Page 32 of Highlander’s Devious Ally

Findlay came back shortly afterwards.

“What a remarkable woman!” Lyall said in admiration.

Findlay laughed. “I know you are all shocked. But I swear I have no more secrets. Our sister and I chose to live strange lives. Not mentioning anything about her is her wish and I respect it. After my brother’s death she dedicated herself to a higher purpose, and only came in contact with ordinary people in order to help me get revenge.” It was clear he loved and admired her very much.

“And as I said I have no more secrets. Pretending to be stupid for so many years is strange, but I thought I would only do it for some months only until I get the right chance to act. That came much later but I am so glad it has all ended. I can not wait to see him dead. I am sure my sister will be relieved too.”

“But your sister is a nun,” Lyall pointed out. “A bride of Christ. Surely she should forgive him?”

Findlay took the riding crop from Lyall’s hands. “That is between her and God,” he replied.

That night, after the others had gone to bed, Lyall and Ailith stood on the topmost turret looking out to sea. A full moon shone in a clear starry sky, bathing everything in its cold blue light, and drawing a silver path down the sea from the horizon to the harbor.

“I love moonlight,” Ailith whispered, leaning her head on Lyall’s shoulder.

“And I love you,” he said tenderly, and she thought for the hundredth time what a beautiful voice he had. It was deep, husky, and when he kissed her and became aroused it throbbed with desire. “I never dreamed I could feel this way about anyone, Ailie. You have changed my life.”

“For the better, I hope?” she asked, smiling.

“Of course,” he replied, pulling her closer. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“Anything,” she smiled.

“Do you think it would be a good idea for us to buy Jock’s estate?” His voice was doubtful.

“I think you should wait for the trial to be over,” Ailith replied. “If he is sentenced to death, since he has no heirs and no other family that I know of, then the property will be up for auction. Then we can think on it.”

“And your house?” he went on.

“Hmmm…” she whispered in his ear and his eyes widened in a pretense of shock.

“I did not hear that!” he laughed, then stroked a lock of hair out of her eyes. “Do you know why I first fell in love with you?”

“No, but I will torture you till you tell me!” she replied, tickling him until he begged for mercy.

He grabbed her wrists, still laughing. “Stop it, you mad woman!” Then he wrapped her in a bear hug and squeezed her till she screamed. When they had stopped laughing, he looked down at her, still smiling. “That is why I love you,” he said fondly. “Because you make me laugh, just like my mother used to. I thought that when she died we would have no merriment in the castle, but you will bring it with you, Ailie.”

She looked doubtful for a moment, tipping her head on one side as if considering what he had said. “What if I leave it behind at my old house?” she asked, frowning.

“Then the wedding is off,” he said simply.

“What if I do this?” she whispered, then stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. She felt his immediate response as he made an involuntary moan then strained her against him, ravaging her lips with his. Now was the moment she loved, when the power was all hers; this big, strong, fierce man was all hers.

When she drew back, she could see that she had unsettled him very badly. He was breathing heavily and his eyes blazed passionately into hers.

“Thank God we only have one more week to wait!” he said.

19

Beginnings and Endings

Jock McCauley was transported to Inverness gaol. Findlay, Ailith, Lyall, and Marion went to testify against him, and with the evidence of Marion’s book to back them up they presented a very convincing case. No one would give evidence on behalf of Jock McCauley, not even Fergus Brown, and he had to write down all his arguments since he could not speak. Despite everything, Ailith felt rather sorry for him.

He was pronounced guilty straight away, and was taken to the gallows on the spot. A priest had been summoned to hear his confession, then he looked around at his accusers one last time with a glance of pure hatred.

Marion and Lyall watched solemnly as the executioner placed the noose around his neck, then Marion began to pray silently, holding her rosary beads.

Ailith could not watch, and buried her face in Lyall’s chest, but Findlay cheered as the executioner pulled the lever and the trapdoor beneath Jock’s feet sprang open, and with a jerk he descended into nothingness. There was an audible crack as his neck broke; he had died instantly, for which Ailith at least was thankful.