Portals Of Time Read online

  Dugal grinned. “It is as I suspected then...ye are besotted!”

  Irritation began creeping under his skin as he readied a retort when a villager rushed up to them.

  “M’laird! M’laird! Ye must come quickly!”

  “What is it, Rafe?”

  “My brother’s son just arrived from Dalkeith, m’laird. He said tis under attack!”

  “Did he say who...how many?” The hall grew still as the warriors strained to hear. Tension rose.

  “He was nae certain. Mayhap twenty men...he was nae familiar with their tartan.”

  Lucian thought quietly for a moment then barked out his orders.

  “Lachlan, ready the horses for three dozen men! Sober! Have the gates locked tight the moment we leave and a guard on m’lady at all times!”

  Dugal sidled up to him.

  “Are ye thinking it a diversion?, lad?”

  His green eyes hardened. “I do nae ken...but I take nae chances with, Anna. There be an odor about this.”

  “Aye, I agree. I will stay and keep watch over her till ye return.” He turned to his guard. “Any who wish ta assist the earl has me blessing.”

  The Macgregors rushed out to gather their armor. They had been idle too long and were eager to stretch their muscles. A fight was welcome news to them.

  Lucian sheathed his new sword. They had to move quickly to be of any help. His eyes darted about for Arianna as Ian dressed him for battle. Grinding his teeth in frustration, he turned to Dugal.

  “I can nae wait any longer for me wife’s return. Will ye explain ta her what has happened?”

  “Aye. Do nae fret. Get on with ye now.”

  With one more glance about him, he left.

  Arianna had been disappointed to find the hall empty upon her return except for her father and a few servants. Seeing that the party was over, she excused herself after gleaning the directions to Dalkeith from Dugal. Returning to their chambers, she quickly changed into some sturdier clothing before sneaking off to the stables. Lucian’s crazy if he thinks I’m going to sit home waiting to hear if he’s ok! Besides, I’ve never seen an authentic sword fight before! It might be fun.

  The stables was dark as she crept through the shadows. Shalizar nickered to her softly as he sensed her presence.

  “Shhh my pet. You can not come with me this time. Your body isn’t healed.” She stroked his forehead soothingly as she selected another mount, then swiftly saddled it.

  Before long, she and the mare stood outside a postern gate waiting for the bright moon to disappear behind a cloud. They did not have long to wait. As soon as they reached the trees, she mounted and rode off toward Dalkeith. She knew she couldn’t catch him but still, she wanted to be close by if he needed her. Something was drawing her to him. Whether it was instinct or a foolish bride’s fears...she didn’t know. Arianna’s neck began to heat up as she quickened her pace. She had been right! Lucian was in danger!

  She grew careless as she hurried through the dark forest and did not see them until they surrounded her. She cried out in alarm as her eyes locked with the man from her nightmare. Malcolm!

  Chapter Ten

  Maybe we were wrong about who was in danger when the tats burned. Maybe, just maybe, they only burn when I’m in danger. She gulped. Lucian is not going to be pleased! Bloody hell!

  Arianna glanced around but could see no escape. A devilish grin spread over Malcolm’s face.

  “Did ye miss me, lass? Ye seemed ta be in a terrible rush ta meet me.”

  She stiffened her spine, shooting daggers at him with her eyes.

  “I was hurrying to catch up with my Husband...you know...the Earl!” It never hurts to do a little name dropping. She smiled smugly at him.

  He never so much as flinched.

  “Wed him, did ye? It does nae matter ta me. I will just have ta make ye a widow, tis all. Until then...ye will be me guest.” Malcolm snatched her from her mount, setting her before him, then rode off into the night.

  All was quiet as they cautiously entered the small village. Lucian glanced about but saw nothing out of place. It had been a ruse to get me away from the keep! Away from Arianna! He growled in anger.

  “My lord. There is naught amiss here. What trickery is this?” Lachlan asked in frustration.

  Lucian rubbed his neck as it began to heat up. “Someone wished me gone so they could reach me lady. She is in danger I fear.”

  “Do ye think it be Maclean?”

  “Aye. He would be my first guess.” Spinning his horse around he snarled, “We ride ta the Maclean’s!”

  It was almost morning when Lucian called a halt to their journey to rest their mounts. They were still more than half a day’s ride to the Maclean keep. Motioning to Ian, the earl walked to the edge of their encampment.

  “Aye, m’laird?”

  He eyed the tow-headed lad, noting the slump of his shoulders and dark circles beneath his eyes. He was exhausted, as they all were at the moment.

  “After we rest a wee bit I want ye ta go back ta Dunbar Castle and fetch the MacGregor. We may need his aide. Tell him ta approach from the south as we hit on the north...and ye are ta stay there once the message is delivered.”

  “Nay m’laird! I would help ye rescue m’lady!”

  “Nay! I have another job for ye that is very important. Ye are ta keep an eye on Angus MacGregor. I do nae trust the man ta nae be involved in this.”

  “But, m’laird...Angus rode out with us last eve.”

  Lucian stiffened. “Are ye certain lad?”

  “Aye. I saw him meself!”

  He scanned the camp with a discerning eye. There was no sign of Arianna’s brother...or any of the other MacGregor’s that had ridden out with them.

  The hair prickled on the back of his neck in alarm. Malcolm may steal me bride for his own gain but Angus can only mean ta do her harm. But why?

  “My lord!” His head jerked up to see Lachlan walking toward him leading a mare from his stables. “We found her over by the burn but there was nae sign of my lady. There were some tracks heading off ta the east...mayhap a dozen mounts.”

  A simmering anger began to stir in his chest as the possibilities of her fate loomed large. He spun back to Ian.

  “This mount is well rested. Take her when ye leave.”

  The young squire stood ramrod straight. “I be ready now, m’laird. There is nae time ta be wasted.”

  He scrutinized him closely. The lad needed to test his own mettle. What better time than this? With a curt nod he gave Ian permission to go.

  “We leave at first light, Lachlan. Best rest while ye are able.”

  “The same could be said of ye, Lucian. Ye will do her nae good if ye are too weary ta fight.” His captain rarely called him by his given name unless he felt the point was important. He was tired, bone-weary, but he doubted that he would rest until he had Arianna back in his arms.

  “If only I could. I fear for me bride. She does nae ken when ta be silent and may cause harm on herself.”

  “I do nae believe Malcolm will harm her.”

  “Tis nae Malcolm I speak of but, Angus...her brother. Did ye nae notice that the MacGregor’s are nae longer among us?”

  Lachlan’s eyes widened as he took note of what Lucian said. “But why would he wish her harm?”

  “I do nae ken. But I plan on finding out.”

  They were attacked at dawn with a hail of arrows. Chaos reigned as men and horses cried out in pain and confusion. Malcolm’s grip tightened about her waist as he issued commands to his men. Within moments, the warriors rode at them with swords drawn, cutting down the remaining men.

  Malcolm knew it was hopeless when he saw Patrick fall from his horse mortally wounded. He spun his horse, and spying an opening, tore off into the thickets. No one had seen them go, giving him a decent head start. He knew of a place to hide but he needed to draw them off in another direction first.

  “Countess...be ye well?”

  She did not answer him. T
hat’s when he noticed a warm stickiness on his arm. He chanced a glance down to find a bolt protruding from her ribs. Nay! Lucian will kill me if she dies! That’s when he realized how foolish his plan had been. It was not in his nature to steal a man’s wife...nor to force himself upon her. What had he been thinking? He must reach the cave and treat her wound quickly.

  He reached his goal a short time later after carefully covering his tracks. The entrance was well hidden by brush, but to be safe, he traveled further in to an inner chamber and set her gently on the ground. Before long, he had a fire warming them as he examined the wound.

  Tis in there deep but I do nae think it struck anything vital. Malcolm worked swiftly as he tended her wound.

  “Anna!” Lucian shot straight up from a sound sleep. Panic rose as he looked about the camp wild-eyed. His heart pounded in his chest, fear threatening to consume him. She is hurt! I felt her pain! How can that be? His neck was on fire, joined by a new pain in his ribs.

  His men gave him a bewildered look as his outcry woke them. This will nae do. I must gain control of myself. I can be of nae help if I allow fear ta control me actions.

  He stood as he commanded, “We ride!”

  They had been traveling for a couple of hours when his tracker returned.

  “M’lord, the MacGregor’s be just a little ahead of us.”

  “Dugal?” His dark brow rose in surprise. Surely they weren’t ahead of him.

  “Nay. Tis Angus and the ones who rode out with us.”

  Lucian spurred his horse to a gallop. He was anxious to discover why they were on this track. It did not take long to overtake them.

  “Ho Angus! What are ye doing on this trail?” He eyed him suspiciously, noting the blood spatters on some of the MacGregor warriors.

  He eased back in the saddle attempting an innocent stance.

  “Why I had word that my wee sister was taken and came ta rescue her.”

  “If that be true, why did ye nae inform me?”

  “Ye were busy,” he sneered.

  Lucian spurred his mount closer, grasping Angus’ tunic.

  “I am never too busy where me wife is concerned!” He snarled at the man with a look of disgust. Casting him off, he asked, “Did ye find her?”

  Her brother fidgeted in his saddle as his eyes darted about nervously.

  “Nay...only the young Maclean. He will nae be troubling anyone again.” His men chuckled behind him. “I be thinking that Malcolm has already carried her ta his stronghold and claimed her favors...willing or nay.”

  Lucian unhorsed him in one swift blow as images raced through his head. Nay! Even he would nae be that stupid! He may have her but he would nae take her as long as we are wed. He kens of the curse ta the man that tries that. It would be his death. But where are they? Surely he has nae reached his keep if he ran into Angus. He growled at the man picking himself up off the ground.

  “Ye will nae speak of Arianna with such foul words lest I cut your tongue out! Are we clear?”

  “Aye,” he muttered.

  “Now show me where ye found young Patrick.”

  A short time later, Lucian and his men reached the battle scene. His piercing green eyes scanned the area meticulously, taking in every detail. It was obvious that Angus had ambushed the small party...which meant that he had known of their plan to steal her away.

  “Bind them!” he snarled.

  The sound of swords unsheathing echoed in the clearing as his men quickly disarmed the MacGregors. All were bound and sat beneath an oak in short time.

  “I want ten men ta watch these blackguards while the rest of ye span out and search for a trail. They could nae have gotten far.” He turned his steely gaze to Angus. “Ye had better pray that your sister lives. If nae...”

  The men had been searching for several hours when Dugal came upon the scene. He raised his brow in question when he spied his son bound.

  “What goes on here? Where is the earl?”

  Lachlan stepped forward.

  “He is searching the thickets for my mistress, my laird. It appears that Angus had a hand in her theft.”

  “Nay!” He bellowed as he shook his head. “It can nae be! Me own flesh and blood?”

  “Aye Dugal. He kenned enough ta lay in wait for them and then ambush them. I can draw nae other conclusion.” Lucian was exhausted and his neck was on fire as he returned to their camp. He knew that her circumstances were dire but he could not locate her.

  Ian approached him with some cheese and black bread, along with a tankard of ale.

  “Ye need ta eat, m’laird.”

  He glanced up then took what was offered. Taking a long pull on the ale he quenched his thirst. He spoke to him without looking his way.

  “Did I nae tell ye ta stay at the castle?”

  He puffed up. “Aye, m’laird, but—”

  “Do ye nae longer obey your laird?”

  “Nay...I mean ‘aye’, m’laird, but—”

  “Stop growling at the lad, Lucian. He had a good idea. And if ye’d let him speak a full sentence...I think ye would agree.” Lucian glared at Dugal but motioned for Ian to speak.

  Glancing nervously at the earl, he continued.

  “I brought Shalizar...ta find his mistress.”

  Lucian threw back his head and laughed. Placing an arm across his shoulders, he pointed at the stallion.

  “Ye do understand that he is a horse, do nae ye?”

  Ian nodded. “Aye...but he behaves like a dog around m’lady. Even Sir Lachlan noted it.”

  Lucian frowned. Has everyone gone mad? He eyed the stud as he approached him. Still...if there was the slightest chance...

  “Can ye find your mistress, lad?” he murmured softly in his ear.

  Shalizar knickered back in answer as he pawed the earth impatiently. Glancing back toward his men, he made his decision. Leaping into the saddle, he gave him his head as they headed off into the thicket.

  Chapter Eleven

  Malcolm bathed her face with a cool cloth as she thrashed about on the pallet he had made her. He had managed to remove the bolt while she lay unconscious but now a fever had set in. She is burning up! If she dies twill be my fault and I would nae blame Dunbar for exacting revenge. He would be right. He hung his head in remorse. Patrick was dead because of him. And now...mayhap the lass.

  “Lucian! Hold me!” she cried out feverishly. Tears seeped out beneath her dark lashes. “Please hold me!” she pleaded.

  She thinks I be the earl! He stared at her pale face for a moment then grunted to himself. Surely there be nae harm in comforting her. He stretched out beside her and gently eased her into his embrace. A few moments later her thrashing ceased as she drifted off to sleep. Exhausted...he quickly followed.

  He crept silently through the darkness with his sword drawn in readiness. His heart pounded in his chest as he neared the second chamber where a dim glow could be seen. One of them was injured. He had spied flecks of blood on the bushes outside of the entrance.

  Lucian’s neck glowed red from the heat of the lion tattoo. He knew that she must be the one hurt. Had he not felt the wound as she was struck? He licked his dry lips then stepped into the chamber.

  Malcolm awakened to the sensation of cold steel pressed against his throat and a gutteral growl in his ear.

  “Make amends with God for ye meet him in person this day!”

  His eyes shot open in alarm. Achh! He is NOT going ta understand what he sees here! I am a dead man! He groaned as he glanced toward Arianna. She was still sleeping but beads of perspiration dotted her face. The fever had broke! He grinned widely as he eased her out of his arms.

  “Ye think this be humorous, Maclean?” he bellowed in rage.

  He glanced up at Lucian’s dark scowl.

  “Well...it all depends on how ye look at it.” He held up his hand to halt the earl’s forward motion. “Now tis true that ye found your wife in me arms but she was so feverish from her wound that she thought I was ye. So, in a way, she
was in your arms as she slept.”

  Lucian snarled in rage as he stepped closer, raising his sword.

  “Naught happened, Lucian. She was too ill from her wound. In fact, I saved her life. See for yourself. Her fever has just now broke!”

  He shook his head to clear his thoughts and glanced her way, keeping Malcolm in his sights. He dropped to his knee and inspected her injury while testing the coolness of her brow. Maclean had cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding after cleaning it with uisge beatha. He grunted approval as he inspected the pinkish skin.

  "It appears that I am in your debt...although she would nae be injured, if nae for ye. Tell me who did this! I will ken all of it!”

  Malcolm breathed a sigh of relief as he ran his fingers through his auburn hair. Normally he feared no man, but an irate husband who happens to be an earl, is another story. He had no wish to be drawn and quartered. He bent over to retrieve more wood for the fire as he began his explanation.

  “Twas about five days past that Angus came ta visit me. He said that if I truly wanted his sister he could arrange it. He was ta draw ye out with a diversion. He kenned that she would follow ye...being how ye are inseparable. All I had ta do was watch for her then snatch her away ta me home. He said he would ascertain that she be a widow forthwith!” Malcolm drew in a slow breath.

  “I could see nae down side and I need her knowing ta help me people get back on their feet. It has been hard these last few years.”

  Lucian stared at him. He had not realized that things were so dire for his clan.

  “She does nae have the sight, Malcolm. Twould have done ye nae good.”

  “Aye, I ken it now. She would have sensed the attack if she did. She would have kenned Patrick’s death.” He choked on the tears that threatened as his shoulders slumped.

  “Patrick lives.”

  His head shot up. “Truly? How can that be? I saw him take the blow!”

  He chuckled. “Oh aye. He be a bit bloodied and bruised but he is well enough.”

  A feather-light touch stroked his arm. His big hand covered hers as he turned his attention to Arianna.