Straightening her shoulders, she folded her hands in her lap and waited for Brodick to tell her to begin. Dylan remained by her side with his arms folded across his chest.
"How did you and Alec end up together?" Brodick asked.
"I'm not certain where to start."
"At the beginning," he ordered.
She nodded. "The obsession started a long time ago."
"Obsession?" Dylan asked.
"Let her explain without interruption," Brodick suggested. "Then we will both ask questions."
"I have a sister," Gillian said. "Her name is Christen, and when we were little girls, our home was invaded and our father was killed."
The rising wind whistled through the pine trees, the sound eerily melancholy, Gillian gripped her hands as she described the black night in vivid detail, though in truth she wasn't certain if she actually remembered what had happened or if Liese had given her the memory. The story of Arianna's treasure and the king's obsession to find the man who had murdered his love intrigued Brodick, but he didn't bother her now with questions. He merely nodded when she hesitated, urging her to continue.
"If the baron finds the treasure before anyone else, he will receive a great reward. He's motivated purely by greed," she explained. "Still, I don't think he knew for certain that Christen was given the box when she left England or he surely would have intensified his search for her."
Brodick interrupted her concentration when he lifted her plaid and wrapped it around her shoulders. "You're shivering," he said gruffly.
Surprised by his thoughtfulness, she stammered her thank-you.
"Continue," he ordered, shrugging off the gratitude as inconsequential.
"The baron has learned that Christen does indeed hide in the Highlands."
"And where did he get this information?"
"From the Highlander who came to him with a proposal. Remember," she hastily added, "over the years the baron has sent inquiries to all the clans, but none responded until about a month ago, when the Highlander arrived. He told the baron he knew where Christen was and that he could give the baron the information he needed if in return he would do something for him."
"And what did this Highlander want done?" Brodick asked.
"He wanted Laird Ramsey's brother taken from the festival to draw Ramsey out so he could kill him. He wants both of them dead."
Dylan couldn't keep silent. "But the Maitland boy was taken."
"Yes, they stole the wrong child."
Their questions began, one following another until her head throbbed. The sound of Alec's laughter carried from the lake. The soldiers were keeping him occupied, she knew, so he wouldn't interfere with Brodick's inquisition.
"Where do you fit in this puzzle, Gillian?" Brodick asked.
"I was told to find my sister and the treasure and bring both back to the baron before our fall festival begins."
"And if you fail?"
"My Uncle Morgan will be killed." Her voice broke on a sob that took her by complete surprise. Exhaustion was making her emotional, she decided, and she willed herself to calm down. "He is the dearest man. He took me into his home and raised me as his daughter. I love him and I will protect him at all cost."
"The baron isn't related to you?"
"No, he isn't. Are you almost finished questioning me? I would like to get Alec settled for the night. It's late."
"I'm almost finished," he replied. "Give me the name of this Highlander who made the pact with the baron."
"I cannot give you the name, for I never heard it."
"Are you telling me the truth? Surely the baron or one of his friends said the man's name," he said, his frustration palpable in the sudden stillness.
"Why would I lie? To protect a traitor?"
"But you did see him, didn't you?" Brodick pressed. "Alec told me you saw the Highlander from the hill."
"Yes."
"And you would recognize him if you saw him again?" Dylan asked.
"Yes," she answered. "Alec and I were well hidden on a knoll with a path just below. I saw him clearly as he rode toward me. He isn't the only traitor involved, though," she added. "Alec said there were two… maybe three… who took him from the festival." So weary now she could barely hold her head up, she whispered, "You do know why the Highlander was returning to Dunhanshire, don't you?"
"To inform the baron he'd taken the wrong boy," Dylan answered. "And then Alec would have been killed. Isn't that right?"
"Yes."
"Milady, why were you beaten? Did the bastard give you a reason?" Dylan asked.
"A man who strikes a woman is a coward, Dylan, and cowards don't need reasons to justify their actions." Brodick's voice radiated anger.
Gillian pulled the plaid close. "Our first attempt to escape failed, and the baron wanted to punish Alec and me."
"The boy said you threw yourself on top of him to protect him," Dylan said. "It was a brave act, milady."
She disagreed. "I wasn't brave; I was terrified they would kill him. I don't think I've ever been so scared. I had just heard the Highlander was on his way, and I knew why, and I was in such a panic to get Alec away before—" She stopped suddenly and took a deep breath. "So many things could have gone wrong. They could have separated us or hidden Alec away from me, and every time I think what could have happened, I become terrified all over again. Brave? I think not."
Brodick and Dylan shared a look before Brodick continued. "Who specifically inflicted the punishment? Was it the baron or one of his soldiers?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Answer me."
"The baron."
"Alec said that another man struck you. Is that true?" Brodick's voice was low and frightfully menacing.
"I don't remember."
"Yes, you do," he snapped. "Tell me."
Startled by his curt tone, she stiffened her spine. "As a matter of fact, one of his friends struck me. I don't understand why you need to know about it, though. It's over and done with."
"Nay, lass," he said softly. "It's only just begun."