Page 56 of Duncan

“THE LAIRD ORDERED me bring you both,” Nyall said before Duncan could demand they leave without Nicole. “We dinnae ken how many villagers shall need healing, just as the lady said.”

“Would you send Caroline if she possessed healing powers?” he countered.

“I love the man, but he doesn’t get the final say on that.” Nyall’s wife joined them. “I do.” She regarded her husband. “I’m coming with, and we signaled Jamaran, so he’ll be bringing the Selseus garrison. I don’t want to stop time unless it’s absolutely necessary, because we don’t know if my power affects the enchantress. Still, if there are hundreds of hybrids trying to eat the village, I might have to. The three of us will then have about an hour to kill them.”

“Agreed.” The captain regarded him again. “I must go and meet Jamaran to explain on the way. The laird and Fletcher remain here to safeguard the castle. Shaw left moments ago. I shall leave my lady with you and yours.”

Caroline kissed Nyall before he rushed off, and then sighed. “This night is going to suck. Why are your boxers in a knot about letting Nick come along? She might actually be able to control these freaking things, and put an end to the attack without any bloodshed.”

“Or they may prove the end of her.” He turned as the door opened and Nicole stepped out. “My lady, please, remain here. I shall send for you when ’tis over–”

“No, you won’t.” She walked up to him, wrapping an arm around his neck to tug down his head and whisper against his ear, “Haven’t you figured it out yet? The only way our powers really work the way they’re supposed to is when you and I use them together.”

His case fell from his hand as he held her close for a long moment before he drew back.

“’Tis likely we shall attend many wounded.” He draped her with his tartan. “You’re certain you wish endure such horrors?”

“If you’re beside me, I can handle anything.” She kissed his cheek. “Come on. Let’s go help these people.”

Several guards carrying torches met them outside the stronghold, and escorted them along the shadowy trail through the forest. Just before they reached the village, Duncan heard the cries of the wounded, and Nyall calling out orders to his men.

Inky darkness swirled about them just before Shaw appeared at his side. “The shifters fled into the water where the Finfolk now fall upon them. I go to join them.” He glanced over his shoulder. “The wounded lie in the village.” Then he fixed his eyes on them both, lingering on Nicole. “Some suffered grievous attacks.” In the next moment, a dark shadow hovered in front of them before rushing off into the night.

But Shaw’s words hadn’t prepared them for the sight that awaited as they approached; dozens of mortals lay on the ground where they had fallen; some already dead. He glanced at Nicole, who looked pale but determined, and hurried toward the nearest man. Before Duncan could reach him, a group of battered-looking women led by a short, heavyset figure came out of the shadows to block his path.

“I’ve told you time and again, MacMar, you’ve no business in the village,” Angalan the herbalist said, folding her plump arms. “If you ken what’s good for you, leave that witch here and go back to the castle. We’ll deal with her proper.”

“I beg your pardon.” Nicole gave her an astonished look. “What did you call me?”

“You’ve tried fooling the vassals at Dun Ard, evil one, but we ken you.” Angalan held out a scroll, shaking it out to reveal an ancient painting of a woman with red-gold hair and sapphire blue eyes. “You’re the image of that cursed Fae princess who drove the first MacMar laird mad.” She gave Duncan a scathing glance. “Much as I dislike the nosy bastart, we cannae permit you do the same to his son.”

The other women formed a ring around her and Duncan, each one drawing a dagger as if they meant to attack them.

“Just because someone resembles another person, it doesn’t mean they’re the same inside.” Nicole kept her gaze locked on the mortal healer. “You remind me of my Aunt Sheron, whom I don’t like very much. Just because you have almost the same features and coloring doesn’t mean you’re as heartless and greedy as she is.”

“We shallnae be deceived,” Angalan insisted. “The maid told us how you’ve seduced every clansman who’s crossed your path.”

“Come, now, Mistress. If ’twere true, that would mean she’s taken hundreds of my brothers as her lovers.” Duncan glanced around at the other women. “Reckon you my clan should tolerate such a female? Name the maid who told such lies.”

“Wait.” As the village healer surged forward, Nicole stepped between them. “Was it Eilidh?”

The older woman hesitated, and then scowled. “What if ’twas? The lass wished warn us of your wicked ways.”

“That must be who Shaw and I found in the cove.” His lover turned to him. “The hybrid who murdered her must have taken her place. That’s who knocked me out and tried to strangle me, I’m sure of it.”

“Someone killed Eilidh, Angalan.” Duncan spoke in a low, serious tone now as he related the discovery of the body. “After she died it could take on her form, and use her memories so it might sway you with its lies.”

The other women exchanged confused glances as they lowered their blades. Angalan’s expression darkened even more, however, and she tightened her grip on her dagger.

“Then this wench, she’s the shifter,” she insisted. “We’ve all seen how swiftly she healed from being trampled by that horse. ’Tisnae natural.”

Telling the superstitious woman the reason her wounds vanished so quickly might only make the situation worse, Nicole thought.

“I wasn’t trampled. A tree branch scratched my back. As I’m sure you know, Healer MacMar is very skilled at treating the sick and injured.” She held up her hand. “If I do heal quicker now, it’s thanks to Lady Joana’s ring. It also saved me from drowning just before I came here.”

The village women murmured to each other before the oldest said to Angalan, “Long you’ve stewed your fury, mistress. Dinnae boil over onto the lady. She’s explained all, and we need the clan for the war that’s coming.”

“While you bicker, your men suffer. Go home.” Duncan pushed through them to crouch down by the wounded man, and Nicole went to join him.