Page 42 of To Wed a Witch
Chapter 10 - Unexpected Allies
The next morning dawnedgrey and cold, with a light mist descending upon the land.Bhaltair stood at their chamber window, fully dressed for travel, but his saddlebags remained unpacked on the chair beside the bed.
"Ye're not going?"Sìne asked quietly.
"No."Bhaltair's voice was firm."I'll not leave ye to face Sutherland's poison alone.Whatever the MacNeils wanted to discuss can wait."
"But the alliance—"
"Will survive one cancelled meeting."He turned from the window and walked toward her, his expression resolute."My wife is under attack by a man who would see us both destroyed for his own gain.Do ye truly think I'd ride away and leave ye and Aidyn unprotected?"
The fierce protectiveness in his voice made Sìne's heart clench with love and gratitude."The MacNeils will think it strange, ye not appearing as arranged."
"Let them."Bhaltair enveloped her in his arms, a sign he'd made his decision final."I've already sent word that urgent clan matters require my presence.'Tis no lie, and the men ken that I will remain here until 'tis safer to travel."
Sìne could not help but feel relieved.She needed her husband to remain close more than ever and was so grateful he had made the decision for them.She stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips.Bhaltair deepened the kiss until they were gasping for breath.When they broke apart, he simply smiled at her with such warmth and affection it made her heart flutter.
A knock at the door interrupted them."Enter," Bhaltair called.
Dugald stepped into the chamber."Begging yer pardon, laird, but I've been talking with the men.About this matter with the supposed healer and all."
"And?"
"Most of them have requested to be added to the mistress's guard duty.They believe she should have more support at this time."
Sìne smiled with genuine appreciation.It was a reminder that there were more good and kind clansfolk than not.
"But there's a few..."Dugald continued and shook his head grimly."Fear makes fools of even good men sometimes."
"How many?"Bhaltair's voice was sharp.
"Perhaps a half-dozen who're unsettled by the talk."Dugald glanced at Sìne with obvious sympathy."They've forgotten that our lady has done naught but good since she arrived."
"Fear has a way of making people forget kindnesses," Sìne replied softly.
Dugald's expression grew serious again."Which brings me to my point.One of the servants says there's a gathering planned for tonight in the village.Some of the more superstitious folk want to...talk."
Sìne felt her blood chill."What kind of talk?"
Dugald replied grimly."Some wish for the laird to cast ye aside."
"Over my dead body!"Bhaltair growled."The only people to be cast aside are those who spread vile rumors.I'll protect what's mine, within these walls forever if needs be."
"But walls can't protect against the poison Sutherland's spreading," Sìne replied as she clung to him a little tighter.
"Dinnae fear, love.I've sent men to track him down, and we will be able to prove he is behind all of this.In the meantime, we remain strong, vigilant, and united."Bhaltair's jaw clenched with determination.Soon Sìne calmed and nodded her head.She gazed at him with utter trust.
Bhaltair turned to Dugald and said, "I want eyes and ears at that meeting in the village.Make sure nothing comes of it.Let it be known anyone who acts against me or my wife will be banished from the clan from this day forward.I'll have no more of it!"
"Consider it done, laird."
After Dugald left, an awkward silence settled over the chamber.Sìne busied herself checking on Aidyn, who was still asleep, but she could feel Bhaltair's eyes on her.
"Ye're troubled by more than just Sutherland's scheming," he said finally."Tell me."
