tried to wake you but you seemed exhausted. He decided to let you
sleep.”

“No!” Asilinn shrieked. “Has he left yet?”

“I dinna think so, Milady. They are out in the….”

Wynne never had an opportunity to finish. Asilinn
brushed by her and ran out of the main hall and down the steps to the front
door. Flinging it open, she found herself in the midst of a group of clansmen
watching their laird mount Ailleagian.

“Jared!” she screamed. “Dinna go!”

Jared grinned. “Sweet wife, I only go to take Ian
home. There was an attempt on his life this morning and we decided he would be
safer at Cairngorm Castle.”

“You would go without telling me?” she cried. “You
cannot! I have foreseen your death by ambush on the trail. I beg you not to
leave.”

Jared urged Ailleagian over beside her and lifted her
into his lap. She burst into tears and he pulled her to his chest. “Asilinn,”
he whispered soft against her hair. “I promise you I'll return safely.” He
pulled her head back and gently kissed the tears from her cheeks. “Dinna be
afraid for me. I'll come to no harm.”

“You dinna understand,” she persisted. “Ever since I
was a child I have had the gift. I have dreams that come to pass. I can see
little glimpses into the future.” There was a collective gasp from the
assembly.

Ian moved his horse closer. “‘Tis true, Jared,” he
agreed. “Asilinn foresees what is to be and she has never been wrong. It is a
gift from God.”

Jared stared at his wife in disbelief. “Mayhaps you
misinterpret your vision,” he suggested. “The dream could have been about the
attempt on Ian. A masked intruder tried to kill him this morning but Skye saved
his life and the culprit lies dead.”

“No, it was you. You were alone on the trail. I saw
three men attack you. I beg you not to go.”

“Asilinn, I have to go. I already sent a messenger to
your father so he'll meet me halfway. Ian must travel slowly. Besides, I'm not
going alone. Morven and ten of my men ride with me.” He ran his hands through
her tangled golden hair. “Garrick is in charge. He'll see to anything you
need.” He covered her mouth with his, tenderly kissing her until she clung to
his chest. “I am relieved you seek to warn me instead of hurrying me on my
way.”

Asilinn glared at him. “I just dinna wish to wear
widows weeds at such a young age,” she snapped. Laughing he lifted her gently
back to the ground.

“You have just made poor Ian's ride hell. I will
surely rush him along in my desire to come back and test the true depth of your
affection for me.”

“You flatter yourself, Milord. I just dinna want your
blood on my hands.” She glanced at her brother. “Are you sure you're up to
this, Ian?”

“Aye, I have malingered long enough.”

Asilinn stood watching until they disappeared from
view. Did she care for Jared? If not, why was she desperate to warn him?

Asilinn stood staring after Jared. Wynne took hold of
her arm. “Mistress, let's go to your room so you may dress.”

Looking down at her bare feet and rumpled nightgown,
Asilinn let her breath out in a rush. She still had an overwhelming feeling of
dread about Jared's trip, but now it was out of her hands and the servants
stood gaping at her immodest attire. Brushing by them, she headed to her
chamber with Wynne close on her heels.

When they reached the tower, Wynne performed with her
usual efficiency. In no time, Asilinn slipped into a simple rose-colored gown.
She sat pensively while Wynne worked the tangles out of her hair. Wynne tied
back the upper part from Asilinn’s face and let it hang in a single braid while
the rest hung free in a wild cascade of curls.

“What is it, Lady Asilinn?" Wynne asked. “You've
barely spoken. Perhaps it is your mistrust of me.”

Asilinn met her gaze hesitantly. “Should I mistrust
you, Wynne?”

The servant shook her head. “Nay, Milady, it was
Sherwood’s son who told me of the impending attack on Cock Bridge. I spoke with Laird Jared and now know he was not aware of it until much later. Milord
has forgiven me for not rushing to him with the news. I thought he already
knew.”

Asilinn managed a wan smile. “I'm glad, Wynne. I
dinna know what I'd do if you were against us.” Asilinn wondered at her own
remark. Did she now see herself fully aligned with husband?

“Never in this lifetime,” Wynne said. “But there is
something else. Are you feelin’ well? You look a bit pale.”

“I feel nauseous,” Asilinn admitted. She rubbed her
hand over her flat stomach. “I think Laird Jared's child grows within me. My
monthly flow is late and all signs point to the possibility.”

“Oh, that's wonderful,” Wynne cried. “Is Laird Jared
pleased?”

“He doesna know. I must be sure before I tell him,
but this stomach upset leads me to suspect it more strongly.”

“You dinna want the child?”

“This child would be the fruit of my union with the
Laird of Dunbocan. I fear for the child’s safety. Unless the war is ended, our
child will suffer greatly by the accident of his birth.” Asilinn got up from
the chair and smoothed out her gown. “And worst of all I canna shake the fear I
feel for my husband's life. If I am left a pregnant widow, what will become of
our child? He would be heir to Dunbocan, but half Innes. Both sides may wish to
see him dead.”

“The laird can take care of himself, Milady. He will
come back safe and sound.” Wynne brushed an errant strand of hair from
Asilinn’s face.

“My visions have a way of becoming reality. I pray
this will be the first one to be in error.”

Wynne gave Asilinn a hug then stepped back as if
embarrassed by her display of affection. “You bear a greater burden than anyone
can imagine. I'll tell no one of the babe until my laird knows. If there is
anythin’ I can do to help you, please just ask.”

“Thank you, Wynne,” Asilinn murmured, feeling touched
by the woman's sincerity. “When you go down would you find Skye and have her to
come to my room. I have something important to discuss with her.”

“Certainly, Milady, I'll do it right away.” Wynne
hurried off and Asilinn paced restlessly across the room.

If some intruder had found his way into the Dragon's
Spring, did that mean she was no longer safe in her chamber? Could the villain
who had invaded her privacy climb the hidden stairs and come in while she
slept?

She moved over to check the secret door. Why did
Jared have to rush off just now? Unbidden her vision flashed before her eyes
with cruel clarity. By the time Skye knocked at the door, tears were streaming
down Asilinn's face. If Jared died, she and her child were in grave danger.
Fate had forced her alliance with Jared and now he was her only hope to protect
her small son or daughter.

Skye burst into the room with her usual flourish.
“What is it? Why are you crying, the vision?”

“Aye, I fear for Jared's life.”

“When will it happen? Perhaps we can prevent it.”

“I canna say. My visions come unbidden. I have a
dream and… I can always tell when it is a special dream. Later it happens or
sometimes I discover it is something that has happened in the past. There is no
order or sequence. In truth, it is a curse more than a gift. It frightens me.”
Asilinn hugged her own shoulders as a chill sent icy fingers through her veins.

“But Morven went with Jared. He wilna be alone. He'll
be safe for now.”

“I pray that's the case. I fear our child will not be
safe if Jared is killed.”

Skye’s eyes popped wide open. “You are with child?”

“I think so but Jared doesna know. I wanted to be
sure before I told him.”

“I canna believe I know this before him.” Skye
laughed. “Was this what you wished to discuss?”

“No, there's something else.” Asilinn hesitated,
brushing away a few wisps of hair that had broken free to frame her face.
“After you told me the way to the bath, I decided to use it yesterday. While I
was bathing, someone snuck in. I dried off and heard a man moan. I called out
and the intruder fled.”

Skye stared at Asilinn. “He saw you naked? Does Jared
know?”

“I had no chance to tell him. Skye, who else knows
the way to the bath? Am I safe in the tower? It would seem some intruder does.
And the day I sought Jared out in the bath to talk Glenna was there when I
arrived. Does she know of the secret passage as well?”

Skye rolled her eyes. “I believe there are two doors
and one leads to the lower halls and the main spring where the rest of the
warriors bathe. They are close together. Mayhaps the intruder and Glenna used
the other door.”

“It is possible. I was too frightened to notice. I
dinna know how Glenna came in because she was there when I arrived.”

“Jared usually leaves the one to the more public area
locked from the inside, but if he came in from the stables it would have been
open. Do you want to go and take a look?” Asilinn nodded her assent. Skye lit a
torch from the fire and opened the secret doorway.

Asilinn grimaced, but she followed Skye into the
passageway. The narrow staircase moved ever downward. While they went along
Skye pointed out where various passages led. “This one goes to Jared’s work
room,” she said, motioning to a narrow hall. Eventually they reached the
bottom. “You see the door at the bottom hides it from view from the other
side.”

Skye demonstrated showing Asilinn from the opposite
side the entry to the secret staircase was totally obscured unless you knew of
its existence. “I'm sure no one knows of this except you, me, and Jared,” she
assured Asilinn. “It may be different with these other passages. The secret
ones run in and out of more common areas.”

“I feel a little better,” Asilinn confessed. “I've
used it myself, yet never considered how difficult it would be to find if you
did not know it was there.”

They stood in a bigger hallway leading down to the
two doors. Entering the bathing chamber, Skye showed Asilinn the other door
leading to a main hallway. “It is my guess the intruder and Glenna came in and
out this way and were not privy to the other entrance.”

“What of Glenna? Could Jared have shared the
knowledge of the secret passage with her?”

Skye shook her head. “Jared was well aware Glenna
shared herself with some of the other men. He would never have risked giving
her the secret. She was a pastime, nothing more.”

“Where does the other door go?”