Free Knight of the Highlander by Kristin Vayden Page B

recognized his writing or identity.
    Rian was betrayed by the Laird when he didn't find the traitor, yet now he had regained the promised position of Tanist. So the prior assumption that Arywnn's father had lied, was proven true. Rian was to succeed the Chief all along. And finally, a fortnight; he only had that small window of time to prevent Rian from framing an innocent man and to find a way to free Arywnn without being caught himself. He had a fortnight to plan and leave.
    As Colin crept back to the secret exit, he heard Rian shout once more, this time victorious. He almost ignored the man, yet when a bright glow began to grow, he turned and discovered the very cart that Rian had almost set to flame earlier, was now burning brightly. The orange flames licked at the gate and began to catch. After a moment of hesitation, Colin ducked through the gate and rushed home. After changing, he ran back to the gate and found Rian among fifteen other men dousing the gate with water, which prevented the flames from devouring more. Soon all that was left of the fire was smoking cinders where the cart of hay had once been, and blackened walls next to the main gate. A now sobered Rian stared at the blackened planks with a horror-struck expression. Men behind him pointed and grumbled.
    A sickening sensation swirled in Colin's belly. More than ever, Rian needed to find the traitor if he wanted the full respect of the clan. He would be ruthless in pursuit, and beyond desperate to frame anyone he pleased.

Chapter Nine
     
     
    Arywnn awoke to the acrid smell of smoke lingering in the air. As she was about to walk to her window and search for the source, a knock sounded at her door. She glanced at the utter darkness outside, and a chilling foreboding overtook her.
    "Aye?" She asked upon opening the door a few inches.
    "Miss? Tis yer mither. I… ye must come miss," a petite older woman spoke quickly then turned to rush off in the direction of her mother's room.
    Arywnn closed the door and wrapped herself in a length of plaid, tossing her braid over her shoulder. She entered the hall, and silently followed the well-worn path to her mother's room. As she neared, the familiar smell of vinegar assaulted her and she knocked softly on her mother's door.
    "Come in, miss. She's askin' fer ye." The same petite woman moved aside, and Arywnn heard the labored breathing of her mother.
    "Mither?" Arywnn called as she drew closer to the frail woman. Her usual neatly braided hair was mussed, and her body shook with the effort it took to take each breath.
    "Ar—whhnn," her mother attempted. She reached out a pale hand, and Arywnn grasped her cold flesh.
    "Dinnae' fash yerself, mither. I'm here. Save yer strength." Tears began to pool in her eyes before welling over and pouring down her face in endless succession.
    "Love… you," her mither whispered, then relaxed.
    "I love ye as well." Arywnn leaned forward to kiss her mother's wrinkled forehead as the wheezing ceased. Her tears increased as the petite servant woman placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
    "She wanted tae say goodbye tae ye," the woman whispered.
    "Thank ye, for comin' tae get me."
    "Yer welcome."
    Arywnn placed a final kiss to her mother's cheek then rose. The servant handed her two copper coins, and tenderly Arywnn close her mother's eyes then placed the coins over them. Tears fell silently as she stood glazing down at the peaceful body as it took its final rest.
    "I'll miss ye, mither." It wasn't always easy to serve her mother, especially as her mind continued to fail, but was always done in love. As Arywnn glanced over at the woman, she noticed her covering her mother's mirror with a cloth, and preparing a plate of salt.
    "Keeps the body from swellin' till burial, miss."
    Arywnn nodded and watched as the woman placed the saucer of salt on her mother's silent chest.
    "I'll be tellin' the cook tae pour out the milk and put the nails in the bread. T'keep it from the taint of death. I'll