The Duchess (MacBride Sisters Trilogy Book 2) Page 2

  - I guess we'll have to go down the hill! - I whispered caressing the face of the beast, which whispered in understanding.

  Taking a deep breath, I set up again and began to descend. Before that, however, I prayed to God that he would protect me and forgive me for the lives I took that night. I would seek refuge, sleep and in the morning continue until I found my destiny.

  Chapter 02

  Bruce

  I looked frustrated at the trail I was following. I wanted to bang my head against one of the trees around me until it bled out. I was used to following troops and fighting warriors. Making strategies for the sieges was what entertained me, and not following foolish girls without locks on their tongues.

  - Dad, have mercy on me! - I whispered a prayer.

  I doubted Annabel MacBride was alive, since she'd been in the woods for days. If Alistair hadn't broken tradition, it would be Annabel who would be by your side now. Love did stupid things to people and I wanted to live free of it. In spite of my opinion regarding the wedding, I only regretted for the ambitious mother-in-law that he had arranged and for the sister-in-law rag mouth.

  We always think of MacBride as witches. They lived cloistered like the great sorcerers of the legends that surround our country. We saw we were wrong and they were just ordinary girls. Well, that I still had some doubt about Annabel. Deep down, that silver-haired brat was hiding a sorceress inside her. The way she addressed me in the woods and then at the dance, made me furious and disconcerted. Every time she spoke, only a touch of disdain would cause offence. No woman had ever addressed me like that before. First, because I was a duke. Second, because it was very intimidating.

  I looked around when I heard the whispering of horses. It got me out of my daydream. Frowning my forehead, I jumped out of the loin of Esperanza. With my hand on the handle of the sword, I got closer to what caught my attention. Three horses grazed along the trail, while two men were lying in the middle of the road. I poked them and realized that they were dead, just like the other two I'd been through. One of them had a pair of arrows stuck in his chest, while the other had been struck by a strong sword in the middle of his head. The blow had been so precise that his helmet had cracked.

  - Who could have done that? - I whispered in amazement.

  - A silver-haired demon with eyes as cold as the waters of the North Sea.

  The weak voice that whispered came from one of the nearest trees. A man was leaning on her with a pale face and an arrow through her heel. The pool of blood around his foot showed that he had been there for a long time.

  - Where's the girl? - I asked myself, approaching.

  - I don't know. - the voice came out dragged. - All I know is that she knocked down four of my men and ran that way.

  He pointed the trail back north. I looked at the ground, which was very wet, but had several marks of horse's legs. One of them caught my eye. I recognized the horseshoe mark as one of the lord's horses.

  - You're a Scotsman. - said coming back to evaluate the man's features. - Why are you dressed like an English soldier?

  - Kill me! From my mouth you won't hear anything. - he whispered.

  - Not at all! - said approaching him again. - I will not dirty my sword with the blood of traitors. Slowly die!

  The man laughed.

  - Hypocrite! You've been dirtying her with our blood for a long time. - he took a break. - I'd just be one more, Captain.

  I looked at the man who was laughing. His voice pissed me off, but I knew exactly what he was talking about. I was not sorry for what I did in the past, but I knew I would burn in hell because of the cruelty and coldness of my actions.

  Taking a deep breath, I went back to my horse leaving the man at the mercy of slow death. Riding, I followed the footprints in the direction he had shown me. They ended up on the edge of a not too steep hill. I noticed I was still in Inverness and had only bypassed the castle. If Annabel was riding that horse, she was trying to throw off the riders walking in circles. That was risky, because she could die of hypothermia. The temperature dropped considerably every instant, although the sun rays appear weak behind dense, black clouds. It would soon rain again, so I would have to be as brief as possible. I looked around, but the footprints disappeared right at that point. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. The wind was blowing in my direction. Maybe that's what had led her there. The trail that appeared just below the hill, bordered the lake. I knew she'd take the road to Dunhill.

  Why would she choose to go that way? There were other trails much less dangerous and shorter than that one. Annabel would take days to reach her destination.

  - And they even said she had a great sense of direction! - I whispered.

  I came down the hill on a fast canter, but I need to. Esperanza had never failed in the longest races or most arduous pursuits. Then I got to the base and put her in trot. When we arrived at the fork that would take the road, I stopped to rest and give the horse water. The river was cold, but the temperature was comforting. I took off the cape I was wearing and took the opportunity to get my head wet. When I bent down again, I felt the air being cut off and a buzzing sound passed close to my head. Raising myself, I drew the sword.

  - Who's coming? - I screamed.

  The silence hovered again and I kept looking to see if I saw any movement. I got close to the horse and caught the beast I was carrying with me.

  - Come out, you coward! - I screamed again.

  The silence hovered again, but then another arrow cut the air. It wasn't the arrow of a beast, it was the arrow of a bow. I couldn't see where she came from and I kept my beast pointed. I've been walking off the shore.

  - Stay where you are!

  A melodious voice warned me and made me stop.

  - Annabel MacBride? - I screamed a step ahead.

  Another arrow cut the air and hit the ground in front of my left foot.

  - I said don't come any closer! - she screamed again. - I don't know who Annabel is. I'm just a walker.

  - Then come out! Maybe it'll help me find her.

  There was a new moment of silence when she seemed to consider it.

  - I have coins to trade. - ...said shaking off the skin he was wearing on his waist... He tinkled because of the various silver coins I was carrying.

  A movement in one of the bushes made me stay alert and I held my hand to the beast's trigger. A woman wrapped in a red cape came towards me. The hair was black and braided. Even though she was young, she had some bruises on her face. They were thin and resembled cuts made with a knife or dagger. Although the clothes were very voluminous, she didn't seem to be fat, because her arms and face didn't match her size. That made me weird and I was on alert.

  - I don't want your coins. - she said approaching. - They're no good here, but you can keep me company. Do you have anything to eat?

  - No, but it would be too dangerous to stay here. - said by lowering the beast.

  - Don't worry. Don't worry. The soldiers have been here a long time.

  She approached the river and shot an arrow. Pulling a fish, the woman turned to me.

  - I'll clean the fish, but you light the fire!

  I smiled and settled down and kept the beast. After some time she had gotten a dozen fish, we sat around the fire and ate. I took advantage of the silence to evaluate it. The woman had braided her hair, starting to turn grey at the root. It was long and almost touched their knees. The eyes were of a bright black man, but tired. Although she seemed to be of a certain age, she proved to be quite skillful with a bow.

  - Stop! - She said. - I know what you're doing and, I can tell you for sure, you won't get much.

  - What's that? What's that?

  - You're evaluating me to see if you're not in an ambush and the answer is no.

  - Is it? How can I trust the lady?

  - I fed them both, didn't I? What do you want from me to make sure I'm not just an old lady?

  Smiling, I shook my head.

  - What if you're a witch?r />
  - Well, in this case, you're not too far from the truth. - she smiled at me, which made my expression change to serious. - Young man, I'm just a walker. If you want to know who I am, just ask me.

  I looked at her with surprise. It really crossed my mind that she could set up an ambush and I was ready for several soldiers to jump out of the bushes.

  - How can you know what I think?

  - I'm a guesser, but I wouldn't have to be to reach this conclusion. - she smiled with perfect teeth. - You should be a little more careful, because you are a transparent man with your thoughts.

  Franzi the forehead with fun.

  - I didn't realize I had that ability.

  - It's not skill, it's a defect.

  - All right! All right! Sabichona! - I stood up to stir up the fire more. - If it's a riddle, why did you attack me? I'm sure you know who I am.

  - Yeah, but you wouldn't have to be a riddle to know who you are. I attacked him because I didn't recognize him right away. I thought you wanted to hurt me.

  - Is that so?

  - You all know the king's cousin. A man so fearless that death itself fears him. They call him the Black Knight.

  Smile at her with disdain.

  - And what else have you heard about me?

  - He is the second Duke of Duvengar and third in the line of succession to the throne of Scotland.

  I had a laugh.

  - About that, you're a terrible guesser. I'm second in line and not third.

  - I am sorry for your grace, but the child who grows in your majesty's womb will take revenge and will become the next queen to rule this earth. - she took a break. - It will be great, but it will have a long life full of choices and obstacles.

  Those words amazed me. We were preserving the life of Aideen and the child, so no one knew about her pregnancy. We intended to keep it a secret because of Roy. The child who grew up in the Queen's womb was our only hope of avoiding a war against the English, especially if we could carry the news that she was heir to that throne. Besides, the pregnancy was recent and we wouldn't know the sex of the baby until after it was born. How did that woman know so much?

  - How do you know all this? - I asked in amazement. - Nobody knows that information.

  - Like I said, I'm a riddle. - she stopped to drink a glass of the wine that I offered her and that she had in a bottle. - That happens once in a while. It's been a long time since I've been stricken by those voices. I just stopped by to talk to you, because they insist on alerting you.

  I swallowed it dry, but I confess I was curious.

  - Tell me then! What do your mysterious voices have to say to me?

  - If you want to go after the girl, go in that direction or any other way and you'll find her. It won't be difficult, since your destiny is to save her. - she took a break. - Just as it is her destiny to save the Lord.

  - Save me? - I had a laugh. - Believe it! I don't need to be saved from anything or anyone. It's the people who should take care of me.

  The lady stood up and took me seriously.

  - Your black soul is full of regrets. She must be saved or suffer in purgatory after a slow and painful death. - she shook her head. - The girl will be his salvation, because she has the same thirst for blood that consumes him day after day. The past will clash with the Lord, causing him to remember his greatest sins and pain. Your convictions will be put to the test and you must make a choice. A choice that, if misconceived, will bring more repentance. The girl will be your cure.

  She started walking away from where we were.

  - Wait! - I screamed and she stopped. - What do you mean she'll be my cure?

  - He must get back what you lost a long time ago. - she said smiling. - Your mourning will not last forever, Captain. Even if the Lord desires him so much, he will cease at the right time. It's your destiny and your fortune to find the girl.

  She made a gesture with her head and turned around again, turning her back on me.

  - Thank you for your company and great meal, but I've said too much. Now go and don't be afraid of the arrow that points to your heart. It will be she who will change her destiny forever.

  I stood still, standing, staring at the woman who walked without looking back. She put the hood over her head and stuck the crossbow in her chest. Next thing I know, she's out of my sight.

  - What a strange woman! - I whispered.

  Going back to the fire, I used sand to put it out and saved the rest of the fish. At least I've had a decent meal since I left Dunhill. Ignoring what the woman had said, I rode on the horse and let the wind speak. I chose the opposite side that she had pointed, because the wind blew harder in that direction. That indicated that there was an open path to follow.

  - May God protect me!

  Chapter 03

  Annabel

  Waking up leaning against a tree with ropes around my body was not in my plans. I had made a stop after entering the forest for a brief rest before dawn, but I ended up sleeping too much. My arm hurt even more, now that a rope passed over the wound. Although I made a dressing, I didn't have the necessary elements for a proper healing and I would have to wait until I got to the castle. Looking around I could see at least six soldiers. Everyone was sleeping peacefully thanks to the water poisoned with herbs that I prepared and put in the spare bottle that I found in the saddlebag.

  How had they multiplied so much? I've lost count of how many I've slaughtered since I left Inverness. How did they manage to find me again? How were they getting into Scotland without being seen? They couldn't be English. They were supposed to be Scots on my mother's orders, but why dress in the clothes of English soldiers?

  Patching my arms, I noticed that my hands were loose and that the ropes only held my body. Another rope tied only my ankles, but they wouldn't stop me from taking the dagger that was attached to my thigh. Bending my legs, I brought them to the right side. With a little difficulty I climbed the skirt of the dress until I revealed the dagger handle. He was a gift from my sister when we were kids. Carefully, I held the handle with both hands and began to cut the rope around my chest. There were at least three laps around my body, but the dagger was very sharp. Slowly so as not to hurt me, I slowly cut the ties. My arm slingshot as I pushed and it took a deep breath to contain a grunt. I didn't know if there were any other soldiers around. After what seemed like hours, I managed to break free. Replacing the dagger in the hem, I put my skirt together and lifted it up. As I was about to run, I ran into a wide chest covered in armor.

  - Where do you think you're going? - the man inquired by grabbing my arms.

  I lifted my chin to look into his eyes. The man was too tall for an Englishman and I was sure he was a Scotsman. I just didn't know if they all were.

  - I told those idiots not to drink what was in the bottle, but they didn't listen to me and preferred to risk having to go to the river. - he fired, grabbing my arms and putting me over his shoulders. - I saw what you did back there, and I preferred not to drink what was in there.

  - Let go of me, you piece of shit! - I screamed punching him on the shoulder.

  - You have a dirty mouth for a lady's daughter and such a distinguished lord. - he stopped for an instant looking at the other soldiers who were still sleeping. - Bunch of energumens!

  I had received the herbs from a strange woman who had intercepted me at the entrance to the forest and had suggested that I do that. They weren't exactly dead, but they'd sleep for a long time. I had no idea how that woman knew that would happen, but I was grateful.

  - Luckily, that's not all I'm made of. - I debated.

  Without leaving time for him to react, I pulled the dagger that was attached to his waist and stuck it in his back. With a roar, the man fell with his knees bent and let go of my body. I took the chance to kick him and took the sword. I ran up to my horse and rode it, going out without looking back. If everything went well, I'd get to Dunhill before the sun went down. After hours, I managed to cross the edge of the forest, but I still
couldn't find the fork for the road. At least there were no other soldiers behind me, which was already a great relief. I was already very tired and needed a bath. The weather was getting much worse, too. If I couldn't get a shelter, cavalry in the rain. As if I could hear my thoughts, the horse turned aside from the way and stood under a green tree with a not very high crown. I noticed there was a little clearing there. Before I decided whether or not to stop the horse just collapsed with me on it.

  - Look out! - I grumbled as I rolled out over him.

  The horse snorted and moved his front paws. He even looked at me before he laid his head on the ground. As I approached, I saw that their hooves were a little cracked and one of their paws was injured.

  - Oh! No! - I whispered through your back. - I'm sorry, buddy! I'll see if I can get some herbs to help him.

  I knew it would happen sooner or later after I took off my horseshoes, which didn't help. Taking a deep breath, I looked around until I could find some herbs. Lighting a small fire, I used one of the skins to heat the water. When the infusion was ready, I began to pass through the animal's wound. He whinnyed, maybe in pain, but I calmed him down with words. Tearing up a part of the hem of my dress, I tied it around to protect it. It was just a cut and soon he'd be fine. I decided to stay there until he healed. That would slow me down, but I refused to leave him to die. I pulled some branches of the tree to isolate us and close a little the entrance of the clearing where we were. That would throw off a little whoever showed up. Grabbing the blanket, I lined the side of the horse and covered it with my cape. I lay on his back and allowed myself to rest for a while. As I looked at the leaves of the trees that intertwined to form a mixed-colored roof, I began to think about what the strange woman had told me when I stopped to fill the skins before entering the forest. She had attacked me with arrows that did not hit the target and then invited me to eat fish, which she herself had caught in the river. He said it was a riddle, that my destiny was to free the soul of a bitter, blackhearted man. I didn't believe in witches, let alone riddles, so I just laughed.