Prologue
Scotland, the Lowlands
February 1305
A FLASH OF light,thendarkness as thevisionbegan.Isobel,throughclosedeyes,saw amanemergefromtheshadows.Tall, wide-shouldered,cloakedlikeapilgrim,hemovedwiththeeasygraceofawarrior.Onhisglovedfist,hesupportedahawk. Mistwhirled,andhewasgone Shefrownedatthehauntingimage;shedidnotknowtheman
“Isobel?”Herfather’svoicewashushed.JohnSeton’sonlychild,theheiresstohiscastleatAberlady,waitedsilentlyfor anothervisiontoappear.“Tellmewhatyousee.”
She shookher head. Had she opened her eyes, she would not have seenthe bowl onthe table and the gleamingwater surfacethatsparkedvisionsforher.Norwouldshehaveseenthestonewallsofthechamber,thefireinthehearth,orthethree menwatchingherintently Shewasblind
Thepropheticvisionsusuallytookherearthlysightforalittlewhile,hoursoraday,sometimesmore.Shereliedonsheer faithforhersighttoreturn Sofar,ithad
Moreimagesformed,facesandscenes,andthewordscame.“Treachery.Murder.”
Themenwhisperedtoeachother herfather,herpriest,herbetrothed.“Whatsortoftreachery,Isobel?”herfatherasked. “Whatdoyousee,Isobel?”SirRalphLeslie herfather’schoiceforherhusband,andherfather’sfriend hadapleasant voice.Hemovedheavily,shortbutpowerfullybuilt.Shecouldhearthehawkthathehadbroughtwithhimchirringonaperch inacorneroftheroom
“Stayback,Ralph,”JohnSetonmurmured.“LetFatherHughandIquestionher.Andkeepyourhawkquiet.Thatbirdhasa poortemper”
Isobel listened, eyes closed. She had been betrothed to Leslie at Whitsunday; this was the first time Sir Ralph had witnessedher speakingprophecy.Shevaguelyrealizedhewasnotsurehow tobehaveduringthesession.Truly,shehadnot wantedhimpresent hadwantedthebetrothalevenless butherfatherandthepriesthaddecided,astheyoftendid,forher Hereyesrolledunderclosedlidsassheletherownthoughtsgoandfocusedontherapidimagescrossingthedarkfieldof her inner vision “Isee aneagle flyingover Scottishhills,” she said “Hawks pursue the eagle,” she continued Her visions oftenblendedrealandsymbolic,andasuddenunderstandingcametoher.
“The eagle represents a man,” she said “And the hawks are men hawk of the tower, hawk of the forest, and others EnglishandScotsboth,cometotaketheeagle,thatman,intreachery.Heisaleader theyfear andwouldstop.”Shehearda hawkcallout kee, kee, kee-eer inthevision.
“Graygoshawkonaglovedfist,”shedescribed “Itsmasterledothermenhere Hawkofthetower,hawkoftheforest The eagleistrappedinthedarkofnight.Hestruggles,thoughstronginbodyandheart.”
She watched as a huge man resisted while others dragged himaway “They accuse himof crimes They will kill him Sacrifice. Murder. Theytake himaway.” She saw the manhauled offonhorseback. “Anarrow. Hawkofthe forestloses a whitefeather.Hefleesintothegreenwood.”
“Whatoftheeagle?”herfatherasked.
Isobel sucked in a breath against images of cruelty. “His great heart is torn from his breast.” She gasped against the disturbingvision “TheEnglishlionclaimstriumph Thehawkbetrayedtheeagle,thoughtheywerefriends Thehawkvanishes intotheforest.”
“The Englishlion KingEdward,” Father Hughmurmured, his quill scratchingover parchment “Who are the eagle, the hawkofthetower,thehawkoftheforest?”
Shedidnotknow.Shefeltsad,aterriblesenseofbetrayal.Thestrong,braveman theeagle woulddiebeforeautumn. Andsuddenlysheknewwhohewas. Dear Lord, shethought, let me warn him For once, let me help, not just foretell Let me remember. Please let me remember this one.
Usuallyshe forgother visions, and her father and the priestdid notoftentell her all thatshe said Theytold her notto worry,theywouldtakecareofeverything.Butshewantedtoknowwhatsheprophesied.Shehadbeguntoforetelleventsasa younggirl,andithadfrightenedhersothatherfatherhadbecomeprotectiveofher Butnowshewasawomanandnolonger contenttoletothershavecontroloverhervisions.
Afewyearsago,thepriesthadtalkedofherpredictions,andwordhadspreadintheparishandbeyond.Hethenwroteto theexiledkingofScotland,JohnBalliol,andtothemenwhoactedastheGuardiansoftheRealmofScotland TheEnglishhad heardofherprophecies,too.
HerfatherandthepriesttoldhershecouldhelpthecauseofScotland,andshewasgladofthat Thevisions,andtheprice
shepaidforthem,seemedworthwhileiftheScotsbenefitted.
“Isobel,whoistheeagle,themantaken?”FatherHughbroughtherbacktothemoment.
“TherebelleaderWilliamWallace”Shefeltsureofit “TheEnglishkingwillbutcherthefreedomfightertoappeasehis anger,”shecontinued.“Hewillcallitrighteousjustice.Wallaceisaneagleamonghawks,andhewillbebetrayedbyahawk.”
SheheardSirRalphmurmurtoherfather “Goon,Isobel,”JohnSetonurged Eyesclosed,shesawalovelyscene,agoshawkflyingaboveadenseforest.“Hawkoftheforest.Heislairdofthewind. Lairdofhawks Lairdoffreedom,”shesaidspontaneously Shelovedthebird’sfreedominthevision “Whoishe?”herfatherandthepriestaskedtogether.
“Hehas nohome,lives intheforest,flies free.”Shesaw thehawksoar,thenfrownedatwhatcametoher next.“Others hunt him He flees for his life” She twisted her fingers together “He betrayed Not willing now he is betrayed Oh, treachery!”Shegaspedinanguish.
“Whobetrayedwhom?”FatherHughasked “Telluswhatyouknow” She foughttears. The visions did notoftenpull her into their vortexlike this. She feltgriefand loneliness as the images flickeredinhermind Mist,andthemaninthecloakagain,holdingahawkonhisglovedfist
“Iseeapilgrim,”shesaid.“Hehasapenanceoftheheart.Helongsforpeace.Heisthelairdofthewind.Lairdofhawks. Hawkoftheforest.”
“Butwhoishe?”ThisfromLeslie “LadyIsobel,makesense Thisisnonsense,”hesaidasidetotheothers
The man in the cloak was tall and strong. He stood alone in the rain, gloved hand supporting a gray hawk. Under the shadowofhishoodwasahandsomeface Somber Firmfeatures,sadblueeyes Shefelthissadnessandpain,feltbitterness, evenragewithinhim.Howcouldsheknowtheheartofthisstrangersowell?Shewantedtosoothehim.Helphim. He strode throughthe rainto a hawthorntree. The bird fluttered to a branch. “Asecret,” she said. “Ahawthorntree. A hawk,”shesaid.
“Whatissheblatheringabout?”SirRalphdemanded.
“Keepquiet,”herfathergrowledtotheknight “Sheoftenspeaksinsymbolandmetaphor,”FatherHughsaid.“Iwillstudyherwordslater.Look,sheseesmore.Isobel, whatisit?”
Shewassilent.Forthefirsttime,shesawherselfinavision.
Awomanglidedthroughmisttowardthehawthorntree.Shewastall,slender,wearingabluegown,blackhairstreaming likemidnightdownherback.Stunned,Isobelwatchedherselfmovetowardthemaninthecloak.Heturned,beckonedtoher. Butshestopped.
Sheyearnedtogotohim Thedesirewasoverwhelming,yetsomethingequallystrongheldherback Thenthescenefaded and she saw stone walls in sunshine. Her home, Aberlady Castle. Arrows whined over the battlements. Men shouted. She smelledsmokeandfeltcoldandhungry Shewasshivering Anarrowstruckher “Siege,”shewhispered.“Siege!”
Thevisiondisappeared. Dear Lord, let me remember the man, the hawk…the siege Whensheopenedhereyes,shewasblind Herfatherhandedheracupofwine,easingitscoolmetalshapeintoherfingers
August 3, 1305
HE RAN SILENTLY throughthe moonlitforest Breath, step, poundingheartblended withthe sound ofthe wind Onward, never slowing,heslippedbetweenthetrees,leapingeasilythroughthebrackenwithhislong-legged,swiftstride.PrayGodhewas nottoolate.
Heranuntilhisbreathsheavedinhischestandtheairburnedhisthroatuntilhislegsached,buthewouldnotstop Finally, alightgleamedthroughthetrees.Hesawblazingyellowtorchlight,ahouse thenhorsesandarmoredmen.Heheardshouts. Theyhadreachedthehousebeforehim
Hestoppedbehindanoak,heartslamming,tunicdampwithsweat.Meninchainmail,someonhorseback,onfoot,filled themoonlityard Twenty no,thirty,hedecided
Adeadmanlayontheground.Someonekickedthebodyaside.Othersbroughtforwardahorse,itsriderboundandgagged: agiantofaman.Bloodstreamedfromaheadwound.Aguardstruckthemanagain.
Silentand stealthy, the watcher inthe forestpulled outthe bow slungbehind his backand strungit Quicklynockingan arrowfromthequiverathisbelt,heaimed.Theguard,abouttostrikethecapturedmanagain,fellfromhissaddle,anarrowin hischest Thearcherreleasedasecondarrow Anothersoldierwentdownlikeafelledoak Mennowshouted,wheeled,drewswords,loadedcrossbows.Watchingfromhisplacebehindthetree,therenegadearcher sawtheprisonerturnandlooktowardthetrees,noddingasifheknewhisallyandwasgratefulfortheattempttohelphim Therenegadesawsomethingpaleandsmallfluttertotheground,droppedbytheprisoner,unseenbyanyoneelse.Laterthe archer meant to fetch that thing. For now, he was busy. Aquarrel froma crossbow slammed into a tree trunk. He slipped
forward,closer,andloosedanothershaft,hithistarget.
Threeguardsless,now;nock,draw,aim,release.Fourless.Still toomanytotakealone.Buthehadseveral arrowsleft, andeachonewouldcountforalifebeforethenightwasdone Evenso,withoutahorseormenathisback,hehadlittlehope ofsavinghisfriend,takenintreachery.
Atreacheryhehadaided Theknowledgecutlikearazor Hedrewthebowstringagain
Five on the ground now, silent. The other men mounted and led the prisoner hastily out of the yard. Bolts from their crossbowshammeredintothetreesastheyrodeaway,butnoneofthemcaughttheunseenarcherinthenight
Thatonelungedforwardlikeawildcatandran,bow grippedinhisfist.ThehorseswereEnglish-bred,powerful beasts, andsoonpulledfaraheadoftherunner.
Hepaused,drew,sighted,letlooseanotherarrowandanother,andyetmore Heshotsofastthathedidnotthinkabouthis aim.Eachboltwasanextensionofhiswillandhisrage.Eachonefounditsmark.
Heranforwardagain Thehorseswerenearlyoutofrangenow Heclimbedasloperapidlytooverlooktheearthenroad Eyesnarrowed,eveninthemoonlight,hesaw withthepristineclarityofvisionthathadhelpedtoearnhimthenameofthe HawkLaird theglimmerofarmoraheadinthemoonlight Barelywithinrangetheywere,now
Hehadtwoarrowsleft.Thedistancewouldlessenhisaccuracy,butheaimed,drewback,lettingonefly.Thebolthitone ofthemen,butherodeonwiththeothers.
Thesemenwouldescorttheircaptivetoatrial,andahorribledeath Thearcherwassureofthat Hisfriendwasaleader andarebelwhohaddriventheEnglishkingtomadobsession.Neitherjusticenormercywouldbeshown.
Onearrowleft Henocked,drew,sighted Andloweredthebow
For one ferventmoment, he wanted to take his friend’s life witha sure, swiftarrow before the Englishcould do itwith tortureandhumiliation.Heraisedthebowagain,eyessteady,jawlocked.Hisheartsankwithinhimlikeastone,andheshot. Thearrowfellshort.
September, 1305
RAIN PATTERED ON stoneasthepilgrimmountedthelow stepstotheabbeychurch.Hepulledopentheoakdoor andstepped inside Shafts of light, silvered byrain, pierced the dimness inthe vaulted nave Plainsongdrifted toward him, chanted by monksinthechoirspacepastthealtar.
Dangershadowedhimlikeademon,evenhere Hecouldnotlinger,buthepaused,closedhiseyes Peaceenvelopedhim likemistveiledthehills.Butserenity,forhim,wasfleeting.Hewasgladforthesimpleblessingofshelterfromtherain.The forestwashishomenow,andhewasnotasaccustomedtoenclosingwallsorstoneunderfootasheusedtobe.
He drew his cloakcloser over his wide shoulders and dipped his fingers inholywater, crossinghimself witha swift, practicedgesture.Cautiouslyhe movedalongthe rightaisle throughshadows towardthe nave.He was hunteddailynow by EnglishandScotsalike,butthesummonsofafriendbroughthimheretoDunfermlineAbbey,outofthesanctuaryoftheforest Ifhewasdiscovered,hiscapture orhisescape woulddisturbthehard-wonpeaceoftheabbey.
Lastyear,theEnglishkinghadstayedhere,summoningScotsnoblestopayhimsubmission,anddispensingwhathecalled justice. As he departed, King Edward had ordered the place burned, even though his sister was buried beneath the abbey stones.Theblackenedruinsoftherefectoryanddormitorywereastone’sthrowfromthechurch,whichhadsurvived.
Hegenuflectedbythealtarandmovedpast Inseveralyearsasafugitive,hehadneversubmittedtoKingEdward,unlike mostScottishnoblesbynow.HehadtakenapledgeoffreedomforhimselfandScotland.
Months ago, he had beenwounded inbattle, captured withtwo of his cousins, and throwninanEnglishdungeon One cousinhad died beside himand the other a youngwoman had beentakenaway. And still, James had refused to promise fealtytoKingEdward
Whathehadpromised,ultimately,hadbeenfarworse.
As he walked, his tall warrior’s build and gait naturally attracted glances, but he bowed his head and moved on. The scallopshellandbrasssaint’sbadgepinnedtohiscloakidentifiedhimasapenitentman DunfermlineAbbeywasafrequent stopalongthepilgrimageroute,sothedisguiseservedhimwell.
Helookedaboutfortheonehewastomeetaftervespers Afewworshipperskneltorsatonbenches,absorbedinprayer Thesmellofincenselingered,andplainsongswelledinthechurch.Heknewthemelody akyriehehadsungcountlesstimes inwhatseemedanotherlife
Nowhissoulhadroughedges.Hehadchangedmuch.
HeenteredthechapelofSaintMargaretattheeastendofthechurchandmovedtowardthemassivecarvedmarbletombof thelong-agoScottishqueen Kneelingincandlelightbesidetheplinth,helitanewcandleinhomagetoMargaret,aholyfriend topilgrimsandthoseinneed.Hefoldedhishandsandwaited.
Footsteps,thenamonkwearingtheblackrobeoftheBenedictineorderenteredthechapelandkneltbesidehim Themonk whisperedaprayer,thenglancedatJames.Hehadatonsure,brownhair,andalongandfamiliarface.
“Brother,Ihavetraveledfaronapoorday,andhopeforgoodnews,”Jamessaid.
“AndIwishIhadthatforyou,Jamie.”
Jamesglancedsharplyathisfriend,heartsinking.“Heisdead?”
“Wallaceisgone,”themonkwhispered Jamesnodded,steelinghimselfagainstgriefandanger.
“WilliamWallacewastakenbyfoultreachery,Christhavemercyonhissoul”TheBenedictineshookhishead “Weheard justdaysago.Capturedbytreachery,broughttotrialinLondon,foundguiltyoftreason…andexecuted.”
“Treason! He never declared fealty to King Edward,” James murmured. “He was not an English subject. He was condemnedonfalsegrounds.”
“Aye.Theyaccusedhimofdeedshenevercommitted well,somehedid,butnaughttomerithisfate.Hewasdraggedto thegallowsandhunguntilhescarcelylived Theytookhimdownand ”Blairstopped “Icannotsaytherest,nothereinthis holyplace.”
“Tellme,”Jamesgrowled
Blair murmured low, detailingcrueltyand courage, while James listened insilence. His blood surged withsorrow and rage.Asinglearrowcouldhavesavedhisfrienduntoldsuffering,hadheonlyhadthecourageto heclenchedhishands,felt hisspirithardenwithinhimasifthelasttenderfeelingturnedtostone
“Martyr,”Johnwassaying.“HisdeathwillsparktheScottishcause,justwhenKingEdwardthoughttoextinguishtheflame forever”
“True.John,joinusagainintheEttrickForest.”
“Anoutlaw’slifedoesnotsuitmenow.Icamehereforpeace,andtowriteanaccountofagreatman’slife.Thetruthof Wallace’sdeedsmustbeknown Youbelongintheforest,James,notI Youleftourholyorderyearsagotojoinacauseyou believedin.YouwereknightedonabloodyScottishfield,whileIremainedbehindandtookpriestlyvows.”
“Yetwebothendedupforestrogues Weneedyour weaponhandandyour goodsenseonceagain Thereareonlyafew whosupportmenow.Youmusthaveheardtherumors.”
“Iknowthatyouarehunted IknowWallacewasbetrayedbyScotsmen thelordofMenteith,forone Ihearhefledinto EnglandtoberewardedbyEdward.”
“AnotherrumoristhatWallacewasbetrayedbySirJamesLindsayofWildshaw.”
“Jesu,”hemuttered “ThatIhadnotheard”
“Sothosewhooncegavemetheirsupportnowturntheirbacksonme.”
“YouwouldneverbetrayWill”
ForamomentJameswantedtoconfesswhathehaddonewhileinEnglishcaptivity,andthetragicresult.Buthecouldnot sayitaloud Notyet
“ImeantofindthemanwhoarrangedWallace’scapture,”wasallhesaid. “Menteith?”
“Heisoneofthem Iseekanother SirRalphLeslie HecausedthedeathofoneofmycousinsandhasmycousinJanetin hiskeeping.Hecommandsagarrisonedcastle.Icannotgettohim,orfreeher,withjustafewmen.”
“Oncetherewerefiftyandmorefollowingyourcommand” “Mosthavelostfaithinme.”
“Ihavefaithinyourpurpose,buttrue,youneedmoremenforthetask.WhereisLeslie?”
“KingEdwardmadehimconstableofWildshawCastle.Myhome.”
“Soyoudohaveaquarrelwiththeman.”
“Aye,” James ground out “He has mycastle and mycousin IfIcannotgetthe castle yet Imeanto trade for Janet, at least.”
“Whatdoeshewantsobadlythathemightagree?”
“TheprophetessofAberlady,”Jamessaid.
“Youhaveher?”Johnaskedinsurprise.“BlackIsobelofAberlady?”
“Imeantogether,”Jamesansweredsmoothly.
“TheEnglishkingwillbefuriousifsheisharmed.Hevaluesher.”
“Iwillnotharmher,justtakeher Edwardhatesmealready Idonotfearhim”
“HewantsherbroughttohimsothatshecandivinefortheEnglish.”
“Exactly Avaluablehostage ShepredictsgoodtidingsfortheEnglish,andbadfortunefortheScots Andshesetanoose roundmyneckwithherprettytunes.ButLesliewouldtradeJanetforthisso-calledprophetess.”
“Whywouldhewanther?”
“Sheishisbetrothed”
“Thisisariskyscheme,evenfoolhardy.Letyourheadrule,notyouranger,Jamie.”
“IamapilgrimandIseekwisdomfromtheprophetessofAberlady Idoubtshespeaksthetruthsincesheispaidforher wordsbytheEnglish,orsotheysay.”
JohnBlair frowned “Sir JohnSeton,baronofAberlady,is a rebel knightinEnglishcustodynow,Ibelieve Be careful TherecouldbeEnglishguardswithher.”
“Isimplyrequirehercounsel,”Jamesdrawled.“AndIwantahostage.”
“Ifyoukeepherhalfsowellasthehawksyoutrain,shewillbesafe”
“Once trained. Most are gone. I have no castle or mews to keep them. But I have learned fromhawking that patience achievesgoals”
“Honorandrevengeareatcrosspurposesinyoujustnow,Ifear.”
James stood “Black Isobel condemned me along with Wallace with her rantings about hawks and eagles She is a Scotswoman,butherfalsepropheciesfavortheEnglish.”
“Jamie,whatifsheisatrueseeress?”
“ThenshehadbetterdivinewhatIneedtoknow Farewell,John” Heleftthechapel,pullinghishoodupagainsttherain,walkingquicklyawayfromtheabbey.Theprophetesshadcaused himmuchtroublewiththatcursedhawkprediction,whichmanyhadheardofbynow Hewouldlikethetruthbehindthat but thedamagewasdone.
Passingthehawthorntreenearthecemetery,hepaused.Wallace’smother’sremainslaybeneaththattree;heremembered themorningthatheandJohnBlairandWallacehadburiedherthereinaprivate,unmarkedgrave.Willhadwanteditthatway, hadaskedJamestokeepthesecretforever,ortheEnglishmightdisturbherrest.
Itwastheleasthecoulddoforafriend.Andheowedhimfarmore. Hetookafootpathdownintothegreenwoodbelowtheabbeyhill,andwithinmoments,ranintotheforest.
Chapter Two
THESANDSTONEWALLS ofAberladyCastleglowedinthesunsetasIsobelSetonclimbedthestepstothebattlement.Shewalked resolutely,headhighandproud,hergazetrainedonthecrenelatedwallahead.Reachingup,shepulledoffherwhitesilkveil andundidherblackbraid,stillwalkingforwardsteadily Butbeneathhergraygownandsurcoat,herkneestrembled Hungerweakenedher,shetoldherselffirmly.Notfear.Shewouldnotshowthat.Everydayatsetofsunthroughtenweeks ofbesiegement,shehadcomeupheretoshowtheEnglishthatshewasstillhere,stilldefiant.
Thebreezeliftedherhairasshewenttowardthecrenellationsabovetheforegate.Shelookeddownthroughanembrasure. Sunset light poured over the incline that led up to the castle: a rocky slope pitted with ditches. Below, a hundred English soldiersgatherednearcookfiresandtentsnearwoodenpalisadessetupforprotection Theirweaponswouldbecloseathand, sheknew,althoughtheday’sfightinghadquieted.
Her father’s men hers now, she reminded herself, for Sir JohnSetonhad beencaptured bythe Englishmonths ago watched from positions along the wall walk. Eleven Scotsmen remained of Aberlady’s garrison; sixty had manned the battlementstenweekspast.
Sheglancedbehindher Thebailey,withitsmassivestonekeepinthecenter,wasdeserted,itsthatched-roofoutbuildings emptyofworkers,supplies,andanimals.Theyhadletthehorsesgoduringtheonetrucedaytheyhadbeenallowed.Afewof thehawkshadbeenreleased;theresthadbeeneatenbynow
Andonecornerofthebaileyhadbecomeagraveyardforthosewhohaddiedfrominjury,illness,orstarvation.Soonthey mightallbeburiedinthatbleakcorner
Her men nodded as she passed, their bows held ready. They did not object to their mistress walking the battlements, knowingshewassafefromtheEnglishcampedbelow.TheSouthronenemiesdidnotdareharmBlackIsobel,theprophetessof Aberlady Hervalueprotectedher Nowandthen,theEnglishwouldshoutuptoherthatKingEdwardwantedherbroughtto him,wholeandunharmed.
The Englishkingapproved ofBlackIsobel’s predictions ofthe defeatofthe Scots atFalkirk, the recentfall ofStirling CastletotheEnglish,andthecaptureandexecutionofthefreedomfighterWilliamWallace.KingEdwardwaseagertohear theScottishprophetessforetellmoretriumphsfortheEnglish Hewantedhertodothatinhispresence
ShehadtriedtopreventWallace’sdeathbysendingawarning,sothenewsofhisexecutionhadmadeherfeelill.Shehad stood onthe battlements and listened as the siege commander had shouted thatshe would be well rewarded for helpingthe Englishking
But she had wrapped her note of refusal around an arrow shaft. One of her men had delivered by shooting it quite accuratelyinto the commander’s thighwhile he sathis horse After that, the siege had tightened The Englishhad broughtin enginestobattertheoutergate,andtheirarchershadsentflamingarrowsoverthewallsofAberlady.
Now a cool breeze stirred past as she stood onthe highbattlement, spreadingher hair like a glossyblackbanner. She welcomedtheeffect,raisingherchin,standingproud.Intheencampmentbelow,Englishsoldiersgazedupather,whileothers practiced withweapons or packed the ditches leadingto the castle gates withrubble and branches. Afew menrepaired the woodenframeworkofoneofthetwosiegeenginesusedtobatterthethickwalls
ThedelicioussmellofmeatsroastingoverEnglishcookfiresmadeherstomachrumblemiserably.Chainmailglimmeredin thesunsetastheEnglishateandtalkedandsettledforthenight Inthemorningtheywouldbeginanotherbattle,sheknew But Aberlady’sfewdefenderswereweakfromhungerandcouldnotwithstandanotheronslaught.
Isobellookedaround.Thecastleresteduponahighdarkcragwithcliffsonthreesides,setonavastmoor,theplacewas saidtobeimpenetrable,unbreachable.Buttheywerenotimpervioustostarvation.
Isobelsighed,herfingersongrittysandstone.Shehadbeenbornhere,andshemightdiehere.Butnotsosoon,pleaseGod, notsosoon
“Comeawayfromthewall,Isobel.”SirEustaceGibson,knightandcastlebaillie,steppedoutoftheshadows,stretching outhishandtowardher
“Stayback,”shewarned.“Theywillshootiftheyseeyou.” Hesmiledgrimly.“Theyhavetried,andIamstillhere.Comeinsidethekeep.”Heguidedhertowardthesteps,andIsobel heardthefamiliarwhineandthwackofanarrowbolthittingtheouterwallwheretheyhadstoodmomentsearlier Isobelturnedback,determined,returningtothewallwalk.Shepulledherwhitesilkveilfrominsidehersleeveandleaned deepintotheembrasureopening Withanexaggeratedmotion,shewipedatthefreshscar ontheouter stonewall,shookthe stonedustfromthecloth,andstoodback.Thebreezecaughttheblacklengthofherhairagain.
Cheers and shouts rose fromthe Englishtroops Isobel lifted her head regallyand turned to descend the steps Eustace
smiled.
“Och,SirJohnwouldbeproudtoseesuchwitinhisdaughter!”
“Myfatherwouldnothavesurrendered,andneithershall I”Shewalkeddownthestepscalmly,butinsideshetrembled Thewitmightbethere,butshehadlearnedtohideherfear.
“Eustace,lastnightIdreamedthatwewalkedoutofhereintofreedom” “Isthataprophecy?”
“Justa hope” She looked up atthe sky, where the sunsetfaded into indigo The dreamwas notprophetic The blinding burdenofprophecyhad notcome over her, nor had thatcome over her for a longwhile. Yeta small, strange shiver rippled throughher.
Shefrowned,sensingacompellingnewpresencesomewherenearby Fatiguewasovertakingher,shetoldherself Sheseta handtothewallandpaused.
“Thereissoupleft,”Eustacesaid “Comeeat”
“Iwill.”Shehadeatenlittleforthreedays;thethinsoupofbarleyhadtofeedallofthem.Whenthelastofthegrainwas gone,theywouldfaceanenemystrongerthanany Shecouldalreadyfeeltheeffectsofstarvationinlingeringdizzinessanda dullheadache.
“Isobel.”Eustacesoundedgrim.“Youmustgivethefinalordertosurrender.” “Myfatherwouldnotwantthat” “Hewouldnotwantustodie.”
Sheglancedathim EustaceGibsonhadbeenpartofAberlady’sgarrisonsinceIsobelhadbeenasmallgirl Shehadcome torelyonhisskillsandhissteadfastnature.Shesighed.
“SirRalphwillbeheresoon beforethesiege,hewenttofindmyfather.HewillreturnsoonwithSirJohn.”Sheheard thebrittlenoteofdoubtinhervoice.
“Wewillnotseethatonesoon,”Eustacemuttered.“Surrender,girl.TheEnglishwillnotharmyou.”
“Buttheywill harmyou,andtakeall ofusprisoner assoonaswesetfootoutofthegate Aberladywill bemadeintoa Southronstronghold.”
Eustacesighed “WemustputthetorchtoAberladyasweleave ThentheSouthronscannottakeit” “TorchAberlady!”Shestaredathim. “Isobel,wecannotstay.Wecannotdefendthisplace.” Silent,shestaredatthedarkeningsky,unsurewhattosay orwhattodo. “Lookthere!”Eustacegrabbedthehiltofhissword.“Inthefarcorneroftheyard.”
Shegasped Agroupofmen four or five,shecountedhastily emergedfromtheshadows beneaththebackwall ofthe enclosure.TheywalkedboldlyintothebaileyandcametowardthestepswhereIsobelandEustacestood.Onthebattlement, thefewmenofthegarrisonliftedtheirbowsandheldthemready Eustaceliftedahandtoholdtheirattack “Whoarethey?”Isobelwhispered.
Unkemptandwildinappearance,theapproachingmenworesimpletunics,leatherhauberksandcloaks,butcarriedgood broadswordsandbows Onemanmovedaheadanddroppedbackthehoodofhislongbrowncloak
He was taller than his companions, shoulders wide, legs long and lean. His clothing was shabby at the edges and his tangledbrownhair andbeardneededtrimming His features werehandsomelyshapeddespitegrime His strong,agilestride andhisverypresenceseemedtochargetheairlikelightning.
ThenIsobelrealizedthatshehadsensedhisarrivalmomentsago He gripped his unstrung bow like a staff and halted near where she stood. Abroadsword was slung across his back. NoddingtoEustace,helookedatIsobel.
“AreyoutheprophetessofAberlady?”Hisquietvoicehadarichnessthatcarried “IamIsobelSeton.Whoareyou?Howdidyougetinhere?”
Heinclinedhishead “Wecametorescueyou”
Shestared.Thestrangerpossessedawildbeautyandanauraofpower.Hiseyesweredeepblue,likeindigotwilight,his handonthebow graceful andstrong Heseemedbeyondtheordinaryrealm,amanoutofthemistandlegends ofanancient race.
Isobelfeltalmostbespelled.Hissteadygazeheldhers,assessedherfromthetopofherheadtotherootsofhersoul. Inturn,shesawthesparkofpurposeinhiseyesandsensedacurrentofdanger Shepulledinabreathandliftedherchin “Youknow myname,butIdonotknow yours,”shesaidcalmly,thoughraw excitementthunderedthroughher.“How didyou getinsideourwalls?”
“Throughtheposterngateinthenorthwall,”hesaid.
“Butthatsmalldoorishiddenbyscrubandrocksandoverlooksacliffmorethanahundredfeethigh.Howdidyoureach it?”
Heshrugged.“Ittooksometime.”
“Whoareyou?”Eustaceaskedabruptly.
“JamesLindsay,”hereplied.“SometimesIamcalledtheHawkLaird.”
“Jesu,”Eustacebreathedout “Ithoughtasmuch”
Isobelgasped.Sheknewthename theHawkLairdwasarenegadeScotsmanwhohidfromEnglishandScotsalikeinthe vastlandsoftheEttrickForest HisarrivalinsideAberladycouldmeansalvation ordefeat Hisloyaltieswereknownonly tohimself.
ShehadevenheardthattheHawkLairdwasasorcererwhochangedhisformatwill;thatthemanwasimmortal,bornof thefairrace,theFey.AnditwasalsorumoredthathehadcommittedsomeheinousdeedagainstScotland.
Shehadmentionedhiminoneofher prophecies,or atleasthadsaidsomethingabouthawksandlairds,menandeagles, andsuch Butshedidnotrecallmuchoftheprediction Now shewishedsheknew thewholeofit,althoughFatherHughhad oncedismissedit.
“James Lindsay,”Eustacesaid,“Ihopeyour purposeis fair-minded Westill outnumber youbyafew”Heindicatedthe parapet,wherementrainedbowsonthenewcomers.
“Whywouldyouclimbupheretorescueus?”Isobelasked “Icamehereonanothermatter,”Lindsaysaid.“Wedidnotknowaboutthesiegeuntilweapproachedthecastle.Webring assistanceandsomefood.”Hebeckoned,andoneofhismensteppedforward,pullingthreelimprabbitsfromasack.“Ithink thesemaybeneeded”
“Aye!”Eustacesaid.Lindsay’syoungcomradeturnedtoruntowardthestone-walledkeepthattoweredoverthecenterof thebaileyyard,wherethemeatcouldbeprepared “DidyoubringanarmyreadytoattacktheEnglish?”Isobelaskedthen.
“Wearebutfive.”
“AhundredEnglishoutside,andyoubringfivemen?”Shewasincredulous. Hefrowned.“Wewillbringyoutosafety,lady.”
“TheysaythebestknightsflywiththeHawkLaird,”Eustacesaid “’Twasoncesaid.”Lindsayshrugged.“Wemustleaveheresoon.” “How?”Isobelasked,astonished “Bythenorthcliff.Afteryouhaveeatenandwehavemoredarkness.”
“TheEnglishwilltakethecastleifweabandonit,”shesaid.
“’Tis Scottish practice to render castles unavailable for Southron use. Either a castle is held by force of arms, or destroyed.”
“But ”shebegan
JamesLindsaybrushedpasthertoclimbthesteps,andEustaceturnedtofollowhim.Isobelliftedherskirtsandranupthe stepsbehindthemboth Eustaceturned.“Gotothekeep,LadyIsobel.”
“HemeanstoruinAberlady!”shehissed.
“Thisisnecessary”
“Wecannottrustthismantohelpus!Youknowwhattheysayabouthimnow!” Eustacesighed “Hebringshope,wherewehadnone” “Aberladywillbedestroyed!”
“Iwouldhavesetfiretothesewallsmyselfwhenweleft Itisourchance” She stared at him, stunned. He hurried away to join Lindsay, who stood behind a merlon stone, scanning the English garrison.Isobelhesitated,thenranafterthem,pausingbyanembrasureinfullviewoftheEnglishsoldiersbelow. Lindsaygrabbedherarm,pullingherbehindthemerlon “Areyouadimwit,tostandthere?”heasked “TheEnglishwillnotharmme,”shesaidwithcertainty.
“Ifyoubelievethat,youarenotmuchofaprophetess,”hesnapped,asheheldherfast
“Watchthis,”EustacesaidtoLindsay.“Eachday,theEnglishfilltheirditcheswithbrackentosmooththeinclinefortheir siegeengines Eachnight,wesetthemafire,see”
Justthen,twomenonthewallwalklitarrowswrappedinclothandpinepitch,touchingthemtoatorch.Theyloosedthe flamingarrowstosailtowardthelowerditches,settingthemablaze.
HeldfastintheironcurveofLindsay’sarm,Isobelwatchedthefiressparkandblossom ShesawLindsay’smenmountthe stepsandarrangethemselvesalongthebattlements.
“WhenIletgoofyou,”Lindsaymurmuredinherear,“Iwantyoutocrawlalongthewall-walktothatcornertowerover there.”
“Whenyouletgoofme,”shesaidbetweenherteeth,“IwillgowhereIplease.”
“Do as he says,” Eustace pleaded, as he loaded a crossbow. AnEnglisharrow whined overhead and slammed into the wallwalk.Twomoreclatteredonstoneandfellaside.
Lindsayreleasedher.“Go!Keepdown!”
Isobel rose boldlyto face the embrasure gap, sure that the Englishwould stop whentheysaw her there. But anarrow slammedintoherupperarmwithtremendousforce,andshespunwiththeblow
Lindsaygrabbedher,pullingherdown.Isobelcurledforwardinsearingpain,andhesupportedherwithonearm.
“LadyIsobel!”Eustacecalled “DearGod,shestoodtooquick”
“Itisnotserious.”Deftly,Lindsaycrackedthelongshaftprotrudingfromherarm,leavingthebroadheadarrowembedded inthemuscle “Canyoubearitforawhile?”
Shenodded,wincing.Arrowsfellaroundtheminacruelrain,smackingagainststoneandwood.Withinseconds,anarrow whooshedthroughthecrenelandglancedpastthebackofLindsay’sleatherhauberk.
Anotherbroadheadbithardintoherleftankle Theshaftfellaside Isobelflinched,grabbingherleg Lindsaypulledherto himroughly,shieldingher.
“Youwillbekilledouthere,”hegrowled,holdingher Asarrowswhinedandclatteredaroundthem,hecarriedhertoward acornertower,kickedthenarrowdooropen,andbroughtherinside.
Settingherdownonthestonefloorofthetinyroom,hehunkereddownbesideher Intheduskylightthatcamethroughthe arrowslitwindow,hebenttoexamineherwound.
Without asking her leave, he lifted the hem of her skirt she gasped at that and tore a wide strip of linen from the embroideredhemofherchemise,waddingtheclotharoundtheseeping,throbbingwoundinherrightarm Isobeldrewthesilk veilfrominsidehersleevewithashakinghandandpressedittothebleedingcutaboveherankle.
“Arrowwoundsarepainful,”Lindsaysaid “Ihavehadseveral Woundslikethatheal”Thenheshookhishead “Foolish tostanduponabattlementlikethat.”
“TheywillnotfirewhenIamonthewall.Theymustnothaveseenmethen.” He tookthe clothfromher to wrap it around her ankle. “Do youhave some agreement withthem?” He glanced at her sharply.
Shesuckedinabreathathisimplication “Theirkingwantsmebroughttohim Thathashelpedusinthissiege Istoodup becauseIhopedtohaltabattle.”
“Heroic,”hemuttered,thenrosetohisfeettogazedownatherasifthatangeredhim “Whyareyouhere?”sheasked.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Icame,”hesaidsoftly,“tofindtheprophetessofAberlady.”Somethinginhistonesentashiveralongherspine.“Wehave mattersbetweenus,youandI.”
“Idonotknowyou,thoughyouseemtoknowme.”
Heshrugged “Youarewidelyknown Letmemakeaprediction,BlackIsobel,”hesaidinalowvoice “Youwillcometo knowmewell.Andyouwillcometoregretwhatyouandyourshavedonetomeandmine.”
Shegasped “Idonotunderstand”
Heturnedtowardthedoor.“Iwill comebacktolookafter yourwounds.Youwill besafehere.”Hesteppedthroughthe doorwayintoaclatteroffallingarrows.
Staringafterhim,Isobelwonderedjusthowsafeshewas
Chapter Three
“T
HOSE SOUTHRONS ARE overfondoffirearrows,”Henrysaid,asanotherburningshafttracedanarcoverhead,smackinginto thewallwalk.HeglancedatJames.
“Aye Letthemfirethecastle wewillnothavetobother”Henockedanarrowanddrewbackthestring Thepointfound itsmarkoverahundredyardsaway,forhesawanEnglisharcherclutchhisshoulderandfalltotheground.
“That,”Jamesannouncedgrimly,“isforthelass.”
“Thismornyouwerenotsofondofher.”
“Ididnotknowshewasbesieged,orstarving orquitesoyoung.”Jamesdrewanotherarrowfromthequiverathisbelt andsetittothebow
“Orsolovely,hey.”Henrygrinned.
Jamesreleasedthearrow “Sheneedsourhelp,regardless” “True.Hah!Lookthere!I’llwagerthatsoldierwouldliketoknowhewasjustcaughtinthelegbytheHawkLaird!” “Iamsurehewould,”Jamesdrawled,andshotagain.
Thefullmoonrosequicklyintheindigosky,andEnglishfirearrowsflew likeahostofcomets Jamesshotsteadily,one arrow afteranother,andbesidehim,HenryRosedidthesame.Beyondthem,Jamessaw Aberlady’sgarrison,andhismen QuentinFraser,PatrickBoyd,andGeordieShaw rainingasteadyvolleyofarrowsdownonEnglishheads Henrylookedaroundthen.“SirEustace,isit?”heaskedthemanwhoapproached. “Aye,baillieandcaptainofAberladyCastle” “IamSirHenryRose.”Henryheldoutahand.
Eustaceputahandtohisswordhilt.“That’saSouthronname,”hegrowled.“AndyouusealongbowwithSouthronskill.” “I’mEnglish,”Henrysaid “WouldyouhavemeuseashortbowlikeaScot?Scotsmenareasorrylotofarchers Butfor Jamiehere,I’dthinknoneofthemhadanyworthwithabow.Withabroadsword,now,’tisadifferentmatter.”
Eustacescowled “IfyoubeSouthronbyfealty,thenleavethiscastlethewayyoucameintoit,orbidtheworldfarewell” “Peace,man.”Jamesheldupahand.“HenryisSouthronbybirthandamasterofthelongbow.ButhefightsfortheScottish cause”
“Mywife is a Scotswoman,” Henrysaid.“Her people are mine now.AndI’ve seenKingEdward’s chivalrytowardthe Scots.I’lltakenoshareinthat.”
EustacenoddedandglancedatJames “Yourloyaltyisquestionedoflate” “SoIhear.”Jamesreturnedanevenstare.
“ShallIdoubtyourfealtytoo?”
“Ifyoulike.”
Eustacefrowned.“Wehavetotrustyoufornow.Sofaryouhaveprovedhelpful.ButifyouthinktoleadusintoSouthron handsbytreachery ”Hetouchedhishiltagain.
“Imeantohelpyou,”Jamessaidflatly.
“Judge himbywhatyouknow ofhimyourself,rather thanbyrumors,” Henrysaid AnEnglisharrow whistledoverhead then,andHenrypulledanothershaftfromhisquiver,preparingtoshoot.
James looked down Far below, under the light of torches, a group of men shoved a massive wooden framework into positionclosetothecastlewalls.
“Thatmangonelwillbereadyforusecomedawn,”hesaid.“’Tisstoutenoughtodamagethesewalls.Theymeantofinish youoffwithinafewdays.”
“Youcameatour neediestmoment,”Eustacesaid.“LadyIsobel welcomesyour help,too.Butshefearsyouwill destroy hercastle”
“Iwill,”Jamessaidbluntly.“Butwewillallbefreeofherefirst.”
“Climbingdownthatcliffisadangerousventure,”Eustacesaid
“Butitofferslessriskthangivinguptotheenemy,”HenryRosepointedout.
“Ayethen.”Eustacenodded.“YoushouldknowthatLadyIsobellovesthisplacedearly.”
Jameslookedaway Yearsago,theEnglishhadburnedhiscastle Heknewthedevastationofsuchalossandmore Inthat terribleblaze,hehadlostsomeoneprecioustohim.HehadnodesiretofireAberlady.Buthehadnochoice.
“War brings sacrifice,” he said harshly He glanced atEustace “Wheneveryone has eaten, and the hour is late, we can makeourescape.Godowntothekitchenswiththegarrison.Mymenwillguardthewalls,andIwillfetchtheladyandbring hertothekeep”
Eustacenodded.“Wehaveropestohelpusscalethecliff.Whatelsecanwedo?” “PraytoGod,sir,”Jamessaid.
MOONLIGHT SLICED THROUGH thenarrowwindowopeningasJamesopenedthetowerdoor Hesteppedintothedark,barelittle room,leanedhisbowandhisbroadswordagainstthewall,andcrossedthetinyspaceintwolongstrides.
IsobelSetonsatonthefloor,herheadbowedlow,herblackhairstreamingoverhershoulders.Blooddarkenedthesleeve ofhergown Shecurledforward,clearlysuffering
Hedroppedtoonekneebesideher.“Howdoyoufare?”
“Well enough” The words were softand husky She looked athim, her face pale inthe moonlight, and he saw the keen burdenofpaininhertautfeatures.Sympathywhisperedthroughhim,andhetouchedherleft,uninjuredarmgently.
“Thewoundsarepainful,Iknow,butyouwillrecoverquickly,”hesaid
Shewatchedhimuncertainly.Henoticedthathereyeswerewide,large,andextraordinarilybeautifulinthemoonlight.In sunshine,Jamesthought,theymightbepaleblue.Now theyseemedopalescent,likecapturedmoonlight.Whensheswepther dark,thicklashesdown,alightseemedtoextinguish
“Thenoiseofthearrowvolleyshasstopped,”shesaid.
“Aye,’tisnearlyfulldark”
“Theyoftensendrandomshotsatourwallsthroughthenight.”Shedrewinashakybreath.“Wereanymenhurt?”
“No men,” he said “Just one woman Let me look at your arm” When he touched her right shoulder, she started and winced.“Iamsorry,”hemurmured.
Shefrowned,watchinghimwiththosegreat,pale,jewel-likeeyes.Heslitopenthesleevesofhergownandchemiseand baredherarm
Whenhebrushedthesilkenmassofherhairaway,itscoolluxuryspilledoverhishand.Theskinofherneckandshoulder wassmoothsilkbeneathhisroughenedfingertips Asoft,warmscent,womanlyandsweet,tintedwithroses,driftedupfrom her.Jamesfelthisgutspinandhisloinscontractimpulsivelywithaswift,intensedesire.Hefocusedhisthoughtsandhisgaze onthewound,forcingallelsefromhisconcentration.
Thebrokenarrowshaftthrustviciouslyoutofherupperarm.Hetookthebaseofthearrowshaftbetweentwofingersand tuggedgently.Isobelsuckedinasharpbreathandbitherliptostifleacry.Jamesmurmuredaquietassuranceandnarrowed hiseyestojudgetheangleofthearrow
Afewprobingtouches,anothertugonthebaseoftheshaft,toldhimwhathemostdreaded:theremovalwouldbedifficult, andexcruciatingforher Hesighedandsatbackonhishaunches
“The broadhead is wide and barbed,” he told her. “Icannot pull it out without doinggrave damage to the muscle.” He paused.“Iwillhavetopushitthrough.”
Sheswallowedhard.Herlustrous,strickengazetuggedathimoddly.“Haveyoueverdonethisbefore?”
“Nay.ButIhaveseenitdone,andIhavehaditdonetome.Afieldsurgeononcepushedabarbedarrowthroughmyleg.” Evenwiththebenefitofafew dramsof aqua vitae,thepainhadbeenconsiderable,herecalled “Weshouldgodowntothe kitchenforthetask.Andweneedwaterandwine agooddealofthelastifyouhaveanyleftinyourstores.”
Sheshookherhead “Thewineisgone,butourwellwaterisstillclear,iflow Wecancleansethewound,atleast” “Haveyouherbsimples?”heasked.“Willow,orvalerian?Istheresaltleft?Asaltwaterpoulticewouldbehelpfulifthere isnaughtelsetouse.”
“Aftertenweeksofsiege,wearefortunatetohavewaterandafewgrainsofbarleyleft”Shetouchedthebackofhishand, hergazeentreating.“Takeitoutnow.Here.”
Hefrowned,puzzled “’Twillbeeasierinthekitchen Iwillneedtocauterizethewoundsincetherearenomedicines” “Canyoudoithere?”Shelookeddown.“Idonotwanttheotherstosee.Mymenthinkmestrong.Youwillbetheonlyone toseethetruth Idonothavethecourageforthis”
Heturnedhishandtotakeherfingers.“Youarestrongerthanyouthink,Isuspect,”hemurmured.“Butsobeit.Wewilldo ithereifthatiswhatyouwant.”Hepeeleddownhersleeve.Sheglancedathimwhileheexaminedthewound.“’Tissodark. Howcanyousee?”
“Wellenough.Iamcalledafterahawk,”hesaidlightly,“notamole.”
“Idonotlikedarknessmuch Canwesitclosertothemoonlight?”Atremorinhervoicemadehimglanceathersharply Hisfingers,uponherarm,sensedthequiverthatranthroughherbody;hefeltacold,strongstreamoffearinher.
“Aye,”hesaidsoftly,wonderingifthedauntingprospectofthearrow removal hadmadeher sofretful Hehelpedher to shiftmoredirectlybeneaththearrowslit.Themooncastabright,coollightthroughthewindow.
Hefrownedashereturnedhisattentiontothewound.Hewouldhavepreferredhertobedeepinhercupswhenhetookout thearrow tip,for thethingwas wickedlymade Thebroadhead,whichhehadfeltthroughher thinflesh,was wider thanhis thumbandbarbedlikeadoublethorn.Theremovalwouldnotbeeasynomatterhowhedidit.
Heencircledherarmwithhishandandfelttensionthrumthroughherlikeapluckedharpstring
ofreassurance and felther beginto relaxunder his touch. She glanced athim, a quicklookofinnocence and pleading, and closedhereyes,leaningbackagainstthewall.
Touchingher,watchingher,hefelthercourage,fragilebutdefinite Shedidnotknowitsexistence,buthedid Andhesaw somethingmore,too:sheplacedhertrustinhim.Hewashumbledbythat.Sofewtrustedhimnow.
Ironic,hethought HehadcometoAberladytousetheprophetesstoregainthetrusthehadlost Yetallhesawinhereyes wastrust;hefeltsuddenlyashamedofhispurposehere.
IsobelgaveJamesatremuloussmile Afeelingflaredinsideofhim,brighterthanthemoonlight,thenfadedbeforehecould graspitsenticingwarmth.
“Doit,”shewhispered.“Now,JamesLindsay.”
He watched her hard, thincollarbones rise and fall withher rapid breaths, and looked atthe brokenarrow shaftjutting cruellyoutofherslenderarm.Heunlacedthewideleatherarrowguardthatheworearoundhisleftforearmandhandeditto her “Youmightwanttobiteonthat,”hesaid.
Shenoddedstifflyandslippedtheleatherpiecebetweenherteeth Heangledhertorsoinpreparationforhistask Ashe movedher,shewhimperedandsqueezedhereyesshut.
Hekneltbesideherandtookherrightarmabovetheelbow.Withhisotherhand,hegrippedthebrokenarrowshaft.
“Easy,now,Isobel,”hemurmured
Eyes closed, teeth pressed to the folded leather, she waited with gentle, shining courage. He admired her bravery and wonderedwhyshedidnotseeitinherself Sheglowedwithit,likeaflameinsideahornlantern
Hedrew abreathandsightedtheanglecarefully,waryofhittingbone.Thenheshovedthearrow through,fastandhard. Thebladedirontipburstthroughherflesh.Isobelcriedoutonce,alow,gutturalsoundthatrippedthroughhisheart.
Bitinghis lip, aware that he hurt her dreadfully, James pushed the rest of the broken, bloodyshaft throughher armand pulleditfree.
Theleatherpiecedroppedfromherlipsandherheadsaggedforwardagainsthischest Herheadrolledinadrunkensortof agony,herbreathingraggedandfierce.Butsheneitherscreamednorswooned.
“Soft,you,”hewhispered “Soft,now ’Tisdone Youdidwell,lass”Hetouchedherhead,smoothinghisfingersoverthe silkinessofherhair,andpressedthefoldedclothtothefreshwound.Sheutteredarawgaspandgrewsilent.
Nomatterwhatelsehethoughtofher,hecouldnotforgetthewayshehadenduredtheordeal.Heencircledherbackwith onearmandheldthewaddedclothagainstthewound.
Isobel leaned againsthimso heavilythathe feared she had passed out. She turned her head, reassuringhim. Her small, tremuloussobstirredarushofcompassionthroughhim
Hemurmuredasheheldher,softphrasesthathehadusedwhiletraininghishawks,orwhilelovingawoman.Hehadnot utteredsuchphrasesinyears,forhehadnotkeptahawkinalongtime andthelastfewwomenhehadlovedwithhisbody hadheardnosuchtenderwordsfromhim.
Nearlyforgotten, endlesslygentle,the words streamed fromhis lips. He spoke toIsobel as ifhe held his beloved, nota womanwho had conspired againsthim The warmembrace feltlike a fitofglove to hand, bringinghimcomfortevenas he gavethattoher.
Startledbyhisreaction,hereleasedherandhelpedhertositup
“Thankyou.”Hervoicewasfaintandhoarseassheleanedagainstthewall,eyesclosed.
Jamespressedtheclothtoherwoundandwatchedhercarefully Herbreathinggraduallycalmed,andcolorcamebackinto herlipsandcheeks.
Evenravagedbypainanddistress,shewaselegantanddelicate,wrappedincoollightandshadow.Herbrowsandlashes wereblackagainsther pale,creamyskin Thethinmoonlightrevealedthesquareshapeofher face,wideatcheekbones and jaw,curvedatthechin,withafull,gentlemouth.Her facecombinedstrengthandfragilityinexquisitebalance,enhancedby herextraordinaryeyes
Herbareshoulderandthroatwerethin,revealingthebonygracebeneaththeskin.Thelonglimbsbeneaththedrapeofher gown,andthewell-definedframeofhershouldersandhips,toldhimthatshewasatall,strongwoman
She reminded him, suddenly, ofa female goshawkhe had captured and trained years ago. Strong-willed, powerful, and beautiful,thebirdhadremainedpartlywild,andyethadgivenhimherexclusiveloyalty.Hehadmournedherwhenshewas gone Hefrowned;hehadnotthoughtofherinalongwhile
He tore a second strip ofclothfromthe firstand wrapped itaround Isobel’s arm, tyingitinplace. “Thatshould do for now,”hesaidashepulledtheneckofhergownhigher “Letmeseeyourankle” She satforward.“’Tis notsobad,” she said.She pulledthe skirtofher gownhigher toreveal her leftfoot,bandagedin whitesilkover her bloodiedwoolenstocking.Awkwardly,usingher lefthand,sheundidthesilkandpeeleddownthehose, bitingherliptosmotherawince.
Jamestookoverthetaskfromherandcarefullypushedthestockingpastherlong,slenderankle,shovingdownthecollarof
herlowboot.Justabovetheouterankle,anuglyslashmarkedwhereapassingarrowhadslicedthroughtheskin.
“Thiswasdonebyacrossbowbolt,”hesaid.“Isawtheshot.Youwerefortunateitdidnotshatterthebone.”Ashespoke, hepressedthetornlinenagainstthewound Shedrewinasharp,whistlingbreath
Jamestiedtheclothinplaceandpulledupherhose,tuckingthetopunderthebraidedsilkgarteraboveherknee.Herleg andankle,henoted,wereleanandhardasalad’s,theboneselegantlyshaped
Hestoodandheldouthishandsinanoffertolifther.“I’lltakeyoudowntothekeepnow.Iwillcauterizethewounds,and Iwantyoutoeatandrest Youareweakfromthisordeal,andyouhavefastedtoolong”
“Ihavenotfastedbychoice,”shegrumbled,andrefusedhishands,risingslowlytoherfeet,onehandonthewall,swaying whenshestoodupright.Shesteppedforward,andher cryofpaintorethroughJames.Hegrowledandswepther upintothe cradleofhisarms,thoughsheprotestedhoarsely
Hecarriedher downthetower steps andoutintothebaileyandstrodeacross theshadowedyard.Afew English-sprung arrowssailedoverthewallandwhackedintotheearthnotfarfromthem Jamesstoppedtomakesurethewaywasclear,and glancedupathismen,whostoodsentryonthemoonlitbattlement.
Isobellookedupashedid “TheEnglishshootatusalmosteverynight,”shesaid “Weignoretheattacksasmuchaswe cansincewelackthementoreturneachshot.”
“Thesiegecommanderhasarelentlesssenseofduty.”
Isobeltippedherheadandwatchedhim “JamesLindsay,”shesaid “DidtheEnglishsendyouheretocaptureusandbring usoutofhereintocustody?”
Hestopped,holdingherinhisarms,andstareddownather “IdonottakeordersfromSouthrons,”hesnapped “DidSirRalphLesliesendyouhere,then?”
“Noonesentme.Icamehereofmyownaccord.”
“Nowwhywouldtheso-calledHawkLairddothat?”sheaskedsoftly. “Torescuetheprophetess,”hesaidirritably.
Isobel’sgazewaswary “Idonotbelieveyou Thereismoreonyourmindthanrescue”
Hewalkedonthroughthebaileywithoutreplying.Heknewthathertrustinhimfadedashersuspicionsgrew.Someneedy partofhimregrettedtheloss,buthecouldnotblameher Apartfromtherescue,sheshouldnottrusthimatall.
Whenhereachedthetowerinthecenterofthebailey,helookedup.Likemanycastles,theupperlevel,wherethegreathall and livingquarters would be located, had no directaccess;the upper door stood bolted, its stoutladder removed. He went towardthebackwallofthekeep,wherehesawanarrowdoorhiddenintheshadows.
Thedoorswungopen SirEustaceGibsonmotionedthemforward “Thisway Mylady?”heinquiredsoftly “Iamfine,”sheanswered.
JamesfollowedEustacethroughawide,darkstoragechamber Theroomwasbareexceptforemptygrainsacks,upturned woodencrates,andapileofsturdyrope.Torchlightilluminatedsomestepsinanalcove.
JamescrossedtheroombehindEustace,awareofthewarm,easypressureofIsobel’s weightinhis arms.Her handwas softathisneck,hertorsocloseandcurving,herslenderlegsdrapedeasilyoverhisforearm Whenheshiftedherforbalance, shelaidherheadlightlyuponhisshoulder.
Hesuckedinabreath,wishingshewasstrongenoughtowalk Hewastooawareofhersoft,satinytextures,herflowery scent,herluxuriouswarmth.Sherodelikeanangelinhisarms.
Hewouldhavepreferredahell-hag WhenhehadsetouttofindtheprophetessofAberlady,hehadexpectedashrewish, manipulativewoman,aperfectmateforLeslie.Instead,hefoundagentle,bravegirlandhergarrison,allinneedofhelp. Buthecouldnotletthisswayhisoriginalplan.HemustholdIsobelSetonhostagelongenoughtofreehiscousin,andinthe processbringrevengeuponLeslie’shead
Jamesclaimedtobeher champion,butheintendedtobeher captor.Hefeltakeentwingeofguilt.However briefly,she hadgivenhimherfulltrust Thesensationhadbeensweetandrefreshing,unliketheheavy,rawtasteofrevenge HesethisjawandhardenedhisgazeashefollowedEustaceupthestairs,holdingIsobelinhisarms.Guiltbedamned.A longwhilehadpassedsincehehadallowedhissinstobotherhim Hewouldnotbeginnow
