Page 13 of Bride Takes a Laird (Highland Vows & Vengeance #2)

T he last day of April was busy for all the clan’s men and women. Magnus gave the men time away from training, farming, and other employment to take care of the Bealtuinn festival needs. He rose early, gave Kendra a lingering kiss, and hastened through the door. With a spring in his step, he reached the outside and forwent eating his morning meal. He would partake of it at the barracks where he would direct the events of the day. There was much to do to ensure the rites and celebrations were handled accordingly.

As he approached the building that housed his soldiers, he met up with Wyren who conversed with Jake. They needed to leave soon to worship at the old stone so they could return before the afternoon and evening festivities began. Magnus was impatient to get going.

“We should forgo the celebration.”

Magnus turned and found his father standing behind him. “We cannot.”

“Your mother is in deep mourning and says that until your brother’s death is avenged, the clan should cease any merriment or gatherings.”

He sighed and glared at Wyren who he hoped would take his side but his brother remained silent. “We have never, regardless of any deaths, withheld the festivity of the bel-fire. Besides, Da, we don’t know yet if Ned deserves vindication. I will leave on the morrow and learn more, but until we have proof that Ned wasn’t dishonest, we will go along as we have always done.”

“Why do ye deem he was dishonest? Is there something ye are not telling me?” his father demanded.

Magnus was unsure of how much to tell his father. At this point, he would divulge as little as possible. “There are some disparaging facts that have come to light recently about Ned. I want to find out if they are true before I either avenge him or end my vow.”

“Ye do not intend to tell me what those disparaging facts are, are ye?”

“Until I learn the truth or more, I shall await to reveal the matter.”

His father nodded, appeased with his explanation. “I shall tell your mother what ye have decided.”

“It is my duty as laird to investigate this matter. I will not make rash decisions, and for now, we will partake of the festival. Besides, we could use a wee bit of merriment.” Magnus shrugged at the scoff his father made under his breath.

There was no way to sway his mother to accept Ned’s fate or that he might have been culpable for underhanded dealings. This day was not a day to consider such ramifications or dastardly deeds done by Ned. It was a day to celebrate the rites of marriage, the beginning of new life, and the hope for future blessings.

“Let us ride out,” Magnus said and Winston handed him his mount’s reins.

As the procession of men rode through the gates, the women who were assembled gave them bunches of flowers tied with ribbons to place on the old stone. As his men rode by, they tucked the gifts to the goddess securely inside their tunics.

They rode toward a small village near Kilmallie where on the north-eastern side of Loch Linnhe sat the great old Charra, an ancient stone where they often worshipped. When they reached the stone, which was taller than most of the men, they left their horses to graze in the adjacent field. All approached on foot, silent and reverent. Magnus motioned to his men who stepped forward and placed the flowers, trinkets, and other bestowments at the base of the stone.

All bowed their heads, each reflecting their thoughts to their ancestors, Gods, Goddesses, and the Catholic God in prayer and devotion. Most sought the blessing of the Mother Goddess for it was only due to Her enlightenment that they achieved the continuation of their people, the enrichment of their crops, and the essence of their woman’s affection.

Magnus prayed for redemption for his brother’s death and that God would lead him to the culprit and enlighten him of the truth behind Ned’s dealings. He also gave thanks for sending him Kendra, for the bairns they would soon have, and for his family and clan who he lived to serve.

When the devotion was completed, Osmond and Hayden retrieved the goblets and brew. It had become their custom to take a drink at the stone as an offering of their commitments. Osmond drank deeply from the goblet and refilled the cup with the potion that he likened to that of the spirit of their ancestors.

“Here, Laird, take a good swig of this. It’ll wake ye and thicken your blood.” Osmond handed him the goblet.

Magnus set it to his mouth and drank. As the liquid coursed through his body, a deep burning settled in his chest which reminded him of the pleas he’d just made at the stone. He burned for justice, salvation, and ultimately happiness with Kendra. When he finished the drink, he poured more “spirit” into the goblet and handed it to Wyren. Each man partook of the drink, and after each had drained one goblet full of the harsh liquid, they stood around silent and insightful.

Winds whipped the field’s grasses and pressed their tartans to their bodies. None wanted to move from the sacred place that held such meaning for them.

That was, until Hayden broke the silence, “Drunkenness is next to Godliness, aye?”

The men shouted their agreement with cheers and all bellowed in jubilation.

When the men calmed, Magnus held up his arm. His men neared and all stood and waited for his direction. Winston handed him a parchment that listed all the items and tasks they needed to accomplish before sundown.

Twenty men were chosen to go and search for the sacred woods that would be used for the massive bonfires. Their customs dictated they use the nine sacred woods from alder, ash, birch, hawthorn, hazel, holly, oak, rowan, and willow trees.

“Winston, are ye certain ye wish to marry the May Queen, Gloria? There’s still time to change your mind.” Wyren bellowed a laugh when Winston sneered and shoved his chest.

“My bonny bride will have no other but me, so I am willing to accept her.”

For his brash comment, he received several strikes from their comrades to his shoulders and back offering congratulatory banter. Magnus tried to hold back his smile because it was good to see his men making merry again. They had been too solemn of late.

“Winston, will ye be garbing yourself as the green man?”

His soldier nodded vigorously. “Aye, I am prepared to make a showing as the green man.”

His brethren chortled and ruffed up Winston with jabs, pokes, and light punches to his body. Winston’s grin was wide at being the focus of the men’s jubilation.

Magnus cleared his throat to gain their attention. “Winston, ye will take many men with ye to collect the boughs and garlands. When ye return to the fief, ye can attach them to the windows and doors of the maidens. There’s a good amount of men who are marrying during the festival.” Magnus watched as the procession of bachelors passed by him. Their grins and jests lightened him. Though he hadn’t been able to reap the benefit of his marriage at the celebration, many considered marrying on the first of May a blessing. Families allowed the courting rites of their lassies and negotiations of marriages were well settled before and at the end of the day.

“Wyren, will ye find a few men to ensure all hearths are darkened before the bonfires are lit this eve? Once we light the two bonfires, we’ll allow the farmers to bring the livestock through.” Magnus noted his brother’s acceptance of his task.

Wyren nodded and pointed to some of the men standing around him and spoke low, giving them directions for their task. The men scattered to perform their duties. Those who remained in the area to collect wood and boughs would return later. The rest of them took to their mounts and headed for home.

Of all the rituals and rites of the festival, Magnus found the blessing of the fire to be the most coveted and sacred, but the worshiping at the stone was just as poignant. When the fires were lit and as the animals passed between the fires three times, they would then be put to the summer pasture where the animal’s fertility would be ensured. Some years they had doubled their livestock numbers. He hoped to do so again this year.

Magnus returned with some of the men and rode through the gate of his home. He left his horse in the large corral to give his warhorse time to settle before he was taken to the stable. His gaze lingered over the grounds of his home. The womenfolk set up tables, strung banners, and pennons from cottage to cottage. There were games set for the children, and barrels of ale situated along the lane for the adults. A platform was erected near where the bonfires would be lit for the musicians, a bunch of rowdy men who were well known to partake of the barrels more often than they should.

Magnus hurried and ate his mid-day meal and then continued with the preparations. Near dusk, he marched toward the keep’s tower and awaited Kendra, who was to join him. His home took on an ethereal appearance with all the decoration and the clan’s people adorned in their best garments. That night the Camerons would celebrate and nothing would stop them from enjoying the festivity, not even his mother’s mourning.

Kendra appeared and stood by the door of the keep. Magnus stopped short when he got a glimpse of her. Clad in the overdress she’d worn at their wedding now, she’d draped it with the Cameron tartan. Pinned to it was his grandmother’s brooch. The late afternoon sun shone on the silver and sent a glint at him. His breath about ceased at the sight of her. How fortunate was he to win her hand? Magnus thought that perhaps he should send a missive to the king, thanking him for forcing him into the marriage.

Kendra approached and stood before him. “We never had festivals like this near my home.”

Magnus raised his hand and used his knuckles to caress her soft cheek. “Come, after they light the fires, we just might sneak off and do our own sort of celebrating.” He smiled and she clasped his hand.

The minstrel began singing: Nine woods in the cauldron, burn them quick and burn them slow, bring on the maidens, here we go…

Magnus wrapped his arm around Kendra and guided her along the lane. They passed his clan’s men and women who sang along to the minstrel’s tune. Two soldiers ran along the lane and when they got to the wooden structures, they set their torches to it and the flame took hold. A long moment passed before the wood ignited and sent a glow about the faces of his clan.

“How beautiful.”

“The fires are bonny, but we use the sacred woods which represent protection, wisdom, healing, power, and success, amongst other things. I have joined this festival since I was born, and likewise, all of my clan. Not a year passes that we do not light the fires.”

“Still, it is incredible. I wish I had such merriment whilst I was growing up. ”

He nodded and understood because now that Christianity had taken hold, most people only partook of the rites of their religion and celebrated the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross. Priests performed mass outside where many gathered around a bonfire and the land was blessed. Magnus was glad they didn’t have any clergymen on his land presently because that allowed them to continue to revere the old rites. But his clan probably wouldn’t ever cease celebrating the old ways along with the new.

Winston’s marriage was held between the two bonfires. Men carried Winston down the lane and shouted for all to make way. His soldier was garbed as the green man, completely covered in leaves, twigs, and moss, which represented the forest’s cycle of life, death, and rebirth. What skin showed on Winston was painted with the bluish-green hue of the leaves. All gathered and some of the women tossed flowers before the bride as she marched with her family to her destiny. Each proclaimed their love and agreement to wed. Their union was announced by the bride’s father and all the clan cheered. He’d never seen his soldier look so pleased. Kendra likewise smiled and seemed to enjoy the ceremony.

Men marched toward the fire and lines formed for the running through the flames. A man backed up and then sprinted toward the fire. He jumped over it, through the high-licking flames, and fortunately came away unscathed. Some were less fortunate and their tartans caught alight. Instantly, they were put out and suffered some minor burns on their skin, but nothing major.

Kendra’s eyes widened at the fanfare. Her mouth hung open as she watched the men take their turns. “Tell me you will not jump through the flames.”

Magnus chuckled. “I haven’t jumped through the flames in a long time. Aye, for I leave it up to God whether He will bestow good fortune on me. I believe He has. The men think the flames will bless them with good fortune,” he explained. He laughed when Jake ran through and jumped so high that the flames had no chance of catching him.

“It is good to hear you laugh, Magnus. I wish you were always so lighthearted.” Kendra leaned against him and grinned.

“This day always brings me joy.”

“Is it the only day?”

“For now,” he said and turned, guiding her away from the revelry. Magnus returned to the keep, to a table sitting near the entrance. “Let us have supper and then we will take a walk in the woods.”

“Beyond the walls? Really? I want to see what your land looks like.”

Magnus pulled a trencher from the small stack in the center of the table and set it before her. He took one for himself and piled it with mutton, sweetcakes, and raw carrots. Kendra spooned pottage onto hers and they ate silently. He hadn’t taken her beyond the wall before and was not too concerned because this night the woods would be filled with his soldiers.

While they ate, his closest comrades joined them at the table. Wyren and Marny sat across from him and Kendra. Hale was tucked in his father’s hold. Winston sat with Gloria. Hayden and Osmond took up the rest of the space. Sigge wasn’t far behind and sat next to him, thumping his tail against the ground, vying for his attention and pieces of his mutton. Magnus petted him and gave him what he wanted. His dog gulped down the food thrown at him. Before long, Jake strolled along and joined them too. Magnus thought to give direction now for the morrow since it was unlikely he would see them after they finished the meal.

“On the morrow, we will leave to confront Aldo and find out the truth behind Ned’s death. Wyren, you’ll stay here and look after the keep. Ye will need to ensure our men are ready to face any threat from the Chattans. Winston, since ye are newly married, I give ye leave from duty for the next day. After that, ye will ensure Kendra’s safety whilst I am gone. I’ll have my da watch out for her until ye return to duty.”

All stared at him. He felt Kendra’s eyes piercing him but he needed to assert his dictate. “I will take Jake, Hayden, and Osmond with me. The three of ye select one other to go on the trek. There will be six in all. I will select a small regiment of men to accompany us as well. We know not what we will face when we confront Aldo, but I want answers and I mean to get them.”

His men grumbled and grunted. As each left the table after their supper, they stepped before him and bowed their heads in silent acceptance of their mission. Not that they could refuse, but the men he chose to attend him were the most trusted, fiercest soldiers, within the clan. His brother Jake seemed surprised that he’d asked him along. This was the first time he’d take him on a mission but it was time for his brother to show his mettle.

When his brother stepped before him, he stopped him. “Jake, I hope ye know that I value ye and wanted ye to gain experience before I asked…”

“Ye do not need to explain, Laird. I am ready to serve and protect ye now. My sword is sharp as well as my mind. We shall find our foe and I will be gladdened to be there when ye do.”

Magnus was taken aback by his brother’s pledge. It was the most he’d spoken to him at once in a long time. He rose and clasped his brother in a brief embrace. “My thanks, Jake. Do not linger out here all night. Ye need a wee bit of shut-eye before we head out.”

His brother nodded and set off.

Magnus waved to Wyren and Marny as they left to put Hale to bed. Now he sat alone with Kendra and he rose to stand behind her. She left her seat and turned to peer at him.

“You are leaving again. How long will you be away?”

“Probably a few moon rises. Come,” he said and took her hand. He guided her toward the gates. They continued onward until he stopped on the wooden bridge that led to the island. The moon, now higher in the sky, shone on the waters that flowed beneath it.

Magnus kissed her cheek and took her hand again. They traipsed along and when they reached the darkened woods beyond the land’s embankment, he pulled her into his embrace.

“Magnus, there are others about.”

“Aye, it’s part of the rite. All within the wood this night will couple with their women. Next winter there will be a great many Cameron bairns born.” He grinned, thinking about that and hoped that perhaps he and Kendra would be blessed to welcome their first child.

Kendra wrapped her arms around his neck and he lifted her into his arms. When he found the perfect spot, a soft, grassy place between the thick trunks of pine trees, he set her down. Magnus was careful when he disrobed her. Her overdress was of delicate materials and he was careful as he unpinned the brooch he so remembered from when he was a lad. When she was only clad in her shift, he leaned back and removed his garments. The crisp air of the night did nothing to cool his ardor for he was filled with lust and longing.

Magnus wanted their time together to be special. He wasn’t sure when he’d see her again but it would be a long while. Too long.

He lay beside her, gently caressed her, and aroused her body to respond to him with light moans. She was soft and sweet. Kendra tried to pull him to her for a kiss, but he pressed her back. “Let us take it slow. We should enjoy this time together.”

In the dimness of the woodland surrounding them, he could barely see her. Magnus wanted to bring her pleasure and so he set his mouth at her apex and used his tongue to lash at the heat of her vagina. In his ministration, he heard her rasps, murmurs, gasps, and moans. Then, she succumbed to the pleasure and thrashed about. He grinned to himself, but now, he was hard and hot for her.

“Magnus, please, let me.” She straddled him and gyrated her hips to take him in again and again .

As he lay back, enjoying the pleasure of his wife’s body, he pressed his hands on the dewy grass near him before he lifted his hands to reach out to Kendra’s face. He pressed his dew-covered palms on her cheeks. She peered at him inquisitively.

“’Tis believed that if ye wash your face with the early morn dew, ye will be blessed with good fortune.” Magnus settled his hands on her hips and pulled her toward him. The movement of her body against his sent him reeling once again.

“I already received good fortune and need no more,” she whispered.

Her words pleased him and he was caught up in the desirous motion that it only took a moment for lust to engulf him. His moan echoed in the woods along with those of many men that night, purposely pleasing the Goddess Flora who would ensure the transition of the season of rebirth.

After their romp in the woods, Magnus held her hand on the return to the keep. They didn’t come across anyone on their walk back. At the keep, he led her to their bedchamber and they readied for bed. Magnus undressed and waited for her to do the same. Once she was settled, he joined her and held her close. He thought about the excursion on the morrow and what he needed to do. Would he finally gain the answers he sought about Ned’s death?