This time Jamie chuckled. “I am a servant—sent here to…”
“Laird MacKay? Yes. He is an accomplished prince. Half of the city knows who he is—some miss him, some wish him a long and painful death. You are his kinsman, sent to eliminate any connection he has to this place. But tell him, once anyone spills blood on the desert sand, whether his own or another man’s, he becomes part of this land. Nothing can change that.”
Jamie shifted his feet, starting to believe her. “And the second thing you wanted to tell me?”
“Eager to depart? Good.”
“Aye.”
“The woman who will claim you, her name will remind you of Hana. Let that serve as my mark of the truth I speak. You will have a long and meaningful life.”
Without another word, the woman disappeared into the crowd, leaving Jamie with an uneasy feeling in his gut. What had she meant by saying he’d be the father of a new land, a new people? He served at the pleasure of his cousin, the MacKay. To rise against him would be considered treasonous.
“Jamie?” His friend and interpreter, Kuresh, called.
Relieved to hear a familiar voice, Jamie said, “Is the ship ready?”
“Yes. What did the old witch tell you?”
“Witch?”
“Nudar. She is famous.”
Jamie slapped his friend on the back and started for the ship. “Nothing of importance.”
Within the hour, Jamie ordered his men to set sail, the desire to breathe Highland air again, stronger than ever.
Chapter One
Clan MacKay lands
Northern shore of the Scottish Highlands, 1465
Helen Sutherland rememberedthe day her dear friend had shown up at Dunrobin Castle. Keely MacKay tried to be gracious, but she was desperate and hungry, her beautiful black hair a tangled mess, and her gown soaked from the rain. Whatever or whoever the lady was running from had brought her to Helen, who wouldna turn away a stray dog, much less a woman. With a whispered word in her father’s ear, the earl granted Keely safe haven. And in the five years Keely had stayed with her, Helen had gained a sister.
All of Helen’s hope hung on those fond memories. If Laird MacKay or Keely turned her away, she’d have no choice but to return home to a father she dinna trust. She dismounted and walked the short distance to the closed gates of the MacKay keep. A dozen torches were lit along the wall, casting shadows on the freshly fallen snow. Helen looked about as a deep chill made her teeth chatter. Though she was wearing fur-lined boots and a fur cloak, the cold deprived her of all warmth. She’d been riding for days on little sleep and even less food.
“Who is there?” A man called to her.
“I am a friend of Lady Keely and have traveled a long way to see her.”
“In the middle of the night?”
“Please, sir,” Helen pleaded. “Tell the laird I am here.”
There was movement behind the gate and it opened part way. “Whois here?” the guard asked.
She lowered her hood. “Helen.”
The man looked her up and down, not hiding his admiration. “If it’s a warm bed ye seek, we need not bother the laird.”
Helen chewed on her bottom lip, afraid if she offended the guard that he’d never let her inside the bailey. Which made her wonder why he wouldna open the gate to a lone woman. He must be drunk. “I thank ye for yer generous offer, but the laird must know I am here.”
The guard grunted. “As ye wish,Helen.” He said her name as if she was beneath him.
She must make it clear who she was, that she expected to be treated with respect and dignity. Though she preferred not using her sire’s name to gain favor, she’d do it to ensure her safety. “Helen Sutherland,” she clarified.
The guard’s shoulders stiffened. “The earl’s daughter?”
