“But I wanted the mark gone.”
“It is only a birthmark nothing more. It’s time you accept who you are, Siena, and don’t worry about what others think. There will always be naysayers. It’s what you believe that matters.”
“Nicene is a wise mon,” Roderick said. “You are my wife, a healer, and will be the mother of my son. I wouldna want it any other way.”
Siena nodded. From this day forward she would hold her head high and never worry again about what others thought. After all, she’d just learned she was a good person, or she would never have been able to hold the Holy Grail.
“Thank you, Nicene. I wish you well.”
“Ah, milady, I’ll be just fine, but I will have moved once again as others will seek the Grail and not for good reasons. Go forth and have a happy life, milady.” Then the hermit turned to Roderick.
“Some can love more than once. It has taken you a while to realize the truth, laird.” Nicene chuckled. “Remember this as I give you my blessings.
“True love is always worth working for because in the end ‘tis the only thing that counts.”
Chapter 20
As they descended the steep path by the falls, Siena noticed Roderick had stumbled a couple of times, which wasn’t like him at all.
“Are you all right?”
Roderick sighed. His back ached between the shoulders as if he’d been hit several times with a log. “Just a wee bit dizzy is all. I’ve no’ slept in a couple of days.” He pulled out his flask and took a sip, then offered it to Siena. “Once we reach Hercules, we’ll make camp since ’tis late and then head for home tomorrow. I ken the danger is behind us now.”
“That sounds wonderful as I’m tired also.”
They finished their descent along the falls and then through the thick forest until they burst through the greenery to the setting sun.
Hercules snorted when he saw them emerge out of the dark green foliage. There were three other horses there also. Apparently, the knight only took his mount when he left.
A strong gust of wind blew around them. Siena could smell the rain that would be falling on them shortly. Thunder rumbled. “Why don’t we stay in that abandoned church so we don’t get soaked and you can get some rest. We can put the horses in there too for protection.”
Parts of the roof were missing and there were holes in the walls but in several places, there was good shelter from the rain and wind. They unsaddled the horses and gave them some grain. An old bucket stood in the corner, so Siena used her magic to fill it with rainwater so the animals would have something to drink. Good thing all soldiers were trained to bring food for their mounts when they traveled, but Siena also produced some hay, so the horses would be comfortable. Roderick was too tired to ask where she got the hay from, and she was glad.
Siena set off to gather wood and branches so Roderick could start a fire in the fireplace that was thankfully not damaged. She had just gotten the last bundle in when the storm hit, and the rain fell out of the sky in sheets. Thank goodness the roof didn’t leak where they were.
Roderick was having a hard time starting the fire until Siena nudged her pink stone which produced an instant blazing fire.
“Och, it started fast,” Roderick said as he jumped back in surprise.
Even though it was spring, tonight would be cool. “Look in my bag, lass. There are a couple of bannocks and some cheese. “’Tisn’t much but it will get us through tonight. Glad that I am that we have a bit of shelter tonight.”
Siena placed the saddles so they could lean against them, then spread the blankets and tartans out in front of the fire. Next, she placed the food down and took her seat.
Roderick slipped off his boots. Then he grabbed a pouch from his saddle and offered Siena a drink while he settled himself. “Come, lean against my knee so I can see you while we talk.”
Siena started coughing. “This is whisky. I was expecting water. I should know by now.” She smiled. “I will say that the more I drink whisky the better I like it.”
Roderick chuckled. “Fine Scottish whisky is smooth, lass.” He waved an arm around. “What does this remind ye of?”
Siena tore off a chunk of bread. “The cave we stayed in months ago. That seems so long ago.” She sighed. “Tell me about Michael.”
Roderick smiled for the first time in two days. “My son followed yer instructions and met us on the road. I couldna believe it when I saw him. Thank you. Ye’ve made my life complete.”
“And you have made mine.” Siena smiled, then said, “I hope my father does not try anything else. It was the only reason I agreed to take Malcolm to the Grail. I didn’t want any Scott to be hurt because of me.”
“Lass, ye have little faith in me and that is one thing that needs to change, but you need not worry about yer father.”
“What makes you think so?”
