ESCAPE

Chapter 1

I had never imagined in a million years that I would be forced to leave my home here in Fishguard, Wales. Unfortunately, my foster mam Merrilla has a terrible gambling problem and majority of the time she loses.

A laird had been passing through lower Fishguard yesterday when he stopped for the night at one of our local pubs with an inn positioned upstairs. Merrilla of course was there and already drunk to top it off. Every night it appears she just looks for ways to gamble her money away, and last night was no exception.

The Laird walked in with his many guards, wearing the finest silks he owned and demanded to be served food and ale. Noticing how wealthy the man looked, Merrilla approached the Laird. The short of the story is, the Laird was searching for a bride to take home to Scotland and Merrilla was greedy. Merrilla made a deal with the Laird, if he were to beat her in the card game Welsh Whist then he may have her beautiful daughter as a bride and if he loses he will owe her a great deal of coin to pay off her debts and then some.

Merrilla came home that night upset, I could tell she had lost again. What I didn’t realize was how drastic my life would change in the morning because of her actions.

Merrilla couldn’t possibly imagine giving up her beautiful eighteen-year-old daughter to that man so she chose me, her plain featured sixteen-year-old foster daughter. I couldn’t completely blame her for that decision, after all she did take me into her home after finding me wandering around the Fishguard port looking for scraps at just three years old. She provided all the necessities I needed to survive and a place to sleep at night when no one would claim me as their own.

No one had a clue about where I came from, and Fishguard’s a small fishing village with not many children needing indentured services. Everyone just assumed I was an unwanted child dropped off here from another land. The only clue I had from my birth parents was the name Freya stitched onto the sleeve of my filthy dress I was found in. I would get fragments of my parents when I slept but not enough to form a memory of them.

Merrilla didn’t love me but she did look out for me and she saved me from starvation so I do owe her my life. I’m still sad that it will be my last morning with my best friend Gunnar. Gunnar is the son of a Viking Jarl and next in line to lead his people. Gunnar will make a great Jarl someday.

I met Gunnar six years ago during the early spring months when his father’s ship docked in our port to make trades. I was so fascinated by the articulately crafted ship that I snuck on board while the men were distracted unloading their cargo onto the dock. There were piles of gold and jewels and oddly shaped trinkets spread everywhere aboard the ship as though they didn’t worry about thieves.

I bent over to touch a dazzling red jewel protruding from the front of a goblet when a small but strong hand grabbed my arm and jerked it away. A boy maybe the age of thirteen with dirty blonde hair and a scrawny toned body asked me what the hell I was doing. I was only trying to look, I had replied. I snatched my arm away from the boy’s grasp and shoved him in the chest, oh and don’t ever touch me again I snarled.

The boy called for his father, probably hoping I would get in trouble for striking him. “What a wimp” I thought. What you can’t handle a skinny little girl on your own? I sneered. Shut up! the boy screamed at me. His father the jarl came up and asked what was going on and the boy relayed the story. The jarl looked me over and laughed, What’s your name young lady? My name is Freya, I said proudly. That name suits you very much Freya, do you know what your name means? I shook my head no. Freya is the goddess of love, beauty and war, to be named after such a goddess is a gift indeed. Thank you, I blushed.

This is my son Gunnar he would love to see more of Fishgaurd if you could be so kind as to show him around? I looked over at the boy’s disgusted face and smiled, sure I would love to show Gunnar around, I chuckled. Gunnar frowned at his father but otherwise listened and left with me to explore.

Gunnar and I became the best of friends over the years as the Vikings continued to trade with Fishguard and stay for a few months out of each year. We would go out and catch herring in the ocean and sell the salty fish to the merchants for a few extra coins, then spend our loot on apple dragon welsh cakes from the bakery. Afterwards we would climb to the top of higher Fishguard’s cliff to sit and eat our fried apple cakes overlooking the ocean and lower Fishguard’s dock. It was always so peaceful up there and fascinating to watch the grey seals relax along the bank and the red-shank birds searching for food across the coast.

The climate is always an even temperature year-round here in lower Fishguard because of the cliffs and hills surrounding us. It creates a barrier from the harsh winds and climate, which in turn provides us with safety. Fishguard, Wales provides an abundance of colorful wildflowers, so much so that I would make a different colored flower crown every day to wear.

I don’t have many talents but I am skilled with a dagger and bow and arrow. At the age of thirteen Gunnar’s father gave me my first dagger and it’s one of my most prized possession. I take that dagger everywhere with me. That dagger is part of me, it’s made from the finest silver with a crest of an owl on the hilt. I will never forget the kindness the Jarl showed me.

For years since I met the Viking Jarl I was taught how to fight alongside Gunnar in his training and excepted into the Viking culture. The Vikings were closer to family to me than Merrilla and her daughter Stacy. The only times I saw Merrilla and Stacy were during dinner time and when I slept upstairs in Stacy’s room in my makeshift bed on the floor. Stacy has always been such a bitch to me since I had to share her room. She is probably pleased right now that I won’t be sleeping in her room anymore. Ugh, I can’t stand her! I have been so jealous of Stacy and Merrilla, not just because of their bond but their looks as well. They’re like twins with their lengthy bodies, hazel eyes and sun kissed blonde curly hair. Compared to them I’m the little black sheep of the family with my long, straight ash brown hair, petite body and icy blue eyes. Anyways, it’s no wonder why I’m someone else’s property now. Merrilla just couldn’t see me any more than a burden to her and her daughter.

I had tears in my eyes as I headed down to the docks to meet Gunnar. He stood there covered in fur and leather with his bulky arms outstretched ready to embrace me. I needed to engrave him into my memory so I could never forget those steel blue eyes and his long messy sand colored hair always braided back away from his strong jaw line. He was almost double my height and as thick as a bull. Most men were intimidated by him and could never guess that he’s only nineteen years old. He hit a huge growth spurt a couple years back from being that scrawny kid I remembered. No one would ever dare to challenge him, except for me of course. I knew all his secrets, and he wouldn’t hurt a fly. I smiled to myself as I ran over to Gunnar and jumped into his strong arms, and embraced him in a hug.

Oh, Gunnar I don’t know if I can go through with this, I sobbed into his shoulder. What if the laird doesn’t like me! I’m too free spirited, no man wants a woman they can’t control. Tell him to get used to it, he chuckled. It’s not funny Gunnar, I’m worried.

Do you remember what my father said your name meant? I wiped my tears away, yes. I sniffled. Freya, my father would have never said the name suited you if he didn’t mean it. You have a beautiful soul and he could see that in those big blue eyes of yours. Plus, I’m constantly knocking some respect into the men from my ship for mentioning how good you look and what they would like to do to you. Thanks Gunnar, I blushed.

I will be leading my father’s raids soon so hopefully we will see each other again in a new place. I hope so, I whispered.

Gunnar held my face in his massive hands, wherever you end up Freya, just remember your training. The world is not as safe as Fishgaurd, there are things out there that a mind can’t accept into believing, unless seen with their own eyes. Your father has already told me all the tales of the creatures that live beyond here. I can handle myself Gunnar. I know you can, I just want you to stay safe and aware of your surroundings.

You are always welcome with my people Freya. If you ever find yourself in trouble and come across some Vikings, use my name and my people will protect you until their dying breath as I would. I smiled and kissed Gunnar on the cheek, I had better head back, he should be there soon to get me. You will always be my best friend and brother in arms, I love you Gunnar…. Goodbye.

CHAPTER 2

I was out of breath by the time I reached the front steps of the house. Merrilla was out front with her arms folded across her chest. You’re lucky Freya that you weren’t late she said crossly. Is the Laird already here? I asked. No but he will be soon, so get upstairs and wash up. You look as though you ran through every barn in Fishgaurd with all the dirt and hay you’re covered in. There is a basin of cold water you can bathe in; it would have been warm if you had stayed this morning. Thank you Merrilla, I gave her a quick hug and ran upstairs.

As I entered the bedroom I noticed a powder blue linen gown draped over the bed with lace sewn onto the ends of the long sleeves and around the low neckline. It was beautiful, Merrilla must have tailored one of Stacy’s dresses to fit me for the arrival of the Laird. I slipped out of my plain dark brown gown and white shift, then slowly stepped into the basin of freezing water. My body immediately broke out in goosebumps. As I went deeper into the water I gasped, I was sure to catch my death in this. I immersed my entire body and head into the water, came back up and grabbed the lye soap with my shaky numb hands. I quickly scrubbed my body, face and hair then rinsed off and jumped out, almost falling from the lack of feeling in my feet.

I wrung out the excess water from my long hair back into the tub and let the water from my body drip to the floor as I brushed through the tangles in my hair. When I finished I slipped into a clean shift and sat down on the end of the bed next to my new gown.

My heart began to race as I realized I was about to leave everything that was familiar to me. My life will never be the same the moment I walk down those stairs. I stared at the plain wall in front of me contemplating all the changes that have been forced upon my life when Merrilla barged into the room.

The Laird is here, let me help you dress. I silently obeyed as she dressed me and smoothed out all the wrinkles on the skirt. The dress fit my body like a glove except for the length. The hem of the skirt touched the ground and completely covered my feet, which wasn’t terrible since it covered my worn out muddy brown boots I put on.

Merrilla loosely braided my hair back, turned me around and said you look beautiful Freya. I couldn’t give her a full smile knowing what awaited me downstairs. I’ll give you a minute to gather your belongings and wait for you downstairs she said as she walked out the door and shut it behind her. I didn’t have much, I grabbed a small black bag off the night stand from the corner of the room and filled it with two clean shifts and two linen gowns. I also wrapped a thin black cloak around my small belt and dagger then placed it at the bottom of my bag in secret just in case I needed it.

Walking down the stairs to meet my future husband was nerve wracking. As I made it to the bottom of the steps and turned the corner into the tea room I stopped dead in my tracks. There he was, just standing in the middle of the room with Merrilla and Stacy drinking tea. He wore all black underneath a black fur coat trimmed with dark red and a gold blade at his hip. He looked to be at least three times my age with his shoulder length black and silver hair. His stance reminded me of a predator with his wide shoulders and rigid body not knowing what to do in an enclosed area.

I cleared my throat and caught the Laird’s beady onyx eyes look over at me. He gave me a sinister smile and I shuddered as I broke eye contact with him. Freya this is Laird Julian MacDonald of clan MacDonald. He lives in Dumfries, Scotland in the Caerlaverock Castle.

Go ahead and introduce yourself, Merrilla said. I looked back over at Julian and tried to fake a smile and hello but the only thing I managed to get out was my name. Julian walked up to me, took my hand and kissed it. It’s very nice to meet you Freya, he smoothly said.

As I took another look at Laird MacDonald up close, his features resembled that of a snake with his long hard face, tan muscled skin and thin lips. I had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach about this man. Freya, are you OK? Laird MacDonald asked. You look a little pale; do you need to sit down? Oh, she’s perfectly fine Stacy replied, she’s just excited to get on the road. I snapped myself out of my thoughts, swallowed the lump in my throat and managed to get out, I’m fine thank you Laird MacDonald. You may call me Julian, he replied. After all you will be my wife soon enough. I said my goodbyes to Merrilla and Stacy and braced myself for the long journey ahead with Julian.

Julian MacDonald, Laird of clan MacDonald grabbed my hands and lifted me up into the carriage close to him. I pulled my hands out of his grasp and plopped myself down on the seat across from him. He stared at me with hungry eyes. There must be a way out of this mess I thought to myself. As I folded my arms across my chest I looked out the carriage window and watched my home fade away in the distance.

CHAPTER 3

We rode in silence for the next few hours. I wanted to take in all I could of wales before it was gone forever, so I leaned against the window just watching the landscape change as we rode farther away.

The more we traveled north towards Snowdonia, Wales the wetter the climate changed. The one thing I will miss is the maritime climate in Wales, it rarely snows and even the rain doesn’t chill your bones. Summers were cool and winters were never cold.

I watched as the cows grazed on the many acres of grassland, and farmers tending to their crops. I counted the many Sessile oak trees that we passed and reminisced about when I had climbed one and threw acorns down at Gunnar’s head. The Vikings prized these trees for their strength and flexibility in building their ships. They are truly magnificent trees with their long bodies and many leaves. In the spring time, the Sessile oak trees produce acorns and little catkin flowers everywhere, named so because of the resemblance of a kitten tale.

We had just passed Snow-den mountain when I dosed off.

Hello? Where the hell am I. I was alone in the thick woodland of Wales, no carriage, no guards and no Laird MacDonald. Complete silence surrounded me, not an animal in sight. I looked down at myself only to find I was covered in blood and wearing nothing but a shift, my hands shook as I noticed I was holding a bloody dagger, my dagger with the crest of an owl on the hilt.

My feet were bare and covered in cuts, yet I felt no pain. I couldn’t scream or run, everything felt frozen in place. I looked around trying to find a clue as how I ended up here covered in blood and cuts when I noticed an owl in one of the Ash trees above me. Its large eyes bore into mine giving me a sense of peace and the feeling we knew each other from somewhere.

Freya wake up were here at the inn, Laird MacDonald said gruffly as he shook me out of my sleep. I had to blink a few times before I realized I was back into reality and not stuck in the woods anymore.

Where exactly are we? I asked. It’s so dark out I can’t tell. We are in Lancaster, England. We are staying here for the night, I’ve arranged for my guards to find us a room and a warm supper inside the inn.

A room as in one room for us? Or did you maybe mean two rooms for the night? No, I meant one room, we will be sharing the room with my guards positioned outside the door. It will be the safest option in an unfamiliar land. I can take care of myself I said, I would feel more comfortable being in my own room since we are not even wed yet.

It’s not up to you Freya, my word is final, you will share my room with me tonight. My cheeks flushed with anger, how dare he treat me as if I’m not a proper lady. I wanted to press the subject further but his cold dark eyes advised me otherwise.

The room was spacious with a large bed in the middle, a crackling hot fireplace in the left corner and a long metal basin filled with water for bathing. On the right side of the room stood a small weathered table full of bread, cheese, and apples along with two bowls of piping hot stew and two glass goblets full of red wine and a metal pitcher of water. I immediately grabbed a slice of cheese and plopped it in my mouth as I continued to scour the room. The room wasn’t fancy but it did look clean.

Sit down and eat with me Freya. I sat down across the table from Julian and began to eat everything in sight, I was starving after that long ride. The stew was delicious and rich and filled my empty stomach quickly. Do you know what type of meat is in this stew? I asked. I don’t think I have ever eaten it before. Its lamb, you will be eating a lot of lamb from this town on to Scotland. I tend to prefer bigger game than lamb, he said. I’m used to just fish in my diet I replied.

After I finished my meal, I was still so tired from the trip that I just laid down on my side of the bed fully clothed in my powder blue dress and drifted to sleep.

I woke up to the sound of a pop from the fireplace, I didn’t have any dreams this time and I was kind of relieved. The owl dream still disturbed me a bit. The room was dim from the red-hot embers in the fireplace and the sun still had about an hour before sunrise. I looked over at Julian and he was still fast asleep with his thunderous snores.

The bed was so comfy it must have been stuffed with feathers. I didn’t want to get up but I knew I needed a bath and it was the best time for me to take one while Julian slept. I seriously doubt he would have given me the privacy if I waited till morning.

I quietly slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the metal basin of water, glancing over my shoulder to make sure he still faced away from me. I undressed quickly, grabbed the soap from the night stand and slowly climbed into the water. The water felt amazing, it was still warm from being placed next to fireplace and it soothed my aching muscles as I lay back. My skin and hair felt so clean and soft from the oat and honey soap. I wanted to lay in this water forever but I needed to get out before the Laird wakes up.

I quietly stepped out and grabbed my small black bag from underneath the bed and pulled out my clean shift and gown to put on, then placed my dirty ones back in to be washed later. The sun started to peak through the window and the morning birds began their song as I finished brushing my hair.

As I slipped my boots on I heard a knock at the door and a cheery woman about forty walked in with a platter of bread, cold meats, warm cheesy grits and two metal cups of milk in her hands. I rushed over to clear the table of last night’s dishes so she had a place to set the new ones down and as I helped she noticed I wasn’t wearing a wedding band on my finger. She looked at me then looked over at Laird MacDonald's half naked sleeping body in the bed, snatched the old dishes out of my hands and stormed out muttering under her breathe obviously disapproving and assuming me a harlot for sleeping with a wealthy man out of wedlock. That’s just great I thought, I hope she doesn’t pack us a meal for the road because I could see her spitting in my food. I Slept in the same room as him but I didn’t sleep with the bastard. It wouldn’t have made a difference in her eyes anyways if she knew the truth.

So far in the past two days I have lost my home, my friends, my control, my sanity and now my dignity with this man. Ugh! Now I burnt my damn tongue on the grits. What else could go wrong today. I muttered to myself as I ate while sleeping beauty over there slept the damn morning away.

Over the next few days of travel through England we stopped for the night in Carlisle, Yorkshire and North Cumbria. The routine stayed the same, we shared a room, ate, had small talk and I bathed in the early mornings before the Laird woke. Every night the laird had one of his guards take my spare clothing to be washed and hung to dry on the chair in our room for the morning.

England’s landscape is very different from Wales. There towns were overly crowed with people and animals which caused thick sickening smells where ever you walked. The lands were majority flat with small mountains lining the north and the woodlands were overpopulated with tall cottonwood trees. The bark on those trees were smooth and the trunks a whitish grey with bright green leaves as small as my hand. The dark murky weather gave me the chills.

The sun started to set over the background of the mountains and I was relieved that in a couple of hours we would stop for the night. The day had passed by extremely slow, mostly because the laird wasn’t too interested in talking, he just stared at me for hours which made me very uncomfortable. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something off about him. What town are we stopping in for the night? I asked. We aren’t stopping tonight, it’s half a day’s ride to the Scotland border and another half to Dumfries. We will ride through the night and reach Caerlaverock castle by morning, he replied. My already numb rear screamed at me after hearing we were going to keep riding. I couldn’t handle the thought of reaching his home in a day’s time. I didn’t want to think about the reality of being forced to wed this man and yet the closer we got to his home in Scotland the more my dreaded fate hit me square in the chest.

CHAPTER 4

For hours, my anxiety and nerves ravaged my mind. I couldn’t help but imagine what our wedding night would be like, would he be gentle for my first time? My cheeks flushed, I doubt it. Laird MacDonald holds himself like he can do whatever he wants, no matter the circumstance, and that’s what I’m afraid of.

I pulled back the drapes of the carriage window and a faint light shone through. The moon was especially bright tonight which gave me enough peace to calm my thoughts as I stared at the crescent shape in the sky. The moon was at its highest point in the dark blue sky, so we must be getting close to the Scotland border if not there already.

The carriage abruptly stopped, and a guard opened the door. My laird we are almost to the Scotland border, with your permission my men and horses need a short rest. There is a stream a quarter of a mile to the right off the path that our horses can drink from. You have my permission Owen, get your men and horses what they need and report back when It’s time to leave.

Freya if you need to stretch or relieve yourself I can have a guard accompany you outside to do so. I don’t need one of your guards watching me relieve myself, I replied bluntly. Very well but stay close to the carriage, I don’t want you getting lost in these woods.

I stepped out of the carriage and shivered in the cool dark embrace of the woods. To the right of the carriage I watched as the men brought their horses to the stream for a drink. The boisterous guards filled their canteens with water from the stream and passed around their flasks of ale, wine and strong spirits to share amongst themselves.

I headed to the left of the carriage into the woods, the opposite direction of where the men were. The moon gave me just enough light to illuminate my path as I walked deeper into the sparse woodland. I walked far enough away from the carriage and men to be able to relieve myself behind a large tree without having to deal with perverts.

As I walked back towards the carriage I stopped and just closed my eyes taking in the rich earthy musk in the air from the new spring blooms and sweet tree sap. The quiet sounds of the night soothed me, with the rustling of the leaves from the wind to the little sounds of sleeping critters.

A branch snapped loudly behind me, my eyes flew open and I slowly turned around towards the noise. I grabbed my chest and let out a huge sigh, it was only one of Laird MacDonald's guards. You almost gave me a heart attack, I thought you might have been a bear. I am sorry about that my Lady. It’s OK, what is your name? My name is Jonathon my lady.

Did Laird MacDonald have you come out here and find me? I asked. Not quite, my lady he smiled. Why are you all the way out here away from the other men? I questioned him. Well I saw you walk out here all by yourself and so far away from the carriage, I figured I should follow you to make sure you stay safe, he grinned.

There was a sickening realization of why he was out here alone following me, and it wasn’t for my safety. I started to back away from Jonathon but he kept inching closer. Stay the hell away from me I screamed. I searched for my dagger but I had left it in my bag in the carriage. My eyes grew wide and my heart pounded in my chest.

He reached out to grab me and I instinctively punched him in the nose. I felt a crunch beneath my knuckles and heard a cry of pain escape his lips. He hunched over grabbing his broken bloody nose and cursed, you will pay for this bitch! I spun around and ran for it.

I was still too far from the carriage and I could hear his heavy breathing gaining on me as I ran. I looked to my right and noticed a thick enough tree to hide me so I sprinted towards it and threw myself behind its massive trunk. I leaned my back against the smooth bark of the tree and slid down it to sit with my knees pulled to my chest and arms wrapped around my legs. My body trembled as I tried to quiet my breathing so as not alert him of my whereabouts.

I will find you Freya, there aren’t that many trees to hide behind in these woods. Show yourself, you know there’s no point in fighting this. Your screams won’t be heard this far out and no one will come to save you. If you don’t come out now it won’t just be your virtue I take tonight! He screamed. Show yourself and I will forget about the broken nose.

I covered my mouth as I heard Jonathon’s voice grow louder and his steps closer to where I was hiding. I closed my eyes and prayed for a way out of this mess and for some much-needed help.

I opened my eyes and there stood a small girl maybe the age of seven right in front of me. She put her finger in front of her mouth telling me to stay quiet. The girl was covered in a dress made of leaves, her long hair a shiny black and eyes the color of moss. I peeked over her shoulder and noticed more children dressed in leaves, all under the age of ten. Each boy and each girl hid behind a different tree, some were even high up in the tree between the leaves and branches.

Well look what we have here, Jonathon spat out. He grabbed a handful of my hair and dragged me to my feet. He looked at the young girl and smiled, It’s my lucky night. I have found two girls behind this tree.

Don’t you dare touch her I screamed as he tightened his grip on my hair. Do what you must with me, just leave her be. You are in no position to make bargains my love, he whispered in my ear. I almost threw up from the alcoholic stench on his breath. I kicked my foot back as hard as I could into his shin and yelled RUN to the little girl, but she didn’t move a muscle. He whirled me around, threw me against the tree causing a massive headache as my head slammed into the unforgiving trunk and grabbed a hold of my throat with both hands.

While I struggled against his strength I noticed the girl behind him pull out a long, thin, black spike from underneath her hair and stab Jonathon’s leg with it. He screamed in pain, let go of me and went to grab at the spike but it wasn’t there. It had already slid completely into his thigh.

Jonathon grabbed his neck, turned completely red and fell to the ground. His eyes rolled back into his skull and convulsed while bloody foam frothed out of his mouth. After about a minute he lay completely still against the dead leaves and dirt.

Who are you, I timidly asked the young girl. Me and the rest of my friends are Pukwudgies, but you can call me Malina she replied. Thank you for saving me Malina, I owe you my life. You asked for help Freya, I only answered. I never said it out loud though.

We hear everything that goes on in these woods. Pukwudgies are commonly known as forest children she replied. We protect the forest and the innocent within it. We have the power to heal and never grow old. What was that black thing you stabbed him with, I asked? The black spike you saw was a strand of my hair. A Pukwudgies hair turns to poisonous spikes when needed. That’s incredible I replied stunned.

Freya! Where are you! Laird MacDonald shouted from the distance. I should go before my Laird notices his guard’s dead body, I quickly replied.

Let me at least heal you Malina said. You have been through so much tonight; your mind and body need a break. Malina held out her hand for me to grasp and as soon as I touched her fingers, a warmth shot through my arm to the rest of my body erasing any cut, bruise and ache I possessed. I closed my eyes as the warmth enveloped my senses.

Freya, there you are Laird MacDonald said as he grabbed my shoulder. I opened my eyes expecting to see the girl and the dead body but they were gone as if nothing happened, but I knew it was real and the events of the night did happen. I smiled and whispered thank you into the wind, knowing Malina would hear it.

Where have you been Freya, we’ve been searching everywhere for you. I… I just got lost that’s all. Well next time take one of my men with you so we don’t waste any more time.

CHAPTER 5

We are almost to Caerlaverock castle, Julian stated. I lifted my head off the side of the carriage from a very uncomfortable sleep and opened the curtains. The brilliant sun blinded my eyes, it took me a minute to adjust to the light so I could see Scotland for the first time.

The scenery in Scotland was eerily breathtaking. There were miles upon miles of towering mountains, glittering lochs and thick woodland. The tree trunks were the size of this carriage and the leaves the size of my head. There wasn’t anything that resembled England or Wales. I was transported into a whole new world it seemed.

The mesmerizing trees cleared and opened to a large view of a meadow filled with purple flowers. The flowers were not the ones I was used to in Wales. These flowers were tall with a round thorny head and purple pointy tops. What are the names of those flowers? I asked Julian. They are called Thistles, he replied. Could you tell me more about them, maybe the history? He groaned as he sat up straight, I will tell you one story about the thistles then no more questions. OK, I replied.

The story goes that an invading Norse army planned to ambush the scots by slaughtering them while they slept. This attack required as much stealth as possible so the invaders attacked barefoot. Unfortunately for them, one of the attackers stepped on a thistle, and his cries of pain were enough to wake the sleeping Scotsmen, who charged into battle and destroyed their enemies. And so, the thistle was named the flower of Scotland. That’s incredible I replied excitedly.

We have made it to Dumfries, he stated. Caerlaverock castle is about six more miles south-west of here. My eyes were glued to the carriage window not wanting to miss any new scenery. As the castle grew bigger in the distance I noticed how massive it was.

How powerful is this man that I’m about to marry I shuddered? We passed through a small town, and I swear it was the creepiest experience I have ever had. The town was silent, there were no children playing outside and barely any animals. I noticed a few heads peak out through the windows of their cottages, they seemed scared for some reason. Their eyes went wide as soon as they noticed me in the carriage with their laird and swiftly shut the curtains.

Caerlaverock castle looked like a fortress, not just from all the guards surrounding the entrance and watch towers, but from the size itself. The stone castle was triangular along with its large dark green moat surrounding it. The entrance faced the north side and behind that on each side were circular watch towers. There is no way any army could penetrate those walls, especially since they would have to swim across. The bridge leading to the entrance was so small only one person could fit at a time, no horse would be able to cross that. About 200 meters past the moat behind the castle was the darkest forest I had ever seen. It was as if the sun couldn’t penetrate through the top of the trees, very strange I thought.

Freya lets go I’m starving, Laird MacDonald said gruffly. I pushed my thoughts away and followed behind the laird across the bridge to the front entrance.

Two guards opened the heavy oak doors for us. Julian grabbed my arm and led me inside the castle. The inside was just as brooding as the outside. Large animals mounted the walls and fur rugs covered the wood flooring and chairs. A large fireplace was ablaze to warm the room but nothing could have made the cold stain in the air in this castle go away. I shivered as I imagined my life here, I need to escape I just don’t know how yet or if it’s even possible in this fortress of a home.

A plump woman in her early thirties entered the room from what I assume was the kitchen, because I got a whiff of something delicious cooking. My mouth watered, I was starving I hadn’t had breakfast or lunch today. The woman went up to Julian and curtsied, is there anything I can do for you my laird? She seemed so timid speaking to him. Yes, take Freya up to my chambers to get freshened up for dinner and the ceremony.

The priest should be here within the hour, Julian said. I am to be married tonight I squeaked? What did you expect, he bluntly said? I…I just thought there would be more time. Time for what he questioned. If you were thinking about escaping then you are in for a rude awakening. It is impossible, the only way out is through the front entrance and my guards would never let you leave or betray me.

The woman cleared her throat to interrupt Julian’s rant. Come dear, let’s get you cleaned up, she gently said to me. The laird had me lay out your gown on his bed for you to wear tonight. I was terrified but I would be damned if he saw my fear so I squared my shoulders, held my chin up high and followed the woman up the winding stairs. When we reached the Lairds bed chamber, there was a steaming hot bath drawn up for me and a tray of bread and cheese along with a goblet filled to the brim with red wine. I figured you would be hungry after your long journey, she said. That’s very kind of you, but I’m afraid I have lost my appetite I replied.

Try to at least take a few bites of your bread and drink all the wine for your nerves. You’re going to need all the strength you can get for tonight, she said with sad eyes. I obediently took up the tray of food and started to nibble while she began to undress me.

What is your name? I asked. My name is Holly I am your Lady’s maid, so if there is anything you need or want I am at your disposal. Nice to meet you Holly, my name is Freya. It is a pleasure to be of service to you Freya, she curtsied. I grabbed the goblet of wine and stepped into the basin of hot water. The water seemed to calm my nerves, or maybe it was the wine. Either way worked, I closed my eyes taking in the lavender scented steam.

Holly scrubbed all the dirt off me and massaged my hair with soap that smelled of wheat. She rinsed my hair out then handed me a towel to wrap myself in while she dried my hair with another. Holly guided me to a chair in front of a remarkably clear mirror and grabbed a comb to work out all the tangles.

Holly combed my hair straight back then put some sort of oil in my hair to make it shine. She pinched my cheeks to add color then led me to the bed where my gown lay. I took one look at it and my mouth dropped open. Where’s my gown I asked? I’m afraid this is what my Laird wants you to wear tonight.

But… it looks like it should be worn underneath a gown I replied shocked. I can’t possibly wear this I stuttered. I am so sorry Freya, but I can get in a lot of trouble if you don’t wear it tonight she said with her eyes glued to the floor. What will he do if I refuse? He will beat me she whispered at the floor.

I sucked in air, my hands shook as I held up the gown to take a closer look. It was made of shear fabric with only a string on each side as sleeves.

I looked over at the terrified figure of Holly, and let out a breath. I silently slipped the thing on and walked over to the mirror bracing myself for what I was going to see.

I could make out my slender figure under the flowing gown. The length reached my knees and ruffles spread across the entire bottom hem. The shear fabric clung to my perky breasts which I tried to cover underneath my arms. Tears welled up in my eyes, I felt completely exposed and there was nothing I could do about it. I needed to be brave, I took a deep breath, turned to Holly and said everything will be OK.

Holly led me down the stairs to the dining hall where I heard more than one voice speaking. I stopped in my tracks wanting to run back upstairs and lock myself in the room. I closed my eyes hoping it would slow my heart beat and remembered the promise I made to Holly that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her while I was here. I took a deep breath, opened my eyes and stood up tall, well as tall as I possibly could at 5’2” and marched into the dining room. I found Laird MacDonald at the head of the table. Two burly men sat to his left and a scared looking priest sat to his right.

Come sit little lass, you look stunning in that gown he grinned. I quickly slid into the empty chair at the opposite end of the table from him and hoped it would hide enough of my nakedness from the men.

Let me introduce you to my friends the laird said. The fat man on my left is Callum, he chuckled. He is my adviser and tax collector. Next to Callum is Killian, he oversees all my guards, weaponry and army. They both eyed me hungrily and whispered something into each other’s ears. I had no doubt it was something inappropriate. Here on my right is Thomas our priest, he so very kindly offered to wed us at this late hour, Julian smirked. I seriously doubt he volunteered I thought to myself. The poor man was pale and sweating profusely.

Everyone this is my lovely young bride Freya. Callum raised his goblet of wine and toasted, “May she be extra fertile for you my Laird”. I was absolutely disgusted, I felt like I was a lamb being presented as an offering to sacrifice.

Holly left me alone in the lion’s den while she went to help the kitchen staff bring food out to the table. My skin crawled and my eyes welled up with tears. I refuse to cry, in front of these beasts so I dug my nails into my sweaty palms hoping the pain would distract me from my embarrassment.

The servants brought the food out and set the plates in front of us. The three men immediately dug into their meat and potato stew. The priest on the other hand couldn’t keep his worried eyes off me, he barely touched his food. I didn’t blame him, I couldn’t touch my food either knowing my stomach wouldn’t be able to keep it down.

The men belched, undid their belts and ordered for the plates to be taken away. You didn’t eat anything, Julian stated to me. I wasn’t hungry, I scowled back. That’s too bad he said, you’re going to need your strength for tonight he grinned. I jumped as Callum and Killian howled with laughter. The blood ran from my face as the reality sank in about what he meant.

The priest stood up and held out his hand for me, let’s get this over with he said. I grabbed his hand and walked with shaky legs to the living room full of dead animals. Julian and his men chugged down their ale and met us in there. The fat man Callum with his gold chains and silk clothing slapped my arse as he passed me to sit down and watch. I threw a deathly glare into his direction and hissed, “don’t ever touch me again”! He threw his porky hands into the air and chuckled, “won’t happen again my lady”.

My head was spinning, I went through the motions of the ceremony without fully understanding it. The entire ceremony was performed in Gaelic. The priest bound our wrists together and Laird MacDonald went in for a kiss. He smelled of ale and musk, I tried to pull away but he just kissed harder.

I could taste copper in my mouth from my own blood, he had bitten my lip so hard it swelled up and bled. He let go and I gulped for air while wiping away the blood from my lips.

The priest grabbed my hand, looked into my eyes and said, I’m so sorry. He then grabbed his belongings and started to leave while the other men were congratulating Julian. Where do you think you’re going Julian bellowed at the priest? I finished the ceremony, I would like to head home now, the priest stuttered out.

You’re not going anywhere, the Laird said coldly. Julian looked over at Killian and nodded. Killian then unsheathed his sword and looked straight at the priest. What the hell is going on, I yelled! Don’t worry lass, Julian said. You see the priest here can’t ever leave, the way I seal my marriages is by death. The priest needs to die for me to feel sealed to you. If he leaves then there is a chance he can undo the marriage and I can’t have that.

You’re a sick bastard, I snarled! Killian lifted his sword and I looked over at the priest with wide eyes. No, please don’t! I cried. It was too late, Killian slashed the blade across Thomas’s neck halfway severing his head from his shoulders. Thomas choked on his own blood as he fell to the floor with wide bulging eyes. I screamed and thrashed as Julian held me back away from the body. His tight grip around my waist making it harder for me to breath. I watched as Thomas’s life drained from his body. How could you, I screamed at them as I gasped for air. It had to be done, Julian replied. There’s no way out of this marriage for you now.

I would rather die than be with you, I spat. Your wish may come true if you don’t learn how to behave like my wife. Laird MacDonald threw me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing and my kicking didn’t bother him. I watched the two other men upside down cleaning up their murder as Julian carried me upstairs to his bed chambers.

We entered the room and he just dropped me onto the floor like a sack of potatoes. Get in the bed he demanded. No, I yelled. I kicked him as hard as I could in the shin then jumped up off the floor and bolted for the door to escape. My heart pounded in my chest, he grabbed me around the waist just as I touched the door handle and ripped me away from it. He dragged me to the bed and threw me down atop of it.

Julian held up his callused hand and back handed me. I felt a searing pain across my face and my ears rang from the contact. The ring he wore, was covered in blood and I could feel the hot liquid drops running down my cheek from a gash he made on my cheekbone. I could feel my left eye already swelling shut from the blow.

I stared into Julian’s eyes and only saw darkness, it felt like I was staring straight at the devil himself. Don’t ever run away from me again, he bellowed. That’s your first warning Freya. And don’t worry, tonight shouldn’t last more than few hours, he toothily grinned. I spat in his face, and he turned a deep shade of crimson.

He grabbed a kerchief from his pocket, wiped the spit from his face and looked at me full of rage.

He ripped the front of my shift open, grabbed my throat and held me down. I clawed at his hands, I couldn’t breathe and my heart was racing from the panic. Stars began to appear in front of my eyes, I felt him spread my legs apart and let go of my neck to unbutton his trousers. I choked and gasped for air to refill my empty lungs again. You can’t do this I hoarsely screamed trying to push him off me. I am your husband I can do anything I want to you he growled.

CHAPTER 6

I woke up the next morning and looked around frantically, he wasn’t in the room. The last thing I remembered from last night was Laird MacDonald forcing himself on me and screaming from the pain then blacking out.

Holly stood with her back turned away drawing up a bath for me. I tried to get up but flinched from the pain. Holly turned around and ran over to me, Freya you shouldn’t be moving too much she said worriedly. I looked down at myself and noticed dried blood between my thighs and on the sheets. My body was covered in bruises, and my eye was nearly swollen shut. I didn’t even want to remember what happened last night. I was so embarrassed, I covered my face with my hands and began to weep.

Holly embraced my shaking body and tried to comfort me. It will heal hunny, it will I promise. She stroked my hair and said, “let’s get you cleaned up and I’ll send for the maids to wash the sheets”. She helped me out of the bed and into the warm bath. The water turned pink as she gently washed away the traces of last night. I stepped out of the tub feeling sore but a little better. Thank you, Holly, I said to her.

I was dressed in a floral, long sleeve silk gown with lace at my wrists and a high neckline. The dress covered the bruises on my body and I was grateful for that. Holly plaited my hair back then put a clear paste over the cut on my face. It smelled awful but she assured me it would reduce the swelling and keep the cut from scarring.

Where are my belongings I brought here, I asked Holly? I’m afraid the Laird has it secured in his study. He doesn’t want you wearing your old clothes here since you are a lady now. I took a deep breath, thank goodness, he hasn’t found my dagger in that bag I thought to myself. Is there any way of getting my bag returned to me somehow, I asked Holly? I’m afraid not, at least not yet anyways, she said. There are guards outside that room constantly, but I will keep an eye out for you if they ever leave their position. Thank you, I replied. If I am going to make it out of here alive then I am going to need that dagger, I thought.

Let’s head down to breakfast my Lady, Laird MacDonald is waiting on you. I dreaded seeing my cruel husbands face. All I want is to leave or lock myself in the room so I don’t have to pretend everything is fine. I won’t survive the year in Caerlaverock Castle with Laird MacDonald as my husband. I know a portion of scary beasts and myths that roam this world but I had never imagined a man just as bloodthirsty.

CHAPTER 7

It’s been weeks since I arrived at Caerlaverock Castle and I still haven’t found a way to escape. I wasn’t eating or sleeping lately and I felt like I had lost ten pounds from my already slender waist.

Holly took care of me to the best of her abilities and I was thankful for that.

The door to my bed chambers opened and a woman in her early twenties with black curly hair, dark skin and a thin frame walked into the room. Hello Freya, the woman gently said to me. My name is Isla and Holly sent me. Holly says you’re having trouble sleeping?

Every time I try to close my eyes I see the Laird and I’m afraid I won’t wake up.

Isla came over to the bed and sat down in front of me. I’m sorry, she replied softly. I have a drink for you made of Valerian root to put you to sleep and Passionflower to calm your mind. My mam taught me everything I know.

Would you like to try it, she asked? I’ll give it a try, thank you Isla. She smiled then handed me the drink. I downed the drink in seconds and handed back the cup. The taste wasn’t so bad, it tasted like black licorice.

My head immediately became foggy from the drink. Isla laid me back, tucked me in then left the room quietly.

Not two seconds later, I was transported back into the same woods with the owl.

I looked into the owl’s bright green eyes. Where am I and why am I covered in blood, I asked the owl?

The owl just stared back. Great, I thought. Maybe I’m just insane for trying to talk to an owl. Why am I here, I yelled into the woods!

You’re here to learn how to fulfill your destiny, a woman’s voice answered back. I spun around looking for the woman but no one except me and the owl were here in the woods.

Oh great, I said out loud. I’m not just crazy, I’m hearing voices now.

Freya, you’re not crazy, the woman said. Where are you and how do you know my name?

My name is Blodwedd. My eyes widened, Blodwedd the owl goddess, I asked? I looked up at the owl. Yes, it replied without moving its mouth.

How am I able to hear or understand you, I asked? You were born with special abilities which connects us telepathically, she replied.

But, why me? That my sweet little Freya is something you need to discover on your own. I am so sorry Freya about all the trials you are going to endure in this life. It’s not what I wanted or planned for you but you are stronger than you think and I have faith in you that you will succeed.

I don’t understand, succeed in what, I asked? The answers you seek are with your dagger. Keep it close and you will be protected.

The surroundings became fuzzy and the owl Blodwedd disappeared. None of this makes sense, I yelled! What destiny are you talking about!

CHAPTER 8

I woke up bright eyed and fully rested with the sun shining through my bed chamber window.

My dream still confused me but I was grateful I slept the entire night for once. I’ll need to thank Isla again and let her know the drink worked.

Since I had arrived here I hadn’t payed attention to the details in the room. The bed chamber was fairly large and beautiful compared to the rest of the dreary castle.

The bed had four tall posts at each end with a sheer gold material spiraled around each pole. There was also a large dresser with intricately carved symbols along the frame with gold specks of color.

All I could think about now was my growling stomach and the delicious food that sat next to me on a chair.

I pulled the tray of food closer and smelled the freshly baked morning rolls. My mouth watered as I slathered butter and jam on top then scarfed it down while my oatmeal cooled off. I finished every crumb of food that was put in front of me and savored the sweet taste of honey in my oatmeal. I washed everything down with a cup of rich creamy milk then set the empty tray back down onto the chair.

Still weak, I slowly got out of the bed and filled a bath for myself, undressed, relieved myself in the chamber pot and quickly took my bath in luke warm water.

After the bath I plaited my hair to the side, letting it hang down the front of my shoulder. I looked thinner in the mirror but still just as plain as ever.

Opening my dresser, I grabbed a clean shift and found a deep red gown that flowed loosely around my body with a ribbon to tie around my extra thin waist.

After lacing my black boots on, I went to the window to take in the fresh air. The morning air smelled of pine and heather. Definitely a different smell to the salty air I was used to in Fishguard. Everything looked more colorful now that fall was soon to come.

The door behind me opened, revealing Laird MacDonald. Oh, good your already up and ready, he said. Ready for what, I asked? The clan would like to meet their new Lady. I would rather not, I replied. You’re going whether you like it or not Freya. I glared back at Julian but didn’t say a word, knowing what he would do if I did.

There’s one more thing, no one is to know your name, he roughly said to me. I nodded to Julian then followed him out of the castle with the guards. We were led into town to be greeted by the Laird’s clan.

The town still fairly scarce of people were all lined up in the streets by more guards waiting our arrival. Children hid behind their parents and the elderly supported by their son’s.

My heart broke seeing all these people look so scared. The town bowed and curtsied after Julian announced our marriage and introduced me, the new Lady to Clan MacDonald.

Only one man in his sixties stood tall and brave against Julian. His voice boomed over the crowd, calling Julian an unfit Laird and bastard for taking but a mere child as his wife and prisoner.

I was shocked by the courage and conviction the old man had against Julian. She is not going to survive the year, the old man yelled!

Kill that man for speaking out against his Laird, Julian bellowed to his guards!

No! I screamed. Please don’t hurt him! I beg of you don’t kill him! I ran forward and tackled the guard that was about to kill him and grabbed a fistful of the guard’s hair and slammed his face into the ground three times before two other guards grabbed a hold of me and pulled me off.

Take my wife back to the castle and teach her to behave, Laird MacDonald commanded to the two guards that had a hold of me. Yes, my Laird, they both replied.

The two burly guards began to drag me back towards the castle.

If you kill that man, I will kill you my Laird! I screamed. One of the guards put his filthy hand over my mouth and kept dragging.

I bit into his hand and spit the repulsing salty iron taste out onto the ground after he wrenched his hand away and called me a bitch.

We made it into the castle, tears running down my cheeks for that poor man who was sentenced to death for standing up to the Laird.

The guard that I didn’t bite, turned me around to face his friend and held both my hands behind my back. This is for biting me, the man said just before he punched me in the stomach, knocking the breath out.

The man behind me let go, dropping me to the floor, coughing and clutching my stomach with both hands.

The men laughed and walked away just as Holly entered the room from the dining hall. Freya, what happened she worriedly asked and she ran over to me. Are you OK, she asked helping me to my feet? I’ll be fine thank you Holly. But those guards won’t soon enough, I thought to myself angrily.

CHAPTER 9

Uncle Rory! Uncle Rory! Fergus called as he ran into the house. Whoa slow down lad, what’s going on? Alistair is back, he says he needs to talk to you at the forests edge, the boy said excitedly. Hmm, OK thank you Fergus. Can, I go with you both? Please, I’m ten now and know how to fight. What makes you think we are even going anywhere? Because every time Alistair shows up there is always trouble going on.

Rory smiled at Fergus, well you are right about that. So, can I go? The boy asked excitedly. Rory knelt on one knee and grabbed Fergus’s shoulders before he ran off to pack his things. I have no doubt you are an exceptional fighter, but you can’t come this time he said sympathetically to Fergus. I don’t know what Alistair has found and I can’t risk you getting hurt. But I won’t, he protested loudly. Fergus your father needs you here, your next of kin to take your fathers place as Laird of clan Stewart when he is gone. Your father is only trying to prepare you Fergus. But…Fergus whined. No buts, now get back to work and help your sister feed the animals. Yes sir, Fergus said as he left the room with sagging shoulders.

Rory stood up, grabbed an extra pair of clothes, half a loaf of bread, dried fruits, jerky and his flask of water. He shoved it all in one bag, slung it over his shoulder then began the trek towards the tree line. Once Rory reached the tree line he called out for Alistair. A small black cat jumped out of the tree in front of him and transformed into Alistair. It’s good to see you old friend, he grinned as he embraced Rory in a hug. It’s good to see you too Alistair, but it would be better if you could put your kilt back on he chuckled.

After Alistair dressed himself he gave Rory a grim look. There have been whispers in the lowlands he said to Rory. Whispers about what, Rory asked? Arawn, God of the Underworld he replied. What does Arawn have to do with anything, he is chained up in hell fire there’s no escape. According to the rumors he is free now. How is that even possible, Rory replied stunned. It’s said that a human worshiped Arawn so much that he made himself a sacrifice in a ritual to become a vessel for Arawn to possess and walk free.

Is that even possible? Rory asked concerned. I don’t know but I have spotted a Dubhe sidhe in raven form near the lowlands and they don’t usually show themselves unless Arawn is near, Alistair replied. How long has he been free, Rory asked? I’m not sure but the rumors started about five months ago. I wasn’t even sure it was true so I searched everywhere for the signs that he had risen and taken a human form. It took me until just six days ago to learn the name of the man he has become and where he is.

That’s why I came straight here, I need your help Rory. There’s no telling exactly what we are dealing with and I need someone I can trust. We are like brothers Alistair, we have fought side by side for years and I will continue to fight by your side until my last breath so what is Arawn’s human name and where are we heading?

His new name is Julian, Laird Julian MacDonald of Dumfries, Scotland in the lowlands. There’s one more thing… Arawn took a bride. The few people that know her name won’t say for fear of Laird MacDonald. He keeps her locked up in secret in Caerlaverock Castle. That’s everything I know, and that’s saying something with my skills. It’s going to take us a couple weeks to get there. Well then, we better get going, Rory said to Alistair.

Rory removed his shirt then securely strapped his bag around his back. What are you doing Alistair asked Rory with a grin? The journey would go a lot faster if we were both in our true forms, he replied. Very true, but are you sure you still know how to turn into a wolf after all your time in hiding after the last war? You may be rusty, Alistair laughed.

Rory leapt forward and in midair he transformed into a huge wolf half the size of a full-grown horse. Rory landed on all four paws, shook his long copper colored fur coat, looked back at Alistair then sped off into the forest. Show off, Alistair yelled in Rory’s direction then leapt forward into his true cat form; a Cat Sidhe and raced after him.

The farther they traveled towards Caerlaverock Castle, the quieter the lands were. It was almost as if everything was waiting for a storm to come, Rory thought to himself. I hadn’t realized how bad things have gotten, Rory said to Alistair. You were taking care of your sister and her family and there wasn’t any solid evidence that anything bad was going on, until now, Alistair replied.

Snowfall coated the purple thistles and trees all around giving everything an eerily beautiful look. Dark clouds swarmed above, warning everything in sight a storm was coming. Rory, Alistair called from one of the trees above, I have a few hiding spots we can take shelter in on the way to Dumfries. They can shelter us from the worst parts of the storm that’s coming. Lead the way, and it better not be in any trees Alistair, Rory called back from the ground.

Chapter 10

It has been almost five long months since I married Julian and surprised that I’m still alive. I feel my time is almost up though.

Things have begun to get worse since I’ve arrived at Caerlaverock Castle. Julian’s army has grown three times the size in these past months which scares the hell out me. His eyes grow blacker by the day almost completely covering the white, and his appetite for torture and death makes me sick.

Every single night Julian never ceases to beat and rape me and honestly, I feel broken. In the mornings Holly must put all the pieces that are left, back together. She tells me I’m lucky the Laird spares my face during his rampages. I think he’s just a sick bastard that doesn’t want to face what he’s done and it’s easier for the bruises and cuts to be hidden underneath clothing.

I had asked Holly last night how the Laird became what he is and she replied, “The Laird was born twisted and as he grew into a boy he began to torture animals, his parents in denial about their son’s growing hunger let him do anything he wanted in hopes he would outgrow it.

When the boy turned nineteen his parents walked in on him covered in another boy’s blood. The other boy lay on the floor with his stomach ripped open and symbols carved into the chest of the dead body. Julian’s parents were so scared by the monster he had become they banished Julian. Julian screamed in anger at his parents claiming Arawn won’t be happy to hear they stopped his work.

Later that night Julian snuck back into the castle and murdered both his parents in their bed. Julian being the only blood heir to the line became the next Laird. He was extremely secretive for years, only coming out of his study to eat. About a month before the Laird brought you to the castle is when he changed for the worst if you can believe it. He stopped hiding, it is almost as if it’s not really Julian at all but something else.”

I sat up in my bed and listened to the early morning sounds. There were still a couple more hours left before the sun came up, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to fall back to sleep. My nightmares kept me from sleeping the full night most of the time. It did give me the time to search for exit strategies and my dagger.

Julian would always leave the castle in the middle of the night so it gave me close to an hour every night to plan my escape. He does place extra guards everywhere when he is gone but I’ve been studying their patterns and shifts enough to sneak past them in the dark.

It’s about time I get my dagger back, I thought to myself. I quietly slipped out of the empty bed and wrapped myself in a dark robe to cover my white shift. I left my shoes off so my footsteps wouldn’t be heard, and slipped out the door into the dark hallway. I snuck past all the guards and headed towards Julian’s study. I stopped dead in my tracks after spotting a guard in front of the door to the study. That guard wasn’t supposed to be there. My heart pounded with panic, what the hell do I do now. Ok, just take a deep breath I told myself.

Hey, you there, the guard bellowed! Shit I mumbled. Get over here, what are you doing out of your chambers he snarled. I slowly walked over to the guard with my eyes cast down. I…. I couldn’t sleep I was only trying to look for Laird Macdonald I softly said. Well, he’s not here so let me escort you back. There is no need for that I could wait for him in his study, I said. I looked up at the guard with my big blue eyes, I’m just so scared of rats and I thought I heard one in my room. Even so I don’t think you should be out here or in his study, he replied. At least let me go in his study for a quick drink of whiskey to calm myself then you can escort me back.

Very well but make it quick he grumbled. Oh, thank you so much, you are too kind I innocently said as I brushed my hand across his shoulder before opening the door behind him. After I closed the door to the study I raced around searching for my black bag with my dagger in it. I searched every drawer and cabinet and finally found it in a chest full of gold and jewels. The dagger was still hidden at the bottom of the bag with my extra clothes. I shoved as much gold and jewels into my bag as I could. I knew I needed money for provisions after my escape. I tied the top of my bag securely, shut the chest lid and turned around only to face the guard pissed off with his sword drawn.

I can explain, I said to him as I slung the bag around my back and secured it. How dare you steal from the Laird he bellowed. He continued towards me with his sword raised, I looked to my right, grabbed the glass bottle of whiskey and threw it straight for his head like I would a dagger. The bottle shattered in his face and the shear impact knocked the guard out cold. He crumpled to the floor all bloody with glass sticking out of his skin.

I knew he wouldn’t be out for long so I carefully stepped over his body and sprinted towards the servant chambers. The servant bed chambers were the closest and I knew they would help me plus there were never any guards in that wing of the castle.

I burst through the door to the servants shared bed chamber panting, slammed the door shut and turned to face the startled servants. Their wide eyes looked me up and down then turned to concern. Freya? Freya what’s going on. Are you ok Holly asked? The other servants stood up from their beds on the ground.

I don’t have much time Holly, I need a bag quick. Any bag please I panted. Holly pulled out and old brown linen bag from under her bed sheets and handed it to me. I quickly set both bags on the floor, knelt on my knees and took out half my spare clothes from my bag then shoved it into the new one. I stuck my dagger in the new bag along with more than half the jewels and coins.

The servants gasped when they saw I had stolen the Lairds money. I knew they wouldn’t say a word though. What did you get yourself into Freya? Holly asked panicked. I needed into the Laird’s study to finish my plan of escape but I got caught and now I need your help to hide the brown bag. I need it placed behind the biggest tree at the edge of the forest on the north side. I’m not allowed outside and I would be spotted if I tried. You guys are the only ones with free rein and never watched. I need your help please. I looked at them with pleading eyes.

I have already been caught so the laird will look for what I stole. That’s why I needed the second bag to hide it and I have the black bag for him to find in my chambers with only the partial stolen goods in it. Oh Freya, the Laird could kill you for this she said sadly.

I was dead the moment Julian married me I replied. Holly embraced me in a hug then grabbed the brown bag, we will help you Freya. Thank you, Holly, I need to go now before the rest of the guards start searching for me.

I ran back towards the study to cover my tracks so no one would suspect I went to the servant’s chamber. I opened the study room door and waited for the guard to regain consciousness so he could spot me and chase me towards my chambers. I wanted to make sure there was no doubt in his mind that the only stolen goods were in my black bag and I didn’t make any stops to hide them. I needed to tie up loose ends for the sake of my friend’s lives.

The guard groaned and began to push himself off the ground. Show time, I mumbled. He looked up at me with a death stare then lunged at me. I dogged him and took off upstairs towards my bed chamber with the black bag slung over my back. I heard more yelling and boots pounding on the floor behind me as I ran past all the guards on duty.

They didn’t seem very happy that I was faster than them. Hopefully this makes a big enough distraction for one of the servants to slip out and hide the bag where I asked.

I turned the corner quickly towards my bed chamber when I ran into something hard. Owe, I looked up and cursed under my breath. I had run into a very angry Laird MacDonald and Callum. Well, well what do we have here, Callum said as he roughly grabbed my arm. My Laird, “one of the guards panted as he caught up to us,” your lady has injured Bram and stole that black bag from your study. Is that so, the Laird said with disgust. Callum ripped the bag off me and opened it. My Laird she stole your gold and jewels, Callum spat.

What do you think you were trying to accomplish by stealing from your husband, Callum yelled in my face? None of your damn business I replied. Callum back handed me across my cheek leaving my ear ringing and my eyes watered. That’s enough, Julian sternly said to Callum.

I have a better punishment for her and maybe this time she will learn. Take Freya to the death chamber in the dungeon and bind her, Julian told the guards. My Laird surely that’s not necessary, a timid guard spoke up. Do as I command or you can join her, he bellowed.

Two guards had a hold of both my arms and dragged me down the staircase. The men took me past the servant’s chamber to another staircase which led us far beneath the castles foundation. The air felt wet and cold on my skin giving me goosebumps. By the time we reached the bottom I was shivering, my bare feet were ankle deep in water and my thin robe didn’t give me any comfort.

We reached an iron door that one of the guards had to unlock, then drag me in. The room was pitch black and smelled of death. The guards seemed familiar with the room, they went around lighting all the torches on the walls.

As soon as the first torch was lit I gasped, there were hundreds of tools hanging from the walls. Dried blood covered majority of them. All kinds of whips, saws, knives with different blade shapes and edges. The worst part was seeing all the frightening tools I didn’t recognize.

The middle of the room had a long chain hanging from the ceiling with two wrist shackles at the end. What the bloody hell kind of room is this, I blurted out.

The guards just ignored me as they stripped my robe off leaving me half naked in my shift. I was shoved into the middle of the room and chained. They pulled the chain tight and fastened it to the hook on the wall so my arms were lifted above my head and my feet barely reached the ground. The guards didn’t say a word as they left the room and shut the door behind them.

CHAPTER 11

The chains felt harsh against my skin and my wrists already felt like they were rubbed raw. The door swung open revealing Laird MacDonald. So, this is what you do to people to scare them into following you, I calmly said to Laird MacDonald. I should have brought you down here a long time ago, he replied. Apparently, my beatings weren’t enough to put you in your place.

No matter what you do to me Julian, I will never obey you, I said to him. We will see about that, he whispered in my ear.

Let’s see, what shall I start with, he asked as he circled me. Julian walked over to the knives and grabbed a small smooth blade the size of a thumb. This blade is one of my favorites, would you like to know why, he asked? I could care less, I spat. He sliced me across the side of my rib, I screamed in pain.

The cut wasn’t deep but it felt as if my blood was boiling from the inside. Sweat slid down my back. What the hell did you do to me! As I was saying, the reason why this blade is my favorite is because it’s permanently laced with a poison that immediately puts you in a state of high fever. Makes your opponent’s whole body weak. It won’t kill you but it will make you wish you were dead.

You’re the weak one I said. You need to kill and torture for attention, I said. He set the blade back and grabbed a thick, flat piece of metal that he laid over his knuckles and wrapped a leather strip around his hand to secure it.

I heard a crack as his metal fist contacted my ribs. Air wasn’t reaching my lungs. I gasped for a good 30 seconds until I could breath. My ribs burned as I coughed up blood. There was no doubt in my mind I had a broken rib.

Have you learned your lesson yet, he asked? Fuck you, I replied spitting the hot red liquid at the Lairds feet trying to rid my mouth of the copper taste. Have it your way he growled, as he grabbed a whip from the wall then walked behind me. I closed my eyes and waited for impact.

I had lost count after the 50th lash against my back. My legs gave way a few lashes after that and the cuts on my wrists bled down my arms. As I hung there, it took me a minute to realize Julian had stopped.

My back was numb from shock, I still had a high fever and my body shook with chills. I think you have had enough for today, he said. You are more resilient than you look Freya. I will be back in a few hours and hopefully by then you will have learned your lesson. You will have to kill me because I will never give in to you, I managed to say as he left the room.

I didn’t hear a latch click which meant the idiot didn’t lock the door. The shackles that held my hands up became loose over the past hour or so from my sweat and blood. I twisted my wrists and slid them out, toppling to the dungeon floor.

I took a deep breath and hissed as I pushed myself up off the ground then quietly snuck out and made my way to my bed chambers. I knew the Laird wouldn’t be there, he would be eating in the dining hall with his guards and trusted advisers. Which gave me an easy path.

By the time I reached my bed chambers I had completed the plan in my head to escape. I knew exactly what I needed to do and it wouldn’t be easy. It hurt like hell to strip the bloody tattered shift off my body and put a new one on.

I quickly plaited my hair loosely down my back then slipped on a soft, form fitting dark green gown. Tightly secured my brown boots on my feet and raced to the balcony down the hall before the laird realizes I’m missing.

Unfortunately, the only way out is to jump and I’m praying that the moat beneath me hasn’t frozen over yet from the early weeks of winter. There is no turning back now, I climbed up onto the ledge and looked down gulping from the terrifying height. Hey, get down! I heard a guard yell from behind me. What are you doing he bellowed? Here it goes…. I jumped off the balcony and crashed into the icy water.

My head launched out from underneath the water’s surface and I swam as fast as my frozen limbs could go.

One thing the water helped, was my fever brain. It shocked my system into waking up, giving me the adrenaline I needed. I pulled myself out of the water and ran for the dark forest. It was still daylight out and not the best time for escape but I knew the forest would be the perfect cover.

I remembered Julian telling me this forest never receives any light no matter the time of day. A loud bell rang across the castle warning the army of my escape, I heard yelling in the distance along with men on horses pounding their hooves in my direction.

I ran as fast as I could toward the largest tree at the forests edge. I knew if I could just make it to the forest then it would be harder for them to find me. I reached the tree, grabbed the bag my friends had put there for me and disappeared into the darkness of the trees. I ran deeper and deeper into the forest trying to put as much distance between them and me.

Finally, I found a place to hide behind a large tree that had fallen over. Its large bushy branches gave me the cover I needed to keep an eye out for the men and still be hidden. I practically fell to the ground from exhaustion. I sat there with my arms wrapped around my legs and my chin resting on my knees.

My body would soon go back into shock and become hypothermic if I couldn’t find a safe place to start a fire and get warm.

The one good thing about this forest is the shelter. Not only do the trees block the sunlight, they block the snowfall too, giving me a fighting chance to survive.

The sound of hoof-beats and clanking metal from the men were coming dangerously close. My heart almost pounded out of my chest watching Laird MacDonald's men gallop past with their swords drawn looking for me. By the time most of them left, my teeth were chattering from the cold. There were still three stragglers left behind to look.

One of the guards began to walk in the direction I was hiding. My breath got caught in my throat as I watched him get closer. A noise to the right startled me, it sounded like a cat. I looked over and sitting on top of the fallen trunk was a stunning black cat with a large white mark on its breast and dark green eyes staring at me.

The guard turned towards the direction of the cat, raised his sword and muttered, “you’re going to be my dinner tonight.” I grabbed the nearest rock, jumped up and threw it at his sword hand forcing him to yelp and drop his sword to the ground before he could harm the cat.

While the guard grabbed his hand in confusion I took the opportunity to grab the cat and run. I clutched the cat against my chest not looking back one bit and just kept running. At first, I heard the guard call his other two companions to the chase then I just heard frightened screams as something tore them apart behind me. It sounded like a wolf had gotten to them. I ran as fast as I could until I heard nothing behind me.

Stopping for air, I looked back to make sure it was safe. There was nothing, just trees and dark shadows. I set the cat down on the soft forest ground and said, “you’re safe now.” The cat looked up at me and just meowed. I smiled at the poor creature, you must be hungry aren’t you I asked? I took the bag off my back and set it down.

If I know Holly then she would have packed me some food and water in this bag too before she hid it. I opened the bag and took out some dried meat, ripping it into small pieces for the cat to eat.

I set the small pieces of meat in front of the cat to eat but it didn’t move it just stared at me. My body felt so overworked and damaged I was surprised I made it this far without dying. My adrenaline started to fade quick now that I felt safe enough away from Julian and his men. The ground began to spin and my eyes went blurry.

Next thing I know I’m lying on the ground looking up at the trees. As my eyes slowly faded shut I felt a cold wet nose nudge my neck and a whining sound. My eyes caught a glimpse of brown wolf eyes before I fell completely into darkness.

CHAPTER 12

Alistair turned back into human form just as he saw the slender young woman collapse to the ground. Rory, Alistair yelled! Alistair put a hand on her forehead, she was burning up. Rory came up beside Alistair and nudged her neck with his nose feeling for a pulse.

She closed her eyes and her pulse weakened. Rory transformed back into human, wrapped his kilt around his waist and scooped her up off the ground. Alistair grabbed her bag and said hurry I know of a place to take her.

Rory looked down at the young woman he was holding in his arms. She couldn’t have been more than seventeen years old. She looked so delicate, I doubt she will survive the night, he thought to himself sadly. What was she doing out here by herself, he asked Alistair. I don’t know but she’s braver than I thought, Alistair replied. I spotted her hiding from those armed men and when one of them turned towards her direction I showed myself to distract him from finding her but before I had time to take off for him to chase me, she popped out of the brush and threw a rock at the man’s hand making him drop his weapon. She thought the man was going to kill me so she snatched me up and ran.

She risked her life to save a forest cat then feed me from her own supply. I can’t tell if she’s just stupid or extremely brave. Oh, and thanks for taking care of those guards on our tail he said to Rory.

The cabin is just around that bend, Alistair told Rory. I’m going to run ahead and start a fire in the fireplace and put a pot of boiling water on. Ok hurry Alistair, I’m afraid she may die if we don’t get her warm soon. Alistair took off in cat form and by the time Rory made it inside the cabin it was filled with light and warmth from the fire. Lay her right here in front of the fire Rory. Rory gently laid the girl down on the floor and stood back. What happened, whose blood is that, Alistair asked urgently? Rory looked down at his hands and clothing, it was soaked in blood. Oh shit, she must be bleeding somewhere Rory panicked!

Quick boil some bandages and find clean dry ones. No wonder why she collapsed so suddenly out there. She must have been bleeding out for some time Rory said panicked as he gently stripped all her clothing off. Alistair, I need your help come here. Alistair rushed over then stopped dead in his tracks.

The girl’s naked figure was stunning, her body perfectly curved in the right places and breasts plump with small perky nipples. Her skin a smooth milky cream and her waist almost too slender perhaps from starvation.

Across her body were faint bruises and a huge bruise on her right side underneath her breast, most likely a broken rib too. The other side showed a clean knife cut across the skin with black veins surrounding it. Rory, I think she was poisoned, Alistair said as he knelt beside her. Not just that, look at her wrists Rory replied. They’re completely cut up and raw. It’s like she was chained against her will.

I need you to hold her against you so I can find the bleeding. It must be coming from her back Rory said. Alistair gently pulled the feverish girl up to his chest to hold when he heard a gasp from Rory. Alistair looked down at the girls back and almost broke into tears from the horrific sight. How could anyone do this to an innocent girl Rory growled. There must be at least a hundred open cuts covering her back. Someone whipped this girl to the brink of death after torturing her.

Rory and Alistair silently cleaned her wounds and bandaged her up, praying that she would survive this. Rory found an extra shift in her bag and put it on her, then laid her in a bed in the cabin. Alistair covered her in a blanket, turned into cat form and curled up at the bottom of her feet to keep her warm throughout the night. It’s going to be a long night for her to break that fever.

Rory transformed into his wolf form and curled up against the door to protect her from any unwelcome guests. They couldn’t sleep after seeing her fragile body harmed in such cruel ways. They just listened to her irregular breathing throughout the night, hoping she wouldn’t die by the monster’s hand that did this. They looked at each other knowing that whoever committed this crime will pay with their life by the hands of an Irish werewolf and a Cat Sidhe.

CHAPTER 13

My mind began to stir and everything hurt like hell, I kept my eyes closed trying to make sense of it. Why am I warm and laying on something soft, am I dead? I can’t be dead, if I was then I wouldn’t be in this much pain. The only other realization I can come to is I’ve been captured…My eyes shot open and I launched myself out of the bed hoping not to see Laird MacDonald in the room. I crumpled to the floor in pain, I hated feeling weak.

My eyes searched the room quickly for Julian and to my relief he wasn’t here, wherever here was. I seemed to be in a small cabin, with a warm crackling fireplace and a clean shift on. I must have been so delusional I couldn’t remember finding this place and changing. Just as I let out a sigh of relief I noticed a huge red wolf on all fours blocking the cabin door and the same small black cat from the forest was on the bed I jumped out of. My eyes couldn’t possibly get any wider from the shock of not being immediately eaten alive. And how is that cat still alive, surely it would have been a perfect appetizer for the wolf and me the main course.

The animals didn’t seem hostile. I’m no animal whisperer but they looked concerned for some reason. Strange, I thought to myself. I can’t take any chances though.

I slowly scooted my body back towards the wall, where my bag was sitting on a wooden chair to the right. The animals didn’t move a muscle as I grabbed the dagger out of my bag and pulled myself off the ground with the chair’s help. I held on to the chair with one hand for strength and pointed the dagger at the wolf with the other.

My legs felt so weak and my body was screaming at me in pain. The room most definitely wasn’t staying in one place and I could see two wolves now each in front of a door. I sighed and lowered the blade. I’m in no shape of defending myself right now and if I was to be eaten it would have been while I slept. The wolf didn’t seem too interested in making me its meal so I pushed my bag off the chair and sat down. I set my dagger down on my lap and rested my head in my hands closing my eyes.

I felt something soft brush against my leg and a wet nose push against my hands whining. I moved my hands away from my eyes and pet the giant beast welcoming the unexpected comfort. I smiled at the beast knowing it meant me no harm.

The room began to spin again and I was losing consciousness fast. The wolf noticing my behavior whined at the cat near my feet. I looked over just in time to see the black cat turn into a tall, well-muscled man with green eyes and white hair before I was scooped up and gently put back in bed unconscious.

Rory changed back into human form just as the girl was carried back to bed by Alistair. Well that went better than I had expected, Alistair said to Rory. It was strange wasn’t it, that she wasn’t frightened by us, Rory asked? Yes, but at least she’s past the time frame of dying, she’s a lot tougher than I had expected, Alistair commented back. She is still going to need a couple more days to heal and get her strength back.

Rory bent over and picked up the girl’s dagger off the floor, inspecting it. I’ve seen this symbol before, I can’t remember where though. Come look Alistair, there is a crest of an owl on her dagger.

Alistair held the dagger in his hand admiring the craftsmanship and beauty of the silver blade and the owl was mesmerizing to look at. I don’t know how she came across this blade but there is something different about it. Different how, Rory asked? Different as in magical, the owl on the hilt I believe is a symbol for the goddess Blodeuwedd. Who is this girl, Rory asked? I don’t know but she is still alive for a reason, Alistair replied.

CHAPTER 14

That night Rory and Alistair left the cabin to hunt for some small game to put in the soup they planned to make over the fire for dinner. Hopefully the girl can wake up enough to eat and gain her strength back.

As the boys hunted near the cabin they sensed something strange in the air, so they turned human, fixed their kilts and ran back towards the cabin to make sure she was safe. On the run to the cabin, both Alistair and Rory triggered a trap that covered them in netting.

Armored guards ran out from behind the surrounding trees and hit them in the head with the back of their hilts knocking the boys out cold.

Rory let out a growl as he regained consciousness, noticing himself and Alistair chained to two separate chairs and a sword at each of their throats. They were in the cabin again with four armed guards. Both chairs faced the girl’s bed and one of the guards headed in her direction. Don’t you dare touch her Alistair and Rory growled in unison to the guard. Shut up or I’ll have my men slit your throat for harboring her, the forth guard said standing in front of the door.

She is an innocent girl, why do you need her Alistair asked? Let’s just say she escaped her punishment and ran, the guard in front of the door said. I’ve never seen any punishment as cruel as what she has been through and I will kill you all if you touch her again, Rory growled. That’s a funny thing to say with a sword at your throat, the guard chuckled.

The guard next to the girl’s bed bent over to grab her but his hands didn’t make it to her body. He threw his hands up to his throat and clutched it before he crumpled to the floor at the foot of the bed. A pool of blood soaked the floor from the slash across the man’s neck. The distraction allowed the girl to throw her dagger above Alistair’s head into the eye of the guard, dropping him to the floor, then throwing the next dagger from the guard next to her bed into the skull of the man above Rory.

The scene went by so quick that the main guard by the door didn’t have quick enough reflexes to stop the girl before she killed all his men. He charged her just as she killed the guard behind Rory and slammed her down onto the bed with both hands around her throat choking the life out of her. Rory transformed quickly and slid out of the chains, racing towards the guard he lunged into the man knocking him off her and tore him to pieces.

The girl coughing and holding her throat slowly limped towards Alistair and undid his chains then plopped down onto the chair next to him to catch her breath. Both men looked at her with wide eyes. My name is Freya, she softly said to the men. I don’t remember much but I do remember you both saving me in the forest and patching me up so thank you.

Rory transformed back to human, you’re not scared of us, he asked? I don’t know exactly what you both are but I do know that if you both meant to harm me I would have been dead by now and not nursed back to health.

Freya held herself like a young warrior full of secrets. Who taught you to fight, Alistair asked? I trained with Vikings, she stated. I’ve never heard of Vikings in Scotland in centuries. I was taught in Fishgaurd, Wales she said to them. What are your names, she asked?

My name is Rory and this is my best friend Alistair. Alistair is a Cat Sidhe and I’m an Irish werewolf. We were heading to Dumfries to gather more information on Laird MacDonald. Freya’s eyes went wide with fear. What are you trying to find out, she asked shakily? We heard a rumor that he is not actually Laird MacDonald but Arawn, God of the underworld. Freya’s face went pale, how... how is that possible?

Six months ago, Laird MacDonald summoned him to take over his body and we need to know what Arawn is planning and figure out how to kill him or send him back to the underworld permanently, Rory said.

He is building an army, she said. An army for what, they asked. I don’t know but it grows larger every month. Do you live in Dumfries? He asked. Yes, she whispered back. Did any of the men from the army do this to you? No, she looked down. Who hurt you sweetheart, Rory asked gently. We will kill them, Alistair chimed in, just give us names.

My husband did this, Freya said to them. What’s his name, Rory asked? If I tell you then you will both be in danger and killed for protecting me. Look whatever danger you’re in, we have your back and won’t let him hurt you again or take you back there. You can trust us, Alistair said. I was taken from my home in Wales and forced to marry him five months ago in Caerlaverock Castle…. His name is Laird Julian MacDonald.

Shit, Alistair said as he peeked out the window of the cabin. So, your Arawn’s secret wife he has been holding captive. Yes, I replied to Alistair. It took me five long months to escape and I barely lived through that escape. I didn’t know he was Arawn but it makes sense now. I have never seen a man as cruel as him.

Rory looked into Freya’s tear filled sapphire blue eyes and knew in his heart she was telling the truth and is innocent through this whole situation. More men will come, she said. I can’t be captured, I won’t. They will never stop hunting for me and If he really is Arawn then I don’t know how to kill him yet.

Freya, you can trust us, we won’t let anyone take you back there. We will work together to find a way to kill Arawn and protect you till our last breath, Rory said. We are at an advantage with you by our side. He needs you for something and won’t be able to complete his plan without you. You are the key to winning this war on either side, Alistair commented.

I would rather die than help that bastard win a war. Rory and Alistair smiled at Freya admiring her bravery. Let’s get some rest before sunrise, when we need to head out, Rory commented. Head out where I asked? Somewhere safe to strategize our plan, Alistair replied. The boys helped me back to bed then dragged the dead bodies outside.

Rory and Alistair paused outside before heading back into the cabin to sleep. We are really in the thick of it now aren’t we, Alistair asked? There is something about Freya I can’t quite put my finger on it. Something is protecting her and it wasn’t a coincidence that we ran into the wife of Arawn in the woods. She was dying and our paths crossed for a reason and I believe that is to protect her, Rory commented to Alistair.

Well, let’s get our rest because I have a feeling that all three of our fates have just begun and the path it has led us to is not going to be easy, Alistair replied.