‘The Comte de Vaucourt arranged a boar hunt and a large party rode out that day, including Eloise and myself. Somehow, in the course of the chase, she became separated from the rest. Fitzurse’s men were waiting and, seeing their chance, carried her off to his castle some few miles distant.’
Ashlynn paled, remembering her own encounter with Fitzurse and knowing too well what the man was capable of. Iain took a deep breath.
‘He raped her repeatedly and then, when he had done, gave her to his men. When they had had their sport they released her. We eventually found her in the fields not far from Vaucourt. Somehow she must have made her way back there. She was in such a state that only the greatest effort of will could have kept her going. Above all else she wanted to see Fitzurse punished, to be avenged. Having gained that holy assurance she seized the dagger from my belt and ended her life.’
‘Dear God.’
‘The shame was not hers but she could not live with it.’
‘What did you do?’
‘I sought redress through the law. Like a fool I thought that having right on my side must result in justice. However, when the matter was brought before Duke Richard, Fitzurse swore that Eloise had gone with him of her own volition, that it had been only the two of them involved. He had powerful friends who bore false witness to that effect. And since those same men had provided the gold to fund his wars, the Duke inclined to their part. I would have killed Fitzurse anyway and to hell with the consequences but, knowing that, my uncle had me forcibly returned to Scotland for my own safety.’
‘How did he do that?’
‘He drugged the wine one evening. I woke up on board a merchant ship bound for the Firth of Forth. I cursed my uncle’s name at first but, with the wisdom of hindsight, I saw that he was right. I’d live to fight another day. In the years that followed he sent me regular intelligence from France. In that way I learned Fitzurse had taken service with Duke William and was bound for England. Then I knew my turn was coming.’ He paused. ‘My one fear was that my enemy might have perished at Hastings along with all those others. Happily he did not.’
‘And you have sought him ever since.’
‘Aye, and one day we will meet.’
There could be no mistaking the cold purpose in his tone and Ashlynn shivered.
‘That day may be far distant,’ she replied.
‘One year or ten, it makes no difference. I shall keep my vow.’
As the ramifications became clear, Ashlynn knew a moment of deep sadness. Would the evils of the past never be exorcised? If they were ever to build a life together its foundations could not be those of hatred and revenge. And if they did build a future could he ever feel for her what he felt for Eloise?
Mistaking the cause of her silence he eyed her ruefully. ‘It’s not a pretty story. Perhaps I should not have told you.’
‘No, it isn’t pretty,’ she replied, ‘but I’m glad you did all the same. It makes so many things clear.’
‘Does it?’
‘Yes, among them why your sister should have asked you to give up your quest.’
He frowned. ‘Jeannie doesn’t know what she asks.’
‘I think she does. She wants you to move on.’
‘That is not possible.’
‘Isn’t it?’
‘Not until I have rid this earth of Fitzurse.’
‘I know as well as anyone why you hate this man, but we cannot alter what is past, Iain.’ She squeezed his arm. ‘Let it go. Look to the future instead.’
Her touch, though gentle, was warm. He could feel it beneath his sleeve. The effect was both soothing and sensual. He forced himself to ignore it along with the haunting expression in her eyes. ‘There can be no future until this is settled. My vow was made in blood and it will be met in blood. I will not be forsworn.’
‘Will you sacrifice everything to that end?’
‘If needs be.’
‘Does that include me?’
‘This has nothing to do with you, Ashlynn.’
‘How can you say so? How can you even think it?’ she replied. ‘I too have cause to hate Fitzurse, but if I let hatred govern my life he will have won. Don’t you see?’
Iain’s jaw tightened. He could not doubt the sincerity of the words or mistake the plea in her tone, but nor could he cede the point. ‘You will deal with him in your way and I in mine.’
With that he turned and left her. She knew then beyond doubt that she was one of the things that would be sacrificed to this cause. Iain had married her only because he must. He wouldn’t let that get in the way of his ambition. Nor, she reflected sadly, could she hope to win his heart. Quite clearly, Eloise had it still.