Free Surviving Scotland by Kristin Vayden Page B

took a deep breath and sagged his shoulders as if meeting his execution.
    “I suppose…”
    “Good.” I nodded and walked away, knowing that if I stayed close to him for much longer I’d do something foolish, like ask him to pay what he owed in kisses.
    “Elle?” I paused and glanced over my shoulder.
    “Aye?”
    “Fer the record, ye can come in and clean my room anytime ye want.” He winked and walked into his room, closing the door behind him with a thud. Though I wanted to push him into the loch again for his arrogant remark, I couldn’t stop the blush that crept up on my face or the warm feeling that swirled in my chest that he wanted me in his room. I cleared my throat and choked on a giggle. I traced the stones with my hand as I walked down the stairs, lost in my thoughts of Ioan.
    “Elle?” My uncle’s baritone shook me from my daydream. He rounded the corner and motioned for me to follow him into his study.
    “Aye, uncle, what is it?”
    He walked behind his desk and sat heavily into the chair. It groaned under his considerable weight. The room was dimly lit, and missives were scattered across his desk. A musty smell hung in the air. I glanced down at the floor and folded my hands in front of my body, waiting for my uncle to tell me why I was needed.
    “Elle, ‘tis come to me attention that we are facin’ more opposition with the Jacobites than I tho’. I donna feel safe with ye out and about.”
    “But, Uncle, I’m never out o’ sight o’ the castle, unless I have your permission! Even then Ioan is with me—”
    “I ken lass, but I have reason ta believe that Ioan isn’t enough.”
    I waited, silently fuming and also fearing my imprisonment within my own home.
    “I’m sendin’ ye away.”
    “Excuse me?” I wasn’t expecting that.
    “Lass.” My uncle’s expression was weary with worry and heartbreak. Immediately I regretted causing so much trouble for him. He truly did love me.
    “I’m sendin’ ye with Ioan ta his clan.” My uncle stood and walked around his desk till he stood in front of me. “Lass, there’s somethin’ else. Ioan’s clan is strong. He’s cousin ta the laird’s son, the one I want ye ta meet.” My blood chilled and I hoped I’d misunderstood my uncle’s implication.
    “What do ye mean, uncle?”
    “Ye’re a bonny lass, an’as much as I wish ta keep ye here in braids an’ close ta me heart, ye need ta marry and have a few bairns. If ye marry Cullon, then our clans will unite and be better fer it. I willna push ye lass, but keep it in mind when ye go, will ye?”
    No, I will not keep it in mind! I wanted to shout it, shake my head, and walk away. But the torment in my uncle’s eyes, the watery tears that refused to spill as he went on to explain my departure and how he’d miss me, disarmed my anger. He didn’t say I had to marry this Cullon person, simply meet him. I could promise that.
    “Donna ferget, lass, get ta know Cullon. He’s a fine lad. Do I have yer word?”
    “Aye.” But don ’ t expect more.

Chapter Six

    The day of my departure arrived with a clear sky, but my spirits were gloomy. Though thrilled at the idea of adventure, I mourned, leaving the only place that seemed familiar in the lost world of my forgotten memories. Ioan was strangely silent as I said my goodbyes, and he packed the horses. My uncle insisted on lifting me onto Dag, and I blew him a kiss as we passed through the gate. Birds called in the trees and the sun sparkled off the loch, but Ioan remained silent. I watched him but he didn’t acknowledge me. He appeared to either be lost in his thoughts or scanning the trees. We stopped for a meal and the last of my patience was spent when he helped me dismount without even making eye contact.
    “What is it that’s botherin’ ye, Ioan? Is it so bad to be stuck with me? Ye would think ye were headin’ to yer own death!” Rather than answer, he gave me a sad smile that seemed to say ‘ You said it, not me.