Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) (9 page)

Gwyneth had galloped into their midst with her bow and arrow, but she stayed a distance away. “Take yourself away or this time I’ll split your bollocks in two.” She nocked another arrow.

“Get the hell away from her. She’s the one they told me about.” Lachlan covered his bollocks as he spoke.

Drew held his sword to Hogan’s throat as Aedan held his to Lachlan’s. “I suggest you leave. Your sword is not here.”

Hogan Burnes motioned for his men to leave. “This is not over.”

Lina tore into the keep and rushed up the staircase to her chamber, Jennie right behind her. Once inside, she closed the door behind her and rifled through her clothes in the chest, looking for something. Bits and pieces of Lachlan’s attack were returning, and she struggled to keep searching rather than to throw herself on the bed and sob as she wished to do.

Jennie finally reached past her and found the sword at the bottom of the chest. “I put it here. ‘Twas in the pocket in your gown the day he attacked you. I knew not what it was, so I hid it. Honestly, I forgot about it until just now. I was too worried about you to think on it again. Is it Lachlan’s?”

Lina picked up the silver sword, turning it over to view the bright red rubies and the deepest blue sapphires embedded in several places on the hilt, along with two emeralds.

Jennie stood over her shoulder, murmuring. “Lina, ‘tis such a beautiful sword. I’ve never see the likes of it anywhere. Who would not wish to keep it? And the gemstones are verra large.”

Lina fell down into a nearby chair. “Aye. I remember now. He grabbed me in the chapel and turned me around. I saw the glint of the rubies and sapphires as soon as I faced him. ‘Twas just as Erena had described it to me. I had no intention of touching it until he hit me. We struggled and I grabbed it, but he did not seem to notice. He hit me with his fist, and I saw stars and fell to the ground, but I hid the dagger in the folds of my skirt, never once letting it go. I think I passed out then. When I came to, I had just landed on the ground in the forest. He turned his back on me to pish, so I hid the weapon in my pocket first, then screamed. He punched me again and that’s the last I remember until Drew came to save me.

“Oh my, Lina.” Jennie stared at her with wide eyes. “You’ve done what the fae told you to do. Surely she will come to you again.”

“Nay, I did not. She told me to merely observe it. I
stole
it.” She stood up and stared at the sword as she paced the room. “I’m not a thief, but I was so angry with him that I wanted to get back at him, so I stole it. What do I do now?” She flung her arms in circles as the gravity of the situation dawned on her. Hellfire, what had she done?

Jennie reached for it and put it back in the chest. “Naught. You’ll do naught for now until we take some time to think on it and decide our next move.”

“But they’re wrongly accusing Drew of being a thief. I cannot let that go on.”

Jennie reached over and hugged her friend. “Lachlan was trying to force you. He does not deserve to get it back. You must hold onto it. The fae queen will come to you again. I’m sure of it. Then we’ll know what to do.”

Chapter Nine

Drew was so upset, he didn’t know which way to turn. Jennie and Lina had gone up to one of their chambers. He was desperate to see how she fared, but he knew he would have to wait, so he returned to the table in the great hall where Aedan, Neil, Logan, and Gwyneth all sat.

“My lady,” Neil said to Gwyneth with the utmost respect. “You do fire a fine arrow.”

Logan wrapped his arm around his wife, tugging her down on his lap before he kissed her cheek. “Finest lass in all of England and the land of the Scots.”

“Logan,” she giggled, “I’m hardly a lass anymore. I have four bairns.”

“You’ll always be a sweet lass to me.”

Drew wondered what it took to be a couple so in love with each other. They were a far cry from his parents. He especially loved watching Logan support his wife in her unusual endeavors. He’d learned much from observing the man.

Aedan glanced from Logan to Gwyneth. “Why did you return? You had already taken your leave.”

“Word reached us before we were far that a group had been seen. I guessed it was Clan Burnes, though I’d hoped to be wrong,” Logan answered. He kissed Gwyneth’s neck, making her giggle. “My Gwynie loves the element of surprise. Daft men never suspect a lass of aught. She got them again.”

“Rode right past the Burnes men with my mantle over my shoulders.” She shouted the Ramsay war whoop, though in a decidedly feminine voice.

Drew became totally caught up in watching the interplay between the husband and wife. He couldn’t imagine such a situation. Logan had allowed her in front of him to ride past those dangerous fools.

Drew finally dared to question the man. He had to learn from them, did he not? “You did not worry about your wife being so close to them?”

“Nay, I never worry about my Gwynie, though I’m never far behind her. She can take down any man she pleases. She’s a fighter. You do not want to be opposite her dagger either.”

“But she’s your wife. Most women do not fight. How did that come about?”

Drew glanced at Aedan, and from the puzzled look in his friend’s eyes, he could tell he was asking himself the same question.

“I met Gwyneth after she’d been attacked by the Norse on a ship headed off to sea. There were many women on the boat, but there was one difference between Gwyneth and the others.”

“What was that?”

“She may have had a bruise or two, but she was already intent on revenge. I learned one thing that day.”

Gwyneth spun her head to give him a puzzled look. “What?”

He stared into his wife’s eyes. “That naught would ever crush your spirit. I knew right then that you were the strongest lass I would ever meet. And I wanted you for myself.”

“Your family never questions what your wife does? You have bairns, do you not?” Drew asked, so interested in understanding this unusual couple and this man that he wished to emulate.

“Aye, I knew our children would be the strongest in the land. She has given me a beautiful lad and a beautiful lassie, and we adopted two lassies. Her brother Rab raised her to hold a bow. He taught her well.”

Gwyneth leaned back against her husband, and he wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you, husband, for being different.”

“Which lad is yours?” Drew asked.

“Gavin is ours; Gregor is Brenna and Quade’s son. The two of them together are wee terrors. But we love them.”

“Speaking of the lads,” Neil said, “where are your bairns and the rest of the guards?”

“We left them in a cave not far from here. We promised to be back before dark, so we’ll head out to join them soon. But what think you of the location of the sapphire sword? Who could have taken it?”

“Hellfire, I surely did not,” Drew barked. “I may have been the last to see him, but my attention was on Avelina. She was barely moving. I left Burnes there and anyone could have come along.”

“Do you recall seeing the sword on his belt?” Aedan said.

Drew thought for a moment before answering, “Nay, I do not think so, but I was too upset about finding him on top of Lina to think clearly. It could verra well have been there.”

A servant brought out some food so they continued to discuss the sword, but came up with naught. There were no guesses as to its location.

A short time later, Logan said, “My thanks for the food, but Gwyneth and I must return to our bairns.”

Drew said, “May I walk with you for a moment?” He needed to learn as much as possible from the man. The opportunity was there, so he decided to pursue it and ask more questions.

“Aye, of course,” Logan gave him a confused, questioning look, but nodded.

Gwyneth said, “I have a few things to do, I’ll meet you in the stables, love.”

Logan nodded, then proceeded out the door through the bailey. As they walked outside, Drew could
feel
the unrest of the Cameron clan. The skirmishes that had almost ripped them apart had not ended that long ago, and they had just watched a crude group of warriors dare to threaten their keep.

“You will watch over my Lina, lad?” Logan asked, clasping his shoulder. “She is my only sister, and you can see how much she means to my clan.”

“Aye, of course. I’ll do my best to protect her. May I ask a question?”

Logan nodded.

“How did you get your reputation?”

“I may not be able to answer that question,” Logan said with a booming laugh. “But I can tell you that I have always followed my gut, not the reasoning or the advice of another man or woman. I do what feels right to me.”

“And what was the best thing you’ve ever done?” Drew watched the expression of this strong warrior in front of him as it changed to something inscrutable. Was it happiness? Pride?

“Without a doubt, marrying my Gwynie. A strong lass will only make you stronger.”

Drew’s puzzled face must have struck a chord with Logan, because he grasped Drew’s shoulder, chuckled, and said, “You’ll see, lad. Hard to believe at your tender age, but someday you’ll see the truth of it.”

Chapter Ten

Lachlan Burnes paced the great hall of the Burnes castle. Finally, the stars had aligned for him. He would get his just due from his clan, from his parents, from all the Scots in the land. He could see it clear as day. He just had to make sure his plan was sound.

His mother sat at the table next to his sire.

“Fool. I knew you could not be entrusted with something so valuable,” his mother yelled loud enough to shake the rafters.

“Mama, who was the one to find the blessed sword? Not you, not Da, but
me
. ‘Tis time to give me some respect. I may have saved our clan from some unknown tragedy. Thanks to me, we are safe.”

“Mayhap you would get some respect from me if you still had it in your possession. But you lost it. What a fool! Find it again, and I’ll think about treating you better.” His mother drummed her fingers on the tabletop as she oft did when she was annoyed.

Lachlan ignored her and continued to pace, pausing to curse every once in a while.

“You need to go back there and get it,” his sire barked at him, not for the first time.

Lachlan stopped to glare at his parents before continuing his pacing.

He needed to strategize. Now he had two very different goals, but if he planned it right, he could accomplish them both at once. First, he had to retrieve the legendary sword and return it to its rightful owner—himself. Second, he would have Avelina Ramsay. Aye, Menzie had stopped him, but he was still eager for a taste of her. She would be a fitting bride for the holder of the sapphire sword. Someone from his own clan would not be appropriate. He wanted someone special, someone every other lad would want for themselves. Aye, that was it. He wished to make every other lad in the land of the Scots wish to be him.

Now that he had seen Avelina up close, he had to admit there were none he would rather have. In fact, he would make sure never to beat her face ever again; she was just too lovely. The plan had other benefits. The marriage would tie his family to hers, raising his status in the Highlands tenfold. Quade Ramsay was laird, and Logan Ramsay worked for the Scottish Crown. Avelina’s other brother, Micheil, was married to the Drummond laird. Aye, it would be a good match.

If he managed to find the sword and steal Avelina away, he could sweet talk her into marrying him. Then all would revere Lachlan Burnes and his beautiful wife.

Last time, he had simply jumped at an unexpected opportunity. This time, planning would be everything. They were on to him now, and he would not get onto Cameron land easily. Finding the sword would help him achieve his other missions; he was certain of it.

Who the hell had stolen the sword, anyway? It could only be Drew Menzie. He’d have to find him and torture the truth out of him. Why, then he’d be almost as powerful as the King of the Scots. He could imagine himself riding in the royal burgh, Avelina seated in front of him, as peasants lined the pathway to see him with his beautiful wife. He’d carry the sword everywhere.

His mother bellowed again, “Why can you not do something so simple as hang on to a sword? And now Menzie says you attacked a lass on his land? You cannot find a lass here to satisfy your urges? Everywhere you go, you soil our good name. In fact, I recall the time…”

Lachlan sighed. His mother would go on for hours now. Once she got started, she would never stop. She loved to talk about all the foolish things he’d ever done. He was so tired of his parents’ lies and accusations; he could not bear to listen to them any longer. He needed to leave again. Still pacing, he moved toward the opposite end of the hall.

They’d see. All he needed was a bit of time to prove his worth. He’d find the sword
and
sweet-talk Avelina Ramsay into marrying him. His parents would finally love him, and they’d be proud to tell everyone he was their son. Aye. His plan was sound, and his world was about change—all for the better.

He opened his sporran to give his pet mouse a wee bit of cheese, then closed it before anyone noticed.

Just as soon as he changed his direction, a fist struck his left eye, making stars dance in front of both of his eyes.

“I’m talking to you, lad, and you’ll learn to answer me.” He turned in time to see his sire’s other fist aimed right at his jaw.

***

Lina had lain awake in her bed for most of the night. Guilt raced through her, something she had rarely dealt with before.

Avelina Ramsay was a thief, a common criminal. If anyone found out, Aedan Cameron would have her flogged, or thrown in the dungeon, or left to the elements. Jennie would never be allowed to associate with her again. Such thoughts had tormented her most of the night, and she had yet to find a resolution. Her soul was doomed to hell. She needed to tell someone, but whom? The chapel was an option, but Aedan had said she couldn’t go there without an escort, which meant that at least one person would overhear her confession.

Mayhap she could trust Drew to help her out. Nay, he would insist she give the weapon back, and she couldn’t do that. It would risk offending the Fae Queen.

What to do, what to do. She wrestled with this decision for more than half the night before the unmistakable scent of lavender wafted into her room. She sat up in bed and swung her legs over the side, waiting to see what would happen next. Could the Fae Queen be nearby?

“Come to me, my dear. I will await you in the garden. ‘Tis my favorite place.”

Lina peered out of the window, and as soon as she noticed Erena’s glowing aura, she slipped her feet into her slippers and headed out the door, careful not to awaken anyone. When she finally reached the garden, she paused for a moment to enjoy the scene in front of her. Erena was seated on the bench in the garden, a wee puppy in her lap. “She lost her mama,” Erena said in her tinkling voice. “I will care for her unless you would like to.”

A sad set of puppy eyes peered up at Lina when she sat down beside the faerie. Erena set the dog on the ground, and the wee beast limped over to Lina and sniffed her feet. As soon as she did, her tail wagged softly against Lina’s leg. How could she ignore such a thing?

She picked up the tri-colored dog, mostly black with a white face and tan markings. The puppy licked her hand.

“I thought you might like her,” Erena said. “She has also been mistreated, but no more.”

Lina picked the puppy up so she could look at her face. “Awww. What’s her name?”

“Whatever you wish it to be. She’s a collie. She’ll work hard for you, and she’s accustomed to eating scraps.”

Lina settled the pup onto her skirts and the wee dear rested her head against Lina’s lap with a contented sigh. “Abby. I think I’ll call her Abby.” Lina patted the dog’s head and then glanced up at Erena, hoping to find answers to her questions.

“You have been busy, have you not, Avelina?”

“Aye.” Tears filled her eyes and she turned her ahead away, ashamed to admit she had failed in her quest.

“Why do you cry?” Erena reached for Lina’s chin and turned her back to face her.

“Because I failed you.”

“You failed me? ‘Tis impossible.”

Erena’s warm smile encouraged her to continue. “But I did something I shouldn’t have.” Her gaze fell to her lap, and she rubbed the puppy’s head a bit faster.

“Ah, you believe you have wronged me in some way because you found the legendary sapphire sword.”

“Aye. Did you not tell me to simply be aware?” Lina’s hands were clasped together, and she squeezed her fingers together so hard, it was a wonder she did not break a finger. What would Erena think of her once she knew?

“Aye, I
asked
you to be aware.”

“Well, when I found it, I took it, as if I were a plain thief.” A tear slid down her cheek and she brushed it away.

The fae’s voice softened. “I’m sorry I was not here to protect you from Lachlan.”

“You did not need to protect me. As you said, I must learn to protect myself.” Tears flooded her face now and her breath hitched in her chest.

“I’m sorry you had to deal with Lachlan, but you did find the sword.” Erena brushed a soft strand of hair away from her tears.

“Aye, ‘tis true, but…” She met Erena’s gaze—afraid to see derision there, but unable to look away. “Mayhap I will make a mess of everything. I know not what to do. Please help me.” She hiccupped as tears continued to run down her face.

“Tell me this, please. How did you feel when Lachlan felt your breast through the wool of your gown?”

Lina stared at Erena in shock, hardly able to believe she had been so blunt. “Terrible, angry. I wished to lash out at him,” she whispered. “I hate it when the lads look at my breasts and try to touch them. You are the fae. Can you not just get rid of my breasts? Make them smaller, so I won’t be the center of attention? I bind them and it does not diminish them at all. ‘Twould be easier for me if they were just gone.”

“Do you think your mind was functioning normally while you were being attacked?”

“Nay,” she choked out. “But what does that have to do…”

“Were you able to give careful consideration to the possibility of securing the sword before you grabbed it?”

“Nay, he was…I was…” Her breathing had become so uneven that it was difficult for her to speak. “I did not think. I just grabbed it.”

Erena covered Lina’s hand with hers. “Of course not, my dear. You were upset and distraught, two conditions that prevented you from thinking properly. I do not fault you at all for your actions. In fact, what you did tells me we were right in choosing you. You are so strong, Avelina.”

“Truly? I will not burn in hell for taking what was not mine?”

“Nay, lass.
You
were wronged, not Lachlan. There is evil in him, though it is not entirely his own fault.”

“So how do I get him to leave me alone? I do not want him touching me again. Help me, please?”

Erena set Abby on the ground and pulled her into an embrace. “Ah, child, sometimes we must live through many trials in order to learn about ourselves and others. There are many here who would protect you now. Lachlan holds no power, and you must not let him convince you otherwise. ‘Tis you who holds the gift. He should fear you. He will come to understand that soon.”

Lina breathed a huge sigh of relief and leaned down to pick Abby up again and settled her back on her lap. “See, Abby. Everything will be all right.” Abby sat up and wagged her tail, and Lina giggled in response to her. “You’re just too cute. What should I do with Abby?” she asked, turning to look at Erena. “Are you giving her to me for a reason?”

“Aye. Someone else will need her love soon, but not yet. You’ll know when it’s time.”

Lina thought about this for a moment, scratching Abby’s head. Who would benefit from a puppy’s love?

Erena added, “However, your possession of the sword does bring up one small complication.”

Lina jerked her attention back to Erena. “What complication?”

“I’m afraid ‘tis part of the legend.”

“What is it?”

“Whoever holds the sapphire sword must marry within two moons, or tragedy will befall their clan.”

Lina gasped, startling wee Abby. “Marry? Are you certain of this?”

“Aye. Avelina, we couldn’t be happier that you now have the sapphire sword. We feel ‘tis finally in the right hands. ‘Twas destiny. But you must marry soon, or you will lose it.”

She’d have to marry within two moons. Somehow, she felt there wasn’t a chance that she’d find a husband that quickly. Again, she was doomed. But this time, she was forewarned, and she had a little time to do what she must.

Erena reached for Abby and set her on the ground, then tugged Avelina up and wrapped her arms around her. “Aye, you will be tested along the way, but I have faith you will find your husband. Tarry not, my dear.” She spread her arms wide to the heavens and disappeared.

Avelina sat staring into empty space. She had no idea what to do now.

***

Since he had promised Logan Ramsay to watch over his sister, Drew was heading home to tell his parents of his duty before returning to Aedan’s keep. He had no desire to go, but he only thought it right. How he wished he could just yell across the Highlands and they would hear him.

He hummed to himself all the way home until he arrived at his own gate. Slud, but he hated coming home. The guard waved to him as he passed. “’Tis about time you got your lazy arse back here, Menzie. Get to work.”

Drew smiled and ignored the lad. He was oft teased about his supposed laziness because his sire so frequently ranted about it in front the clan. As he dismounted near the stables, a lad ran out to assist him.

“My lord, I promise to take good care of your horse. I’ll give him a fine rub down.” The lad’s eyes lit up with excitement.

Drew reached over to ruffle the lad’s hair. “Now do not be too nice, or he will not want to ride with me again.”

Moving through the courtyard, he greeted his clan members as he passed.

“Glad to have you back, Menzie.”

“Calm your sire down, if you please.”

“Your sire’s been on a rant again.”