Highland Blood

Chapter 4

It had been awhile since I’d been on horseback, in Madelaine’s company, or amongst normal, common people. I wondered how the world had changed. From what I’d seen so far, it was much the same. Men were as violent as ever, and my country was ruled by cutthroats. I stared at Madelaine’s back as we rode into the forest. My mind felt like it was breaking apart at the seams. More than anything, all I wanted to do was run off and find Banquo. But six years was a long time. Surely he would have given up on me by now. Once more, I was the daughter of Boite, niece of the king of Scotland, and he’d commanded my marriage to Gillacoemgain of Moray. The raven in me wanted to defy them all. The spirit of Boudicca decried the outrage. And I nursed an awkward ache between my thighs and wondered about the children growing inside me. None of this felt real or true. In less than ten moons, I would be a mother. I had been a poor girl violated in the rain, and as a result, I would now raise my cousin’s children. Where was the justice in that? And even worse, I questioned myself: was there any difference between being assaulted and whoring myself to Gillacoemgain of Moray? I wasn’t sure. Nothing made sense.

Madelaine chatted as we rode through the woods. She told me about the entourage waiting for me. She also spoke of her new husband who, she said, praised her constantly. I could barely focus on her words. I set my hand on my stomach and tried to feel the life inside me. I felt different but no more than that strange sense of change. I knew I was pregnant. I’d seen the child in my vision. But Epona, whose prophecies were never wrong, had said I would bear twins. If so, why had I only seen one child?

“Madelaine?” I heard Tavis’ familiar voice call.

“We’re here,” Madelaine told me.

So soon? Lost in my thoughts, I’d barely noticed the passage of time. Perhaps my body was not yet in tune with the world of the living after all.

“Gruoch,” Tavis called, smiling with welcome. “More beautiful than ever.”

“Merry met,” I told him.

He saddled his horse quickly, and we all set off once more.

Memories flooded my mind as we rode back to the castle. It seemed like yesterday that we’d traveled this path together. I was too naive then. I knew nothing of the world that lay beyond the castle walls. Now, I had felt a dark goddess’ hand on my throat, traveled to the other world, and I was one of the Wyrd Sisters. Me. More than that, I was a killer. But I didn’t regret what I had done to Alister. I was relieved to know I would never have to lay eyes on him again.

As we rode over the knoll toward the castle, a strange sensation overcame me. The person who’d lived behind those walls was dead now. The innocent girl who’d worried about her embroidery was lost. The castle looked smaller, and grimier, than I remembered. It paled in comparison with Ynes Verleath’s decayed beauty.

The field outside the castle was full of tents that flew the banners of Moray. Farmers and tradesmen selling their wares intermingled amongst the strangers. The familiar stench of roasting meat and ale filled the air. I choked the anxiety that rose up in me as I thought of the ale hall and the men. Alister, I reminded myself, was gone. And I was no longer a girl who would sit idly by and watch. I hoped Gillacoemgain of Moray was prepared to wed a woman who would speak her mind. And if not, it mattered little to me, I would speak anyway.

Tavis led us through the front gate. I dismounted from Kelpie.

“I’ll see to it that he has his old stall. No doubt he’ll be anxious to meet the new herd,” Tavis told me, taking charge of my steed.

I patted Kelpie on the neck then handed my bags to the fleet of servants who’d met Madelaine and me at the door.

“So where is my fiancé?” I asked.

“Most likely in conference with my husband. They will give you a chance to freshen up before you make his acquaintance,” Madelaine replied.

I rolled my eyes. Wonderful. Just what I needed, a man who expected me to look like a pampered pet.

Madelaine then led me to a room on the opposite end of the castle from where both she and I used to stay. “We’ll leave old memories on the other end of the castle,” Madelaine said, opening the door to one of the large guest chambers. The room was airy and nicely decorated. Bright tapestries covered the walls. A fire was burning, and a wash tub had already been set out.

“I took the liberty of having a few dresses made for you.”

“Thank you,” I said absently as I eyed the place. “It’s all so lovely.”

“Gruoch…I am sure you feel very strange being here. I know you are unhappy. When I was wed to Alister—”

“Please. No. Think nothing of it. It is only the strangeness I feel after my time in the otherworld.”

“Epona said you were with the Wyrds,” Madelaine said, her forehead furrowing. “Such a dark place. Such dark magic,” she whispered. “That look on your face in Uald’s smithy. It reminded me of something that happened the night Alister had died. I heard…I heard a raven.”

I shook my head as if to say I didn’t want to speak of it.

Understanding, Madelaine nodded.

A moment later there was a knock on the door.

“My Lady? We’re here to assist Lady Gruoch if she’s ready?”

Madelaine raised an eyebrow at me.

I nodded.

“Come,” Madelaine called. “I’ll go now and make myself suitable. Someone will come from the hall to fetch you.”

I nodded again.

“So pleased to have you home,” she whispered once more, kissing my cheeks. “Even if just for a couple of days!”

I smiled. Madelaine was as bright and cheery as ever. It was hard to feel sullen around her.

She left me then with a fleet of serving women who set about heating my bathwater. They perfumed the bath with something that smelled of roses. The hot water sent spirals of steam up in the cool air.

When they moved to take my clothes off, however, I stopped them.

“No, I’ll see to it myself.”

“Are you sure, My Lady? We always help your aunt.”

“Yes. I’m certain.”

With that, the women left me.

I pulled off my gown, dropping the sweaty garment on the floor, and lowered myself into the warm tub. The ladies had left all manners of combs, creams, and oils beside the wash basin. I took my time, feeling the water.

“Wash away the terror,” I said, dripping water over my skin. “Let my heart be light again. Let my heart be free again.”

Once I was clean, I rose and rubbed my limbs with the perfumed oils. I then sat down before the looking glass and brushed out my long, dark hair, braiding it from the temples. I affixed it with a silver comb sitting on my dresser. I then slipped on a purple gown I found in my wardrobe. When Madelaine said she’d had a few dresses prepared, she wasn’t joking. The wardrobe was full. The purple dress was much the same color as the clothes I’d worn in Ynes Verleath. When I was finally done, I studied myself in the looking glass. I had been transformed. Cerridwen was gone. Once more, I was the daughter of Boite. And when I looked at my reflection, I saw my father in my features: dark hair, heather-colored eyes. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, calling up the deep well of energy inside me. I just brushed its surface, and from it, I took strength. Opening my bag, I took out the raven amulet and torcs I’d found in Ynes Verleath and put them on. I turned then, not waiting for any royal summons, and headed downstairs to meet the man who would usurp Banquo’s love and title.