“But Auntie Edna hasnae told us it’s alright to do so,” Maggie said, worry furrowing her brow.
“Maggie, I think it’s time for ye to be in charge of yer own destiny. Edna isnae here, but I believe she’d agree with whatever decision you come to,” Angus offered.
“Okay. Let’s say we do that. What’s the outcome? Does she just leave? Or, does she stay here and become angry and try to destroy everyone and everything?” Maggie was frightened by that prospect.
“We won’t know unless we try. And you’ve done a good job of thwarting her at every turn so far. I have faith that you can do this, Maggie.” Dylan stood and walked over to her. He held out his hand for Maggie to take and when she did, he knelt in front of her. “I will protect you, I promise.”
Angus cleared his throat and came to Maggie’s side. He laid a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll do the same, lass. Ye’ve no need to fear.”
“And I’ll protect ye both. Whenever we need to be anywhere near Brielle, I will cover us all with a spell of protection. Herwitchcraft willnae be able to penetrate it. Aunt Edna taught me well.” Dylan could see the confidence rising in Maggie. It showed in the way she stood a little taller, head held high and a sparkle in her eyes. They would do this together. The three of them.
Chapter 10
As they headed down the stairs, Maggie, having discarded her cap and hood, caught the curious gazes of the soldiers in the barracks. She walked past proudly, holding hands with Dylan and Angus. Further curious looks came their way as they headed for the great hall, where they intended to meet up with the others, who should be finishing their breakfast.
As they approached, it was apparent that something was not right. Loud noises and yelling spilled from the hall as Cailin burst through the doors. He stormed past them with a brusque, “Get out of me way.”
“I’ve never seen him so angry,” Dylan observed.
“’Tis not like him at all, from what I ken,” Angus answered.
“We need to get in there. Something’s wrong.” Maggie tore her gaze from Cailin’s fleeing figure and back toward the castle entry. She didn’t like what she was hearing from inside. She pulled Angus and Dylan along with her and passed swiftly through the doors, to discover a chaotic scene. Ashley was in tears. Cormac and Robert were on the verge of fisticuffs andJenna and Irene were at their men’s sides, glaring at each other. Others in the hall were also indulging in spats of their own. “Oh, no! This is Brielle’s doing,” Maggie said. She let go of the two men’s hands and focused on the room. “Calmness reign at the castle this day. Make their anger go away. Peace and quiet once again. Settle upon these women and men. So mote it be.”
Abruptly everything came to a standstill. Robert seemed surprised to discover himself holding onto the front of Cormac’s shirt. He let go and glanced around at the others. Irene and Jenna looked embarrassed and Ashley stopped crying, wiping at her eyes. As if on cue, all eyes turned to Maggie and the men behind her. Expressions morphed from curiosity to astonishment.
“Maggie, why are ye dressed in Alec’s clothing?” Irene asked.
“I have some news to share with ye all,” Maggie said. “Dylan, can ye bring Cailin back here, please?”
“Sure.” Dylan turned to leave, just as Cailin re-entered the hall.
“I dinnae ken what came over me, but I found myself out on the practice field, beating the life out of a bale of straw.” Cailin appeared frazzled, and ran a hand through his hair.
“I believe ye were all under a spell,” Maggie explained. “And ’tis nae the first time.”
“A spell that you cast!” Brielle, still disguised as Maggie, had followed Cailin inside.
If they were astonished before, the castle residents now seemed unable to comprehend what they were seeing. Their heads turned from Maggie to Brielle and back again.
“What goes on here?” Robert demanded.
“She’s pretending to be me, to confuse you all,” Brielle stated, calmly eyeing the others.
“Yer the one who’s in disguise, Brielle.” Maggie’s eyes were alight with anger. “Ye came here to hurt these good people. I wassent by my Aunt Edna to send ye on yer way, isnae that right Uncle Angus?”
“Aye, Maggie, ’tis true.” Angus cast his gaze slowly over the others in the group, making eye contact with each in turn.
“’Tis a lie,” Brielle announced. “Ye’ve obviously bewitched my good uncle. She’s been at the heart of all of these problems! The bread in the kitchen, the horses escaping, the apple orchard and this morning’s events. If ye think on it, ye’ll surely see I’m telling the truth!”
The room came alive with multiple voices, questioning what they were hearing.
Maggie spoke up. “Dinnae believe her! It was I who broke the spells that she cast in the first place!”
“I know my own niece,” Angus affirmed, “and she came with me to Breaghacraig, disguised as Alec. Ye can be assured I am telling the truth.”
“He’s right,” Dylan added. “Even I was fooled by Brielle. From the moment she arrived, I’ve always thought something was off and if you think about it Jenna, you remember she didn’t even recognize you when you saw her. When I went to check on Alec this morning and I found Maggie—my Maggie—I knew what a fool I’d been. One look at her and there was no doubt in my mind.” He took Maggie’s hand in his. “This Maggie is the true Maggie. She would never do anything to hurt any of you.”
Robert pointed to Brielle. “Cailin, Cormac, seize her. She’ll need to be locked away before she does any more harm,” Robert stated. Cailin and Cormac strode to Brielle’s side. Before Brielle could react, Maggie cast a spell, freezing her in place. Unable to move, Brielle was no longer a threat, but to be on the safe side, Maggie cast a spell of protection over Cailin and Cormac.
