Highland Intrigue - A Prequel

Elysia squeezed Annis’s arm. “I will see my sister kept safe.”

Brogan laughed, though there was no smile on his face. “I fear that is an impossible task.”

“Safe journey, sir,” Elysia said and tugged her sister along, away from Lord Brogan.

“You kn—”

“Not a word till we get home,” Elysia cautioned as they walked away.

Annis held her tongue, though it was difficult.

“There was no point in arguing with Lord Brogan and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was speaking with Chieftain Emory right now, warning him about your intentions. So if you insist on doing this, you better leave before someone tries to stop you,” Elysia said once inside the cottage.

Annis hugged her sister. “I am going to find the witch in the hills, but not to break the curse.”

Elysia shook her head as she gathered food to wrap in a cloth for Annis. “I don’t understand, if not for that, then why seek her out?”

Annis got busy gathering what she would need. “I do not believe the MacWilliam bairn died, and that is what I seek from the witch. I want to know if the infant bairn died all those years ago or if she still lives? If she does, I intend to ask the witch how the wrong can be made right, then I am going to find the woman and see this curse ended. I do not think the faithful servant who Lady Aila trusted with her daughter’s life would betray her. She no doubt gave her word to Lady Aila to keep the bairn from harm.”

“Then what bairn was sacrificed,” Elysia asked.

Annis shook her head. “No bairn was sacrificed.”

“Are you suggesting they never found the bairn?”

“It was a lie to save themselves from failure.” Annis took hold of her sister’s hand. “I do not know how long this will take me. A week, a month, or more, and I fear leaving you alone, especially with Clyde sniffing around you. Bliss was right. Saber is a good man and will see you kept safe. It is obvious that you favor him and that he favors you. You need to marry him right away or else I fear what Clyde might do to force you to wed him.”

“I do not have the courage to ask Saber to wed me?” Elysia confessed.

“You think Bliss had the courage to do what she did or I have the courage to do what I am about to do? We do it for one another, to make sure we all stay safe. Bliss would not worry over you if she knew you wed Saber and I would not worry over you if I know you will find your courage and wed Saber. Besides, one of us deserves to be happy and I see how happy you and Saber are when you are together.”

“What if he says no?” Elysia asked.

“I do not believe he will, but you need to be prepared for such a possibility,” Annis said, rubbing her brow in thought.

Both sisters jumped at the knock at the door.

Annis went and opened it cautiously. “Lendra.”

“I haven’t much time and either have you, Annis,” Lendra said, forcing Annis to step back as she entered and shut the door. “Your mum was a good friend, so I have come to warn you. Lord Brogan has ordered Chieftain Emory to make sure that neither of you leave the village until further notice.” She turned worried eyes on Annis. “He gathers two warriors now to keep watch over you. Whatever you intend to do, Annis, don’t delay and may God be with you and your sisters.”

“You must go now,” Elysia said as soon as Lendra left and hurried to gather the few coins Bliss had managed to save in case they were ever needed. “Take these, you may need them.

Annis took the small pouch and opened it to share some of the coins with Elysia. “You may need some as well.”

“No, I need none,” Elysia insisted. “You will need them more than me. Remember Bliss told us about how the witch of the hills demands a price for her magic. I only hope the coins will suffice.”

“Whatever the price, I will pay it. I can do no less since Bliss pays a higher price to keep us safe.” Annis reached out and hugged her sister tight, then held her at arms’ length. “You need to do the same, though your price will not be nearly as dear. I need to know you will always be protected.”

Elysia eased her sister’s worry. “I will gather my courage and seek a marriage with Saber. You have my word. Now go before I stop you from going.”

Annis slipped on her cloak, pulling the hood over her head and with her small bundle in hand, she left the cottage and disappeared into the woods.

Elysia stood by the hearth, tears running down her cheeks. How in just a few short hours had life changed so drastically? Losing one sister today had been unbearable, losing two broke her heart completely.