Castle Lochwind The Savage Bloodline- Part I The Coming

By Debra Rudolph

Joshua Savage, a successful American businessman, suddenly finds himself the sole heir of an ancient Scottish estate of medieval beauty, Castle Lochwind. Throwing caution to the wind, Joshua decides to move to Scotland and embark on his new lifestyle. After a few necessary renovations, he invites his old business partner and lifelong friend to visit him at Lochwind for the Christmas holiday. He soon discovers that his very presence has caused a chain of events to unfold, awakening the family curse and unleashing an ancient evil. From the farthest corners of his estate to the darkest depths of the castle, Josh is accosted by phenomena that he had never imagined could exist. Joshua, his friends, and an enchanting new stranger must rid Castle Lochwind once again of a beast that would have its revenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781640821224

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Castle Lochwind The Savage Bloodline

Debra Rudolph

Copyright © 2017 Debra Rudolph

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc. 2017

ISBN 978-1-64082-121-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64082-122-4 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Part I

The Coming

Chapter 1

Dawn seeped its way over the horizon slowly, teasingly—seductively, if you will—lifting the shroud of darkness from Scotland’s shoulders. Josh felt like a victim of the perfect lover as he anticipated the dawn.

Joshua Savage had worked for the last twenty years, building a fairly successful chain of home supply stores. It was nothing glamorous, and he wasn’t a millionaire, but he knew he could retire in relative comfort. Then the news came. He was, believe it or not, the last remaining relative of an elderly Scottish lord. Yeah, really. It took the law firm an entire year to track him down.

After mountains of paperwork and miles of red tape, he became the new owner—actually, the new lord, of a Scottish estate! You can imagine his surprise, and slight embarrassment, in being referred to as lord! But taken with a grain of salt and a large scoop of male ego, he adjusted.

The morning before he was to leave for Scotland, Josh went to visit his business partner and longtime friend, Bill Dorsey. He wanted to make sure that all the changes in their partnership were in order. Instead, he got an unexpected surprise! Walking into the office, he found all the lights had been turned off and the blinds closed. Not a soul was around, which was odd for this time of day. He called out a few times for Bill, but no one answered. As he walked across the room, he heard a soft breath of air . . . and then another. Suddenly, a sharp whining bellow assaulted his ears and then an explosion of sound! The lights suddenly flashed on, and there before his eyes was his entire workforce . . . in Scottish dress. There were kilts, knee socks, and more hairy legs than he cared to see! All his male employees in skirts was an image he could have done without! Then to top it off, they all knelt down on one knee, bagpipes blaring (the source of the explosion of sound), and proclaimed their undying loyalty to their new lord! How embarrassing! It was great!

When the celebration was over, he promised that as soon as his new castle was livable, they would all be invited to come to Scotland and he’d show them how to do it the right way! He was then bombarded by paper cups and assorted foods!

After the festivities were over, Bill pulled Josh aside and became more serious. Josh, old friend, are you going to be all right in that castle by yourself? I mean, there’ll be people close by, right? Like if you would get hurt or sick?

Bill’s concern was so heartfelt Josh replied, Absolutely! Mr. McFerley will be there, and I’ll probably hire staff. I mean, what good lord would be without staff to care of him? Josh put his arm around his longtime friend as they walked toward the door. As Josh stepped off the sidewalk into the parking lot, he paused and turned toward Bill. But if I need you, I’ll give you a call. He winked and went to his car.

A cold chill ran down Josh’s spine as he opened his car door, giving him pause. What Bill had said to him seemed suddenly ominous and foreboding. But a mental picture of Spike in that damn kilt popped into his mind, and the previous feelings of dread left in favor of uncontrollable laughter! The sight of the big man, with his hairy legs, in a skirt was definitely a Kodak moment!

Two weeks later, with his house on the market and his accounts forwarded, Josh was on a flight to Scotland. He had been a bachelor all his life, and it seemed a little sad to have no one with which to share this event. But then, on the other hand, there wasn’t anyone to uproot but himself, and that was probably a blessing. After twenty years, with his nose to the grindstone, Joshua Savage was going to retire, but not in the traditional way. Oh no . . . this was the stuff novels are made of!

Driving the old forgotten roads of Scotland, Josh divided his attention between the road and the oncoming morning light. He had only seen pictures of this area and was excited to experience it for himself. He could have stayed in a hotel and slept until morning before setting off for his new home, but since the moment he had signed the final papers, a mounting sense of adventure had taken hold. Now he was finally here! And in a very few moments—nay, seconds—if his seducer would get on with it, she would have, like a birthday present, unwrapped his destiny!

Castle Lochwind, a stone stronghold, was no doubt a handyman’s dream, but his dream! The castle had been lived in since its construction eight hundred years ago, but as with most castles, there was probably a lot that needed to be repaired.

Damn, he breathed through loose lips as he navigated the narrow road. Squinting into the darkness, he scanned the countryside with restless anticipation. In his best Holy Roller impersonation, he exclaimed, "Let there be light!" As if on cue, dawn swept over the countryside in a silent wave of illumination!

The woods were cobwebbed with a mist that seemed to be lifting before his eyes. Sunlight shimmered in the countryside. Trees literally sparkled with droplets of morning dew. The grass took on a hue of green found nowhere else in the world but here. The late summer flora dripped with fragrance and color. Josh inhaled deeply, amazed at how completely the flower’s essence filled the air. He swore he could actually hear Scotland as she awoke. Such beauty . . . broke his heart.

Josh pulled from his wallet a picture of Castle Lochwind and tried to picture the castle against the surrounding countryside. Nearly running off the road several times, he came to the conclusion that if he didn’t put the picture away, he was going to die before he got there. Throwing the snapshot into the glove compartment, Josh drove the last few miles, or should he say kilometers, to his new home.

Chapter 2

While Josh was driving those last few kilometers to his new home, Bill Dorsey was pacing his living room floor. He had so many thoughts running through his mind. He had a business to run now by himself. Of course, Josh was still a partner and active consultant, but the day-to-day headaches were all his. Add to this the absence of his best friend. The emptiness made the new responsibility hollow. It was late August, still three more months of seasonal sales before the winter lull. Winter was going to be tough. The business was boringly easy in the winter months. Without Josh to invent meaningless work projects, Bill was going to have way too much time on his hands.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea surged over him. He rushed to his bedroom and dove onto the bed, simultaneously waking his wife, Cath, and bouncing their cat Jinx right off the other side. Cath screamed in confusion, and Jinx growled in embarrassment.

Holding a pillow to her chest and one hand on Bill’s, she exclaimed, What the hell are you doing?

On all fours and breathing hard, Bill ran his idea past Cath. When he was done, he asked, What do you think? He was sporting a grin that just about concealed the rest of his features.

Cath sat there for a moment and replied, "I think . . . if you ever wake me up like that again, I’ll lock you in a small room with Jinx!" She pointed at the disgruntled feline sitting across the room.

Bill’s face contorted with confusion. He followed Cath’s finger as she pointed toward the cat that was now cleaning himself indignantly. Jinx stopped his grooming and looked Bill square in the eyes, then gave a low, nearly inaudible growl. Jinx slowly and defiantly strutted out of the room as only cats could do.

Bill choked back a chuckle and said, He’ll get over it. He loves me . . . just like you! Then he kissed her on the forehead and bounded off the bed.

What the hell are you doing now, William? She called him William when he was acting like a child, which husbands did from time to time. Pulling on her robe, she followed him into the living room.

I have to make plans and get hold of Josh! he gushed.

You really want to go to Scotland, to that damp old castle, for Christmas? she asked in disbelief.

Me? He paused. "No! I said we!" he exclaimed as he walked across the living room, looking from side to side, trying to locate something.

Dropping into the nearest chair, Cath interjected, "Maybe I should lock you up in a small room with Jinx! You might come out a rational man!"

Don’t you want to go? Bill said as he fumbled through the end table drawer, looking for the atlas. He never considered that Cath might not think it was the best idea ever!

Cath picked up her pack of cigarettes and lighter, pulled a cigarette out of the package and put it between her lips. No, she said casually, striking the lighter and lighting the end. Does that surprise you, Bill? She exhaled a cloud of blue smoke and relaxed back into the overstuffed chair.

Pulling the atlas from the drawer, Bill cocked his head in her direction, made eye contact, and said, Well . . . yeah, it does! Bill closed the drawer and walked over to her and bent down on one knee. I never thought you wouldn’t like the idea! Why don’t you want to go? It’ll be great. Just think, exploring an old castle and walking around by candlelight and huge fires in gigantic fireplaces to keep warm!

Cathy interrupted, You mean huge spiders on gigantic webs and cold drafts blowing down dark and scary hallways, and me screaming my foolish head off while you and Josh put over some fifteenth-century suit of armor in some dark and gloomy dungeon! I don’t think so, lover! she said, taking another drag from her cigarette.

Jinx jumped up from behind the chair and sat above Cath’s head and glared at Bill. Without blinking, Cath asked, What do you say, Jinx, fifteen minutes in the hall closet? The large gray cat seemed to smile.

Bill chuckled, stood up, and looked at the two of them. It won’t be that bad, Cath. And you can bring Jinxy there . . . for protection.

Geez, Jinx, now he wants you to stay in quarantine for six months in Scotland. Five minutes in the closet should do it! she joked. She was softening up, and Bill knew it.

He paged through the atlas and found a map of Scotland. He planted himself on the arm of her chair, and they spent the best part of an hour looking over the map. Here is where the castle should be, he said and then pointed out the surrounding town and tourist sites. There were pictures of rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and fields of heather. Cathy was in the palm of his hand by dawn and shopping by noon.

Chapter 3

Graham McFerley had been sprucing up the castle for the better part of a week, readying the place for its new owner, Mr. Savage. Graham had been the lord’s gentleman his entire life and was, as stated in the will, included in the property for as long as Graham wanted to remain. At sixty-four, Graham was still worth his weight in gold, as the late lord of the manor put it, and could not be released for any reason. This embarrassed Graham greatly, and he refused to discuss the subject. But he was happy to be able to stay on at Castle Lochwind for as long as the new lord wanted him.

The castle was huge, with many rooms that hadn’t been disturbed for years, but Graham had always kept the main house in pristine condition. During the week, he had the furnace and electrical systems checked and had seen that the kitchen was well stocked. He was, however, concerned that the foods he had chosen might not be to the liking of an American. He asked Mrs. Comley, at the grocery, to give him a list of American foods that would be more to the new lord’s tastes. There were now hamburgers, french fries, and those single-serve pizzas in the freezer.

Opening the refrigerator, Graham looked at the American light beer he had purchased, and wrinkled his nose. He’d have to take Mr. Savage to the local pub one night and introduce him to real beer. Graham closed the refrigerator door, walked out of the kitchen, and proceeded to the front entrance to sweep the stoop.

A chill was in the air this morning, but the sun was warm on Graham’s back, soothing the stiffness in his shoulders from the past week’s work. The wind always blew briskly at Lochwind, and there wasn’t much to sweep. The work being mindless, he whistled an old song, singing the parts that pleased him.

A sound caused him to look up, and he noticed a cloud of dust moving along the glen road. Since no one used the glen road these days, except old Fergus down the lane and himself, Graham readied himself. He was finally going to meet Lord Savage. He didn’t care for the ring of the name. It just didn’t sit right with him, and he hoped that he wouldn’t have to address his new employer in that manner.

The sun reflected playfully on the vehicle as it wound its way up the glen and into the driveway. Graham found that his stomach was turning nervously, and he chastised himself for behaving like an old woman.

A dusty black Sport UV pulled to the front of the castle and parked. Graham watched as the last of the dust cloud swept over and past the UV, as if this wasn’t its final destination. After the cloud had moved on, Graham saw his employer standing on the other side of the car, looking up at the massive castle with his mouth open in awe. It was an awkward moment, so Graham quickly thought of a solution.

You shouldn’a bought black, Graham stated simply, leaning on his broom.

Graham’s voice brought Josh out of his stupor. He gave Graham a few quick looks between glancing back at his new home. Blinking the dust from his eyes, Josh asked, What . . . I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have what?

You shouldn’a bought black. The vehicle. You shouldn’a bought a black one, Graham said in what now was clearly a joking manner.

Josh responded, It’s a rental. He flashed Graham a big boyish grin.

Graham grinned back at him and said, Mr. Savage, welcome . . . to your new home. He bowed with a sweep of an arm. Then he asked, Would sir prefer bein’ addressed as Lord Savage?

Josh laughed, walked over to Graham, and took the broom from him. Walking toward the door, he said, If you do, you, me, and the broom here are going to have a long discussion!

In a heavy brogue, Graham answered, Well, sir, I wouldn’a have you talkin’ to the broom now, so I believe I’ll be addressin’ you as Mr. Savage. Graham smiled and opened the door for Josh.

Chapter 4

It took two hours to tour the castle, Josh insisting on seeing all the rooms. Forty-two rooms and two light beers later, they were sitting at the kitchen table, going over a map of the countryside. It was lunchtime, and Josh didn’t want Graham to go to any trouble fixing a meal, but the old gentleman insisted.

After feasting on sausages, potatoes, and sweet bread, Graham took Josh outside, where they sat at a massive stone table and nursed a couple more beers.

Tell me about my Uncle Giles, Graham. What was he like? asked Josh.

Graham looked up at the sky with remembrances and smiled. He was a fine man, indeed, a fine man . . . and clever too! Graham said with a spark of enthusiasm. An’ he was . . . me friend. Folding his hands into his lap and giving a sigh, Graham looked at the ground, seeing nothing.

Joshua was touched by the man’s grief. Why didn’t someone tell him that Graham was such a close friend of his uncle’s? Well, Graham was taken care of in the will. That in itself should have told him! He had been so caught up in the fantasy of it all that he missed the humanity. He would make sure that his uncle’s wishes were carried out to the letter. Graham would be taken care of for the rest of his natural life, and that was a promise!

The two men sat there and talked about his uncle for the better part of an hour. They decided to take a short walk around the grounds before going into town. Graham wanted to show Joshua all the sites, not that there were many, and introduce the new Lord of Lochwind to a few of the locals.

There were stables to the east and a small pond out back, to the north. Graham told Josh that there were horses but that they were boarded at a nearby farm after the death of his uncle. You can have ’em brought back ’ere if you like, sir. They are fine animals. I can make arrangements, if it pleases you, Graham said hopefully.

Joshua thought about the horses. He had no idea how to care for them, but he sensed Graham would like to have the animals back here for some reason. Well, I don’t know a damn thing about horses, but we could hire someone to care for them, couldn’t we?

Graham tried to hide his pleasure. I will see to it first thing in the morning. Actually, I could talk to Harry while we are in town t’day. Get thin’s movin’ along, so to speak. Graham’s step seemed to picked up a bit, and Joshua couldn’t help but be pleased with himself.

At the west of the castle was the family cemetery. Josh had decided they would explore that gem on a later date. To the south was the front of the castle. Its huge front lawn stretched out, touching the lane with its ancient stonewalls and iron gate. Now it was just the ghost of past elegance, but Josh will resurrect it . . . in time.

Graham asked if he would like to go down to the dungeon before going into town.

Nearly choking on a mouthful of beer, Josh asked Dungeon? There’s a dungeon in the castle?

Graham chuckled at Josh’s reaction and said, Why, of course! What good lord doesn’t have a dungeon? There aren’t any inhabitants at the present, sir. Graham snickered. But if there comes a need, you let me know, and I’ll ready it.

Josh couldn’t let Graham best him. Well, I don’t have a mother-in-law, but thanks anyway!

Graham folded his hands in front of himself and, rocking on his heels, said, Very good, sir! Very good! Graham looked across the countryside, grinning from ear to ear. Josh figured he had passed the Graham test. The two men stood side by side and absorbed the midday sun, confident that a good friendship was in the making.

The trip into town wasn’t too bad. It only took about fifteen minutes to get there, and the scenery was spectacular! The first stop was the butcher shop, where Josh was introduced to the proprietor. Next were the hardware shop and the grocery. A few more stops, and Josh found himself at the blacksmith’s, where Graham made arrangements with Harry for the horses to be returned and stable help hired. The local pub was, of course, the last stop. Within a few minutes, the whole place knew who Josh was, and a seven-course meal was laid out in his honor. If he was going to eat like this, he would have to add a weight room to the castle!

Graham suggested they leave soon before they got too drunk. An hour later, they were home, with Graham making coffee and Josh lighting a fire in the biggest fireplace he had ever seen!

He was going to sleep like a baby tonight.

A soulful wind blew that night. It swept across the towers and seeped into the stone. Josh dreamed that the wind was inside the castle, looking for him, calling his name . . . weeping. Joshua slept all night, but fitfully.

Chapter 5

Bill knew that he could swing a December vacation if he worked hard. He’d have to have a well-laid-out plan before calling Josh with the news. All he had to do was teach Spike a few details. Spike could hold down the fort for a few weeks, and he could always call if he ran into any real problems.

He picked up the phone, gave a quick look at the clock, and did the math. It would be about five o’clock in the evening in Scotland now, so he should be able to reach Josh.

It seemed to take forever to connect, but soon he heard H’llo, Lochwind. Graham speakin’.

Bill grinned at the heavy brogue and had an urge to mimic it, but he didn’t want to make enemies, not just yet any way.

Hello, this is Bill Dorsey from the States. Is Josh there?

Knowing who Bill was, Graham couldn’t resist a little fun. The lord of the manor is otherwise d’tained at the moment. I could ask His Lordship to ring you at a more convenient time.

Bill was taken aback by the formality. Ah, well . . . I guess so . . . if it isn’t too much trouble for His Highness, Bill said with a touch of sarcasm.

Graham feared that, possibly, he had laid it on a little too thick. He responded, ’Tis no trouble at all, Mr. Dorsey. Well, since you’re callin’ all the way from the States, wait a bit and let me see if . . . His Highness is available. He laid the phone on the table and crossed into the kitchen. Sir, Graham interrupted. There is a Mr. Dorsey on the phone for you. Do you want to take the call?

Bill? Hell, yeah! Josh hurried out of the kitchen to the phone. But stop calling me sir! he yelled over his shoulder.

Graham grinned and called after him, Aye, sir, as you please.

Josh threw up his arms in submission.

Bill! Bill! You still there? Josh said as he swept up the receiver and plopped into a throne-like chair. It wasn’t a very comfortable chair—hard as a rock but very ploppable.

Yeah, I’m still here, Your Majesty. How the hell are you? Bill exclaimed.

Just great! How are you doin’? Seems like a lifetime since we’ve talked. How’s the business? How’s Cath? Josh rambled.

Fine, we’re all fine. How’s the castle? And who the heck is that Graham guy? He’s a real stuffed shirt! Just can’t picture you as—what did he call you? Lord of the manor! Where’d you dig him up? Bill jested.

Lord of the manor? Oh, Graham, he’s the real McCoy—or I should say McFerley. Josh laughed. He was just messing with you, Bill. Graham’s cool. So to what do I owe the honor of this phone call, old friend? Josh asked.

Bill paused. Well, Cath and I were thinking, if it isn’t too much trouble, we’ll fly over to Scotland around Christmas and pay you a visit. Just for a couple of weeks. I’ve briefed the gang here, and they should be able to do without me for a while. Just need your okay. Bill waited with anticipation.

Well, I don’t know, the thought of spending Christmas here all by myself was something I was looking forward to. What do you mean my okay! Of course, you can come! You don’t need my okay! That would be great. What day are you getting here?

Don’t know yet. We haven’t gotten that far in the plan yet. Wanted to make sure it was all right with you first.

Just let me know when so I can meet you at the airport. I can’t believe you got Cath to come here.

Well, she wasn’t too keen on the idea at first, but she’s looking forward to it now!

Guess I have to be on my best behavior, huh? No stupid stunts. Josh laughed.

Bill grimaced. No, please! We have to live with her, know what I mean? Bill cautioned.

Yeah, I know. I’ll be good. Can’t wait till you get here.

I’ll call you when we have our plans worked out. Well, I better get back to work. Good talking to you, Josh.

Great talking to you too! Give me a call.

Will do. Later.

Later. Josh hung up the phone and returned to the kitchen. Great news, Graham. That was Bill, my partner in the States. He and his wife are going to come visit for the Christmas holiday . . . and what did you say to him? Josh laughed.

Auch, tha’ ’tis grand! Company for the holidays! Graham clapped his hands together And I didn’a say anything a good respectable Scotsman wouldn’a say in a moment as such. Graham grinned.

Well, you bugged the hell out of him. Josh clapped Graham on the back. Keep it up, Scotty. It was perfect.

Graham staggered. As you wish, sir. He smiled.

Josh gave Graham a stern but playful glare, referring to the sir thing and then stopped and looked around the room. Boy, do I have a lot of work to do by Christmas!

Not to worry, Joshua, all will be ready. You have me word on it.

And the planning began that night.

Chapter 6

C olin! the young boy’s mother yelled. You better get to bed. You have to get up early! You don’a want to be late gettin’ to Lochwind in the mornin’! You don’a keep a lord waitin’, son!

Aye, Mum. For sure, I won’a. I have to get the stables ready for the beasts by eight. I’ll be gone before sunup! the boy called back.

Smiling, Margaret put away her needlepoint and went to the kitchen to pack a meal for him to take to his new job. Colin was a typical boy of sixteen, strong of will and body. She was glad he found a job at Lochwind’s stables. It would teach him responsibility, something she thought children these days don’t take seriously enough.

She had spoken to Harry, the blacksmith, that afternoon, and he had assured her that the new Lord of Lochwind was a fine man, even though he did come from the States. Besides, she knew that Graham would watch after Colin.

As she turned her light off in her bedroom, she could hear Colin moving around in his room. He was still awake and making a bit of noise. What on earth is he still doing awake? She was going to get up and find out but thought better of it. If he was going to hold a man’s job, she should give him a man’s space.

Colin was going through his closet, finding the perfect clothes to wear for his first day on the job. This wasn’t just any job! Oh no! He was going to work for the Lord of Lochwind, an American! All the other guys were going to be so jealous! He had to make a good impression on the new lord! He couldn’t go to work at Lochwind lookin’ the pauper!

He chose his best pair of old jeans and a sweatshirt