Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

A s Mae entered the great hall a few nights later, her eyes widened in awe at the spectacle before her. The dining hall was decked out with tables laden with food, the fire roared in the large hearth and a group of the guardsmen had taken up instruments and were playing as others danced with several of the women who lived or worked in the castle. Mae couldn't be sure who actually lived her and who lived down in the small village, but she recognized many faces from her exploring her surroundings.

Despite the festivity surrounding her, a twinge of bitterness crept into Mae's heart. The weight of her displacement and the longing for the familiar tugged at her, coaxing her to seek solace in the amber depths of the whisky poured generously into her cup.

She drank, each sip carrying with it a blend of defiance and resignation. The burn of the alcohol mingled with the maelstrom of emotions swirling within her, momentarily numbing the sharp edges of her reality. Mae allowed herself the liberty of indulgence, surrendering to the allure of the whisky's potent embrace.

The strains of the melodic string quartet filled the air, their music weaving through the hall like whispers of forgotten tales. Traditional Scottish melodies danced through the space, igniting a sense of nostalgia and melancholy within Mae. The enchanting harmonies intertwined with her thoughts, stirring both longing and acceptance within her conflicted soul.

As the night wore on and the revelry of the supper echoed through the dining hall into the great hall outside the doors, the mirth and merriment took hold of everyone except her. Mae decided to drop herself into a chair next to the crackling flames dancing in the hearth.

Amidst the merry chaos, a figure stumbled toward Mae, his steps unsteady, and his speech slurred. It was Brian Campbell, the notorious nuisance when inebriated, his words dripping with a heavy Scottish brogue.

"What are you doing here, lass?" he said, raking his gaze over her with interest.

Mae turned her back to him, hoping that would make him go away because she had no interest in the man and didn't want to encourage him. It didn't matter because he persisted.

"You'll be a witch, then? No one just appears in this area without intention," he said.

She narrowed her eyes, growing annoyed, but she knew that he was right about that. In her past she did nothing without intention because that's what a con-artist did. Could he see right through her? Frowning, she shook her head. That was a ridiculous thought. She'd given up that life and had worked hard to better herself. Hadn't she?

Brian's inquiries grew more intrusive, as he said, "That's it, you've come and put a spell upon the MacDonalds, havenae you? What is it you want here? The MacDonalds have nothing, is it really the Campbells you be after?" He gave her a lecherous look.

With his unwelcome advances, she chose a path of self-preservation, her lips parting to spin a tale for him. If he wanted a witch, she'd give him one. "A witch? I suppose you could call me that, though I didn't come for you, nor the MacDonalds. And I suggest, if you don't back off, I'll find a way to curse you and all your descendants."

Yet, as the words left her lips, a pang of guilt coursed through Mae's chest. She felt the ghostly presence of her former self, the con artist who had mastered the art of deception. Doubt gnawed at her conscience, casting shadows upon her newfound desire to live an authentic life, free from the tangles of deceit.

A terrified look crossed his face for a moment, and then he backed off muttering, "Stupid cow."

Inwardly chastising herself, Mae vowed to resist the allure of her past. She sought redemption within the depths of her being, determined to break free from the shackles of her former self. Her heart trembled with uncertainty, a reminder that the journey toward self-discovery held both triumphs and pitfalls, forcing her to confront the shadows lurking within.

The exchange with Brian left Mae with a lingering unease, a reminder of the thin line she tread between truth and falsehood. She yearned for genuine connections, untainted by the remnants of her past. The weight of her actions settled upon her shoulders, urging her to find strength in vulnerability and to be honest in her future dealings.

In a serendipitous turn of events, Niall, having obviously observed the uncomfortable exchange, stepped forward with an air of chivalry and grace. His eyes met Mae's issuing a silent invitation for her to join him. Grateful, Mae nodded and smiled at him.

Coming closer, Niall asked Mae for a dance, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "Would you be likin' ta dance with me, lass?"

Mae's heart fluttered in anticipation. "Yes, thank you," she said as she put her hand into his. "Though I'm not sure I know the steps. Is it complicated?"

"Nae, lass, tis an easy step you'll pick up quick." He smiled and led her over to where others were dancing and showed her the steps.

Together, they glided onto the open floor, surrounded by the swirling melodies of the musicians. The rhythm of their feet merged harmoniously with the lively tunes, their bodies moving in perfect synchronicity. It was as though they were made for each other, which made Mae's heart sore higher.

The dance they engaged in was a spirited Scottish reel, a traditional seventeenth century dance. Each step, each twirl, spoke volumes of their connection, the chemistry between them palpable to any who cared to watch them, but Mae wasn't paying attention to anyone but Niall who merely laughed with her when she made a misstep. She was breathless as he whirled her around the floor, feeling the connection between them growing stronger as their bodies moved to the music. .

The worries that had plagued her mind earlier in the evening faded into insignificance as she surrendered to the intoxicating rhythm of the dance. It was a blissful escape, a respite from thinking about being trapped in the seventeenth century.

As the music reached its crescendo, Mae and Niall found themselves locked in a final, exuberant twirl, her spirit soaring to new heights. The applause that erupted from the rest of the dancers and she and Niall stood staring into each other's eyes. It was as though a magic spell was woven over them and she couldn't keep the massive grin from her face as she tried to catch her breath.

With flushed cheeks and a radiant smile, Mae and Niall stood with their hands lingering upon one another. In that moment, Mae knew that her life would never be the same.