Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

O ver the next few days it was much of the same. Mary was getting used to the routine. She would be herself during the day getting up exactly at sunrise to not waste any amount of the daylight.

Ivy and the other women were very good to her. They continued to spend hours of the day chatting with her as they all did various tasks and Mary joined in. It was nice to be included in the group, and not made to feel like an outsider.

They spent some days outside in the garden, doing the weeding, or picking the vegetables. Other days they were in the library working with the scholars or in the kitchens helping to prepare the meals. There was always something interesting to do or learn about life here.

Mary found herself intrigued with nearly every aspect of life in this time and place. To be using and working with people of this time was incredible to her. Never in her life had she imagined she'd get to do anything like this. She considered that part of her life a blessing.

It was also enjoyable to talk about the world they had all left behind to remind her that she wasn't dreaming and the others had all come here before her. She loved hearing about the various places they'd grown up and lived, and she was able to tell them a few of the things that had happened since they'd been gone.

Mary walked through the courtyard with Ivy at her side. They had just enjoyed breakfast in Ivy's chambers and were stretching their legs after the meal. It wasn't something they did often, but with so many people about at breakfast time, it was hard to talk about some of the things she was practicing in the evenings when she was in her goblin form. That was why when Ivy suggested joining her for breakfast in her rooms, Mary had jumped at the chance.

Ivy had reminded her to stay vigilant and to not let her emotions get out of control, but she was supportive of her practicing with the powers.

"It looks like someone is anxious to see you," Ivy murmured as they strolled.

Mary turned to see Hamish walking with purpose toward them. He seemed quite determined and a worried expression lit his face. Mary wasn't sure what was wrong, but she feared she wasn't going to like whatever he had to say.

“Good morning, ladies. Lady Ivy if you do not mind, may I speak with Mary privately for a moment?” he asked formally.

“No, no trouble at all. Please go head, I'll just be over here minding my own business,” Ivy said giving them an encouraging look.

Mary sighed knowing Ivy was thinking they were going to talk about making a secret rendezvous or something, but from the look on Hamish's face, she knew that wouldn't be the case.

"Would you mind if we walked while we speak? I have a need to move," he said, offering his arm. “What is it? You seemed very worried,” she asked as she threaded her arm through his.

“Aye, I am, lass. There has still been no sign of the goblin witch other than the few sightings of an odd woman, who we can't confirm is Nellie. But there are some strange stories reaching us from the village and from the nearby region.”

“What kind of stories?” she asked.

“Unusual things that normally do not happen in the village. We rarely have a problem with thieves, and usually if there are, they are stealing things like food or weapons. But these thefts have been of various items that tend to be very peculiar. Herbs, a few large pots, a goat. At first we thought perhaps things were just being misplaced, but we were wrong.”

“I see.”

“And not just that. The village has reported that people who have been out at night have seen packs of rats scurrying quickly out of areas as though something frightened them. Of course, we always have trouble with rats getting into grain and things, but not to this extent. No one can explain it.”

“That does sound odd. Do you think she's hiding in the village? Is she coming for me?” Mary looked around suddenly very frightened.

“Aye, it is possible. Though I doubt she would come here to the castle. She would have to be very desperate.”

“So what is to be done?” Mary asked.

“For now nothing. The Laird wants us to up patrols and keep searching for Nellie. We do have a few Watchmen staying at the inn in the village, so they will send reports. The Laird want's Nellie to believe that we are not onto her so that she can make a move and we can capture her once and for all.”

“That is very bold.”

“Come, let's get you back into the castle walls."

Mary hadn't realized that their walk had taken them halfway down the land bridge. "Oh, I hadn't even realized we'd gone outside of the courtyard."

Hamish smiled. "Shall I take that as a compliment?"

"Definitely," Mary replied, returning his smile.

They walked a few more steps and Hamish looked up at the iron gate. "Mary, would you mind very much if I ask you to not leave the courtyard or go beyond the gate if I'm not with you?"

“Not even with Ivy?”

“I'd prefer if you didn't. It is not safe. I do not want to lose you to her,” He said, his voice husky.

Mary turn to him realizing his meaning. Her heart filled with joy at the thought that he wanted to keep her safe and didn't want anything to happen to her.

“Yes all right. I promise not to go beyond the courtyard unless you are with me.”

“Good. That is one less fear I have to worry about.”

Mary smiled wishing that he would kiss her but with so many eyes watching them from far away she doubted he would. They spoke for a few minutes more and then he returned her to Ivy's side.

Over the next few days she kept pretty much to the same schedule she'd begun for herself. She only roamed about the castle and the courtyard and promptly returned to her room before sunset. She kept the window closed at night and continued to practice her skills with her new powers.

On the fourth day after Mary learned about the goings on in the village, she found herself standing outside of the Laird's office. Inside were a few of the Watchmen. She didn't mean to eavesdrop, but when they mentioned Nellie, she couldn't help but stop and listen.

"There have been a few sightings, but every time anyone attempts to go after her, she disappears."

"Have they given a description of her?"

"Aye, black hair, tall, green eyes, and a witch-like cackle."

"Aside from the castle, they could be describing our newest guest," another of the Watchmen said.

"Aye, well I know for a fact that she has not left the castle and she's locked in her room at night. It's not her."

"No, I didn't believe it was. I was just pointing out the resemblance."

"Aye and we know the sorceress has stolen her body, so she would look her, wouldn't she," Hamish said gruffly, surprising Mary because she hadn't known he was in there.

"Calm down, Hamish, no one is accusing Mary of anything. How many deaths have occurred?" the Laird asked.

Mary gasped and covered her mouth so they wouldn't hear her. People had died? she thought, How?

"Aye, there have been four now. Poisoned if I'm not mistaken, though we've not found the poison, I'm afraid or how it is being administered."

"All right, I want to double the guards we have in the village. I want this goblin sorceress found."

"I'm going too," Hamish said.

"Are you sure, Hamish?"

"Aye. I will protect her in whatever way I can and if that means tracking down this Nellie Sharpfingers and putting an end to her, then that is what I'm going to do."

"Very well. Though that is going to leave your team very short handed. Still, I suppose it can't be helped. We'll have you with whoever Brendan wants to send, your men will be put on two men rotation guarding Mary's door. I'm not willing to risk her if that goblin manages to get into the castle. The others will either take a shift on the wall or have the night off. I don't feel we need to give up rest just yet, but there may come a time when that is the case."

Mary was glad to hear that the Laird wanted to protect her. She was very grateful. She decided she shouldn't linger and turned on her heel and headed toward the courtyard. It was still a while before sunset and she wanted to enjoy the weather while she could.

Five minutes after reaching the stables in the courtyard, Hamish approached her. She turned to him and smiled though she could see the strain in his eyes. "Before you say anything, I overheard part of your conversation with the Laird."

"Ah. Did you now, lass. And what did you hear?"

"Nellie has been up to no good, people have died, you're going to the village."

He arched a brow at her. "So nearly all of it?"

Mary shrugged and reached out to one of the horses, stroking its nose. "I suppose so. I'm worried about you though. I don't want you to go."

"I have to, lass."

"I know. I just don't like it. I don't want to lose you before we even get a chance…" She had her back to him, not wanting him to see how much this whole thing upset her.

Hamish put his hands on her arms and pulled her back against his chest and kissed the top of her head. "Nothing is going to happen to me, lass. I'll be safe."

Mary spun in his arms and pressed her face to his chest. He stroked her hair in a soothing manner until she had her feelings under a bit more control and she could look up at him. "Promise me you'll come back?"

He smiled. "I promise. I don't know how long I'll be gone though."

"I know, I figured as much."

"My men will be here to keep watch over you. If anything happens, if you need anything, ask them. They will make sure you are taken care of."

"I will."

Hamish's gaze connected with hers and held for a few moments and then he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I'm leaving at sunset. We should get you inside and settled."

"Okay." Mary sighed.

Upstairs with her provisions, Hamish pulled her into his arms once again. He cradled her face and kissed her swiftly, his lips crashing onto hers, devouring her as though he might starve if he didn't get enough kisses from her. "I'll be back, I promise."

"You'd better, or I'm going to kick your ass, even if you're dead." Mary gave him a watery grin.

He chuckled. "I love when you get sassy."

"Be safe."

"You too," he said, more seriously.

With a sigh, he stepped into the hall and Mary closed the door behind him. She didn't want to hear him talk to Errol and Shaw who were watching over her tonight. She just wanted to wallow in her worry for a few more minutes before she had to calm herself because of her upcoming transformation.