The Devil's Laird Read online

  “I want you to sit on the bed with your rabbit. I’ll be right back. I’m going to the kitchen to get some food for our journey home.” She noticed Michael was dressed in a nightshirt. “Put your clothes on so you will be ready to go when I come back from the kitchen but stay under the cover in case someone opens the door to check on you.”

  Siena hurried down the corridor, then down the back steps to the kitchen. Peering around the corner, she spotted Elsa, the gray-haired cook, by herself.

  “Elsa,” Siena called in a soft voice. “I need your help.”

  “I don’t believe my eyes.” Elsa ran over and grasped Siena’s hand. “I thought never to see you again, milady.”

  “Where is the rest of your staff?”

  “In the larder, milady. They will be back shortly.”

  “Elsa, no one must know that you have seen me. It’s dangerous for both of us. I’ve come to rescue Michael. We will need some food for the trip back to his home.”

  “Thank the heavens, someone is going to free that poor child. He has suffered here.” She grabbed Siena’s arm. “But it will be impossible for you to escape.”

  “We’ll take our chances. His father should be meeting us on the way back home, and then he will be safe. Now go and gather a bit of food and put it in a sack so no one knows that you’ve helped me.”

  Elsa scurried around the kitchen gathering bread and cheese. “I wish you luck, milady. Your father has been in a towering temper since your brother was killed. If he finds you, it will not go well.”

  Siena hugged Elsa. “My father has been in a bad mood all his life. I must hurry. Remember you haven’t seen me. Stay safe.”

  She dashed back to Michael’s room. He smiled the minute he saw her again and she realized he’d thought she wasn’t coming back for him. The child had had so much heartbreak at his young age that it broke her heart.

  “I thought ye’d left me,” he said in his small Scottish voice.

  She gave him a big hug. “I’m not going anywhere without you, I promise. Let’s make this bed look like you’re still in it.”

  “Why?”

  Because we want to make it look like you are sleeping if someone comes into your room to check on you.”

  Siena put a pillow under the covers and bunched the blankets around the pillow to make it look like a small child was asleep.

  “Wait,” Michael said. He put his stuff rabbit beside the pillow.

  “Are you sure?” Siena asked.

  “I’m a big boy now. I won’t need my rabbit or blanket.”

  “Yes, you are a big boy. But your rabbit wasn’t here before so I really think you should take him.”

  Michael smiled and tucked him under his coat.

  She moved the chest, then pressed the secret panel so the door would open. She looked at Michael before they entered the tunnel and said, “It will be dark for a few minutes, but there is a torch.”

  He nodded his head but gripped her hand tightly.

  Thank goodness the torch hadn’t gone out. Siena shut the door while she pictured the chest moving back into place. She listened and sure enough, she could hear the scrapping as the chest settled back in place. Agatha had told her that Siena’s mother had had the passageway made without telling her father in case she needed to escape. Evidently, her mother had had doubts about her father, too.

  “It’s dark,” Michael whimpered.

  “I know, but we’ll be outside soon.” She held the lit torch but it barely cast a glow on the steps leading down to the tunnel so she could see why he was afraid.

  “I’m afraid of the dark, but I’m a big boy now so I shouldn’t be afraid,” he said as he clutched her hand harder.

  “Even big boys are afraid sometimes,” she said, trying to address his worries.

  “I have an idea,” she said.

  “Stars above

  Stars are bright

  Light this tunnel for us tonight.”

  Tiny flecks of light hung in the air like lightning bugs. It was as if they had their own stars to guide them. Now they could see ahead of them.

  “How did you do that?” Michael said in awe.

  “It’s magic.” Siena smiled. “Now, we must hurry, however, these steps might be slick since it’s so damp in here, so I want you to be very careful not to fall. Hang on to the back of my cloak.”

  She went first and Michael followed her. He slipped once but she caught him, and he giggled. She was glad he was no longer afraid. When they came to the long hallway, he grabbed her hand and they made their way to the very end of the tunnel.

  Once they were outside, they had to wait a few minutes for their eyes to adjust to the light. It was late in the day but still much brighter than the tunnel. At this time of the year, the days became longer.

  Siena checked to make sure there were no guards, then she and Michael ran for the trees.

  “Barra!” Siena called.

  “Who is Barra?”

  “A friend. You will see in a few minutes.”

  “I’m over here . . . come deeper into the woods,” Barra said.

  And sure enough there she was fluttering beside a horse.

  “It’s a fairy.”

  “She is. Barra is our friend.”

  “But nobody can see fairies.”

  “You have to be special to see a fairy,” Barra said in her lyrical voice. “We must hurry, Michael. I could only find one horse, but I think it might be better this way.”

  Siena helped Michael up first and then she mounted behind him.

  “It’s best if we cut through the woods and stay off the main road until we are away from the castle,” Barra suggested. “I’ll cut a path for you. Follow me.”

  Siena smiled. “You know it is nice to have a fairy for a friend.”

  After they had ridden for what seemed like hours, Siena felt like they would be safe to stop and rest. It was getting dark and she didn’t think that they would find out Michael was missing until the next morning, which would give them a little time.

  “Let’s stop for tonight. I don’t want to injure the horse. We can start again at daybreak.”

  She dismounted and then helped Michael down. “Let’s get some rest.”

  “But it’s so dark,” Michael said, then added, “I’m not afraid anymore but it is still hard to see.”

  “I will build you a fairy fire that will keep you warm,” Barra said as she swung her arm and pointed at the ground. A bluish light burst into a ball and hung just above the ground.

  Michael gasped. “Someone will see.”

  “Nay, lad. We are the only ones who will be able to see the fire so we will be safe for a time.”

  “I wish I could do that,” Michael said in awe.

  Siena and Barra laughed.

  Siena spread blankets on the ground and then she settled in with Michael. He curled up beside her and murmured, “I miss my, da.”

  Siena hugged the child. “He will be so glad to see you because he feared he never would.” She stared at the magical fire which was very relaxing as they ate their bread and cheese. “How did the knights find you?”

  Michael bowed his head. “I didn’t stay in the cave as you told me to. I was afraid of the dark and I wanted my mother. So, I started down the hill and the knights found me and told me my mother was dead.” He let out a little sob. “Then they put a cloth bag over my head, and I don’t remember anything until I woke up in that castle room.”

  “It must have been very scary for you.”

  “It was, but I knew my da would find me.”

  “He thought that you were at Berwick Castle, my brother’s castle so he attacked but you were not there. However, he never gave up hope and soon you will see him, and all this will be over.”

  Michael yawned, then asked, “Are you my mother now?”

  Siena smiled. “I am. Your father and I are married. I hope you approve.”

  He snuggled next to her and said, “I like you.”

  As she shut her e
yes, she prayed that Roderick would arrive tomorrow to keep them safe. Then everything would be perfect.

  “They are coming!” Barra was flying all around distracted.

  Michael sat straight up. “What are we going to do?”

  Siena thought for a moment. “I’m going to go back, and you will continue on with Barra.”

  Michael threw his arms around her neck. “Don’t leave me.”

  Siena patted him on his back then pushed him away. “Listen, you must be brave, Michael. Barra will stay with you until you meet up with your father.”

  “What will happen to you?”

  “I’m not sure but I’d rather they have me than you.” She gave him a small smile. “I have some knowledge that they want. I also have magic that I didn’t have before, so I’m sure I will be fine. Don’t worry.”

  She got to her feet and saddled the horse, then kissed Michael on the cheek and helped him mount the horse. She gave him the reins. “Hold them tight but don’t pull back or the horse won’t go. Follow the path,” Siena paused. “Tell your father that I have kept my promise in giving him back his son. I know he will be thrilled.” She smacked the horse on the rump to get it going.

  Wiping away the tears, she watched Michael until she couldn’t see him anymore. “Be safe, little one.” Then she turned back and started walking the other direction back to the place she didn’t want to be.

  She’d been walking for about thirty minutes when her father and his knights burst onto the path. Her father jerked his mount to a halt twenty feet in front of her. “Hello daughter,” Cinge sneered. “Where is the boy?”

  “Gone.”

  Cinge turned to one of his men. “Go after the brat and then I’ll have them both.”

  Two riders broke out of line and started around Siena. She turned and pointed toward the cliff, clutching her stones.

  The knights’ horses bumped into something that no one could see. The horses reared and tossed the men off their backs. “There is something here,” one of the men yelled.”

  “Nonsense,” Cinge said.

  “They tell you the truth,” Siena said.

  “How so?”

  “Well, father you were right all this time. I am a White Witch and have prevented them from going any further. The boy will never be in your hands again.”

  Cinge didn’t believe his daughter so he trotted his mount over to where the two men had fallen and he too hit something he couldn’t see, knocking him on his backside.

  Siena laughed.

  He stood and brushed off his clothes before mounting again.

  “I always knew you were an evil child,” Cinge said. “But you will not get away from me. Malcolm is waiting at the castle and you are going to take him to find the Holy Grail or I swear that I will send every man I have to kill Roderick and his son.”

  Chapter 17

  The Elliots were riding across the field to meet Roderick and his brothers. When they were ten feet from the Scotts they stopped.

  “Look at those Elliots sitting there in those ugly plaids. Dull red and black, they should be ashamed to call themselves Scots,” Angus grumbled.

  “Isn’t their motto, Bravely and Justly?” Roderick asked.

  “Justly, my arse.”

  Roderick knew this brother was irritated and would complain about anything at the moment. “You Elliots are a pain in the arse!” Roderick shouted.

  “Well that could be a matter of opinion,” Joseph Elliot said with a sly smile.

  “Do ye deny taking six coos off my brother’s land?”

  “I do,” Elliot answered. “Angus can no speak for himself? Had to bring big brother along to help?”

  “Ye, son of a bitch.” Angus spat, then started to move forward, but Roderick grabbed his arm.

  “Scotts stick together,” Roderick said. “And as laird when ye steal my brother’s coos then ye take from the clan.”

  “I told you I dinna have yer coos.”

  Roderick turned to Galen who had just ridden up, “What did ye find?”

  “Six Scott coos. Needless to say, the old mon lies.”

  Roderick turned back to Elliot. “Ye were sayin’?”

  Elliot smirked. “Mayhap they meandered over here.”

  “A lot of men could die today because as my brother said, ye are a lying son of a bitch or you can gather the coos and return them, and we’ll forget aboot it this time.”

  “How about I give ye some information concerning yer wife in exchange for three of the beasts.”

  Roderick moved so fast that Joseph Elliot didn’t have time to respond. Roderick had slid from his horse and jerked Elliot off his own mount.

  Suddenly, swords were drawn on both sides.

  “I’m in no mood for yer nonsense,” Roderick spat. “So ye better tell me what ye are talking about fast before I slit yer throat.”

  The Elliots were all shouting until Joseph signaled them to be quiet. “A—An English rider dared to cross our land two days ago. When we stopped him, he said he had a letter for Laird Scott, and he was cutting across our land to make for a shorter trip.”

  “And?”

  “So, we stopped the mon and read the letter to make sure he wasn’t lying.”

  “And?”

  “Out of the goodness of our hearts, we let him cross our land, but we could have sent him back to England, and then you’d never have received yer message. And for that –” He gestured with this hand. “I ken we should call some kind of truce.”

  Roderick wasn’t sure if Elliot was lying to save his sorry hide or telling the truth. Why would he be receiving a message from England? It didn’t make sense. “Ye are trying my patience. What did the letter say?”

  “Well, now that will cost ye those coos we want.”

  Roderick’s temper exploded as he slammed his fist into Elliot’s jaw, knocking him to the ground.”

  Elliot rubbed his jaw but didn’t bother to get to his feet. “That willna get ye the information about yer son.”

  Roderick jerked Elliot up and shook him. “What are ye talking about? What about my son?”

  The Elliots were all dismounting, preparing for a fight. The Scotts would be happy to oblige them.

  “He can huv two coos, but you’d better tell us what ye know and quickly before blood is spilled here today,” Angus said, hoping they wouldn’t have to do battle. This message sounded very important and he wanted to hear it too.

  “Baron Cinge has yer son and he wants to exchange him for yer wife. Now let go of me!” Elliot shoved Roderick in the chest. “Yer choking me.”

  Roderick did let Elliot go and for a moment Roderick couldn’t move. His son … his son was alive. Thank God. Michael was alive. He wanted to rejoice but knew the boy was still in danger. Or was this a very bad joke?

  Galen and Duncan came up behind Roderick and slapped him on the back. “The boy lives.”

  “I knew it even if my hope was slim,” Roderick said.

  “I’ll send a couple of men home with the coos and we’ll ride to get the boy,” Angus said.

  Roderick shook his head as he watched the Elliots leaving. “First we go home. If we show up without Siena, Cinge is likely to kill Michael.”

  “But ye’ll no make the trade?” Galen asked.

  “Of course not. But we will make him think that we are going to trade her for my son.” Roderick headed for his mount. “We’ve no time to waste.”

  In no time they were back at Black Dawn and Roderick and his men were dismounting.

  “Water and feed the horses, then rub them down. We’ll be leaving in two hours,” he instructed Garvin. The stableman nodded but didn’t say anything as he took charge of the horses.

  Roderick and his brothers made their way up the hill to the great hall. As soon as they entered the door, Roderick called for his steward. “Martin!”

  Martin slid as he rounded the corner. “I dinna ken ye were back, sire. There was a message for ye while you were gone.” He reached for the paper that
had been left on the desk.

  Roderick took the note, then said, “Tell my wife, I want to see her.”

  “She isn’t here, sire.”

  “Where is she?”

  “I dinna ken. I just know she is gone.”

  “Yer not making sense, Roderick’s voice was cold and exact. “Find Agatha and tell her I want to see her now.”

  Roderick, Duncan, and his brothers walked over to the high table where the servants had sat out a tray of bread and cheese for them. Everyone sat down and grabbed some food as it had been a long time since they last ate.

  Duncan said as he poured a cup of ale, “Where do ye suppose Lady Siena is?”

  “I have no idea,” Roderick said with a sigh. He took a bite of bread and then unfolded the note and read the words out loud to everyone. “At least Elliott told the truth so ‘twill save me having to go back and end his miserable life.”

  “Probably the first time,” his younger brother grumbled.

  Just then Agatha came scurrying into the hall. “I told her not to go but she wouldn’t listen.”

  Agatha was wringing her hands.

  “Calm yerself, Agatha,” Roderick said. He stood and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Where did Siena go?”

  “To her fathers . . . the miserable cur.”

  Roderick felt like his head was about to explode and he was momentarily speechless. Finally, he gritted his teeth and asked, “Why?”

  “S—She said she thought she could rescue Michael, then escape with the child without anyone finding out.”

  “She couldn’t wait for me?” Roderick thundered.

  Agatha stepped back.

  “No need to shout at her,” Duncan said, and he stood, too.

  Roderick glared at him.

  “I told her to wait,” Agatha said, quickly. “But she didn’t want any bloodshed or for you to have to decide between her and your son.”

  Roderick shook his head. “She has little faith in me. How long has she been gone?”

  “Two days, sire.”

  Roderick glanced at Duncan. “Give the word that we ride in two hours.”