The Devil's Laird Read online

  Malcolm darted inside. He gasped. “There are many cups in here. How do I know which one is the Grail?”

  “You must choose,” Nicene said.

  The gold cups glistened. Some had jewels, some were plain. Lord Malcolm looked at each one before he chose the largest cup of all. He picked it up and turned toward them.

  “Is this the Grail?” Malcolm asked. “It’s hot to the touch.”

  The cup glowed bright red and soon Malcolm was screaming as his body burned until he turned to dust. The wind swept into the chapel and picked up the dust, carrying it out and into the woods.

  Siena gasped at what she had just seen.

  “Lord Malcolm chose poorly.”

  Even though Roderick would ride through his own land to get to Edinburgh, he chose not to ride with his men so he could move faster.

  After he crossed the Scottish border, he knew of many shortcuts that he could take to lessen the distance that he needed to travel.

  He must get to Siena.

  He rode hard but was forced to rest his mount when they came to a stream, however, he did not sleep and hadn’t for two days. Urgency gave him the strength to keep going. The moon was full tonight and would light the way.

  After his mount had rested, they rode through Edinburgh, then on to Roslin Glen, wondering how in the world he would find his wife.

  He found St Stephens, the old church, that was partially destroyed. He rode around to the back where he saw four horses grazing. They had been hobbled so they would stay put, so this had to be the way to go, Roderick thought. He dismounted and left Hercules a good distance from the other horses so they wouldn’t fight each other. “Ye stay here until I return,” he told his horse who nudged his hand. Roderick gave Hercules a bit of grain to keep him happy while he was gone.

  There was an opening in the foliage that might be the beginning of a path, he entered the lush green forest feeling a little helpless for the first time in his life. He knocked the undergrowth out of his way with his sword until he could see what looked like foliage that had been recently trampled and cut, a good sign.

  Barra knew she was needed. After all, Laird Scott was her duty even if he didn’t know that she existed, so she went to find him. And so, she found him traipsing through the woods but going the wrong way. He was swinging his sword to make a path.

  Since he couldn’t see her, she would have to give him a few nudges. Oops, he was turning the wrong again. Men had no sense of direction, she thought. Barra bumped him beside his head and whispered, “wrong way.” He turned back to his left and then looked behind him before he changed directions.

  Roderick heard a waterfall and came to a dead stop when he found himself on the side of a cliff with a sheer drop to the right. He felt like there was someone with him, but he couldn’t see anyone.

  Where in the world was his wife? He didn’t see a chapel. “Blast!” he swore. “Now which way?”

  He glanced around. A small slip of white material caught his eye. After he retrieved the small piece of cloth, he felt like someone had bumped his head, so he looked around and then down. There was a small footprint in the dirt. Siena had left him a sign. There also appeared to be a small single path leading straight up.

  “So, we climb,” he said with a sigh, moving forward.

  “Yes,” Barra whispered.

  He found Siena’s cloth ribbons along the way, so he knew he was going in the right direction.

  It was a tedious climb. Finally, when he reached the top of the cliff, he saw a knight sitting on a rock staring across the river. He hadn’t noticed Roderick until he said, “Where is she?”

  The knight grabbed his sword and swung around. “Who goes there?”

  “The Devil’s Laird. I’m not in the best of moods, so I’d speak quickly if I were you.”

  Roderick saw the man swallow hard and jump back. His arm was shaking so badly that the sword was waving back and forth in the air. “I—I did not hurt the lady.”

  “’Tis good to know. Ye need not be scairt of me, then, but I need to know where my wife has gone.”

  “She and Lord Malcolm went into the chapel a short time ago. I heard screaming but no one has come back out. I cannot get across the river so I’m waiting.”

  “Ye may leave safely if you go now,” Roderick said, then he moved closer to the stream which appeared to be knee-deep, but the water was swift. It didn’t appear that he had much choice, so he stepped into the ice-cold water.

  Barra flitted to sit on Roderick’s shoulder. She held out her hand and said.

  Water swift as the morning light

  Be calm this day until the night.

  Immediately the water calmed so Roderick could walk swiftly across. He really thought that was strange but didn’t question his good fortune. Since he’d met Siena a lot of strange things had happened around him.

  “My work here is done,” Barra said in her little voice, she giggled and was gone.

  Roderick turned because he thought he’d heard somebody laugh, but no one was there so he figured it was the wind and nothing more. However, deep down he felt someone had been with him since he entered the woods and he was grateful. Lord, he needed some sleep since he was now hearing things. He shook his head and ran the short distance to the chapel.

  A golden glow showed through the doorway and a small monk stood inside the door with his back to Roderick.

  Nicene watched as Siena reached for the chalice. Immediately, she was surrounded by the soft golden glow as she and the chalice rose into the air.

  “What goes on here?” Roderick demanded.

  Nicene turned to him. “Ah, I see you have come. Lady Siena wants to rid herself of the black mark on her arm. She feels she is evil, and she wants the magic of the chalice to remove the mark, but she also feels unloved and she worries that her husband hasn’t come for her, so perhaps he doesn’t love her. And she isn’t sure she has much to live for.”

  “But I’m here now. And I do love her.”

  “Then you must convince her to come back before you lose her forever.”

  “No!” Roderick shouted. In three strides he was underneath where Siena floated in the air. He reached up and grabbed her ankle.

  “Dinna leave me, lass,” Roderick begged. “I need ye. Michael needs ye. I canna bear to live without ye.” A tear slipped down his cheek and he knew it was the first time he’d cried since finding his wife dead and his son missing. “I love ye, Siena

  “Please stay with me. Ye’re not evil for if ye were you could never have touched the chalice.” He pulled her down to where he could see her face.

  Siena was drifting in such a peaceful place, and she was very content. The light was bright and warm as it welcomed her. But then she heard someone calling her name. Slowly, she turned and glanced down to see Roderick.

  He had come. He was calling her. But did he want her? It sounded like it. She must return. As she drifted down, she heard the words she’d longed to hear ever since meeting the man. Roderick loved her. He really loved her.

  The next thing she knew she was in his arms hugging him. “Wait,” she said, and then she placed the Holy Grail back where she found it.

  She turned and jumped back into Roderick’s arms, kissing him with all the passion that burned in her soul. She heard his growl as he tightened his arms around her. The sweetness of his embrace intoxicated her. The smell of him--that masculine scent drove her crazy. His magnificent kisses were firm and demanding as he ruthlessly plundered her mouth, leaving her breathless. But they were still in a church and needed to come to their senses, so she pulled back.

  “You came for me,” Siena said with a smile.

  “Of course, I came for you. Ye are my wife and I love you.” Roderick looked around. “Where is Lord Malcolm? I have unfinished business with him.”

  “He chose poorly,” Nicene said.

  Siena had forgotten about the hermit. “I’m sorry. This is Laird Scott, my husband. And this is Nicene keeper of the Grail.�
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  “I should hope so.” The hermit laughed. “Since you have been kissing him.”

  Siena blushed.

  Roderick nodded then repeated his question. “What do you mean he chose poorly?”

  Siena answered. “Malcolm turned to dust when he touched the wrong cup. A gust of wind came in and carried the dust to who knows where.”

  Roderick's eyes widened as chills ran all over him. “That could have happened to you. Were ye crazy to take a chance like that?”

  “But I chose wisely.” She peeked down at her left arm and saw that her birthmark was still on her wrist, so she glanced at Nicene for answers. “Why?”

  “You cannot change who you are, milady.”

  “But I wanted the mark gone.”

  “It is only a birthmark nothing more. It’s time you accept who you are, Siena, and don’t worry about what others think. There will always be naysayers. It’s what you believe that matters.”

  “Nicene is a wise mon,” Roderick said. “You are my wife, a healer, and will be the mother of my son. I wouldna want it any other way.”

  Siena nodded. From this day forward she would hold her head high and never worry again about what others thought. After all, she’d just learned she was a good person, or she would never have been able to hold the Holy Grail.

  “Thank you, Nicene. I wish you well.”

  “Ah, milady, I’ll be just fine, but I will have moved once again as others will seek the Grail and not for good reasons. Go forth and have a happy life, milady.” Then the hermit turned to Roderick.

  “Some can love more than once. It has taken you a while to realize the truth, laird.” Nicene chuckled. “Remember this as I give you my blessings.

  “True love is always worth working for because in the end ‘tis the only thing that counts.”

  Chapter 20

  As they descended the steep path by the falls, Siena noticed Roderick had stumbled a couple of times, which wasn’t like him at all.

  “Are you all right?”

  Roderick sighed. His back ached between the shoulders as if he’d been hit several times with a log. “Just a wee bit dizzy is all. I’ve no’ slept in a couple of days.” He pulled out his flask and took a sip, then offered it to Siena. “Once we reach Hercules, we’ll make camp since ’tis late and then head for home tomorrow. I ken the danger is behind us now.”

  “That sounds wonderful as I’m tired also.”

  They finished their descent along the falls and then through the thick forest until they burst through the greenery to the setting sun.

  Hercules snorted when he saw them emerge out of the dark green foliage. There were three other horses there also. Apparently, the knight only took his mount when he left.

  A strong gust of wind blew around them. Siena could smell the rain that would be falling on them shortly. Thunder rumbled. “Why don’t we stay in that abandoned church so we don’t get soaked and you can get some rest. We can put the horses in there too for protection.”

  Parts of the roof were missing and there were holes in the walls but in several places, there was good shelter from the rain and wind. They unsaddled the horses and gave them some grain. An old bucket stood in the corner, so Siena used her magic to fill it with rainwater so the animals would have something to drink. Good thing all soldiers were trained to bring food for their mounts when they traveled, but Siena also produced some hay, so the horses would be comfortable. Roderick was too tired to ask where she got the hay from, and she was glad.

  Siena set off to gather wood and branches so Roderick could start a fire in the fireplace that was thankfully not damaged. She had just gotten the last bundle in when the storm hit, and the rain fell out of the sky in sheets. Thank goodness the roof didn’t leak where they were.

  Roderick was having a hard time starting the fire until Siena nudged her pink stone which produced an instant blazing fire.

  “Och, it started fast,” Roderick said as he jumped back in surprise.

  Even though it was spring, tonight would be cool. “Look in my bag, lass. There are a couple of bannocks and some cheese. “’Tisn’t much but it will get us through tonight. Glad that I am that we have a bit of shelter tonight.”

  Siena placed the saddles so they could lean against them, then spread the blankets and tartans out in front of the fire. Next, she placed the food down and took her seat.

  Roderick slipped off his boots. Then he grabbed a pouch from his saddle and offered Siena a drink while he settled himself. “Come, lean against my knee so I can see you while we talk.”

  Siena started coughing. “This is whisky. I was expecting water. I should know by now.” She smiled. “I will say that the more I drink whisky the better I like it.”

  Roderick chuckled. “Fine Scottish whisky is smooth, lass.” He waved an arm around. “What does this remind ye of?”

  Siena tore off a chunk of bread. “The cave we stayed in months ago. That seems so long ago.” She sighed. “Tell me about Michael.”

  Roderick smiled for the first time in two days. “My son followed yer instructions and met us on the road. I couldna believe it when I saw him. Thank you. Ye’ve made my life complete.”

  “And you have made mine.” Siena smiled, then said, “I hope my father does not try anything else. It was the only reason I agreed to take Malcolm to the Grail. I didn’t want any Scott to be hurt because of me.”

  “Lass, ye have little faith in me and that is one thing that needs to change, but you need not worry about yer father.”

  “What makes you think so?”

  “An eye for an eye, Siena.” Roderick’s left eyebrow rose a fraction. “Your father was behind all the murderin’ not mentioning keeping my son locked up for a year. That couldna have gone unpunished. We attacked the castle at dawn. Your father did have a fightin’ chance against me. ‘Twas a fair fight, but I killed him.”

  Siena swallowed hard; however, her eyes never left her husband’s gaze as she said, “He was never a father to me. Perhaps now we can live in peace.”

  “Och, I like the sound of that.”

  A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, just as Siena took another swig of whisky. She jumped and spilled whisky down her chin.

  Roderick removed the pouch from her hand, then reached over and pulled Siena into his arms. “Here let me help you he said as he ran his tongue over her chin. “Ye taste good, wife.” Her rose-red lips were definitely made for kissing, he thought.

  Roderick caressed her earlobes with his lips, then pressed tender kisses down her neck. Siena shuddered beneath his subtle seduction. His lips produced a warm, tantalizing blush that covered her body with fever and created the most unusual yearning for something more. Her heart yearned for his touch and so did her body. She wanted to be held and protected in Roderick’s arms. Hadn’t she always wanted this?

  Roderick pushed Siena back so he could pull his shirt over his head and rid himself of his kilt. Then he began removing her clothing, trailing his hands over her body. When he had removed her last garment, he threaded his fingers in her hair and said, “I love you.” Slowly, his lips touched hers and devoured her with ravenous kisses, leaving her mouth burning with fire. She knew the flooding of uncontrollable joy.

  A flash of lightning illuminated the glistening bodies of the two lovers as they came to know each other. Caressing, touching, sharing themselves as they never had with anyone else. Siena and Roderick were caught in their own whirlwind, seeking a release that only they could provide.

  She slipped her hands around his neck, drowning in this new world of sensuality. Her breasts were crushed against Roderick’s chest. His dark, curling hairs rubbed the tips of her nipples into firm, taut peaks. Reaching up, she laced her fingers through his dark hair and pulled his lips to within her reach. She gazed deep into Roderick’s mesmerizing eyes, finding a burning passion that she intended to quench.

  His tongue plunged into her mouth, mating with hers. Soon their kisses matched the fury of the stor
m, becoming hotter and bolder as the fire between them built to a boiling point.

  Roderick’s hands glided along Siena’s silky thighs before moving back to her ripe breasts. Trailing kisses down her neck, he lowered his head until he found her rose-tipped nipples, where he licked circles around the tight nubs. Her skin held the luster of creamy satin, and it felt smooth against him. He captured one trembling peak in his mouth, teasing it to the hardness of stone. She gasped as his other hand continued its path with agonizing slowness and found the tempting flesh she offered him. With a little coaxing, she parted her legs, and his fingers slid through the curls down to her moist warmth. God, she was tight. You would think that she was still a virgin, but he knew better. Groaning, he could wait no longer. His hunger consumed his self-control.

  He had to have her—Now!

  He flipped her over until he was on top. Spreading her legs further apart with his knee, he positioned himself above her and drove deep inside her warmth.

  Slowly, he started to move, feeling her tightness surrounding his manhood. He shivered. She was driving him crazy with desire. He moved with the rhythm of love, building, driving, and finally consuming them both with a white heat that demanded satisfaction.

  Siena cried out with fulfillment. Slowly, she floated back down to earth on a cloud of contentment. Wrapped in the warmth of Roderick’s arms, she felt a sense of peace. At long last, she felt safe.

  “I love you, Roderick,” she murmured just before she fell asleep.

  For two days they traveled, enjoying each other’s company and making mad passionate love at night. It was as if the rest of the world didn’t exist.

  On the third morning, Siena actually did feel like she was going home, and it was a nice feeling. She’d missed everyone.

  “I have a surprise for you,” Roderick said.

  “What is it?”

  “Ye’ll have to wait and see.”

  They rode until the sun was almost setting. Finally, they were on the hill that overlooked Black Dawn just like when she first arrived at Roderick’s home. But it was different.