Witch Hunter

Witch Hunter

Written By Eris Kelli

Edited by Pamela Snyder

Witch Hunter

By

Eris Kelli

Copyright © Eris Kelli 2014

Cover Artist: Blood Moon Designs

Stock: http://www.bigstockphoto.com/

Published by Smashwords

ISBN: 9781311224033

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher/author. Printed in the U.S.A.

Books By Eris Kelli

Piper LeVine, A Gypsy’s Truth book 1

Piper LeVine, The Path of Betrayal book 2

Piper LeVine, Follow the Leader book 3

Piper LeVine, They Call me Assassin book 4

Witch Hunter book 1

Short Stories

Lost (The Story of Richard)

Carry Me Home

Dedication

This book is dedicated to that bright, blue-eyed girl with, loyalty, fire in her veins and passion in her soul. The same dear girl who inspired the character of Allison, with her pure heart, and good will toward others. This little girl has grown up to be a very beautiful and much-beloved young woman. I love you so much Tara. This one is for you.

Chapter One

Scotland 1354 A.D.

The wind was biting cold against her face as Allison held her breath standing at the high window. The shadows of men on horseback and foot returning from battle brought the town to life as the women and children lined up to see if their loved ones returned.

Where are you?

She was squinting her eyes, leaning as far out of the window as she could without falling. Her heart was beating quickly. Allison gripped the frame with her gloved hands. The second wave of warriors filled the inlet.

Allison scanned the forms and knew none of them belonged to Abram.

She let go of the frame, drawing herself back inside the castle. He was sure to be in the next group of men. She paced in front of the window never taking her eyes from the entrance.

There!

He was leading an injured horse. It was much too small to be his horse. Her eyes ran over his broad shoulders and confident stride. She sighed in relief. Allison leaned against the window frame continuing to watch him.

The torches lit up the masculine line of his jaw, and the direction of his gaze. He was much too far away for Allison to see his eyes, but she could feel them. Abram was looking for her. She watched the orange fire light play across the hard muscles on his arms and chest.

She knew he would do the proper thing and wait until morning to seek her out. It was well that he did. If Abram were to come and see her this night, he would stop her from what she was about to do. She could allow nothing and no one to stand in her way.

Satisfied at seeing Abram had safely returned, she made her way through the castle while the others were distracted with the still returning warriors. Allison McKenna pulled the hood of the cloak over her long chestnut brown hair and darted out into the cold dark night.

Patting her side, she felt the sheathed dagger at her hip and set to her mission. She had to run several hundred yards to reach the woods. No one must see her.

Campfires and makeshift shelters littered the village lighting the tired faces of the clan McKenna. Many came either fleeing the Campbell’s or volunteering themselves to fight. The past four years following her brother Caden’s disappearance were filled with bloodshed and sorrow.

Each step she took was silent and carefully placed. Allison was on the hunt. When she found her target, Allison would take their life. Traitors could not be tolerated, especially when they targeted her family.

The moon was full and bright but beneath the shelter of the thick trees, little light found its way through. It did not impair Allison. However, she had come this way before and would be able to find it blindfolded.

Allison walked this journey time and time again in her dreams, reliving the past. She only wished that this time were a dream, but it wasn’t.

A sharp cold wind shot through the trees, rustling the leaves and seeping into her bones.

Someone was yelling.

This wasn’t the time to be distracted. Allison was close to her destination and knew that her mission was of greater importance than anything else.

Light was filtering out from the rotted wood wall inside the decrepit one-room house. Allison crouched lower still. Whoever was residing inside was her target. This night she would have blood on her hands.

Her best chance would be to take them by surprise.

Biting her lip, Allison stifled a groan of frustration. The yelling was getting louder.

They are going to alarm the enemy!

Now Allison was forced to hurry.

The sound of twigs snapping and the nearby bush being thrown aside called Allison’s attention just in time to see a young boy with blond curly hair shoot past, grinning as he disappeared further into the woods.

Focus, Allison. Ignore them, it’s just children playing.

She was continuing forward, her whole being centered on the makeshift house and its inhabitant. Someone slammed a foot into her side tripping over her crouched frame. The long string of cursing coming from the man allowed her to identify him by his voice. She almost joined him in his cursing.

Of all the people to come upon her when she was on the hunt to assassinate someone, this was the worst. It was Abram McRae. He was her friend since childhood but over the past four years he had grown unbearably protective and overbearing.

You best name yourself or I will run you through, He growled, his sword already unsheathed. Allison pulled the hood from her head. Her angry sapphire blue eyes dared him to spout another threat.

Allison! Have you lost the last of your wits woman? His voice was deep and warm despite the surprise evident in his features.

Hold your tongue. Allison waved a hand at him. The light from the structure had been extinguished. She knew that its occupant had taken her leave. Now you’ve done it Abram McRae. She shoved past him and dashed to the dark hut. Drawing out the dagger she watched for any sign of movement in the woods.

Abram seized her wrist. What are you about woman?

It is not your concern. Off with you. She twisted her wrist free.

I’ll not have you falling’ in this dark forest in the dead of night. You should be ashamed of yourself sneaking’ about, with your father in his death bed.

Allison let all of her frustration concentrate in her gaze on him. Don’t speak of my father that way.

Before he could answer Allison hurried up to the structure and opened the door. There was still a soft glow from the dying embers in the fire place. Just enough light to see that no one hid in the shadowed corners.

The contents of the home vanished. Fear spilled heavily throughout her body. She blinked back the threatening tears.

Now Allison would have to seek out her target, not knowing her name, her face, or where she was hiding. There was no way she could explain to Abram what he had cost them, not without telling him the whole truth.

She’d given her word to keep the secret, even from him.

No, Allison couldn’t tell him.

Turning back to the forest and Abram, she found him eyeing the structure with a far away look on his face. Guilt and pain shimmered in his dark blue eyes.

Stop it, she commanded hating what he was doing to himself. Even as his eyes collided with hers, she knew the reprimand had done little to no good. It never did. Abram would carry the blame of what happened there so long ago everyday that he lived.

He was moving toward her, his pace purposeful. She knew what was coming. Allison gained five feet before her waist was encircled. She was lifted from her feet and tossed over his hard shoulder. Twisting her wrist, he relieved her of her weapon and headed back toward the castle.

I’ll have your answer, lass. He informed her, his grasp growing tighter as she struggled.

How am I to think with your hand gripping my thigh?

Allison sucked in her breath. Answer?

"What has you out in these woods? Why would you go there? I don’t understand it. You act as if we aren’t even friends. I know you have barely left the castle in weeks. What has changed in you?" His gruff voice belied the worry she could sense in him. Of course, she wasn’t at liberty to answer his questions.

Allison gripped onto the anger she felt and ignored the warmth of his touch and the way his voice had softened toward her. My father is ill and you know it well. I have more to do than walk the heather fields. Allison struggled harder in his grasp. I am not the only one who has changed.

I only wish to keep you well. Abram repeated for what had to be the hundredth time. I would have you trust me again, lass. You aren’t answering any of what I have asked you. Abram set her on her feet.

Those warm searching eyes almost distracted her. Allison turned away from him. I must go into the village.

The enemy would probably have just rejoined the clan. Someone would have seen her coming from the forest. There was still a chance to identify the traitor.

What were the two of you up to in the dark woods? Beitris McKenna eluded running her fingers across Abram’s bicep. Allison ignored her arch enemy continuing forward as Abram hesitated.

Annoyance heated her temper further. She did not allow herself to look back at the two of them.

Beitris was fair haired and blue eyed. Her figure was alluring to all the men who beheld her, and her attention had been trained on Abram for years. Had Allison not been busy with her hunt, she would have blackened Beitris’ eye for the third time.

Allison grinned at the thought.

Men of the clan were congregating around the main fire. Allison advanced toward them knowing they would be the best source of information.

Allison? You are without an escort?" Filip asked standing as she approached. Allison nodded toward him acknowledging his show of respect. He was Abram’s cousin and had only joined the village as of the past month.

I found I had need of fresh air. Allison averted her eyes. She never had been very good at fooling anyone.

Filip smiled fully when she returned her gaze. How is your father faring? He asked his head slightly bowed.

Still very ill I fear. She answered averting her gaze again. Allison could hear Abram and Beitris approaching from behind. It was impossible to miss with Beitris’ horrid laugh ringing through the air.

Come next time you wish to disappear into the woods with a lass, I hope you would come find me.

I’d love to see you disappear. You hag.

Allison seated herself next to Filip, who had once again taken a seat on the hard, rocky ground. Leaning close she pretended to stretch. Did you see anyone come from the forest just now? She inquired in a whisper.

Filip noting her secretive nature lowered his voice as he answered, A hunting group just returned baring meat. Beitris disappeared for a time. I assumed she was pursuing Abram. Allison nodded glaring at Beitris. Abram was glaring at Filip who was grinning from ear to ear at his cousin’s obvious jealousy.

Were there women among the hunting group?

I don’t know, lass. What has you asking these questions of me? Filip asked turning his attention back towards her. Allison offered a smile and rose to her feet. She needed to ask someone else about the hunting group. She had to be sure Beitris was the only woman near the woods.

Abram drew close. I’ll not have you so comfortable with Filip. Abram informed her, his hand at her elbow.

And I believe I’ve made myself clear concerning Beitris, have I not? Allison answered seeking out someone else to ask of the hunting group.

From the corner of her eye, Allison spotted Meig McKenna emerging into the light from the fire. Her cheeks were pink. She was eyeing everyone in the group. When her light-brown eyes met Allison's, they locked. The two of them just stood staring at one another.

Allison searched for a sign. Any sign that would tell her what had Meig behaving the way she was.

Where has she been? And why was she worried over who knew she had been gone?

Not one to avoid confrontation Allison charged toward her.

Where have you been off to? Allison asked a little too loudly. Many stopped to see what all the noise was about. Meig looked around the group before bowing her bright blushing red face.

What is wrong with you? Abram growled shaking Allison by her arm. She ignored his reprimand and stepped closer to Meig. Her long curly brown hair was shielding her face from view. Her arms were hugging her body.

Answer me. Allison said, careful to keep her voice at an acceptable speaking level this time.

"It is not your concern, Allison." Meig glared at her forcing each word through clenched teeth. Allison glared back reaching for the sheathed dagger and finding it gone.

Labored breathing came from behind their standing group. Allison. It was her personal guard Olghar. She knew it just from his voice alone and should have guessed it from the way he was panting. He must have discovered her missing. No doubt had informed her mother.

You will answer me.

Allison continued ignoring Olghar. Meig turned her back to Allison and headed for her home. Allison moved to go after her, but Abram still held her arm and didn’t allow her to follow.

He leaned in close, his lips warm against her ear. "You will answer me." Abram accentuated each word sending a thrilling jolt of heat down her spine.

I would return you to the castle, Princess. Olghar reminded them of his presence. Allison nodded moving forward very aware of Abram still at her side. Of course he would see her actions as unreasonable. At the moment she didn’t care. It didn’t matter what anyone thought, even Abram. If she wasn’t successful in killing the enemy, all would be lost.

*****

She was doing it again. Just walking away from him as if he didn’t exist.

Doesn’t she care that everything I’ve been doing has been for her?

Abram had gone to war not only to make a name for him self so that he could be a chieftain for the clan, but mainly to make sure that the battle was away from home. He would do anything to keep Allison safe. He had failed her before. He would never let it happen again.

Something was going on with her, something big. Allison wasn’t acting like herself.

Why isn’t she confiding in me? She always tells me everything.

In the last years they had grown to being more than friends. He wasn’t about to let that go. Abram fell in love with Allison McKenna at 12 years old. It was an unquestionable, unyielding, ever shinning, pure love. There had at no time been another and there never would be.

Mayhap you will tell me of your actions if I mention to your mother that I found you in the thick of the woods, Abram threatened.

And what prey tell were you doing in the woods, Abram? Allison avoided his threat. Suddenly, the bouncing blond curls of a little boy’s head came slamming back to him.

That wee imp stole my money pouch.

Anger rushed back to him. He eyed the edge of the forest searching for a trace of the unknown child.

Should I confide in you, I expect you shall do the same? Abram shook his head.

Don’t confide in me, Abram. I have no wish to confide in a lad who makes overtures to one such as Beitris. Abram hid his smile. Allison had the sexiest blush of pink fill her cheeks when she warned him off other women, not that she needed to.

They were almost to the castle. Allison did as she often did and chose the servants entrance because it was closer to her chamber. At least, he assumed as much.

Allison reached for the door, but Abram was quicker. He gripped the handle and opened the door for her. He didn’t want to see her hands. He didn’t have the strength to relive that memory again in the same eve.

A distinct hiss of annoyance escaped Allison. She turned toward him halting in her movement.

My blade. She held out a gloved hand. Sighing with relief that her hands were covered Abram pressed the handle of the blade into her palm and continued to hold open the door.

Allison.

Her blue eyes looked into his, and he had to remind himself she was not yet his to touch. Aye? She asked with that fiery spark in her eyes.

Abram leaned in closer. Don’t be paying your attentions to Filip. He isn’t suited for you.

And you are? She challenged, both knowing how he would answer. It was how he always answered that particular question.

Not. Not as of yet. But I will should you be patient my love. Allison didn’t give him her usual argument. Instead she moved through the kitchen and rounded the corner out of his sight. Olghar cleared his throat drawing Abram’s attention back to himself.

One more battle victory and I will be Chieftain, Allison. I will have enough to treat you like the treasure you are.

You don’t discover the reason behind her secreting away from the castle at night? He questioned obviously put out that he had been unable to keep track on the slippery lass.

Not, Olghar. He sighed knowing that even if he had learned of her intent, he would never betray Allison’s confidence.

Olghar nodded. Abram, I fear something is amiss-

Olghar, did you find Allison? Dolina, Allison’s mother interrupted Olghar. She had made her way through the kitchen and didn’t appear happy with what she had over heard.

Aye. She is within, Olghar answered, his face paling under Dolina’s critical gaze.

Abram bowed with respect for the wife of their clan chief. Good eve, Dolina.

And to you, Abram. Her lips were tight and her eyes never left Olghar. I would speak with you. She told him motioning him inside.

Abram bowed again, and took his leave. Abram couldn’t help but ponder over Dolina’s behavior all the way back to the village. She was a strict woman but always fair. Abram had never felt the fury contained as he had been coming from Dolina.

It appears you are in luck, cousin. Filip grinned approaching him. Abram raised a questioning brow stopping before his cousin. I’ll have your apology first. Filip continued to grin.

Apology?

Filip rested his hand over his heart. You don’t trust your own blood near your woman?

You should know that men don’t always think well around women of beauty. Allison is blessed with more than any lass should be. Abram leaned in toward Filip. I don’t trust any with my Allison. Abram folded his arms across his chest.

Shaking his head, Filip tossed something toward Abram. Catching the object, he found that it was his money pouch the little boy stole.

Who found him?

No one. It was found by the hunting group. The wee lad must have dropped it in fear of you. It’s lucky you are it was returned. Filip untied the leather tie binding his long blond hair. His eyes matched Abram’s in hue. His muscular frame did nothing to ease Abram’s apprehension of Allison whispering to him.

Pain shot across the muscles of Abram's face. He massaged his chin. The pain was spreading. It was very uncomfortable. Allison would have to be spoken to again about whispering to Filip. It caused him physical pain to think on it.

What did Allison say to you? The words were difficult to push past his throat that seemed to be withering away.

Only of whom I had observed near the woods. It was of little importance. Filip flinched as he stared at Abram. You don’t look well, cousin. Mayhap you should retire. He’d delivered his advice wincing at Abram with a half raised arm, as if he meant to block his view.

Knowing that he had not had the opportunity to bathe Abram decided his odor to be offensive and nodded.

He wasn’t in any hurry to return to his empty house and decided to check in on his Father. Avoiding the crowd around the fire he moved to the edge of the village. He had no desire to be around any of the women of the clan at the moment. Since joining in war he had become more desirable to the women, but there would never be another Allison.

She insisted that Beitris was pure evil, but he could not see it in her. Beitris was most complimentary and delicate. She knew how a woman should act, where her place was. Allison set herself as an equal to men. He had always admired that aspect of her, until the night her hands were ruined.

Allison never should have been in those woods or in that house. It had been a man’s place, and she had paid for it. Still she did not change. Allison was stubborn in her thinking. She still did not understand how much she needed him to protect her. Allison was much more vulnerable than she realized.

Weariness was powerful. Abrams hands appeared smaller. He turned them over and rubbed his eyes with the backs of them.

What has you out without an escort?" Caluman grinned at him puffing up his shoulders. Abram halted squaring his own shoulders. He despised Caluman. The bloated fool had pursued Allison once she was of age.

Where is yours? Abram winced at his voice cracking.

You're a hot headed one aren’t you? Caluman grinned looking Abram up and down. Abram went to draw his sword. Enough was enough. Abram found the sword bound to the sheath, and weighing him down.

What is the matter with this thing?

I’m not going to harm you. Caluman assured drawing closer. Abram balled his fists and punched Caluman clean in the nose. Only Caluman’s head snapped back. Normally, a foe would be on his backside after one of Abram’s blows.

Caluman grinned unshaken by the hit. Abram raised his fist to attack again, but his father stepped from his home blocking Abram’s opponent.

Caluman, you don’t be bothering’ the poor lass are you? His father scolded.

Lass?

Abram and his father didn’t get along well, but he had never called him lass before. Growling he stepped around his father to take his anger out on Caluman. Swinging again his fist connected with his chin and once again Caluman barely reacted to the blow.

"Now you have her angry