Page 67 of Bride of the Beastly Laird

It consisted of only one room with the fire smoking at its center, an old table, and two weathered chairs beside it. A heavy, iron stewpot hung suspended from the ceiling over the fire. It was dark inside, as the room had no windows and the only light was what penetrated through the doorway.

As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, Arran made out a rough wooden screen across one corner. The room was still, there was no sound coming from behind the screen. His heart sank and he felt a gigantic cold stone in his stomach as he strode across the room to the screen.

Seizing it in both hands he pulled it from the corner.

And there, lying on a tiny pallet among a pile of rough woolen blankets and scruffy pillows was the prone figure of his mother. To his horror, she seemed lifeless. Her eyes were closed and she lay still.

He was momentarily frozen, torn between joy at finding her at last and terror at her cold, marble-like, appearance.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

As Arran gazed down at his mother, lying so prone and still, she opened her eyes and the faintest of smiles quirked her lips.

She raised a shaky hand and took his. “Me boy,” she said

Trembling all over, blood suddenly rushing to his head, Arran went to his knees beside her, all but overcome. “Maither, I’ve found ye. Thank the Lord.”

He stroked her grey hair gently back from her forehead while she held his hand in an iron grip, surprising him with her strength.

“Ye look so frail, dear one, are ye well? Have those filthy, heartless bastards mistreated ye. If they have I’ll…” He subsided as the red mist surged over him. He’d inflict a thousand cuts on those swine if they’d harmed Emilia.

“Nay. Dinnae fash. I’ve nay been harmed; they gave me food and drink. What’s been gnawing at me was the fear that Bairre Mackinnon may have carried out his dire threats and ended yer life. And I’m weak because I’ve nay been permitted to walk in the woods and breath the fresh air.” She glanced around the interior of the bothy. “I’ve been stuck in here, breathing the smoke and despairing that I’d never leave this place.” Tears poured down her cheeks and Arran wiped them away.

“I’m here tae take ye away from this place.”

She clutched at his arm. “But the Mackinnon… Where is he? He’ll never allow us tae leave here.”

“Methinks he’s a day behind us. We’ll be long gone before he reaches here.” He hoped he was speaking the truth but, in his heart, he sensed that Bairre could not be far behind them. They must waste no time in leaving the bothy and continuing on their way with all speed.

“Maither, dae ye have the strength tae climb from yer bed?”

Emilia nodded. “If ye can help me, I think I can stand.” She pushed back the covers and slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed. He put a steadying arm around her and helped her to her feet but she staggered and would have fallen if he hadn’t held her tightly. He guided her the few steps across the room to take a seat on one of the timber chairs at the table.

At that moment Nicol and Craig appeared in the doorway. When Craig caught sight of Emilia seated at the table, he doffed his capand bowed. “Melady, it gladdens me heart tae se ye. We’ve long searched fer ye.”

Nicol also bowed as Arran introduced him. “Nicol Murison has been our guide. He recalled the Mackinnons coming here as lads and he led us tae ye.”

Emilia smiled at Nicol. “I thank ye with all me heart fer guiding me son tae find me. I am glad tae see ye.”

Arran addressed Craig quietly. “Could ye slip outside and ask Dahlia and her maid tae attend us here?”

Once Craig had gone, Nicol entered with a flagon of water which he offered to Emilia. She drank thirstily and rewarded him with a sweet smile.

Arran could see his mother was weak after her months of captivity but he was also anxious for them to be on their way and make it to the safety of the MacLeod lands, which were now within a day’s ride. He took Nicol aside and whispered a quick instruction.

“Can ye ride back tae the village and ask Nell if she’s got a tonic or a tincture that could help restore me maither? Be careful when ye return and if ye see we have left, fer we may be forced tae if we hear the laird arrive, follow us intae MacLeod lands.”

He gave Arran a quick salute, turned on his heel and disappeared through the door. Minutes later Arran heard the ring of a horse’s bridle.

A little color had returned to Emilia’s cheeks and Arran tucked a blanket around her shoulders to keep her warm. It was clear that she was not yet fit to ride and would need some time before they could consider continuing their journey.

When Dahlia entered the room, she rushed to be at Emilia’s side.

“I’m Dahlia MacLeod,” she said breathlessly, even before Arran had a chance to introduce her to his mother.

Her eyes shining, she reached out with her hands to clasp both of Emilia’s. “I am so happy tae see ye.”

Emilia’s eyes sparkled. “It is a pleasure tae meet ye, lass.”

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