Chapter Six

 

Castle Questing in Northumbria

Home of the Baron Kilham known as the Wolfe

 

Ignoring her fragrant scent of the crisp morning dew, Duncan dragged Holly through the Wolfe’s castle until he reached his room in the tower and slammed the door. He and Alastair had preferred the towers because they would transform into dragons and fly into the night without being seen. He released her and she scrambled behind a chair. He needed to forget how her breasts pressed against his chest when he’d been comforting. He couldn’t resist her. She had looked so small and scared that for the first time in months, he’d forgotten his vow.

“I’ll na fall for your womanly charms.”

She moved away from him, but stumbled and fell back onto the bed. Her hair splayed out behind her and reminded him of Marigold’s silky red hair. He’d used to like to run his fingers through the strands. It would calm him when he was angry. He’d give anything to touch her again.

Holly rolled off the bed. “Don’t worry. I have no intention of sleeping with you.”

Duncan frowned. “’Tis light outside. Why do ye want to go to bed?”

“Don’t play coy with me.” She skirted around the bed. “Just because you’re naked doesn’t mean I’m going to be.”

He blinked. “If I wanted to rape ye, my lady, I doubt there would be a single thing ye could do to prevent it, but I am na in the habit of taking women against their will. What do they call ye?”

She crossed her arms and sat on a tapestry chair. “My name is Holly Duff. I’m just a poor college student who stumbled into The Lord of the Rings. All I want to do is go back home.”

He flung open his trunk and yanked on a pair of trousers. “Who is the Lord of the Rings? Is he the Dark Lord?”

“God, I hate this. No, he’s a character in a movie. He’s not real. So, quit looking at me like I’m a Satanist. Why d’ye bring me to your room?”

“To keep you safe from the demon. I made an oath to protect ye, and I’ll na let ye out of my sight.”

She tilted her head. “I don’t think I was in danger with de Wolfe nearby.”

“He is a powerful man, but na a dragon. The Archangel said ye need a dragon to protect ye.”

“You mean like your lecherous brother.”

Her venomous tone made his gut tighten. Had Alastair hurt her? Sometimes he would not take nay as an answer from a woman.

“I am sorry if Alastair hurt ye.” He donned on a bulky gambeson stuffed with linen that reached his knees.

“You’re sorry?” Her sharp voice changed into surprise. “I’d have thought Alastair could do no wrong.”

Avoiding looking into her eyes, he struggled to put on his hauberk. “’Tis na honorable to take a woman against her will.”

“Here let me help you.” She put her hands behind him and pulled the maill down. “God, this is heavy.” Her soft touch stirred a buried desire within him and he wanted to taste her delicate lips. This wasn’t right. He’d made a sacred vow—one he couldn’t break.

He grabbed his mail chausses out of the trunk.

Holly approached him. “Do you need help?”

“Nay.”

“Fine.” She stood next to his window and peered out.

He struggled putting on the damn chain, but he wasn’t about to ask her to assist him. He managed to lace and tie them, despite the numbness in his fingers. The weariness was determined to slow him down. As a dragon knight, he could quickly dress compare to the other mortal knights. But not today.

There was a timid knock on the door.

Duncan flung it open to his squire Albert—a scrawny boy who was often picked on by his peers. Often bloodied, Albert never cowered and would stand bravely against his tormenters. Duncan understood what it was like to be shunned since his own father had favored Alastair and often would leave Duncan bloodied for not performing a spell or not winning a tournament. Like Alastair, power and wealth meant everything to him.

As usual, Albert’s blond hair hung in his eyes. He bowed. “You have need of me?”

He made sure to block Albert’s view of Holly. He had no idea what a college student was and feared it meant she studied black magic. “Aye, I need to prepare to go to Castle Swan.”

“But you’ve just returned from there weakened. ’Tis a foul and horrible place. You need rest.”

“Albert tends to forget that he serves me and should not question my orders. ’Tis why na of the other knights will have him.”

The boy hung his head. “I am sorry. I ask for your forgiveness.”

Duncan smiled. “Donna worry, Albert. Ye are the only squire that I want to service me.”

Albert looked up and his infectious smile spread to Duncan. The boy had helped him undress upon his return from Castle Swan. Duncan had been so weak he’d hadn’t the strength to take off his mail, not to mention the ugly bruises that marred his body. 

The boy looked at Holly. His green eyes and mouth widened. “Who is that strange woman in your chambers?” His surprised voice shamed Duncan.

He’d promised Marigold as she lay dying in his arms that he’d not be with another woman. The boy knew of this oath and often had the task of preventing maids from mistakenly slipping into his chambers in search of Alastair.

“Is he your son?” Holly looked between them.

“Nay, this is my squire, Albert Bates. Albert, the Lady Holly Duff.”

“I’m not a lady. Just Holly.”

Duncan gestured toward Holly. “De Wolfe ordered I take her on this next task.” 

Albert frowned. “Why is she dressed like a man?”

Holly walked past Duncan. “I am not dressed like a man.”

Duncan eyed her warily. The scent of her perfume tempted him to kiss her.

She flashed Albert a sweet smile that would have had many knights jousting for her affections. She gestured her hands down her slender body. “This is what women wear in the twenty-first century.” Her voice was kind. “You’re a handsome boy.”

“Thank you.” His cheeks turned bright pink. Albert rarely received compliments, especially from beautiful women.

Duncan looked at Holly. She possessed the same kindness and thoughtfulness as Lady Jordan—something he’d always admired. Marigold had been pretty and kind, but she had a trait of selfishness that often brought servants to tears.

Albert wasn’t the only one whose eyes flashed over Holly’s body. Duncan took in every inch of her. She was a temptress with the top of her breasts mooning over her scandalous white shirt and those muscular legs. All he could think about was her strong legs locking behind his hips as he thrust inside her. Marigold’s lovely face flashed in his mind, and a cold slap of anger hit him across the face.

“Donna talk to her, boy. Ye must get Sir Robert ready for the journey.” His voice was thunderous, and Albert recoiled and fell on his arse.

Holly slid in front of Albert as if to protect him. “Don’t scare him like that, you big bully.”

Her foolish bravery intrigued Duncan. Not even Marigold had defended anyone against him. He hadn’t the temper of Alastair, but unable to tell them apart, people often feared him as much as they did Alastair. He didn’t want Holly to look at him with those disapproving eyes. “I wouldna hurt him, lass.”

“Then, why did you yell at him?”

She put her hand out to Albert, who didn’t hesitate to clasp it. The boy was starved for the tiniest bit of kindness. She helped him to his feet and gently rested her hand on his shoulder. Her kindness rivaled the Lady Jordan’s, which had every knight vowing to protect her from harm.

Albert looked up at her with a silly grin on his face. She’d won his allegiance over with the small gesture.

“I donna know.” Even as he said it, Duncan thought it was foolish. Heat flushed his cheeks. Ever since he’d dreamt about her and she’d come through that black pit, he’d not been himself. He never yelled at Albert. “I’m sorry, Albert. I didna mean to be cross with ye.”

She gently moved Albert’s hair out of his eyes. “Unlike him, I’d never hurt you.”

“He’s a kind master, my lady. I swear.”

Duncan gave her a triumphant smile at the boy’s loyalty, but the doubt in her eyes brought back his anger. “Come, we canna tarry. ’Tis a long distance to Castle Swan.”

“Then why aren’t you going to change into a dragon?” Suspicion hung in Holly’s voice.

The weariness settled in Duncan’s bones after transforming to attack the archangel. This wasn’t like him, and it wouldn’t bode well. “I need time to build up my power. ’Tis been drained. By the time we arrive, I’ll be stronger.”

Holly’s brave shoulders slumped. “What do we do once we get there?”

She wasn’t as brave as she acted, and he couldn’t be worrying about her as he stole into the castle to kidnap an evil lord. “Ye’ll stay with Sir Robert.”

She looked between Duncan and Albert. “Who is Sir Robert?”

“My war horse.”

“That’s not what Raphael said.” The fire returned in her voice. “He said we had to do this. If you touch the scroll, then you’re going to end up like your brother. Is that what you want?”

He stuffed a spare change of clothes into his satchel. His brother might be arrogant, but he was a good man. “Alastair is na evil. Neither am I.”

“You’re wrong. Alastair’s a domineering asshole.”

Curiosity filled Albert’s eyes. “What’s an asshole?”

Holly jerked her thumb toward Duncan. “His brother.”

Duncan’s patience was running out. He wanted to get this woman back to her time and out of his life. She was too much of distraction. One minute, he had images of loving her, the next, strangling her. “’Tis enough. Albert, prepare Sir Robert. We leave within the hour.”

“Why were you packing? Is Castle Swan a long journey?”

“Nay. A day’s ride.” He snatched the bag. “Because after being a dragon, I transform back into a naked man.”

***

Holly had refused to put on a proper gown, claiming it would slow her down, so for the next few hours, Duncan suffered with her tempting body molded to his backside. He tried to recall Marigold’s face, but all he could think about was the woman gripping him tight around the waist. His vow was to protect her—not seduce her.

Wind rushed over Duncan’s face.

In the distance, dark clouds floated around the turrets of Castle Swan, casting an eerie shadow onto the bailey. Even in broad daylight, the castle was menacing—as if the sun were afraid to shine on it. The same heaviness returned to him like angry clouds threatening to unleash a storm. His breath quickened. Sir Robert’s hooves pounded over the rolling hills, bringing them closer to the last place he wanted to be. They rode toward the thick forest where he’d killed those knights. Had Brodie reclaimed the bodies, or had he just left them to rot? Duncan wanted to spare Holly from seeing the horrors of battle—a foolish notion. She would be entering Castle Swan where evil bred and multiplied. How was he going to keep her safe?

Holly leaned close to his ear. “Is that creepy place where we’re going?” Fear echoed in her voice.

“Aye, it is.” He glanced over her shoulder. The blood had drained out of her fair face, and she bit her lip. He couldn’t blame her. She should be afraid, very afraid. “Ye donna have to go inside. Ye can stay with Sir Robert.”

She clutched his waist tightly. “No, the angel said we had to do this together. I can’t leave this era unless I do this.”

He admired her strength, but she needed more than human courage if she was going to survive this deed. He knew what he had to do and hoped he wouldn’t enjoy it.

Sir Robert entered the forest. Branches and leaves whipped over Duncan’s face. Holly gripped him tighter and buried her face in his back. They ventured down the same path that he’d taken after the fierce battle. He gritted his teeth at the buzzing flies.

A lowly howl and death growls turned his stomach—wolves.

Holly tightened her grip. “What was that?”

He glanced behind her. “Wolves.”

As he spoke, a pack of wolves crept out of the trees, blocking their path, their teeth stained red. They must have interrupted their feast on the dead men. Duncan would have transformed into a dragon, but he had to save his strength for Castle Swan.

Sir Robert shook his head and stamped his foot.

“Hang on,” Duncan said, as he withdrew his sword.

“Like that will be a problem.”

Duncan pressed his knees into the war horse’s side, and Sir Robert raced toward the snarling wolves. The beasts snapped and snarled at the horse, who neighed with fright. Duncan slashed a wolf with his sword. The beast yelped as blood sprayed into the air.

Sir Robert raced through the trees. A branch hung low. “Watch your head!” He yelled as he swiped his sword at the growling wolves.

He lowered his head, but Holly screamed and flew off the horse.

“Duncan!” She scrambled to her feet. Her eyes were wide with terror.

The wolves had surrounded her, obviously preferring an easier target. He sucked in his breath. If he charged Sir Robert, she could be trampled. Lord, she’d be ripped to pieces. He slid off Sir Robert and ran toward Holly.

She’d picked up a broken limb and swung it at a snarling wolf. She smacked it in the jaw. The wolf yowled and then lunged. Holly jabbed the branch at the animal, and the wolf bit down on the limb. A shake of its head ripped it out of her hands. The pack closed in on her, forcing her to back up against the tree with no means of escape.

Duncan yelled, trying to distract the pack. Some of them turned toward him. He jumped into the air and plunged his sword into the nearest wolf. It whined, and crimson splashed onto his tabard, and then the beast collapsed beneath him.

The pack turned on Duncan, sinking their teeth into his mail and twisting before he managed to pull his sword out of the dead animal. Instead of climbing a tree or getting to safety, Holly picked up rocks and threw them at the angry wolves. A wolf lunged, knocking him onto the ground. He hit his head on something hard. The wolf bit into his shoulder. Pain blinded him, and all he could see was fur and yellow eyes.

Drawing on his dragon strength, he shoved the wolf away. Sir Robert rushed into the battle, kicking and stomping the wolves. The beasts had had enough and fled into the trees, minus two comrades.

“Duncan, are you all right?”

Holly knelt next to him. Concern filled her eyes. Amazingly, she was in one piece.

He wished he could say the same. Despite the mail, his shoulder throbbed. If it hadn’t been for his armor, he’d be in much worse shape. He couldn’t say the same about his head. He had problems concentrating, and her beautiful face kept going in and out of focus.

“Duncan, did you hear me?”

“Aye, I’m fine.” He panted, cursing the weariness that robbed him of his abilities.

She looked at him. “Your face is pale. You need to rest.”

“The mail protected me, lass. We need to get to the castle.”

She shook her head. “The castle can wait. It’s not your shoulder I’m worried about. You smashed your head on a rock. Let me look.”

Wetness leaked onto the back of his neck. “I am not injured.” Definitely a lie.

She tenderly slid her hand around his head.

He winced.

She pulled her hand away. Blood stained her fingertips. “Uh, uh. I can see that. You might have a concussion.” She wiped her hand on her trousers. “Is there a river nearby? I hear water.”

“The Nith is not far.”

“Can you walk?”

He gave her a hard look. “I am a dragon knight—not a mere mortal.”

She linked her hands around his arm. “Come on, Rambo, let’s go.”

He tried to stand, but his legs wobbled. “Who is he that you speak of?”

She rolled her eyes. “Never mind him. Blood is spilling across your neck. Are you sure you can walk?”

Sir Robert walked over. A red stream trickled down his side and down his leg. ’Tis not good. “Sir Robert is wounded.”

“Here sit down while I look at him.” Holly furrowed her brows and examined the horse’s leg. “I don’t think it’s his leg. He was bitten on his hind quarters, but I don’t see any other wounds.”

“We need to go,” Duncan said, as he stood. The woods, Sir Robert, and Holly all swirled around him and he stumbled.

“Duncan!”

All he remembered was her calling to him like she had in the dream before he fell over and passed out.