The Spellbinder: Highland Eyes

by Marissa St. James

  "So you've handfasted with my boy.” David's dark eyes and serious features hid his thoughts. “We couldn't have picked a better daughter-in-law, if we'd tried. Are you both happy?"

  "About as happy as two people can be, separated by seven hundred years and an argument.” Meryl took a bite of her sandwich. Clearing one's conscience made one rather hungry, she decided. “When I think on it now, I guess I was being really stubborn about it. He thinks I need protecting from someone or something. He refuses to say who or what, but I have a feeling it all has something to do with my inheritance."

  Martha looked alarmed. “Why would anyone want to hurt you?"

  "Don't know, unless...” Meryl paused. Only one reason came to mind. “If I knew what my inheritance involved, I might have a better idea, but no one seems to know. I have to wait for my next birthday to claim it."

  "You'll stay with us until the matter is settled. I'm sure our son will get to the bottom of it,” Martha insisted and glanced at her husband. She got up and began clearing the table. Meryl's offer to help was tactfully refused.

  "I don't think he knows where I am, if...” Meryl refrained from finishing the thought—if he were still alive. The broken sword bothered her. What happened to him after she disappeared? For all she knew, he could have made a cursory search for her after she disappeared, and having found nothing, taken up with Rose—if her last sight of him was any indication. A scowl briefly crossed her features.

  Meryl followed her hosts into the living room, still deep in thought. She regretted the argument she'd had with Tristan. If she could do anything to change the outcome of his future, she would, but to do that, she had to stop thinking about him for now and figure out a way back to 1306. “Isn't this the last day for the car show at the mall?” she asked unexpectedly. “What do you say we go over there for the afternoon?"

  "I think we've had enough dreams for a while,” David commented.

  "Oh, come on,” Meryl cajoled her father-in-law, putting her arm through his. “Humor a young girl. I don't know how long I'll be here. I could get zapped out of here as quickly as I arrived. I have no control over my travel plans, and if it should happen, I want to take memories with me, something I can share with your son."

  Martha's face brightened at the suggestion and David relented.

  "Who knows what the afternoon will bring. I have a feeling it could be very interesting.” Meryl's eyes gleamed with mischief as she linked her arms with the older couple. “We're off to see the wizard..."

  David and Martha laughed and stepped quickly to fall in beside their daughter-in-law.

  * * * *

  The size of the crowd amazed Meryl. People of all ages were in awe of the display. Owners proudly showed off well-kept antiques representing over a hundred years of automotive history. Bright colors, shiny chrome and polished interiors beckoned enthusiasts. The sights piqued Meryl's interest but at the same time, she felt out of place. Had six months in medieval Scotland made such a great impression on her? The present certainly didn't feel like home anymore. She sighed.

  Meryl heard her sigh echoed and rejoined Martha and David. “Okay,” she stood between them and stared at the object of their attention. “What have we here?” A sleek sports car was centered on the raised platform. Meryl didn't know the first thing about cars, but she did know expensive when she saw it.

  "Many years ago, David and I were planning our wedding. We wanted something small, just family and a few friends. War in Asia was over for the most part and we knew England was going through some changes—again. But we didn't want to think about it. We were young and very much in love.” She turned and smiled at her husband as he took her hand in his and gave it a little squeeze. “And there it was. The most beautiful car we had ever seen, parked in the village. A wealthy couple was driving through and they had stopped to purchase something or other. We were admiring it and we agreed, one day we would own one just like it. Then we would drive across Europe and see all there was to see."

  "It was a wonderful dream,” David added.

  "And that's all it ever was,” Martha sighed. “So many things had changed in the meantime. Then we had Tristan and his older sister to rear. After a while, we forgot our dreams, as all dreams are, sooner or later."

  "That's a long time to have a dream. According to the ad, here, there's to be a drawing in about,” Meryl turned David's arm and glanced at his watch, “an hour. What are you waiting for? Go register for the drawing."

  Meryl felt a prickle down her spine and glanced about. Someone watched her. She scanned the crowds, but didn't see anyone who appeared suspicious. Must be her imagination. “Martha, I'll be back shortly, in time for the drawing. There's something I have to do."

  She moved along with a group of people and followed them into the mall. “Meryl!” A voice called to her; Meryl chose to ignore it. She felt panic building within her. For the McConnell's sake, she had to lose whoever followed her, wanting her attention. She turned sharply into a secondary hall and ducked into the nearest shop.

  "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to avoid me."

  Meryl started at the voice behind her. “Cara! Must you always sneak up on me? What are you doing here?” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “It isn't safe to be seen with me."

  "Sorry.” Cara looked anything but. “Where have you been? You vanished over six months ago without a word and that hunky guy you told me about hasn't been leaving any roses either. That stopped about the same time. What gives, girlfriend? Your aunt will be thrilled to find out you're back."

  Meryl scanned the crowds again to be sure no one watched them, then grabbed her best friend's wrist and dragged her into a secluded corner. “You can't tell Enchantra you've seen me."

  "Why not? She's been angry and worried about you, by turns. Her new husband thinks you're the most inconsiderate creature on earth to vanish without a by-your-leave.” Cara managed to get her wrist free and rubbed the pinkened skin. She had never seen her best friend act this way before—paranoid was the word for it. “You could at least relieve her mind, even if you don't want to stick around,” she added.

  "You don't understand. Someone's after me; I don't know who or why. You could be putting youself in danger just by being here talking to me."

  Cara glanced around. “Everything looks normal to me. Anyway, I just saw you with that old couple, and they didn't look as if they were in any danger."

  "Maybe not at the moment, but they will be if I stay here much longer. Promise me you won't say anything to Enchantra."

  Cara made no reply.

  "This is important, Cara. You have to promise me you won't say anything."

  "All right! All right! If it means that much to you."

  "Thanks. You're the best.” Meryl gave her friend a quick hug, then stared over Cara's shoulder, at first not able to make out what she saw in the shadowed corner. A transparent image, more like a visual distortion, reached out to her. She thought of the alien in a sci fi movie, a ripple in the scenery. She was staring at something similar.

  She heard the apparition call to her by name.

  "Tristan,” she whispered.

  "Who's Tristan?” Cara wanted to know. “Is he the guy who sent you those roses? Don't trust him, Meryl. If he can just dump you so easily, then you don't want to be with him."

  "That advice is a bit late. I have to go, Cara. Don't forget your promise not to say anything. First chance I get, I'll see Enchantra and explain everything to her.” Meryl hurried away, ducking between clothing racks, until she felt safe again. When she glanced back, she breathed a sigh of relief to see her best friend walking in the opposite direction.

  "Why I should love you, Tristan McConnell, I will never understand,” she huffed. How Meryl missed him. She closed her eyes for a moment and invisible fingers brushed gently against her cheek. With the light touch against her face, she promised herself she'd find a way back to him and they'd settle their differences, one way or anoth
er. When she opened her eyes again, the transparent figure had disappeared. Meryl was thankful Cara never saw it.

  If Tristan could find her, so could whoever wanted to harm her. She had to return to the fourteenth century and face her enemy, whoever it was.

  Meryl hurried out to the lot where the drawing for the sports car was about to be held. David and Martha held hands tightly. Meryl wanted to see their dream come true. Could she do it? She was only beginning to learn to cast spells and was far from good at it. She didn't want them to worry about their son. Having never been a parent herself, she couldn't fully appreciate the concern that never abated, but the less they thought about him now, the safer they would all be. What better way to temporarily redirect their concern than to have a dream come true?

  She concentrated on the announcer, watched him reach into a large box. There must have been hundreds, maybe thousands of entry forms dropped in the carton she mused. A warm glow built at her center. She felt it once before, when she hid the warriors from the English. She watched the announcer's arm move back and forth, mixing the contents of the box. Her pale gray eyes squeezed shut and she mumbled a few words.

  "The winner is ... David and Martha McConnell!” Martha squealed with delight as David hugged her. They shared a quick kiss, much to the announcer's amusement.

  Meryl caught Dinks when he jumped into her arms. “I know, it's time for us to leave.” She scratched behind his ears and listened to his purr. She checked her pocket to be sure her little wizard was secure there. This time she made sure to pin the little character to the inside of her pocket. She then directed her thoughts to the happy couple and whispered her farewell. “Many thanks for all your kindness. It's time for me to be on my way. Go for that trip you've always wanted and enjoy yourselves. In due time, your son will return to see you. I'll make sure of it."

  Meryl hugged her cat a little tighter. “I don't know if this will work, Dinks, but I'll give it a shot. We have to leave here now.

  "Past and present

  Cannot mix;

  Let us return

  To thirteen oh six."

  "I know, I know. It's not the greatest rhyme, but what do you expect on the spur of the moment?” Meryl felt a whirlwind begin to tease and grow in power until she and Dinks were caught up in it. She held the cat snugly in her arms, grateful she and Dinks were standing at the edge of the crowd where no one would notice her vanishing act. If anyone did glance her way, they'd think the afternoon breeze toyed with her skirts. She hoped no one would notice.

  "We're coming home, Tristan,” she whispered, then chuckled when Dinks growled. Her voice faded in the depths of darkness.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  1306 Scotland

  Clan members stood in silence, afraid to make any sudden moves. They didn't like what they were being forced to witness but knew they couldn't overcome the guards preventing them from interfering. Some flinched at the sound of each blow as it landed. Others looked away, not wanting to watch the proceedings. They had been wondering of late, if maybe Meryl was responsible for the bad things going on after all. The trouble started almost immediately after she vanished. Why else would she have disappeared if she weren't responsible for their hardships? They were reluctant to believe anyone else would take part in such doings.

  Tristan staggered between the two warriors. Only their iron grip on his upper arms kept him standing. One green eye was swollen shut and a thin trickle of blood dried at the corner of his split lip. Bruises darkened the edge of his jaw. Graeme's voice continued to pound at Tristan, demanding to know where Meryl had disappeared. The warrior said nothing. His silence only infuriated Graeme more.

  Graeme's accusations continued. “She vanished, leaving you here to do her bidding. Renounce her as a witch and I'll release you.” His voice carried throughout the great hall, forcing every inhabitant to listen in fear, wondering which of them would be next.

  Maisri stood silent, her arms wrapped around her granddaughter's shoulders. She heard Brenna sniffle, and tightened her arms about the child in assurance. Graeme's words had to be lies. If they were truth, where did that leave the highlanders? Where did it leave the master?

  Tristan glared at his attacker through his one good eye.

  "Has she such an unholy hold on you, you cannot say where she is? Be assured, Tristan, the well water has been tainted, and three people have become deathly ill from it. I am surprised there haven't been more. The cows stopped giving milk. A month since Meryl disappeared and Dun Ceathach is cursed. Tell us where she is so we may properly remove the curse she's obviously put on us."

  "Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you. I'd rather she stay wherever she is and never return, than be falsely accused by you. What is it you really want with her?” Tristan paused. “To think I called you friend. Your ambition's destroyed the good sense you once had. You are dead to me."

  Tristan doubled over when a solid blow knocked the breath from his lungs.

  "Throw him in the dungeon and let him reconsider his loyalties,” Graeme ordered the men. “He'll remain there until I decide what's to be done with him.” Graeme watched the soldiers drag Tristan from the great hall, then turned his attention to the rest of the clan. “Anyone stepping forward with information on the whereabouts of Lady Meryl will be rewarded."

  The villagers glanced at one another, wondering if someone could possibly know where the woman in question might be hiding. If anyone knew where she was, it would be Tristan, and he didn't seem to know any more than they did.

  "What are you all standing around for? Get back to your chores.” Graeme angrily barked out the order, then stared as they slowly went about their duties. Graeme spoke to Malcolm, but didn't look at the man. “One of these fools has to know where she is."

  "You don't really intend to charge her as a witch, do you?” Malcolm spoke quietly, not letting his words carry to nearby workers. He saw one or two glance at him then quickly turn away.

  "Only as a last measure. I have other plans for her."

  "She's Tristan's handfasted wife."

  "And their bond is broken when he's dead.” Graeme's eyes darkened to the color of thunder clouds, just before a breaking storm. Malcolm backed away. He knew that look only too well. No one dared stand in Graeme's way now.

  * * * *

  Rose went about her duties, casting surreptitious glances at the two warriors. Somehow, she had to find a way to help Tristan.F Maybe she didn't like Meryl, but to be charged with witchcraft ... It meant a horrendous death, and she didn't know of anything Meryl had done which could smack of black magic. In fact, the girl had to admit reluctantly, everything Meryl had done up to the time of her disappearance had been for the benefit of the clan. She couldn't imagine the outsider disappearing and causing trouble in secret.

  All Rose could do was wait and watch. If she paid attention, surely she could find a way to help the man she cared for, even if he did belong to another woman.

  Famhair lay in a corner out of the way and watched the goings on. He'd already been whipped once for trying to protect his master. A bloody welt ran down the length of his hind quarter. At least the burning wasn't so bad now. There were too many people to allow him room to attack the yellow haired human, and he had too many followers with swords. One dark haired female showed promise. Famhair could tell by the way she moved and watched the others, she was planning something. With the attention she had shown in his master some time earlier, she seemed the most logical to try something. He continued to watch her with interest, waiting patiently to see what she would come up with, then he'd help her if he could. He waited for the time when he'd be able to sink his teeth into the hated warrior, and hoped he wouldn't have to wait too long.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  "She's finally learned the truth about her young man."

  "He isn't her young man,” the male voice gruffly disagreed. “He's yet to prove his worthiness."

  She laughed. “Must he fight dragons for her? Look at the way he prote
cts her, even though he has no idea where she might be. Men are all the same. You forget humans are no longer in dark ages and you still think you have the right to make that decision for a woman. What about love? She handfasted with him. Does that not count for anything?"

  "Humph. It is the way things are done.” His reply was gruff but he refused to look at her.

  "Did we not choose freely?” she asked gently.

  "It matters not at this point. She has yet to return to him. By the time she does return, she may have changed her mind about him."

  "She must have the right to choose freely if she is to become what is expected of her."

  The male turned his attention back to the young woman and hid a smile. He would never allow his mate the satisfaction of knowing he agreed with her.

  * * * *

  Somewhere in American colonies

  The sleek body crouched in the underbrush. Green eyes glowed, floating in the darkness, watching for any hint of movement. The tip of a long tail twitched. Muscles bunched, as the watcher's body prepared for action, but the eyes never left its quarry. The predator edged a fraction closer, careful not to make a sound. It was ready to attack.

  Dried leaves crackled faintly beneath a soft footfall. The tiny creature being stalked heeded the warning and skittered away to safety. Slender hands reached into the underbrush and gently pulled the watcher from its hiding place. The cat hissed its annoyance.

  "So this is where you've been hiding. Really, Dinks, I would think you'd have more important things to do than chase mice...” she lowered her head and whispered in his ear, “like finding out why we ended up here, and how we get out.” Meryl brushed back her black hair as the cat settled himself in the crook of her other arm. “I know ... the spell didn't take us back far enough. You've been complaining ever since we arrived here, but there's nothing I can do about it right now. What'd you expect from a novice?” she asked defensively. “And yet...” her voice softened as she replayed their arrival again in her mind. “I could almost feel some kind of barrier. I keep getting the feeling someone is watching, playing with us.” She shrugged her shoulders in disappointment. “Maybe I'm not as smart as I'd like to believe.” She spoke softly to her pet, rubbing her cheek against his soft fur, then stepped away from the underbrush. An angry voice caught her attention.