Page 55 of Honour Bound
He swallowed. ‘Okay. Where’s the ring?’
I grinned. ‘It just so happens I have it right here.’ I glanced around. ‘There are a lot of servants around. It would be better if we went somewhere private. I’d hate someone to see what we’re doing and for others to find out before Chieftain MacBain does.’
‘We could go outside…’ Jamie began.
‘Or to your room,’ I interrupted. ‘That way we can be sure of privacy.’
His alarm returned. ‘I don’t think that would be a good idea.’
My grin widened. ‘We don’t have to go to your bedroom. In fact you’re right. The village is quite a way off. There must be a Moncrieffe sitting room up here in the castle somewhere.’
He eyed me warily. ‘I suppose.’
‘Brilliant! Let’s go then.’
*
I walked quickly, not because I was in a hurry but because I didn’t want Jamie to change his mind before we reached the Moncrieffe quarters. Aifric would be installed here at the Cruaich because he was the Steward and I was banking on the fact that he’d keep his Clan close to him. The competitors only formed a small part of the current population; there were plenty of other hangers-on here for the entertainment.
Jamie, moving quickly to match my speed, loped up the stairs to the sixth floor. He turned left and led me into an impressive drawing room with a huge fireplace and artfully arranged furniture. Looking around, you’d never know that the Moncrieffes were struggling for cash.
I was dubious. ‘Are you sure this is a good spot? If we’re interrupted…’
‘It’ll be fine. This is the Moncrieffes’ own space. It’s only used when the Steward has to meet privately with someone. His personal quarters are next door. No one would dare venture in here without an invitation.’
Perfect. I made a show of considering and then agreed. We perched on a sofa, which was as hard and uncomfortable as it looked, and I dug into my pocket and pulled out the ring. Jamie didn’t move, he simply stared at it. ‘That’s certainly the MacBain emblem.’
‘I thought so but it’s good to have it confirmed. You know your stuff.’ I took care not to overdo the compliment but I could tell by his smile that he appreciated it.
He took a deep breath. ‘And you really found this in the Lowlands?’
‘Yep.’
He didn’t try to take it. As the silence grew more awkward, he ran a hand through his hair. ‘It’s not an exact science,’ he admitted. ‘My Gift, I mean. Sometimes, especially with older objects, it’s hard to control what I see. There’s a flood of images and so many memories that it can be difficult to separate things out.’
I suddenly understood what he was referring to. ‘You’re afraid of what you might see.’
Jamie nodded. ‘If Matthew MacBain died violently, if he was wearing this ring while he was in the Lowlands and bad things happened to him…’
‘You’ll see it all.’ His reluctance made sense; useful as his Gift might be, it didn’t sound like it offered its user many pleasant experiences. No doubt the unhappy memories were the ones which would stick. Tragedy was often like that.
‘Don’t worry about it,’ I said softly. ‘If you don’t want to do this, I’ll find another way to prove I didn’t steal it.’
‘No. I’ll do it.’ He exhaled and reached out, his fingers curling round the ring. He lifted it, taking care not to touch me. Then he closed his eyes, stood up and shuddered.
I wondered if I should support him as he swayed backwards and forwards but I doubted he’d appreciate my help so I withdrew. When Jamie’s eyes finally opened, he was pale and shivering.
‘I can assure Chieftain MacBain,’ he said in a stilted voice, ‘that you took this from her uncle’s body in the Lowlands.’
I nodded, trying to remain calm. ‘What else did you see, Jamie?’
‘The demons,’ he whispered. ‘The Fomori. There are thousands of them.’ He paused. ‘Hundreds of thousands.’
I swallowed. ‘Did you see anyone else?’
He wouldn’t meet my eyes. ‘I think I should leave everything else for Chieftain MacBain.’
I didn’t press him. The horror of what he’d seen was still written across his face. I silently thanked the heavens that my subconscious had decided not to steal this particular Gift. ‘I’ll leave the ring with you,’ I told him quietly. ‘Do with it what you will.’
