Which Eternal Lie

[Tim]

Guess these hired thugs only kill when they have go.  They spared Elspeth (although our heroes don't know that yet).

[ladyfiaran22]

Chapter 27

"Damn, that's horrible. Kurt, talk about a rock and a hard place", said James, shaking his head.

They were at James and Jeanie's house, along with the rest of the group. "I know, but I have no idea who's behind this. It could be the MacDonnel's, or some robbers, or the same shit that happened to us. Fuck, what do I do?", he cried, burying his head in his hands.

"There's gotta be a clue. I mean, someone like Mary is gonna stick out, her being a lady and blond. Someone ought to have seen her in the area", said Cliff thoughtfully.

"She was out on the meadow, where the heather grows. She told me this morning. That is quite far from the keep", said Violet.

"But why weren't there any guards around?", asked Kurt.

“She does not like to be guarded. She says it makes her feel high and mightly, and she does not like that. She only had her maid Elsbeth with her", she replied.

"Well, if the maid shows up, maybe she'll tell us something", said James thoughtfully.


The horsemen camped in a hedge that night. Mary said a silent prayer that they hadn't molested her. I suppose I am worth more to the laird if I still have my virtue, she thought sardonically.

On of them handed her a plate of food and a cup of wine. She looked closely at him, puzzled. He was quite young, barely older than herself. He had a round, youthful face framed by blond curls and wide hazel eyes.

He smiled shyly at her. "Here is your food, miss", he said.

"Thank you. What is your name? You do not sound Scottish", she asked, begining to eat.

He blushed, his round cheeks turning pink. "My name is Jens Holmgren, I am from Norway", he replied.

"Jens, she is our prisoner. Do not let her charm you, you can be so thick", said the Irish man.

"I am sorry, Daniel", he mumbled.

Daniel came over to them, glaring down at Jens. Mary almost choked on her food. Daniel was a very imposing man, almost six feet tall and quite good-looking, with long flaming red hair and brilliant green eyes. He would be quite handsome, if he didn't scowl, she mused.

"I am sorry, Daniel. I was just trying to be nice", said Jens, still blushing.

"You do not have to be nice to her. She is just a means for us to obtain gold. There are many willing wenches in the keep", he chuckled.

"I am sorry about Daniel", said Jens.

"I understand", she replied, liking Jens in spite of herself. He is not that bad, he is a stranger in a strange land. Too bad he must resort to this to earn coin, she mused.

[Tim]

"Well, if the maid shows up, maybe she'll tell us something", said James thoughtfully.

Hey, James, here's an idea, go look for her!

[ladyfiaran22]

Chapter 28

The next morning, Elsbeth stumbled into the village. She'd woken up in the heath yesterday, her head pounding. The memories came rushing back, as she tried find her way back. Luckily, she was still on Mackenzie lands, so she was able to find the village.

Jeanie was in the garden, when she saw the bedraggled woman approaching. She'd recognized her as Mary's servant, and took her to the castle.

"Elsbeth, you should rest first, and then refresh yourself", said Violet, leading her into the healer's chambers.

Axel was inside, mixing a potion, when he heard the women enter. "You look like hell. What happened?", he asked.

"Axel, turn down the bed and let her rest. We shall interrogate her later", she commanded.

"Are you Mary's servant? What happened", he asked hurriedly, turning down the bed.

Elsbeth groaned, a pained expression on her face. "Two riders took my lady. They wore black cloaks and Black Watch tartan, riding on brown horses. One is an Irishman, the other is a foreigner", she murmured, before going to sleep.


"Ah, we are here", said Daniel, a gleam in his eyes. Mary looked ahead, a sinking feeling in her stomach. The keep of the MacDonnel's loomed before her, a massive stone fortress emerging from the flatness of the plain.

It was larger than the Mackenzie keep, made of dark gray stone and near the shore. Like the other keep, it was surrounded by a village, the people going about their business. The sight was oddly comforting.

Few people looked in their direction, as they made their way to the keep. The guards let them in, as they dismounted in the courtyard.

The steward came over to them, smiling when he saw Mary. "Aye, ye got the woman. Lady, follow me, ye shall refresh yourself to be presented to the laird. You fellows, there is food in the kitchen, and then meet me in the main hall", he said.

Mary was led to a bathing room not unlike the one in the other keep. A servant girl greeted her, bowing deeply. "Welcome, Miss. Yer bath is ready and I shall get clothes for ye", she said.

She quickly undressed and climbed into the tub. Mary sighed, sinking into the hot water. I needed that, my muscles are so sore, she thought, finding soap and a brush.

Mary bathed herself and washed her hair, just soaking in the tube. She was interrupted when the girl entered the room, holding a bundle of clothes.

"Here are your new clothes, miss", she said, handing her a towel and then leaving.

Mary reluctantly got out of the tub, wrapping the towel around her body. She examined the clothes, puzzled.

What fancy clothes. Am I a prisoner or a guest here?, she wondered.

Her clothes consisted of a shift and a pale pink dress, adorned with pink glass beads, shimmering in the dim light. She put on the shift and then the dress. Mary gasped at her reflection in the mirror. The dress was tight, and showed off her body to its best advantage.

The girl came in and began to brush her hair. "Miss, you have such beautiful hair. I wish my hair was golden, instead of this dull brown color", she said, tying her hair with a ribbon.

"Now follow me", she said, leading her out of the room.


The girl led Mary to the laird's chamber. Daniel and Jens were there, waiting. Jens smiled shyly at her, while Daniel just looked right through her, his gaze making her uncomfortable.

The door opened and they entered the room. The hall was enormous, richly decorated with tapestries and statues. The laird sat on a chair on a raised dais. He was a portly, middle-aged man, his red hair and beard turning gray. He gazed at them impassively, his blue eyes showing no emotion.

He stood up, as Daniel and Jens bowed deeply before him. "You have brought me Mackenzie's ward?", he asked.

"Yes, your Lordship. When do we get our reward?", asked Daniel.

He smiled at them, signalling to the steward. He nodded, handing each of them a sack of coins. Daniel opened his, taking out a piece of gold and biting it, then putting it back in the bag.

"I have rewarded ye for a job well done, Master Connolly and Master Holmgren. You shall stay the night, and I have another job for ye, for even more gold", he chuckled.

"Thank you, your Lordship", said Daniel, as him and Jens left the room, leaving her alone with the laird.

Mary's heart pounded with fear, her knees weak with fright. She took a deep breath, not wanting to show fear in front of him.

The laird walked towards her, lifting her chin with his fingers. He gazed into her face, glad to see no fear in her eyes. "Ye are scared, but you hide it well, Lady Drummond. In spite of what Mackenzie told you, I am not a monster. I do not fight women. Burning the church, my grandfather did that, he was a ruthless man, but I prefer subtlety", he said.

"What do you want?", she asked, a hint of fear in her voice.

"I will not hurt you, Lady Drummond. And I am not done with Masters Connolly and Holmgren. They brought you here not for me, but for other reasons", he replied.

"What other reasons?", she asked, relieved he meant no harm.

"My cousin, the MacDonald of Sleat, his son needs a bride. He has heard of your beauty, and he feels that you will be the perfect bride for his son", he replied.

"The MacDonald of Sleat? That is one of the most powerful clans of the Highlands", she murmured.

"I know", he chuckled.

"But surely he has many beauties in his own lands", she protested.

"Yes he does, but he wants you, Miss Drummond", he replied.

Mary felt her heart sink. In a way, this was worse. The MacDonald's of Sleat lived on Skye, in the mountains of the island. Kirk will never find me there, she thought, her eyes filling with tears.

"Iver is a good lad, he does not hurt women. Be grateful I did not throw you in the dungeons", he admonished. "You are not a stupid girl, Lady Drummond. Tomorrow, Masters Connolly and Holmgren will escort you to Skye, for which they weill be handsomely rewarded. Harald, take her to her chambers, and post guards outside", he said, dismissing her.

[Tim]

Good, Elsbeth made it back.  And she was able to tell them what had happened.

[ladyfiaran22]

Chapter 29

The trio departed the castle the next morning. Mary was numb with grief, her face showing no emotion. I am going far away from my lands, from my family. I shall never see Kurt again, she thought, tears stinging her dry eyes.

"We shall arrive at Skye this evening. The women on Skey would make the trip worthwhile", chuckled Daniel.

"Yes, and I cannot wait to see Jennet again. Hopefully, her father will be pleased by the coin I bring", said Jens.

The trio arrived at the town of Mallaig around noon. Instead of taking the obvious route to Skye via the Kyle of Lochlash, Daniel had opted to take the roundabout route via Mallaig, which would leave them in the southern part of the island.

A ferry was tied to the dock, bobbing on the water. It was a gray, damp day, the thick clouds almost obscuring the sea.

A fine mist enveloped them, the chill seeping through their bones. "Ho, are ye passengers?", asked the captain.

Daniel dismounted, tossing several coins to the captain. "Aye, we are headed to Skye. When does it leave?", he asked.

"It leaves within the hour", he replied, biting the coin.

They boarded the ship, along with the horses. Mary stared back at the mainland, her heart heavy. She quickly glanced about, realizing there was no way to escape.

Jens came over to her, offering her an apple, before taking one for himself. "Iver MacDonald is not a bad man, he is very gentle. He will not harm you, you are too much of a lady to harm", he said gently.

"Jens, I was being courted by a man named Kurt. I love him, I want him", she sobbed.

Jens held her, as she cried. "I did not know that, Lady Drummond. I myself am courting a girl named Jennet, she lives on Skye. With this coin, I will be able to offer her father a dowry, so we can wed", he replied.

"Jens, are ye wasting time again? I shall tell Jennet everything, and then ye shall have no wife", muttered Daniel.

He grabbed Mary, scowling down at her. "Do not try to sweet-talk him, Lady Drummond. If I was not guaranteed the coin, I would have ravaged you and dumped your body in the sea. So do not try anything. I need the coin", he said, releasing her.

Mary shivered with fear. I am afraid of Daniel, he is evil. But Jens is so sweet, how come he works for such a bad person?, she wondered.


Daniel stood on the other side of the boat, smoking his pipe. Once we deliver the wench, I shall have a lot of coin. Then me and Jens shall split up, he shall stay with Jennet and I shall go back to the mainland. There must be a place for us, he thought, puffing on his pipe.

He sighed, retrieving a brown leather pouch from under his cloak. Inside the pouch were a lock of curly brown hair tied with a red ribbon, a small dagger, a golden Celtic Cross pendant, a Claddagh ring with a crowned ruby heart between two hands, and a miniature portrait of a little girl. The little girl looked to be about four or five years old, with the same flaming red hair and green eyes as him, an impish smile on her face.

Oh Annaly, I shall obtain enough coin for the both of us. I shall bring you to the mainland, where I can buy some land and build a house for us, he thought, closing his eyes.

He took another puff off the pipe, the memories flooding back. Maura in the clutches of the mob, hiding in the keep, their flight to Galway City, and then landing in Scotland. It's only me and you, Annaly. I shall get her, and we'll live together in peace, he vowed silently.

[Tim]

Looks like these guys are not just mere thugs.  Well, at least Jens isn't.

[ladyfiaran22]

Chapter 30

The ship docked at Armadale, in the southwest of the island. They quickly disembarked, and left the village.

"First, we stop at the Matheson's homestead. Tomorrow, we head for the castle, it is in the mountains", said Jens, a dreamy look on her face.

"Yes, and I cannot wait to see Annaly again", sighed Daniel, a slight smile on his lips.

Mary was caught off-guard. Who is Annaly? Is she his sweetheart?, she wondered.

The town quickly gave way to farmland and heath. The peaks of the Cuillin mountains loomed ahead, the jagged purple peaks almost grazing the sky.

The horses labored under their burden for several hours. "We are almost there, then we shall rest", said Jens, seeing the anxious look on her face.

Several minutes later, they stopped at a small farmstead nestled at the foot of the mountais. It consisted of a small wooden house, a barn and several sheds. Chickens, geeze, pigs and goats wandered about, their cries filling the air.

A young woman and a little girl came rushing out of the house, running towards them. The woman had light brown curly hair and soft brown eyes, while the little girl had flaming red hair and brilliant green eyes.

The woman embraced Jens, while the girl ran into Daniel's arms. Mary noticed that the girl and Daniel looked almost identical. She must be his kin, she mused.

"Jens, father is in town. Did you bring coin? The priest is in town", said the woman.

"Yes Jennet. If your fther gives permission, we shall be wed within the week", he said, kissing her gently.

"Papa, are you going to stay? It has been so long", said the little girl.

Daniel smiled at her, ruffling her hair. "I have to do a favor for the MacDonald. Then I shall have coin, and you shall come with me, Annaly", he said, smiling at his daughter.

Annaly finally noticed Mary, her eyes wide. "Papa, who's the pretty lady?", she asked.

Daniel flushed guiltily. "Annaly, this is the Lady Mary Drummond, the intended of the MacDonald's son. We are here to deliver her to her bethrothed", he said.

Annaly's green eyes widened in delight. "Oh, how wonderful. You are a real lady", she murmured in awe.

Mary smiled gently at the girl. "Yes, I am a lady, but not a goddess. Please call me Mary", she replied graciously.

Just then, a man arrived at the farm. He was short and stout, graying brown hair framing a round face. His brown eyes took them in, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, Master Holmgren. Do ye have coin for the dowry?", he asked.

Jens handed him most of the coins in the bag. He bit a piece, satisfied it was real gold. "Ye shall wed me daughter. And good day to you, Master Connolly", he said.

"Good day, Master Matheson. We have one final errand to run, and then I shall take Annaly to the mainland with me", he said.

"Good, ye shall spend the night", he said

[Tim]

Nice look at the lives of these men.  Don't hate them so much now.

[ladyfiaran22]

Chapter 31

The next morning, Daniel, Jens and Mary arrived at the MacDonald's castle. It was nestled deep in the mountains in a valley, the peaks of the Cuillins surrounding it.

The castle itself was rather small, but elegant. It was made of gleaming white stone, four towers looming above the main house. It was surrounded by several cottages, the people working in the fields.

They rode up to the front gates. Several guards in bold red and green MacDonald tartan halted them.

"Who ye be?", asked one of them.

"We are hear to deliver the laird's son's bride", replied Daniel.

"Aye, we have been expecting ye", he said, stepping aside to let them in.

The steward came before them, as they bowed deeply. "Master Connolly, Master Holmgren, follow me. Lady Drummond, one of the women shall escort you to your chambers", he said.

A pleasant-faced, middle aged woman came over, bowing. "How do ye do, Lady Drummond? Follow me", she said, leading her upstairs.


Meanwhile, Daniel and Jens were led the the laird's chambers. The steward knocked on the door, as the guards let them in.

The laird was seated at a table, a goblet of wine in his hand. Next to him sat his son and heir, Iver. The laird was a bluff, hearty man, his dark hair turning gray in the temples. He was still fit and muscular, his blue eyes sharp and keen. His son was tall and slender, his dark hair brushing the color of his shirt, framing a thin, almost feminine face. His eyes were soft and gentle, a pale shade of blue.

"Master Connolly, Master Holmgren, ye have found me son's bride?", he asked, pouring wine for Jens and milk for Daniel.

Daniel accepted his goblet, smiling thankfully at him. "Aye, yer Lordship. I am sure she will make Iver happy", he replied.

The laird nodded, handing both of them a large sack of coins. "For yer service, gentlemen. Ye shall stay the night, it is the least I can do", he replied.

"Thank you, sir. My fiance's father will be glad to know he does not have a poor son-in-law", chuckled Jens.

"Aye, I agree, Master Holmgren", said the laird, his blue eyes twinkling.

"And I finally have enough coin to take my daughter to the mainland. I want to buy some land, build a house, settle down", sighed Daniel.

"Aye, that is good, Master Connolly. Ye are a brave man and have done your duty well. Iver, be good to your bride. She is a beauty, but nervous. If ye hurt her, I shall beat you black and blue. Remember, you need an heir, preferable a son", he admonished.

Iver sighed. "I know, Father", he mumbled

[Tim]

Trouble is, you can't force someone to love you.

[ladyfiaran22]

Chapter 32

Kurt and James sat in the local pub. It was cold and blustery outside, the wind lashing against the walls. "Kurt, we gotta find her. It can't be too hard to find a blond and two dudes with funny accents", said James, draining his mug.

"James, we looked everywhere, Mackenzie lands and the surrounding area. No one has seen her. I am a failure", he sobbed.

"Kurt, you are not a failure. I got a feeling we'll find her", said James, clapping him on the back.

Just then, the door opened and everyone turned around. A tall man and a little girl with red hair had just entered. The man wore dark green and black trousers, a black hooded cloak over his body. The little girl wore a miniature black cloak, a green shawl draped over her shoulders, her hand clutching a rag doll with brown hair.

"Welcome, travelers. I shall serve ye some tea", said the barkeep.

"Aye, thank ye. We will be needing lodging for the night", said the stranger, speaking with an Irish accent.

James looked at him, frowning. That guy looks familiar. And wasn't one of the kidnappers Irish? he thought.

The man threw back his hood and James almost dropped his mug. Fuck, that guy looks just like Maxwell, he thought.

"Kurt, take a look at the new guy. He looks just like Maxwell", he whispered.

Kurt reluctantly looked up, his eyes widening in shock. James was right; the man did indeed look just like their friend Dave Maxwell. The height, the red hair, he looked like Dave's twin.

"Fuck, don't tell me he got sent back in time too", he muttered.

James walked over to them. The little girl shrank back in fear, hiding behind her father's legs. "What is your name?", he asked.

"My name is Daniel Connolly, and this is my daughter, Annaly", he said.

James smiled at the girl. "Don't be afraid, sweetie. I won't hurt you", he said kindly.

Annaly took a deep breath, smiling at him. "Yes Annaly, him and his friend will not harm us", he chuckled.

"Come with me, Master Connolly", said James, leading them to the bar.

Daniel sat down, as Annaly climbed onto his lap. The barkeep handed them each a mug of tea, and walked away.

"So what brings you here? You Irish?", he asked.

"Aye. And ye do not sound Scottish either", he said, raising an eyebrow.

"We're from the colonies", replied Kurt. Damn, he really does look like Maxwell, and even his kid looks like him. Freaky, he thought.

"All right. That makes us both strangers in a strange land. And what be your names, gentlemen?", he asked, taking a sip of tea.

"I am James Hamilton and this is my friend, Kurt Holmes", he replied.

"Very glad to make your acquaintance, gentlemen. After we sup, I am going to retire for the night", he said, stroking his daughter's hair.

"Tomorrow, the laird may want to speak with you. There's some strange things going on here", said Kurt.

Daniel smiled at them, his expression bland. Hmm, there's something fishy about this guy. But he obviously loves his daughter. Maybe tomorrow, we'll get some answers, thought Kurt, draining his mug.

[Tim]

No doubt an ancestor of the guy they know.

[ladyfiaran22]

Chapter 33

The next morning, Daniel and Annaly were escorted to the castle. The laird sat on the dais, observing them. "Ye are travelers upon our lands? What clan ye belong to?", he asked.

"I am a clanless man, your Lordship. I travel about the Highlands doing favors for anyone who gives me coin. I have plenty of coin now, and I wish to buy land for my daughter and I", he said.

The laird raised an eyebrow when he heard Daniel's Irish accent. "What is your name, stranger?", he asked.

"I am Daniel Connolly, and this is my daughter, Annaly", he replied.

"Master Connolly, ye are aware that my ward Mary Drummond was kidnapped from our lands. Her maid said that one of the kidnappers was an Irishman and another foreigner", he said.

"You mean the pretty lady who was with Papa? She was very pretty, and she had golden hair. I wish I had golden hair", said Annaly innocently.

Daniel turned pale, then regained his composure. "Master Connolly, if I find you have hurt Mary in any way, I will kill you. I shall spare your daughter, as she is but a child", he growled.

Daniel stood straight and tall, his gaze defiant. "Yes, I took the Lady Drummond. The laird of Glengarry promised me much gold for her. I need the coin, for Annaly, I cannot go back to Ireland. Lady Drummond is safe", he replied.

"Where is she?", asked the laird.

"She is on Skye, she is to be wed to Iver, the heir to the MacDonald of Sleat", he said.

Kurt watched the exchange with mixed feelings. On the one hand, he was angry at Daniel for kidnapping Mary. On the other hand, he could see why he did so. He clearly loves his daughter, and he must be desperate for money if he has to do stuff like this, he thought.

The laird looked thoughtfully at them. "Master Connolly, I shall strike a deal with ye. Master Holmes wanted to know if he could court Mary, but I said no. However, I have a plan on how we can all get what we want.

Master Connolly, you said you wanted land, something for your daughter? And Master Holmes, you wished to court Mary?", he asked, as they both nodded.

"Good, I want you to go to Skye and get Mary back. Since Master Holmes was ready to court her, my steward and the priest shall draw up a paper saying they are bethrothed. It is a binding legal document, and it cannot be broken. Master Holmes, if you succeed, not only shall you court Mary, but you will have my permission to wed, and I shall throw you an elaborate wedding celebration, if ye wish. Agreed?", he asked.

Kurt nodded, his heart racing with anticipation.

"As for you, Master Connolly, I shall give you some land, and build a house for ye. In addition, I shall let you court any woman from the clan. And ye and yer daughter shall be made members of Clan Mackenzie. Agreed?", he asked.

Daniel's eyes widened in surprise. If I accept and succeed, I shall have land and a house and a wife. And I shall belong to a clan. This is a very good offer, he mused.

"I accept the offer, your Lordship", he said.

"May I take Master Karlsson with us? Master James and Master Cliff, their women are expecting", said Kurt.

"Very well. On the morrow, you, Master Connolly, and Master Karlsson shall go to Skye to retrieve Mary. I wish ye the best of luck", he said solemnly.

"And what about Annaly?", asked Daniel.

"Your daughter shall stay here. She will be taken care of", he replied.

[Tim]

Hope they get her back safely.