Chapter 16 Deception

EMRICK

I nodded at Kerrienne then turned to look out at our clansmen. “Spread the word that I’ve been killed by an unknown archer and that my widow, the warrior princess of the McKay clan is marching towards Alastair’s keep in search of revenge.”

I turned back to Kerrienne. “Looks like I have to wait a bit longer to claim you as my bride my love.”

“So it seems.” She answered.

“My lord, What should we do with the would-be assassin?” Lars asked.

I looked into Daniel’s eyes then at Kerrienne. If someone killed her in the manner that Daniel’s wife was killed and made me watch, I would move heaven and earth to get my revenge on them, nothing would stop me from bathing in their entrails. The bloody thought shocked and excited me.

“Put him in a room with a lock. If his tale checks out..” He paused, “we’ll discuss what to do with him when we get back.”

“Thank you my lord.” Daniel said as he was led away.

‘Tell them to bring a couple pounds of salt’ Kerrienne said in my head. I glanced sideways at her.

“Lars, have them pack a couple pounds of salt. Would you?” I said.

“Salt, laird?”

“Salt.” I replied without elaborating any further. “We leave at first light.” I barked out.

KERRIENNE

Our wedding feast turned into a solemn dinner as last minute preparations were made for tomorrow’s departure. I saw the frightened glances thrown my way here and there, but I was too preoccupied with the upcoming battle to pay any attention.

Emrick sensing this declared the night over and everyone headed off to bed. My father approached me cautiously. Noticing the hurt look in my eyes, he hugged me tightly. Cradling me gently against his chest he whispered to me softly. “Just give me a little time to get used to the idea that my daughter is a powerful being.” He said, then kissed me gently on the forehead.

Emrick and I made our way to our rooms and for propriety’s sake, we each entered our rooms by its own door. But as soon as we barred the doors, we met at the door between our rooms and it was like a race to see who could get undressed quicker. With an unearthly growl, he ripped my gown in two, picked me up and threw me onto the bed. His shirt and kilt were soon discarded as he joined me on the bed.

We made love frantically, not caring who heard us. After my second orgasm, he pulled out of my body and turned me onto my stomach. I found myself pressed deep into what pillows were left on the bed.

“Arse up, love.” He said in my ear roughly.

I barely made it to my hands and knees before he slammed his body roughly into mine. My body moved forward, and my face landed in a pillow. He pulled my hips back and started pounding into me. I heard a mewling sound and it took me a minute to realize that the noise was coming from me.

He did something with his hips in a circling motion and my entire body lit up. I screamed my release into the pillow until I was hoarse. He draped his body over mine, moving slower but grinding deeper into me until he found his own release. Exhausted and sweaty, He pulled out of me and rolled to his side, taking me with him. We fell into exhausted slumber, holding on tightly to each other.

EMRICK

I woke up first and found our limbs all tangled up. I watched her sleep as I went over the events of the previous night. I kenned the lass had magic in her from the first time she touched me but last night, I realized that she didna just possess magical abilities, she was magic. Raw, untapped magic.

She stirred and I dreaded the upcoming day. All too soon, I heard Lars’ voice issuing orders from the yard below. We washed and dressed in our battle gear in silence and headed to the yard hand in hand. Out in the yard, everyone was ready to mount and head out. Sarah came over and hugged us both. I saw her glance at Lars shyly.

“Go say goodbye.” I whispered in her ear.

KERRIENNE

I gave Emrick space to say goodbye to the ones staying behind and went in search of Scota. I found her eyeing one of the men like a tasty treat.

“You cannot eat any of our men, Scota.” I said, rubbing her on the head.

‘I know. I know.’ She said in my head sadly. I chuckled at her tone. ‘There better be a lot of tasty morsels where we’re going.’

‘You are welcome to eat anyone trying to kill us. Just make sure it’s not one of our men, unless they’re trying to kill us.’ I told her.

‘Fine.’ She said, sighing.

I led her next to Emrick’s horse. Emrick joined us but I stopped him as he was about to climb. He looked at me questioningly. “You and your horse are very recognizable in these parts. You’re supposed to be dead, it won’t do if you’re recognized before we get to Alastair’s. He may have spies around”

“Lars, switch horses with me, and ride next to Kerri until we reach our destination. I’ll bring up the rear.” He said.

“Lars, can you find Emrick a helmet?” I added.

And so, I found myself riding between my father and Lars with Emrick disguised as one of the men bringing up the rear.

As we were getting ready to board the ships in the harbor, one of the fishermen at the dock approached us.

“I would like to offer my condolences to you my lady, on the passing of the Laird-”

He stopped talking and stared more closely at Emrick who was standing a little behind me. And even in his disguise, he was recognized.

He was about to say something when I reached out and touched his arm, willing him to see Emrick as just another soldier.

“Thank you for your loyalty. As you can see, I’m on my way to seek my revenge for all the wrong that has been done to both our clans.”

He looked back at me in confusion. “Of course my lady, I won’t keep you much longer.”

We boarded the ship in silence and left Lars to see to the loading of the horses, the equipment and the men. It took five ships to load us all.

My father entered the cabin silently, following Emrick and I. “What did you do to that man on the dock?” My father asked.

“I have no idea, I just had a desperate desire for him to see someone other than Emrick. I guess it worked.”

“And you knew that you could-?” He let the question hang in the air.

“Do what? Exert my will on him? No father I did not know that I could do that. I just don’t want Alastair to know his assassin failed and that Emrick is still alive until absolutely necessary.”

My father nodded then looked at Emrick and asked “Where’s your cabin?”

I took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “He’s staying with me, father. Since no one will enter my cabin without my say so. He can remain hidden from the crew. Not all of them are from Emrick’s clan or ours.”

My father looked like he wanted to say something but refrained from doing so. He left without saying anything else but he didn’t look happy about it.