Black Ram Douglas rode at the head of his moss- troopers on their way to Stirling. The pace he set was punishing, but his men-at-arms knew better than to protest when their leader was in one of his murderous moods.

Some of the blinding, bloodred mist had cleared from his brain in the bitter cold air, but as his temper cooled, an icy hand gripped his heart. The ghostly specter of Alexander Douglas rode pillion with him.

Turn back, turn back, man! Valentina is in danger! urged Alex.

Rams face was grim and closed. He could not rid his mind of the erotic portrait.

Colin poisoned Damaris and Malcolm and lusts for Tina.

She is in terrible danger from him, insisted Alex.

As Ramsays mind searched desperately for a reason, a small niggling doubt intruded How could his beautiful vixen give herself to Colin? Ram knew him wellknew he was ugly on the inside as well as the outside Hed suspected him of keeping Mad Malcolm well oiled with whisky all these years, and when Malcolm was found dead, Ram had been suspicious He had been too concerned with Tinas recovery at the time to investigate, but he had known better than to leave her unprotected at Castle Dangerous Alexander was alarmed at the distance widening between them and Douglas Turn back, Ram! If ye love her, go home!

The Douglas men-at-arms stared at their leader in amazement as he suddenly drew rein and pulled to a halt The great black destrier Ruffian pivoted on its hindlegs and pawed the air as he turned the animal He waved his arm and called out their destination Douglas!

If they thought the pace was punishing on the ride out, the ride back was brutal Though they tried valiantly, none could match his speed and determination None could keep pace, and one by one they fell behind.

By the power of God, Ram cursed softly, I know she loves me and would not do such a thing Mr Burque stared up the staircase with dread in his heart Tina was always so headstrong, yet so courageous, she was ever unmindful of danger Colin had his arm about her throat and looked insane enough to plunge his knife into her heart Mr Burque stood indecisively, holding his breath, wondering if he dared rush up the stairs in an attempt to disarm or wound the desperate swine. Suddenly the Boozer spotted Damariss cat Folly spat at the dog and flew up the stairs The Boozer rushed after it with frenzied anticipation The animal charged into Colin, unmindful of anything but the pleasurable pursuit of the feline Colin immediately lost his balance and, because of his crippled leg, could not regain it.

Tina fell to her hands and knees on the steps. Colin pitched down the staircase and impaled himself upon the sword Mr. Burque brandished. The horrific tableau was witnessed by Ada and two burly Douglas men-at- arms who had been left behind to guard the castle.

Mr. Burque was white to the gills and visibly shaking.

The men thumped him on the back, praising his skill and his courage in saving the lady and dispatching the evil that was Colin Douglas. He had been like a hidden viper in a nest, and Mr. Burque had single-handedly rid Black Ram Douglas of a formidable enemy. The Douglas guards had a new, healthy opinion of the handsome French chef.

The men told Ada to take their lady away before they took care of the gory business of removing the sword from the disemboweled body. Tina walked on unsteady legs to the hall, where Ada sat her down before the blazing fire. She sat gazing into the flames as if she were in a trance. In reality she was reliving the events that had led up to the tragedy of Damaris and Alexander Douglas. The present dissolved into the past, and she lost track of time.

Her thoughts came tumbling back to the present as a powerful dark figure strode into the hall. The swarthy Scot who came toward her was a formidable sight in leathers, chain mail, and iron helm. Tina arose from the settle, a hand at her throat as she saw the fierce pewter eyes. She took a step toward him, her hand going out in supplication. Ram.

Tinas limp body slipped unconscious to the floor. He swept her up into his arms and lifted her against his heart. When Tina opened her eyes, she was in the wide bed with an anxious Ram Douglas sitting beside her. He had captured both her hands between his, and when he saw her open her golden eyes, he raised those hands to his lips and kissed them reverently. He had removed the helmet, and his black hair was wildly disheveled from running a distraught hand through it. He poured her some whisky, tasted it first, then said, Drink this. He brushed back the flaming tendrils from her brow. Can ye forgive me once again for my suspicions? he asked humbly.

Why did you come back? she asked, hoping for a certain answer.

I sensed ye were in jeopardy. When my jealousy stopped blinding me, I knew ye could never be unfaithful wi a miserable excuse for a man like Colin.

Did they tell you everything that happened? she asked.

Aye. May I read for myself what Malcolm wrote?

Tina handed him the pages so that he could read the fantastic account of what had taken place sixteen years ago. When Ram finished, he kissed her brow. Thank God history wasnt allowed to repeat itself. Gods passion, no wonder their spirits still walk this castle.

Perhaps now that the truth has come out, they will be able to rest peacefully.

Im going tae destroy the paintings and sketches he did of Damaris, as well as the ones he did of you I can only guess at his unclean practices behind the closed door of his chamber.

Hes the third Douglas to die, Tina whispered. After Malcolm and the baby, I feared it would be you when you were taken prisoner, He enfolded her tightly in his arms. And I feared it would be ye, especially when ye took the poison from my own hand. His voice broke. He paused, then forced out the words, How can ye ever trust me again, my little vixen?

Tina looked into his stormy gray eyes and the corners of her lips lifted in irony. Ram, it is you who must learn to trust. She slipped from the bed and stood before him.

What are ye doing? he demanded.

Im not lying in bed all day. Let me help you off with your mail.

I forget Im wearing the damned ugly stuff. He stood and lifted it off himself.

Im sorry to keep you from the kings businessnay, Im not sorry at all! Im so glad that you are here to comfort and protect me today. I always feel safe when you are by me.

Ram reached out a hand to touch her fiery curls. Tae hell wi the kings business. Douglas business comes first always has, always will. But ye are so right. Ive never learned tae trust anyone. Not the queen nor even the king. I wouldnt trust Angus as far as I could throw him. Only look how David and Colin betrayed us, and they share our blood. Ive gone through life trusting only myself. I tell ye I love ye, and yet my actions prove I dont trust ye. He shook his head at the riddle.

Tina went to stand at his side and leaned her head into his shoulder Ram, I think we love each other, but we havent learned to like each other yet. We became lovers without first becoming friends. The basis for any friendship has to be trust.

They curled up in the big chair together and talked for hours. They had never known this kind of closeness before, not even in their most intimate moments. One by one the barriers came down between them as they shared their fears and emotions, as well as their hopes, feelings, and ideas. They had started to do this once before, but circumstances had intervened and driven them apart. This time Valentina was determined that nothing would ever interfere with their personal lives again. She vowed never to oppose him again. She would stand with him against family, against king and country, against the Devil himself. From this moment on, they would be one mind, one heart, one soul She would be Black Ram Douglass woman and damned proud of it.

Ram stayed two more days so he could be certain she didnt suffer any ill effects from the shock she had received. The only time they left their chamber was to take an occasional walk by moonlight in the crisp snow.

He would wrap her in one of her soft furs, and handclasped they would wander out, sometimes as far as the frozen river. They stopped once at the place beneath a copper beech where Damaris and Alexander were buried.

I used tae think she was restless because her grave was next to Alexanders, but now I think it right that they are together. If ye agree, Ill get the bishop tae consecrate the groundor do ye think we should move him tae Castle Douglas tae lie with his ancestors?

I think they should stay together through eternity, whispered Tina, brushing away a tear.

They hurried back to their chamber, where a roaring fire and sinfully sensuous dishes prepared by Mr. Burque awaited them. When Ram finally departed it was the hardest thing hed ever done in his life. As he kissed her goodbye he whispered, Will ye marry me?

She clung to him whispering, Mmm, perhaps. Ask me when you return, you devilnot when youre departing.

Chapter 38.

Ramsay Douglas gave his all when he recruited for the king He traveled farther and faster than any of James Stewarts lieutenants, obtaining signed bonds pledging men-at-arms from every branch of Clans Douglas, Kennedy, Campbell, Drummond, Erskine, and Graham. He kept his pledge to Valentina to return for the night whenever he was within fifty miles of Douglas, but still they saw each other only once in every six weeks.

The long, forced absences made their brief reunions so much sweeter, and they longed for a time when they would be allowed to live a life together, unclouded by the demands of impending war with England.

Slowly but surely, over the winter months and into the spring, James Stewart gathered his forces for war. It was a large undertaking to amass an army greater than Scotland had ever had before. Manpower was not all that was needed. Horses to carry the cavalry, oxen to pull supply wagons, and the mounted, heavy iron cannon were needed by the hundred. Thousands of weapons would be needed to wage warnot only the usual swords, knives, and lances, but spears for the spearmen, arrows for the hagbuts and harquebuses, baggage wagons, oxcarts, and weapon sleds.

Rams job was one of communication Basically, he traveled back and forth tallying numbers. Argyll was already Governor General of the Army, and Arran, Lord High Admiral of the Navy. The king decided to keep Bothwells hot-headed Hepburns as a reserve unit. The rest of the borderers would be united under the command of Lord Home, with the exception of Clan Douglas. Since there were so many branches of Douglas, not all of them borderers, they would be commanded by Lord Ramsay since the Earl of Angus was now past his fighting prime. The Earl of Huntly was to command the Gordon Highlanders, while the king and his good friend the Earl of Crawford would command the Scottish center made up of their clans, Stewart and Lindsay The Earl of Lennox was put in charge of all Highlanders other than Campbells and Gordons.

Since Stirling was the strongest fortress in Scotland, the king used it to call together all his chiefs who had mustered their clans to swear the oath of fealty. A total of fifteen earls, five bishops, and a score of lords and chiefs gathered to give James Stewart the oath. Each noble placed his hands between the kings and swore into his service their lives, their goods, and the lives and goods of their clans and liegemen.

Beautiful spring weather returned to Scotland, and with it came a reprieve. Henry Tudor sailed his army across the Channel preparatory to making war on France. In Scotland, a joyous relief pervaded every county. City and country dwellers alike wanted to push thoughts of war from the forefront of their minds and celebrate the lovely short summer.

A few shrewd and astute nobles knew war with England had only been postponed. King James Stewart, the Earl of Angus, and Ramsay Douglas in particular knew of Henry Tudors naked ambition. He would use any methodconquest, assassination, intrigue, or briberyto gain control of Scotland. The English nobility, like their king, were power-hungry, waiting like jackals to swallow the kingdom.

Ram left Edinburgh Castle with his usual complement of forty moss-troopers. They made it to Douglas in just over two hours. The guard on the walls had alerted Tina of the Black Rams return, and she ran up to their chamber and out upon the parapet walk, waving a silken Douglas banner so that he would see her from a great distance. By the time he reached the bailey, she was running down the outside pentice staircase.

Ram vaulted from Ruffians back and caught her in his arms, anxious for the clinging to begin. He kissed her over and over. My honeypot, how Ive missed ye.

She was vividly radiant. The setting sun turned her flaming curls to molten red-gold. In his arms her golden eyes turned to smoky amber, and he knew himself the luckiest man alive. Tina was weak with the nearness of him. She did not see the sweat and dust of the hard rideall she saw was the dark Scot, towering above her with his magnificent weatherbeaten face. His body was as hard as rough-hewn granite.

I love you, Ram, she said breathlessly.

He swung her about, then set her feet to the ground and bent her backward, kissing her as shed never been kissed before. Yell marry me, vixenIm yer destiny!

Tinas eyes sparkled with love and pride. She would never tame him. It was so typical that he told her shed wed him, rather than ask, but she was so far gone in love, she could deny him no longer.

Ram held her in one strong arm, and before his dark, hardened men-at-arms he called to Jock, Fetch the priest from St. Brides churchand hurry. The deafening Douglas war cry echoed off the castle walls, and the Boozer, loping over the drawbridge from his daily hunt in the woods, launched himself at the embracing couple who meant more to him than any other humans on earth.

Ram and his men stabled their mounts. They all preferred to care for their own animals rather than leave them to the grooms. Tina stayed at Rams side while he unsaddled Ruffian and gave him a rubdown. Before they left the stable, they went along to look at Indigo.

Tina gasped when she saw her beautiful mare was lying in her straw. Ram spoke to the head stableman to learn if aught was amiss with the prized mare, but he reported no problems before today Ram went on his knees in the straw and ran his hands over Indigos sleek, satin belly. I think shes near her time. It feels like shell foal soon.

When Tina stroked her neck and spoke soft words to her, the mare responded and managed to get on her feet. A frown marred Rams brow. She was such a finely bred Barbary, she might easily have trouble birthing a colt sired by Ruffian He kept his fears to himself, but told the groom to watch her closely and call him if she showed signs of going into labor.

They emerged from the stables into the courtyard when Jock returned with the Douglas priest.

Marry us where we stand before the vixen changes her mind, directed Hotspur. His energy was barely contained, and she saw the muscle flex in his jaw and wondered if hed be able to stand still long enough for the priest to say the words over them.

Every man and woman in the castle came out into the bailey to witness the joining of Lord Douglas and his woman. Valentina pretended outrage. Arent you even going to bathe first, you barbarian?

He leered down at her, feeling the surge of his own pulse. Well do that together. It will be your first duty as Lady Douglas. He clamped her to his side as the priest raised his voice.

We are gathered together in the sight o God and in the face o this congregation to join together this mon an this woman in holy matrimony, which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified wi his presence, an therefore is no by any tae be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly or wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear o God. I require an charge ye both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day o judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either o ye know any impediment why ye may no be lawfully joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it. Wilt thou have this woman tae thy wedded wife? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness an in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only untae her, so long as ye both shall live?

I will, Ram Douglas pledged solemnly.

Wilt thou have this mon tae thy wedded husband? Wilt thou obey him and serve him, love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only untae him, so long as ye both shall live?

I will, Tina Kennedy said clearly.

Who giveth this woman tae be married tae this mon?

A long silence followed the question and none stepped forward. Finally Mr. Burque decided to take the honors upon himself, to the accompaniment of a great cheer.

I, Ramsay Neal Douglas, take thee Valentina tae my wedded wife, tae have and tae hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, tae love and tae cherish till death us do part, and thereto I plight thee my troth.

Tinas eyes widened as he produced a wedding ring from the recesses of his leather jack. With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee honor, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.

Tina repeated the vows. The priest declared them wed. It is my pleasure to gi ye the new Lady Douglas, he said The rough borderers had been waiting for this moment.

They picked up both bride and groom and carried them laughing into the castle hall with cries of A bedding! A bedding!

Ram managed to extract himself from his moss- troopers. He stood on the dais and held up his arms. No way! Im the one wholl do the bedding. Break out the casks, and enjoy yerselves! The men protested when the couple tried to leave, but Ram told them firmly, I have tae fulfill my vow. Did I no promise tae honor her wi my body?

When Valentina heard his outrageous promise, she picked up her skirts and ran. He gave her no quarter, pursuing her ruthlessly until she lay imprisoned beneath his powerful body in the center of their huge bed.

Damaris and Alexander had watched Ramsays homecoming reception with delight. They both agreed that these two vital people had been made for each other. They were almost dizzy at the speed with which the marriage ceremony had been performed, but they also had a feeling that this was right, this was meant to be. The clans of Kennedy and Douglas were at last joined in a blood-bond that would produce magnificent sons and daughters.

Damariss hand lay in Alexanders. This is a perfect ending to the story of Tina and Ram, yet it isnt the end, its just the beginning.

Alex squeezed her hand. Its the end of our story, my love. We should be moving on.

Oh, Alex, we cannot leave them alone. War is threatening, and what about when Tina tries to carry another child?

Sweetheart, we cant live their lives for them. I too want tae stay until I know the outcome o the war, but our time here is over. This is their time, no ours.

Alex, Im afraid, Damaris said.

Ill be wi ye, lass. Well go together.

His eyes glittered with wicked amusement. Ye trust me, dinna ye?

Damaris flushed. She hadnt trusted him for sixteen years, then she had learned that her love had not been misplaced after all. Trust was what love was all about.

She reached up on tiptoe to brush her lips against his. I trust you, husband. I cannot trust you with my life, but I can trust you with my soul.

Come up tae the parapets wi me, Alex urged.

Damaris searched his face. Neither of them had ever ventured out upon the parapet walk since that fateful night so long ago.

Theres nothing tae fear, beloved. Trust me.

Silently the wraiths ascended to the castle ramparts. It doesnt seem very inviting, this other world, Damaris said with trepidation. Will it be Heaven or Hell?

Perhaps neither, but it is the final test of our faith and our love for each other, Alex assured her.

You are so valiant, so brave. What must I do? He could hear the faint tremor in her voice.

Simply step off the edge into the void of infinity, or remain behind without me forever.

Oh no! she cried, and ran from him back into Castle Dangerous.

Alexanders heart contracted. He had fully believed she loved him enough to join him in the long journey. Why had he not been able to convince her? He knew without a shadow of a doubt that the sixteen-year delay could not be prolonged. Alex was filled with a sadness greater than he had ever experienced. How many more years would Damaris be condemned before she realized she had no choice but to move forward? It was the final truth each one of us must acknowledgewe must go forward. It was so unbelievably cold up on the ramparts all alone, but Alex knew he must go without her.

Suddenly he saw her floating toward him with her beloved cat in her arms. She laughed up into his dark face. I couldnt go without Folly!

Alexanders heart soared. He took her hand and hoped they would be together throughout eternity.

Ram was naked, Tina wore a silken nightgown. They knelt upon the wide bed, molded together from lips to hips. Tell me again that ye love me, he demanded. It took ye far too long tae admit it.

I love and adore you, you devil-eyed Douglas! Tina hugged to herself the knowledge that she was again carrying his child. She would keep the secret awhile longer. She was dizzy with relief that he had insisted upon marrying her before shed told him of the child.

This way she was secure in the knowledge that he loved her and wanted her for his own and not just for the heir she would give him.