Page 8 of The Guardian's Witch

“Is it a coincidence that the old tale of a curse was revived when Hubert’s men gave their report to the king?”

“Yes, but you and I know there isn’t any curse, only an old forgotten legend. The rumor of the curse does no harm. The only way I can protect the villagers is if they stay cautious rather than close to me where they could get hurt. There’s no safety for me or the villagers with any of the king’s protectors if I’m there.”

“Alex is different. Besides, you know this man. He told me you knew each other at court.”

“That was different,” she said wistfully. “He was close with Richard. Laura and I only tormented them by being their shadows, although Alex came to our defense more often than Richard. Nonetheless, he is the king’s man whether I know him or not. He’s not to be trusted.”

“All men are not like the king’s protectors. Lisbeth, you must return to the castle.”

“You weren’t this adamant about the other man the king sent. Why this one?”

He gave her a thoughtful look. “He’s special.”

“Oh, now you have visions, too.”

“No,” Jamie gave her a sideways glance, a twinkle evident in his eyes before he turned serious. “I’ve worked with him and observed him. He’s a worthy man. You can’t abandon your people, lass. They trust you and look to you for direction.” He rubbed the nape of his neck. “Glen Kirk is your home. You are the daughter of Lord Wesley Reynolds. You must live in the castle. Besides, if you do not trust Alex, why should your people? He needs to know they will heed his commands. He needs their trust if he’s to protect them. But more important, it isn’t safe here until they catch the raiders.”

She shivered at the thought. Her people’s trust. If her people knew the truth they would never trust her again. “You don’t understand. I can’t, not yet.”

He swung her around and grabbed her by her shoulders, his face twisted with anger. “Is something wrong? Has Alex done something?”

“No, Jamie, not at all.” She existed to Alex only in her dreams. “He’s proud and a bit arrogant but he is better than the others the king sent. They were brazen with a touch of venom.” Her pulse leaped when she thought of his wager. “It’s the images. I must stay away.” If only she could tell Jamie. But what would he make of them? Best she keep them to herself. “They would think me a...”

“A witch?”

She winced at the word as if branded with a hot iron.

“It’s more than Hubert. Laura told me of your fear.” He reached his arm around her and gathered her shoulders to his chest as they moved along. “You’re gifted like your mother. Is it the visions? Are you having more of them?”

She remained motionless. “Did you know that Mother had visions? There were times when she knew something was going to happen but she never spoke about visions. I’m certain she had them too. When I was a child I used to tell her about my dreams all the time. She listened, never acknowledged them, and then changed the subject. After a while I stopped talking about them and assumed they were shameful. She didn’t want to hear about my dreams any more than I wanted to have them.” She squirmed out of his arms. They walked on. “Jamie, of what use are they? When you know what’s going to happen, you can’t prevent it. You just go on knowing and dreading it. I couldn’t help Richard and I couldn’t help...”

“No, lass, you couldn’t help your brother or your parents.” The words sat heavy on the air. “Maybe the visions are to prepare you. Although I will tell you this, sometimes you can take action, make changes today that will alter tomorrow.” They both turned and walked on silently. She knew what he was saying was important.

“Other times you can’t do anything. I don’t know why Darla didn’t speak to you. She must have had a good reason. But you know I’ll listen. Now tell me about the visions?”

“I’m having more of them—more often and more intense.” Definitely more intense. She bit her lip and looked away. Why wouldn’t her mother talk about them with her? The visions were beyond her control. She was resigned to the fact she was at their mercy. Going over it again was useless and brought back all the pain of her parents’ deaths. She gave herself a mental shake and struggled to move on. If only he would change his line of questions. “How are Laura and the children?” She saw the thoughts cross his face and knew he would give her some peace.

“Change the subject, will you now. Your sister and the children ask for you all the time. She wanted to come with me today but...”

“It isn’t safe,” she finished.

“I won’t let Laura and the children wander the forest on either side of the border without escort. And I don’t want you wandering in the forest alone either. When the two of you want to see each other, I will arrange it.” They reached the lodge. She ignored his comment but noticed the tender caring marked on his face. “I’ll visit when—”

“It’s safe.” He took her by her shoulders. “You will stay inside Glen Kirk.” He threw up his hands to the heavens. “Will you not stay inside the castle gates for my sake? Your sister would never forgive me if anything happened to you. I wouldn’t forgive myself. Now go change out of your dress. Bloodstains are not what the court is wearing this year, my lady.” He bowed in an elegant courtier’s way and smiled. “I’ll bring you a colorful new frock since it’s my fault you’ve lost this one. You’ve worn black long enough.” He kissed her on her forehead and left her at the lodge door.

“Be careful, Jamie. It’s not safe for you either.” She knew he was right. She should go back to the castle.

Halfway down the path he turned and called back. “Who lay on your lap if not the deer?”

“It’s a heavy burden to know, Jamie.”

He nodded his acceptance, turned and melted into the forest.

She entered the lodge and leaned heavily on the closed door. Without thinking her hand captured the stone she always kept in her apron. She had worried the stone smooth over the last years as if it had been polished by the rushing river. The soft melodic sounds in her head escaped her lips. The image on her lap made her shudder. She knew she would protect him with her life.

Chapter Three

Alex approached the prescribed clearing, his every nerve prickling with awareness.

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