It was a good question. Why would he? Had she in fact cast an enchantment over him, stealing away his wits? Here he was locked in his own dungeon. A slow burn filled his guts. What would happen toher?
“I protected her because I captured her. I felt responsible for her and I knew of only one way to save her from the same fate as her AuntMargaret.”
“Margaret fares well, MacDonald. And I tell you that because I just witnessed the like I thought I would neversee.”
“Oh? And what isthat?”
“The son of the chief standing up to him. I believe I may say you have earned my curiosity MalcolmMacDonald.”
“Aye, well if someone does not stand up to him there will be nothing left of the Isles to inhabit. He will not rest until we are all laid towaste.”
“I agree. Do you have aplan?”
“I do. I am not yet willing to share it with anyone except those I trust the most. You will forgive me if I do not count you among them justyet.”
Malcolm sensed honour in the man, but was not fool enough to reveal his entire plan. He wasn’t that desperate just yet. He wondered how long his father would leave him in thecell.
He didn’t have long to wait. Within a couple of hours he was released and brought before his father in the greathall.
“Where is she?” his fatherasked.
“Who?”
“Your MacLeod wife. We have been searching for the last few hours and have been unable to find her. Did you set herfree?”
Sheona was missing? Had she really escaped this time? A lump lodged in his throat. His father continued to interrogate him, but little registered. He had to find Sheona before the wrong persondid.
* * *
Sheona pressedher foot on the stone and the door closed behind her. She crept along until she found the top step and used her hands to guide her along. Agnes had come in moments ago and told her Malcolm had been imprisoned. After she left, Sheona took little time to decide what she would do. Now, in the secret passageway and in the dark, she wished she had been less hasty and taken acandle.
She had no way of knowing what would become of her with her husband in the dungeon. There was little choice but to hide until she could figure how to get away from KnockCastle.
Thirty-five steps later, Sheona came to a landing and a bluish glow that seemed to come from nowhere—andeverywhere.
She blinked a couple of times when a figure appeared before her. It was the woman from before. Relief washed over her. She was not afraid in the presence of a spirit; she’d been hearing from them since she was ten summers. It was, however, rare to see one so vividly. This one clearly had a strong purpose connecting her to thisworld.
“Oh thank heavens! My husband has been taken to the dungeon and I did not know where else togo.”
“You were right to come here, Sheona. I will show you a path leading out of the castle. You can hide or you can leave. The choice will be yours, and you will have the means to do whichever youchoose.”
Could she leave? Two days ago she had longed for such an opportunity. Now all she could think about was Malcolm. Would the spirit be able to help her set Malcolmfree?
“You are the White Lady, are younot?”
The woman smiled. “You are a clever lass. I am the former Lady MacDonald. My husband is the current chief and I am sad to see he has changed much since my death. It pains me to see the clans fighting with such brutality. There will be no winners here unless something changes. My son, your husband, has a vision and I want you to help him. I hope you choose tostay.”
“I will do whatever I can. But, what power do Ihave?”
“You have more than you realize. My husband will come looking for you soon. You must not be found until Malcolm isreleased.”
“I can hide in here for awhile.”
“That is a good idea, Sheona. Follow me and I will show you the way out of the castle should you ever need toflee.”
Sheona followed the White Lady as they meandered through the winding hallways and eventually to a door leading outside. She wondered how she would ever find her way back until the lady told her, as if reading her mind, to always keep to the right on herreturn.
Outside, the sun was setting and she had a clear view of the loch. Sitting by the side of the castle, and away from the clutches of the laird, Sheona battled between a sense of peace and fear for Malcolm. There was no way she would ever consider leaving without trying to helphim.
