Clan McCallister.

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine is shocked by the girl's sudden outburst. She glances back at her knights.

"Hold back. Be wary. If death is about, I fear our mission of peace may fall 'pon deaf ears."

Elaine and her entourage ride forward toward the keep, but at a slower pace. The woman, "druid," appears certainly to have power, awareness, beyond much the rest of them.

She began to fiddle with the ivory cylinder, sealed with wax impressed with her father's seal. It contained the missive prper, to deliver to the Lady Brianna.

 

[LadyFairy]

Once Brinna was clean and washed she dressed once again in tunic and leggings. Making her way down stairs for there was much to be done. Brinna was greatful to Beth for taking quick control of the servents and stopping all of the gossip.

Moving to her father's studie she called one of the servents to have her notified when the english arrived. Stepping into the small studdy she begain to pen her massive to James..... Her thoughts on what had happended and Kutsomigin Mirou, or Gen. She also wondered how the Lord Gavin would take the new's of his cousin's death.. There would be manny questions, and it would look rather odd that she had been alone with the lord in a locked room, and had also led him into the library to talk, or rather yell. When they had been attacked.

By the time she was done with her messive Brinna's head was beginging to pound, and was greatful for the sommons anouncing that the english had arrived. Brinna sighed and arose thinking one problem at a time.....and promising her self a visit to her friend Angus later, as well as mabye a trip to the Archery range.

 

[poohlive]

"You must be kidding."

Gavin watched her run though, with too much purpose for a joke. All of a sudden his doubts seemed to doubt themselves. He stood there, weapons in his hand, confused as to how she knew this. Did she know all along and not share the information?

No, impossible, she was going at a snail's pace before, and just ran as if someone had given her the message.

Gavin followed her, dropping the weapons on the ground. Whether the englishmen were armed or not didn't concern him anymore, his family.... his family?

Who was responsible for this? He had to find out.

 

[Screech]

Angus awoke groggilly this morning. It had been a very late night, working by the light of his forge-fire alone, and now it was a good way into the morning. However, today he was not awoken by normal circumstances, but instead by a series of raised voices and commotion.

Pulling on his leather apron, Angus climbed off of his bed and walked to the enterance of the smithy, looking out at the assembled masses that had, by now, started to dispurse. He could see the men that belonged to that new laird all gathered around someone on a stretcher tightly, but could not make out who the occupant was.

Yawning, he reached for his sword-barrel, and drew a hand-and-a-half sword out that he had finished work on several days prior. It was a good blade, although a little heavy. Not his best work, he mused, but still not that bad at all.

Walking out of the smithy, Angus strode off toward the practice grounds

 

[Mistress Silver]

I dash into the keep and quickly find my sister. The events have taken a toll on her and I can see that she has a headache. A bad one if the wince in her eyes is any indication. I move toward her, grab her head in my hands, and pass a wave of my power into her head. She sways dizzily for a moment before I am finished, but she manages not to fall. I remove my hands from her temples, the headache gone, but she still looks haggard.

My voice is soft and calm as I speak to her, "I have brought the English here and told Gavin of his cousin's death." I take one of her hands into both of my smaller hands, "Are you okay?"

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Moving quietly into the room with M'Lady and Lady Fearcharia, nodding to the Lady Fearcharia a thank you that she had come. Though I had known she would and that she could help M'Lady. I stand quietly waiting incase anything would be needed of me watching for any other sign of trouble.

I knew the shock had not actually hit M'Lady but when it did she would need someone, anyone who could calm her. Lady Fearcharia could help with her druidist abilities, this I knew to be a fact. I respected her greatly for that, and for the fact that she held herself always proud but very protective of those she thought of as her family. She would know how to tend to M'Lady's needs as to helping the shock roll through. Maybe a sleep drought for this night to help M'Lady find rest.

Saying quietly into the calmness of the room to Lady Fearcharia, "She hasn't really shown any signs of distress which worries me Lady Fearcharia, but I am thinking it shall hit her soon enough and when it does..." I let my words taper off knowing that Lady Fearcharia would know what I was trying to say.

Turning as I hear someone approaching the door at a rushed pace, I see Lord Gavin his face red from either anger or exertion I could not tell which. He looked to have been running, and his eyes had taken on that look that said someone was going to die and soon. Seeing this I move more towards M'Lady and Lady Fearcharia, I wasn't sure what he was to do but I wasn't going to take any chances. Yes, it was gorgious but my loyalities were to the Lady's and protect them with my life I would.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine and two of her knights sat, still mounted on their horses, before the keep. She had ordered the other knight to watch their arms. Honor demanded that they remain unarmed, as demanded by the Lady Brianna's sister. But if her vision were true, and death were afoot in the keep ... she did not trust the Scotch enough to leave a pile of good steel unguarded.

 

[Mistress Silver]

I nod to Beth and turn as I hear foot steps. Gavin. I see exactly what she sees and I watch her body tense. There will be no more bloodshed if I have anything to do with it and I do. I can put everyone in the keep under a sleep if it came to that.

" T'will na be necessary, lass. Blood will na more be shed onto tha ground this day," I command softly. "Beth, ye will fetch Angus for me. He 'tis a dear friend 'o me sister." I add softly, "Also, see ta tha English, if ye 'ave time."

"Gavin?" I ask, invoking a small amount of my power to catch and hold his attention.

 

[poohlive]

"Who did it?" He asked, simply enough. Power surged behind his wavering voice, as it hid both anger and fear. He tried to keep both at bay, and failed miserably. He could keep one, or the other. They were two tigers in his belly, ravaging everything about him. He could control one, but the other would run rampant, as he tried to catch that one, the first would thrash around wildly.

Tears streamed from his eyes, but he could not feel them. He let them stay, his eyes burnt into the lady, and her sister. Both of them. Was this there work? He would see them pay if it was. He would see this whole keep burned to the ground. Every living piece.

"I want a man, I want my brother's killer, now. Who did this?"

 

[Mistress Silver]

"I want a man, I want my brother's killer, now. Who did this?" He demands.

My feet carry me slowly towards him, he is crying, but doesn't even notice. It touches my heart and I take pity on him. I raise my eyes to his and sigh sadly.

"Where is ye'r modicum 'o control, warrior?" I ask gently, the power that he once felt to be hostile is now a beckon of comfort.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Eyeing the Lord Gavin I give the Lady Fearcharia a slight nod, moving quietly from the room skirting safely around the Lord. I knew Lady Fearcharia had did something with her powers that had drawn his attention. But to keep it I had to keep quiet and just let it be as it were.

Once out the door I quickly begin a search for Angus, asking any and all if they had seen the smith about. Finally getting a responce from one of the guards telling me he had indeed been seen heading for the practice grounds. Thanking the guard I head towards the practice grounds, trying to think of what to say and how to say it to Angus so as not to have him storming into the room as well, perhaps upsetting the Lord Gavin even more.

Upon finding Angus I place a soft hand upon his arm, getting his attention before moving back away from those who might listen in to our conversation. Thinking being discret was the best, I inform him of the happenings. And that his person was being requested by the Lady Fearcharia. Then explaining the effect that the Lady had placed upon the Lord so that Angus would know to be well aware that the man actually wasn't there to harm but was upset as well.

As I watch him walk away moving towards M'Lady I heave a sigh, there in him I seen a great Lord. One that I knew M'Lady had fond thoughts about but would never act upon them. Giving a silent shake of my head thinking of the Lord Gavin, he to would make a great Lord. But was so far out of my reach, I was not to be a Lady at any day. Such was wishful thinking, shaking myself out of my thoughts, I head for the English and the duty the Lady Fearcharia had asked of me.

Seeing them in the inner bailey, three of them all upon horses and all looking rather confused. Giving the only Lady of the group a friendly smile and a nod as I step up saying, "Greetings and Welcome I am Beth, Lady Brianna's lady servant. I have been asked to come and greet you, she has befallen some most unforchant circumstances and has been detanded. Please if you would the stable lad can take your mounts and I shall show you in to the main hall. Where M'Lady shall come to meet you herself shortly. Until then I shall have cook set about to get you something to eat, for surely after your long trip a good meal will do you good."

This Lady held herself high though she looked uncertain about where she was, the way she positioned herself upon the horse made me envious and reminded me of the quiet strength M'Lady had. She was also very beautiful, with a mane of glorious red hair, the color I was sure would make any sunset envious.

 

[poohlive]

"It was lost the moment his blood spilled the floor," Gavin stared at her, through her to the lady of the keep. The lady, was she hiding something, someone? What was this? He had to know the truth. If they kept anything from him...

Anger flared up throughout him, like a deepened fire that refused to leave him.

"He was brought to this keep as a friend, and now lies dead. Who will answer for that? You milady, or you sister? You have power, I can almost see it, but that does not hinder me. Nothing will."

 

[Mistress Silver]

My pity is gone with his words and in its place a slowly simmering rage slowly builds. He has insulted my sister and my clan, that goes too far.

"Are ye making an accusation of me clan, lad?" I ask softly, but steely and cold. "As far as me power tha ye clam ta see? It can do more than hinder ye. I assure ye 'o that."

I walk, unafraid and with a fire visible within my eyes, toward him. My advance is determined and predatory.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan stretched, she had seen the newest arrivals and she had seen the crowds of people and she could still hear the shouts of Lord Gavin, his threats ringing through the air. She sighed, perhaps this place was not as peaceful as she thought.

She stood up and moved towards the stable, passing the arena where the men practiced their sword movements. Megan watched as several men she had seen in the keep worked on their manuevers. She noticed those that were weak as well as those that were obviously much stronger then others. Her eyes rested on the smithy, she had not yet spoken to him, just waved twice. Angus, was his name, at least that is what Megan thought it was.

Megan turned and then looked back she thought she had seen him look at her, but she wasn't sure. She moved away and headed into the stables. The velvet noses of the horses bumped into her arm, so she pet their noses, then she heard a soft meow. Megan stopped and looked around, then she saw the kitten, hidden in the corner of a stall. The little mite was very frightend, Megan opened the stall door and locked it behind her.

The large brown stallion shifted inside the stall and she cooed at it softly, hoping to keep it settled. She made her way slowly to the back of the stall and pick up the kitten, and began to pet it softly enjoying the feel of its soft fur. Patting the stallion on the rump soflty, she tried to get him to move, but he refused, in fact he pushed her further against the stall of the barn, blowing her hair from her eyes, the red curls once more in her way. Megan leaned against the wall and spoke to the cat, "Well looks like we are stuck till feeding time."

 

[poohlive]

"Accusation? You are damned right. I find my own cousin slain here in the keep, with no one to answer a question, and you finding threats and standing up to me as if ready to make a challenge. He came here with nothing but good intentions, to finally make this place a clan, with a true laird, and now I find him dead, buried and forgotten before me."

Gavin glared at her, his own strength matching hers, he did not back down. Had never backed down in his life. Fights have been won and lost, even the stupidest ones, but his bull headedness knew no bounds, and it would not give up here, to a young sister of some half laird.

"Ask it..." He said, his voice a whisper of a razor, "Ask me a challenge and I will give it to you. I'll take my revenge out on you if you will not give me the name. I will challenge any of your clan, any man or woman. If any of you are brave enough to stand up for the cowardice you performed today."

 

[Mistress Silver]

My hand arcs through the air and soundly slaps Gavin, hard. My eyes are steely cold and my emotions build. "Dead an' forgotten?" I ask him sharply. "Ye'r cousin is na buried an' na forgotten," I hiss angrily. "Do na be so pig headed as ta think tha ye are tha most important! Show some respect for tha dead! Ye'r cousin deserves better than ye'r demands 'o revenge."

I smile thinly at the raging warrior, "For all 'tis known, it may be a possibility tha ye'r cousin may 'ave tried ta rape a lass tha knew how ta defend herself."

 

[Screech]

Angus strode quickly across the open ground, moving toward Fearcharia. Beth had told him what had happened earlier and it had caused him to feel fear and worry for his Lady. If men could move in and kill in the security of the keep, then no-one was truly safe. What scared him more was why this had been done. Sure, they were Scotts, but they were one of the more peaceful clans. It didn't seem like something the English would do....

Angus arrived on the scene to find the lady druidess an a heated argument with the man who, he had gathered, was called Gavin. Standing behind Gavin, Angus crossed his arms. "Aye? An what be this argument about then, eh?"

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna had listend to everything that was being said between her sister, and Lord Gavin. Getting more angery by the moment.. Stepping forward between the two after her sister had raised her hand slapping Gavin she said quietly and effectivly. Enough.....

Smiling as she saw her friend Angus she said. Angus thank ye for yer arivle but it seem's i needs speek with lord Gavin. If ye would be so kind as ta help my sister with the English until i can come myself i would be greatful.

Looking back at Lord Gavin Brinna said. I am Liard here...My lord.. and i agree ye do indeed deserve awncers.... As do we all.... I know not who attacked Us..., and i say Us my lord becsuse i was also involved in the attack i case ye care ta know..... Ye'r cousin died saving my life, and took a dagger ment for me... So aye if ye wish ta blame me fer his deth then do so, but doona insult my clan.

Seeing that he was about to speak Brinna held up her hand stopping him, and continued. Walking with him over near the harth in the great hall so that only he could hear the next part of their conversation.

If it had na been for Duncan's friend Gen then i would ha been salin along with yer ken. I am sorry for his loss he was a Great lord, and i regret no having got ta know him more..... I would ask only that ye think on what i ha said, before ye decide what ye want ta do. Brinna said as it looked like he was concidering her words..

Hearing the doors to the great hall open Brinna saw Ian walk in and prop an unconshious english knight against one of the wall's. The Clans men he had taken with him dropping wepons in a pile on the ground. All of them had been informed of what had happend when they rode thru the gate. Ian comming to stand next to her.

 

[poohlive]

Others? Others had attacked them? Gavin couldn't believe it, he had to shake his head. Why would anyone want to attack both his cousin and the lady. An attack on one of the other would make sense, someone who sought revenge. He knew his Laird had more than enough enemies to proclaim such a premptive strike.

And people in the world knew more than enough to understand that a female leader was nothing but a liability. An assasination attempt on her own life made sense as well, but both? No, it did not.

"Gen?" He had heard the name before, a great assasin. Someone the Duncan himself sent on near impossible errands. He had not been asked to come wih The McNeil's here, though. No word had been passed to him. What did that mean?

Daggers came to his eyes. Was Gen the one responsible? Was he involved? Gavin looked at the lady.

"I want to talk to Gen. I want as much information as I can before I make any decisions."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan thanked the young man and pushed pass the brown stallion, then set the small kitten onto the floor of the stables. She moved back towards the keep to begin more work on her ladyships clothing. As she worked she noticed the group of English as well as the sword training had ceased. Ahhh.. everyone is inside now.

Moving quietly, Megan found a place to sit as she took in her surroundings. Lord Gavin was shouting and the Druidedess was doing an equal amount, then she had struck him. Lady Brianna was clean and wearing a fine pair of leggings and a tunic. Beth was doing her best to work with the servents and Angus the smithy was breaking up the arguement between the Lord and the woman.

Then just as quickly things changed and she heard the leaping imps name Gin come up again. She knew what had happened and even know she sensed him. Megan sat there absorbing it all, wondering if perhaps an evil force housed above this place, to cause so chaos and confusion. She eyed the sister Fearcharia, wondering if there were more then just a few spells up her sleeve... perhaps, a need to control or command, what her sister had.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Getting the English Lady and her guards situated in the main hall, with some of cooks finest sitting before them. I turn to catch Lord Gavin's command to speak with a Gin. Having no clue to whom he is speaking about but knowing that M'Lady in her state of shock might have forgotten about the man that had been left alive, I move quietly over to M'Lady waiting for permission to speak. Before stepping up and whispering to the two standing there.

"M'Lady one of the attackers were not killed he is being held by your guards as we speak. He may have something to say if he can move now, if not the Lady Fearcharia might beable to help with that. For the man had seemed unable to move, I am not sure why but I did have him taken below to await you at your convenience."

Upon saying this I turn to the Lord Gavin saying softly, "M'Lord I am truly sorry for your loss but with it comes a loss of our own as well. Sometimes things are said from pain and anger that are not meant to be said. Tis the law of man for this to happen, please know that M'Lady nor any of us here had any ill wishes for your kin. He has done a great honor by saving our Lady, for if it had not been for him then she would surely have been the one dead. And our clan would have suffered as you do now."

Giving a slight nod of my head and a gentle smile to M'Lady of support hoping she would not be angry with me for speaking out of turn. Before looking to the man I come to respect, meeting his eyes letting him see that I spoke the truth of my sorrow. Then walking quietly away to tend to the English Lady and her guards once more. Hoping the man below would shed some light upon the matters at hand.

Moving once more towards the English, I notice that they have been joined by Angus. Noticing his eyes keeping a close watch on M'Lady and the Lord Gavin, placing my hand gently upon his arm. "She will be fine but soon she will need to take a walk with a friend for comfort perhaps with you being as close a friend as I maybe she will enjoy your company this eve instead of mine."

Turning to the English Lady I ask her, "Have ye tried cooks tarts? They are wonderfully flaky and have a flavor not found anywhere else I am told." I ask the English Lady noticing that she hadn't touched much of the food that had been brought out. Out of the corner of my eye I see Ian carry in the body of another guard looking closely like a English guard. Giving a slow shake of my head I keep my mouth shut and wait for the explosion I feel might be on its way. Today seemed to be a day for nightmares to pop up. And this was just another to get past one way or the other.

 

[Mistress Silver]

A feeling suddenly stabs my heart and robs me of my breath. Instantly, my eyes single out the apprentice seamstress, Megan. The thought originated from Gavin, but it seems as if it has found a home in the woman's mind. It suddenly dawns on me that, as pure usual, I have once again become a suspected evil.

I hear Beth's soothing words as she speaks to Gavin and realize why I keep to my own company. My face and eyes are soon hidden by shadows as I replace the hood of my cloak over my head. I'm feeling a plethora of emotions at the moment, but I destroy all of them as I surround my self in the power that is mine. I walk silently from the room leaving the fuss behind me.

I find myself standing in front of the guard tower. I would find the only man left alive and I would be the one to save him from an unsure fate. I move to enter, but pause in my step as a guard sidesteps to block my path.

"Only Lady Brianna may enter," he states firmly, but he knows who I am and shrinks inside of himself.

"Please move," I say softly, kindly.

He seems to take my kindness as a weakness and his attitude is suddenly more brazen as he replies, "Leave now, witch."

The sneer that twitches the features of my lips is hidden in the shadows of my hood. "Good night," I speak tightly and the guard suddenly collapses to the ground, he is in such a deep sleep that he may not awaken without my help to bring him to.

I step over him and enter the door, shutting it behind me. The guards stand and begin to approach me, but a simple thought leaves them in the same condition as the guard outside. I find the man in a cell and I feel my temper explode and calm at the same time. The feeling is oddly exhausting, but easy enough to understand. Not wanting to waste my energy on such a simple means, I grab a thick key ring from one of the fallen guards and move to the holding cell. The door swings open on rusty hinges and the man inside stirs slightly.

"Do na fear me," I whisper soothingly to him. "I am 'ere ta 'elp ye."

My eyes quickly inspect him, he is a big man. Well, bigger than me, but that isn't saying much. If he were standing he would be about six feet even, his shoulders are as broad as Angus's and his body excellently fit, more so than an of the men I've seen in the keep. The damage has been done to his eyes and a simple wrap is all the medicinal attention he has received.

"Who 're ye?" His voice is deep and holds no fear, only pain.

"I . . . am . . . Fearcharia." I say simply, tiredly.

"Tha druidess?" He growls, I can feel his temper as it starts to rise. "Tha Lady Brianna's sister?" He struggles to rise, but it is clear to me that this supposed paralytic agent is still at work within his body.

My hands gently press against his chest, he stops moving, but his body stiffens as if he were preparing to strike me. "I have come to help you," I whisper to him.

"Where 're tha guards?" He asks angrily.

"Tha 're deep asleep," I answer quickly.

" 'Ow can ye 'elp me?" He asks tensely.

"I can give ye back yer sight an' take ye ta a safer place," I respond calmly.

" 'Re ye really tha strong?" His voice seems to hold surprise.

"Aye, tha I am." I say weakly.

"Prove ye'r talent, little lass," he sneers.

Feeling lost and wanting to help someone with something I place my left and over his bandaged eyes and command his flesh to heal and be restored. The muscles of his body relax as the magic flows into his body. Though I become light headed I continue to heal him, until he is fully healed. He sits up and removes his bandage as I stumble to rest against a wall, my stomach is knotted tightly and I feel as if I might vomit.

I watch him as surprise and disbelief play across his face and through a breathtakingly captivating pair of the greenest eyes I have ever seen. He slowly rotates his hand before him, seeing it perfectly.

"Ye really 're powerful." He stands and walks easily toward me, "Ye look drained druidess." He crosses his powerful arms across his thickly muscled chest, "As a matter 'o fact, ye look so drained tha I could probably kill ye."

I force myself to stand with my back straight and my chin tilted defiantly, "I would take ye'r life with me ta tha depths of tha otherworld an' kill ye there."

A smirk slowly lifts the corners of his lips, "I 'ave na doubt 'o tha."

His eyes openly assess my body and my features. His strong hands reach forward slowly to remove my hood and I make no move to prevent him. His eyes flick from one of my eyes to the other, back and forth as if comparing, then they drink in the rest of my face. His smile is soft and slight as he speaks, "Ye 're very beautiful, if na a bit short, lass."

"Ye still think tha even as ye know I am a druidess?" I ask tightly.

His skims his knuckles across my the line of my jaw and he nods, "Aye, I do, lass."

Cautiously, I ask him, "Ye do na think I am evil?"

"Na, ye 're na evil. Why would ye ask tha question?" His voice rumbles curiously.

"Never mind, 'tis 'o na importance." I grab his hand and run, he follows easily behind me. We move quickly, but silently through the village. Easily passing through the drawbridge as the guards know that I have a routine. We continue to run through the thick mists outside getting lost within the its embrace.

"Do ye know where we 're going?" He shouts at me.

"Ta me grove," I call over my shoulder.

I suddenly stop and the large man nearly tramples me. Not caring I quickly whistle and soon we both here the pounding of hooves. Before us a large black horse suddenly looms and the man yells angrily at the horse.

"Come on!" I tell him and try to tug him toward the horse.

"Ye 're mad!" He snaps angrily. "Do ye na know 'o tha kelpie?"

"I'm a druidess! Trust me!" I plead as the sounds of frantic searching is heard from behind us.

Surprisingly, he grabs me and tosses me onto the horse's back and jumps on after me. I nudge the kelpie and the horse's hooves tear into the ground as it takes us away from our pursuers and toward the safety of my grove.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna asked Ian why he brought the englishman in unconshious, and he explained that he had been left behinde with a pile of wepons on the ground and that he didnt feel it wise ta return to the keep and leave him and the wepons out in the open where any theif could come along.

Hearnig Beth's words as she came forward. Brinna smiled her thanks to Beth as she left, and truned back to Lord Gavin. If ye would come w' me Mi Lord we shall question this man together... I would like ta know who twas that attacked yer cousin and myself. Seeing him nod Brinna lead the way down to the holding cell's in the dungon. Ian and a couple of Duncan's men going with them as well.

Once they reached the Dungon's Brinna paused seeing her men on the ground. Had the Man escaped?? Drawing her sword and slowly moving forward giving the signal for Ian, Gavin, and the others to do the same and follow moving forward with caution until she could see the entire room.

Reaching the first man Brinna felt for a pulse and found him still alive. Looking around she could see that the prisoner was long gone. Sheathing her sword she moved to check the rest of her men, and waited for Lord Gavin to explode, and accuse her of some foul play, and she hadent even made it ta the english yet, she thought.. twas definatly turning into a hell of a day.

 

[poohlive]

Gavin growled in his throat, seeing these men lying unconscious as someone who was supposed to be a convicted killer of his cousin was now free.

With too much fire already around his eyes, Gavin gave a series of questions at some of the guards who were still conscious. They said no one had come in, and the prisoner did not break out on his own. The only person who had come down here was Fearchera.

"Witchcraft," He spat, looking down at the men. No weapon had knocked them down, nothing hit them over the head. They simply were in deep sleep. The hairs tingled on the back of his head. He saw it so clearly now. She had called his death, just raised her head to the keep and knew he was dead.

If they were her assasins, she would know. She would have known the exact hour. And, if one of them were alive, they would point the finger at her. They would say she had done it, she had tried to kill her sister and his own cousin.

"I fear your sister is behind this," Gavin said, looking out of the keep. She had tried to stand up to him when he did nothing but ask questions about his cousins death. She had helped a man who by no right should help, and she had hurt other people to do it.

"She will pay. For what she did to my clan. She will pay. I need a horse, now. And I need to know where she went. Witch or not, powers or no... she must pay for her crimes."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine found herself and her guard escorted to the main hall, where she was served a meal that she had to admit was good. None of the horrible faire she had heard rumored about. No sheep stomach, no guel, but honest faire.

Nevertheless, she felt out of place, especially with the late deaths in the keep. She keenly felt that she was an intruder, and coming at a time of severe crisis.


"Have ye tried cooks tarts? They are wonderfully flaky and have a flavor not found anywhere else I am told."

She nodded politely.

"I... will try them."

But she was too upset to eat, to worried about being in what had always been enemy country to her and her folk.

One of her guards was brought in unconscious and the weapons brought in after him.

Elaine closed her eyes, moderating her breathing. She was a guest, and so she expected a certain kind of treatment from her host. But the Scotch were traditional enemies, and were further having a crisis that she would do no good to exacerbate.

"What has happened to my knight?"

She said it quietly, holding her hand up to the other two, that they would remain in her control. She could hear them grumbling, and quietly swearing about Scotch hospitality.