Page 73 of Sins of a Scot
“I will go. Ye stay here. It’s too dangerous.”
“Indeed, I certainly will nae stay here,” she argued. “I have come all this way. I’m nae backing out now.”
“But, Iseabail?—”
“Nay, Owen. We will climb it together,” she said determinedly.
Securing the bag across his chest, Owen went first, and while still at the lower part of the rocks, he was able to remain upright. The further they climbed, the more it became apparent they wouldhave to use their hands and their feet. Fearing for Iseabail’s safety, he kept turning back to look at her, checking that she was all right, and didn’t need his help. He did wonder, given her stubbornness, whether she would ask for it, even if she did.
The spray from the waterfall soaked through their clothes, making the climb even more difficult. They were what looked like half way when they came to a plateau.
Turning to Iseabail, Owen said, “I think there is a cave hidden behind this waterfall. Look.”
He pointed ahead toward a darkened part of the rock that seemed to disappear into the rock face.
“All right,” Iseabail nodded. “Let’s keep going.”
Taking the lead once more, Owen moved across the precariously wet rock, taking it slow and steady. Holding on to the rock face, he turned back to look at Iseabail, but she was far too busy keeping a keen eye on her footing. He couldn’t blame her. One wrong move and the fall onto the rocks below would certainly be their end.
Rounding the edge, Owen stepped into the cave, and turning back to Iseabail, he offered a hand while she took the final steps to join him.
“God, I dae hope we never have tae dae that again,” she gasped.
“We still have tae get back down yet,” Owen replied, looking at her warily.
Iseabail shook her head. “Well, let’s nae worry about that fer now.”
She walked past him and moved several feet deeper into the hollow. It did not go much further, and so, there really were not many places they could look. As he scanned one side, Iseabail scanned the other.
“There,” she said.
But even before he turned to look, he could hear the disappointment in her voice. Sure enough, when he turned to face her, Iseabail was standing in front of a hollowed-out place that would be the perfect shape and size for a large crystal. But alas, the hole was just that. A hole with nothing in it.
Iseabail dropped her head into her hands, and to his surprise, she began sobbing. He took two steps and reached her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into his chest. He held her there and allowed her to release the despair and frustration she was feeling. He too, felt the same, but it was not his family being held captive and relying on him to save them.
She had suffered so much disappointment on their journey so far, and acknowledging the fact that many others might have given up by now, he admired her tenacity and determination. Indeed, she had plenty of motivation, for the fate of her fatherand brother lay at her feet, but still, one could only face so many dead ends before despair overtook them.
She finally settled herself, and sniffing, she pushed herself away from his chest.
“Are ye all right?” Owen asked.
It was a stupid question, but he felt like he had to say something. He knew well that she was far from all right, but he could think of nothing else to say.
“It feels like me world is falling apart,” she croaked. “I have spent so long already looking for this damned crystal, and we are thwarted at every turn. I dinnae even ken if me faither and braither are still alive. What if Laird Sutherland has grown tired o’ waiting? What if he’s killed them already in his frustration?”
Owen took a step closer and grabbed her shoulders. “Dinnae speak o’ such things, Iseabail. Ye cannae ken that. Thoughts like that will only drive ye mad. Ye have tae continue tae believe that they are still alive, and that all yer efforts will free them.”
While Owen gazed down at her, Iseabail remained with her head down, but she nodded, as though accepting his words.
“Nae matter what happens,” Owen continued. “I’ll be right here, by yer side.”
She gazed up at him then, her red-rimmed eyes glistening with the remaining tears. “Thank ye, Owen. Thank ye fer everything ye’ve done.”
He gazed down at her, wishing he could take away her worry and angst. “We should go. There’s nay more we can dae here.”
Iseabail turned away from him and took the few steps back to the entrance of the cave. Taking a deep breath, she took hold of the rocks at her side, and started the treacherous climb down.
Owen followed, careful of his footing on the wet rocks. The waterfall battered spray against his face as he carefully took side steps, keeping his back tight against the wall. They reached the small ledge, the only part of the rock face that offered more a than a couple of inches to step on. Iseabail turned to look where he was, and in doing so, moved her foot closer to the edge.
