 CHAPTER XIX Calpie spent the night at the sheiling hut of Lorna Cameron, which was nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Lorna had urged Calpie to stay, for she and her four bairns were alone since her husband had gone off with Montrose in his army. Now her ruddy young face paled at Calpie's news. "'Cambles, eh? And they will be murdering us all then.' "'Perhaps not,' said Calpie, hopefully. If McKellion Moore is after Montrose, perhaps he'll not be lingering in Lockiebur. But she slept with one ear well out of the folds of her plady, cocked for any sounds of danger. The hut was only a mile or so from Inverlocky Castle, and if Lorna had any reason to fear McKellion Moore, Calpie had that much more. She had planned to be off the first thing in the morning, out of danger. But somehow she found herself waiting, even after she had eaten the hot oatmeal Lorna cooked, and tucked some food into her pouch. There was Lorna hair, and the wee ones, and none of Calpie's concern at all. But Lorna was frightened and uncertain what to do, and they so helpless and looking up to Calpie. And after all, perhaps it would be wise just to take a wee peek at what Argyle was doing, and see the size of his army. "'You might just be getting food and blankets together in case you need to hide,' she suggested. "'And I'll go have a look around.' "'Oh, it is both good and brave you are,' said Lorna, gratefully. Argyle left the house hurriedly, feeling oddly embarrassed. She moved cautiously round the flank of the bend, skulking behind masses of juniper and pine-clumps, until she could see the castle. "'Misandwe, it was an army indeed and indeed. Highland Campbell's and Lowlander's too, and well more than twice what Montrose could have, even with his new recruits. But Argyle seemed to be making no move to follow him up the great glen, even with this advantage. Calpie's heart sank as she watched groups of men forming before the castle. It was what she had expected in the heart of her. McAleon Moore had no heart for battle, but would be about his usual practice of wiping out women and children. Even now one of the groups of soldiers was setting off toward the little cluster of homes on the edge of Loch Linnie, and another was turning west along Loch Ale. She watched no longer but headed back around the northern side of Bennevas. In a way this might be fortunate for her, giving her time to be up the great glen ahead of them. But suppose they penetrated as far as Glenfern. Perhaps she ought to be heading eastward and out of the way altogether. In any case she would be passing Lorna's home on the way, and it costing only a few minutes to warn the last. Nor was this just profitless foolishness, she told herself, for who knew when she might be needing a friend under obligation to herself? An hour later she was laboring up the side of the mountain with a bundle of food in one arm and the next smallest bairn in the other, Lorna with the baby, and the older children panting behind. Mind ye, stay clear of soft snow, she warned over her shoulder. It could be putting them on your trail. Another hour saw them settled in a well-hidden shepherd's shelter, cold and uncomfortable and not daring to have a fire, but at least safer than at their home. Will you not be staying too, beg Lorna? Her dark eyes anxious for the safety of this generous new friend. But Kelpai shook her head. She wanted to be farther than this from Argyle, and besides, a new thought was beginning to hound the fringes of her mind. Montrose, all unknowing, was now between two armies, for it was not sea-forth at Invernus with five thousand men. And if he should be caught in a trap and wiped out, it would put Argyle altogether in control of the Highlands as well as the Lowlands, and what would happen to Kelpai then? For her own safety, it seemed, she must try to warn Montrose. It was a sore, uncomfortable thought, filled with hardship and danger. She tried to put it out of her mind as she picked her way down the gaunt-wintery slope, but it wouldn't leave. And with it were thoughts of Morric Moore and Rab and Argyle and Montrose himself laying slain in the snow, and all the comradeship and meriteasing silence for ever. A pity that would be. With a sigh she headed up the glen, a sharp eye out for any movement that might spell danger. Ah, then! But it was cold. Her feet were icy in their hide shoes, even with the woollen hose, and it was threatening to snow again. However could she catch up with the army at all? Perhaps it had already met Seaforth. But she kept going. She saw nothing but hairs and deer and alone eagle, until she reached the river's spina. Then a short, wiry figure came from the brush just ahead, and Kelpai sank swiftly to the ground for a tense moment, before she saw it was not a camel. He was alone and in a faded Cameron kilt. Kelpai followed him to a dilapidated hut on the bank of the river and watched him enter. A drift of smoke began to rise. Might not he help himself and his clan by taking the message for her. And then she would be free to seek safety. She walked up to the door boldly. Come away in, came the unexpected lill of Gaelic when she knocked, and the man's face turned to her in surprise as she entered. Diadwit, he greeted her politely. And what is a we last doing alone in the cold? Will you know have us up of hot food? I will, then, agreed Kelpai promptly. And give an important word to you and also a task, if you will do it. The man listened while she talked and ate, his face growing graver and grimmer. I so, he agreed, tis the hand of destiny that I live alone here, and knew nothing of the clan rising, or I would be with them. And a bad time of it you would be having alone in this weather. Eat your fill, then, whilst I feel my pouch, and I'll be away before you're done. You can be biting here whilst I'm gone. That I will not, retorted Kelpai firmly. For every house in Lock Aber is a danger. I'll be away east out of trouble. He frowned and shook his head. There is no shelter to the east of here, lass, and it too cold to be sleeping out. And I have just come from hunting a wolf that has been skulking up river. You would be safer here, I am thinking, for my house is alone and well hidden. But if you're feared to rest here, there is a bitty cave nearby, and you're welcome to my blankets and food. Follow the sping along up for a mile or so, and where the core is entering it turn south for a bit and mark sharp the west bank. The cave is in a high bluff and well hid with Juniper. But I'm thinking you'll be safe enough the night here, whatever, and it nearly dark already. There'll be no camels along this day, and is no good for you to be freezing. I, then, agreed Kelpai, seen the sense to this, and the man was off. Odd, she didn't know the name of him, nor he hers, and yet he was away on a dangerous errand on her word. A purpose in common, or common danger, she decided, was like a spell, binding even strangers one to another. The morning was heavy with clouds, the new snow a dead white beneath the gray of the sky. Kelpai put out the fire for fear of any betrained smoke and set out to locate the cave, wishing she dared stay in the warmth of the sheiling. But as she trudged along the core river, watching the west bank, she stopped. Clear in the snow were footprints coming down the core, and stopping just ahead in a tumbled heap of snow. Kelpai stared, eyes narrowed. Footsteps didn't just stop, unless someone had wings. No, there were no wings. There the prince went, back the way they came. In a moment Kelpai had read the story. A man it was, by the size of the prince, and coming north along the core in a great hurry, so that he did not notice the treacherous slab of granite by the river, with ice under the snow. And there he had slipped and fallen, the mark was plain. Then it would seem, he had made back the way he had come, limping sorely. Kelpai straightened and looked up the glen cautiously. Where was he then? And who was he? Whereily she began to follow the retreating footprints. They angled up the hill to the right, presently, through a thick patch of pine and juniper. Kelpai hesitated, peering through it, for right hand-reaching for the scheme-do in the front of her dress, feet ready to run. Nothing stirred. And then a tiny trickle of smoke floated up just a few feet away from behind the brush. Eh! It must be that he found the cave, and taken shelter there. Probably he was not a camel then, but more likely hiding from them, though he would not stay hidden long, with the smoke giving him away. Kelpai grinned sourly and shrugged. This was no place for her then. She turned and prepared to slip quietly away, back to the shelling. And have I taken the home of the water-witch? It was a low voice with a mocking note that Kelpai could never mistake. She whirled. Alex! She could see him now through the brush, nearly invisible against the low-winter sun. He sat at the mouth of a small shallow cave, regarding her quizzically, but with a drawn look about the mouth of him. One foot, badly swollen, was propped up before him. Ah, then! Wasn't it her curse on him that had come at last to bear fruit? Moving through the juniper, but keeping a safe distance away, Kelpai told him so with considerable relish. Alex grinned riley. It may be so, he conceited. Sure it is you've cursed me enough. But have I not told you that such things are likely to fly back in the face of the one who curses? And if this is your curse at work then, it is not just me you've harmed, but Montrose and his army, and yourself as well. For Argyle is about, and I was on my way up the great glen to warn Montrose when I fell. And what will you do if Argyle wins and puts his witch-hunters over the whole of the Highlands? His tone was still mocking, but Kelpai could hear bitterness and despair in his voice. It made her feel almost peculiar, for Alex was usually so infuriatingly self-assured, and much easier to hate that way. His distress was not quite as satisfying as it should have been. For a moment she toyed with the idea of leaving him to his worry, but she could not resist bragging. She gave him a pointed grin. You will always be thinking yourself the only clever body in the world, she observed smugly. I myself have already sent a messenger to Montrose. Alex stared, frankly unbelieving. You? And why not whatever? Wasn't I crossing Camel and myself with the army, and you safe away out of it? Haven't I, the witch, to see I'm not wanting Macallion more king in the Highlands? It is I should be doubting you, for if Ian and his father are with Montrose now, I'm thinking you not be going near whatever. Alex narrowed his hazel eyes at her, and Kelpai prudently moved a step farther away. And why not? He inquired lazily. Kelpai laughed nastily. I've eyes in my head, she retorted. Did you think I was not seen? I, and I saw it before as well, with the second sight, last spring. Alex's eyes widened for an instant, then narrowed. He seemed about to say something but changed his mind. Instead, the planes in his face became more angular than ever, and he gave Kelpai a long, hard, brooding stare that made her thankful for the hurt foot which kept him from moving. For surely he was thinking that he would like to silence her. He shrugged finally. I wonder, he said, whether tis the truth you're telling me about that messenger? If so, I could find it in my heart. He didn't finish the thought, nor did Kelpai answer. Instead, she stared back at him, at the freckles and straight lines of his face. At the way the cheekbone stood out above the narrow strength of jaw, and at the tangled red hair which had not been trimmed or combed recently. He was thinner than he had been and pale under his freckles, and she could see a tiny pulse in his temple that was his life itself, so easy to stop, so small a thread of life. And was there not something she should be doing now to avenge Ian? But she could not think what. Alex was not asleep, nor by any means helpless, even with a sore foot, and she had no intention at all of risking her own life for Ian or anyone else. She pulled her thick brows together and regarded him darkly. Alex laughed suddenly. You cannot be planning to rob me, so it must be some other devilment you have in mind. Are you not satisfied yet, Waterwetch? Is it another we spell or have you learned the evil eye by now?" "'S!' said Kelpai earnestly. Well, and why will you not be going to Maccally and Moore to say that I am here?' he asked. He would make short enough shrift of me, and would you not be liking that?" "'I so,' agreed Kelpai with enthusiasm. But,' she pointed out regretfully, he would be making even shorter shrift of me, and I'd not be liking that so well." And then she bit her tongue in annoyance as Alex laughed again. It was a spell he had put on her to be always telling him the truth she had never intended to say. She scowled and lifted her lip in the old wolfish snarl, and then found herself grinning ruefully, though she had never intended that either. It was not funny, it was not. She stamped her foot. "'Oh, I,' said Alex, your sense of humor has slipped out again, and why will you be squashing it under?' "'Laugh at yourself, Kelpai. Tis the cure for all ills, and it is in my mind that perhaps most evil is caused by folk who take themselves too seriously. Your daft,' said Kelpai, and turned away uncertainly. She should be off about her business and leave Alex to his fate. But it seemed that the thing inside that had been pushing her for days against her will was pushing still. It was as if she were living a pattern, and it was yet unfinished, and the thing would not permit her to go off and leave it until it was complete. She paused. Her back turned to Alex, who sat still and silent in the mouth of his refuge. "'What will you be doing now?' she asked against her will. "'Bite here,' he returned philosophically, since I can do nothing else, and see what will happen. "'They will be seeing your smoke,' she pointed out still reluctantly. "'I will let my fire die during the day, and try to keep warm by moving about,' he returned, and the quizzical note was back in his voice. "'And why do you warn me of that, water-witch? Wouldn't it please you just to see me captured?' "'It would that,' Kelpai's eyes flashed. I will be laughing that day, and not at myself either. And this time she did leave, heading angrily back toward the Spine River.' End of CHAPTER XIX CHAPTER XXI. OF THE WHITCH OF THE GLANDS by Sally Watson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. THE CAMBELL LASS Kelpai went back to the hut, since there was no other shelter and it was better to risk cambels than to freeze to death. But she found a hiding-place on the river bank, just in case, and for three days she alternately huddled over the tiny coals which were all she dared have during the daytime, and watched the path for signs of the invaders. There was plenty of time to think. She wondered whether the message had got through to Montrose, and what he could do even if it had. For he was trapped in the great glen between two armies, and no way out except over the mountains impassable with snow. She wondered about Alex and that long, inscrutable look he had given her, and it came to her that she had been a fool to tell him that she knew what he had done. For if he could strike down his foster brother, it would be nothing for him to silence her. She began to feel very trapped herself. Was there no place in the world safe for her? Lost in brooding she failed to keep her sharp watch, and on the third afternoon she heard, too late, the crunch of heavy footsteps in the crusted snow. Before she could do more than turn, a heavy-set Campbell flung the door open, two or three others looming behind him. He'll be another cursed Cameron or two, he shouted, and his broadsword bore grim stains from the last house he had visited. And where is your husband hiding, lass? Kelpie's wits, well-trained in crisis, worked quickly. Husband indeed, she retorted, staring boldly into the ready face. Where are your eyes, man, that you cannot recognize a Campbell when you see one? She snatched up Lady Argyle's cloak and waved at him, thankful for that particular theft. Ah! But I am glad that you have come! She went on with a trusting upward smile through her lashes. It was my wicked Cameron uncle who came by my home on Lock Ah, with that devil Montrose and all the army, and stole me away to keep house for him, since his wife died, and he's saying I must be his daughter now and someday marry a Cameron, and have I not been biting my time and waiting for warm weather to run away back home? The Campbells blinked and believed her. She was utterly convincing, and in any case, what Cameron would have claimed to be a Campbell, even at the edge of death, and had she not the once fine Campbell cloak, clearly given her by a lady of that clan. The sword went back into its sheath. Ah! Well! said its owner with a sigh. Not to do here, but burn the place. But at least you can be coming back the now. This was the last thing Kelp I wanted. To another army? She jeered, hiding her panic. No! Now I have enough armies and battles. Leave me be just, and when, tis warmer, I'll be finding my own way. Will you not be fighting Montrose soon? she demanded. Or is it only women and barons you're after? They shuffled their feet. We'll be taking care of Montrose, promised the stout one. But we cannot leave you here, lass. You must just come along back to Inverlochie, and perhaps himself will be seeing you sent back home. Kelp I's heart threatened to choke her. He'd be sending her back, fine enough. They, she sputtered, knowing her life might depend on her next words. Will you be bothering the likes of him with a nobody, and him with a war on his hands? He'd be no more thanking you for it. Besides, she confided beseechingly. It is myself I'm afraid of McCallion Moore, and he's so great and all. No! Now just leave me here, and then it's a way back I'll be by myself. The stout one was not unsympathetic. Well, women have daft fears, he observed. But it's true enough that himself is an awesome man. We cannot leave you here, but perhaps we can be tucking you into a wee-bit place near Inverlochie, where you'll not be noticed until we move on. There is a burnt shelling just near the lock, with one end left untouched. Come along now. To argue further would be hopeless and perhaps fatal. This was a stubborn man, already close enough to suspicion. Numb with apprehension, Kelpie wrapped the cloak firmly around herself and let them leader outside while they fired the thatch. And then, just as they were climbing up the bank, a tall man pointed to a faint wisp of smoke to the southeast. Another shelling, he announced happily. It was no shelling at all, of course. It was Alex's fire, and now Kelpie's curse would be well and truly fulfilled. Why hadn't she thought of telling them herself? And why was it that she felt more dismay than elation? Frowning, she probed at the feeling, trying to figure it out. Ah, of course! It was not for Alex's sake that she did not want him caught, but for her own. For he would be sure to tell them that she was no Campbell at all but a Gypsy lass, and then they would take her straight to Argyle. She bit her lip as she silently followed the Campbell's up the core in the direction of the tell-tale smoke, hoping passionately that Alex would either get away or be killed before he could betray her. He nearly did get away. The cave, when they finally found it, was empty, the fire quenched with snow. The tangled footprints in the snow seemed to lead nowhere, and they might have given up but for the stubbornness of Hamish the stout man. But at last someone saw Alex hiding high up amid the dark needles of a pine-tree. A McDonald, Hamish peered upward, come away down now, or we'll shoot you there. And what difference? asked Alex mockingly from his high perch. I'd us leave be shot here as on the ground. Kelpie said her teeth. She hoped they'd shoot him now, before he could see her and speak against her. She did. But again Hamish had other ideas. What was a McDonald doing here at all? He wanted to know. And one, more over, who was clearly well educated and therefore at least the son of a chieftain. It was a thing out of the ordinary and had better have the attention of his own chieftain, Campbell of Aachenbrek. There no for shooting you now, he announced, but we'll be taking you prisoner. Alex seemed to think it over for a moment, then he laughed. It will be a broad task for you then, he observed, for I have a sore ankle and can no longer set it to the ground, or else you'd not have found me here, whatever. Are you wanting to carry me all that way? For if not, you may as well shoot me here. This last clearly appealed to most of the Campbells, but Hamish stuck out his jaw. I then, Finley and Angus will carry you, he announced, to the displeasure of his two men. Alex shrugged and came down, leaning for an instant against the trunk of the tree as he reached the ground. His face was cool, although his ankle must be hurting him badly. But his lips tightened slightly when he saw Kelpie, and he stood for an instant, fixing her with another of those long, penetrating looks. There was more than mockery in it now. Kelpie flinched from it, and it came to her that Alex thought she had brought the Campbells to find him. Of course he did. How could he suppose anything else? And he knew quite well that he held the power of vengeance in his own tongue. For although he could not know what was between Kelpie and McAllion Moore, the mere word which would be quite enough to destroy her. She waited for it, head high, with the look of a trapped fox in her eyes, hoping they might kill her swiftly, for Argyle would do worse. But Alex did not say it. Looking into her eyes, he gave one short, contemptuous laugh and turned away. And while he arranged himself in the hand chair made by the reluctant Finley and Angus, Kelpie stood quite still, hot and shaken by feeling she hadn't known she possessed. She tried to collect her thoughts during the long, slow trip back to Inverlochie Castle. Why had Alex not denounced her? He must be waiting, knowing she would be tormented by uncertainty. He would do it, doubtless, when they reached the castle. Ah, then, she must forget the searing pain of his laughter and try to get away. Alex was lowering as they neared Inverlochie, and she sidled up to walk alongside Hamish. I'm frightened, she whispered pathetically. There are too many men, and I used to the lonely hills and cattle. Can I not just be slipping away down the lock and home? I know the way well enough. He looked at her kindly. No, it is much too cold for you to be traveling alone, he said with firmness. Kelpie's lip trembled, and for this she required no great dramatic ability, either. He looked alarmed. Do not be crying now, he said hastily. I tell you, I know a place where you can bide, and no need to be going among the army at all. Just wait now until I'm turning the prisoner over to Ockenbreck. Fergus, run ahead a bit and see can you find out where he is the now. He clasped Kelpie's cold hand firmly in his, no doubt thinking he was comforting her, and Kelpie had to trudge along beside him, her heart thudding with fear. It thudded harder when Fergus returned to report that Ockenbreck was weighed down at the lock with McCallion Moore, seen about the two cannon. Fine, then, said Hamish, for the wee bit placey for you to hide is down there too, and we need not be going near the castle at all, but just deliver the prisoner and ask can you stay there at the same time. And he beamed heartily upon the quaking Kelpie, who saw no escape now from a witch's death by fire. Setting her teeth hard upon her lower lip, she tried to remember that she had faced death before. But this time she seemed to have no courage in reserve. The long strain had drained it from her. She could only remember McCallion Moore's cruel face and unbearable dungeon, and think that this could not really be happening, and wish that she could drop dead on the spot and be done with it. They were just past the castle now, and Hamish turned to watch a scattered group of soldiers come running from the slopes of Bennevas, cutting behind his group in a great hurry to reach the castle. There was an air of alarm in their gray shapes in the dusk, and Hamish stared after them curiously. A fine hurry they are in, he said. I wonder what news it is they are bringing from the Benne, and what they could be finding at all on that wild place. Perhaps the water-bowl of Lundavara has been sprained north a bit, suggested Alex, breaking his long silence. His voice dropped to an eerie whisper, and only Kelpie could hear the hint of laughter in it. You'll have heard it, no doubt, with its broad ears and black hoofs and wild demon eye. The soldiers shivered, and one made a gesture, quickly halted, of crossing himself. For though the Campbells were now all good members of the Kirk, old habits remained for many generations past and were likely to pop up in a crisis. They went on, with occasional furtive glances over their shoulders at the brooding shape of a giant mountain Bennevas, the highest it was said, in all the British Isles, and therefore an apt place for uncanny and ungodly things. Kelpie too would have been glad to scurry from its menace, had there not been a greater one facing her. As it was, she would gladly have fled to Bennevas for protection, even if there were a dozen water-bowls there. They had circled below the castle now, to the river, and were perhaps a mile from Loch Linney. If only Hamish would relax his hard, reassuring grip on her hand, she might be able to dive into the surrounding dusk and lose herself. But when she gently tested his grip, he merely tightened it. Perhaps if she could suggest to him that she could walk better with both hands free. Or was it already too late? There was a group of dark shapes in the gloom just ahead now. If that was Argyle, this was her last chance. Please, she began in her softest voice, and got no further. From behind came the pounding of running footsteps, and an excited voice raised. McAlion Moore, McAlion Moore. A soldier rushed past them to the figures a few yards ahead, and the cold voice of Argyle answered, Here, what is it then? Montrose, the soldier gasped. Some of our scouts have just come back. They say Montrose is on Bennevas. End of CHAPTER XXI. CHAPTER XXI of which of the glens by Sally Watson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. VENGENCE In the shocked silence which followed, Hamish forgot his comforting grip on the poor we've frightened last for an instant, and in that instant the poor we've frightened last vanished. She crouched on the far side of a rhododendron bush, tensed and ready for further flight. For the moment it was best not to move again, for there was silence beside the river, and she dared make no noise that mine call attention to herself. Ah, the good luck of it! And a fine chance there was that, with this news, no one would think of her again at all. Impossible, said Argyle, his voice was thin. It is true, Macalion Moore, insisted the messenger. On the north slope of Bennevas it was. His army ran into our outpost, and some of our scouts escaped and came to warn us. Impossible, repeated Argyle more thinly yet. He couldn't. He went up the great glen, and he hasn't come back down it. And there's no other way he could have come in this cold and snow, not with an army and horses and cannon. It's not humanly possible. There was a good deal of sense in this. Even Kelpie, still is a boggle behind her bush, frowned in puzzlement. How could Montrose have come so quickly, and not through the great glen? Over the bitter, impassable mountains then. Ah, Glenroy it must be. Argyle didn't know this country as she did, and as the Camerons and McDonald's would. Through Glenroy then, and it was next to impossible even then, but if any one at all could do it, then it would be Montrose and his Highlanders, and she the cause of it all, with her message. She hugged herself silently. "'It couldn't have been the army,' said an Edinburgh voice soothingly. "'Gint is Montrose at all, which I doot. "'Tis a mere handful of wild Highland thieves he could have brought, and will wipe him out the moorn.' "'Still and all,' came another voice, "'it might be best for you to be going on board your galley, your Lordship. "'You've an injured shoulder, remember, and you're too valuable to risk your life in a mere skirmish. "'You may be right. "'There was unmistakable relief in Argyle's voice, "'and Kelpie lifted her short lip in contempt. "'I can put you in charge, Ock and Breck, "'and send commands from my galley. "'Who is that over there?' "'His voice rose sharply, and Kelpie's hair stood on end "'until she heard Hamish's apologetic answer. "'Hamish Campbell just, with a McDonald I found skulking up "'near the Spine River, and thinking you might be wanting "'to see him.' "'A McDonald?' Ock and Breck's voice was incisive. "'Aye! He's likely a scout for Montrose, and may be able to tell us something.' "'Will you speak to him, your Lordship?' "'Later,' said Argyle, take him down to the shelter by the lock, and stay there yourselves on guard. "'See that no one goes near the galley, and I'll question the prisoner before I go aboard.' "'There was a crunch of snow as Argyle and his party "'started back toward the castle, then a pause. "'Why isn't he tied?' came Argyle's voice, accusingly. "'Och, your Lordship, he has a hurt foot, and it would be too "'hard to carry him this whole way, if he could have been "'chamming you fool.' "'Argyle was furious. Tie him now.' "'He went on, leaving the other group of dark shapes where "'they stood.' "'Well, so, and himself was saying now,' muttered Hamish. "'So now it is, my lad. "'We'll have your two hands behind you. Were you chamming?' "'Not a whit,' said Alex Cooley. "'I'd have left you before this, if I were. "'Well, I almost have it in my heart to pity you, just for "'your courage, though you're a cursed McDonald.' "'Angus, where's the wee lass?' "'She was off and away at the word Montrose,' reported Angus, "'and no wonder. She's frightened even of our army and "'will be in terror of his. She'll no be staying for a battle.' "'Ah, she'll freeze just. Poor Amidane,' said Hamish, worriedly. "'And she could have been staying at the shelter with us, and "'quite safe. Well, so, come away now.' "'They moved off toward the lock, leaving Kelpie to figure "'out her new situation.' "'It was a great improvement, surely, but hardly rosy. "'If only the weather were warm. There would be no problem at all. "'She could set off for safety, leaving Alex just where she wanted "'him, and Montrose over behind the mountain to settle with Argyle "'after Argyle had settled with Alex. But it was cold. "'And there would be no shelter near, what with all the homes "'burned. And she didn't want to freeze. "'An hour earlier she would gladly have taken the chance, "'advantly frozen even, in preference to meeting Argyle. "'But now that she was out of danger from him for the moment, "'she wanted to live. And how could she be arranging it? "'If it were not for Alex, she might slip down to the shelter "'after all, and just hide when Argyle came. But Alex "'would not miss another chance to betray her. He had delayed "'too long once before, and he must be cursing himself for it. "'But she had to do something. Shivering she got to her feet and "'silently followed an orange glimmer down near the lock. "'Ach, a fire! Kelpie hurried her steps until she could see the "'ruins of a shelling hut, one side open to the night, but with "'a warm fire just at the edge, where the fireplace at once "'stood. Alex, well-bound now, was lying against one wall, "'and the other men were grouped around. As she watched, "'they began taking food from their pouches. In an agony of indecision, "'Kelpie crouched in the bushes, just too far away to feel the warmth "'of the fire, but she didn't dare go closer. She could almost "'wish Alex free, so that—her eyes widened. Alex had turned "'over to face the wall, and was unmistakably settling down "'to sleep. How could he? Reluctantly, Kelpie admired him "'for it. He was a bad one. But for all that, he had a cool courage "'that was fine. She waited a few minutes more, then she had to get "'warm, and Alex seemed to be truly asleep. Standing up, she "'raised her voice scarcely above a whisper. Hey, Mish! He was up, "'his ruddy face turning to search the bushes. The wee lass, "'are you frozen just? Come away to the fire. It was gave foolish of "'you to run off. She came, rubbing her numbed hands in the heavenly "'warth, even though it made them hurt sorely. I was affrighted, she "'explained, of Montrose, and of all the men, and of MacKelley "'and more, and even of him. She nodded toward Alex. Please, if "'anyone comes, could I not be hiding away at the back behind "'the walls until they go? Oh, I, said Hey, Mish, tolerantly. If "'you're so frightened as all that.' It was nearly morning, and Kelpie had napped a little herself, and was warm and fed, with a wary eye on the sleeping Alex, before voices and steps announced a party coming from the castle. In a flash she was behind the ruined chilling, just at the corner where she could hear everything and even see a bit. She would be safe enough from now on, for although it was still dark enough to escape, the faintest of gray appeared over the stern dome of Ben Nevis, and the peaks farther south were beginning to show starkly black against the lighter clouds. The night was over, and she could afford to stay and watch what happened to Alex. "'Put my things aboard,' ordered Argyle's cold voice. I'll be along as soon as I see to this prisoner. Where is he?' "'Here, asleep,' replied Hamish, humbly. "'Wake you up, MacDonald. McAleon Moore wants to talk to you.' "'Apparently Alex awoke, as Kelpie always did, all at once, for there was no trace of sleepiness in his voice.' "'Well, then, and let us talk,' he returned casually. Kelpie knew that his coolness would enrage Argyle, who repeatedly fled danger and was about to do it again. This would go hard with Alex, she must see. There was a hole in the wall, just at the corner, where a stone had fallen out, and surely no one would be noticing a wee eye in the dark. She applied the eye to the hole. Sure enough, Argyle's pale face was twisted with anger, the habitual sneer deeper than usual, and Alex had that faintly amused smile on his face, despite bound hands and swollen foot, and despite his fear. "'Your name?' asked Argyle harshly. "'Alexander McDonald of Androquianlock Gary,' replied Alex proudly. "'So, son of a chieftain, then. And what were you doing skulking in lock-aber?' "'Nursing a sprained ankle,' replied Alex, still with a faint smile, and hoping to be overlooked by your men. "'You knew we were there, then?' Argyle pounced on the idea, like a man looking for an excuse to unleash a storm of venom. And there was no doubt he had his victim. Kelpie's revenge would be better than she had ever dreamed. She pressed closer to the people to see if Alex's face would betray fear, but he just lifted a sandy eyebrow. "'Could anyone not be knowing you were here, with the smoke of burning homes rising like the plague?' he retorted reasonably. "'You are one of Montrose's men,' Argyle said accusingly, and Kelpie found herself thinking of the things Alex mined answer to that. He would never claim to be a covenanter, proud fool that he was, but he could say he was not with Montrose, that he had never had been, that he had had a quarrel with the Camerons, any number of things. But he said none of them. Did he not know that his silence would seem an admission of guilt? Kelpie fumed at his stupidity before she remembered that, this time, she was on Argyle's side. "'You are a spy left behind,' Argyle went on, threateningly. "'It was you warned him we were here.' "'I wish I had been the one,' confessed Alex Riley. "'I would not be here if I had. But since I am here, and not with Montrose, that is clearly nonsense. Don't quibble with me.' Argyle was in a cold rage. The cruel, bullying streak in him showing clear. You were responsible. You hurt your foot and sent someone else with the message. In the gleam of the fire, Alex's jaw moved up and outward a fraction. "'I would have done so,' he retorted proudly, "'but that I could find no one to send. You will not save your life that way.' There was a wintry satisfaction in Argyle's face, unless you can produce the guilty party and prove your innocence. The sentence went grimly unfinished. Even Hamish looked shocked at his unfairness, and for an instant Kelpie missed the full irony of the situation. Then it dawned on her. Alex was to die for the things she herself had done, and he well aware of it and helpless, since he had no notion where she was. It was almost too good to be possible. She bit her lip and pressed closer to the chink, and a squeak of what must be delight, although it felt almost like a sob, escaped her. Alex turned, oh so casually, and his eyes, dark in the shadow of the shelter, looked straight into hers. Kelpie stopped breathing. To appalled even to move, she stood frozen, waiting for the simple, deadly words that must come next. In her mind she heard them clearly. "'Very well so, and you will find the guilty party is the witch last hiding this very moment outside the wall. She should be away, running like a hare. But she could not, for her shock had glued her feet to the ground, and already Alex had begun to speak. And how, he asked deliberately, could I be doing that?' Kelpie missed the next part of the conversation, for she was altogether stunned. He had seen and recognized her, never a doubt of it. In that instant she had handed him the victory, his own life and hers as well, and he had dropped them indifferently at his feet. Was he fey, then, to be deliberately throwing away his life? Not even the scruples of Ian could account for it, for Alex owed her nothing, and less than nothing, especially since he believed she had betrayed him to the Campbells. In her bewilderment she didn't even feel relief at her own narrow escape. And when she was again able to concentrate on the scene inside, she found that Alex was taken the edge off her victory simply by giving it to her. Where had the triumph and savor gone? Frowning, she reminded herself that Alex was being justly punished for what he did to Ian, and she was not sorry. No, nor would she ever dream of wanting to save him whatever, for he deserved to die, and had she not been planning revenge. She would not want to help him, even if she could, and couldn't even if she wanted to. For was it not her rule of life to look out for herself and no one else? And if McCallion Moore should so much as glimpse the witch lass caught trying to hex him, and herself wearing his own wife's gown and cloak this moment, she laughed at herself for even thinking that such a daft idea could ever enter her head. It was gloating she was, she was. Intend on her gloating, she risked another peep through the chink and saw that Argyle was biting his lip with anger. Alex had no doubt just said something derisive, for he was smiling recklessly. But for all his composure, Kelpie knew that he was afraid in the face of death. Had not she herself more than once, acted calm when she did not feel that way. Ah, she knew how his heart must be pounding, as her own was just from imagining it. Or perhaps it was pounding with happiness and excitement and triumph. Her fists were clenched painfully and her lips drawn back from her teeth. This was the moment, and she would watch while, while. Take him out yonder and shoot him, said Argyle. Then Kelpie heard a reckless laugh coming from her own lips, and she found herself around the wall and in the firelight and confronting Argyle with her head held high. No now, she said, for to his eye sent the messenger. One part of her stood aghast and terrified at the insane thing she had done, but the other part, the thing inside, which had been pushing her for so long, was glad and triumphant. END OF CHAPTER XXI CHAPTER XXII OF WHICH OF THE GLENZ by Sally Watson. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. THE LAST WORD For a moment even the daybreak seemed to pause over the Highlands. The thin sky of morning lighted a wan world of muted gray and white and purple with an eerie, ghost-like tone. There was no sound outside the ruined shelter with a circle of sickly firelight, and for just an instant there was no sound even there. Alex's face seemed carved in an odd expression of exaltation and anguish combined, and his eyes fixed upon her as if they would never leave. But Kelpie did not see this, for her own eyes were fixed defiantly upon Argyle, waiting. She had not long to wait. The witch, he whispered, and his eyes blazed in pale fury. And in her ladyship stolen clothes, he added with new outrage. Alex laughed, and his laughter was delighted, exasperated, and somehow sad. He moved to stand beside Kelpie. Ah, he said, and isn't it just the way you will be overdoing things? I would have had you remained unprincipled and live. I would have called you liar and saved you yet, but you must appear in Lady Argyle's stolen clothes and seal your doom, and knowing it. His eyes were stricken, exultant, tender, but Kelpie only looked at him daisily. All of it was beyond her understanding, except that she had doomed herself irrevocably by her own madness, and the thing inside said it must be so. Argyle was breathing hard, taught with hatred. His menace was overwhelming. Shoot the man now, he said between his teeth, but bind the witch and take her aboard the galley. I will try her and burn her when this business with Montros is over. And then all lock-abers seemed to explode at once. Shots echoed from Ben Nevis just as Alex went quite berserk. His face was as she had seen it in the witch-hunting town, jutted with sharp angles of rage. He hurled himself against Argyle, the full force of his hard shoulder driving into the Campbell's midsection, and down they went. Others rushed forward with yells, and from the castle came more yells and a new volley of shots. Hamish was pulling his chief from under Alex and shouting. The battle has started. Someone kicked Alex brutally in the head, and Kelpai flung herself at the culprit, using both teeth and nails, and was herself flung to the ground, while still another boy shouted, Get you to the galley, Macalion Moor! Kelpai dazed from her fall, saw Argyle, staggering and winded, clutching his shoulder in croaking contradictions. Shoot them! Take the witch on board. I'll burn them both. Shoot them at once! Alex struggled up and tried to shield Kelpai with his own body, as someone raised a gun. She heard a wild shriek of pipes from the direction of Ben Nevis, more shots and more yells, and then came a blaze of pain and nothing at all. She lay for a while without opening her eyes, trying to decide whether she was really alive. It seemed quite unlikely. But on the other hand, except for a sore pain in her head, and a hot smoldering one in her body, this did not seem like hell. For one thing she seemed to be in a soft bed with sheets, and surely hell would never provide such things. She decided to open her eyes and find out. Opening her eyes did not help much, but only added to her confusion. For was not this one of the bedrooms at Glenfern, which she had helped often enough to clean. And whatever could she be doing here at all? Clearly she could not be here, but how was it that a stout and smiling Marsali seemed to be feeding her beef broth? Ah, it was too much effort to worry about it! She swallowed the broth, closed her eyes, and slept again. The next time she awoke, it was to morning light, and she felt much stronger. There was a small movement to the left of the bed, and Kelpie slowly focused her eyes toward it. A flower face lighted and moved closer. Ah, my Kelpie! whispered weemari, radiant. You've come away back to me. Hot tears stung Kelpie's eyes. She closed them and moved her left hand gropingly, and felt a small warm one creep into it. Ah, the we love! The tears slid down her cheeks. There was more movement presently, and then Ronald's voice asking with deep interest, is she awake yet? Of course she is. Or how else could she be weeping, demanded as twins scornfully. Kelpie, is it hurting you are? Can you open your eyes, Kelpie? Fiona, will you run to tell Mother she's awake? Kelpie opened her eyes mistily and saw the rosy, concerned faces over her. Fiona, crossing herself as usual, appeared beyond them and then disappeared again. Donald vanishing too, while Kelpie, still gripping weemari's hand, closed her eyes again and tried to sort out the confusion of her thoughts. Presently there was a slight denting of the bed near her elbow. I've brought dough, announced Donald cheerfully. We decided before that you were not a witch, but now Alex says you are, but a nice one. And I was thinking, if dough is still liking you, perhaps Alex is right. Kelpie wrinkled her forehead as dough spat nastily at Donald. Alex? Alex at Glenfern? dough regarded her with slitted yellow eyes and then draped himself in a scraggie, purring fur-piece across her shoulder. Alex, said Kelpie aloud, puzzled. Oh, I, and he saw her too. Ronald nodded. But he is better now. Kelpie, when you are well, will you tell us about your adventures? Why were you leaving Glenfern at all, Kelpie? Do you like your granny witchy? Or was it that you were afraid of her, as Father said? Is she truly a witch, Kelpie? Where is she now? Are you going to stay with us? Weemari says you love her. Do you, Kelpie? The small hand in Kelpie stirred. I so, piped Weemari indignantly. My Kelpie does love me. I, confessed Kelpie, heard of fences quite down. But she went on incredulously. Is Alex truly here, at Glenfern? Of course, said Donald. He has been telling us of his adventures too, and how Montrose was sending him on a special, important mission to talk to Clan Chiefs, and see if Lockheal would join the army and all. And that was why he was alone and caught by the Campbells. But we do not know why you were there at all. He paused, had tilled it hopefully to one side. But Kelpie, more and more bewildered, was in no state to tell stories. Alex, she repeated stupidly. Himself, it was his voice, with something new in the laughter of it. Suddenly the room was full of people. Aina and Lady Glenfern smiled at her from the foot of the bed, and Alex himself was coming slowly across the floor. There was a bandage around his head, and he leaned heavily on Glenfern and in. Ah! It made no sense at all. Kelpie closed her eyes again and moved her head fretfully. Alex has told us what you did, said Glenfern. It is at such time that a person's true character comes forth. He smiled down at her warmly. Let you know now, Kelpie, that you will always have a home at Glenfern, and our love, and for saving Alex we owe you a debt that we can never pay. Kelpie's puzzlement deepened. Eh! It must be that Aean had never known that it was Alex who struck him down. In the confusion perhaps herself was the only one who had really seen it. It must be so, for no other explanation made sense. Perhaps Archie hadn't known either, and she had merely read meanings into his words that evening in the camp. Her blue eyes flew open and met Alex's quizzical ones. What an actor he was then, behaving as if nothing had happened. But she could tell them what had happened, and Alex knew it, and yet here he stood quite at ease. They stared at each other for a long searching moment, and a look of baffled frustration came to both faces. And then Kelpie closed her eyes once again, too weak to cope with such a puzzle, or even to decide whether or no she should tell Aean what his foster brother had done. Eh! And she'll be confused enough, poor Waterwitch. The old teasing note in Alex's voice overlaid a new tenderness. Just be settling me in a chair by the bed, and then away out, the rest of you, whilst I tell her the end of our adventure. Presently the room was silent again, except for those purring. Conscious of a presence beside the bed, Kelpie opened a cautious eye again after a minute, and found the hazel eyes fixed on her broodingly. Ach so! he murmured, shaking his head sadly. I had thought my cousin ceasely, unpredictable, and you an open book, with your devious wiles, and so candidly unprincipled. And then you put a spell on me, with the ringed witch eyes in your head. You baffled me, you haunted me, you eluded me, leaving me for ever two jumps behind, and never knowing what to think at all. I, me, I suppose I shall never understand you at all, and that is my fate and destiny. Kelpie slowly progressed from bewilderment to indignation. Only the last words had any meaning whatever, and that was little enough. I, she fumed, causing Do to dig in a protesting claw. It is you who make no sense at all, and I never knowing what to think. Alex grinned ruefully. At least we are even then. Are you wanting to know what has happened since Argyle's men put bullets in the both of us? Kelpie nodded. Well, then, were you hearing the start of the battle, just as our own wee war was getting exciting, asked Alex. She nodded again, content to lie still and listen. Well, he went on. It was the battle that saved us, for Argyle rushed off to the safety of his galley, and his men left us for dead, and very nearly right they were. And so we lay unknowing while Montrose won a great victory over an army twice his size. It was another tipper-mure, and this time the fighting force of the Campbells has crippled for years to come. Some say as many as fifteen hundred were slain, and the rest taken prisoner, or chased back down to their own country, and our men on their heels all the way to Lundavra. I think it will be another generation, Kelpie, before Clan Campbell can come raiding other clans again, and a good blow for the king's cause as well, he added, almost as an afterthought. Loyal to the king though he was, Alex was a Highlander, and Highland affairs were his closest concern. Kelpie found herself wondering suddenly about Morric Moore and Rab, Argy, and the others. And had we many killed? Alex shook his head. It was a rout, he said. They tell me there are some two hundred or more wounded, but scarce over a dozen killed outright. It seems fair unbelievable. Kelpie assimilated this, and then returned to another matter of interest. What of McCallion Moore, she demanded vindictively. And what was happening to us after all? Ah, the great General Campbell was away down the lock in his galley before the fight was yet over, hero that he is. Scorn was bright in Alex's voice. But as for us, we lay until some of our men found us and recognized my tartan, so they took us up to the castle with the other wounded. There were plenty of the army who knew me, and you too, it seems, for there was a hulking great man named Rab, and a huge fierce woman called Morric Moore nearly come to blows over which could be doing most for you. His eyes crinkled at her with approval and amusement. So it was soon enough that my brother and Ian both found us. And when we were fit to be carried they brought us here. Here, echoed Kelpie, renewed bafflement upon her. Forgetting her wound she tried to sit up and then changed her mind. Winsing, she lay back again, and her ring-dye stared beneath Lord Browse at Alex. Though his nap disturbed, glared with equal fierceness, and Alex found the combination disconcerting. You would be coming here, Kelpie spat. You, with all your pradding of loyalty and the laws of hospitality and this principal's thing. And you have not even good sense, for here am I, and whatever makes you think I will not be telling. And yet you have not even tried to threaten me. Complete bewilderment was on Alex's face. Either your wits or mine are wandering entirely, he said. What are you talking about? Tell what? That you tried to kill Ian, answered Kelpie. What? He was utterly dumbfounded, and Kelpie's conviction wavered, but only briefly. She knew what she had seen. Do not be denying it, for I sought myself, and twice over, once with the second sight, which never lies, and again when it happened. Alex's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, as if he had begun to see a clue to some deep puzzle. You were saying something of the sort back at Yon Cave, he said. It made no sense, but I had already given up expecting to understand you, and there were other urgent matters on my mind. Tell me now, what was it that you saw twice over? Tell me exactly, for although the second sight never lies, something of the reading of it can be wrong. What was it you were seeing, water-wetch? Kelpie frowned. It was the crowd of witch-hunters, although the first time I did not know who or where, or that it was me they were going to burn. But I saw Ian coming through them, and you after him with a black anger on your face. And then you reached him, you raised your sword and brought it down on him, and he dropped like a stone and out of sight. She glared at him defiantly. A whole series of expressions chased one another across Alex's face, but they were not quite the ones Kelpie had expected. Wonder and relief and joy surely had no place there. My sorrow, he whispered, closing his eyes for an instant. And is it for that you've hated me so darkly this long while? No wonder. He looked at her suddenly with new delight. And for Ian too, though you tried so hard to admit no loyalty or friendship, and I believed you. Think carefully, he commanded, as Kelpie was about to burst out at him in frustration and fury. Were you actually seeing my sword strike Ian? I so began Kelpie hotly, and then paused. Well, and there was a head in the way for a wee moment, she conceded, conjuring up the vivid picture and looking at it carefully. Your sword is striking him just behind the head. The other head. I mean, but now Ian is falling straight away, and so. Look again, interrupted Alex. Look closely, Kelpie, and do not judge too quickly. For my sword was falling on the man who was in the act of dirking Ian, and they went down at the same moment. Little Amidane, how could you be thinking I would turn on my foster-brother dearer than Ken, for whom I would give my heart's blood? Kelpie scowled in sudden, unreasoning resentment, but he leaned forward to place his hand on her arm where it lay outside the covers. Look in your heart for the truth, he commanded urgently. Ask it of your reason as well. You must know that I did not do it. It was true. She did know it. She felt slightly dizzy, as if the sun had spun round suddenly and begun rising in the west. And was it a mistake that she had hated Alex this long time? Ah, no! Had he not always infuriated her with his mockery and scorn and his uncanny knowledge of what she would think and do next. But whatever had possessed the both of them that dawn in the shelter, each offering his own life to save the other. She could hardly believe that it had really happened. The eyes she raised to Alex were night-blue with wonder. You knew I was hiding behind the wall. Why didn't you save yourself by telling McCallion Moore it was I sent the message? And especially when you thought that I had betrayed you to the Campbells. Why? There was sudden gladness on Alex's lean face. Calpie, he fairly shouted. You didn't betray me, then? She shook her head irritably and immediately wished she hadn't. I told you I did not dare. And now you know why, with McCallion Moore already wanting me for a witch, and I with his wife's clothing on my back. It was the smoke from your fire betrayed you, fool that you were. She glared at him. But you were believing it was I, and you needing only a word to save yourself and settle all accounts. Why did you not tell? She demanded angrily. Alex Grimm flippantly at her, but the angles of his face seemed softened, and his voice as well. He seemed to be laughing at her and at himself, too. Perhaps, Mokreli, it was for the same reason that you spoke out when you needed only to stay still. Can you answer me your own question, Calpie? Why did you come forth? I was daft just, she retorted promptly, and she added remembering. There was a thing in me pushing where I was not wanting to go, she frowned. There has been a thing in me, too, this long while, said Alex softly. And for an instant he saw her as she had appeared from the shadows to face Argyle, intense then, too, but heart-breakingly brave, nearly tearing him apart with joy for her gallantry and with despair for its result. And he had not known, then, the full horror of what she was facing, that she was giving herself up to be burned as a wedge. She was regarding him with annoyance. I think it was a spell, whatever, she announced accusingly. Alex looked at her oddly. I saw a spell. He muttered with a right twist to his mouth. And I with a fondness for Mary, fair-head lassies, like my sweet Sisley in Oxford. And now she will have to marry Ian just, though perhaps neither of them will mind much. I have never cared for witches, he told her plaintatively. And especially not black-haired ones, with dark pointy faces, all uncanny eyes. It's never a moment's peace I shall have again, but is a terrible, strong spell you have put on me, and I cannot break it. Ah, there's no way at all out of it, but I shall have to marry you just. Marry me? Kelp I shock reached to the very soles of her feet. Oh, I, answered the outrageous lad, wagging his head sadly. And a dreadful life it will be, never a doubt of it. Wed to a wild wee water-witch. But marry you, I must, for I cannot help myself. I can, then, Kelp I sizzled with outrage. Did you never think of consulting me? Were you thinking I would? Eh? I'd rather be wedding the seahorse in Loch Ness, or Argyle himself. And the very conceit of you to be thinking it. Does a spell indeed I'll be putting on you? Wait until I learn the evil eye, and then you will not be begging my mercy, and with the horrid spots I'll over you, and— Alex silenced her by the simple expedient of putting his lips firmly over hers. When at last he lifted them, it was to laugh into her startled and indignant eyes with the old mockery. I'm thinking, he said, just as if she had never uttered a word of her last speech, that I shall have to be taking you out of Scotland altogether, or sooner or later it would be to the stake with both of us. And in any case, what else could I be doing with the gypsy wonderlust in your feet? The gypsy stole me, I tell you, retorted Kelp I automatically. He raised a quizzical eyebrow. And did they so, truly? Well, and what does it matter? You could never be finding your parents now, nor fit into their life if you did. And in any case, you're going to marry me, and will away to the New World. A grand wilderness it is, they say, with all the space needed for wandering in and out of trouble. He bent toward her again, and reached for her hand, as Kelp I opened a mutinous mouth. Dull, who had patiently endured the last disturbance of his nap, opened one yellow eye, saw Alex's hand approaching and slashed it. Then he rearranged himself across Kelp I's neck and went back to sleep. Kelp I laughed at Alex, who was also laughing and sucking at his torn finger. You see, he said, the red indents and wild animals will never have a chance against you with your dark power over man and beast, which that you are. I wonder, would next week be too soon for the wedding? Sss, said Kelp I, contentedly.