“Ye say ye dinnae want to hurt me, yet ye intend to tie me up like a common prisoner?”
As he opened his mouth to argue, the mare whinnied and they both turned to see her rear.
“Damnation!” Morgann dropped the rope and snatched at the reins but it was too late, the horse bolted. He immediately gave chase and Alana watched for a moment as he sprinted after the frightened mare.
She stole a quick peek at the skies and uttered a thank you. Hopefully she could evade Morgann in the rocky landscape and find her way home. They hadn’t journeyed too far though she’d never travelled these lands unaccompanied and the last time she’d visited Morgann’s home was many years ago.
And she was definitely on enemy land.
Nerves beat in her chest but she shoved the sensation aside and fell into a run. She deliberately followed the base of the mountains, snaking in and out of the protruding rocks, some bigger than a cottage, having tumbled down the peaks long ago. If he managed to catch up with his mount quickly, then mayhap the rocks would hide her for long enough to gain some distance.
The rain continued to fall and her plaid grew heavy and cumbersome. It provided little warmth now it was soaked so she unpinned it and let it fall from her shoulders. Aye, mayhap she risked freezing to death but she didn’t plan on being out in the wilderness for long. Soon she’d be back home by the warmth of a fire. She thrust a hand out and used a rock to help her navigate the slippery surface of the mountain, stifling a shudder.
Aye, just think on that, Alana. A warm fire. Heavy blankets. Some heated wine. An unbidden image of Morgann pressed on top of her, warming her in other ways burst through her thoughts. Where had that come from? She was old enough to know of the pleasure that could be shared between a man and a woman. And wise enough to realise that it would likely be extremely pleasurable sharing that with Morgann but she’d never had these sort of heated imaginings before, only simple ideas more suited to that of an inexperienced maiden.
Alana’s foot slipped from under her and only her grip on the rock stopped her from falling into the mud again. She made her way higher up the mountain after glancing at the valley below. She saw no sign of Morgann. If he caught up with his mount, he would stick to the valley paths and with any luck wouldn’t see her so high up.
What a fool she was for stepping outside the keep. Da had been right. Since the rift between the two clans, both families’ lands were dangerous. She just never expected Morgann to be the one to attempt such an exploit. If she was very unlucky, other Glencolum men would be prowling the lands and she may end up in even bigger trouble. None would treat her with much more care.
She still found it hard to believe that sweet Morgann wanted to kidnap her. Glancing down at her mud-streaked gown, she grimaced. How could he treat her so? Whatever the reason, undoubtedly some kind of desperation drove him. She had seen it clearly in his eyes.
Moving higher still, she peered over a rock and her heart bounced against her ribs. Damnation. Atop his mount, Morgann drove it furiously along the valley path. She ducked down as he scanned the land. What should she do? Continue on? Hide? Though fairly high up, it wouldn’t take much climbing to find her.
Endeavouring to put more distance between her and her would-be captor, Alana tied her skirts into a messy knot and kicked off her leather shoes. Climbing was easier without them. The rain slowed to a trickle as she continued her ascent but the ground proved to be sodden and harder than ever to navigate.
Damn the man. What had started as a beautiful morning of freedom had ended up with her covered from head to toe in mud and probably lost in the hills of the Highlands. Dark tortured eyes danced in front of her vision and she cursed him aloud. What had happened to bring about such a change? Was it just her father’s treatment of him or was it something more? Ach, well she’d never find out now. She would not stay to find out. How could she when her capture would bring about the worst battle either clan had ever seen? For she knew her disappearance would spark great anger and both sides were just waiting for a reason to slaughter the other.
How she yearned for the days when they stood side by side. It seemed so long ago now yet only eight summers had passed since a time when both families lived and worked together to defeat their common enemies.
She sighed. Dreams of peace were folly, as her da liked to remind her. If they could not return to a time when things were better then all she could do was ensure she did not fall into Morgann’s hands again. It was her duty as a Dunleith daughter to keep the peace.
As Alana peered over her shoulder to check on her progress, her footing gave way. She let out a scream as she fell forward, injured wrist giving way as she braced herself. An agonising pain shot through her head and all went dark.