Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat Book 5) (5 page)

At a knock on the door, she crossed and bid two lads to enter. Barefoot and with sooty imprints on the knees of their loose-legged breeches, they heaved a tub before the fireplace then scurried out. A servant entered carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of oats and a trencher of meat. The maid set it on the side table then took the water basin John had used to shave with last night and tossed the soapy mess out the chamber window.

Another maid arrived, placed a drying cloth and bar of soap next to the water jug and set a clean basin down while another lass crossed to the navy curtained ambry with an armful of clothing. As she laid the clothing on the bed, a splash of teal peeked through from underneath a fur cloak.

“What do you wish to wear, my lady?” The maid hung the garments.

“The teal gown. Leave it out, please.” It was the gown she’d dreamed she’d worn to the cave and it seemed right to ensure she donned it today.

The maid directed the lads as they returned with pails of steaming water, then she added vanilla scented oil and a sprinkle of dried petals. Done, she closed the door behind her after the servants filed out.

Alone, Katherine sat at the side table, lifted the small bowl of honey and swirled it over top of the hot oats. She slid a spoonful into her mouth. Delicious, and it tasted exactly like Mum used to make on those cold winter mornings when she’d been a child. Her chest throbbed and she blinked furiously, suddenly fighting tears. Grief hit at the most unexpected times, when a thought or memory fluttered. She and Marie talked often about Mum, but her sister wasn’t here to share her current burden. Her mother’s passing at forty-five had been far too young, but cancer struck no matter what age. At least they’d had three years together before her illness had finally taken her.

Scrubbing a hand over her face, she murmured, “I miss you Mum. I wish you could have lived and traveled to this glorious place.”

The wind whistled through the window the maid had left partially open and lifted her hair across her face. Soft words whispered through. “I am always with you.”

“Who is that?” She spun about then hurried to the window and planted her hands on the stone windowsill. Thick tree branches scraped against the side of the castle and birds twittered from within the thick green foliage, but not a soul was in sight. She opened the window wider and sunshine beamed in, hit the looking glass and sent prisms of colors shimmering all around her.

“You’re alive and well, my daughter.” More whispered words, but coming from where?

“Mum?” She searched the chamber but saw nothing. “Are you really here?”

“Yes, but I can’t draw together a form you can see unless there are enough elements in the air to do so. The last time we spoke, I managed it by bringing forth mist and moonlight.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.” She grasped her chest and tried to breathe through the pounding of her heartbeat. “Does that mean all my dreams are real?”

“Yes, and I’m here now because you need me. Death came but couldn’t take you, not when you and I both begged the fae to intervene. To ensure your survival the fae bound you to another here in the past, the warrior, John MacDonald. You must keep him close as the fae instructed you to.”

“I know I’m supposed to keep him close, but bound? What do you mean by bound?”

“As you drew your last breath, a piece of your soul lifted free and bound itself to him. You cannot live if he doesn’t.”

“Holy moly.” That she’d never seen in her dreams, yet she couldn’t deny the depth of their bond. She thrived on being close to him, but why would the fae do that? “Mum, his future is set. He’s meant for another.”

“Your soul would not have been bound to his if that were so.” Her mother’s voice drifted to the area behind the looking glass propped on the side table.

Katherine stepped up to the glass and gasped at her own reflection. Her white-blond hair shimmered and her skin sparkled. Blue eyes, a midnight shade, twinkled as bright as precious sapphires. She patted her flushed cheeks. “What’s happening to me?”

“Your fae blood strengthens now you’re in this time and closer to the fae realm. Embrace that part of you and allow the visions you’ve had to guide you. They will come when they’re needed, and only then.” Warm air swished around and soothed her. “You must accept your place here in the past as Marie has done. You and your sister are two halves of one whole, the beginning and the end, and I wish for you the life you should always have—”

The door banged open and John stood there, his chest heaving, his gaze moving frantically around the room then over her. “Why are you glowing?”

“My mother is here. Why are you back?”

“Because my chest aches and I can feel your distress as if it were my own.” He closed the door and grasped her hand. “Where is she? Your mother?”

“I can’t stay, Katherine,” her mother whispered, “and only you can hear me. Blood of my blood and no other. Stay safe. As the fae said, ‘
To bring peace, you must unite.
’” Her voice floated away, and as the sun slipped behind a layer of cloud, the room darkened. In the looking glass, the glow around her dispersed and she once again appeared her usual self.

“She’s gone, but she was here. My mother came to me, as I dreamt she did in the circle. It’s all real. All of it.”

“I believe you.” He gripped her shoulders, ran his hands down her arms and back up again as he stared into her eyes. “You feel far too warm.”

“My mother told me my fae blood strengthens now I’m in this time and closer to the fae realm. I’m to embrace that part of me and allow my visions to guide me. We’re soul bound.”

“What? Soul bound? Are you sure? How did that happen?”

“In the circle, I breathed my last and the fae intervened. A piece of my soul lifted free and bound itself to you. It’s you who keeps me grounded to this time.” Her fingers tingled and she clenched and unclenched her fists. “I cannot live if you do not. My mother’s words, and they were crystal clear.”

He lifted her hands to his lips, ran his thumbs across her palms then blew cool air across them. “What I feel for you runs deep and has since the moment we met. In truth, I can easily accept we’re soul bound. I freely desire such a bond.”

“Being soul bound doesn’t mean I’m going to change your future. It just means I have to take more care.”

He tipped up her chin with one hand, wrapped his arm around her waist with the other and drew her more fully against him. Every inch where they touched sizzled. Even her nipples ached, so sharp and painfully.

“The more we’re together, John, the closer we become.”

“Aye.”

“We can’t allow this bond to take us over.” She pulled away and paced the chamber. “We’ll need a plan.”

“Katherine.” John stepped in her path and blocked her way. “I dinnae care to see you so anxious.”

“Everything’s changed.”

“Aye, but in a good way.”

“In a way that can never last.”

“I willnae take things further with you unless you wish it. I give you my word on that. I’m no rogue.”

“I need some time to think through all that my mother has said.”

“Then take that time, but this afternoon, we will talk more.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and left, his last glance over his shoulder, a smoldering one.

The heat in his golden gaze spoke of promises she longed to accept, to claim for herself. If only she’d always lived in this time. No matter what her mother said, his future was set.

Katherine shed her nightrail and stepped into the tub. After sinking into the glorious water, she lazed her head on the rim and relaxed with a heartfelt sigh. She needed this moment, to consider all her options. Traveling to her MacLean kin on Mull and seeing to the fae’s request was paramount. The mission given to her by the little folk had to come first.

She stroked the amulet at her neck. Mary’s talisman, now hers to hold, would provide the safe passage she needed. Only how could she change John’s mind about coming with her?

The water cooled and she picked up the soap and lathered it. She went under then emerged and worked soap bubbles through her hair. Done, she dipped and rinsed again

“Katherine?” A knock sounded on the door. “’Tis Mary. John sent me to sit with you. He worries.”

“Come in, Mary.”

Mary bustled in wearing a billowy burgundy gown, her riot of red-gold curls swaying forward over her distended belly, her baby now due in only a few more weeks. Slowly, she eased into the navy padded corner armchair, stretched her legs and wriggled her slippered feet. “So, what have you done to cause poor John to worry this day?”

“He worries because last night I was drawn to the circle and once I slipped inside, one of the fae spoke to me.” Leaning closer to Mary, she rested her arms on the rim. “I’ve been instructed to wear your amulet and to journey to Mull. Apparently I’m to bring some peace between the clans.”

“Oh, I see.” A frown marred her brow. “Then ’tis no wonder he worries. So many times I’ve stood inside the circle and wished for peace between my clans. The war that rages breaks my heart, and now you and Marie are here at a time when things are so unstable.” She rubbed her belly then rose to her feet. “The babe kicks up a storm this morn. ’Tis difficult to sit still for long.”

“Would going for a walk help to ease your discomfort?”

“Aye. Some fresh air and movement would help.” Massaging her back, Mary waddled back and forth across the room.

“Give me a minute to get dressed and we’ll go for a walk together.” She set the soap aside as she stepped out of the water then grabbed the drying cloth and patted herself dry.

“When I left John below in the great hall, he was busy rousing a party of warriors to search the woods. He insisted every inch be scoured for MacLeans. Do you know what that might be about?”

“I take it you asked him but he didn’t wish to worry you?” She donned her pink silk bra and panties, a sark, then eased the teal gown over her head. The soft folds shimmered down her hips and swished to her ankles. She laced the front stays to the top of the square-cut neckline trimmed with a lacy ribbon, then slid her feet into the matching slippers.

“Aye, he’s a stubborn lout, as are all men.”

She laughed as she picked up a brush, separated her hair into sections and combed. “Oh Mary, we are kindred spirits. I couldn’t agree more.”

“Mount up and prepare to leave.” John’s order rumbled through the open window.

Katherine hurried across. Below in the courtyard, twenty or so MacDonald warriors mounted their horses while an equal number wearing green, red and blue plaids raced under the arch and down the trail to the sea-gate. John led the group heading toward the birlinn moored at the stone landing while a redheaded lad ran to keep up with his fast stride. James. Mary’s eldest son was only ten yet was always in the thick of things

John leaped on board and offered James a steadying hand as he bounded in after him.

Mary peered over Katherine’s shoulder. “Since John is taking my son with him, his mission cannae be too dangerous.”

“He’s only looking for one man, so no, it shouldn’t be.”

Mary squeezed her arm. “Please tell me what this is all about, or I shall go mad with wonder.”

“Last night I had a dream, or I should say a vision. A MacLean warrior by the name of Finlay abducted me. Now John has decided to take every precaution and search for him.”

“I know of a MacLean warrior named Finlay. He was often assigned to watch-point duty. The man had eagle eyes and could move like a shadow. Since one of Lachlan’s greatest battle strategies is to keep a close eye on his enemy, I’ve no doubt one or two of his warriors continue to remain on Islay even though they lost the battle at the Rhinns.”

“All to oars and ready the sail.” John strode to the helm, a commanding presence with his brown and blond streaked hair brushing his claymore strapped in a baldric across his back. He appeared every inch a warrior prepared to battle. Pumping a fist in the air, he shouted, “We search for MacLeans and will remove any threat against our clan.”

The men rowed then as the sail caught the fresh breeze, the birlinn sped out of the bay and beyond her sight toward the north. In the courtyard, dust plumed as the strong contingency of mounted warriors galloped out the gate and rode into the forest.

“You’ll need to take great care if you’re experiencing such visions, Katherine.” Mary breathed deep. “You must no’ speak of them around any other than those you hold absolute trust with. These are dangerous days for any who might be called out as a witch. The stake is no place for you.”

“I’ll be careful, very careful. Let’s go for that walk.” She looped her arm through Mary’s and guided her out the door.

“Moving certainly eases the pain and the midwife will have me abed for a sennight or more once the babe is born. I long to feel the sunshine on my face afore the opportunity passes me by.”

“Then sunshine you’ll get.” She wandered with Mary down the winding stairwell and into the great hall where beautiful tapestries hung on the stone walls. Above the blazing fireplace, a massive two-handed great sword encrusted with precious stones, glinted. She rounded the trestle tables and ambled past a maid wiping the elevated dais’s tabletop. Near the door, a boy wearing tan breeches two inches too short and a long green tunic, swept dust into a pile.

They eased past him, walked outside and crossed the stony courtyard where a cart had been loaded with supplies and tools to complete the rebuild at Ardbeg. Following an attack by the MacLeans a few short weeks ago, fires had raged and destroyed a number of longhouses within the seaside village. A score of warriors left each day to join the villagers and aid them in repairing their homes.

They continued on, through the arched gates then down the steep trail to the lower courtyard. Along the pebbly beach, white-capped waves tumbled in and retreated leaving dense foam and tangled seaweed.

A guard followed them then halted a short distance away, ensuring their protection even as he allowed them a little privacy. He scanned the forest’s tree line, his gaze on the constant move.

Katherine couldn’t help but shake her head. “I hate that we all have to live so on guard.”

“Aye, but this is lovely, being outside. ’Tis just what I needed.” Mary waddled across to a boulder and perched on top of it, her burgundy skirts skimming the stones around her. She surveyed the bay and smiled as two fishermen rowed their skiff in and hauled it half onto the beach. They knelt before flat stones and cleaned their catch as a maid with her hair hidden underneath a frilly white linen cap dashed down from the castle with a wooden pail and set it next to the men.

Katherine sat on the boulder next to Mary. “I need you to tell me more about Lachlan. John enlightened me this morning about how the feud began, but I feel as if there’s more to it.”

“Of course, if it shall aid you. Lachlan was my father’s only son, his heir and successor.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “My sisters and I adored him, although Lachlan grew up well afore his time since Father passed when he was only fifteen. He was still a minor when he had to lead our clan. Even so, we called him Big Lachlan. Fifteen he may have been, but no one could miss him in a crowd, no’ when he towered over them all. His skills were immense, and he excelled with the sword. He also learnt at a young age that if he wished to hold his position then he needed to fight. He battled, for land, for his kin, and for all that he desired.” She rolled her shoulders and stretched her back. “As such, little ever escaped Lachlan’s notice. He’s a strategist, as my father never was.”

“Your father died young, didn’t he?”

“Aye, and he enjoyed his pleasures and burdened our clan with large debts in his five years as chief. Now Lachlan wars as he does in order to return to our clan all Father lost.”

A seagull squawked as it circled overhead. It followed the maid as she clomped back uphill toward the castle, her full pail scraping the odd bump in the winding track.

She rose and edged in behind Mary. “Children in this day grow up far faster than they should, but to lead an entire clan at fifteen is quite an accomplishment.” With one knee resting on the boulder, she bent and massaged Mary’s lower back. “Tell me if this helps or hurts.”

She sighed with delight. “Ahh, ’tis wonderful, and aye, Lachlan’s ability to lead is strong. I worry though. There’s no telling what he’ll do once presented with the king’s demands.”

“King James VI was known as one of the greatest kings of all times.” What she’d read about him in the future had intrigued her. Because of his birth, he’d successfully united the kingdoms of England and Scotland at the turn of the coming century. He’d led with determination during his long reign. “I wish I’d tried to read up more about this feud. What of Lachlan’s family on Mull? How do you think they’ll fare with him being imprisoned?”

“Lachlan wed Lady Margaret, the Earl of Glencairn’s daughter afore our feud began. They have bairns, and she’s a caring woman. Five years ago when I was forced to send James to Duart as a hostage in my husband’s stead, she did all she could to ensure my son didnae suffer too greatly. Even though I wasnae there, James told me so himself.” She wriggled higher and tapped her sides. “Here too, please. The pain stretches wide.”

“John mentioned that to me, that James was brought into this feud. I’m so sorry that happened to your son.”

“’Tis our captain, Archie MacDonald,” a guardsman shouted as he rushed across the top of the barbican. “He returns.”

“Archie and Marie are back?” Excitement thrummed through her. With her hand on her brow, she searched the coastline toward the south. “I don’t see anyone.”

“Aye, look.” Mary pushed to her feet. “There beyond the whitecaps. Archie’s already lowered the sail.”

A large wave rolled in and Archie’s skiff came into sight. He gripped the boat’s rudder, adjusted his course toward the sea-gate and cruised in.

One of the guards jumped into the waist-high water, seized the bow and roped the skiff to a catch between two bobbing birlinns.

In black pants and a white tunic fluttering free, Archie bounded onto the landing. He extended a hand to Marie and she grinned and leapt into his arms, her long white-blond hair streaming behind her in the brisk sea breeze. Her sister wore a pair of borrowed lad’s breeches and a matching beige colored shirt that had to be Archie’s since it enveloped her to her knees. Marie still struggled with the long gowns and wore pants whenever it suited, and going sailing definitely suited.

Archie adjusted a travel pack over his shoulder and with his arm around Marie’s waist, guided her over the slippery stones and onto the grassy verge. Her sister’s rosy cheeks and wide smile gave evidence of her happiness. She couldn’t be happier for her. Marie had fallen in love with a man who would protect her with his last breath.

“Marie!” She waved out and her sister spun around, waved back then raced toward her. Arms opened, she caught Marie as she plowed into her. “Whoa.”

“I missed you, sis.” Marie bounced around in a little circle.

“I’ve missed you more.” She breathed in her sister’s sweet white rose scent and squeezed her tight. “Tell me everything you got up to on your honeymoon, and don’t miss out on one thing.”

“Archie kept me naked most of the time.” Marie chuckled. “But I don’t think that’s what you meant. One sec.” She reached out and pulled Mary into their hug. “I’ve missed you too, Mary. How’s the baby?”

“The babe kicks something fierce this day.” Mary kissed Marie’s cheek. “I shall go and welcome Archie home and allow you two to catch up.”

“Be careful walking across the beach.” She squeezed Mary again then let her go. “I’ll hunt you down later so we can chat.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” Mary toddled off toward Archie now surrounded by warriors clapping him on the back.

Marie clasped Katherine’s face and touched their foreheads together. “I loved my honeymoon, but I feel like I left you behind to fend for yourself. Has John looked after you? What about your nightmares? Have they eased at all? You’re all I could think about while I was gone.”

“I better not have been, and yes, John watches over me, like a hawk. There’s so much I have to tell you, but you go first. I want to hear all about the Rhinns. Is it as beautiful as everyone says?”

“It’s stunning, and I can see exactly why Lachlan MacLean battles for it. It’s such a large parcel of land with lochs and bens and grassy moors. We made camp along the beach when we first arrived, tramped and explored the reserve. It’s the perfect sanctuary for wildlife. You and I have to go there together, and soon, before autumn passes. The golden-bronze colors of the trees, and the thickness and beauty of the forest reminds me of the Gold Coast’s National Park. You remember that camping trip Mum took us on to the Park when we were fifteen, right?”