Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
H ardly able to see because of the tears she was holding back and uncaring of the stares she drew from Colin and the waiting soldiers outside the tent, a distraught Isla ran as fast as she could to the open-air stables and saddled her mare with shaking hands. Then, her heart breaking with the pain of Ewan’s, she let the tears flow as she turned her mount into the woods and rode quickly through the trees until she came to the entrance of the secret tunnels into the castle.
Once there, she hitched the horse to a nearby tree and opened the secret entrance that was concealed in a thicket. Once inside, with the door firmly shut behind her, dashing tears from her cheeks, she groped in the darkness for the old tinderbox she knew was kept in a small alcove by the entrance. Finding it with relief, she struck a light, protecting the wavering flame of the half-candle with her hand as she hurried along the passages, heading for the main floor in search of Gregory.
She choked back more tears, gasping for breath as she moved rapidly up the castle’s many levels via spiraling stone stairways, driven by the urgency of the situation.
There’s nae time tae dwell on me heartbreak . I havetae find Gregory and warn him straightaway of Ewan’s plan. The attack could begin at any moment!
By the secret route, she made straight for Gregory’s study and burst out through the concealed door, to be confronted by her brother, Kelvin, and Domnhall. They had obviously been talking, and when she suddenly appeared, their heads turned as one, jaws dropping in shock. Clearly taking her for an intruder, they each stepped back and, quick as lightening, snatched their dirks from their belts, assuming a fighting stance, while Isla stood there panting, out of breath.
“Get back, damn ye! How did ye get in here? Who the devil are ye?!” Kelvin demanded fiercely, coming forward in defense of his laird and waving his blade at her with a menacing snarl.
She pulled off her cap and her plait fell down. “’Tis me,” she puffed, hurrying towards her stunned brother. “Gregory, I havetae speak tae ye right away, ’tis very urgent!”
“Isla? Is… is it really ye?” Kelvin gasped, staggering back against his cousin in obvious amazement.
“Jaysus, ’tis her, she’s alive!” Domnhall exclaimed, staring at her open-mouthed.
Gregory too was looking at her, his face pale with shock. “Isla, thank God ye’re safe!” he exclaimed at first.
“Are ye all right, Gregory?” she asked rushing to embrace him. They hugged each other tight.
“Aye! Thank the Lord above that ye are alive and well! Ye dinnae ken how worried we have been, on top of everyhtin’ else!”
“I’ve missed ye so much, and I’ve been so worried about ye as well,” she told him, her heart filled with love and relief to see him and hear his voice.
Finally, he drew back and looked at her closely, resting his hands on her shoulders. “Where have ye been? Did Ballentine capture ye? Has he been keepin’ ye prisoner all this time? Did ye escape?” he asked.
“Nae exactly,” she replied, knowing he was going to be even more shocked when he found out the truth. “I’m sorry tae have caused ye so much worry. I wanted tae get a message tae ye tae tell ye I was all right, but I didnae get the chance. And I couldnae tell ye why I left the castle in the first place because ye would have stopped me.”
He started back. “Ye left the castle? With the enemy outside the gates, out of yer own choice? Have ye lost yer wits?!” he erupted. “How ye’re still alive is a bloody miracle.” With an expression of furious disbelief, he looked her up and down, his brow creased into a deep frown. “And why in God’s name are ye dressed like an enemy soldier?”
“’Tis a long story, and there’s nae time tae tell it twice, so listen well tae what I have tae say.” She quickly explained how she had gone to assassinate Ewan, failed, and ended up joining his camp, posing as Harris but intending to spy for Gregory. At various points in the story, Gregory put his head in his hands and let out expletives and blasphemous curses to express.
“Ewan is a good man,” she declared finally, “he daesnae want any more bloodshed, he wants peace. Allan is an evil man, Gregory. He stole Ewan’s lands, and he kidnapped Ewan’s sister. When he found out I was missin’, he sent his men out tae search for me. He said he knew the pain of losing a sister, and he wanted tae find me and send me back tae ye safe despite the war.”
Gregory looked deeply skeptical. “A likely story,” he said. “It seems ye’ve fallen for his lies.”
“He didnae ken who I was. He made me dress like a man while being his captive to protect me from his men, while keeping me close to protect himself without imprisoning me. He thought I was a village girl who had been paid tae kill him. ’Tis ye who’ve fallen fer Allan’s lies,” she corrected him, trying to keep calm and use all her powers of persuasion. “The man’s corrupt, a murderin’ menace. He’s usin’ ye tae help him destroy Ewan and take all he owns! That’s why he started this war. Ye’re on the wrong side, Gregory. Ye have tae change yer allegiance now and join with Ewan tae defeat him.”
“That’s nonsense. Allan speaks the truth. ’Tis Ballentine who’s the liar. Besides, I’m a man of me word, and I dinnae change sides when it suits me.” Gregory said resolutely, shaking his head. “Allan’s army is already on its way, and once the reinforcements get here, I’ll be in a much stronger position tae defeat Ballentine once and fer all. Then ye’ll see I’m right.”
“Allan has put ye against each other and waited tae send his men until he knew ye would weaken each other. And what d’ye think Allan will dae then, when ye’ve helped him destroy Ewan?” she asked. “Ewan thinks he intends tae turn on ye helped by yer weakened state and kill ye as well, and then he’ll take over both clans.”
“What?!” Gregory cried, seeming genuinely shocked by the idea, as if it had never occurred to him. Isla noticed how Kelvin and Domnhall both looked at him with concern on their faces, as if seeking his reassurance. He tried to shrug it off. “Ach, that’s more of Ballentine’s stories. I dinnae believe that fer a minute. Allan’s a good man. He’d never dae somethin’ like that tae me, his staunchest ally.”
Isla shook her head. “Ye’re foolin’ yersel’ if ye go on believin’ that, Gregory. Ewan Ballentine is a man of honor. I tried tae kill him, and he could have had me killed as an assassin and a spy. But he chose tae protect me instead. He daesnae trade in lies and corruption, he’s the victim of Allan’s connivin’ greed, his people have been displaced from their homes. He’s been forced intae a war he never wanted. All he wants is his land back, and peace. Allan is a thief, a liar, a kidnapper, and a murderer. Where has he been all these weeks? Why has he nae come tae yer aid, braither? He’s gonnae take over both our clans if ye dinnae stop him by joinin’ with Ewan against him,” she insisted calmly.
Gregory’s expression darkened, revealing his growing unease. Isla knew her words were starting to hit home, but his next words told her she still had a long way to go in convincing him she was telling the truth.
“I’ve already told ye, Isla, I dinnae trust Ballentine, and neither should ye. Allan might nae be a saint. I admit I havenae agreed with everything he’s done, and I dinnae care fer the brutality he’s inflicted on Ballentine’s people. But I’d be shocked tae find out he did kidnap Ballentine’s sister… where’s the proof, Isla? Ye only have Ballentine’s word fer that,” Gregory argued.
“Allan’s done right by me so far, and I’ll continue tae support him. I rely on Allan tae supply us with all the grain we need tae feed our people. Ye ken very well how many hardships the clan’s faced these last few years due tae poor harvests. The alliance with Allan is the only way I’ve managed tae ensure our survival. Even if I did wantae change sides, me hands are tied,” he explained.
Isla nodded, having listened carefully to what her brother had to say. Nevertheless, she found his continual refusals to believe her deeply frustrating, especially as time was ticking by and the pressure on them was growing every second. She knew she could not give up trying to persuade him. “Aye, I can see ye’re caught in a difficult position, Gregory, but if Ewan’s lands were restored, he would likely be able tae supply us with the same amount of grain and spare our people from Allan’s demands as well,” she pointed out reasonably.
“Nay, there’s nay way of bein’ sure about that. I cannae just let go of a guaranteed supply,” he said with an air of finality. Isla looked at him intently, but she saw no sign of his resolution softening. Her hope of persuading him dwindled but she knew she could not just give up hope.
“Is that all ye have tae say?” she asked finally, a new plan forming in her mind.
“Aye, it is,” he replied staunchly.
“Very well. I’ll leave ye tae yer discussion then.” Before any of them could react, she walked calmly out of the study. As soon as she was alone in the hallway outside, she ran to the nearby parlor where there was another secret door leading to the underground passages. She took a lamp from a side table and lit it with a spill from the fire before opening the secret door in the paneling and starting back down the winding stairways as fast as she could.
The only thought in her mind now was to find Ewan and warn him of the imminent arrival of the reinforcements. If he would listen to her.
Laird Calumn Allan’s Army Camp, one mile north of Castle Galbraith
“The men are ready fer ye, m’laird,” said Captain Ruaraigh Conway, poking his head inside the tent of his commander.
“I’ll be there directly,” Laird Allan replied, hardly glancing at his deputy as he spoke. Conway withdrew, and Allan allowed himself a small moment of pleasurable reflection. He was looking forward to the coming battle and the long-awaited opportunity to defeat Ballentine once and for all. “I’ll crush the bastard and have his head on a pike by the end of the day,” he promised himself under his breath, his hard, weatherbeaten features twisting into a malicious grin.
Already in full battle gear save for his helmet, shield, and gloves, he picked up the latter from the table and made his way out of the tent. His army of reinforcements, two-hundred strong of well-trained, battle-hardened fighters, stood ranked before him. Armed to the teeth, they were set to mount up and ride out to at Castle Galbraith, hardly a mile distant, and wage the final chapter of the war on his foe Ewan Ballentine and his army.
Allan nodded approvingly at his men as he strode over to mount his enormous stallion, which was presently being held by the reins by a young soldier. Once in the saddle, another lad handed him his helmet and shield. He put the helmet on and slung the shield over his shoulder with practiced ease. He pulled on his gloves, then took the reins and turned the mighty beast, ready to give a final address to encourage his men.
“Now, lads, this is the last time we’ll havetae battle that scum Ballentine, and we’re gonnae grind him and his excuse fer an army intae the ground. I want ye all tae remember yer orders.” He paused and raised his voice before continuing, “Nae a single one of them should be allowed tae leave here alive, d’ye hear me?” The men roared their approving assent.
“But if ye come across Ballentine, dinnae kill him. Take him prisoner. I want tae finish the dog mesel’, am I clear?!” Again, the men shouted and stamped their boots and clapped, signaling their dedication to carrying out their laird’s wishes. “Good lads. And tonight, after our victory is won, I promise ye the biggest celebration ye could wish fer, with as much ale and whisky as ye can drink, and as many wenches as ye can catch.” That drew an even bigger cheer.
With his speech over, Allan walked his horse over to his team of officers, who were also mounting their horses. With a gesture, he gathered them around him for a final word before they set off.
“This’ll be an easy victory with that fool Galbraith there tae help us,” he told them in a low voice. “The man has nae idea that as soon as we’ve defeated Ballentine, we’ll have the perfect opportunity tae take over his castle and overthrow him as well. If we pull this off, lads, there’s plenty of gold and it fer all of us. Now, come on, let’s get at it!”
Filled with a fresh sense of urgency, Isla emerged into the forest from the hidden entrance. She retrieved the horse and rode as fast as she could back to the camp. When she arrived near the perimeter, she halted among the trees for a few minutes, recovering her breath. Then, she entered, left the mare at the stable, and walked casually among the men, straight to Ewan’s tent.
When she entered, he was alone, his back to her, reading something. “Ewan,” she said, stopping a few feet away. He turned sharply at the sound of her voice, his expression immediately darkening.
“What have ye come back here fer?” he questioned abruptly, putting a piece of paper he held in his hand on the table and facing her directly. “Ye should be with yer braither.”
She wanted to run to him, to embrace and kiss him, but his whole demeanor told her that such a show of affection would be greeted with coldness. It was painful to accept, but she loved him, and even if her despised her, she was determined to help him. “Ewan, I had tae come back tae warn ye. Allan’s reinforcements are very close tae the castle. Gregory expects them tae arrive any moment,” she explained hurriedly, not daring to approach any nearer.
His dark brown eyes seemed black as jet as they swept over her, burning her with their cold gaze. After a small eternity, which was agony for Isla, he finally said, “I’m tryin’ tae workout why, given the loyalty ye must bear yer braither, ye’ve come here, against me wishes, tae give his enemy this information.”
“I ken what ye must think of me, but I had tae come back, Ewan. I dinnae want ye tae get hurt. I couldnae bear it,” she admitted, wondering how to convince him of her sincerity.
“That’s why ye’ve been spyin’ on me and lyin’ tae me, is it? Because ye care so much about me?” he replied sarcastically.
“Aye, that’s exactly why!” she exclaimed, frustrated. It was as hard trying to get through to him as it had been to Gregory.
“Ye’ll havetae dae better than that.”
She realized there was one thing that might convince him. She could tell him how she felt about him, truthfully. She looked into his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to frame the words. In the end, they came out quite simply. “Because I’m in love with ye, Ewan.”
Ewan’s dark brows lifted slightly as he stared at her in disbelief. He shook his head. “Ye really expect me tae believe that, after ye took me fer a fool fer so long? How can I trust anythin’ ye say?”
“Because ye havetae,” Isla answered.
For a few moments, he said nothing. Then, suddenly, he was in front of her, cupping her face in his palms and looking down at her with soft eyes.
“D’ye mean it?” he breathed, his thumbs stroking her cheeks, his gaze intent.
She reached up and gently took hold of his wrists. “I mean it, every word. I love ye, I never wantae leave ye, and I cannae stand the thought of ye gettin’ hurt.”
“By God, I’ve missed ye,” he told her, folding her in his arms, his lips finding hers. He kissed her with such ferocious longing, the fire of passion flared within her once more.
“I’ve missed ye too, Ewan, so, so much,” she whispered, her arms about his neck, pressing her lips to his again and again, almost delirious with joy to be back in his arms.
He promptly picked her up, cradling her behind. Feeling his hardening manhood pressing against her sex even through their clothing, she shivered with delight, giggling and winding her legs around his waist as he carried her over to the cot, kissing her intently, and threw her down.
“Ewan! What if someone comes in?” she asked a little nervously yet still giggling with excitement as he tore off her cap and spread out her hair all around her. Then, he began methodically stripping her of her clothes and throwing them on the floor of the tent. “That’s better,” he said with an approving grin when she lay before him naked. “That’s as it should be. Now, I can see what’s mine,” he added, his eyes sweeping hungrily over every inch of her.
Smiling hungrily down at her, he threw off his jerkin, deftly undid his trews and pushed them down his hips before pulling out his shirt, stripping that off too and casting it away to join Isla’s things on the floor. She quivered with delight to see his aroused manhood spring free, eager to feel him inside her again. “Now, c’mere, Isla,” he ordered, picking her up bodily, turning her around, and setting her on her feet so that she was standing with her back resting against him.
“Och, me God, Ewan, that’s quite a welcome ye have there,” she joked, tingling all over with desire to feel his enormous, hardened manhood jutting against her spine.
“I told ye I missed ye,” he whispered hotly into her ear, his hands all over her, cupping and squeezing her breasts, tweaking her nipples, making her gasp as they turned as hard as pellets under his touch. One hand roamed her waist and hips and the globes of her behind, his calloused palms gliding over her soft skin and making her shiver with delight, her sex growing hot and moist for him.
Suddenly, he took hold of her thigh and lifted her leg until she was standing with one foot resting on the cot and one on the floor. She lay back against his chest, her arms reaching behind him to clasp his neck as he tantalized her naked body with his hands, sweeping her up into a haze of intoxicating pleasure. She almost swooned as hot kisses tickled her neck, and he continued toying with her breasts with one hand, while the other dove between her legs and began teasing her sex, one finger rubbing her bud in a rhythmic circular motion, the others spreading her folds and delving inside her slit, making her juices run.
“Och, ye’re so wet fer me, I can tell ye missed me too,” he whispered hotly in her ear, thrusting his fingers inside her, sending flames of fiery desire flickering through her body.
“Aye, I did,” she hissed, greedy for more of his touch.
“And I forgive ye fer lyin’ tae me because I love ye, and ye’re mine,” he added, falling to his knees and holding her tightly by the hips, devouring the moist, heated flesh between her legs with his mouth and tongue, kissing, biting, sucking, delving inside her, and driving her to delirium.
“Aye, I’m yers, Ewan, always,” she managed to moan, her fingers laced on his hair, pressing her sex against his questing mouth wantonly while trying hard to stop herself from crying out with pleasure in case people outside the tent heard them. With the magic he was working so skillfully upon her body, it was not long before she felt herself approaching a shattering climax. She stuffed her knuckles in her mouth to stop herself from screaming his name as he took her up, up, up to the peak of ecstasy.
She had not even caught her breath before, with a hungry growl, he bent her over the bed, spreading her legs, and slid his rock-hard length inside her, filling her to the brim.
“Omigod,” she panted into the blanket, her fingers clutching at its folds convulsively as he shook her with his pounding thrusts, burying himself deep inside her. One arm snaked around to pull her up against his chest, his hand squeezing her breasts, rolling her stiff nipples between finger and thumb. The other hand slid around to her rosebud, rubbing at it frantically, adding to her delirium as he rammed into her, panting hard against her neck.
She could feel drops of sweat falling on her skin from his forehead, and knowing what she was doing to him only increased her greedy longing for more of him. The waves of pleasure shook her once more, and when Ewan let out a throaty groan, stiffening inside her, they reached a blissful climax at exactly the same moment.
Laughing happily, he turned her about and seized her in his arms, hugging and kissing her, whispering in her ear, “I love ye so much, Ann– Isla, every part of ye, there’s nae woman in the world for me but ye, me beautiful bonny lassie. Say ye’re mine forever.”
Isla, in seventh heaven, clung to him, her legs wrapped around his waist, her arms about his neck. “I love ye body and soul, please never stop calling me that” she whispered back, tears of tenderness in her eyes as she looked into his. “Ye’re me very own strong, braw man, I’ll never get enough of yer lovin’, and I belong tae ye… always.”