“A witch,” Heather answered for her.
Kali cringed. “Are ye one?”
Raini raised her head and pinned Kali with an intense look. “A bold lass, are ye? One who chooses truth over lies. Right over wrong. Kindness over cruelty.”
Kali shivered suddenly, feeling unsure about the old woman’s motivations. “I have heard enough for now, I think. Heather, bring Raini a bowl of stew. I am going for a walk in the garden.”
“Alone?” Heather sounded concerned.
“The sun has set. And as the laird said himself, that is the hour in which I am free to explore the grounds.”
Kali chose one of her shawls and put on a pair of sturdy boots. Covering her hair with the long length of wool and wrapping it tightly about her shoulders, she made her way down the stairs. Fresh air, that’s what she needed, not a seer telling her things that set her soul afire and made her more determined to escape the Highlands and return to her sisters.
Chapter Five
The main garden turned out to be a series of smaller plots connected by well-worn paths. Never before had Kali seen such a design—some of the vegetables and herbs were grown in raised boxes with reservoirs to hold water, others in carefully laid out patches surrounded by fences and lit torches that would protect the crops from hungry animals and birds. A stone wall ran along the side farthest from the castle, and ivy wove its way up the rough barrier, with small yellow flowers in full bloom.
She walked slowly along the edge of what appeared to be the herb garden, taking in the fresh scent of dill, rosemary, mint, sage, and so many other useful plants. She smiled at the memory of her own herb garden, one of the only places her father approved for his daughters to gather outside and work. For the man could say nothing against a woman cultivating plants that would feed his greedy self and the company he kept.
Up ahead, she found a stone bench that overlooked a patch of flower gardens, and it seemed to be the ideal place to sit and contemplate her future. But just as she was about to get comfortable, she heard the giggle of a child—perhaps even two children. A knowing smile warmed her cheeks as she looked about, hoping to catch sight of the lads who owned the sweet voices.
She had learned early on in life how to listen for her sisters whenever outside, for those two could get lost in the blink of an eye, or hide and expect Kali to find them. Hoping not to scare off the children, she continued walking casually along the footpath, stopping only to admire a plant or two, giving the boys a false sense of security that she had not heard them. And sure enough, she caught the flash of bright-colored clothing and the sound of feet running around the corner of the keep.
At least she had a direction to go to pursue the lads, for whoever they were, surely, they should not be out at night without the supervision of their mam or a maid. As she made her way around the castle, it surprised her how quickly the terrain changed, for there was a sudden drop-off, rocky ground that sloped dangerously down to a fast-running burn. Trees lined the shore, and that’s where she stopped in her tracks to make sure her eyes weren’t playing a trick on her. Gathered near the water were at least seven, no, nine children, all different ages.
She covered her mouth to keep from saying anything as she sought cover behind a rather weathered tree trunk. She could hear their voices clearly, even what they were discussing.
“Did ye see her?”
“I think so.”
“How can ye think so?” a child who sounded older asked impatiently. “Ye either saw her, or ye didnae.”
“Well…”
“Out with it, Gavin,” a lass demanded. “Did ye see the pretty lady or no’?”
“How do ye know she’s pretty or not?” a boy asked. “And what does it matter? She has taken our sleeping place from us, and now we must find a new shelter.”
Dear God, Kali thought to herself.Have I deprived these children of a roof over their poor heads?She could not live with herself if she had. And without hesitation, she exposed herself and half-walked half-slid down the steep hill, coming to an abrupt stop in front of the ring of children, who eyed her with suspicion and perhaps a bit of admiration.
“I am Kali,” she said, recovering her breath. This time she counted them to be sure, nine children to be exact: four girls and five boys.
The eldest appeared to be a lad a head taller than Kali with black hair and matching dark eyes. He gazed quickly at the eldest girl, then back at Kali. “Ye are unknown to us, Mistress.”
Kali grinned at him. “Perhaps,” she said, “but am I no’ the woman ye were talking about only a moment ago?”
The lad shrugged and fell silent. Kali turned her attention to the eldest girl. “Ye have nothing to fear from me.”
The girl nodded and met her eyes. “I am Leah. And this is me brother, Evan, and me sister, Jenna.”
Kali stared at the tiny girl, Jenna, who appeared no older than four or five. She had wild dark curls and a dirty face but looked surprisingly hale and happy. Who could resist such a sweet lassie? Kali immediately dropped to one knee so she was eye level with the girl. “Hello, Jenna. I am Kali.” She pulled down the material covering her head to reveal her hair. “Perhaps ye can tell me if I’m the lass ye were discussing?”
Jenna rewarded her with a toothy smile and a nod but did not say a word. Kali ruffled the hair on the little girl’s head as she stood up and addressed Evan and Leah. “Though I disapprove of eavesdropping, I overheard ye talking about me. Aye, I am the stranger from the lowlands sent here by me father to punish me for disobedience.”
“Is it true ye are banished to the tower and allowed out only at night?” Evan asked.
“What kind of question is that for a lady?” his sister asked.
