J. Lee Coulter Read Free

recognized that he was in bed...and well-rested. How did I come ta be here? I was asleep at the hearth! Try as he might, he could not recall how he got to the bed. It must have been the spirit! I did nae ken that they could do such.
    Glancing at the portal , he realized that he had overslept. He leapt from the bed and rushed about the chamber preparing for the task before him as he recalled the conversation with the wraith.
    She kept her part of the bargain...I can do nae less. Wedding an ugly lass is the least he could do to save his sanity and protect the clan.
    Conan called for his squire as he donned leather armor and as many weapons as he could muster. A few moments later he heard the door slowly creak open and spotted a shock of red hair.
    Nab peeked cautiously around the door before straightening his back and entering.
    “Are ye...alone...m’laird?”
    Glancing about, he replied cheerfully, “Twould appear so, Nab. Cease your skulking and help me prepare for me journey!”
    “Ye are leaving, m’laird?” He hurried over to snug the laces on his armor.
    “Aye...for a wee bit. I have a task ta perform for the spirit. Then she will leave me in peace.” He grinned as he pictured the end of his ordeal...then frowned as he re-membered what he must do to accomplish it.
    “I need ten stout men ta ride hard with me this day … and the priest! Have them ready in ten minutes time! Be certain that the mounts are nae our finest, though, for they will nae be returning with us.”
    Nab stared at him wide-eyed. The spirit wants steeds? And why Faither Grant? Is he ta be a sacrifice? That makes nae sense.
    Conan noticed that the young squire was not moving and arched his dark brow at him. “Did ye nae hear me, laddie?”
    “Aye, I heard ye. I just can nae figure what a wraith wants with horses.”
    “I do nae have the time ta explain! I am already late! Suffice it ta say that I go ta rescue a lass from danger and leave it at that. Now be gone afore I lose me good humor.”
    Nab flashed him a grin as he ran off to do his bidding. That he could understand!

    It was near gloaming when they stopped to eat and give their mounts a decent rest. They had made good speed that day and were only a few hours from the Ramsey stronghold.
    Conan was deep in thought, finishing off an apple beneath a large oak, when Jamie strolled over. He had noted the change in the young laird but he did not know the ‘why’ of it. Curious, he decided to ask.
    “What has happened ta change your demeanor, m’laird? I have nae seen ye this hopeful for two seasons now.”
    He flashed a grin at his captain. Jamie McGee was nearing fifty but he was as spry as a thirty-year-old and a good man to have watching your back.
    “I spoke with the lady spirit last eve in me dream. She has agreed ta leave me be if I perform this one task for her.” He frowned as the task came to mind.
    Eying the laird’s sudden change in expression, Jamie was not certain it was good news.
    “It must be dire ta change your mood at the thought of it.”
    He glanced up at the older man.
    “Perhaps it is. Twill be difficult ta steal the lass from under their noses. I do nae ken how ta accomplish it...yet.”
    “Lass? What lass?”
    “The Ramsey lass. She is in danger from her faither.”
    “Ramsey!” he roared. “Have ye gone daft lad? How will we get into that fortress?”
    Several of the men glanced their way nervously. It was well known that Ramsey Castle was impenetrable.
    Conan pierced him with a look. “Keep your tone respectful man! The spirit will aide us when the time comes.”
    Jamie sputtered as a myriad of thoughts swirled in his head. We are being led ta the slaughter over a dream! A dream ! Mayhap I should knock him in the head and carry him back home. Tis a favor I would be doing him.
    “And what are we ta do with this lass if...and I use the term lightly...‘if’ we get away with her?”
    He gave the captain a quizzical look as if he was