Page 24 of Sins of a Scot (Bound by a Highland Curse: The Morgan’s Clan Stories #7)

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

T hree days after they had found the crystal, Owen and Iseabail made the final stretch of their journey. They were now on Clan Sutherland’s lands, and to keep from being discovered, they had made their way through forests and over glens. Anything to avoid the main tracks and roads.

Iseabail had already stipulated that she would have no problem getting through. Laird Sutherland was expecting her, and it was likely any guards on his land would know that. She had tried multiple times to convince Owen that she should continue alone, and once more, she had started the same discussion again.

“Ye dinnae understand. Or perhaps ye dae,” she said, “but ye refuse tae listen. Nay harm will come tae me, but I cannae speak fer ye. If ye leave now, ye can return home tae yer family.”

“I dinnae ken how many times I have tae tell ye, Iseabail, but I’m nae leaving ye. I dinnae trust Sutherland as far as I could throw him.”

“Once he gets the crystal, he will be satisfied. Then, when all this is over, I will send fer ye,” she pressed, seeming even more determined than the last time they had talked about it.

He glanced over at her as the horses continued to walk. “Ye dinnae have tae worry about me, Iseabail. I ken that yer concern fer me welfare is the motivator fer yer suggestion, but I’ll be fine.”

She turned away from him, her eyes set ahead. Clearly, much was going through her mind, not least of which, what she was going to find when they arrived at Laird Sutherland’s castle. She had voiced her concerns that her family might already be dead, and Owen understood that likely troubled her more so now, than it had done previously.

He wanted to tell her that her father and brother were fine. He wanted to settle her worry, and tell her that once this day was over, she could go back to her life. But to begin with, he had no idea whether any of that was even true. Her suspicions may well be right, and Laird Sutherland might have broken his word. Knowing that she could not know one way or another, the laird really was holding all the cards.

But even if her father and her brother were safe, could she really go back to her old life? Laird Sutherland already had a great power. With this crystal, he would only become more powerful. From Iseabail’s own lips, Owen had heard the terrors he had committed on her father’s land. Once he had the stone, nothing could stop the laird from taking over Clan Mackay.

Gazing over at Iseabail once more, he suspected that this entire quest had been to facilitate him to do just that. He also suspected Iseabail knew that too. He had told Ada a few days ago that Iseabail was a strong and independent woman, but in truth, he really had not given her the credit she deserved. He knew men who would not have faced the trials and tribulations she had braved over the last couple of weeks. She was a credit to her father and her entire clan, and he could not be prouder of her.

They had just reached the brow of a hill when Iseabail said, “There it is.” There was a sad resigned tone to her voice that hit Owen in his stomach.

He looked ahead, and sure enough, Laird Sutherland’s castle stood proudly, fully surrounded by a high wall. The gates were tall, made of huge timber, and guards stood at elevated posts, looking out.

It took no more than a minute for them to spot Iseabail and Owen. Immediately afterwards, the sound of the guard’s yelling voices travelled up to meet them.

“This is yer last chance,” Iseabail said, piercing him with an intense gaze. “Any moment now, guards will be sent out o’ those gates tae meet us. Ye can still go. They’ll be too interested in me arrival tae follow ye.”

Facing her with a determined look of his own, Owen shook his head. “Nae, Iseabail. I’ve told ye already. I’m nae leaving yer side. I’ll never leave yer side. Dae ye understand me?”

A sad frown lined her brow, and then she said. “If that is the case, then I will remind ye firmly. Dinnae remove that crystal from around yer neck. Ye heard what Ada said. The laird can cause ye a great amount o’ pain.”

They continued on then, and, as they both knew would happen, four guards came thundering toward them on horseback, meeting them half way.

“What is yer business here?” the lead man barked.

“Me name is Lady Iseabail Mackay. I am here on request o’ Laird Sutherland. I am in possession o’ something he wants.”

The guard nodded immediately, clearly recognizing the name. He jerked his head to Owen. “And him?”

“He is me manservant,” Iseabail said calmly. “He accompanies me everywhere. I willnae come and see the laird without him.”

The guard scowled at Owen and eventually nodded. “Fine. Follow us tae the castle.”

Inside the huge courtyard, their horses were taken by stable hands. Owen had no choice but to relinquish his sword, but the guard assured him it would remain with the horse and be returned when they were leaving. As much as Owen did not like it, not wanting to make this situation any more distressing for Iseabail, he agreed. The same guard then led them towards the castle entrance.

Once inside, the guard took long strides, but Iseabail refused to hurry, and on several occasions, he had to wait for her to catch up.

Good fer ye, Iseabail.

Inside, the castle was little different to Owen’s own home. Tapestries and swords hung on the wall, tables and furniture were placed at different areas in the corridors, and large ornate candelabras held many candles to light their way. As they continued down the corridor, servants and maids stood to the side, letting them pass, all bowing their heads respectfully.

All the while they were being led, Owen was keeping a keen eye on the direction they were going. His gut told him that things were not going to go as smoothly as they ought, and thus, he wanted to make certain that if they needed to make a quick escape, he knew the way out.

He noticed several places where small doors were situated, and imagined them to be the entrances and exits of hidden tunnels that ran through the castle, very much like home.

They may prove useful at some point.

After turning down yet another corridor, the guard eventually came to a stop outside a wooden door. Lifting a fist, he knocked firmly on it.

“Enter,” a dulled voice came back.

The guard opened the door and led them in. “Lady Mackay tae see ye, me laird,” he announced.

Laird Sutherland stood from his desk and moved around it slowly, a scowl sitting upon his thin lips. He was a large man, but more rotund than muscular, with a flabby jowl and protruding belly. Similar to his father, though his father was in far better condition, Owen guessed the laird was nearing middle age.

“And who is this?” he demanded, pointing to Owen.

“He is me man servant, me laird,” Iseabail repeated her earlier explanation. “I need protection when I travel, and I dinnae go anywhere without him.”

“That isnae true,” Owen declared. However this was going to go, he wanted to let Laird Sutherland know who he was dealing with. “Me name is Owen Sinclair, son o’ Laird Sinclair from the Clan Sinclair. I have been accompanying Lady Mackay tae ensure her safety.”

In his peripheral vision, he could see Iseabail glaring at him, clearly struggling to believe what she had just heard. No doubt, she had been trying to protect him, but he was no coward, and never had been. It had been necessary to get him inside the castle, but now that he was there, the necessity for pretense was over.

“It was ye on South Ronaldsay,” the laird barked.

“Ye mean where yer men nearly killed Lady Mackay?” Owen spat back. “Fine men ye have, me laird. Attacking a defenseless woman.”

The laird eyed him carefully, before turning back to Iseabail. “Dae ye have what I sent ye fer?”

“Aye, I dae. But ye willnae see it until I see me faither and braither,” Iseabail replied caustically.

“Ye are in nay position tae be making demands, Lady Mackay,” Laird Sutherland growled.

“Ye are in nay different a position than I, me laird,” Iseabail scowled. “We both want something the other has in their possession. Either I see me family, or ye dinnae set eyes on yer crystal.”

He glared at her for a long moment, but realizing he was being outdone, the laird spun on his heels and looked at the guard who had led them to the study. “Bring them,” he barked.

“Aye, me laird,” the guard swiftly replied.

Once the guard had left, Laird Sutherland turned his attention back to Iseabail. He circled her, leering at her lustfully. He made no attempt to hide his desire for her, and Owen could do nothing but ball his fists in jealous anger.

“So, this is yer lover?” he said, as he continued to walk around her.

Iseabail gasped, and Owen watched her face flush bright red.

“I suppose ye’ve both spent many a night together,” he continued, “frolicking, and flirting, and?—”

“Me laird, what dae ye plan tae dae with the crystal?” Owen demanded.

He had to say something to end the humiliation, for Iseabail was clearly mortified at his words, and by the sounds of it, he was thriving on her discomfort.

“That’s none o’ yer damned business,” he barked back, glaring at Owen. “Ye should mind yersel’, boy. Ye’re only still in this room due tae me good graces.”

“I beg tae differ, me laird,” Owen returned. “Speaking tae a lady in such a manner shows nay grace at all.”

Laird Sutherland walked the few steps towards him, which is exactly what Owen wanted him to do, and glared him in the eye. “I’m surprised ye’ve lived as long as ye have, with a mouth like that. Perhaps me dungeons will nae be empty when Laird Mackay and his son vacate them.”

“Nay,” Iseabail cried.

“Iseabail,” Owen pleaded.

“Aye, Iseabail.” Laird Sutherland growled, spinning to look at her. “The men are talking. Best tae keep yer pretty little mouth shut.”

The condescension in his tone was sickening, and Owen had to use all his self-control not to smash his fist into that fat face of his. Laird Sutherland opened his mouth to continue, when the study door opened once again.

Owen turned to see an older and younger man shoved into the room. Her father was a sturdy man, but while he was tall, he looked weakened, as though he had suffered much. Keane had Iseabail’s fine looks, and was broad and muscular. There was a Viking look about him, with his long blond hair and dark blue eyes. Owen deduced immediately that he was a warrior, for not only did he hold himself in such a way, as though he feared nothing, he was also covered in battle scars.

“Faither! Keane!” Iseabail gasped.

Laird Mackay looked weak, but from a cursory glance, neither looked harmed. Owen was certain Iseabail was feeling waves of relief at that moment, and her face certainly expressed the same. After all her worry of Laird Sutherland keeping his word, her family was, indeed, alive and as well as one might expect. That being said, Laird Sutherland did not need to leave cuts and bruises. He was capable of inflicting pain without leaving a mark, and thus, Owen had to wonder how much they had both suffered while they had been held captive.

Iseabail turned to run to them, but the guard stepped forward and stopped her.

“What a happy reunion,” Laird Sutherland drawled sarcastically. “But warm embraces will come after ye have voiced tae everyone present, the agreement we made.”

Iseabail spun her head and glared at Laird Sutherland before turning to Owen with an expression of utter devastation. Her look confused him, for she appeared terrified, as though she did not want to speak.

“Ye ken our agreement. I dinnae have tae say it out loud,” she retorted.

“I think there are people in this room who need tae here it, Lady Mackay. Our deal was made between ye and I alone, neither yer faither nor yer lover,” he gave Owen a glowering look,” know it, or so I gather by the way ye just looked at him.”

“Just let me family go. Ye’ve got what ye wanted,” she argued.

“Say it!” the laird bellowed. His anger was palpable as his face reddened and his jowls wobbled in rage.

Taking a huge breath, Iseabail let out a heavy sigh.

“Fine. But I have a further condition.”

Laird Sutherland looked as though he were about to explode, and glaring at her, he waited for her to continue.

“Ye are already freeing me family but ye must swear that Owen and all in his clan will be left alone, too. Nay repercussions will be meted out on them.”

The laird glared at her with such animosity, Owen readied himself to launch forward, for he feared the man was about to strike her.

“Fine,” he growled, clearly not at all pleased.

“Ye have tae swear it in front o’ these witnesses,” Iseabail pressed, gesturing to all present.

“I swear it,” he roared. “Now, get on with it.”

With a timid glance toward Owen, Iseabail said, “We agreed that I would find the crystal fer ye, and,” she hesitated a beat, “… and marry ye, if ye promised tae leave me family and me clan alone.”

At her words, three different things occurred all at the same time. Laird Mackay and Keane both yelled out protestations, Laird Sutherland grinned from ear to ear, and Owen’s jaw fell open in utter astonishment.

Gasping in a great breath, it took all his strength not to step back, for if someone had punched him in the gut, he would not have felt anymore unbalanced than he did in that second. She had kept this from him for the entirety of their time together, and so numb was he now, that not one thought passed through his mind.

“Nay! Nay, Iseabail,” Laird Mackay screamed. “Ye willnae marry this madman. I willnae allow it. Get away from her. I will never let ye marry her. Never. I will die first…”

All the while Laird Mackay ranted like a madman, Owen could only gawk at Iseabail as his world fell apart around him. They had spent so much time together, she had told him she loved him. He hadn’t doubted it then, and even now, he knew that her feelings were true. But all this time, she had kept this part of her deal with Laird Sutherland a secret. The future he had imagined they might share together, the future he had never desired with any other, was crushed, decimated, burned to ashes, all the things he felt his heart experience at that very moment.

And she had known the whole time.