Which Love to Choose

By Cait Perez

The Norris clan is currently without its laird and lady, and one young daughter, kidnapped by an ambitious laird from another clan. His intentions are to use the Norris family to convince their older daughter to do something for him. He wants his son killed.

Hanna Norris is a headstrong and determined young noble lady who misses her family dearly, but is being commanded to kill a man she does not know to save the lives of her father, mother, and sister.

Craig McConnell has inherited the title of his uncle after his death. He finds Hanna in a few precarious and dangerous situations and finds himself rescuing her. He decides nearly immediately that she is the woman for him and will do anything to help her.

Hanna knows the man she is falling in love with is the man she must kill in order to rescue her family. She has a difficult choice to make but with the right people giving her advice, it all seems to make better sense to her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Byron Rider
• Release date: Apr 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310901140

Cait Perez

About Cait Perez. That is a big story. Born in the 1960's, she was taught to be a housewife and mother. She was creative most of her childhood, although her talents lay in visual art, painting, coloring, and drawing. By the time she was a teenager she read everything she could get her hands on. She also found out she was quite the convincing storyteller. Writing has never been a problem for Cait. She was quite good at putting words together on paper. She loves different styles of writing, from adventure, to academic, to fantasy and historic. Using her vast tastes she decided one day "What the heck?" and wrote a book. From there another and another. Currently she has completed many books and has been told she is prolific if nothing else. Her life is full of change and diversity,too. As a shy and understated child, she kept to herself and was only pulled out of corners by others who wished to spend time with her. Low self-eseem made her think very low of her own value, but it seemed that other children and adults saw something in her that she didn't see in herself. No matter her own low self-image, Cait understands how intelligent and capable she is. She is kind of an oxymoron in that way, bu it's alright--it works for her. She enjoys history so much that her genre is Historic fiction adventure with a bit of love and romance. She tries to use historically correct landmarks and names as much as is possible, but of course with the literaray license she can use. Scotland is her love. She has never been, but one day will go, only because she's never been. The Highlands, with the rough mountains and rougher people,compels her. Writing books is now something she does a lot. She gets up and writes. Comes home from work and writes. She takes most of her time reading for ideas and then writing. Her hope is that you will enjoy what she writes. After all, Cait is a giver, above all things.

Book preview

By:

Cait Perez

Copyright 2016

Published by Byron Rider at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer

The locations, movies, products, and such, are mostly all real. I looked up much of these using internet search engine, Google. The active story characters, however, are not. If I accidentally managed to make any one of my characters seem like you, it was not intentional, and I hope they are the good guys.

© October, 2015

© April, 2016

Dedication

First, I would like to thank anyone who has given me a chance to share my words with them. I love to write and hope that my stories resonate in the minds of my readers.

Second, I would like to thank my relatives. Those who supported me have been invaluable. Those who chose to turn their backs on me? Without you I would never have been able to say Watch me.

Third, I would like to thank anyone and everyone else. I have learned a lot through reading the works of others, have learned through my experiences in day-to-day live. I appreciate the love you taught me and I hope I have brought it to life in the pages of my story.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Epilogue

Special Thanks

About the Author

Prologue

The men came, fast and silent. The night was dark, no moon in the night sky. They were skilled, it was clear, as they pulled Laird Norris, his bride, Edana, and their young daughter, Pollyanna from their beds in the middle of the night from the safety of their keep.

The guards did not hear a thing, the silence was deafening. Even Hanna, Laird and Lady Norris’ eldest daughter, heard not a single sound as each of the other members of her family were stolen in the dead of night.

The narrow and dark passageways that led from the keep to the edge of the burn were long forgotten by the current noble family but not to those who would take the family for nefarious intentions.

Laird Norris had been hit in the head. When he came to, he heard his wife whimpering and his youngest daughter struggling against the large man who had her tied up and held her across his shoulders as though she was a prize he had won.

The laird feigned unconsciousness while he tried to devise a plan to be rid of the men who were taking him and his family. Where is Hanna? He asked himself. Have they done something to her? He feared.

He looked from the back of the man who was carrying him over his shoulder to his left and saw that his wife was looking at him, terror in her eyes. He shook his head to let her know not to let it on that he was awake. Blood was dripping from his left temple and fell from his red hair down onto the ground as each step the captor took jarred his blood down into his scalp.

The kidnappers did not speak through the tunnels to the outside of the castle walls. They seemed to know their way very well, even though Laird Bernhard did not recognize their colors.

When they reached the burn where the tunnel ended, there were two more men waiting with a caged wagon. The three were tossed into the back of the wagon and the gate was slammed shut and locked with a heavy padlock to keep them inside. Only then did one of the men take a moment to speak to the three inside.

Ye willnae be harmed if ye just keeps yer mouths shut and do as ye are told. He said to the woman, thinking that Laird Bernhard Norris was still unconscious. Yer mon ‘tis verra weak, is he nae? he sneered to Lady Edana.

Ye cannae speak of me papa like that. He is a great mon! A noble laird. Pollyanna cried out as she jumped to the gate.

Spirited, are ye nae? the man asked the young girl as he reached through the bars and grabbed the front of her gown. If ye keep that up, I’ll teach ye what we do to wee lasses who think they are bigger than they are. He licked his lips as he pulled her face near the bars.

Ye willnae touch me daughter! Edana cried out and pulled her daughter out of the grip of the filthy, odiferous man. He smiled; an evil, lascivious smile. Pollyanna shuddered and crawled into her mother’s arms as the wagon lurched and the three were rolled around in the back, on the hard wooden base.

Where are ye taking us? Edana asked.

Ye willnae be needing to ken that, Missus. the man who was driving the wagon said. Ye will be given what ye needs and what me laird thinks ye deserve.

Me husband. He is hurt. Will ye nae e’en allow us to have some bandages or water so I can wash his wounds?

Nay. The driver said, and turned his back on them. He did not reply to any more of the demands of the three.

Laird Norris finally decided to open his eyes and look around. Oh, so the big, strong laird finally awakens. A man riding his horse beside the wagon said as Bernhard sat up and groaned as he touched the knot on his head.

Aye, I awaken. Why do ye steal us from our beds? Me daughter and wife have done naught to ye. I dinnae e’en ken who ye are, nor yer colors. From what clan do ye hail?

We dinnae hail from a clan, Norris. We are hired mercenaries. Keeps the laird’s own hands cleaner this way, I suspicion. He was told.

Aye, ‘tis sensible, that. Why? Me daughter and wife dinnae e’en have clothes with them. They are in their nightshifts.

Aye, and ye are naked as the day the good Lord gave ye life outside yer mum’s womb. The man said.

Laird Norris did not even realize he was naked until reminded. Aye, I am at that. Ye didnae consider than when ye took us from our beds, did ye? he asked.

Aye. The man said and tossed a plaid at the laird.

Thank ye for this small kindness. Bernhard said.

Weel, I dinnae think ye want yer wee daughter to keep seein’ ye in all yer glory, do ye?

Nay. Norris said and wrapped the plaid around his waist and tied it with some rope he found in the back of the wagon.

Ye will needs lie back and just look at the stars, or I will be putting ye all back asleep. They were told.

Pollyanna cried as she held on tighter to her mother. They all lay down in the back of the wagon on their backs and closed their eyes as they huddled together, the young girl between her father and mother for warmth and protection.

They reached grounds near a castle that Norris did not recognize. He and his family were blindfolded and dragged on foot through more tunnels.

This time there was no missing the stench of dungeon. Papa! It smells so bad! Pollyanna cried out as she took a step into something wet and slippery.

Aye, lass. It seems we are to be kept in a dungeon. Norris told his young daughter.

Dungeon? I didnae do anything wrong! the girl cried. She continued to try to struggle free of the man who held her. She turned and bit his arm and he slapped her. Ye will learn yer place! he spat.

Ye shouldnae be hitting me daughter. She isnae but a child. Bernhard said and then changed his tone as he spoke to his daughter Nay, lass. I suspicion they dinnae wish for us to ken where we are or who is our host. Norris said. Now, just be calm and we can pray that this willnae last verra long."

The three were thrown into three separate cells. Edana cried out that she wanted to be in the same cell with her daughter but the men just jeered and sneered at her as she was shoved into a cell. They held Pollyanna away from her mother. The young girl was screaming and crying as she felt the grip tighten on her arm.

Nay! I want to be with me mam! she cried out, kicking her captor in the shin.

The man cursed and then took a deep breath. He sneered at the child and told her Hush, now, lass. Recollect what I told ye in the wagon. Ye wouldnae wish to be punished, would ye? the man asked her.

She shook her head and clamped her lips tight shut. She glared at the man who would not release her. The two stepped further down the walk from her mother and father’s cells. The man put her in another cell; one that had a solid oak door instead of only a set of iron bars.

Nay! I willnae! she cried out and struggled against the man as he stepped into the cell with her and shut the door behind him.

Chapter 1

The last thing Craig McConnell wanted was to be laird of a castle at a score and four years old. His uncle, a man he spent the past ten and two years fostering with, passed away over the night and he was told as he stood at the funeral pyre that he was his uncle’s heir.

He knew that his uncle, his mother’s brother, did not have any heirs, but he thought for certain that his father would be the heir to Nevin castle. Although his father was the brother of the laird’s wife, it was still considered that he would inherit.

The shock of finding out that he was now the heir to the seat was not avoided by his father, either. Fergus McConnell expressed pleasure at his son gaining something as noble and generous as all the riches of the McConnell lands.

Craig, ye needs begin seeking a bride, now that ye have something to live for. His father said as the embraced after the funeral.

Aye, I suspicion I needs begin seeking a bride to give me an heir. Da, I am verra surprised ye arenae the heir. Craig McConnell added as they released each other.

I dinnae fash it, son. ‘Tis a young mon’s lot, to sit in lairdship of fine and prosperous lands. Fergus told his son.

His sister, Rakel Nevin, lady of Nevin castle, would be staying on to help Craig in his transition. She would act as chatelaine until such a time as Craig found a bride to take control of the keep and how it was managed.

Piuthair-athar Rakel. I am so verra sorry for yer loss. Uncail Loke was a verra good mon. He taught me a lot. I will be fair to ye and to yer people. Craig told his aunt.

His aunt, Rakel, was crying as she nodded to Craig. I ken, me love. Ye have always been like a son to the both of us. She said as he opened his arms to welcome her into his embrace. I dinnae have another home, so I thank ye for keeping me.

I wouldnae have it any other way, Piuthair-athar Rakel. Ye are me aunt, me father’s sister. Would ye think me so harsh that I would turn ye out? he asked his paternal aunt.

Och, I suspicion I didnae think you would do that, but I have heard…

Heard? What have ye heard? Craig asked, agitated that someone would suggest he would toss his aunt out.

Oh, ‘tis just rumors, Craig. Dinnae fash. She told him and patted his arm as she stepped away from him.

Verra well, M’ Lady. I will let it be. Craig said, but in his mind he thought he needed to ensure that none would think poorly of him as he became laird of the castle.

Craig pulled a torch from the hand of his first and lit the tinder at the base of the pyre that was setup for his uncle. Good journey, Uncail Loke. May God smile upon ye as ye step through the gates of Heaven and ye meet Him face-to-face. He prayed as the fires from his own flame, that of his uncle’s captain, and bride were lit under the body wrapped in white linen. His sword resting across his chest.

Once the body caught fire the clan members and family turned and left Laird Loke Nevin to his final journey to Heaven. Everyone cried, the laird was well loved by those who were in his care.

What will become of us with Laird Craig? He is so young. He hasnae e’er been trained to be laird.

Aye, I suspicion Laird Nevin kenned a long time past that he didnae have an heir. Lady Rakel didnae give him a bairn. ‘Tis sad, to be certain. Another said.

Ye willnae be speaking of Lady Rakel in yer sadness. ‘Tisnae her fault that she is barren, and ye willnae speak on that. Craig told some of the louder voices.

Aye, M’ Laird. They said and looked away, not certain if the man was yet worthy of their respect and fealty.

Ye look like ye have some work to do. Fergus, Craig’s father, said.

Aye, Da, that I do, but I suspicion I have been at the Nevin castle for half me life, I ken the lands and many of the people. They will find I am verra concerned with their welfare.

As long as ye are. Fergus said.

Fergus! Rakel said. Ye ken yer son ‘tis a mon. He will do a grand job here. He will do much the same as me Loke, and will do other things different, thanks to new things he has learned. Dinnae toss him out like that.

Ye are right, of course, dear sister. I dinnae mean to add to yer grief. Fergus said as he bowed to his sister.

They walked back into the castle walls and then to the keep. Rakel went to the laird’s chamber. She would now need to leave the room as her nephew was now laird. She would have her belongings moved to a smaller chamber near the lady’s solar that was on the second floor.

Ye dinnae needs do that right now. Craig said.

Aye, Craig, I do. ‘Tisnae me place to stay in the laird’s chamber. ‘Tis yers, now. I will have me lady’s maid and some others help to move me things and get it all straight for ye to move into. Rakel told her nephew.

Thank ye. Craig said, but he still was not happy that she now had to add another change to her already distressed life. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead as he hugged her with one arm.

As Lady Rakel stepped up to the second floor, Craig went into the great hall. He stepped up onto the dais and sat in his regular seat; his father having taken the laird’s chair. He picked up a mug of ale that was put in front of his seat and took a long draught of the rich, thick liquid before speaking.

‘Tis verra sad that I needs take o’er the castle. ‘Tis sad that Uncail Loke has passed on. He wasnae but two score and two years old. Naught old at all. Craig said to his father.

Aye, but I suspicion illness catches us all when it wishes to. Fergus said from the distinguished seat of the laird at the high table.

Verra sad, but verra true. Craig agreed as he took another long drink of his ale. Da, when will ye be leaving and returning home?

‘Tisnae yer home anymore. Fergus said, gauging the tone of his voice to keep the expression out of it.

I ken. This is me home, has been me home for ten and two years. I cannae release where me heart is, howbeit. Ye and mum are where me heart lies.

Ye are a good mon, Craig. Fergus said, then. I suspicion ye will be able to build yer life here verra easily.

Aye. That, I will. Craig said as he stood up and left the high table. I needs prepare for speaking to me people. He added.

Fergus nodded but did not leave the table. Instead, he motioned for a servant to fill his cup of wine and to bring him a trencher of food.

Chapter 2

The sunlight shone through Hanna’s window, awakening her. She moaned in greeting for the new day and stretched her arms high above her head as she pushed her feet down, elongating her small frame.

She must have done something wrong or too abruptly because her left calf formed a cramp that caused her to cry out in pain. She felt the entire length of her lower leg, from her knee to her toes, bind and twist into an unnatural position as she tried to relax the muscles that were causing her the discomfort.

Finally, her maid came into the room and saw her lady’s pain. M’ Lady. What is it?

Me leg, ‘tis in knots again. She cried out.

Come, Lady Hanna. Let me help ye up. If ye walk on it ye will feel better. Finola, her handmaiden, advised.

Hanna sat up the best she could with the cramp in her leg and raised her arms to take Finola’s. Her maid turned her body so that her legs were hanging off the edge of the bed and then pulled her to her feet. Hanna immediately cried out in pain. Hush, M’ Lady. T’will nae be verra long. She told Hanna who nodded. Take a few steps.

Hanna complied, knowing that walking would relieve both the pain and the cramp. After only four or five steps she was able to walk relatively well, although the cramp had time to bruise the muscle in her calf. That will be pained for many days, I fear. She told Finola who agreed.

Once Hanna was able to stand on her own, she walked to the basin of warm water that sat near the fireplace and splashed water on her face. Using the small cloth and a bar of soap, she washed her neck, under her arms and her private places before turning to Finola to get dressed for the day.

Have mum and da arisen yet? she asked Finola.

I didnae see them, M’ Lady. Was the response.

Mayhap they will be in the great hall when I get there.

Mayhap. Finola said as she tugged Hanna’s gown over her raised hands. Ye needs be dressed well this day. Now that ye are ten and five, ye are to begin seeking an appropriate and worthy husband this day.

Finola, ye ken as well as I do that I dinnae get to choose me husband. Me da and the richest mon to offer will decide that for me. I only pray that the mon isnae auld, nor isnae too ugly. Hanna said and giggled when Finola frowned at her.

Now, lass, ye ken yer mum and da wouldnae wed ye to a mon ye are that offended o’er. She said.

Aye, I ken it, but ‘tis still politics, and I be the pawn that is given away in the game of chess.

Lady Hanna! Ye ken better than that. Yer mum and da wouldnae e’er use ye like that.

Aye, but alliances are important.

Aye, that, they are, but I suspicion they will ask ye for yer own opinion on the idea.

Hanna agreed. Her gown was tied tightly, the sleeves fitted around her arms and her stockings and shoes added. Hanna sat on a stool for Finola to brush and braid. When she was done she looked lovely. The dark green gown with yellow flowers embroidered across the neckline and base of the skirt accented her fair and lightly tanned skin.

Her blond hair was neatly braided down her back with green and yellow ribbons added. She smiled when she looked in the mirror. Finola, ye always make me look so lovely. She told her maid.

I have naught to do with that, M’ Lady. Ye are a bonny young woman. Finola said as she wiped a happy tear from the corner of her eye.

Why do ye cry? Hanna asked.

I amnae crying, M’ Lady. I have something in me eye, ‘tis all. Finola said, smiling.

Hanna nodded and left Finola to tidy her room as she descended the stairs to the great hall. She looked around and did not see her father or mother. Even her younger sister was not yet at the table, and she usually beat everyone down.

Have ye seen me mum or the others? Hanna asked a maid who came in to bring her some cider.

Nay, M’ Lady. I have seen naught but ye this morn’. Well, ye and the guards who have already been, eaten, and left.

Hanna frowned and nodded as she took the cup of cider from the maid. Thank ye.

She sat and looked out over the uninhabited hall. The rushes were being swept out from under the tables, and the tables were being cleared off and washed. The benches were being polished and the fireplace banked. The day was looking to be a lovely and warm one with welcome sunshine filtering in through the large stained-glass windows.

Hanna sat there, thinking about how lonely it seemed to be in such a quiet place when she felt something whiz past her head and a thump in the wood behind her head. When she turned, she saw an arrow vibrating in the wood behind her. At first she gasped and rose to leave the high table, but then noticed a bit of parchment was tied to the shaft of the arrow.

Hanna looked around to see who could have shot the arrow but saw no one. Rising, she walked to the arrow and untied the parchment. She was fortunate that her father had thought it important to teach her to read. The note was brief but was very specific.

Yer family is safe, for now. If ye do as bidden they will remain safe. Ye will be given more information on the morrow.

Hanna gasped and dropped the parchment on the floor. She lifted her hands to her head and began spinning first in one direction and then the other. She felt helpless and now very much alone. She stopped spinning and sat down in her chair, resting her temples in her hands, trying to clear her head so that she could get help.

After only a moment she realized that someone had broken through the gates and was able to get close enough to shoot the arrow. She jumped from her chair and ran to the bailey, grabbing the first guard she could find. Someone shot an arrow into the great hall. Seek out any strangers. She ordered.

Here now, Lass… the guard began to tell her sternly.

Nay, listen. Someone shot an arrow in the great hall. There was a note. Da, Mum, and me sister are taken. Ye will do as I tell ye.

The guard stood straight and nodded then ran to collect anyone who was in the bailey. Hanna ran to the gate and asked the guard there. Did anyone come through the gate? she asked.

Nay, M’ Lady. The gates havenae been opened this morn’. Why?

Me family has been kidnapped. I dinnae ken when. I saw them afore I retired, and this morn an arrow was shot into the great hall with a note that says they are taken.

The guard stood up straight at that moment and pulled a horn from his belt. He blew the horn to call the captain of the guard forward. A moment later a man ran from the barracks, wrapping his plaid around his waist, bare-chested and barefooted, and he came to the guard as he belted his sword around his waist.

What goes? the captain asked.

The laird and lady have been kidnapped. The gateman said. And it seems young Mistress Pollyanna was taken as well. Lady Hanna says she has received a message.

A message? the captain shouted, turning on Hanna.

Hanna was taken aback by the behavior of the captain of the guard. "Ye dinnae think I did it, do ye?"

Nay, M’ Lady. The captain said, changing his stance. I am just worried. Me apologies if I made ye to think I suspected ye.

Ne’er mind, Captain. We needs find me family.

The captain nodded and called his guards to order. They were given instructions to look for tracks in the woods to see if they could find the direction that the clan leader and family could have been taken.

Once he was done with that he excused himself and returned to the barracks, collected the rest of his clothing and his broadsword and joined Hanna who had returned to the great hall.

M’ Lady. We will find them. Dinnae fash. We willnae leave a single stone resting. The captain told Hanna. Do ye have that message?

Hanna was sitting, staring into the hall, not seeing anything. Huh? she asked and then his words sunk in. Oh, aye, the message. She said and began looking around on the floor. She picked up the note from under a chair at the high table while the captain of the guard, Ole MacClelland, studied the arrow.

What are ye doing? she asked as she handed him the parchment.

I try to determine if I ken the maker of the arrow. T’will give me an idea of where to begin looking. He said and then put the arrow in his sheath beside his sword.

Ah. She replied as he took the message.

What say it? Ole asked.

It says naught but that they have me family. There is naught else on there. He says he will tell me more on the ‘morrow and that I will do as bidden or they will be harmed. Hanna sobbed.

Ole pulled her closer to him and stroked her braided hair with his hand. Dinnae fret, lass. We will find them and take care of them like the animals they are.

She sniffled and pulled away from the captain. She nodded and excused herself. She had to get out of the great hall, refusing to cry in front of the servants. She walked through the kitchen and into the garden at the back of the keep. This was a place her family did not frequent so their memories would not be dominant. Hanna had to begin thinking clearly. Did I hear naught? How could they get past the gates and the guards? She questioned herself.

After fifteen minutes of walking in the garden and thinking of many different scenarios; none of them were any better than the one before, except for hidden passages.

She ran to Ole and began to ask him questions. Ole, do ye ken of any passages in the keep? Mayhap from afore the peacetime that we have been in?

Nay, lass, I dinnae ken of any passages. We will look if ye think ‘tis important.

Aye, I cannae think of another way for them to be taken without yer guard seeing them. There must be another way into the keep from outside the castle walls. Do ye nae agree?

I agree, M’ Lady. Ole said and called several guards forward. Go into the keep and to the second floor. Search all the chambers for secret openings in the walls. He ordered the four guards.

They nodded and ran into the keep. Two men took each of the rooms on the second floor and scoured every inch of the walls and floors, seeking out some passage that would be large enough for a man to enter the keep.

After over thirty minutes guards that were searching Pollyanna’s small chamber and the two who searched the laird’s chamber came back and whispered to Ole. The captain’s eyebrows raised and he nodded. Hanna was beside herself, fearing the worst; none of the men would speak to her.

Instead of telling Hanna anything, Ole followed the guards to the second floor. She followed the men, not believing she should be left out of the search. After all, it was her idea to look for passages, and her family that was taken.

They reached Pollyanna’s room and found it to be in a state of disarray. She was not yet old enough to have her own lady’s maid and so her chamber was usually straightened by the chamber maid. The blankets were tossed on the floor, a candle holder was lying on its side with a small scorch mark on the floor where the lit candle burned until it went out. Hanna looked up and sighed a small prayer that it did not start a fire. There were overturned chairs and a cut, possibly by a dagger, in the mattress; feathers covering a small