Nora sat beside Mairiana on the grassy bank of the enchanted loch and held her while they both cried and prayed. Would Darack be healed this night?

While the men held him floating in the water, an insight came to Mairiana. "I must go to him," she said, and Nora released her.

Mairiana moved down the sloping embankment into the icy cold water of the loch. Though chills prickled her skin, she ignored the temperature as she waded deeper, the water climbing her thighs, her waist, her chest. The men holding Darack eyed her.

She placed her hands gently on either side of Darack's head and kissed his forehead. Then, she whispered into his ear, "Awaken, my love." Tears filled her eyes. "You are everything to me and I love you."

"Something is happening," Ewan murmured. "Did you feel that? He stiffened."

The other men nodded their agreement.

Mairiana held her breath. As she watched, Darack's jaw clenched, he drew in a deep breath, and then a shouting growl burst from his mouth. He breathed hard and fast for a few moments, then opened his eyes. "You trying to freeze me to death?" he yelled.

Ewan laughed. "Welcome back, Darack."

"Where am I?" Darack's whole body shook and his teeth chattered. "Get me out of the water."

The four men hauled him out and lay him on the bank.

"We'll take the wet shirt and blanket off and put this dry one on him," Nora said. "Help me, lads."

Amid her tears of joy and gratitude, Mairiana prayed that the chilling water would not make him worse.

 

***

 

Wrapped in a warm blanket and dry clothes, sitting on the ground, Darack glanced at his family and friends surrounding him in the torchlight and his heart warmed. He could not believe his cousins had carried him all this way to the enchanted loch. They had played here as children. "I thank you, lads. You must be exhausted."

"You think us weaklings?" Ewan asked.

Darack snickered. Upon seeing Mairiana a short distance away, he winked. Though she smiled in return, she wiped tears from her eyes, making him want to hold her.

She came closer and knelt beside him. "I'm so happy you're awake. How do you feel? Are you in any pain?"

He took her hand and kissed the back, relishing the silky feel of her warm skin. "Not much. Just some soreness in my arm and side. Now, stop your worrying. I want to stand up."

"Is it not too soon?" Ewan asked.

"If he feels like it," Mairiana said.

Ewan and another cousin, Paul, lifted beneath his arms. Once upright, Darack swayed a bit, then took a few steps forward across the grass.

"You can turn loose now." He no longer wanted to appear weak in front of Mairiana. And he truly felt his strength returning with every moment that passed.

"'Tis a miracle," his mother exclaimed, then embraced him.

Everyone murmured their agreement as they watched him in awe.

"Indeed," Darack said, feeling humbled and blessed. "I remember nothing of the long trek up here. I owe you my undying gratitude."

His gaze met Mairiana's again. Her eyes were bright with joy and glistening with tears. That look melted his heart. He wanted to talk to her alone so badly, though he had no inkling what he would say first. There was so much… he must thank her. He remembered waking during his illness to find her sitting by his bedside, during the daytime and in the candlelight.

"I brought some food," Mairiana said. After digging into her satchel, she handed him a scone.

"I thank you, m'lady." He gave a lighthearted bow.

Everyone filled their empty wine skins with water from the loch, then his mother gave him a cup full. "The water will preserve your good health and make you live as long as Osgar and Reas," she said. "'Haps 'twill even make me look like a young lass again." She grinned and drank a long swallow.

Darack laughed, glad to see his mother happy. He guzzled the water, finding he suddenly was extremely thirsty. And why shouldn't he be? He couldn't remember the last beverage he'd consumed… probably that horribly bitter tea. But this was the best tasting water he'd ever had.

He took a bite of the scone, his gaze finding Mairiana again as he chewed. How he wanted to hold her close, kiss her and show his profound appreciation. A sudden memory blasted into his mind, at least he hoped it was a memory—she had told him she loved him, only moments ago as he was waking up. Was it real or only a dream? He had to talk to her alone as soon as possible.

As they headed back toward Dunmoris, Darack felt his legs growing stronger with each step he took. He had assumed at first that he would soon grow weak again, but he didn't. In fact, he felt invigorated.

Mairiana walked beside him. After he finished the scone she'd provided him, he took her hand and tucked it around his elbow. She smiled shyly. Damnation, how he wanted to kiss her!

A sudden noise and movement from the wood caused him to halt in his tracks. A garrison of a dozen or more soldiers on horseback emerged from the trees. They were indistinct silhouettes in the moonlight and Darack thought it was another fevered dream. But when Ewan and his guards drew their swords and surrounded Darack and Mairiana, he knew everyone saw the soldiers.

"Halt where you are!" Ewan ordered the newcomers.

The men stopped ten yards away. "We've come to arrest this murderer and bride-thief!"

Damnation, 'twas Alec's voice and he pointed a sword at Darack.

"That's Alec Lindsay," Darack told Ewan.

"I thought as much," Ewan said. "I'm baron here and you have no authority."

"My father is a baron. He's with us. And he has authority where Darack MacGregor's crime was committed."

Mairiana moved in front of Darack. "You stay back, Alec! Darack did naught except rescue me and save my life. You and your men are the ones who endangered me."

"Mairiana," Darack said low, grasping her upper arms lest she venture too close to Alec. "You need not defend me. I'm the one who's supposed to defend you."

"You have not yet fully regained your strength," she whispered. "I will do whatever I have to in order to keep you safe from him and his men."

Alec forced out a laugh. "Lady Mairiana, I see the murderer has been very convincing and persuaded you to his side."

"Nay! Darack is a good man. I heard you murder your guard in the stable."

"You are a madwoman!"

In the moment of silence, Darack heard more horses' hooves pounding against the ground. Saints! Had Alec brought a small army? If the Grants were outnumbered, Ewan's guards might not be enough to fight them off.

"Get behind me Mairiana," Darack whispered in her ear.

"Nay."

"Who is that?" Ewan demanded as they all watched several torches approaching from the direction of the castle.

Alec didn't answer, but he and his men backed away several yards and observed, as the Grants did. Darack knew then that Alec had no inkling who was advancing toward them. Darack wrapped his arms around Mairiana. If he had to, he would draw her around quickly and shield her with his body. She placed her hands around his arms, caressed him and kissed him beneath the jaw, completely distracting him… arousing him. He realized again how profoundly he craved kissing her, but that would have to wait. He focused on the approaching garrison.

The hoof beats grew louder and louder as the dark silhouettes and torches grew near. In between the Lindsays and the Grants, the newcomers drew up.

"What the hell is going on here?" The leader dismounted, as did several other men, while those remaining on horseback surrounded the Lindsays.

In the flickering torchlight, Darack recognized Mairiana's brother a second before she spoke.

"Dugald! What are you doing here?" she asked.

Relief flowing through Darack, he released her. Thank the saints. Another miracle this night.

Dugald joined them and embraced his sister. "I'm glad to see you are unharmed."

"Chief MacKerrick." Darack stepped forward.

"Please, Darack, you ken 'tis Dugald," he said in a lighthearted tone and they shook hands.

"This is my cousin, Ewan, chief of Clan Grant," Darack said.

The two exchanged greetings and shook hands.

"How did you know we were out here?" Mairiana asked.

"I had a man watching the Lindsays in the wood." Dugald sent a glare toward them, where they waited several yards away. "For the past three days, since they left Rornoch, we've been following them. We figured they were up to no good when they lurked about in the wood instead of requesting entrance at Dunmoris Castle. Especially after Alec told me you'd been kidnapped by Darack."

"I was not kidnapped," she assured him. "Darack was protecting me from Alec and his men."

"Why is Alec trying to harm you, sister?"

"I heard him murder a man in cold blood, and I could not marry him after that."

"Murder?" Dugald spoke loudly enough for Alec to hear and glowered at him.

"She lies!" Alec shouted.

"He killed his own guard because of your dagger," Mairiana said.

"My dagger?" Dugald asked.

"Aye. In Perth, the guard took your dagger and sold it for a pittance. That's the reason Alec killed the guard—because he didn't get more money for it."

"I knew you stole it, you whoreson!" Dugald called out to Alec. "But not to worry. I have it back now. 'Tis a shame you felt the need to kill someone over it. No weapon is worth a person's life."

"Darack was working in the stables, mucking out stalls," Alec said. "He killed the guard and stole his weapons!"

Mairiana shook her head. "He will say anything now to get out of it. I figured if he knew I was a witness to his malicious crime, he would kill me too, or make my life miserable. When I decided to leave, Darack slipped me outside the walls and protected me the entire time. He was trying to get me past Alec's men and back to Rornoch as soon as possible, but they injured him terribly. He is only now recovering."

"I thank you, Darack."

"No need to thank me. I would protect Lady Mairiana with my life."

Dugald observed him for a long, speculative moment, no doubt wondering about the reason for his devotion and selflessness.

Alec yelled, "I want my bride returned to me!"

"Nay!" Darack and Dugald shouted simultaneously.

Dugald eyed him again, then grinned and turned his attention back to Alec. "Consider the marriage contract null and void."

"I will take this before the king!"

"Let's do," Dugald said. "I will also inform him you have committed murder."

"You have no proof. None of you do."

"I am a witness," Mairiana responded.

"You are but one woman and no one who matters will believe you. Besides that, Chief Grant, the king will be interested to know you are sheltering several MacGregors," Alec said.

"What MacGregors? I see none," Ewan said.

"Darack for one. If you won't return my bride to me, you will be seeing the king's retainers soon, I'm certain."

Darack watched as Ewan and Dugald exchanged a calculating glance, then a nod. "Capture them!" both chiefs shouted to their guards. Within seconds, the Grants and MacKerricks surrounded the Lindsays, outnumbering them two to one.

The Lindsays looked to Alec for a command or direction, but none came. Alec's wild-eyed horse neighed and danced about in a circle. One of the guards finally dragged him from his saddle.

 

***

 

Dawn light was breaking over the mountains when they arrived back at Dunmoris Castle. The guards took the Lindsays, protesting and complaining, to the dungeon. Mairiana felt happier than she had in a long time. Joy bubbled within her. Finally, she was safe from Alec, and most important of all, Darack was healed, thanks be to God.

Father Bhradain met them in the bailey, at first wearing a stern frown. But his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open when he spotted Darack, walking around healthy and strong like everyone else.

Mairiana worried about what he would say. Thankfully, Lady MacGregor quickly approached him before he could say anything. "Could I speak with you, Father Bhradain?"

"Aye."

They disappeared into the chapel. Mairiana hoped Darack's mother could smooth the priest's ruffled feathers and convince him 'twas truly the love of God which had healed Darack and not some other force he might find unacceptable. Ewan, Dugald and their men proceeded into the great hall.

"Can I speak to you in private?" Darack whispered to her.

"Aye, of course." A renewed thrill of exuberance spun through her.

Taking her hand, he led her up the steps and into the great hall. "We'll go onto the ramparts."

When they emerged on the roof, the refreshing wind blew her hair back. The two guards stationed there, on opposite sides of the castle, acknowledged their presence with brief bows and then ignored them, pacing away and focusing on the hills in the distance.

Darack led her to a small alcove, out of sight of the guards and sheltered from the wind.

"I'm so thankful you're recovered," Mairiana said.

"As am I, and I thank you for taking such good care of me," he murmured, then drew her close and kissed her forehead.

She looked up into his handsome face, craving his lips on hers. Sliding his hand along her cheek, he complied. 'Twas a gentle, healing kiss so filled with emotion her eyes burned with tears. Soon, she was needing more and more of him. Her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer, burying her fingers in his thick, dark hair. He lifted her and pressed her against the wall and the kiss grew deeper and more forceful. He flicked his tongue into her mouth, to taste her. Her entire body burned with the passion and need for him.

When she was near mad with wanting him, he drew back abruptly and pressed his forehead against hers. "Saints!" he hissed. "Do you ken what you do to me?"

"You do the same to me," she whispered, stroking his cheek above his short beard and looking into his fathomless, dark eyes.

"I brought you up here to talk to you about something important." He gently set her to her feet.

Despite her weak knees, she forced herself to stand. "What is it?"

Clasping her hands, he kissed each of them, as if searching for the right words. He met her gaze. "I want to thank you for all your help while I was recovering. I know you rarely left my bedside."

"I was so worried about you."

"I'm sorry I put you through that."

She shook her head. "Do not apologize. You were injured while protecting me."

"Well, I've come to care for you a great deal, more than I ever thought possible. I—" He coughed as if suddenly choked.

She gripped his hands tighter, hanging on his every word.

His gaze intensified, looking deeply into her soul. "Lass, I want you to know… I love you. And, if you would have me, I would like to ask for your hand in marriage. I ken I have naught to offer you. Neither title nor—"

"Darack," she interrupted. "If you will be silent for a moment and let me speak."

"Aye."

"I love you, too," she whispered. "And I have since you risked your life for me. I saw then what a selfless, caring man you are. But 'tis more than that. We have shared some sort of bond since the first time we met years ago."

"'Tis true. I thought about you often, but I also realized… I have nothing to offer you. No land. I'm not a chief or laird. Who knows if your brother will agree to it?"

"If he is doubtful, I will convince him. But he already likes you as a friend."

"He has always seemed a fair and honest man to me."

"He is. And his bark is worse than his bite."

"I'll be sure to tell him you said that." Darack grinned, lowered his head and kissed her briefly.

"Nay! Do not tell him." She chuckled.

"I was but jesting. So, will you marry me?"

"Aye, with pleasure."

After another delightful kiss, Darack pulled himself away. "We must join the others, else they'll wonder what we're up to." He winked.

She blushed. "Aye, you're right. But I must tell you in all seriousness, Father Bhradain was against us taking you to the enchanted loch."

Darack nodded. "I can well imagine. Is that why Ma wanted to talk to him in the chapel?"

"I think so. Hopefully she can calm him."

"Did you give her the brooch?" Darack whispered in Mairiana's ear.

"Nay, of course not. I wanted you to give it to her."

He nodded. "We will tonight, together."

 

***

 

Upon joining the other men in the bailey, Darack learned that Ewen had sent out several of his best soldiers to scour the wood for more Lindsays. Alec had already said his father was with them. By noon, the guards brought in six more Lindsay clansmen, including their chief, Angus.

"I demand that you release my son and my men at once!" Chief Lindsay said, his face dark red above his short gray beard.

"After we negotiate. Bring him into the library," Ewan told his guard.

Darack followed Ewan into the library, and the guard brought in Chief Lindsay.

"Please, have a seat." Ewan motioned to the chairs, then sat at the head of the table. Darack sat beside him.

Ignoring his congenial words, Chief Lindsay remained standing. "I'll not negotiate with a man who harbors outlaws, murderers and kidnappers!" he yelled, glaring at Darack.

Refusing to be pulled into an angry shouting match and name calling, Darack merely raised a brow, then leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. He knew if he said anything, Chief Lindsay would simply get more riled.

"Your son is the murderer and thief," Ewan said calmly. "If necessary, I'll take him before the king myself."

"Of course, you would believe your outlaw cousin over me." Chief Lindsay's face reddened further. "You are mad, the lot of you!"

"Lady Mairiana was a witness to your son murdering his own guard. That's why she chose to leave him and now refuses to marry him. There was no kidnapping," Ewan said. "The lady asked Darack to protect her on her journey and that was all he did. As a baron, I'm well within my rights to arrest a murderer—Alec—and have him escorted to London."

Chief Lindsay hung his head, then dropped into the chair at the other end of the table. After a dejected sigh, he said, "That is my heir you're talking about."

"Aye." Ewan leaned back in his chair. "My father considered you a close friend and a good man. What's happened? You've now lowered yourself to Alec's level?"

Chief Lindsay released a long breath and shook his head. "Hugh was a great friend to me. I miss him sorely. What would it take for you to release my son?"

Ewan eyed him for a long moment. "Do you really want someone of his character leading your clan one day?"

"I have another son, you ken. One who would make a better chief, in truth. I will deal with Alec. If he does not change his ways, I'll turn him in myself."

Darack could not believe his ears, but indeed the man did look sincere… and also disappointed in his son.

"Alec threatened to report to King James that I'm harboring MacGregors. No one here claims that name. If some of their ancestors were MacGregors, that is no fault of their own. Some of my family members live here—including my cousin, Darack—but there is no law against that."

"Aye, none of us will be reporting MacGregors," Lindsay conceded.

"If any of you do, I'll immediately report Alec's crimes," Ewan said, a glint of warning entering his eyes.

"I agree with that," Lindsay said.

To Darack, the man seemed sincere as he shook their hands. But what if Alec refused to go along with the agreement?