Chapter Forty-Three
Sheona
Sheona rode in front of Taskill on a powerful chestnut stallion, glad to see MacLean Castle up ahead, sitting majestically on the approaching hill. The torches lit the castle since the dark of night was nearly upon them.
Taskill had suggested they travel as husband and wife to keep men from considering bride-stealing. That had been difficult for her to accept, but ever since they’d traveled down the paths toward the castle, she’d been glad he’d called her his wife.
She’d had the feeling that someone was watching her ever since they left the ship. Sholto was the only man who’d come from Tristan’s land, and they didn’t know any of the others, but she’d had this strange inkling all along.
It hadn’t been bad on the ship since the men had jobs to do, but since then, she’d been uneasy. Even with Taskill, men had stared at her along the way.
At one point, Taskill had said, “Sheona, you’ve not been away from home much, have you?”
“Nay. Not since I was young.”
“They stare because you are beautiful, but I think it surprises you. Does it?”
She nodded, but waved her hand, not wishing to continue the discussion. “I don’t like it.”
“I don’t either, but it’s best that you stay close. I won’t let anyone touch you.”
“My thanks to you. My apologies if I’ve caused any problems, but I wish to see that my sire is hale. Why do you think he and Rut travel together?” She’d had thoughts but dismissed each one as ridiculous.
Taskill gave a small shrug. “I’ll tell you what Meg suggested, though Lennox and I dismissed it.
That Dermot and Rut had some intimate moments when they were arguing.
She claims they are attracted to each other.
She suggested there was some tension between them that wasn’t true anger, if you understand my meaning.
I didn’t like it, and Lennox laughed at Meg, but now I wonder. What say you?”
“Romantically? That kind of interest?” She couldn’t have been more stunned.
“Aye.”
“Nay.” She shook her head without thinking.
“Aye, I think Meg might be right.”
“Da still thinks of Mama all the time. He’s always mentioning her.”
“Because he misses her. Misses the companionship. As Meg reminded Lennox, just because they are old doesn’t mean they don’t have needs.”
Sheona recoiled at the thought. Her father and Rut? Not that they didn’t suit—they did. But thinking of them committing the act was … well … something she didn’t wish to think on.
They arrived at the castle just after dark. Sheona was exhausted but pleased to be there finally. She had only the clothing on her back, which embarrassed her, but they’d been shipwrecked, so what options did she have?
Neil MacLean greeted them, and Taskill gave him a letter penned by Tristan.
Once they were seated in front of the hearth with a goblet of mead, the hall mostly empty, Neil read the note and said, “I’m sorry to hear of your troubles.
I will find Alma, and she’ll settle you each in a chamber.
On the morrow, I will help you with whatever you need.
And you may find some clothing in the chest in your chambers.
You’re welcome to use whatever fits your needs.
I understand you’ve been traveling as a married couple, which I think was a wise choice, but I will give you your own chambers. ” He nodded and took his leave.
Sheona’s gaze scanned the beautiful great hall, now empty except for the two of them. “I’m tired. I’ll look for Da on the morrow, Taskill. I’m too exhausted to look for them now.”
“Agreed. They are adults. We’ll search later.”
Alma came in shortly thereafter, introduced herself, then led them to two chambers above stairs that were across the hall from one another.
Sheona was more than grateful for the warm welcome. “Many thanks to you, my lady. These accommodations are lovely.”
“I’ll send a tub up on the morrow for you. There’s a basin with linens to refresh yourself this eve. You’ll find a night rail in the chest. I hear you’ve been through much, so fear not. Have a restful night. Is there anything else I can do to assist you?”
Sheona shook her head. “Nay, this is lovely, and I’m exhausted.”
“I have a goblet of broth next to the fire along with some bread for you. If you need anything else, just go to the kitchens. Someone is always there. Until the morrow.” And Alma left.
Sheona fell into the chair, taking swigs of the warm broth, enjoying the way it heated her insides. She got up to wash her hands and face but froze in the middle of her ablutions. She heard laughter coming from down the passageway.
Doing her best to ignore it, she found a night rail and changed into it, but the laughter continued, and it began to sound familiar.
What. The. Hell?
It sounded exactly like her father and Rut.
She opened the door and peered down the passageway, seeing no one, but then Taskill’s door opened.
“You heard it too?” Taskill whispered.
She nodded and pointed down the corridor. She tiptoed out, still in woolen socks, and headed toward the laughter, frowning as the sounds continued.
When Sheona and Taskill stood outside the door, they both paused to listen, and when she heard her father’s sultry voice, she couldn’t stop herself. She burst into the chamber and shouted, “Da?”
There stood her sire, his arm leaning against the hearth mantel, clad in just his dress plaid. Seated nearby was Rut MacVey, rose-colored cheeks and a cup of wine in her hand.
“Mama?” Taskill yelled. “What the hell is going on?”
Both stupefied and shocked, they looked at the two elders who didn’t look the least bit out of sorts or guilty, both wearing smiles that Sheona hadn’t seen in years.
His mother said, “Don’t get upset, dear. We made Neil and Alma promise not to tell anyone we were here after Broc and Merryn arrived. We had no idea you would be here.”
Taskill bellowed, “What the hell did you drag my mother here for, Rankin?”
Sheona said, “Taskill, you cannot yell at him. He’s my sire. It’s my job to yell at him. Da, what the hell is going on? Do you know how many people are searching for the two of you? Do you know we could have lost our lives looking for you?” Her hands settled on her hips.
The only reaction they received was more laughter.
Dermot came over, rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand, and said, “We’ll talk in the morn, lass. You look exhausted.”
“Nay, you’ll disappear again.”
Everyone quieted around her, and she did her best to hold her tears inside, successful for now but probably not for long. “You left me, Da.” Her voice came out in such a whisper that the facade her sire usually wore crumbled.
Rut said, “Dermot, we’re leaving soon. You need to talk with her.”
“Nay, I’ll escort her to her chamber, Rut. You stay here with Taskill. I’ll have a conversation with your son on the morrow. That much I promise.”
Rut climbed out of her chair and her arms waved over her head at him. “Oh, stop with that intimidating act, Dermot. Enough is enough. Can you not see that both of our bairns are exhausted and discouraged? Go speak with your daughter.”
Her father set his hand on Sheona’s back and ushered her toward the door. “Which chamber is yours?”
Unable to speak, she pointed two doors down the passageway.
Once inside, she took a seat next to the hearth, sipping on her barely warm broth. Her father grabbed a blanket from a basket nearby and settled it on her lap. “Now, tell me how you ended up here instead of at the abbey.”
“Nay, you first. Why are you here with Rut?”
Her father sighed and sat down. “It’s a simple answer, lass. I’m lonely. I miss your mother, but she’s no longer here. I was looking for some female companionship and there was Rut. I’ve known her forever, and she’s been alone over two years. Why not the two of us?”
“You should have told someone where you were going. Lennox, Sloan, Eva, everyone is looking for you.”
“You’re right. I’ll have MacLean send a message to Mull on the morrow. Now, I need to hear about you. You look a mess, lass. What happened?”
“You mean besides being left alone at the abbey, and having two men come to the holy place searching for me who were stopped by a friend because she hit them with a dagger and sent them away, and then running into Taskill who said you were missing so we left, and then we got stuck in a storm and our boat was crushed to pieces, and we had to swim to shore and we ended up on Erraid where there are no cottages, but Lia led us to one where we spent the night?”
Her sire bolted out of his chair. “You spent the night with Taskill? I’ll kill him!”
She jumped up. “Da! The hell you will. After all we’ve been through, I’d be dead if not for Taskill.
He got me to shore. I couldn’t swim anymore and he barely made it.
And after everything else I told you, that was the only thing that concerned you?
Not the fact that we nearly died or two men tried to kidnap me?
All you’re worried about is Taskill? And something else …
Stop yelling at me, Da. I’ve had enough of your bellowing.
I’m old enough to make my own decisions now, and I’m confused.
I needed you, and you left me.” And that did it. The tears came out in full.
“Ah, lassie. I’m sorry.” He lifted her and set her on his lap. “Stop your tears now. I don’t know what to say to you. I need Ailis here. I’m sorry she’s gone.”
“I miss Mama,” she wailed, a bit too loudly, but then she slowed her tears. There, it was said. Then she whispered, “I miss Mama, Da. If she were still here, she’d tell me what to do.”
“I miss her too. I’ll help you if I can. In fact, I’m not hiding any longer. The abbess said she thought someone might have abused you. I need to know if there’s any truth to that statement, Sheona. Did anyone abuse you or force themselves on you?”
“Rinaldo. He did.” She sighed, wiped her tears with a linen square, and then told him about Rinaldo. She’d held it in long enough, and now he needed to know.
“Did he rape you?”
“Nay. He said he would. That it was his job to do so as my brother, to take my maidenhead, but you killed him first.” She waited, wondering how her father would feel about her admission. Would he be upset with her? Mad at her for telling him the truth? “I’m sorry, Da.”
Her father kissed her forehead and said, “Do not apologize. I’m sorry I didn’t protect you from the evil soul. I should have, but I never would have guessed that I needed to protect you from your own brother. I wish he were alive right now to stand in front of me …”
She stared at him wide-eyed, that thought so terrifying that she wished not to think on it.
“Nay, lassie. I wish I had the good fortune of being able to stab his dark soul again. He’s a liar among other things. I’m sorry.”
They sat together near the hearth, her tears now spent. Her father finally said, “I love you, Sheona. Always remember that. And I miss your mother too. I’m sorry she wasn’t here to help you with such a thing.”
“I love you too, Da. And I think I love Taskill, but I’m not sure. I’m still confused.”
“You take whatever time you need. I’ll not push you anymore.” He lifted her and set her on the bed, pulling the coverlet back and tucking her in. “You need rest. We’ll talk on the morrow.”
He moved over to the door, but she had to catch him. “Da?”
He stopped, looking older but still as strong as ever. “Aye, Sheona?”
“You aren’t leaving, are you?”
“Nay. I promise I’ll be here in the morn. One more question, daughter. Who were the two men looking for you at the abbey?”
The look in her sire’s eyes was one she was more familiar with—one that sent men running years ago. “Clyde. That was the only name my friend heard.”
He took that information and left, the click of his boots ringing out down the passageway.
She closed her eyes and thought of Taskill. They definitely needed to talk on the morrow.