Dylan didn’t answer her. He was lost in his own thoughts. So many things were pressing on him. Should he believe Maggie? Was Alec a witch? What things were going to get worse? He’d ponder those questions when he was alone. For now, he had to make sure Alec was okay.
Chapter 9
Upon reaching Breaghacraig, they were met by a visibly shaken Angus. “What’s happened?” he questioned. Reaching up, he gently took Alec from Dylan’s arms. Again, Maggie’s suggestion that Alec was not a lad came to Dylan’s mind as he watched Angus gently cradle Alec against his shoulder.
“I’m not sure. He said he was tired and before I knew what was happening, he passed out. I tried to wake him, but I couldn’t,” Dylan explained.
“Let’s get him inside, maybe we can rouse him there,” Angus said.
“Maggie, are you coming?” Dylan asked.
“I’ll be along shortly, I’ve some things to see to,” Maggie said, as she turned her horse away from them.
Angus appeared relieved when Maggie and her horse walked away and Dylan had to admit to himself, that after what happened on the ride back, he was as well. He needed somespace to reassess things. He dismounted and handed his horse to one of the stable boys.
Angus was running for the castle doors and Dylan had to hurry to catch up with him.
“Irene!” Angus called.
“Aye. I’m here,” Irene replied as she hurried towards them. What’s happened?”
“I believe ’tis a spell that’s making wee Alec sleep. I dinnae ken what to do.” Angus hurried past Irene and into the Great Hall.
Dylan thought carefully about that. Maggie swore she hadn’t put a spell on Alec, but what if she really had been responsible? Was it so they could spend more time alone together, or was there some other, more sinister reason?
“Bring him here,” Irene led the way to a nearby table where she indicated Angus should lay Alec. She reached for a pitcher of water and a cloth, which she wet and gently used to wipe Alec’s face. As she swabbed his skin, the cloth removed much of the dirt he seemed to be perpetually covered in. Irene examined him carefully. “’Tis a sweet face he has, once the dirt has been removed.”
“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Dylan asked. He stared down at Alec’s face and experienced a flash of recognition.Who is he… or she?
“Aye. He’s in a verra deep sleep, but otherwise he seems fine. He’s not warm to the touch and his breathing seems normal,” Irene announced.
Dylan sighed in relief.
“Why dinnae ye take him to yer room, Angus, and let him sleep. If he doesnae wake by the morning, we’ll worry then.”
Angus nodded. “Aye. ’Tis sound advice. Mayhap I can contact Edna in the meantime, to see if she knows what to do.”
“Do you need any help, Angus?” Dylan asked.
“Nae, lad, I’ll see to him. Thank ye.” Angus picked Alec up and held his limp body in his arms.
Dylan watched as Angus carried Alec from the room. He had a strange sensation in his gut. The questions were piling up and he was determined to find the answers, but first he had to find Maggie.
***
Maggie said she hadn’t done anything, but it was obvious she could easily have done so. She’s a witch; it would probably be easy for her.Dylan walked across the open field, which led to the bluff overlooking the ocean. There in the distance, he could see Maggie, her back to him, staring out to sea. Dark clouds were gathering and a chill wind whipped through the air. She stood perfectly still and it wasn’t until he was right behind her that she turned and faced him. Her facial expression gave nothing away.
“Hi. I’ve been trying to find you. I thought you had some things to take care of and would be coming right back,” Dylan said, as he looked deeply into her eyes—in search of what, he didn’t know.
“I wanted to be alone so I came out here. ’Twas verra upsetting to me that you would think I, of all people, could harm Alec, or anyone else here at Breaghacraig.”
He wouldn’t apologize again. Where there had been tears before, now all Dylan saw was defiance. He heard it as well. Her voice sounded bitter to his ears, and his mind went back to when they first met and he’d thought she had the sweetest voice he’d ever heard. He didn’t like being lied to, but he had no evidence he could use to accuse her… yet.
“Well, if you’re done being alone, I think it’s going to rain soon. We should get back before it starts.” He held out his hand to her and after a moment’s hesitation, she took it. Her hand feltcold in his, so he rubbed it between his own to try and warm her. Nothing seemed to help—her fingers remained icy. “A good hot meal will go a long way to making you feel better. You’ll see.” Dylan wondered if he should talk to Angus about this. Angus had kept his distance from Maggie since their arrival, which seemed odd, since he was a very protective and kind man, but he certainly didn’t seem to want much to do with his own niece.I wonder why,Dylan thought to himself.
Maggie didn’t utter a word during the walk and when they arrived back at the great hall, everyone had gathered for dinner. Jenna waved at Dylan from across the room and Chester, who had been on his way to greet him, suddenly decided to head in the opposite direction. Dylan glanced Maggie’s way and for just a moment he thought he saw a haggard old woman standing in her place, but then she was gone and the alluring red-haired, green-eyed beauty was back.What was that?He needed to get his head back in the game, all the crazy thoughts he’d been having were starting to make him imagine things.
They were greeted warmly by the others and Dylan noticed that Angus was missing from the table.He must still be with Alec.Throughout dinner, he kept a wary eye on Maggie and wondered if he’d be able to figure this out before something really bad happened.
