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Blood Inheritance

By Chuck Semenuk

The Scottish countryside was beautiful. Ethan had never been there before but felt compelled to follow a specific route. He drove almost robotically, programmed for a predetermined destination. His mind wandered to another place, a dark world inhabited by demons and death.

After being on the road most of the day, Janet was exhausted. Being six months pregnant with their first child, she was ready to stop somewhere for the day; anywhere. She hadn’t wanted to take this trip but Ethan was insistent. His family had come from this part of Scotland and he had always wanted to come here. They were very well-off financially so money wasn’t an issue; Janet just wished that they could have taken the trip after the baby was born.

“Ethan, I’m so tired and hungry. Do you think we can stop somewhere for the night?”

Snapping back to reality Ethan replied “Sure, honey. I guess I’ve been enjoying the drive so much I just lost track of time. There’s a nice little inn just around the next bend.”

Janet stared at him. They hadn’t seen a soul in the past hour. What makes him think there’s an inn around the bend? As they rounded the bend in the road, a building came into view; the sign over the door read “Doo Brae Inn,” the English translation, “Dove Hill Inn.” Janet’s mouth hung open. How could he know the inn was there?

“This will do nicely,” announced Ethan, parking the car near the front door. “Let’s relax with a good meal first. I’ll bring our bags in later.”

As they entered, they were greeted by the mistress of the inn. Her beaming smile suddenly disappeared as she turned from Janet to Ethan.

“Lord hae mercy!” she exclaimed as she stood staring at Ethan.

The master of the inn approached quickly. “Woman, whit’s wrong wi ye? Ar ye daft? Please forgive the missus, laddie. A dinna ken whit’s wrong wi her.”

“No problem,” assured Ethan. “We would like to stay the night but first, we’d like some of that delicious food that I smell cooking in your kitchen.”

“Ay, A can gie ye a haund there,” smiled the man as he seated Ethan and Janet at a nice table near the fireplace.

Having regained her composure, the woman returned to take their orders. Soon, she brought their meals; the food tasted every bit as good as it smelled and they both ate heartily. When they were nearly finished, the proprietor approached their table and asked if he might join them.

“Of course,” said Ethan.

“Ma name is Angus. A dinna want to be nosey but, when ye came in, ye gave ma missus, Sarah a wee bit of a start. Hae ye been here afore? The missus thought she’d seen ye.”

Ethan explained, “No, I’ve never been here before but my family originally came from here. You may have heard of them. My name is Ethan Daniel MacNain.”

Angus’ mouth fell open as he stared at Ethan. “Lord hae mercy,” he exclaimed. “Y’er kin to auld Dan!” Regaining his composure Angus asked, “D’ye ken much aboot yer kin here in Scotland?”

“Actually, my parents really didn’t talk much about the MacNain clan. It was as if there were some deep, dark secret,” explained Ethan.

“Well, mibbe it’s nae ma place to say,” said Angus.

At this point, Janet wasn’t sure that she wanted to know anymore.

“Please tell me what you know,” pleaded Ethan.

“D’ye mind if ah smoke ma pipe?” asked Angus.

“No, we don’t mind.”

Angus filled his pipe and lit it with a twig from the fireplace. Relaxing in his chair, he began the story. “Well laddie, Daniel MacNain wisney a verra nice man. He wis called “Bloody Dan” by those here.”

“Bloody Dan? What kind of a name is that?” exclaimed Ethan.

“A’m sairy, laddie. A d’nae like to tell ye sich a thing but it’s the Lord’s truth. Auld Dan wis a murderer.”

Janet was shocked. Her loving and gentle husband was related to a killer! How could that be? No wonder Ethan’s parents were reluctant to say much about the family back in Scotland. On one hand, she didn’t want to hear any more. On the other, she wanted to know the whole story. Ethan took a swallow of coffee. He wanted to know more.

“Ar ye sure ye want tae go on, laddie?”

“Yes. Tell me the details, Angus. I want to know more.”

“Most of ‘is life, Daniel MacNain was a kind, gentle man; a man who loved ‘is family and treated those roun’ wi kindness an’ respect. Some say he seemed to change ower nicht. B’fore the blood bath wer ower, Bloody Dan hud killed many people, inludin’ ‘is wife. He slaughtered ‘em all with a butcher’s knife. That’s aboot all A can tell ye, laddie. A dinna hae personal knowledge o’ the rest.”

Ethan and Janet were silent, dumbfounded at what they had just heard.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Ethan.

“Dinna think it’s yer fault, laddie. Ye canna help whit yer kin huv done.”

After a long period of silence Angus asked “D’ye think ye might be gawin tae MacNain Castle in the morn?”

“MacNain Castle? I didn’t know there was such a place.”

“Ay, laddie. The last o’ yer kin still try to keep the place up as best they can. Isney fur from here.”

“I’ll have to think on it, Angus. This has been a lot to digest. If you can fix us up with a room for the night, I think we need to get some sleep.”

“Ay, the missus hae yer room ready. A’ll take ye up.”

######

Ethan and Janet spent a long, restless night. The thoughts of Bloody Dan and his horrible deeds occupied their minds. After breakfast, Ethan announced that he felt a compelling need to go to MacNain Castle, to at least meet his last remaining relatives. Not knowing what he might find at the castle or if he would even be welcome, he felt that it would be best if Janet remained at the inn until his return.

After receiving directions from Angus, Ethan began his drive to MacNain Castle. According to Angus, it was only about a half hour away. He tried to enjoy the drive. Unfortunately, thoughts of Bloody Dan kept interfering. Strangely, Ethan began to feel that he had traveled this road before. After driving about half an hour, MacNain Castle became visible ahead. “My God,” thought Ethan. “This place seems so familiar.”

Built in the 1500’s, much of the original structure had been torn down as maintaining a building of its proportions became a daunting task. Now only a fraction of its original size, it was still an imposing structure with a remaining tower jutting skyward and ivy growing up the stone walls. The grounds close to the castle were nicely kept; colorful flowers bloomed along the walkways. A curving driveway led from the road past the front door, and appeared to lead to a carriage house where an automobile was visible through the open door.

Ethan pulled up to the front door and got out of the car. A burly looking man had been trimming shrubs around the front stoop and stopped his work as he walked up. Ethan was a bit startled. The man resembled his father. The man stared at Ethan, his mouth hanging open. Ethan broke the silence, “Good morning, sir. My name is Ethan, Ethan Daniel MacNain.”

“Guid Lord! Ye must be Gavin’s boy! Ye leuk like a MacNain awright! A’m yer uncle Brian MacNain.” Ethan extended his right hand to shake Brian’s but Brian threw his arms around his shoulders and gave him a bone crushing hug. Brian turned his head toward the door. “Fiona! Fiona! Come meit yer nephew Ethan!”

Wiping her hands in a dish towel, Fiona came running out. A rather stout woman but very attractive, she wrapped her arms around Ethan and held him to her ample breast. “A’m verra happy tae meit ye Ethan.” Fiona tried to see into the car. “Ar ye alone? D’ye hae a wife? Ar ther wee ‘uns?”

Ethan laughed; pleased with the warm reception he was receiving. “Yes, I have a wife. She is expecting our first child. The doctors say that it is a boy.”

“Whaur is she?” asked Brian.

“She’s at the Doo Brae Inn.”

“Ye must bring her here,” exclaimed Fiona. “Ye both must stay here.”

“We don’t want to impose,” said Ethan.

“Nonsense, laddie. Castle MacNain is yer home. Ye belong here,” injected Brian.

Fiona placed her hands on her full hips. “It’s settled. Brian wull go wi ye tae fetch yer luvly wife whilst ah make up yer room and plan ar supper.”

######

It didn’t take long for Ethan and Janet to feel relaxed and totally at home. Brian and Fiona were very friendly, down to earth people and a joy to be with. Supper was excellent. Fiona was a wonderful cook and seemed to be enjoying swapping recipes with Janet, who was a pretty good cook in her own right. Of course, their conversation ultimately turned to the subject of babies and the two women soon disappeared into Fiona’s sewing room. Fiona had lost her only child at birth and was never able to have another. She had spent a lot of time making baby clothes; now it looked like there might finally be a new MacNain baby to use them.

Brian settled into his chair near the fireplace and lit his pipe. Ethan’s mind was filled with questions but he didn’t know where to start. Finally, he found the nerve and said “Uncle Brian, I’ve heard stories about my grandfather Daniel.”

“Ay, laddie. A’m sure ye huv.” Brian took another long draw on his pipe. “Tis nae a verra pretty story a’m afraid. Daniel had a verra bad sickness.”

“What kind of sickness? Was he bedridden?” asked Ethan.

“Nae. It wisney a physical ailment. Mibbe ah shud tell the hul story. This castle hud a bit of a reputation long before it became the property of the MacNain clan. Twas said that the castle was possessed by an evil spirit.”

Noticing a smile beginning to form on Ethan’s lips Brian said “Mibbe it sounds like a tall tale laddie but, ye’d best hear it all.”

“Forgive me, Uncle Brian. It just seemed strange to hear such a thing in this day and age.”

“T’is awright, Ethan.” Brian continued, “Ower the years, thaur seemed to be no truth tae the story and it wis awl but forgotten. After an uneventful life, it’s said yer great grandfather Fergus suddenly wis beset wi horrible dreams. A small mark in the shape of a demon’s head formed on his chest ower his heart where there wis none afore. One nicht Fergus began a murderous rampage ower the countryside that only ended when the town folk captured 'im an put ‘im to death.”

Ethan sat speechless in his chair. Brian poured them both a glass of whisky. “Ye’d best drink up, laddie. There’s much more tae come.” Ethan took a good swallow of whisky.

Brian continued with his tale of horror. “Yer grandfather Daniel wis grown by this time an’ hud the awful task of burying Fergus. The town dinna want Fergus’ remains in any Christian cemetery so Daniel buried him in the cellar of MacNain castle.”

“After his death, nae wan spoke of Fergus. He wis near forgotten. Daniel married an’ wis blessed wi three sons; yer father Gavin, yer uncle Colin, and meself. One day, Daniel gathered us together and told us aboot his dreams of abominable acts. We dinna want to believe him. Then, he showed us the devil’s own mark ower ‘is heart.”

Ethan was stunned. He found the story so unbelievable. But why would uncle Brian lie? Taking another swallow from his glass, he managed to ask, “What happened next?”

“We dinna ken whit to do. We thought that ar own father surely cud nae be like Fergus.” Wan nicht Daniel came to us, covered in blood. He said he’d done terrible things an’ the townspeople were coming fer ‘im. We cud hear the crowd coming. He looked at us wi tears in his eyes an’ said “Forgive me. This is the only way. Please pray fer me.” With that, he pulled a large bloody knife from under ‘is coat, pulled ‘is shirt open an’ plunged it through the devil’s mark on ‘is chest.”

“As Daniel fell tae the floor the townspeople burst through the door. They looked at ‘im fer awhile an’ quietly left, without saying a word. The three of us buried Daniel in the cellar next to Fergus.”

Ethan was at a loss for words. It all seemed like a bad dream. “Where’s Uncle Colin now? Does he live near here?”

“Nae Laddie. Colin took Daniel’s death verra, verra hard. A few days later, we found ‘is body in the loch. He’s buried wi Fergus and Daniel in the cellar. Yer father took a wife soon after an’ left Scotland fer America. We huv nae heard much from ‘im. Yer maw wrote to me aboot his passing.”

“Why did you stay here?” asked Ethan.

“I guess I felt obligated to stay on an’ try to keep up the family home. We told ye that Fiona lost ar only child at birth. We hoped there might be another but A guess it wisney to be. Ar only hope was that Gavin’s offspring would someday come home an’ take ‘is rightful place at MacNain Castle.”

Brian took a drink of his whisky as he searched for the right words. “For gie me fer askin, Ethan. Was Gavin…. awright?”

“Yes, he was a kind and gentle man, loved and respected by many. He died of a heart attack. Within a year, my mother followed. I have no other family in America and had always wondered if I had some here. My parents never talked about Scotland.”

“A understand. A’m sure they wanted tae protect ye,” said Brian. “A take it he dinna have the mark?”

“No, he didn’t have the mark. Neither do I.”

“Ethan, A canna tell ye how relieved A am. It looks like we huv survived the curse.”

“Forgive me if I’m still a bit skeptical, Uncle Brian.”

“Tis awright, laddie. A think we can finally put all that out of ar heads.”

Fiona and Janet came into the room. “It’s been a busy day. I think that I need some sleep,” said Janet.

“Me too,” agreed Fiona. “If these two ar done tellin' tales, A hae yer room aw ready if ye want tae turn in.”

Brian and Ethan echoed the sentiment. It had been a busy day indeed.

######

Ethan got out of bed and stretched. In spite of the revelations of the previous day, Ethan slept like a baby. A curse? No doubt nothing more than a series of strange coincidences. Who believes in curses in this day and age? Tip-toeing up behind him Janet wrapped her arms around him, holding the round belly that held his son up against his back.

“How did you sleep last night, Hon?” he asked.

“One of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a good while,” said Janet.

Ethan turned to look at her. She was absolutely radiant. MacNain Castle obviously must agree with her, he mused.

After dressing, Ethan and Janet went downstairs to the spacious kitchen where Fiona was busy making breakfast.

“Sit ye doun. A hope ye ar hungry.” She placed plates of eggs, sausage, fried tomatoes and fruit pudding in front of them. “Dinna be afraid, A dinna make haggis,” she laughed. “Ye might hae tae acquire a taste fer it.”

Janet laughed. “Thank you Aunt Fiona. We certainly do appreciate that.”

Brian entered the room and took his place at the table. “Guid mornin,” he said cheerfully. “A hope ye hud a guid nicht!”

“That we did, Uncle Brian” said Ethan.

With all the food on the table, Fiona finally sat down. “If thaur’s anything A’v missed, please speak up. Brian, please pour the tea.”

The four ate heartily, engaging in small-talk as they devoured their food. Fiona sat back in her chair and sipped her tea.

“A canna tell ye how happy we ar tae hae ye here at Castle MacNain,” she said.

“Ay, we thought we’d never meit ye in this life,” said Brian, tears forming in his eyes. ”A ken tis only been a day but whit d’ye think eh the place?”

Janet touched by Brian’s show of emotion, spoke up, “Uncle Brian, I think I speak for Ethan as well. We love it here. Personally, I’ve never felt more at home.”

Her eyes beginning to tear up as well, Fiona spoke with a trembling voice “God bless ye child. It means so much tae hear ye say that.”

“Aunt Fiona, we’ve never felt more like we belonged as we do now,” said Ethan.

Clearing his throat, Brian said “A dinna ken hau long ye can stay but, this is yer home fer as long as ye want.”

Ethan cupped his tea in both hands and sipped slowly. “Janet and I have discussed it briefly this morning and if you’ll have us, we’d like to stay permanently. You both are the only family I have left and, Janet’s family have all passed away. There is nothing for us back in the States.”

Now, tears were flowing freely as the four hugged one another and laughed with joy.

######

Ethan flew back to America for a couple of weeks, packing the belongings that he and Janet wished to keep and disposing of the rest. He placed the sale of their home with a realty company and made arrangements to transfer his finances to the Royal Bank of Scotland. All ties to the United States terminated, Ethan flew back to his new home, Scotland and Castle MacNain.

When he got back to the castle, he found Brian looking up at a section of roof, scratching his head.

“What’s going on, Uncle Brian?”

“We hae a wee leak in the roof. A’m wonderin' if A can find some local lads tae fix it. A canna afford a roofer tae fix it this year.”

“Call the roofer, Uncle Brian. I have money in the bank to fix it.”

“Laddie, A canna ask ye tae put yer money intae the place.”

“I’m a MacNain and you said this was my home. It’s only right that I start to help you and Aunt Fiona.”

Brian put his hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Bless ye an yer luvly wife, Ethan. If yer father were still alive, he wud be verra proud.”

Before long, Brian and Ethan had the castle and grounds in top shape. It had been a long time since the old place had received so much loving care. Laughter was now heard regularly in the halls of MacNain Castle. With young people around, Brian and Fiona actually began to feel younger themselves.

The men often hunted on the grounds and fished in the loch, frequently bringing home the main course for the night’s supper. Fiona and Janet busied themselves working in the garden, trying one another’s recipes in the kitchen and making new clothes for the coming baby. Life at the castle was as good as it could possibly be.

######

With time on their hands now that the castle maintenance was under control, Ethan decided to ask Brian a question that had been on his mind for some time. “Uncle Brian, will you show me the cellar?”

With raised eyebrows Brian replied “Why d’ye want tae see the cellar? Tis just a damp, dirty auld place.”

“I’d like to see the graves,” said Ethan.

“Why?”

“They are my kin. I’d like to pay my respects.”

Brian thought for a moment. “Awright, Ethan. A guess ye hae the right tae see it all.”

They walked down a long hall to the door that led to the cellar. Surprisingly, Brian had run electricity to parts of the cellar years ago. He turned the old rotary style switch on the wall at the top of the stairs. There were a number of smaller rooms off the main room of the cellar. Brian led the way to one of them.

“Here they ar, laddie.” He turned another switch next to the doorway. “Thaur they be, aw in a row. It d’nae leuk as if they huv been oot walkin’ lately.”

Ethan smiled at Brian’s attempt at humor.

There were three mounds in the dirt floor, each with a hand cut stone at the head – Fergus, Daniel and Colin. Ethan said a silent prayer over the graves. Brian did the same.

Walking back into the main room, Ethan pointed at a door at the far end of the cellar. “Where does that door go?”

“Tae tell the truth laddie, A dinna ken waur it goes. A huv nae been in thaur.”

“Want to explore?” said Ethan hopefully.

“Ay, it might be guid tae leuk. Thaur isney electricity. We can use these auld lanterns.”

They lit the lanterns and approached the door. It was barred from the outside with a stout timber and looked as if it hadn’t been open since the castle was relatively new. Brian removed the bar from the outside of the door and tugged at the large handle. It didn’t budge.

“Gie’s a haund, Ethan.”

Both men got a good grip on the handle and pulled hard. The door creaked as it moved slightly.

“Again, laddie.

The door moved a bit more.

“Again.”

With a loud scraping and groaning, the stubborn door relented and swung open. Holding their lanterns high, they went in. A very old casket sat on top of a large stone platform. The name chiseled into the stone read “Cormag Donnie.” A wooden crucifix lay on top of the casket.

“A ken that the Clan Donnie built this castle back in the 1500’s. At some point in time, the castle fell intae the hands of the MacNain clan. A dinna ken more than that,” explained Brian.

“Well, I think we should let this poor fellow get back to sleep” laughed Ethan.

“Ay, A agree. Besides, ma belly says that it’s time fer supper.”

The men closed the door, neglecting to place the bar across, and went upstairs to clean up for supper.

######

Time passed quickly as the expected delivery date for the baby came close. The weather was starting to turn cool with the approach of Autumn. Having finished the day’s supper, the women sat close to the roaring fireplace, sipping their tea and exchanging small talk while the men enjoyed an after-dinner drink.

“Guid heavens” exclaimed Fiona, looking at Janet. “Yer time is soon here but A dinna remember that A huv heard a name for the new wee ‘un.”

Janet smiled. “Well, we’ve decided to name him Gavin Brian MacNain in honor of his grandfather and our favorite Uncle.”

Brian was beaming. “A dinna think a child wud ever carry ma name. Tis a wonderful thing. A believe it calls for another wee drink,” he grinned.

“That sounds good to me,” agreed Ethan. “I’ll get us another.”

Ethan motioned for Brian to follow. Out of hearing range of the women he asked, “Uncle Brian, have you seen anyone hanging around the grounds lately?”

Brian shook his head. “A dinna remember seeing anyone.”

Ethan continued, “I’ve seen an old man in a black suit. I’ve seen him by the loch a few times. I saw him in our garden yesterday. Whenever I try to approach him, he quickly moves away and I can’t find him.”

“A canna imagine who it wud be,” said Brian. “Mibbe an auld gent from the town takin’ a walk.”

Next morning Ethan and Brian decided to try their luck at the loch. With the change in weather, fishing had been a little off. As they approached one of their favorite fishing spots, Ethan stopped, grabbing Brian’s arm.

“There, behind those bushes,” whispered Ethan. “The old man in the black suit.”

“Ay. A see him. You go ‘round this way; A’ll go ‘round that way. We’ll find oot who he is.”

Sneaking through the brush, the two men converged on the spot where they had seen the man in the black suit. When they got there, he was nowhere to be seen.

“Waur did he go?” puzzled Brian. “We shud’uv seen him.”

“Look,” said Ethan. In the mud were hoof prints.

Brian’s face took on a solemn look. “D’ye believe in legends, laddie? A huv nae seen it before but A huv heard the story.”

“What story?” said Ethan

“Auld Clootie. Black Donald. The devil.”

“What?” said Ethan. “What are you saying?”

“A think we’d best go back home and hae a stiff drink whilst A tell ye.”

The two men walked back to the castle in silence. “What the hell is this all about?” thought Ethan.

######

When they arrived at the castle, Fiona and Janet were busy in the kitchen. Brian poured a couple of whiskys and he and Ethan sat near the fireplace to get the autumn chill out of their bones.

Impatient, Ethan asked “Well, what is this legend business?”

Brian took a swallow from his glass. “Mind ye now, A huv nae personal knowledge aboot this but the story is told by many of the auld folks in these parts. Black Donald is whit they call the devil. He often changes ‘is appearance but e’s often seen as an auld man wearing a black suit.”

“How do we know that we just didn’t see some old man from the village?” asked Ethan.

“Ye remember that we dinna find ‘is boot prints in the mud? We found hoof prints. The devil can change ‘is appearance but ‘e canna hide ‘is feet. The devil has cloven hooves. Cloot is an auld Scots name for a cloven hoof. That’s why some call ‘im Auld Clootie.”

“I don’t know, Uncle Brian. I can’t deny what we saw but---- I don’t know,” said Ethan shaking his head. I guess I believe that the devil exists but, why would he come here?”

“A’ve been thinking. Mibbe we did a bad thing when we disturbed auld Cormag Donnie’s resting place in the cellar.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Fiona’s call from the kitchen. “If ye want yer supper ye’d best come runnin’. Janet an I ‘ave been slavin’ away o’er this delicious meal.”

“Ay, luv. We’ll be reit there,” Brian called out. “We’d best not speak of this ‘round the ladies,” he whispered to Ethan.

######

The following morning Ethan busied himself in the castle library. He was looking for some kind of record of what had taken place at the castle when it still belonged to the Clan Donnie. There were shelf-after-shelf of dusty, mildewed old books and ledgers. Many probably hadn’t been looked at since a member of the Donnie clan placed them there.

As he replaced one of the old volumes, he noticed that there appeared to be another book placed sideways at the back of the shelf. It was not visible when the rest of the books were in place. Ethan removed enough books to allow him access to the hidden book.

Sitting down at the desk, Ethan turned up the lamp and began to carefully examine the old book. It was a hand-written diary, apparently written by one Ailean Donnie. Ethan was having a hard time with the old dialect but it appeared that the history of Clan Donnie was filled with wars and killing.

Brian entered the room with two cups of tea. “A thought A’d bring ye a hot drink tae chase the chill away. This auld room is verra cold an drafty.”

“Thank you, Uncle Brian. It does get a bit nippy in this room.”

“Hae ye found anythin’?” asked Brian.

“I think so,” replied Ethan. “Pull up a chair. I’ve found a diary written by Ailean Donnie. From what I can understand, he was Cormag’s brother. You can probably understand this old dialect better than I.” Ethan sipped his tea while Brian nervously paged through the diary.

“Guid Lord!” exclaimed Brian. “Cormag Donnie hud the devil’s mark; juist like Fergus an Daniel. E wis a murderer like they were. Ailean an some o' the village folk put Cormag to death an sealed ‘im in that cellar room where we found ‘im. It would appear that the castle passed to the MacNain Clan shortly after that.”

“I’m at a total loss for words, Uncle Brian. It’s so unbelievable.”

“But A can tell ye that whit happened tae Fergus an Daniel is true. A hae tae believe the same aboot Cormag Donnie.”

“What do we do now?” said Ethan, his hands beginning to shake a bit.

“Ye huv been blessed that ye don’t have the same affliction, as huv A. There is nothing tae do.”

“What about Black Donald, if that’s who he is?”

“A guess we’ll juist hae to wait and see,” said Brian quietly. “Not a word of this to the women. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” said Ethan.

######

Except for occasional sightings of the apparition they called Black Donald, life was reasonably pleasant and uneventful at MacNain Castle. Young Gavin Brian MacNain arrived right on schedule, being delivered by Sarah from the Doo Brae Inn who was also a midwife, under the watchful eye of Fiona.

In front of a roaring fireplace, Ethan, Brian and Angus toasted the health of the new baby, then the health of the baby’s mother, then anyone else they could think of. It was certainly the most joyous occasion the old castle had seen in many years. Angus was in no shape to drive home so Fiona decreed that he and Sarah would be spending the night at Castle MacNain.

The next morning after one of Fiona’s sumptuous breakfasts, Angus and Sarah were ready to get back to their Inn. They had left it in the charge of some trusted employees but were anxious to get back. Feeling remarkably well after childbirth, Janet carried the baby and walked to the car with Fiona and Sarah. Ethan and Brian walked to the driver’s side with Angus.

Angus looked at Brian and said, “Brian, A thought ye shud know, A saw an auld man standin’ at the end of yer driveway before breakfast.”

Brian glanced at Ethan and bit his lip, “A think it’s juist an auld gent takin ‘is mornin’ walk.”

“Juist as long as it wis no one tae bring ye any trouble,” said Angus with a smile.

######

Weeks passed quickly. Brian and Fiona doted over the baby every chance they got. “A hope ye dinna get mad at us fer spoilin’ the wee lad,” said Fiona.

“Of course not. He’s lucky to have you in his life, as are Ethan and I. We’re so glad we came here,” said Janet with tears in her eyes.

Starting to tear up herself, Fiona held the baby close. “Bless ye, darling. The three of ye have brought more joy intae ar lives than we ever thought possible.”

Brian noticed that Ethan had gone into the garden and followed him there. “Ethan. Ar ye awright? Ye’ve been leukin a bit tired lately.”

“Uncle Brian, I haven’t been feeling well lately. I need to show you something.” Ethan slowly unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it aside, exposing an image of a demon head over his heart.

“Lord hae mercy,” exclaimed Brian. “It’s the devil’s mark, same as A saw on yer grandfather!”

Ethan began to tremble. “I don’t know what to do.”

“How d’ye feel otherwise?” asked Brian.

“I can’t sleep well. I feel as though I can’t control my feelings. I‘ve starting having a strong desire to hurt people. The dreams…..the terrible dreams. Uncle Brian, I don’t want to end up like Cormag, Fergus, Daniel, and only God knows how many others” said Ethan, starting to break down.

“Sit ye doun, laddie.” Brian and Ethan walked over to a bench in the garden. “A prayed tae the Lord that this would nae happen. A asked ‘im fer the knowledge tae stop this evil if it came. A think A ken whit tae do but, ye must trust me laddie.”

“I trust you, Uncle Brian.

“Guid. Get yerself together now, we canna hae the women learn aboot this.”

On the edge of the garden stood an old man in a black suit, staring intently at the two men. He smiled broadly at them for a moment and then left as abruptly as he appeared.

######

Brian immediately began to put his plan into action. He and Angus concocted a surprise shopping spree for Sarah, Fiona, Janet and the baby. Of course, after a tiring day of shopping, the women and the baby would spend the night at the inn. Angus would bring them home the following day.

With the women and baby safely away, Brian waited impatiently at the front door. Finally, two cars arrived carrying Angus and at least a half dozen burly looking men with shovels, rope and cans of fuel oil. “Thank ye fer comin’ lads. We’ve got some nasty work ahead.”

Brian let them inside. “Ethan, we’re ready” he called.

Ethan came into the room. The strength of the evil was growing rapidly. Ethan’s eyes were sunken and red. His skin was pale and sweaty, his lips thin and dark. “Who are these people?” he commanded angrily.

“Juist Angus and a few lads from town. They came oot to fix a problem in the cellar. After, we’ll all have a few drinks since the women are oot spendin’ ar money,” laughed Brian. “We’d best get started, lads.” Brian led the way down into the cellar.

With everyone in the cellar Brian looked sadly at Ethan and said “A’m sairy, Ethan. It hae tae be this way. Take ‘im, lads. Tie ‘im guid.”

Some of the men moved around Ethan and grabbed him. His strength was unbelievable. He screamed and cursed them, trying to get away. After considerable scuffling, they finally subdued him and tied him securely.

Brian opened the door to the room with the three MacNain graves and then the other with Cormag Donnie. “This ‘un first, lads. Then, ye’ll hae tae dig up the others. The men picked up Cormag Donnie’s casket. “A’ll show ye waur to take ‘em. Gie’s a haund wi Ethan.”

Brian and Angus took a firm hold on Ethan, struggling and swearing, and hauled him up the stairs into the garden. The group of men labored up the stairs with Cormag Donnie’s remains.

“Here’s the place, lads.” Brian indicated a clear spot in a meadow behind the garden. He and Angus tied the cursing Ethan to a tree. “Dig ‘em up an bring the others here, lads.”

With the first two caskets side by side, Angus soaked them with fuel oil. The final two were placed on top and more fuel oil poured over them.

Brian held the family Bible over his heart and held a crucifix in his other hand. “Angus, light ‘em up” he said.

As the fuel oil ignited and the flames quickly spread, Brian faced the flames and holding the cross high and toward the burning caskets he said, “In the name of ar Lord Jesus, A consign ye tae the fires o’ hell, ne’r tae walk this ground again. In the name of God Almighty, A command ye tae leave these souls in peace, ne’r tae return.”

As the fire roared, a wailing sound filled the air. Brian continued the chant, Angus and the rest of the men joining in. Ethan thrashed and screamed, cursing God and everyone there.

As the fire reduced the four caskets to smoldering ash, Ethan looked as if he were the devil himself. He strained at his ropes, cursing and thrashing violently.

Brian ripped open Ethan’s shirt and pressed the crucifix to his chest, the joint of the cross directly over the demon mark. He pressed the Bible to Ethan’s forehead. “In the name of ar Lord Jesus, A consign ye tae the fires of hell, ne’r tae walk this ground again. In the name of God Almighty, A command ye tae leave this soul in peace, ne’r tae return.”

Ethan screamed and lost consciousness. Slowly, his twisted facial features began to soften and return to their normal appearance. Brian lifted the cross from Ethan’s chest. The devil image slowly faded before their eyes.

Brian raised his eyes upward. “Lord, we thank thee for saving ar family member and friend from the evil curse that wis upon ‘im. Amen.”

The group of men repeated the words of thanks.

Ethan opened his eyes and looked around at the group of men. Finally regaining control over his senses, he said “Thank you. Thank you all for bringing me back from the darkness.”

“How d’ye feel, laddie?” asked Brian.

“A little tired but otherwise, not too bad. I think you can untie me.” With a broad smile, Ethan quipped “Now that you’ve fixed the problem in the cellar, I think you need to get these men the drinks that you promised.”

The men all laughed, trying to put the sight of what they had just witnessed, out of their heads.

Brian turned toward the men and smiled. “He’s right lads. We need to have that whisky afore it spoils!”

######

The morning dawned bright and sunny. Brian fixed a good breakfast although, nowhere as good as Fiona’s. Ethan felt better than he had in some time and couldn’t wait to see little Gavin Brian MacNain and his beautiful mother. Strangely, the burned spot in the meadow had returned to green overnight. Certainly, God was in his heaven and all was right with the world; at least at MacNain Castle.

Angus and Sarah drove Fiona, Janet and the baby back to the castle. After the events of the past night, the three men had formed a bond between them that would last a lifetime. They were thankful that they managed to keep the women unaware of their close encounter with evil. At the insistence of Brian and Ethan, they would all spend the day together, enjoying their friendship and affection for one another.

Janet watched Ethan playing with his son. Nonchalantly, he moved the baby’s shirt so he could see it’s chest. “A strange thing happened last night while we were bathing little Gavin,” remarked Janet. We noticed a faint mark on his chest and it seemed to be getting darker. Suddenly, it faded away right before our eyes!”

Ethan touched the smooth unblemished skin of his son. He closed his eyes and quietly said, “Thank you, Lord.”

Fiona came into the room with a basket of kindling for the fire. "A think some farmer must be missing a goat this mornin'."

Ethan looked up from the baby. "Why do you say that, Aunt Fiona?"

"A noticed his hoof prints in the flower bed next tae the back door. The poor beast must be leukin' fer someone tae let 'im in."