Surviving Scotland by Kristin Vayden Page A

noticed, he didn’t say. He helped me onto Dag’s back, and we rode on in a silence that roared in my ears.
    I wanted to ask why, but my heart hurt too much. If Ioan really wanted me, if he cared for me, then he would have fought for me, right? Ioan wasn’t one to follow blindly. He was as stubborn as I, if not more so. I thought back over his kiss and what he said afterward that shattered my heart. With a startling realization, I discovered that somehow, my annoying attraction to Ioan had developed into love, yet Ioan didn’t want me. Though his words said he did, his actions spoke louder. And now I was left to pick up the broken fragments of my rejected love.
    ****
    The journey took us less than a day, and I was grateful. If I had to go much farther in silence, while watching Ioan’s back ahead of me, I was going to throw myself off a ravine. What had started as hurt had changed into anger. When Dumbarton Castle came into view on top of a tall cliff, I swallowed compulsively. This castle was far larger than the Carnasserie and overlooked the sea. The salty air swirled around me and I shivered. The long ascent to the gate was slow because of the sharp incline and Dag’s breath was labored. I patted his neck and whispered encouragement. His brown ears flickered back to listen and his tail twitched, swatting me in the leg. I grinned for the first time since I left. In my gratitude, I promised Dag a treat when we arrived.
    The courtyard came into view with its grey stone paving. The tall castle stood with angular windows and a large wooden door. A few men moved about, but halted when they saw our approach.
    Ioan dismounted and walked over to the eldest, speaking in low tones. My heart ached once again in watching his purposeful strides. Ioan walked over to me to help me dismount, but my temper flared, and I jumped down before he could assist me. A ghost of a smile tilted his lips, but he didn’t look at me, only shrugged and walked away.
    The door opened and a man about my uncle’s age came out with a much younger man behind him. My attention was fixed on his bright smile as he noticed me. Dusty blonde and unruly hair blew in the breeze and he approached.
    “Elle!”
    I glanced from him to Ioan, but focused on Cullon as he began to speak again.
    “Cullon, Cullon Campbell. This is my Father, Niall Campbell, the laird.”
    I bowed but my gaze flickered back to Cullon. His voice was vaguely familiar, yet I couldn’t place it.
    “‘Tis an honor to have ye in our home, lassie. Come along and I’ll have Cullon show ye around.” The thick man turned, his plaid billowing behind him in the strong breeze. I glanced to Ioan but he was speaking with his cousin in low tones. Cullon looked pleased, and Ioan, well, Ioan did not. I watched as Cullon playfully punched Ioan in the arm and then winked at me. I blushed and glanced away, but not before Ioan gave me an annoyed glare. What did I do? The man was beyond confusing. I exhaled heavily in my exasperation.
    “This way, lass. Allow me to show ye my home.” Cullon held out his arm and I walked over to him, casting a glance back to Ioan, who refused to make eye contact. Fine . I would play the game if he wanted to. I could pretend he didn’t exist either. I gave Cullon my brightest smile and walked into the castle.
    The building was beautiful, and far brighter than my own home. There were far more people bustling about than I was accustomed to, but I didn’t mind. Cullon introduced me to his mother, Margaret.
    “‘Tis a pleasure to meet ye. Over the years we’ve heard quite a few stories from wee Ioan about ye and yer family.” She had been waiting to meet me in a sitting room just aside from the main door. She sat next to the fire and offered me a warm and welcoming smile. I bowed my head and thanked her. Then as I thought over her words, I grimaced, sure that the stories she had heard weren’t complimentary.
    “Ach, donna give me that look, Ioan was gracious, I