Page 36 of Bride Takes a Laird
“I certainly did. Then I hope to reach wee death often,” she said and lightly kissed his lips.
Though she might not have Magnus’s attention during the day, she had his full attention in bed. That soothed her and she knew she would have to make do with that for now. In time, he would leave his worries at the door, he would smile and laugh, and he would find peace within their bedchamber. Kendra vowed it would be so.
Chapter Thirteen
The last dayof 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 andlearn 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 grazein 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 toGodliness, 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.