Page 43 of The Beast

The first stone was so heavy, his entire body shook as he lifted it up to rest on the top of his thighs. Duncan blew out breaths then heaved it up to the wall. It was much too heavy, and it proved impossible. He jumped back as the stone crashed to the ground.

“Blast it all,” he exclaimed then bent over to catch his breath.

“A two-man job, that one,” Creagh said nearing. The dog galloped towards them, its tongue hanging from its mouth.

“Did ye get a clear view of the horseman?”

“A bit,” Creagh said, his booted foot pushing at the large stone. “No one familiar to me.”

“Hope the guards catch up to him,” Duncan said and eyed the stone. “I need a few moments before trying again.”

He studied the quiet man. “Why are ye not married?”

“I was once, but my wife died. Never could find another like her.”

Duncan looked toward the house. “Mine is angry with me right now.”

Creagh’s deep chuckles seemed to bounce off the wall. “Aye, that is a common occurrence when passion is present. Treasure these moments.”

“Why would I treasure her being cross?” Duncan said preparing mentally to attempt to lift the large stone again.

“Ye will know when she gives ye a reprieve,” Creagh replied. The man waited for Duncan to lift the stone and once again rest it on his upper thighs. When he took a deep breath to lift it to the wall, Creagh only assisted when it teetered on the edge. Together, they pushed with care to ensure it didn’t tumble over the opposite side.

Duncan climbed on top of the wall and shimmied the stone into place. Despite being winded, each time a new stone was placed, satisfaction of accomplishment filled him.

Creagh’s dog barked and jumped up and down thinking him being atop the wall was a great game. Duncan jumped down and the happy dog ran in circles around him.

“Stop!” Creagh ordered, but the dog ignored him. “Go!” He ordered, this time the dog stopped and looked to see what direction Creagh pointed in. The dog took off in the direction of Creagh’s arm.

“Where is he going?” Duncan asked as the dog raced toward the stables.

“Probably to annoy the horses.” Creagh chuckled. “Donan is a good companion to me. I know he can be irritating.”

“I like him,” Duncan said. “He is a good dog.”

When Creagh walked away, Duncan remained at the wall. He lifted a smaller stone and placed it on the wall and once again climbed atop to make adjustments. Straightening, he could see far into the distance. There was no one in sight, not even on the road that traveled alongside the edge of his land.

It was a quiet day and he wondered what Beatrice was doing at the moment. If he was a normal man, he’d go inside and ensure her happiness. Perhaps with a tumble in bed. But he was not normal and despite their being together without clothing, he’d not allowed any light in the room.

Her feeling his scarred chest against her delicate, creamy skin was nothing compared to seeing it in bright daylight.

Their interlude in Caelan’s study had been quite enjoyable, but he doubted she would wish for something like that at the moment.

It was best that he go in search of his brother and find out if a friend came to visit. If the stranger was nothing more than a wayward traveler, then he would not worry about it. But for some reason, something about the man had given him pause.

After having to survive on his instincts for so many years, Duncan had learned to trust his gut reaction.

He went to the stables and saddled a horse. Upon mounting, he guided the animal to where Creagh was. “If my brother happens to come home, inform him I must speak with him and to remain. I am riding to his mother’s home.”

The day was sunny, the aroma of fresh lavender from the nearby field mixed perfectly with the scent of salty sea air. He inhaled deeply filling his lungs and looked up to the sky. Never would he take the feeling of freedom for granted. Some days the open surroundings overwhelmed Duncan. There was nothing like the choice to go as far as one wished. Not being bound to a pole, to see the sky, and to breathe fresh air was a privilege.

Caelan’s mother’s home was near a large village and when he arrived, a worker informed him that his half-brother had gone to the tavern.

Turning in the direction of the village, Duncan searched the area for the man who he’d seen that morning, but he was not among the few people he encountered along the road.

The men in the tavern turned to the doorway and watched Duncan with curiosity, only a few acknowledging him. He rarely went to the village and it was even rarer that he’d make an appearance at the only tavern.

“Oy, brother,” Caelan called from a corner table where he sat with another man. Duncan recognized him as one of the landholders that lived in the land next to theirs.