Chapter 16

The next morning, Ian looked at Ator in the cave behind the waterfall. A few of the dragons had returned to their original caves in case he or Elspeth needed their help. They were going to walk to the castle, a half day’s journey. They had to go through the canyon of Mystic mountain, where men went and never came out. He shuddered at the thought.

But they could not take the chance that any scouting soldiers would spot them riding a dragon. It was the only way. “You ken,” he said, “you can change your mind and we can stop this nonsense now. I doona like this plan one bit. I doona want tae lose you, Els.”

“We’re here beside you Ian,” said Ator. “At your first call, we’ll be there, if you need us.”

Elspeth smiled and straightened. “You won’t lose me Ian. We can do this. I need answers as much as you do. After all my brother, well…whoever he is, I need to know. Maybe I can find out exactly what happened with my brother. I know he’s gone, but there are still so many questions. Just maybe Merlin is wrong, maybe they didn’t use my brother just replaced him. I need to know, Ian. The whole thing doesn’t feel right to me. I need these answers, and don’t ask me why, but there is something not right with this story. I can feel it in my bones.”

He frowned at the thought. Knowing Drakkor as he did, he knew the bairn would not have lived, but he could not tell her that. He wished there was a way to avoid having her find out the truth, but he knew her better, so he didn’t say anything.

She would not rest until she found out, and hopefully he’d be there to hold her when she did. He pushed his hand back through his hair, then down his face. So much to think about, so many dangers. He just hoped this insidious plan worked.

“Weel, we best get started,” he said. “Ator will you take us to the edge of the valley? We’ll start from there and go past Mystic Mountain. I think we’re good to that point. No one will see us. Past that, though, there may be soldiers or scouts either looking for Elspeth or kings. Arthur was damn lucky, but some of the bastards got away. They’ll ken aboot him. Damn Kearals, damn Drakkor.”

Ator strode to the opening. “I’ll take you to the base of Mystic mountain. Come.” He turned his large head toward Ian, blue eyes serious. “It will work, Ian. Have faith in Merlin, in Elspeth, in us. We won’t let harm come to either of you even if we have to burn down Mystic Castle and all in it.”

“Thanks, Ator, you are a true friend. I’m ready.” He climbed aboard Ator. The female mates to the dragons were safely tucked away in their new homes in the Wesladus Veil. He wished Elspeth was there, tucked away in Pendragon Castle, in their new bedchamber, with him by her side. He thought about last night. It was the most beautiful night of his life. He wanted many more. He shook his head. “Come Els. We best be gettin’ on with it.”

She stepped up on Ator’s wing and climbed in front of him. He knew her thoughts mirrored his. They were quiet.

Ator soared high and Ian enjoyed the ride and view. He thought Ator did it on purpose. He let go of the spike and wrapped his arms around Elspeth. “I love you,” he whispered in her ear inhaling her sent of Jasmine and woman. She cupped his arms with hers and leaned against him. They were high enough they would not be seen. Then Ator flew up and circled a couple of times then over the top of Mystic Mountain and toward the valley below. Landing toward the back where no one would see them.

“Thank you Ator,” he said as he climbed down. He took Elspeth’s hand and helped her off. He didn’t let go of it as they watched Ator take flight and disappear over the mountain top. They started walking. As they walked a narrow path between boulders and cliff edges of Mystic Mountain, he studied his surroundings.

The trees were getting their spring leaves, they twinkled from the breeze in the bright sunlight. Some deciduous trees were covered in spring blooms of white and some held large red blooms, some just had colorful leaves, and there were a lot of conifers. For being a cursed mountain, it was beautiful.

There were all kinds of trees. Birch, Alder, English Oak, Ash, Hazel, and Rowan to name a few. He noticed the Rowan had red berries from the year before, and there were spring flowers growing along the sides. He noticed Bluebell, Bramble, Dog rose, Foxglove, and the deadly Nightshade, blooming along the mountain side. Bright yellow, blue, and red flowers dotted here and there.

Higher up, the pines were thick, thinning the higher up he looked until his eyes reached the snow caps. Lodgepole Pine, Sitka Spruce, Douglas-fir, and Western Hemlock were among the ones he noticed. How could such a beautiful mountain turn man to stone?

Soon they came to an area where men and women stood frozen in time. Granite, they were all turned to granite. He looked in amazement at the different statues. As he looked higher he noticed something odd and he stopped.

“Els, what are those statues of?” He looked at what appeared strategically placed creatures of granite. They weren’t huge, but rounded, with pointed ears and long spiked tails. They had elf like faces. He pointed toward one. “Do you ken what that is? It’s a statue of a creature I’ve never seen afore and I’ve been around for eight hundred years.”

“They are said to be the guardians of Mystic Mountain. The myth says when a person touches the mountain they come alive and turn them to stone. It takes but one touch from the creatures and any living thing becomes stone. No one is excluded. They are called garg…gar…gargoyles. That’s it gargoyles. But it’s a myth that has been handed down through generations.

“Maybe they once lived and were turned to stone as the others were. Some say they were placed there as a warning. There are many stories. You know how myths go. They are probably here for some unknown reason. Someone probably made the statues to scare people away. I think they’re kind of cute myself. It would be fun to see what one would look like if it were actually alive.”

“I think they’re ugly little statues. Whoever thought to make one had a vivid imagination.” He chuckled. “Damn ugly if you ask me. I wouldn’t want tae meet one of those little devils, they probably stink, and eat little bairns.”

“Ian!” said Elspeth with a giggle slapping his arm. “You have such an imagination. If they were alive they would probably be friendly, cute little creatures.”

“Bah! Cute my arse! Stone devils are more like it.” He laughed. “Let’s get out of here as quickly as possible. It’s too eerily quiet and I think their eyes are following us.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Ian.” Laughed Elspeth. “Statues can’t see.”

He swung Elspeth around and kissed her. “You are so bonnie when you laugh. I could stay right here forever and listen tae you. Will you sing for me, Elspeth, as we walk? I love your voice. It’s so quiet here. It’s like everything is dead. You notice that? Listen…no sounds. No birds, lil critters, insects. It’s nae natural.”

Elspeth stopped and they listened. “You’re right it’s like everything knows this mountain is cursed.

“Yes, I’ll sing. What would you like to hear?”

“Do you ken any old Scottish ballads?”

“Yes, my da was Scottish and he loved tae sing.” Elspeth laughed remembering her da and heritage.

“You speak my tongue! Elspeth. What, or should I say who, changed your speech?”

“Mother Thomas used to smack my mouth if I spoke my Da’s tongue. Said it wasn’t proper for a young English lady. I soon learned, and it’s a habit I now have. Do you ken the song Ae Fond Kiss? It was one of me Da’s favorites.” Elspeth broke out in an old Scottish love song.

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!

Ae fareweel, and then forever!

Deep in heart—wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,

Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee.

Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,

While the star of hope, she leaves him?

Me, nae cheerfu twinkle lights me,

Dark despair around be nights me.

~*~

I’ll ne’er blame my partial fancy:

Naething could resist my Nancy!

But to see her was to love her

Love but her and love for ever.

Had we never lov’d so kindly.

Had we never lov’d so blindly,

Never met—or never parted

We had ne’er been broken hearted.

~*~

Fare—thee—weel, though first and fairest!

Fare—the—weel, though best and dearest!

Thine be Ilka, joy and treasure.

Peace, Enjoyment, Love, and Pleasure!

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!

Ae fareweel, alas, forever!

Deep in heart—wrung tears I’ll pledge thee.

Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee…

Near the end of the song they had stopped walking, and as the last of the note died away in the canyon, he turned away to keep from tearing up. To hear a Scottish ballad sung in such a beautiful voice in the canyon, and by his beloved, Ian felt like he died and went to heaven.

“I love you, Els.”

“I love you too.” She took his hand and they continued walking in silence.

Time slipped away and before they knew it they were at the river. They could see the castle up ahead. It was early afternoon, and the sun still shone brightly. “Weel, we’re almost there. You ready Els?” he asked as he pulled a rope from the pocket of his tartan.

She nodded and held out her hands. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

He tied her hands together loosely, leaving a long end which he held onto. Just like they had planned. She was after all his prisoner. He still did not like it, but time to act his part. He dressed in red and black colors so he wasn’t wearing McGregor colors.

He was using the name Heralth MacPherson, a name Merlin made up. There were MacPherson’s about but they were so far away Merlin didn’t think anyone would know. They crossed the bridge and came to the castle gates.

“Who goes there?” a booming voice shouted from the parapet.

“Heralth MacPherson! I bring you a prisoner! Elspeth McLellan the traitor to the king you’re looking for!”

“Open the gates!”

****

Elspeth was nervous. The memory of the look in King Rulm’s eyes still haunted her. She had to stay strong and face him. Two guards approached to escort them to the castle. One guard shouted for another to alert the king. They were led down the path that Elspeth had used every day. Somehow the joy she’d felt before shattered.

People stopped to stare. She glanced at people she knew, some she’d healed. Most glanced away when she looked at them. She couldn’t blame them. How would she feel if the tables were turned and she was watching a believed traitor being led to their death?

She wanted to cry, but instead held her head high and hoped no one would notice her shaking. They were being led up the stone stairs to the castle and when she reached the doors she thought about bolting.

Ian picked it up and whispered. “A little late for that. Stay strong. I’m with you. I willna let anythin’ happen tae you.”

She tilted her head as if to say okay. She swallowed hard and put her hands to her stomach to help relieve the knot in it. They were led through the double doors where King Rulm sat on the throne. Athdar was standing beside him, a look of contempt on his face.

King Rulm sat on his throne upon the dais, speaking to Athdar. He quit speaking and looked up when they entered. Surprise and a look of triumph passed over his face when he saw her. He motioned for the guards to bring them forward. The court was packed with people and the guards had to weave in and out to get to the front.

“What have we here? Elspeth McLellan, and who might you be?” he asked Ian with an evil stare.

“My name is Heralth MacPherson, and I am here with a prisoner whom you’ve been looking for.”

“Clear the courts!” He obviously wanted this meeting private. He leaned to his two trusted guards on either side of his throne. “You two shall stay. Everyone else, out!” While they waited for the room to clear, he glared at Elspeth.

She started to sweat and her hands were shaky. She didn’t have to play a part, she was literally downright terrified. She knew Ian felt her fear, but he couldn’t do anything for her.

After everyone was gone, he looked at Ian. “Why have you brought her here, Heralth?”

“My family is sick. I was hoping tae reap a small token for my efforts of capturing and bringing her here tae you.”

“Brann,” the king said to his guard, “bring me the box. Mr. MacPherson deserves a reward for this traitor’s capture.” The guard left. “Where did you find her, Mr. MacPherson?”

“I was travelin’ tae market here, King Rulm. Some soldiers met me on the way and told me tae look out for her. I saw her near the dragon cliffs. I immediately knew it was she you were lookin’ for from their description.”

The guard, Brann, returned with a black box and handed it to the king.

“Well, you deserve a reward for her capture,” he said opening the box. He handed two gold pieces to Brann and motioned for him to give them to Ian. “You may receive your reward with my thanks, and you can be on your way.”

“King Rulm, if I may.”

“What is it, MacPherson?” The king was becoming annoyed.

“I’ve been traveling for weeks. Might I spend the night and be on me way in the mornin’?”

The King sat back. “That is a fair request. So be it. Brann will show you to a room where you can get a bath and he’ll have some food sent to you. After you break your fast in the morning, you’ll depart.”

“May I ask one more question of your highness before I leave?”

“Yes, yes make it quick. I’m very busy.”

“When will the trial be for the young lady? Will she be hanged if found guilty?”

“Why should you care MacPherson? Is she somebody to you?” The king sat up straight with a snarl on his face.

“Nae, not at all. I think a person found tae be a traitor should suffer, ’tis all.”

The king grinned. “Oh, she’ll suffer. The trial will be the day after tomorrow. If she’s found guilty, which I’m sure she will. Her death will be painful.”

“Two days? I thought it customary for a period of at least a week before trial.”

“My court, my rules.”

She shuddered. The king had the exact same look he had the day he killed that poor girl. Suddenly she found her courage. She didn’t know where it came from, whether it was the injustice of his killing the lady, or to find out the possibility her brother might still be alive, she didn’t know. “You killed that girl. Did you also kill my brother?”

The room became dead silent. “Ah, I see you’ve found out some truths.”

Athdar stood with a murderous look on his face.

The king paused as if choosing his words carefully. “I saw a man kill your brother as a babe. He was dealt with. Athdar, this fine and good soldier, was just a babe at the time and needed a home. Your mother and father took him in. He is your brother.”

Ian leaned toward her. He whispered. “He tells the truth, Els, he watched someone kill your brother. I’m thinking that Drakkor was the one. I’m sorry.”

The king frowned. “What did you just say to the prisoner?” He didn’t miss anything.

Ian blurted, “I said it served her right and I called her a traitor.” She felt him cringe.

King Rulm’s patience was at an end. “Brann see Mr. MacPherson to a room. Guards!” he shouted. They quickly came through the door. “Take Elspeth McLellan to the dungeons at once. Trial for her treason is in two days. Court is in order again, let the people back in.”

Athdar stood with a smile on his face.

She was grabbed by two guards, each holding tightly to an arm. She glanced back at King Rulm and saw the look in his eyes. The ice-cold terror she felt at seeing how he looked told her he was going to have his way with her and that was not good. Not at all.