Nicolas nearly barked with laughter at the sight that met his eyes, Colin was kneeling on the floor, with the girl in his lap, hungrily devouring her neck. It wasn't like Colin to be so cow handed. It was quite a sight to see the notorious Raleigh -- the man who caused nearly ever woman at Court to swoon, his romantic expertise was so well known -- sprawled on the ground like a callow youth with his first maid.

Colin had been so absorbed in exploring the tender flesh of his lady's ear, that he hadn't heard the knock, he'd only heard her shallow breaths, and his own, more ragged ones. That is, until a voice followed that short noise.

"My Lords?" A crisp male voice inquired. Damn, what could be so urgent that they were being disturbed at a time like this?

"What is it?" Nicolas nearly growled out.

Damn, he'd forgotten about Nicolas and his companion... it was no good to be seducing a lady of quality in a room occupied by another such lady, even if she was looking a bit flushed herself.

That observation caused Colin to laugh low in his throat. Lord Ashby was the picture of propriety and restraint when it came to society chits. Certainly, he had nearly as great a reputation with the petticoat set as Colin did himself, but he never allowed himself to get out of control. Never, until today.

After a short pause, the voice on the other side of the door came once again, apologetically, "Your baths, my Lord, the men are here with the copper tubs, and the water will be brought up shortly."

Colin groaned, and dropped his forehead to her shoulder. Damn baths.

"Give us a moment." Colin hollered to the waiting servant.

He stood, holding the lovely woman in his arms as he did so, allowing her to slide down his body as he gently set her upon her bare feet. He looked at Nicolas to confirm their plan. It was uncanny how well they knew how to handle interruptions. Of course, it was usually Nicolas coming to Colin's rescue when he was visiting a lonely, but married, lady. However, it had prepared them well for quick thinking. Without speaking, He turned and led her by the hand to the screen set up in the far corner of the room. As he positioned her behind the screen, she opened her mouth; the look in her eyes warned him that she was about to protest, so he laid a finger against her lips.

"Shhh, my little flame... It will only be a moment, unless I am mistaken, you and your friend do not want to be caught in a room with two bachelors dressed as you are."

He raised his eyebrows in question. Her response was a silent shake of her head, although her eyes still held defiance, she would stay put -- and quiet.

Chelle watched as a silent look passed between the dark man before her and the man handling Jenne so... Um... thoroughly. She knew that she and Jenne would need to hide before anyone else came in the room, it would look much worse than it was... or at least, much worse than they wanted it to look. Chelle bit her lip to keep from laughing as he took the hand he held more firmly and lifted her from the bed as he stood.

In a whisper that sent warm shivers down her spine, he spoke softly to her as he led her to the corner of the room, walking before her backwards so he could continue to look at her.

"Mon cher, give me a moment to dismiss this interruption, you will not mind hiding a few moments with your friend, will you?"

Chelle recognized that it was a rhetorical question, but she nodded nonetheless, melting under his tender smile. There was no doubt that this man was the most wonderful she'd ever met. What a mess!

The other man passed them as he headed back towards the door, and as Chelle looked at Jenne, standing stiff as a board behind the screen; she recognized the signs of Jenne's anger. Oh boy.

Jenne looked over at Chelle, nearly laughing at the look of surprise on Chelle's face, only holding back because she was sure it would give them away, as she heard the creak of the door, heralding the entrance of the servant and his minions.

She was mortified. She couldn't believe what she had just allowed a total stranger to do to her. Not only that, but they hadn't been alone! There were witnesses to her moment of weakness. Chelle was never going to let her live this one down. Ugh!

How could she ever make him believe that she wasn't a floozy? She didn't know why, but she desperately wanted to appear at least as innocent as she was... if not more so. But that little display was much more wonton that she normally was... and gave him the opposite impression from what she had intended upon first gazing into those ice-blue eyes....

That's it. She would just have to put that moment of indiscretion behind her. No more. From this point forward she would be cold towards him, unmoved by his charm... despite the overwhelming attraction. With this resolve, Jenne nodded her head, garnering another odd look from Chelle.

Nicolas watched silently as a bevy of scullery maids carrying steaming pails of water followed the exit of the footmen who had brought up the tubs. Watching the procession from his position on the end of the bed, the reality of the situation sunk in.

The intimacy of his meeting with this woman, not to mention the near kiss, put him in a situation where he was honour-bound to offer for her hand in marriage, but what scared him was he wasn't at all dismayed by the idea, in fact he felt anticipation. Colin would feel no such sentiments, lucky sod. Colin didn't often ruin innocents, but knowing that this situation was unlikely to be broadcast, considering the only parties privy to the situation were also participants, he was not going to do anything rash.

On the other hand, it was a point of pride with Nicolas that he had never dallied with innocents, nor with anyone who had given vows to another man. He kept to actresses and willing widows. He *had* kept to them anyway, before meeting this enchantress. He would gladly take her to wife. The problem was, the same honour that bound him to offer for her, bound him to keep his word. And he was already betrothed to Miss Pentland, had been since the chit was born. It was an agreement between his late father and hers.

The girl was young and insipid. The same age as Bryne's sister, Ailis, actually, but nothing like her otherwise. This chit had absolutely no backbone, and was under the will of her iron-fisted mother. If ever Nicolas felt sorry for a debutante, it was for her. She didn't have looks to recommend her either. She was a handsome woman, having taken after the harsh coloring of her mother's family, and the masculine jaw and nose of her father; beautiful she was not. From his short conversations with Penelope, when her parents weren't present, he had caught an intelligence in her speech... the sort that comes from reading in one's father's library... the sort that would put off most men seeking a docile and biddable brood mare as a bride. Nicolas had been prepared to sacrifice his freedom, and any chance of a passionate love in his marriage, for her, for his family. He'd be sacrificing all chance of passion, since he would no more break his own vows than another's. But now... Nicolas heaved a deep sigh. Now, how could he face so bleak a future when he had met such a vibrant woman as this?

Colin leaned against the chest of drawers, one eye on the servants, who had apparently bathed, with the water, the other on the screen where the ladies stood. He was half expecting to see her boldly walk out, consequences be damned. Unable to stop himself, he chuckled softly. That one, he thought, could get me into some real trouble! Not to mention herself. Colin knew that she had only allowed things to go so far because she was feeling the same attraction that she was. He knew women. He knew that when she came out from behind that screen she would try to be cool and reserved. He noticed a little tinge of red hair, peeking out from the screen, followed quickly by her face. When she spotted him staring at her, smile on his face, she glared and disappeared behind the screen again. Oh yes, he thought, she will be fun to assuage of her doubts and show her what she was capable of with a man who could match her hidden passion. Possibly even teach her more.

Chelle poked Jenne in the side. �Hey, stop that! I for one do not want to be caught.� Hiding her face from her friend, Chelle mumbled, �And I am not as anxious as you to get back out there.�

�HA! You looked to be having quite the time.�

�How would you know? You were practically laying on top of that man.�

Unable to argue that, Jenne chose to remain quiet, until Chelle giggled and whispered, �They are quite tasty, though, aren�t they?�

�Oh, god yes!� Jenne said. �Wonder what their names are.� Both women giggled again, this time too loudly.

There was a loud cough from the other side of the screen, obviously one of the men trying to cover up the sound of the giggling.

�Was that to avoid us being caught, or a warning to be quiet?� Chelle asked, hand over her mouth.

Jenne peeked out the side of the screen again, Chelle out the other side. �It looks like they are almost done filling those metal things.� Chelle said, trying to keep her eyes from straying to the beautiful man on the end of the bed. She had never seen hair that dark or a face sculpted so beautifully. Everything on him seemed to be perfect, from his large, amazing shoulders, to his magnificently booted feet. He was so male. Unaware that she sighed, Chelle was surprised when Nicolas� head shot up and looked right at her. At first his brows furrowed as if to scold her.

Well, of all the� she thought. Tired of appearing the timid little creature, Chelle raised her head a fraction, tilted her head and smiled sweetly.

She nearly laughed aloud when Nicolas raised that one eyebrow, questioningly again. The man could say more than most people without even opening his mouth. He leaned back on the bed, his hands supporting him behind his back, as if daring her. He smiled the most mischievous smile, nodding with his head for her to come, knowing that she couldn�t.

Never one to refuse a dare, Chelle put on leg slightly out the side of the screen. She was please to see the smug smile disappear from Nicolas� face and him sit up shaking his head. With a wink, Chelle hid back behind the screen.

Jenne noticed the women were nearly done filling the tubs. Damn, but he looks sexy leaning on that dresser, she thought. Too good. He was looking right at her, or more accurately, at her breasts. Backing up a bit, she composed herself, and her clothing, and did the same to him. She started at his feet. Slowly, she her gaze going to his calves, his thighs� his unbelievably muscular thighs, and up. She gulped. Damn! Damn! Damn!

Her eyes lingered on his massive chest. Even with all his clothing on she could tell that he had a warriors body, fit and muscular. When her eyes met his, she could see the surprise and excitement in them.

�Sirs, if you are ready, we will help you with your baths.� One of the serving maids said, suggestively. �We bathed and are at your disposal, for whatever it be you wish.�

Jenne gasped and turned back toward Chelle, who seemed to have turned ghost white.

�They wouldn�t dare!� Chelle said.

�Of course not!� Jenne replied.

Almost immediately, they heard on of the men laugh. �I am ready? How about you?�

�Yes, I am. Why don�t you come and help us out of these clothes.�

Jenne and Chelle both exchanged a glance, peeked around the screen and nearly knocked into each other in their haste to hide again.

�They are undressing.� Jenne said in amazement.

�No, those women are undressing them.� Chelle said angrily as the first piece of clothing was thrown over the screen, right in her face.

Rae was so caught up in admiring the glen that she didn�t notice Bryne�s hands on her waist or that out of reflex she put her hands on his shoulders. It was when he lifted her off the horse and slid her body down his that she felt the heat race through her body.

Bryne watched the emotions flit across Rae�s face. She was bemused by her surroundings then the look of surprise as she felt the contact with his body and lastly her eyes darken to an emerald green as desire took hold. Holding her, her feet dangling just above the ground, he took advantage of the situation and gave her a kiss.

Just a gentle caress, he thought, but as their lips met and melded the desire he had been holding in check refused to be contained. He slid his arms around her back and moulded her body to his. Her toes just touched the ground and he felt how the bodies seemed to be perfectly matched. He ran his tongue along the seam of her lips asking for entry and she complied without hesitation.

As he took the kiss to a more passionate level something in the back of her mind screamed at her to stop. This must not happen she thought as she curled her arms around his neck and dug her fingers in to his thick soft hair. His hand traced a line up her spine to twine in her hair causing her to tingle everywhere he touched. He felt her tremble as he moved his hand and angled his head to gain better access to the sweetness of her. The taste of her was driving him mad. As he released her they both dragged in a great lungful of air. Sanity grabbed Rae and she push off of him something was wrong. Bryne was unwilling to let her go afraid she would disappear just like in his dreams, so he retained a hold on her hand.

It was then in the silence that followed that they heard the twig snap beneath a foot. With one long stride Bryne had Rae by the waist and was literally throwing her atop her horse. �Ride� he commanded, �the horse knows his way home.� He turned as he spoke and pulled a broadsword from the scabbard attached to his saddle. Four men stepped from the surrounding woods. Bryne turned to take them on.

Rae could not leave with Bryne so outnumbered. So she wheeled her horse around and charged the closest man then she got close enough the spurred the horse and pulled back on the rains. Getting conflicting signals the horse did what came natural and reared back flashing steel shod hooves and catching the man in the head. Rae pulled the horse around to face the next man but was not fast enough as he caught her by the dress. Feeling herself start to slide off, her balance precarious after the rearing stunt, she decided to go with her momentum. She unhooked her leg form the saddle and leapt at her attacker. He landed on the ground with Rae�s feet on his chest. His breath whooshed out in a grunt. She stepped quickly out of his reach.

Bryne stood with his sword pointed at the one of the attacker�s neck when several of Bryne�s men, including Duncan, came crashing into the glen. Bryne lowered his sword and the three conscious men grabbed their fallen compatriot and fled into the woods.

�Leland�s men it looked to me.� Duncan said.

�Yes� replied Bryne �after cattle I would surmise but finding a lady with only 1 guard must have been a chance too sweet to pass.�

�Excuse me� Rae said �Why didn�t you take them in to custody or something! They could have hurt Bryne!� Both men laughed.

�Stealing a man�s property or relatives and ransoming them back to him is an honoured tradition here. They meant no harm to anyone. They were trying to distract me while they grabbed you and I would receive a ransom note for you on the morrow.� Bryne said with a twinkle in his eyes �Only problem was that they had not counted on the fact that a lady might just fight back.� At which point both men started to laugh.

Rae grumbled as she strode back to her horse, �I don�t see what�s so funny.� She pulled up her skirts and mounted the horse.

There was dead silence behind her. Straightening her skirts she looked up to find Bryne looking embarrassed and the rest of the men looking shocked. �What!!!!!!�

Bryne approached her �My dear Rae, a lady should never lift her skirts in the presence of a man unless he is her husband.�

�Why? My back was to them and they could see nothing.� Rae explained.

The twinkle was back in Bryne�s eyes �Just let me assist you when mounting or dismounting a horse. For the sake of my men and my mother, who will hear all about this little escapade. And she is not happy that you are bounding about the countryside unescorted. This will justify the tongue-lashing she gave me before we left, about minding my manners. I see she should have flayed your hide in stead of mine.� the laughter in his voice softening his words.

�And what if I want Duncan to assist me?� she said with a challenge

�Just let me assist you!� he growled �Now we must for home as the sun is gone making the trip back precarious. Let Brandywine find her footing and don�t try to right her. She knows the terrain and where all the traps are that we set against intruders.� With that said he swung himself into the saddle and they left the clearing. Duncan and the men at arms with him, wearing silly grins, turned and quietly melted back into the forest.

Rae reached down and patted her sorrel mares neck and whispered �Brandywine huh?�

Jenne backed up a step as she felt several wafts of air caused by thick fabrics being carelessly tossed across the screen. My God, those men had more clothes on that she had in her closet! Layer after layer was piled on; finally ending in their braes... she had to bite her cheek to keep from laughing out load as one pair hit Chelle in the face.

As Chelle surreptitiously peeked around the screen, Jenne turned around to find... a window! It was perfect! She moved the heavy cloth that covered it aside, and felt the coolness of the old glass. It was very dark outside, but she thought she could see something... the roof of the floor below, perhaps, only a foot or two below the window. This was their chance for escape. While those jerks took their pleasure with the servants, she and Chelle could slip out the window and be gone before they even rinsed off.

She turned to tell Chelle, but she was still leaning around the side of the screen. She tugged once on the frayed edge of her bodice... twice... then she whispered as loud as she dared,

"Chelle!" Still, no response.

Of Colin, Chelle could see very little, for he was on the other side of the bed, and quite hidden by the wide skirts of the serving girl... not that she wanted to see him. But Nicolas... Nicolas had had his bath set up at the end of the bed, in plain sight of the screen, and therefore, easily visible to Chelle. The girl who assisted him was situated to the side, not hiding anything.

She watched as one by one, Nicolas' clothing came off, he was ripped from head to toe with delicious muscle, easily detectable once he was down to a thin shirt and hose. He faced her and gave a huge grin as he swiftly pulled the shirt over his head. And flung it strait towards her. By the time she'd untangled herself from the voluminous garment, his back was to her, he was now standing in the tub, and... Gulp, his hose were gone. Her jaw went slack, as she took in the expanse of muscled back, broad and tan. Lowering her eyes, she practically melted to the floor. And he just stood there... letting that tramp run a damp cloth over his broad shoulders. He looked like a god, with his too-long hair brushing his shoulders, complete with a lowly worshiper.

Just as he began to lower himself into the water, Chelle heard Jenne furiously whisper her name, as she tugged firmly on her top.

"Shhh, Jenne, you just needed to tap me or something."

At that, Jenne rolled her eyes.

When they reached the castle proper, they were met by no one. �It would seem that the clan has gathered to sup and we must hurry. None can eat till the laird arrives and cook will have my hide if her meal is ruined because of the hour of my arrival.� With that said, he led the way to the stables where he proceeded to remove his horse�s saddle and brush him down with straw.

�It�s ok Brandy I�ll have your tack off in a minute. Then you can have your treat.� she said as she removed the saddle and bridle. When Rae had finished she gave Brandywine a handful of grain and brushed her down with straw. Then she withdrew and closed the stall door.

Bryne was just leaving his horse�s stall and said, �leave the door open and I will tend to your horse�

Rae said �In that case here.� She handed him the saddle and bridle.

Bryne could not help but appreciate a woman who knew her way around a horse. But �

�I would have done that. You didn�t need to.�

He sounded angry to Rae. �What I thought you said we needed to hurry. So while you were busy I took care of Brandy. What is wrong with that?�

�Where did you say you were from, because here a lady does not tend to horses and end up smelling like a groom.� Bryne said in a deceptively quiet voice.

Rae recognized the signs of anger and said, �Under other circumstances I would never dream of tending to a horse and have not done so since I was very young.� Which was the truth. She had not been around horses since her family moved from the farm when she was 13. He, however, could take her statement any way he chose.

Bryne simply harrumphed at her and led the way back to the castle. What; did she think him incapable of doing for both horses perhaps she thought he did not know how to treat a lady. After all a man does not take a lady out when searching for his ken. The more he thought the angrier he got.

Rae followed Bryne at a more sedate pace. She didn�t understand what she had done wrong. She was just trying to be helpful.

Declan was stunned for a moment unable to move as the wench's scream ripped through his soul.

"Quiet, Wench. I tell you be quiet!" exclaimed Declan as he lightly shook Nicki.

Nothing seemed to penetrate Nicki and she continued screaming.

"Right, you leave me no alternative."

Declan lowered his mouth and captured Nicki's lips in a hard kiss. Nicki couldn't believe what was happening and went rigid with shock.

Feeling her tense, Declan lifted his head slowly away from Nicki. Keeping his lips a hairs breadth away from hers Declan murmured, "Can I trust you now to be quiet and not to scream?"

Nicki slowly nodded her head. Her wide blue eyes staring into Declan's dark brown eyes.

"Good," he then lowered his head to once again capture Nicki's lips.

This kiss was different to the previous one, it was soft and seemed to be asking Nicki's permission to deepen it. Having decided that she quite liked being kissed by Declan, Nicki wound her arms around his shoulders and encouraged Declan to deepen the kiss.

Declan lowered Nicki back onto the bed and took his fill of her lips before he moved his lips and traversed a slow path down her neck. Nicki couldn't believe the feelings that were running through her body as Declan worshipped her lips and neck. Sinking her fingers into his head she dragged his head back to her lips so she could take her fill this time.

So caught up in the emotion of things she didn't hear the banging on the door until a loud voice called out, "DECLAN. Declan, man are ye all right?

I heard someone yelling."

Declan lifted his head and rested his forehead against Nicki's before moving away from her and headed towards the door. Opening it a fraction, "Yes Murtagh, I'm fine, I'll be down shortly."

"Very good Declan."

Closing the door again Declan turned and leaned his back against it. He observed the wench on the bed. She had moved herself back into a sitting position.

"Well, Wench. I have things to attend to. However I shall be back to continue what we just started here. I have paid for ye and I intend to get my money's worth before I take ye back. If indeed I take ye back at all."

Having had a chance to compose herself, Nicki was angry with herself for reacting the way she had with a complete stranger. Never in her whole entire life had she allowed a man that much liberty after only knowing them for a short time. Using that anger she jumped off the bed.

"Money's worth. I have never been so insulted in all my life. I'll not let you pass through that door again. I'm not some cheap wh-wench, I happen to be a very civilized lady and I'll thank you to remember that."

Bending down and taking off her shoe, "Now get out," she yelled as she threw the shoe at Declan.

With lightning quick reflexes Declan deft caught the shoe, tucked it into his kilt and walked out the door laughing loudly. As he closed the door he heard the soft thump of what he assumed was another shoe hitting the door.

Nicki couldn't believe it. He had walked out with her shoe without even saying a word. He was an animal that man. But such a fine kisser, said a nasty voice in her head.

"Oh shut up," Nicki muttered before sinking back down on the bed.

She slowly became aware of the room and had a brief look around. It was a large room and if it weren�t for the fire blazing away in the fireplace on the far wall the room would have been bitterly cold. The room was sparsely furnished with just a large bed she was sitting on, a chest of drawers and a table. It had a very masculine feel about it. It was then she noticed the chamber pot and jug sitting on the chest of drawers and she remembered the events of the last few hours.

The memories were all jumbled but she recalled going to the Masquerade Ball and seeing Christine. Because the music was so loud Christine dragged her to a room upstairs. She vaguely remembered Christine's comment about the candlestick and then things become a bit hazy. The next thing Nicki really remembered was being dragged into the tavern and her and Christine having to sing. Thank god Christine could hold a tune, if she tried to sing she would have scared all the patrons away.

Christine. Oh my god, where was Christine. Racking her brains even more Nicki tried to piece more of the memories together. That's right, I was asking some louts for help when I got dragged away by the monster that now had my shoe. Christine trying to rescue me and another man turning up. The rest became all hazy again until she woke up and found herself gazing into Declan's dreamy dark brown eyes.

They are not dreamy she scolded herself. She had to find out where she was and how to get back to Christine so they could return to the party. Surely someone will be missing them by now.

Standing up Nicki wandered over to the window to gaze out. She couldn't see a thing, it was dark and there seemed to be a mist rolling slowly in over the land. Where the hell am I, she wondered. What if no one even misses me and I am stuck here for god knows how long.

Dragging her feet she slowly made her way towards the bed and climbed under the quilt and curled herself into a tight ball. Maybe if I sleep I can wake up and find that it was just all a dream, thinks Nicki. Yawning once, she fell into a sleep dreaming of gold candlesticks, taverns and a tall stranger with dreamy brown eyes.

Dinner was the most unusual production Rae had ever seen. She had to share her plate with Duncan, who was kind and offered her the choices morsels from the plate, but for some reason she wasn�t hungry. Bryne was pointedly ignoring her. She kept glancing in his direction all through the meal. But Bryne seemed enthralled in the conversation he was having with his mother

�Lady Rae, are you well?� Duncan asked. �You have hardly eaten anything.�

�I think I am just tired. Would you excuse me?� Duncan got up so Rae could leave the table. As she stood she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Duncan reached over to steady her but before he could reach her she was gathered in Bryne�s arms and he was marching from the great hall.

Rae protested, �It was just a little dizziness I�m fine. Will you put me down!� But even as she said it she hoped he wouldn�t. She laid her head on his shoulder, her body feeling like a lead weight, and vaguely heard someone whispering to her that is was all right and he would take care of her. The next thing Rae knew he was setting her on her feet at the side of a bed.

Lady Mary came bustling in the room. �Here let me help her.� Rae heard the door close. Between her and Lady Mary they got her undressed. As she was standing in her camisole and tap pants another wave of dizziness struck. She reached for the bedside table and knocked over an unlit candle and holder.

In the next instant the door flew open and Bryne was at her side holding her to him. �Leave� Bryne commanded. He stood there looking down at her with next to nothing on and cursed himself a fool.

Bryne�s mother knew better than to argue with Bryne when he used his �Lairds� voice but she was not happy with him installing Lady Rae in his rooms and without a proper chaperone in the room. Lady Mary was about to protest when she turned her scowling face to her son and witnessed the tender look he had as he gazed at Lady Rae. The look on Bryne�s face was so like her Cortland when he would gaze at her that it took her breath away. She quietly closed the door behind her.

She was ill. It was his fault she was ill, too much air. He should never have agreed to let her come with him. But he wanted her by his side; didn�t want anyone else to entertain her. And now all he could think of was the delicious things he wanted to do to her, to discover all her secrets. She is ill you cad, he reprimanded himself.

He inwardly shied from his true self, knowing the difference between right and wrong. But he could not ignore the licks of fire building in his loins and lower belly at the picture she made standing in those wisps of silk. With trembling hands he covered her luscious body quickly with the coverlet, his eyes averted to cease his torment.

By the time her head hit the pillow she was asleep.

Eliot felt Ailis shiver beneath his fingers as they grazed the tender skin of her inner arm. It was warmer in here, but she was obviously not warm enough yet. As he spoke, his voice came out in a husky whisper.

"Where's the coach, Ailis?" He laughed to himself... that was really the last thing on his mind. Instead he was wondering if he could span her waist with his hands... considering what warmth he could offer her... without benefit of blankets or hot bricks. His eyes were still adjusting to the dim interior of the stable. To his surprise it seemed rather empty. He had expected grooms to be lounging about, playing cards or dice together, waiting on their masters.

Her quiet whisper threaded itself through his senses, and he could imagine her voice coming to him in the warmth of his bed.

"The horses should be in the stall over there... Gawain? Where are you?" She spoke the last a little more loudly, which only emphasized the silence that greeted her in response. "Oh, darn him, where has he run off to now. Eliot, you will have to help me harness the horses, we'll have to take care of this ourselves, I guess."

He watched her stalk through the darkness to the stall doors she had indicated. And then ran towards her as she sucked in a breath and gasped.

"What's wrong?" He asked frantically, fearing something had happened to her groom, wanting to keep her from seeing anything too horrid.

In a bewildered voice, she replied, "The horses are gone..." as she turned to a largely empty wall of hooks, she continued, "And so is all the tack... Oh dear. Hilde must have been afraid I was in danger when she couldn't find me. I'd bet my brother's best steed that she and Gawain headed back home to get help to search for me. Bother." She blew out a frustrated breath that sent a lock of her hair sailing out of her face. "Well, all we can do is hope we can make it back before they head out tomorrow... we'll have to go on foot." She looked up at him, fear and doubt reflecting in the deep pools of her eyes.

With a deep sigh, she turned and headed towards the doors they had come through only moments before. At the threshold she turned, and with a warning voice, spoke what must have caused that look of fear. "Um... the road between here and my Brother's castle is treacherous even during the day, so we will have to stay off the main path. Lucky that you have that sword, we may need to make use of your fighting skills." As she spoke, she glanced at the ominous looking scabbard tied by a sash at his waist.

In response, he merely smiled and nodded silently, opening the door and holding it for her above her head. Hopefully they wouldn't find a need for his fighting skills or the sword... he'd hate to have to reveal that is was only an empty leather sheath, with an old hilt glued to the top... merely an accent for his costume. He sighed inwardly, and what he knew of fighting could fit in a thimble Fist fighting as a boy did not qualify as training to protect so precious a being as Ailis. He just hoped he wouldn't have to find out just how incapable of that job he really was.

She was silent as she led him once again along the road in front of the tavern, but once the lights of the building were out of sight, she relaxed, slowed her pace slightly and reached for his hand. It was smooth and cool, and oh-so-small. He gave it a light squeeze and smiled down at her. Her eyes were glittering and her lips were bowed in a contented smile. "So Eliot... if you aren't a highwayman... who exactly are you?"

Yikes, that was dangerous ground. He had no idea what to tell her. "Ailis, I've led a rather dull life up 'til today, tell me about yourself. Do you have more than this illustrious brother for family?"

Once again, she pinned him with a gaze that indicated she knew more than she would let on, but would let it pass for now. "Alright..."

With that... they talked the night away as they walked. She told him all about her family and regaled him with stories of her brother's adventures. When she finished telling the tale of her parent�s romantic courtship, she gave a contented, but weary sigh. "This is taking much longer than I thought it would."

"Shall we rest for a bit?" Eliot asked solicitously. They hadn't been bothered all night by the marauders Ailis had feared, and he found himself tired as well. Her feet were probably aching in those little slippers of hers too... "Here, Ailis, this log will do nicely as a resting spot, we can rest for a few moments and then be on our way again."

Ailis acquiesced without a word, and sank down immediately to the soft earth. Eliot folded himself to sit down beside her, resting his back against the large trunk of a long-fallen tree. She gazed at him through sleepy eyes, and he couldn't resist pulling her the short distance to him. Now her head rested against his shoulder and her length against his side. He stroked her arm lightly with the hand that was draped over her and started thinking about how nice it would be to hold her like this each time he was weary. The last thought he had before sleep overtook him was that her light snores were not at all annoying... in fact, he found them rather endearing....

Chelle turned and saw the window that Jenne was motioning to with her head. Instant understanding dawned on her face. With a finger on her mouth and a quiet warning to remain quiet, Chelle pointed to the clothes that were now lying atop the screen. All of the men�s� clothes.

Jenne shook her head, in complete agreement, and slowly started to slide the clothes down. Chelle did the same. She recognized the shirt as the blonde mans and handed it to Jenne, while taking her guy�s pants from Jenne�s outstretched hand.

The women made quick work of changing, amid much stifled giggling. Standing back, they appraised each other. They shook their heads, indicating that they were passable, such as they were; pants too long, rolled over at the waist several times, due to lack of a belt. Shirts with the sleeves hanging down over their hands, and jackets that covered them from shoulder to toe.

�We need something for our heads.� Chelle commented, grabbing one of Jenne�s shockingly red strands. �Our only hope of escaping is that we are not recognized as women.�

�Good point.� Jenne leaned over and grabbed her Genie costume. She slowly began to rip the fabric. Both women winced as they heard another warning cough.

�You don�t think that they noticed the clothes missing, do you?� Chelle asked, tying the fabric to her head, tucking in all of her hair.

�They are men. With women �cleaning� them. They won�t notice anything.� Jenne said as she slipped out the window.

Nicolas watched with not a small amount of curiosity as first his shirt, and then his pants disappeared behind the screen. Perhaps they were scared of being found out in their strange garb, he thought. Yes, that must be it!

Colin looked over at Nicolas when he heard the sound of fabric ripping. They wouldn�t dare, he told himself. Damn bath! I can�t very well just get out and go look. Or maybe I should! He let out a loud cough to try and cover the sound of the ripping fabric and shot another look at Nicolas.

Both men began to stand. They were summarily pushed back down.

Bryne took his extra blanket that he used in the dead of winter for extra warmth, lay down on the coverlet and tried to sleep. Several times during the night Rae had become restless and he would whisper words of comfort and she would cuddle closer and settle in. In the pre-dawn hours, when black turns to shades of grey, Bryne climbed out of bed. He was careful not to wake Rae as he dressed and left the room to find his mother. Her holding her tongue last night had him puzzled. He was prepared for a fight but she had not said a word about his installing Lady Rae in his room or her being thrown out. He would win any argument for no other reason than he was Laird, but she had not challenged him at all. As he reached her rooms, she was just closing the door.

�I knew you would want to get started early today and Duncan was just here. He said that Hilde and Gawain were found not an hour ride from here, the carriage stuck. And before you ask, no, Ailis was not with them. It seems they lost her at the Rathculen Arms. Be gentle with Gawain he is young and easy for Ailis to manipulate.�

Bryne swore under his breath and asked, �Will you see to Lady Rae until I return?�

�Of course, you need not ask. I will see that she has everything she needs, and is well cared for. Now off you go to find my youngest child.� Lady Mary reassured him.

By the time Bryne and Duncan emerged from the great hall in to the courtyard it was false dawn. The men were all gathered and ready to go. Bryne took the reins from his groom and vaulted onto his horse. His men, used to his abruptness followed without complaint; all that is except Duncan, he made known his displeasure at Bryne�s rudeness.

�I did not sleep well for worry over Lady Rae and my foolish sister.� Bryne said. �I ask your forgiveness and will try to temper my anger. At least until we find Ailis.� And they both laughed.

Duncan suggested that he and Bryne ride on the deer path that followed the carriageway, while his men took to the road. �Ailis is smart enough to know that walking down the middle of the carriageway is not the best plan. With the trouble we have been having lately with the MacDonald clan she is sure to stay well off the main way.� Duncan said. �Can you imagine the price they would put on her, with the festivities starting tomorrow and all.�

�The only thing that has kept me from sending a regiment of men to their door to demand her, is the fact that the Mac is a friend of mine, and due here tomorrow. If he had Ailis, he would make sure she was returned to us before the celebration. He is a good Laird and would not let us suffer needlessly.� Bryne replied

Duncan came upon them first. She looked so sweet lying there, like a wee bairne, so innocent. His next thought was that Bryne was going to kill this man, who ever he was. He had the audacity to spend the night, without a chaperone, with their only sister. He could not let the regiment see this or Ailis reputation would be ruined. He put his sword to the mans throat and said very quietly, �Move an inch and I will split you open and roast you at the feast.�

Eliot eyes flew open but he didn�t move a muscle.

�Disengage your self from my sister but do not wake her.� Duncan commanded. � Then come with me.�

Eliot removed his cloak, and laid it and Ailis gently on the log, careful not to wake her. With this man�s sword at his chest he stepped away from Ailis. The man, who it appeared was the brother Bryne that Ailis had told him about, directed him to a horse.

Duncan grabbed the reins of the horse and forced the man deeper into the forest. He pulled out some wrist and ankle chains and said, �Put these on.� As the man complied, Duncan wondered why the man did not draw his sword or fight back in any way? Duncan grabbed the chains and put the sword to Eliot�s throat again. �Not a word!� he whispered harshly.

Ailis feeling bereft for some reason slowly woke and yawned. What ever had been so inviting a moment ago was now hard and rough. As she slowly woke she remembered her adventure of the night before. But where was Eliot? His cloak was still wrapped around her so he must have gone into the woods to relieve himself. Just as she was turning to do the same herself, Bryne came crashing through the wood on his stallion looking mean enough to rend her, flesh from bone.

Bryne stopped looking at his sister he wasn�t sure if he should hug her or paddle her backside. He had been so worried about his sister that his relief, at her being all right, almost over whelmed him. On the other hand she should be horse whipped for worrying everyone so. Ailis had no right to be fine, and yet, he was glad that she was.

�Bryne!� Ailis exclaimed, �You startled me.� She said it loud enough that she hoped that Eliot would hear and not make matters worse by suddenly appearing.

Eliot�s eyes flew to Duncan�s face. If Ailis was talking to Bryne who the heck was the man standing in front of him with a sword at his throat.

Duncan�s eyes twinkled. So he recognized Bryne�s name. He didn�t look like any of the local clan�s people, and by his dress, he must be a highwayman. Perhaps he wanted the land that is Ailis� dowry. One way to get it was to compromise a lady thus forcing the Laird to agree to a match.

�I went out to the stables to see if your carriage was still there and you were gone so I went inside to find Hilde and she was gone �. � her voice trailed off she knew she was stammering but he looked so fierce, and she was trying to think of a way to get him out of there before Eliot got back.

�Fergus!� Bryne bellowed, �Come here at once and hold the men where they stand.� To Ailis he said, � You will ride back to the castle with Fergus�

The calm with which he spoke to her, had Ailis scared. Bryne always blustered and fumed when she was caught on one of her adventures. He only used his calm anger when one of his men had done something to endanger the clan.

Bryne hoisted Ailis up onto the pinion on the back of Fergus�s horse and told him to ride to the center of the men. He was going to find Duncan and they would all return to the castle shortly.

Bryne looked at the area where Ailis had obviously been sleeping. The grass that lay flat was too large to be just one person. He also did not recognize the cloak that she was wearing, and if he knew his younger brother he was trying to save their little sister�s reputation. As soon as Fergus and Ailis left the small clearing Duncan came wandering out with a man in black, chained, and at the end of his sword.

�Well, What have we here?� Bryne asked with a calm he didn�t feel and a glint in his eye that Duncan recognized. �What is his association to our sister? Does he have a name?� Bryne started to fire questions at Duncan rapidly knowing that the men would wonder what was going on and would come looking for their laird if he and Duncan did not appear soon.

�Well, answer the Laird!� Duncan said with a prod of his sword.

�My name is Eliot and all I wanted was to see the young lady home safely.� Eliot replied, but from the look on the face of Bryne, Eliot knew he did not believe him.

Bryne commanded, as he lifted his sword to Eliot�s throat and �Mount your horse Duncan, and let us be on our way.� Bryne then attached a lead rope to the chains connecting Eliot�s wrists and handed the end to the mounted Duncan.

Moments later, as soon as the three reached the road, the regiment of men started forward at a slow pace. The men at the back were whispering about something but were speaking too quietly for Ailis to hear what was being said. She tried to look, but could see nothing through a multitude of men at arms.

Something was going on back there, Bryne never rode at the back of his men. Why was he now? Eliot!!!!!!!!!! She almost screamed. They had to have found Eliot! Bryne would never understand. He would think the worst! Blast him for the base born creature he was! Why did he think she would allow any man to take liberties she didn�t want him to? She was as skilled with weapons as he was, well almost. Being the only girl in a family of rowdy boys, she had snuck out to learn with them. Wishing with all her heart, may the devil take him!

An hour and a half later, they were passing over the drawbridge and through the gate into the courtyard before the great hall. Ailis wanted to vault from the horse and run to the back to see if it was true. Did they have Eliot? Bryne would have to listen to her! She would make him! Eliot had done nothing wrong! But Fergus had dismounted as soon as they had stopped at the great hall door and was helping her off the horse. By the time her feet hit the ground Katelyn was bustling her in to the hall and talking a mile a minute. The poor girl needed an adventure of her own, but always settled for hearing about them from Ailis.

As they headed for her mother�s rooms Ailis looked out the window that her mother liked to sit and sew at and saw Bryne and Duncan dragging Eliot, in chains, towards the tower. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him. He really was a handsome man. But in chains! Oh no! She would have to do something about this right away. Poor Eliot, she had to rescue him. I wonder whom they will put as guard on him? She began to plot his escape.

Lady Mary and Rae were standing on the balcony attached to Lady Mary�s rooms when Ailis, surrounded by a regiment of men, and followed by Bryne and Duncan with a man in chains, came into the courtyard. Rae couldn�t take her eyes off Bryne. He looked regal with his horse prancing into the yard. She had dreamed of him last night, holding her, keeping her demons away, whispering to her, and caressing her. In her dreams, she kept wishing the caresses had been more intimate. Daylight had changed nothing.

�I wonder who the man in chains is?� Lady Mary said.

Rae dragged her eyes from Bryne to look at the man he was dragging towards one of the towers. He looked familiar, but she couldn�t put a name to him. �I think I have seen him before.� she replied to Lady Mary.

�Aw well, it doesn�t matter.� Lady Mary said, �I am just grateful that they have found Ailis and she is safe. To me, that is all that matters.� She turned and walked into castle leaving Rae alone on the balcony.

Eliot licked his parched lips and sighed. He'd been lucky that they hadn't done worse to him, he supposed. Duncan had not attempted to remove the sword from the scabbard he had taken from Eliot, but when he had handed it to his older brother, Bryne had weighed it in his hand, and given Eliot a knowing look, not unlike those that Ailis had sent him when she'd known he had been hedging her curiosity.

At the thought of Ailis' sweet face, Eliot leaned his head against the cold stone behind him, and sighed heavily. He could only hope that she would not get into too much trouble for simply trying to help him; and whatever they did to him, he prayed they would spare her the knowledge of it. The worst part of this whole mess, is that he couldn't even remember why he had asked for her help or the help of her brother, neither could he recall how he had gotten to this godforsaken country, with it's rough roads, not fit for walking on in the soft riding boots he wore. And why he was wandering about the countryside dressed as a marauder, he couldn't say... as for the sword that wasn't a sword, he could only think that he must have broken it recently and had not been able to get it repaired yet.

His head swam with strange images, but the only clear memories were those of finding himself in a pit of a stall, and then finding Ailis... Ailis.... Now that was a clear memory, he could remember the creamy feel of her skin as he had held her hand on their walked last night, how he had gazed at the stars as they reflected in the deep pools of her eyes, how comfortable it had felt to hold her as she slept.

He sighed again, and rattled the chains at his wrists. They had not bound his feet, but had settled for hooking the chain that connected his hands to a hook on the floor, so that he was forced to stay near the ground, rooted to this spot by the wall. He was weary after the long trek from the forest to this castle, but he did not want to allow sleep to overtake him. As Bryne had left him in the care of a young, but battle-scarred guard, he had ominously told Eliot that he would deal with him after the noon meal. He had no concept of time in his windowless cell, and could not gauge how long he had been left here, nor how long it might be past the noon meal, but he would not sleep until he had dealt with the Laird.

Hilde sobbed in the corner, as Ailis paced her room, worrying her hands as Duncan gently questioned her.

"Ailis, you won't help the situation by hiding things, would you rather speak to Bryne about it?"

Ailis stopped to throw Duncan a look that said she knew he couldn't be serious.

"Don't be ridiculous Duncan, I would rather throw myself from this window that speak with Bryne before his anger cools."

She resumed her pacing as Duncan stepped further into the room and took a seat on the bed.

"Hilde, stop caterwauling and leave at once." He said wearily and without looking over his shoulder at the object of his command.

As Hilde noisily left the room, Ailis finally stilled at the small window in her room and gazed out, sighing. Duncan could tell something had changed in his little sister, and it intrigued as well as disturbed him.

"Ailis, you can trust me, you know you've always been able to tell me what you couldn't even tell mother."

She turned, a tortured look on her young countenance, and walked resignedly towards Duncan, taking a seat beside him on the bed and leaning into him for a comforting embrace. She slowly spun out the entire story of their meeting and the night up until this morning when she had woken alone. All the while, extolling the man's virtue and honour, telling him of her plan to have Bryne help him in his search for his family members. Duncan sighed when she finished, her last words begging him to protect Eliot from Bryne's wrath.

"You know our brother is merciful, Ailis, but in this case, I can't be sure what he plans. I will tell him of our conversation and try to give him a different view of your friend than he has now."

The scraping of boots had Eliot rousing himself from a light and uncomfortable sleep, as the door swung open and the imposing form of Laird Bryne filled the space, his piercing gaze remained on Eliot, as he spoke over his shoulder.

"Shaymus, leave us. I will call you when we are through here."

With that, the door swung shut behind Bryne, and Eliot heard the unmistakable sounds of the lock being set in place once again, as the guard shuffled off down the passage.

Bryne's posture, his arms crossed over his chest, and his entire form blocking the door behind him, did not engender hope in Eliot's suddenly faint heart. This... this beast was sweet little Ailis' brother? Dear Lord. Eliot gulped aloud.

In a voice that seemed to rumble from the man's chest, he asked a question, "Who are you?"

Another hard swallow proceeded Eliot's reply, "I told you, my name's Eliot. Eliot Black."

In a deadly calm voice, Bryne continued, "I don't care what your name is, I want to know where you came from, and why you attached yourself to my sister. Where do you normally belong?"

Eliot sat silently, staring at the man before him, unable to form an answer; unable to even reach a plausible explanation... finally, he bowed his head and let the damning words leave his lips.

"I... don't know." he whispered dejectedly.

Rae walked down the corridor Lady Mary had told her to explore, practically pushed her out the door, but everywhere she went the men gave her funny looks. She felt out of place but wasn�t sure why. She had spent the noontime meal wanting to soothe the frown lines from Bryne�s forehead. He had spent the whole meal looking very fierce. Rae found she wanted to share his troubles with him. She was so lost in thought that she suddenly she ran face first into a wall of muscle. Duncan grabbed her elbows to steady her and smiled. �I will be back Ailis, � oof,� he said. To Rae he said, �Sorry, but I am glad that I ran into you. You are just the lady I was looking for!�

�What is it, is something wrong?� Rae said worriedly. Thinking that Ailis had taken a turn for the worst. She had not come down from her room for the noon meal saying that she felt ill.

�You have to go to the south tower and tell Bryne he is needed in the castle.� Duncan said with a gleam in his eye. If he knew his brother, Rae would be just what he needed to distract him and cool his anger. Duncan could see the sparks that flew between these two.

When Rae reached the tower she entered a room that was sparse, a table and a single chair were against one wall and a small cot was against the other. A guard was sitting at the table. �What is your business here?� he demanded.

�Duncan sent me to deliver a message to Bryne,� Rae said sounding braver than she felt. The guard nodded his head towards a door leading to another room, and Rae approached the imposing door. She knocked softly.

Bryne stood there contemplating the man before him, He did not react like Bryne had expected. And his accent was similar to Rae�s. There was a subtle difference but they used the same contractions of words that Bryne had found fascinating in Rae. It was as if she was from the lowlands and he was from the highlands. She said she was looking for her friends, could this Eliot be one of them? She had only made reference to female friends, or was that his wishful thinking. If Eliot was one, what was his connection to Rae? A husband? A brother? After all he and Duncan were brothers and they looked nothing alike, or again was that just his wishful thinking. He was wondering why he found himself believing what Eliot was saying when a quiet knock sounded at the door behind him.

Startled, Rae stepped aside; she had not heard the guard rise or walk to the door to stand beside her. Bryne�s gruff �Open� sounded from inside the room. The guard unlocked the door and swung it open.

Rae stepped into the room and looked into Bryne�s eyes. She could get lost in those eyes. �Ahem,� she cleared her throat to dislodge the spell his eyes cast over her, �Bryne, Duncan said you are needed at the castle�

�What is it,� his expression going from soft and warm to one of concern, �is it Ailis?�

From the floor Eliot exclaimed as he tested the strength of his bindings, �What is wrong with Ailis? If she is hurt in any way you will pay!�

Rae look at the man tied to the floor, �Ailis was not feeling well, and Bryne would never hurt his sister. The predicament you find yourself in should be proof that his sister�s welfare is upper most in his mind�� Rae�s rant loosing steam quickly, �Do I know you?� she said as her brain tried to sift through what seemed like muddy water. She should know this man! Then why didn�t she remember his name?

A slow smile spread over Bryne�s face as Lady Rae began her tirade. What spirit she had. But her last sentence had his breath caught in his chest. What would Eliot�s answer be? Bryne could feel the burn of a jealous rage start in his gut.

�What has this man done, Bryne?� Rae asked, as she located a cup of water and knelt near Eliot to offer him a drink.

�His crime is that he spent the night with my sister without the benefit of a chaperone. He has compromised her reputation, and just before the celebration of her coming to womanhood.� Bryne said with a sneer.

�So if my brother were here you would feel him justified to treat you this way no matter what happened or what you or I had to say about it? So Bryne, what does Ailis have to say about what happened last night?� Rae put her hands on her hips, �Is she really ill? Have you even checked on her? Or are you too busy playing the bully! Well?�

By the Saints the woman was a wonder. Bryne had the grace to look uncomfortable and shuffled his feet. He had spent the night with Rae, and had no chaperone, but he was a man of honour. Was Eliot such a man, Bryne wondered? Lady Rae was right, he needed to speak with his sister before he did anything else. Which reminded him of her reason for coming here. �Why did Duncan send you?�

�I don�t know, he just said that you were needed at the castle, he was just coming out of Ailis� room though.� Rae said thoughtfully as she remembered what Duncan had said just before she, quite literally, ran into him.

�In that case, we need to return to the castle at once. I will unfasten you from the floor,� he bent to do so �but you will stay locked in this room. I will send someone here with food and drink.� He said to Eliot, but was watching Lady Rae intently. Her smile was the reaction he was looking for. �Come Lady Rae� Bryne took Rae�s hand and they left, the lock clicking into place behind them.

Bryne was dragging her across the courtyard his grip on her hand relentless. �Bryne ..... Bryne!� she yelled trying to get his attention, �If you want to run to the castle fine, just let go of me and I will follow you!�

Bryne turned realization dawning in his blue eyes. �I am so sorry my dear,� he looked into her eyes, �I am so fraught with worry over my sister I was not paying attention to my actions. Please forgive me.� He lifted his hand to her cheek, wanting to know if it felt as soft as it had in his dreams. She turned her face into his palm her eyelids fluttering shut, as if she too felt the same need he did.

�There is nothing to forgive, Bryne.� Where did that husky quality in her voice come from? The tension she had been feeling all morning suddenly pooled low in her stomach. Desire flared like a volcano erupting inside her. Her eyes flew open and locked onto his. She had never felt anything this potent before ��� at least she didn�t think she had.

As she opened her eyes to look at him, Bryne watch the desire darken her eyes from sea-green to emerald, and then came the look of confusion. He wanted that look of longing back. The thought hit him like a punch, his next thought was to gather her up in his arms and kiss her �til neither could remember their names. As if she had read his mind she tilted her face up to him. He slid his hand to cup the back of her head entwining his fingers in her hair in the process. He could no more ignore her silent invitation than he could stop breathing. He bent his head, their breath mingled, his eyes locked on her full inviting mouth as her tongue wet her lips in anticipation.

Bryne growled deep in his throat, a primitive sound that Rae felt all the way to her toes. She slowly slid her hands up his chest felling the muscles quiver beneath her touch, to finally come to rest in the silken stands of his hair as she dislodged the tie he had used to bind his hair at his nape. The wind chose that moment to lift their hair in a mating dance and interlock the strands, created a curtain around them.

The feel of Rae�s skirts as the wind tossed them about gently caressing Bryne�s legs, had Bryne pulling her body flush with his. He could feel her breasts through the clothing they wore as he crushed her to his chest. Rae felt the wind steal beneath her skirts to cool her overheated skin and trembled as much from the cool breeze as the thought of another soul searing kiss from Bryne.

The courtyard, usually bustling with activity this time of day was strangely silent except for the beating of their hearts, and laughing ??????????

�Bryne old man, if I were not sure you are a gentleman at all times I would have to call you out on behalf of Lady Rae�s ken.� Duncan roared with a knowing smile and a twinkle in his eye, �I wondered what was keeping you so long. I hate to interrupt but there is a matter I need to see you about, and I am afraid it won�t wait.�

It has been a long night, thought Declan. First he and Quinlan had encountered the wenches in the tavern and upon return to the castle he was faced with numerous matters that had accumulated during his absence. Being Chieftain of the Clan was rewarding but very exhausting as well. Making his way up the stairs to his room his thoughts were only on being able to get a couple of hours sleep before having to start all over again in the morning.

Opening the door, he noticed that the candle that had been left burning had burned quiet low and cast shadows across the bed. Avoiding the shoe that still lay on the floor he slowly made his way to the bed. Picking up the candle he slowly lowered it to see the face of the occupant lying in his bed.

In repose her features were delicate and he noticed the shadows underneath her eyes, which indicated that sleep had been scarce before he had taken her. Unable to help himself he brushed a lock of her blonde hair away from her face. He froze as she sighed and a small smile touched her lips.

She really was a lovely and desirable woman. Wait up, when had she changed from being an annoying wench to being a desirable woman, wondered Declan. I must be more tired than I thought.

Moving away from the bed Declan went over to the basin to sluice some water over his face. He was exhausted and wanted nothing better to do than to sleep. He knew that he would have to change rooms, it would be improper for him to share this room with this woman. However something about her compelled him not to change rooms but climb into the big bed and sleep beside her.

In the darkness at the rear of the public house, no one noticed as two ridiculously garbed people slinked out of a second story window to stand upon the overhanging roof. From far away, they might appear to be boys, out for a lark; upon closer inspection, however, when the richness of the fabrics could be seen, as well as the strange fashion in which their heads were bound, they might be mistaken for young foreigners, and probably feared for it. After all, two young men from the east could hardly be up to any good in this day and age, and who else would run around in turbans and bare feet? Nonetheless, if one were to look closely, the bodies of the two could not be mistaken as the bodies of boys. The two women concluded that their disguises would only be effective from a distance, and they would do well to keep themselves far from prying eyes.

Chelle glanced back at the soft glow of the window they had just exited, and sighed, "Jenne, don't you think we could have waited to escape? I mean... if they were planning on spending the night here, we could just as easily have left while they slept."

An inelegant snort was Jenne's first response, followed by a whispered admonition, "Chelle, I'm sure that you didn't sit there drooling over a weakling, do you really think they would both have slept so soundly that we would be able to slip out?"

Chelle blushed in the darkness, "Right... didn't really think of that."

Jenne rolled her eyes, a habit Chelle was beginning to chafe at. She had to bite her cheek to keep from confessing that she didn't want to escape, Jenne would be sure to roll her eyes then. It's not as though she hadn't been enjoying herself too.

"Well, I didn't see you trying to extract yourself from his embrace when he was awake and in a well lit room... fully clothed, so I can see why you might expect to have trouble later on."

Jenne looked with surprise at Chelle's statement, as Chelle's Cheshire grin glowed out at her in the night. Responding to that one would be suicide; they were already making too much noise. Aside from that, she would only admit to herself that she would have liked to find out what spending the night with that man would be like. Oh well, that would be one thing she'd never know. She sighed as Chelle moved towards the edge of the roof and peered over the edge.

"Jenne, The ground is a long way down."

Chelle watched as Jenne squeezed her eyes shut, she knew that her friend didn't really like heights, and it was an obvious act of desperation that she had chosen the window as an escape to begin with. Chelle would have chosen the window herself, if for nothing more than the drama of it... but she would have brought a sheet or something to use as a rope to get down. Jenne had a tendency not to plan things too far ahead. Chelle chewed on her lower lip as she considered their options... that's it! "I have the perfect idea Jenne! I'll go back in and get some more of the clothes, and ours as well, what's left of them, and we can tie them together to use as a rope to reach the ground."

By now, Jenne was gripping the wall behind her, several feet from the edge, and several feet from the window, looking like it would take more than a suggestion to get her to move. But she did turn to Chelle with a grateful smile on her face and a quick but careful nod to indicate her agreement. Chelle watched for a moment more as Jenne slowly scooted herself further from the window, towards the corner of the building, before turning herself about to make her own way back to the window.

Chelle held her breath as she hugged the wall besides the opening she had exited moments ago, and strained to here what activity was occurring inside. She thought she could hear a very faint splashing of water, so she slowly pulled herself onto the ledge and swung herself inside.

Silence greeted her, but nothing had changed behind the screen, so she slowly pulled more garments from the frame and picked some up from the floor. When she had gathered all she could safely carry, she crept slowly back to the window and leaned out. As she picked the last foot up off the ground, a large, warm hand gripped her ankle. Only the assurance that someone wishing to harm her would not begin stroking the tender flesh there with his thumb kept her from screaming.

Jenne felt a thin sheen of perspiration on her forehead, and rued her hasty decision to escape through the window. What had she been thinking?! Her grip on the wall behind her tightened as a brisk breeze wafted across her. As her surprise subsided, she continued to scoot slowly towards the far end of the building. Chelle would have little trouble making it from the window around the corner to catch up with her, but with how long it was taking her to inch her way there, it was more likely that she would need to catch up with Chelle.

And indeed, just as Jenne had safely rounded the corner of the building, and paused to catch her breath and recover from the difficult manoeuvre, she heard the shingles creak as Chelle walked stealthfully towards her. Knowing that in a moment, Chelle would overtake her, Jenne stayed still and closed her eyes, taking deep, calming breaths.

Warm breath caressed her ear as a deep voice addressed her, "Ah, my little minx, I have caught you."

And indeed he had, for his arms had wrapped themselves around her waist, and she was caught against him quite firmly. A breath of relief rushed from her, as for the first time since Chelle had told her how far from the ground they were, she felt safe and secure.

Rae didn�t even acknowledge all the people who had quit working and were staring at the antics of the laird. She ran, without looking right or left, straight to the door leading to Lady Mary�s rooms. She was mortified! How could she forget herself like that? Though, if the truth be told, she was herself when Bryne held her like that. She had craved his attention. She kept remembering the kiss they shared in the hidden grove and felt the desire rush through her system like molten lava all over again.

She was so lost in thought that she didn�t see Lady Mary until she was almost upon her. �Child what is the matter?� Rae just blushed a deeper red. �Is it that little scene I witnessed out in the courtyard? It�s about time that boy found someone worth making a scene over. Come now child, it will be all right. Unless, you have no feelings for him perhaps?�

Rae was taken aback by Lady Mary�s statement. �I�m not sure how I feel about him. I never thought about it.� She said before she had time to think. Something kept her from confessing her feelings to the kind woman. Maybe she was afraid of how she felt or that saying them aloud would change something.

Lady Mary smiled and said �It will be time for dinner soon. Why don�t we help get things set up.�

They never made it to the prep area, as a maid, saying that guests were arriving for the tournament that was to begin tomorrow, accosted them.

By the time Eliot could regain his composure after seeing that woman, she was gone. Not even the echo of their footsteps remained. He lifted himself from the ground, stretching to relieve the ache of hours on the cold stone. He felt like he knew her� no, he knew that he did. But he did not know how. Stranger still was that she had spoken his thoughts herself. She recognized him as well! She might be the key to clearing his muddled head. But he wouldn�t get anywhere locked in this cell.

And what of Ailis? Had the trek through the woods last night chilled her to the point of making her ill? He longed to see her, to assure himself that she was well and unharmed. He did not know her brother� nor did he know if he was honourable. In his anger, could he have hurt his own sister? Ailis had given no hint that she feared her brother when she�d spoken of him, but she did stand in awe of the man, that much was clear.

With a deep sigh, he leaned on the door of his cell, staring out into the dark hall. All he saw was that guard, sitting quietly on a stool. He appeared to be nodding off, but despite Eliot�s pleasure at not being guarded too closely, he knew that a sleeping guard would do him no good. He needed keys.

Ailis pressed herself against the heavy wooden door of her mother�s room, as she heard the footsteps of Duncan and Bryne pass, heading down the hall towards her room. Dear Lord, was she to have no peace?! Knowing she had little time, she scrambled to her mothers window, and swung herself out. Bryne would kill her if he found her climbing the walls of the Keep, but she�d been doing it since childhood, and knew she was perfectly safe. The old stones provided plenty of holds for both her feet and hands, and this had long been her method of escape.

No sooner had her feet touched the rough floor of her chamber than a firm knock sounded on her door. Swiftly making her way to the carved chest at the foot of her bed, she arranged her skirts, smoothed her hair, and called out.

�Enter�

The door swung open, and Bryne immediately filled the small space.

�Ailis! What�s this about not coming down for the noon meal? And you intend to miss supper as well? I won�t have it! You must eat! Think of our guest, have you no manners? Lady Rae would like to meet my wayward sister, yet she has seen you not!�

Duncan, not fearing his Laird�s wrath, stepped from behind him to stand beside the seated form of his sister, seeing the heat in her cheeks, and the fire in her eyes, he knew he had to step in before she said something that she�d regret, especially since the topic had turned to Bryne�s lady.

�Brother, I believe we came to speak with our dear sister about the man in the tower.�

For a moment, the gazes of Duncan�s two siblings clashed ominously, before Bryne cleared his throat and stepped to the window. With his back to Ailis, he spoke in a controlled voice.

�Yes. Ailis� what do you know of this man you were traveling with? And what were his dealings with you?�

She sighed, releasing some of her anger as she thought back on the night before.

�He was looking for his sister� and his cousin. I met him outside the inn, when I was looking for you. He seemed to think they would be there, although I don�t know why two Ladies would frequent such a place.�

He interrupted her with a snort, �You did.�

She ignored his comment and continued, �Other than that, we did not speak of him much.�

Ailis refrained from adding that he�d seemed to be keeping his own past and situation from her, �But he was perfectly honourable to me, I had intended to bring him here so you could help him. I hadn�t known I would find myself stranded without a groom or carriage, but you must agree, I was safer on that road with Eliot than I would have been alone.�

�Hmph. I will agree to no such thing.�

�Bryne! It�s not fair! I have told you he is no danger!�

�I would prefer to make my own judgment on what danger he poses to you and to my Clan, Ailis.�

�Please release him, Bryne! He is as much a guest as Lady Rae! He does not deserve to rot in a cell!�

�No!� Bryne�s voice reverberated in the small chamber, and Ailis swallowed her next words as he continued; only slightly more quietly, �He is not a guest. He was not invited, and he compromised my only sister! And until I find out more about him, his family, and his situation, I will not release him, and that is final. I will not hear another word from you on it, Ailis, and you will not miss another meal.�

Will that, her infuriating, stubborn, pig-headed -- ugh!! There were no words to describe him � brother, left the room. Duncan simply shrugged his shoulders, patted her hand, and followed, pulling the door shut behind him.

If Bryne would not release Eliot� it was up to Ailis to do so. With that thought, she once again exited her room through the window, leaving her chamber empty and silent.

Nicki was in that pleasant place somewhere between consciousness and unconsciousness. All she knew was that she was warm and was being held in a wonderful embrace. Not really aware of what she was doing she slowly turned and snuggled deeper into the warmth. The arms that held her tightened and drew her even closer. But something was niggling at the back of Nicki's brain. Something wasn't right. It was an elusive thought and Nicki was really too tired to try and grasp it.

Declan tightened his hold on Nicki as she snuggled closer. He had been awake for a while now, the first rays of dawn where slowing inching their way through the window. He would soon have to rise and face the tasks required of him. However, he was enjoying this embrace too much and his mind kept drifting back to the kiss that he and Nicki shared the previous evening. She had been reluctant at first but had melted in his embrace and opened herself up to him. Who knows where things might have lead to if Murtagh hadn't interrupted them.

He gazed down again at the face of the woman in his arms. A soft smile played on her full lips and the dark shadows under her eyes had faded with her nights rest. Giving into the temptation to once again touch those soft full lips, Declan ran his fingertips over her lips. He then lowered his head and softly kissed Nicki's mouth.

Nicki was having the most wonderful dream. She was lying in a soft green meadow, where wild daisies grew. A handsome stranger was brushing the petals of the daisy he had just picked over her lips before he lowered his head and softly followed the path of the flower with his lips. Nicki sighed her pleasure. At that very moment she felt totally cherished. Unfortunately the stranger was moving his head away. This was something that Nicki didn't want so she reached up and pulled his head down for another kiss, winding her arms around his neck to keep him in her embrace.

Declan knew he was in trouble when Nicki reached her arms up and pulled him down for another kiss. He was aware he should push out of her embrace but she tasted so sweet. He adjusted their embrace so that he could caress her back and deepen their kiss.

When the door opened, Christine saw another man standing in the hallway with Quinlan. He had his arm around a small cloaked figure. Just as Quinlan was about to step into the room, the person in the cloak looked up and straight at Christine. Recognition was instantaneous for both of them.

Christine was off the bed so fast her head spun as she made a dash for the door. Quinlan hooked an arm around her waist and hauled her back before smartly closing the door.

"Let me go! Let me go, damn you!" Christine struggled in Quinlan's embrace. As soon as he touched her, heat coursed through her body like an inferno. So intent was she in fighting him she didn't realize she was panting, and she had completely forgotten the letter opener clutched in her hand until Quinlan seized her wrist.

"Well, well. You are quite a firebrand. He said as he pried the letter opener out of her grasp and carelessly tossed it back on the desk. "This is going to be a very interesting voyage."

Christine felt her head swim as he drew her yet closer to his rock hard body. Her eyes burned with stubborn determination as she snarled at him, "Listen you son of�." The rest, was cut off as Quinlan silenced her vitriol with his lips.

Her head swam. She was so hot she couldn't understand why she didn't simply burst into flames. His lips were cool on her own. She brought up her hands to his cheeks and they to were cool to the touch. She opened her mouth seeking his cooling tongue, knowing that he was the only one who could dampen the fire raging inside her. Her head did a wild, dipping spin as he lifted his lips from her. She looked into his beautiful amber eyes, her hands tangled in his soft curling hair.

"I'm sick." She whispered just before she fainted.

Quinlan hoisted her into his arms and laid her gently on the bunk. Putting a hand to her brow he felt the fever burning there,

"Well Damn!" he cursed. Quinlan looked up from the papers he was working on and over at the clock. She was getting restless again, she always did late at night. This would be the third night he had sat with her while she raged with fever.

"Nicki? Nicki, where are you?" She moaned as she tossed under the bedclothes.

When Quinlan had first heard that name on her fevered lips, he thought she was speaking of a lover, until he remembered the woman at the tavern. The woman Declan had ridden off with.

"Oh I'm hot� Too hot, my costume." She rambled.

She always spoke of the same thing. A dance, her costume, the fact that it was too hot, and that she was going for some air. She mentioned names as well. Rae, Chelle, and Jenne. And a dance. It always came back to a dance. Sometimes she spoke of her other friend, Nicki, and how loud it was at the ball. Once she had been hysterical talking about a wall changing and falling, falling so far. Nicki had been with her.

"Nicki! Nicki's here�. Let's go�. Can't hear." Quinlan frowned as he rose and went over to her. She always sounded so happy at this point, but he knew from experience if the dream progressed the way it usually did, soon she would be screaming about falling.

He felt her forehead and noted how hot she was. Taking the cloth from the basin, he bathed her face and then pulled the blankets back and bathed the rest of her. By now he knew her body as well as he knew his own. This was the hell he had endured for the last two nights. Her beautiful body writhing on his bed. Driving him to madness as he was forced to tend her naked beauty hour after hour.

He was passing the cloth over her belly, when she opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"Julian." She continued to smile as she raised a hand and brushed a forelock back from his face. "So beautiful�. Missed you." Her hand fell down and her eyes closed once more.

Quinlan looked down and found his own hands fisted with rage. It wasn't the first time she had mistaken him for Julian. In fact she had made many references during her fever, that led him to believe she wasn't a simple tavern wench at all.

At the bottom of the stairs Lady Mary took Rae�s arm and led her to the great hall. There were several people standing and waiting for �� something. One man caught Rae�s eye because of his multicoloured silk and brocade doublet, lace trimmed muslin shirt and severely pointed kid leather boots, and he turned his head at Lady Mary and Rae�s approach. Rae shivered as she got a look in his malevolent eyes and Lady Mary chuckled and patted her hand, �I know the feeling dear!� she said trying to conceal her giggle.

Upon seeing the women enter the great hall, Cornelius Smythe a younger son of the Earl of Cornwall, headed straight for them. �Lady Mary what a pleasure to see you again.� He intoned in his grating nasal voice.

�Why Lord Smythe how kind of you. May I present Lady Rae, kin to the Earl of Douglas and this is Cornelius Smythe, kin to the Earl of Cornwall.� Mary made the introduction.

Rae nearly gagged as he stepped closer to her, he smelled faintly of roses and sandalwood, but mostly of sweat and dirt. He lifted her hand to his lips, which he had oiled with something that left a reddish smudge behind. Rae�s instinct was to pull her hand quickly away from offensive baby soft skin on his hand, but she held out as long as she could before backing away.

�The Earl of Douglas� kin, tell me does he still have the kings ear?� he said smugly. �You do have the looks of the Dowager. It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Rae.�

Rae doubted he thought it was a pleasure from the way he said it. Rae also doubted that the Earl was in good with the king at this time, but how the hell was she supposed to know? �Charmed I�m sure. How�s the Earl of Cornwall these days� was all she said. She didn�t wait for a response and she turned to see where Lady Mary had gone and she ran into a chest ��. with muscles ��.. and, she discovered as she looked up, a very handsome face! �Oh, I�m sorry,� she exclaimed. The sinfully handsome man then blushed!

He had been standing close to the lady because she smelled good and her accent had intrigued him. He had been inching closer to catch her words, and when she in turned his direction he had been too close to avoid her. �No please, I beg your forgiveness. �Twas I who was crowding you.� he said with an English accent, which surprised Rae.

His confidant smile and too good looks made Rae wary. Both of these men think no small amount of themselves, she thought to herself. And here she was sandwiched between them, one too handsome for his own good, the other enough to make ones skin crawl. It was then she noticed that the great hall was overflowing with men of all shapes and sizes. She wondered where all the women were? Surely there were woman among them?

Lady Mary, seeing Rae with a rakehell and that simpering weasel, sent Katelyn to rescue her and take Rae to where the Lady�s were refreshing themselves, after their long journey.