Chapter Ten
Hagen
Hagen and his two cousins headed out for MacQuarie Castle before dark, the three chatting when they could ride abreast on certain sections of the path.
Jowell was the first one to speak. “So exactly what is our purpose for this visit, Hagen?”
Direct as usual, Hagen paused to gather his thoughts.
Paden didn’t hesitate. “This is when Hagen asks Thane to speak to him privately, then tells him to make Brynja fall in love with him. That he can’t live without her…”
Hagen slowed his horse and dropped back so he could follow Paden, who chuckled over his shoulder, his teasing continuing in the usual MacNicol way.
“I love her, Thane. Make her love me. And could you please allow me to use one of your bed chambers after you convince her I’m the most skilled swordsman in all the land?”
“You are such an arse, Paden.”
His voice reached up to its highest point again. “But I love you so, Hagen. Marry me, please. Make me the happiest lass ever. I’ll follow you around and do your bidding for all eternity.”
“I’m going to knock your arse right off your mount and feed a fist into that sweet voice of yours.”
Paden snorted and stopped. “Seriously, just go after her, Hagen. She’s drawn to you.”
“I don’t know that. I think the opposite. The look in her eyes speaks more of hate than attraction.”
Jowell waited for the other two to finish, speaking last as he often did.
“Hagen, I’m not sure that Paden was still there when it happened, but I was.
If that spark that lit up the sky when you touched her shoulder isn’t a sign, then what is?
I wish I’d received a similar sign about Hildi.
I know she’s a bit young yet, but I’m drawn to the lass. ”
Hagen sat up straight, slowing his mount. “You saw it? It was truly a spark? Because I thought mayhap my eyes were playing trickery on me.”
“I saw it. Heed the sign. Ask Thane whatever you need to, but you need to pursue the lass.”
Paden said, “All jesting aside, I saw it from afar. You need to listen to Jowell. I’ve never seen a clearer sign.”
Hagen wrestled with his cousins’ opinions and his memory of what happened. There had been a visible light, some gleam or glitter or spark. But it wasn’t just something to see.
He’d felt it. A power shot through his hand and landed deep in his belly. He had no idea what to make of it, but he was glad to receive their confirmation.
He wasn’t daft after all.
They arrived at their destination and Bearnard let them through the gates without question. “The evening meal just finished. We’ve got some pottage left.”
Hagen said, “I’d like to speak with Thane first, if you don’t mind. I have a few questions for him.” MacQuarie Castle offered one of the best views on Mull. From the parapets, Coll and Tiree lay to the right, Ulva, Iona, and Staffa to the left. The castle sat nearly opposite Duart on the island.
Bearnard said, “Climb on up to the parapets. He’s up there.”
Jowell said, “I’ll gratefully accept the pottage.”
Paden followed Jowell. “Sorry, Hagen. I have to eat first. Let me know if you see anything.”
Hagen shook his head, not surprised at all that his cousins didn’t view this issue as anything truly important. But they didn’t have the interest he did.
The image of Brynja striding away from him ate at him. He had to do what he could to help her, then convince her that he was sincere. That he might be spoiled a bit, but that didn’t make him a fool.
A short time later, he found Thane leaning over the edge, staring at the waves in the distance. “Hagen, you’re alone?”
“Aye, my cousins are hungry. But they understand you have an excellent cook. Her reputation is known all over the isle.”
“My mother has passed all of her recipes along to Agnes, who has done so well that we hired another to do the housekeeping. Now, I see the worry on your face, so please tell me what concerns you so.”
“We were on Iona when Brynja shared that there are two men circling the island often. She thinks they originate at one of the other isles and are searching for her.”
Thane rubbed his chin. “Specifically, for her? Why?”
“Brynja believes one of the men is the same man she wounded when they were searching for Sheona.”
“Ah. That makes perfect sense to me.” He grinned at Hagen, shaking his head. “That lass thinks like a seasoned warrior.”
Hagen couldn’t hide his smile.
Thane added, “But she’s more than a warrior to you, I see.”
Hagen couldn’t deny his interest. “I’d like to get to know her better, but she pushes me away. I’d like to see if I could find a way to assist her. She refuses to leave the island, but I’m wondering if we could arrange a patrol from your land. End their torture of the lass.”
“She’s no weak lassie looking for a man to save her, but you know that.”
“I do. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t need protecting. Some assistance.”
“Spoken like a Grant. Your sire taught you well. I’m happy to lend you any boats you need to patrol. When did she say they circle Iona?”
“Dawn most days. Dusk on some. She waits every day.”
Thane shook his head. “She reminds me of my wife, poor lass. Always looking over her shoulder. You and your cousins are welcome to stay here for a few days and do your own patrolling with my boats.”
“I think we will accept your offer with my gratitude. Tamsin had a difficult time, I heard.” He sighed, arranging his thoughts before asking the question his cousins would mock him for if they overheard.
“How did you convince her you were interested? I mean…” He scratched his head.
“I know how to court a lass on Grant land, but here? How the hell do you court someone focused on vengeance?”
Thane smiled and turned around, leaning his back against the parapets.
“You ask a great question. It takes a great deal of patience, and all I can say is that when her defenses finally come down, she’ll see you, but only if you’ve been there for her all along.
I never aggressively pursued Tamsin, and our circumstances are different, but when she was ready, she nearly fell into my arms. I’ll be honest with you.
I didn’t have much experience with lasses, not like MacVey or Rankin, but I knew what I wanted, so I devoted myself to supporting her whenever she needed someone. It worked, fortunately.”
A sound caught Thane, and he stopped, his gaze going to the water as a small boat entered their visual field, headed toward Ulva. “Let me get my spying implement.”
He stepped to the end of the wall and took something from a crate, holding it up.
“What is that?”
“Something the Norse left in the boat they deserted that I took. It enhances your vision.” He squinted as he looked through the device. “Two men. Headed directly to Ulva. Here,” he said, handing him the odd shaped object. “Look for yourself.”
He lifted it to his eyes and pointed it out to sea. “Och, this is impressive. Two men and I don’t like the looks of them. Do you know them?”
“I do not. What’s the fastest way to Ulva? Boat from here?”
“Nay. Take your horse down the second path until you see the small port. It’s the closest to Ulva. You’ll see fisherman there, and you can take a boat across for a coin or two. The sea is a bit rough to go from here. It’s a short distance from the port. Have you any coin?”
“Aye. I’m leaving. Tell Jowell and Paden to follow.”
Thane clasped his shoulder. “Godspeed. For both of your endeavors.”
Hagen found his mount and headed down the path, reaching the spot Thane indicated with no problem. Two men stood guarding the boats, but as soon as he chose the one he wanted and paid coin for it, Jowell and Paden came behind him.
Paden said, “You and Jowell go. I’ll watch the stallions.”
Hagen and Jowell climbed in, heading toward Ulva just as he heard a scream. And it was definitely a young lass’s scream.
“Not Brynja,” Jowell said. “That was Hildi.”
Hagen feared what they would find. “I have to agree.” He glanced over his shoulder and said, “The boat I saw that held two men is sitting on the edge. Do you recognize the man in it?”
Jowell peered at it and replied, “Nay. But he’s waiting for the one running down the path. He must be after the girls.”
When they reached the isle, it was nearly deserted, so Hagen jumped out, grabbing the sheathed weapon he’d set in the bottom of the boat so he could row faster. “I’m going that way.”
“No need,” Jowell said, pointing. “He’s dragging Brynja behind him. Ready yourself and I’ll take care of the man in the boat. I hope Hildi’s not here too. I’ll go look around once I’ve taken care of the man.”
As soon as the man in the boat heard Hagen jump out and unsheath his sword, he set off in the water, yelling at his friend. “I hope you can jump because I’m not coming closer to those two blades.”
Jowell and Hagen made it to shore, Hagen saying to his cousin, “Stay with the boat. I’ll get her.” Then Hagen took off toward the man dragging Brynja.
“Let her go or die!” Hagen bellowed, heading straight for the fool who let go of Brynja, shoving her down a steep embankment toward the sea. And a short distance away, another body lay near the water, not moving.
Hagen dropped his sword and ran.