Of course, marrying Darack was what she wanted, too, but who knew if he would want the same thing once he got better. Posing as Darack's wife during their travels had felt good—right somehow. And he hadn't seemed to mind; in fact, 'twas his idea. Approaching the bed, she leaned over and kissed his overheated cheek. He was still far too feverish. Her stomach ached with worry.
She forced herself to imagine him healthy and recovered, smiling at her. Teasing her. Kissing her. Aye, it had to come to pass, for she loved him.
***
After dark, Mairiana, Nora, Ewen and four of his cousins slipped Darack out of the castle through the postern gate. Eight guards also accompanied them. Mairiana was amazed so many men could slip silently through the darkness. They did not wish to alert the priest or anyone else of their plans.
Moonlight peaked through the clouds from time to time, enough for those in front to see the trail, so familiar to them they could probably follow it in full darkness, for it led toward the field where they practiced almost daily. Once out of sight of the castle, the guards lit two torches.
They walked for an hour or longer up the wee glen between hills, the men taking turns carrying Darack between them. The hills grew taller the further they walked. They crossed through a gap between mountains and below lay a small loch.
"Is that it?" Mairiana asked, marveling at the beauty of the loch reflecting the moonlight and stars above.
"Aye," Nora whispered.
Ewan led a prayer, then he and three other men carried Darack into the loch. They held him just below the surface, keeping his face out of the water.
Nora stood by Mairiana on the grassy bank as they watched. She was thankful it was a warm summer night, for she did not wish Darack to become too cold.
"How long does it take?" Mairiana whispered, softer than a breath.
"I have not heard."
Clasping her hands together, Mairiana pressed them against her lips and prayed Darack would awaken. Never had she wanted anything so much in her life. She now knew Darack was her soulmate.
The longer they waited, the more she started to wonder… was this loch truly blessed or was it just an old wives' tale?
Ewan talked to Darack, but he didn't respond.
Mairiana's heart sank. It wasn't going to work. She lowered herself to the ground and cried quietly. Although she still tried to pray, but she was unsure whether it was helping. She had so wanted to spend her life with Darack. She loved him.
