Portals Of Time by J. Lee Coulter Read Free Book Online

I’m going to stand back and let you butcher my horse! My best friend!”
    Tears began to fall as the shock of the assault seeped into her. Lucian hugged her trembling body tightly to him as he considered their tale. His green eyes narrowed on a glint of metal in the straw . Arianna spoke true.
    Lucian’s powerful body stiffened in anger as he glared at the man...deciding his fate.
    “Who are ye? I do nae recall your face around here. Why were ye trying ta take her steed?”
    Dark eyes challenged him as he met his stare. “Me name is Angus MacGregor. I rode in with me faither. As for the nag...I admired him and thought ta ride him...naught more!” He spit blood from his mouth, feeling a tooth shift. “Damn wench! Ye loosened a tooth!”
    “Hold your tongue afore I remove it! Ye will nae speak ta m e wife in such manner!” Lucian was at the end of his patience this morn and would like nothing better than to beat some sense into this man.
    “Your wife? That means that she is...my...sister. Jesu!” Their eyes connected in unison as realization hit them both.
    This pig is my brother? Well ain’t that just dandy! Brother or not... he still tried to take my horse and I won’t soon forget that! I suppose I have to be nice to him, too. Hmmmff! Not in my lifetime!
    Angus scowled at her as if he had read her mind.
    “My apologies... Sister . I was nae aware of who ye be. I will take my leave, my lord.” He gave a cursory bow to them both and left.
    Arianna hurried into the stall to inspect Shalizar for injuries. Reassuring herself that he was well, she began saddling him.
    “What are ye doing, lass?”
    She glanced at him.
    “I’m saddling my horse...what did you think I was doing?”
    “Ye can nae leave the walls...I have told ye this.”
    “I know. But surely your castle is large enough for me to exercise him without leaving it!”
    “Aye, tis that.” He arched his dark brow. “Very well. I would go with ye but I have business ta attend. Remember what I said and...avoid your brother for awhile till he cools off.” Lucian’s green eyes sparkled with mirth as he envisioned her beating Angus.

    The si ght s in the bailey fascinated her as she wove her mount through an array of villagers going about their daily chores. She had never dreamed that she would ever see an authentic working castle. When she happened upon the smithy she had to stop and admire his work.
    Arianna found him inside pounding out a new blade on his anvil. He didn’t look up as she approached to get a closer look.
    “You do nice work.”
    He glanced up in surprise. He had thought he was alone.
    “Thank ye, mistress.”
    “May I?” She asked, indicating the unfinished sword.
    His brow arched in question but he nodded agreement. “Tis verra heavy, m’lady. Be cautious with it.”
    Picking up the sword, she agreed with his assessment. It must weigh at least twenty pounds...maybe more. If Lucian’s is this heavy then he must tire quickly in battle. Well, that just won’t do! Handing the weapon back to him, she thanked him.
    “What is your name?”
    “I be Fergus Dunbar, m’lady.”
    She peered at his face as beads of sweat ran down his cheeks, disappearing into a thick red beard. His brown eyes held a kindness in them that she was certain she could trust. Reaching a decision she called to Shalizar, beckoning him to enter the lean-to.
    “Who do you make this sword for, Fergus?”
    “Nae one, m’lady. It will be sent ta the armory when tis finished.”
    Arianna smiled. “Good! Then it is available to me. I want to show you something then you can tell me if it will work.” Walking to her steed she lifted his hoof pointing to the shoe. “Can you mix this metal with the iron in the sword ?”
    Fergus studied the shoe closely. He had never seen such a fine metal before. Rubbing his whiskers, he straightened.
    “Aye, m’lady. I have never seen a metal that I could nae tame! But why would ye wish it?”
    “I want to give a gift to my