Portals Of Time (7 page)

She shook her head.
“I thought I heard something but dismissed it as the wind.”

“I saw it. Tis why I tried so hard ta reach ye. Did nae your neck burn...warning ye of danger?”

“No. Maybe it only burns when my mate is in danger.”

He nodded. “Aye. That must be true for mine was afire.”

She stroked Shalizar’s graceful neck as he nuzzled her arm. “Will he be alright?”

“Aye. I believe so. There is nae sign of infection. He will need ta rest for several fortnights though. There will be nae rides or anything strenuous till he is healed.”

Lucian reached out and stroked his forehead. Arianna’s eyes widened in surprise as Shalizar accepted his touch without flinching.

“He let’s you touch him?”

“Aye. Why are ye so shocked?”

“He was beaten severely by a man who was trying to break him right before I bought him. He has always hated men with a passion since then.”

“Mayhap he has figured out that nae all men are so cruel.”

“Maybe.” she conceded.
But not bloody likely!

“If ye will wait here a moment, I will fetch him some water
, lass. It appears that his bucket has gone dry.”

“Thank you, my lord. I’m sure he would like that.”

“Tis nae mystery why yer horse has taken a shine ta the laird, m’lady.”

Startled, she jumped, then glanced at the next stall over. “Who’s there?”

Ian stepped out of the shadows, curry brush in hand.

“Sorry, m’lady. I did nae mean ta frighten ye.”

“Don’t worry about it, Ian. I’m just a bit jumpy these days. What did you mean...about it being no mystery?”

He gave her a lopsided grin as he replied, “Me laird tended ta his wound himself, he did. When he was nae seeing ta ye
, he was here, coaxing yer beast ta live...ta nae give up the fight. Horses need that, ye ken. He took yer place since ye was nae able ta be here yourself. Shalizar trusts him now.”

Arianna was stunned. She could not fathom her gruff husband tending an animal so lovingly.

“Thank you for telling me, Ian. I must be certain to thank him.”

“Nay m’lady. He would nae like it being pointed out. Tis nae his way.”

“Very well...but I will find a way to thank him, just the same.”

He gave a quick bow and darted away as he saw his laird returning.

After replacing the bucket in Shalizar’s stall,
Lucian
turned to his wife. He stroked her bruised cheek as he gazed into her eyes. Ever so slowly, he bent closer to her until their lips met. She wrapped her arms about his neck, pulling him nearer. He moaned with desire, cradling her head in his hand, as he deepened the kiss. Her breath hitched as passion flooded her.

He pulled back a space, studying the tender look she was gracing him with.
There are feelings in her eyes.
I can see it. We are truly forging a tight bond together...for I have felt the same.
He cleared his throat.

“Are ye tired, lass?”

“Not at all,” she replied dreamily.

Lucian grinned. “I did nae ask if ye required sleep, mo cridhe.” He leered at her.

“Oh...Oh!” It had taken her a moment to know what he was asking. “I’ll never be too tired for you, Lucian.” Her sultry voice wound around his heart causing a rush of blood to his shaft. He swept her into his arms and headed back to the keep.

A sennight later the blacksmith had sent word to her that her gift was ready. She was giddy with excitement as the maid helped her ready for the evening feast. Her father was leaving in the morn so they had decided to honor him that eve. She was sad that he was returning home but pleased that he would be able to see Lucian’s gift before he went.
Fergus was to bring it to the hall wh
ile
they supped.

All eyes turned to her as she entered the huge chamber
a short time later
. Silence reigned in admiration of her beauty. She glanced quickly behind her to see what was wrong then realized that she was the cause.
Arianna
frowned.

Lucian had been speaking with Dugal when the silence alerted him
of her presence
. His knees
quivered
for a moment as he spied his stunning wife gliding gracefully toward him.

She wore a forest green gown of velvet that clung to every supple curve. Her hair was pulled atop her head with the excess flowing down her back in a river of fiery loose curls. Across her brow lay a circlet of gold studded with pearls.

Exquisite! I did nae notice before how beautiful m
e
wife be!
He sucked in a big breath through his gaping mouth, finally remembering to breath, then clamped his mouth shut. He strode to her swiftly, taking her arm.

“Ye are a vision, Anna.”

She beamed up at him. “Thank you, Lucian. Y
ou look quite fetching yourself
tonight.”
Her eyes darted around the room as she spoke beneath her breath. “Is something wrong? Everyone’s staring at me.”

“Nay, wife,” he laughed. “They are in awe of your beauty...and mayhap, envious of m
e
good fortune.”

She blushed as they were seated on the dais next to her father.

“For a moment there, lassie, I thought your maither had entered the hall.” Dugal’s eyes misted. “It warms me heart ta ken that I can look at ye and see her again.”

Her blue eyes softened as she gazed at him. “I am going to miss you, Father.
You promise to visit again soon?”

“Aye, Arianna. A horde of Vikings could nae keep me away!”

Her eyes sparkled as she laughed. Lucian gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he or
dered the festivities to begin. He was pleased to see that his new wife was happy and fitting in so well with her circumstances. He had been a bit concerned at first. Even her strange spee
ch was changing as the days passed
by. Lucian did not even think she was aware of it. They were growing closer as well.
Aye she pleases me greatly.

Two hours had passed before Fergus appeared in the hall. She excused herself the moment she spied him and hurried over to collect the gift while Dugal distracted her husband. He handed it to her carefully. She felt the lightness of it through the red velvet wrap.

Her eyes sparkled. “Did you have any trouble with the metal, Fergus?”

“Nay, m’lady. Tis the strongest and lightest I have ever made. Tis wondrous metal! If ye ever have more I would be pleased if ye allow me to forge it.”

“I doubt that will happen but I’ll remember if it does. Thank you, Fergus. I’m in your debt.”

“Think naught of it, m’lady. Now go and give him his prize.” He grinned widely exposing a few missing teeth. “But be careful...tis terribly sharp.”

Nodding, she rushed back to the dais.

“Lucian?”

“Aye, wife?” He turned to her raising a quizzical brow at the bundle she held.

“I wanted to give you a gift...a wedding present...when I first asked Fergus to craft this. But now it is even more than that. It is in thanks
,
as well
,
for what you did for Shalizar...he even contributed to the making of it.”

She held it out to him as the clan observed their exchange. Lucian sucked in a breath as he unwrapped the velvet exposing a magnificent sword. The silvery blade was etched in Gaelic: mo gradh (my love), mo bheatha (my life), mo cridhe (my heart), agus mo anam (and my soul).

He glanced up at her in awe. She had declared herself to him in written word! He was speechless as he looked back at the weapon.
The hilt was wrapped tightly with the finest leather in his land and was topped with a large emerald. He gripped it, amazed at the lightness as he raised it for all to see. A loud cheer rose in the hall as the light
flash
ed across the blade.

“I hope you like it, Lucian. Fergus says it is the finest he’s ever made.”

Lucian pulled her against him roughly as he placed a passionate kiss on her lips.

“Tis a beautiful sword, mo cridhe, but how did it come ta be so light?”

Her eyes darted around them then spoke softly, “I used Shalizar’s horseshoes
. They were made of lightweight steel. I didn’t think it was smart for him to wear them here.”

“Steel? I do nae ken this metal.”

“My point exactly!”

“This is a strong metal?”

She smiled at him. “It withstood Shalizar wearing it! This way you won’t tire as quickly if you have to fight someone. It will keep you safe.”

He tested the balance and took a few swings with it. His face lit up with pleasure. Arianna frowned when she noticed the emerald.

“Tis a fine blade, Anna, why do ye frown?”

“I didn’t have any gems for the hilt. Surely Fergus isn’t rich enough to afford such a stone.”

“Nay, he is nae.
I gave him a handful ta make your gift.” Lucian reached into his sporran and pulled out a gold necklace sporting an emerald pendant along with a matching armband and kirtle.

She gasped in surprise!

“It’s beautiful, Lucian. Can I wear it now?”

He grinned, then murmured in her delicate ear as he placed the pendant around her neck. “Ye can wear it anytime that ye wish, Anna. Tis yours.”

She fingered the jewel then spun around giving him a huge hug. “Thank you, Lucian. No one has ever given me such
a beautiful
present before.”

He held her out from him “Nay? Well that will change now that ye are m
e
bride.” He kissed her brow
as he pondered the plans he had made for the rest of the eve.

A piper began to play a lively jig as the feast continued. He spent the rest of the night teaching Arianna some of their dance steps.
It was growing late when she excused herself to use the privy.

“Do nae be long, lass. I have plans for us this eve.”

Arianna blushed at his innuendo before a rush of desire flowed through her. Nodding, she hurried off.

Lucian returned to the dais where Dugal was enjoying his ale. He eyed the earl scrupulously before he spoke.

“What think ye of me daughter, Lucian? Will she do?”

He glanced up quickly, surprised at the inquiry.

“Why do ye ask such a thing? We are wed. It does nae matter since the choice is settled.”

“Ahh, I disagree, lad. I wish ta ken that she will nae be set aside after I am gone.”

“Set aside? I would never do such a thing ta her! She is m
e
mate
! What is this nonsense ye spout at me?”

Dugal grinned. “It is as I suspected then...ye are besotted!”

Irritation began creeping under his skin as he readied a retort when a villager rushed up to them.

“M’laird! M’laird! Ye must come quickly!”

“What is it, Rafe?”

“
My brother’s son just arrived from Dalkeith, m’laird. He said tis under attack!”

“Did he say who...how many?” The hall grew still as the warriors strained to hear. Tension rose.

“He was nae certain. Mayhap twenty men...he was nae familiar with their tartan.”

Lucian thought quietly for a moment then barked out his orders.

“Lachlan, ready the horses for three dozen men! Sober! Have the gates locked tight the moment we leave and a guard on m’lady at all times!”

Dugal sidled up to him.

“Are ye thinking it a diversion?, lad?”

His green eyes hardened. “I do nae ken...but I take nae chances with, Anna. There be an odor about this.”

“Aye, I agree. I will stay and keep watch over her till ye return.” He turned to his guard. “Any who wish ta assist the earl has me blessing.”

The Macgregors rushed out to gather their armor. They had been idle too long and were eager to stretch their muscles. A fight was welcome news to them.

Lucian sheathed his new sword. They had to move quickly to be of any help. His eyes darted about for Arianna as Ian dressed him for battle.
Grinding his teeth in frustration, he turned to Dugal.

“I can nae wait any longer for m
e
wife’s return. Will ye explain ta her what has happened?”

“Aye. Do nae fret. Get on with ye now.”

With one more glance about him, he left.

Arianna
had been disappointed to find the hall empty upon her return except for her father and a few servants. Seeing that the party was over, she excused herself after gleaning the directions to Dalkeith from Dugal. Returning to their chambers, she quickly changed into some sturdier clothing before sneaking off to the stables.
Lucian’s crazy if he thinks I’m going to sit home waiting to hear if he’s ok! Besides, I’ve never seen an authentic sword fight before! It might be fun.

The stables was dark as she crept through the shadows. Shalizar nickered to her softly as he sensed her presence.

“Shhh my pet. You can not come with me this time. Your body isn’t healed.” She stroked his forehead soothingly as she selected another mount, then swiftly saddled it.

Before long, she and the mare stood outside a postern gate waiting for the bright moon to disappear behind a cloud.
They did not have long to wait. As soon as they reached the trees, she mounted and rode off toward Dalkeith. She knew she couldn’t catch him but still, she wanted to be close by if he needed her. Something was drawing her to him. Whether it was instinct or a foolish bride’s fears...she didn’t know.
Arianna’s neck began to heat up as she quickened her pace. She had been right! Lucian was in danger!

She grew careless as she hurried through the dark forest and did not see them until they surrounded her. She cried out in alarm as her eyes locked with the man from her nightmare. Malcolm!