Chapter 22
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The morning of their journey to Raasay dawned with clear skies and a crisp, cold, breeze.
At the landing place, where Halvard’s birlinn awaited, Baird greeted them both warmly.
“With this wind in our sails we’ll make good time tae Raasay. As long as the weather is on our side, we should be there nae long after noon.”
They waited while Selene’s trunk and Kenneth’s smaller box of belongings were loaded, along with a bundle of fleeces which were Kenneth’s gift to Halvard.
Then it was the horses’ turn to go on board.
Arvak, who was well used to travel, took only minutes to be brought on board, his giant hooves beating time on the wooden planks of the deck.
He stood quietly while Kenneth tethered him in the stern.
But Baird’s horse was skittish, unused to the sway of the boat and the sound of the lapping waves, and it took some time to coax her onto the birlinn.
Finally, she stood quietly beside Arvak, as if the giant destrier’s stolid bulk was a comfort to the little mare.
Selene stood by, watching all of the action, her stomach tying itself in a series of painful knots.
While, on one hand, there was the joyful anticipation of seeing her beloved sister once again, on the other, despite her determination to return to Duntulm Castle to spend her life with Kenneth, she feared the meeting to come between Laird MacDonald and Laird MacLeod might not proceed smoothly.
The two men had been at loggerheads for too long, seething over the so-called incursions into their waters and the theft of their fishermen’s livelihoods.
She knew full well that it was only because of his love for her and the honor that meant everything to Kenneth, that he was prepared to make this journey to Raasay and meet with Laird Halvard.
She could only pray there would be sufficient goodwill between them to enable Halvard to grant his blessing to her marriage to Kenneth.
After all, it was everything her heart desired.
When, at last, they set off, the sun was well risen, with a clear light to see the shore as they traveled. Selene was in awe of the rugged but beautiful coastline as Kenneth, his arm looped over shoulders, pointed out different landmarks as they went.
In no time they had rounded Rubha Hanish, the northernmost tip of the Isle of Skye and had turned southward.
It was then that the sky began to darken and by the time they reached the Sound of Raasay – almost, but not quite in sight of the Isle of Raasay – the sky had turned raven-black.
The horizon disappeared under an approaching squall and in minutes a fierce storm swept over them.
Waves slammed the hull, the breeze that had seemed so pleasant earlier, turned into a roaring wind that whipped up the sea and turned Selene’s perfectly coiffured hair into a mass of tangled curls and knots.
As the rain fell in torrents across the deck, they took refuge under a small lean-to with just enough canvas to cover them both and keep them almost dry.
Head down, clutching his oilskin around him, Baird approached. His hair was sopping, his kilt dripping despite his heavy covering.
“We cannae cross the sound safely in this storm. I have ordered the crew tae take shelter in the inlet.” He pointed to a dark space barely visible between the rocky crags.
There was just enough space for the birlinn to take shelter between the jagged rocks, but once they were inside the crew dropped anchor and, although the wind still howled through the ropes, the tall cliffs afforded protection from the pounding waves.
Kenneth wrapped a trembling Selene in his embrace, pulling her tightly against his chest.
“Halvard’s birlinn is a sturdy vessel. We’ll weather it,” he assured her, even as rain lashed them sideways. “I’ve seen worse.”
She pressed her forehead to his shoulder, shaking. “I hate the storms.”
“I ken.” He held her closer. “But I’ll keep ye safe.”
She smiled at that, her thoughts flying to other storms and other times he’d kept her safe.
What was meant to be a short trip, turned into many hours as the ship rode out the storm, Kenneth and Selene shivering in each other’s arms, their whispers barely audible above the howling wind.
By the silvery morning light, the storm had at long last passed, the seas had quieted somewhat and Blair declared it was safe enough to proceed.
It was only a short distance across the sound to the landing stage on the west coast of Raasay, and from there it was a ride of only a few short miles to Brochel Castle.
Once the birlinn had docked, the horses were brought ashore. Just as it had been when they went aboard it was quite a business to coax Baird’s mare onto dry land.
Baird whispered sweet nothings into the little horse’s ears, but she stubbornly refused to lift her hooves from the deck.
It was only when she looked up and saw Arvak waiting, with Selene and Kenneth already mounted on his broad back, that she made a move.
She placed one dainty hoof after another and went ashore, with her gaze still fixed on Arvak.
“It seems my destrier has won the lady’s heart,” Kenneth said, sounding amused. Selene giggled as they set off with Baird in the lead.
It was not a great distance to the castle from the berth, yet the road was scarcely more than a rough track and the going was slow through forests and only a few cultivated fields.
So, this is Elsie’s domain. It is wild enough, to suit my little sister.
Selene smiled to herself. Her sister had never been one for manners and restraint, she would be happy in this rough place, riding free without a care for fashion or strict etiquette.
Brochel Castle was pitched high on a rocky outcrop facing east over the sea. The path was tortuous and narrow, but Arvak and his new lady love found their unerring way over the difficult terrain.
Baird shouted to the guards at the gate as they approached and, by the time they crossed the little bridge leading into the castle, the gate was already opening.
As they rode into the courtyard, the tall figure of Halvard appeared at the entrance to the keep.
He was an imposing figure. His face – a little leaner than when Selene had seen him last – was browned by time spent in the outdoors.
Clad in his great kilt in a yellow and red plaid, a black waistcoat and a short green cloth coat with gold cord with a blue bonnet on his head, he was every inch the Highland laird.
Selene reviewed their saturated, untidy, state, and could not help wishing both she and Kenneth had been able to bathe and don garb that was a little more fitting to the occasion before this long-awaited meeting.
Halvard greeted her politely, taking her hand in brief acknowledgment. “Greetings tae ye Lady Selene.”
He glanced at Kenneth, one brow quirking. “Welcome tae Castle Brochel, Laird Kenneth, I was nae expecting yer company.”
He stretched his hand out stiffly. With only the tiniest hesitancy, Kenneth reached across and shook it.
“I beg yer pardon fer nae giving ye notice, Laird Halvard. ’Twas a last-minute decision tae keep the Lady Selene company. Yet, ye and I have matters that are best discussed in person.” He bowed from the waist. “I am most grateful fer yer kind welcome.”
This was the much-vaunted Highland hospitality Selene had heard of. It was unthinkable for a Highland laird not to extend another clan chief a welcome to his home. Even if it was unexpected. And even if it happened that they were enemies or simply not allies.
Halvard glanced at Serene before turning and leading them into the keep, “Me bonnie wife will be with us in a short while.” A grin flickered on his lips. “She is primping in her chamber, wishing tae look her best fer the meeting wi’ ye.”
Selene gave a wry laugh, glancing at her limp skirt in dismay. “And I wish I could look me best also.”
As they entered the keep there came the clickety-clack of shoes on the stone stairs and then a loud squeal as Elsie appeared, her curls flying, as she dashed forward in a whirl of petticoats.
Selene opened her arms and the two sisters hugged, laughing and crying in equal delight to be together again after so long. Elsie sobbed on Selene’s shoulder and looked up smiling, her eyes wet.
Wiping away her sister’s tears, Selene was beaming.
“Oh, my darling little sister. I am so happy to see you.”
Elsie grinned, brushing a damp curl from her cheeks.
“I cannae believe ye’re here at long last.” She took Selene’s hand.
“Now, let me take ye tae yer chamber so ye can warm yer poor cold hands and change intae something dry.” She looked Selene up and down for a long moment.
“Ye’re nae the elegant lass I’m used tae seeing.
All neat and tidy with nae a speck of dirt on yer gown.
” She laughed, tossing her head back. “Here ye are looking like a bedraggled cat.”
Selene tutted. “And you, sister, are talking like a Scotswoman. What has become of your fine English speech?”
“Och, ‘tis the only way I can be understood in this place. Besides, I rather like the way my tongue rolls on the Scottish words.”
Elsie looked up at Kenneth who was smiling fondly, watching the sisters embracing.
“I thank ye, Laird Kenneth, fer taking such good care of me sister and bringing her safely tae Raasay.”
Halvard cleared his throat, glaring at Kenneth. It occurred to Selene that it was likely Halvard did not share Elsie’s enthusiasm for Kenneth’s good care.
Frowning, Halvard turned to Kenneth.
“Laird Kenneth, I understand there is much fer us tae discuss and I ken it is nae only the Lady’s Selene’s wellbeing that has brought ye tae Raasay.”
Still clutching her sister, Selene cautiously observed the interaction between Kenneth and Halvard. They seemed to be circling each other like two wary black bears, undecided if they were confronting danger or not.
“Come, Selene, let me take ye tae yer chamber. Leave our two lairds tae deal with their business. Ye need a warm fire and some breakfast.”
A small gray-haired woman appeared from a nearby passageway and hurried over to them.
She bobbed a curtsy to Elsie. “Milady, the chamber is ready fer yer sister and I shall direct the maids tae bring water fer her tae bathe.” She nodded toward Kenneth. “I shall direct Laird Kenneth tae his chamber when he and Laird Halvard are ready.”
Selene smiled to herself. It came a surprise to see her wild young sister in the role of lady of the castle. But it suited her.
“Come Selene, I shall show ye tae yer room.” Elsie tugged at Selene’s sleeve.
Before she walked away Selene shot a quick glance at Kenneth. He was already deep in conversation with Halvard, but glanced up. Their eyes met in unspoken agreement. He must deal with Halvard while she would spend time with her dear sister. There was so much to catch up on.
The bedchamber was warm and sweetly scented with herbs and just the faintest drift of lavender.
Selene luxuriated in a wonderful hot bath, entertained by Elsie’s tales of life on Raasay.
“How did you ever manage to convince your people to provide hot water to bathe?” Selene lay back while Elsie lathered her hair with rose-scented soap.
“At first, when I insisted on really hot water, they thought I was mad,” Elsie said with a laugh.
“But as I am the laird’s wife, I was able tae get me way.
Of course, it wasnae easy.” She giggled.
“Yet even me darling Halvard has come to enjoy the delights of a warm bath.” Her cheeks flushing a delicate pink, caused Selene’s head to fill with thoughts of the pleasures that might be shared when bathing.
After she was thoroughly clean and had dried off on several voluminous linens, she donned her gown and sat by the fire while Elsie brushed her hair.
“Ye’ve had many adventures and faced many dangers since I last laid eyes on ye, Selene.” Elsie studied her. “But ye are looking well despite yer ordeals.” She paused. “And Laird Kenneth? He’s a fine-looking lad, and he looks at ye as if ye’re the feast he’s been waiting half his life tae devour.”
“He is that,” Selene said dreamily.
“Ye’re in love! I see it in yer eyes,” Elsie proclaimed gleefully.
Selene dipped her head, suddenly reticent. “We’re… at least… I am hoping…” She trailed off.
“What?” Elsie was almost jumping out of her skin. “A wedding?”
“That may be, sweet sister, but your husband’s blessing on my union with Laird Kenneth is what he wishes.” Selene’s mouth turned down. “I fear Halvard may not look kindly on our marriage.”
“Och, aye.” Elsie shrugged knowingly. “These kinships are taken so seriously by the Highlanders. A marriage between ye two would bind the MacLeods of Raasay to the MacDonalds of Duntulm and Halvard might nae agree tae that.”
“That is what I fear, Elsie.” Selene fiddled with the tie on her robe, gazing into the flames in the fireplace, sighing deeply.
“Dinnae fash, lass. That means don’t worry, sister.
If Halvard daesnae approve I shall persuade him.
He cannae resist me when I want something.
And I dae want ye tae be as happy as I am.
” She gave Selene’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Now, ‘tis time fer ye tae don yer gown. I wish tae show ye around me castle.”