Free Portals Of Time by J. Lee Coulter

has already carried her ta his stronghold and claimed her favors...willing or nay.”
    Lucian unhorsed him in one swift blow as images raced through his head. Nay! Even he would nae be that stupid! He may have her but he would nae take her as long as we are wed. He kens of the curse ta the man that tries that. It would be his death. But where are they? Surely he has nae reached his keep if he ran into Angus. He growled at the man picking himself up off the ground.
    “Ye will nae speak of Arianna with such foul words lest I cut your tongue out! Are we clear?”
    “Aye,” he muttered.
    “Now show me where ye found young Patrick.”
    A short time later, Lucian and his men reached the battle scene. His piercing green eyes scanned the area meticulously, taking in every detail. It was obvious that Angus had ambushed the small party...which meant that he had known of their plan to steal her away.
    “Bind them!” he snarled.
    The sound of swords unsheathing echoed in the clearing as his men quickly disarmed the MacGregors. All were bound and sat beneath an oak in short time.
    “I want ten men ta watch these blackguards while the rest of ye span out and search for a trail. They could nae have gotten far.” He turned his steely gaze to Angus. “Ye had better pray that your sister lives. If nae...”
    The men had been searching for several hours when Dugal came upon the scene. He raised his brow in question when he spied his son bound.
    “What goes on here? Where is the earl?”
    Lachlan stepped forward.
    “He is searching the thickets for my mistress, my laird. It appears that Angus had a hand in her theft.”
    “Nay!” He bellowed as he shook his head. “It can nae be! Me own flesh and blood?”
    “Aye Dugal. He kenned enough ta lay in wait for them and then ambush them. I can draw nae other conclusion.” Lucian was exhausted and his neck was on fire as he returned to their camp. He knew that her circumstances were dire but he could not locate her.
    Ian approached him with some cheese and black bread, along with a tankard of ale.
    “Ye need ta eat, m’laird.”
    He glanced up then took what was offered. Taking a long pull on the ale he quenched his thirst. He spoke to him without looking his way.
    “Did I nae tell ye ta stay at the castle?”
    He puffed up. “Aye, m’laird, but—”
    “Do ye nae longer obey your laird?”
    “Nay...I mean ‘aye’, m’laird, but—”
    “Stop growling at the lad, Lucian. He had a good idea. And if ye’d let him speak a full sentence...I think ye would agree.” Lucian glared at Dugal but motioned for Ian to speak.
    Glancing nervously at the earl, he continued.
    “I brought Shalizar...ta find his mistress.”
    Lucian threw back his head and laughed. Placing an arm across his shoulders, he pointed at the stallion.
    “Ye do understand that he is a horse, do nae ye?”
    Ian nodded. “Aye...but he behaves like a dog around m’lady. Even Sir Lachlan noted it.”
    Lucian frowned. Has everyone gone mad? He eyed the stud as he approached him. Still...if there was the slightest chance...
    “Can ye find your mistress, lad? ” he murmured softly in his ear.
    Shalizar knickered back in answer as he pawed the earth impatiently. Glancing back toward his men, he made his decision. Leaping into the saddle, he gave him his head as they headed off into the thicket.

Chapter Eleven
    Malcolm bathed her face with a cool cloth as she thrashed about on the pallet he had made her. He had managed to remove the bolt while she lay unconscious but now a fever had set in. She is burning up! If she dies twill be my fault and I would nae blame Dunbar for exacting revenge. He would be right. He hung his head in remorse. Patrick was dead because of him. And now...mayhap the lass.
    “Lucian! Hold me !” she cried out feverishly. Tears seeped out beneath her dark lashes. “Please hold me!” she pleaded.
    She thinks I be the earl! He stared at her pale face for a moment then grunted to himself. Surely