The Spellbinder: Highland Eyes

by Marissa St. James

  Alex's head jerked upward again when he heard a distant growl. “Did you hear that? There's a wildcat somewhere close by. If Jessie's out there and hurt...” Alex didn't finish the statement. He grabbed his battered hat from the table and rushed toward the tavern door. Daniel leaped out of his chair, knocking it over in his haste to follow Alex. The younger man wasn't going to wait for him.

  Meryl had slipped into a back room for a moment, then reappeared with her cloak tossed about her shoulders and a rolled up blanket in her arms. “I'll go with you,” she called out, following them. Both men turned briefly to glance at her. “If Jessica is hurt, you'll need me to look after her."

  Daniel nodded his assent and both men hurried into the stable to get their horses.

  She knew what they would find when they located Jessica. Only Meryl could stop them from killing the wildcat. She'd heard the cry as well, and wondered what was going on. What had Dinks got himself into this time? She stooped to pick up the mitten Daniel dropped when he grabbed Alex, then shifted the blanket in her arms and ran after the two men.

  Meryl glanced around the stable and grabbed a coil of rope, then led a mare out into the yard. A hunting dog bounded toward the trio and she spoke softly to it. She held out Jessica's mitten for the dog to sniff and waited a moment for him to catch the scent of the missing girl. “Find her, Copper, find Jessica.” The hunter leaped sideways and headed away from the tavern. Meryl mounted the mare. “Well, what are you waiting for? Copper won't wait long for us."

  They followed the dog, putting distance between themselves and the settlement. The cry of the wildcat got louder, and Meryl could imagine what Daniel must have been thinking as he hurried along. He worried the cat would find Jessica before they did. She saw the pain in his eyes, and could only imagine what he might do if he lost his daughter. She glanced at Alex. The younger man wore the same expression. She wondered why Daniel couldn't see that Alex truly cared for Jessica.

  Meryl reached the cliff where Copper waited. The hunter peeked over the edge, barking furiously, his tail wagging proudly. He sounded as if he were carrying on a conversation with the wildcat. The barking and growls alternated. Meryl dismounted and stood as close to the edge as she dared. Very carefully, she peered over. About fifteen feet below, Jessica lay on the rock ledge, too afraid to move. A wrong turn would send her falling. Roots jutting out the side of the cliff had broken her fall. If not for them ... Meryl didn't want to think about it. A large black cat stood over the girl. The cat let loose one more snarl then looked up to the top of the cliff, waiting. Meryl hid her smile.

  Meryl took the rope from her pony and carried it to one of the larger horses. She tied one end to the saddle, then turned and offered the loose end to Alex.

  Daniel made a grab for it. “She's my daughter."

  "And you're too big,” Meryl caught his hand and reasoned with him. “There isn't much room down there. Alex has to go after her. We need you up here to lower him.” She watched the anger fade from his eyes as he accepted the logic of her reasoning.

  Alex hesitated a moment, waiting for Daniel to make his decision. When he saw the older man relent, he tied the rope securely around his own waist.

  "Bring her back safely,” Daniel pleaded. He had no choice but to trust the young farmer.

  Alex nodded.

  Meryl managed to brush aside most of the thin layer of snow to give Daniel a more secure footing near the cliff's edge. He nodded to the younger man as Alex carefully lowered himself over the side. Daniel played out the length of rope. Alex wrapped the rope about his cold hands trying not to lose his grip. Daniel braced himself and tried to control the pull of the younger man's weight as he made a slow descent. Every touch of the cliff's side brought loose dirt and stones down on Jessica. She had turned her face away to protect her eyes. The cat stood over the girl, its green eyes glaring up at the human dangling above them.

  "More rope,” Alex shouted up at them. “I'm still too high to reach her."

  "It's too short! The rope is too short!” Daniel was frantic.

  "Don't panic,” Meryl calmly replied as if they were on a picnic. “Probably just caught up on some scrub. Hold him steady while I take a look.” Meryl crouched near the edge, just close enough to let her look down. Jessica's attention was riveted on Alex. Meryl laid one hand on the rope, pretending to see if it was caught on anything. She felt a warmth bubble up from within, and managed to mumble a few unintelligible words. While she spoke softly, she ran her hand along the rope's length as far as she could reach. She felt Alex's weight pulling the rope taut while Daniel lowered him the rest of the way to the ledge. She gave a sigh of relief and took a step backward. The job was half done.

  Alex reached the ledge and held a hand out to Jessica, never taking his eyes from the wildcat. He thought it was odd the way the animal carefully backed away when it could have easily attacked him. “Jessica, love, come to me, slowly. Don't make any sudden moves to scare the cat."

  Jessica looked to the animal, it's green eyes turned to her and glowed in the fading light. She wasn't afraid. “Thank you,” she whispered. The cat's head bobbed up and down as if it understood. “It won't hurt us,” she told Alex.

  He undid the knots in the rope and tied it securely about her slender waist. “Wrap the rope about your hands, Jessie. Your father's at the other end, waiting for you."

  Jessica did as Alex told her and held tightly to the rope while her father pulled her to the top of the cliff. Daniel tugged his daughter clear of the edge then enfolded her in his arms and held her tightly. He closed his eyes and murmured a prayer of thanks.

  "Daniel,” Meryl interrupted the reunion, “Alex?” she reminded him. “I'll take care of Jessica.” She spoke quietly and draped a blanket about the girl's shoulders, then led her a short distance away. “Here. Take a sip or two of this. It'll help warm you.” Meryl slipped a flask to the girl and nodded encouragingly, despite Jessica's doubtful look.

  Jessica coughed and sputtered on the mellow taste of brandy. Meryl knew the liquid would send a welcome heat through the younger woman. If not for Dinks, Jessica would have frozen on the ledge. Dinks made a great blanket now and again.

  Alex pulled himself over the top of the cliff and lay still for a moment, catching his breath. Meryl took his arm and helped him slowly to his feet. When he finally stood up he silently untied the rope at his waist, then coiled the length back to the horse. He ran his hand lightly over the coiled loops hanging from the saddle horn. He was so sure the rope had been too short to reach Jessica, and yet he'd been able to rescue her. If it hadn't been for the cat's loud growls they might never have found Jessie. Alex turned from the sight of Daniel holding his daughter and rocking her in his arms. Alex picked up his horse's reins; it was best he return to his farm now. The cat was gone and Jessica was safe with her father. There was no reason for him to linger.

  "Alex,” a soft voice stopped him and he turned. He didn't want to look at her, but Jessica stood shyly before him. “Thank you, Alex. You saved my life.” Jessica wrapped her arms about his waist and kissed his cheek.

  Alex blushed and glanced at Daniel, remembering the older man's warning. “Your father...” Daniel's smile was tight as he turned away without a word. Alex's arms went about Jessica's slender figure and he held her close.

  * * * *

  Meryl stood in the quiet night beside the kitchen door watching Dinks. The cat wove through the brown and frozen tall grass, all that remained of the summer's growth. It was easier to see him, with the thick white blanket covering the ground. A chill ran up her spine which had nothing to do with the winter night. Meryl pulled her shawl tighter about her shoulders and searched the shadows across the courtyard. He was here; she could feel him. He stood within the darkest shadows, a transparent form. She missed him so much. Her heart filled with a longing to be reunited with her handfast husband.

  How was she going to find her way back to him? An even bigger question was why all this was happening to her in the
first place. Rose was jealous, but she didn't have this kind of ability or anything remotely like it. Meryl slowly stretched out her hand as if she could touch the apparition.

  She heard dark laughter from another corner of the courtyard. Dinks hissed at the sound. Meryl glanced about, looking to see if anyone was close by. Seeing no one around, she turned her attention back in the direction of the laugh.

  "Do you miss him?” a deep voice mocked her. “He has tried often to find you, but obviously with little success. He doesn't know where you are, but he feels you close, just as you can feel him.” There was a pause and a sigh, then the speaker went on. “I find such great pleasure in your torment. Just think of all the time lost. Even your poor witching ways can't bring you back to him.” The voice continued on, belittling and daring her to act. “Go to him,” it taunted. “You can try, but it won't be easy. I stand between you."

  Meryl turned to the spectre of her husband. She thought she heard it plead for her return, then it faded to nothing. She felt alone and abandoned.

  "Who are you? What do you want?” She kept her voice low, still sensing the second presence. It angered Meryl to realize this entity found such pleasure in tormenting her and standing in the way of her return to Tristan. Was the man she cared for in danger from this unseen being? The voice sounded masculine, but she couldn't be absolutely sure.

  "Haven't you guessed yet?” The voice laughed again, delighting in the riddle it created. “I am the one who will destroy you and all you are meant to be. You shouldn't exist. Your man should never have brought you back. Everything was going according to plan, until you appeared. By eliminating your presence, I can set things to right again. Go back to your time, Meryl. If you don't return, I'll see him destroyed, and you will be stripped of whatever powers you control. You cannot fight me and win. Your powers aren't nearly strong enough to stand against me, and never will be, but ... the decision is yours.” The voice laughed again and faded into the night.

  Meryl clenched her fists. There had to be a way to return to medieval Scotland, even if it took her all eternity to find it. She went back into the kitchen, shutting out the ghosts tormenting her. The kitchen heat slowly seeped into her body and soul, giving her hope. She had to find a way.

  * * * *

  A few days later, Jessica and Alex arrived at the tavern. “Good day to you both,” Meryl greeted them cheerfully. “You're looking much better, Jessica."

  Jessica's face flushed with excitement. “Thanks to you, I am much better. We came to tell you our good news,” Jessica blurted out. Her blue eyes shone brightly with happiness. “My father has agreed to allow us to marry at Christmas."

  "That is wonderful news, indeed,” Meryl agreed happily. “I wish you both the best life has to offer."

  "Have you noticed?” Alex asked, staring at Dinks lying contentedly in Meryl's arms. “The wildcat hasn't been seen or heard since we rescued Jessie.” The cat returned the gaze with an unblinking stare of its own. “I could have sworn that was the cat on the ledge with you, Jessica."

  "Dinks, here?” Meryl asked as the cat in question sat straighter in her arms, looking like an Egyptian sphinx. “It's not likely,” she added. “Dinks doesn't care much for heights.” She rubbed her face against Dinks, as if thinking for a moment.

  Meryl looked to the deserted garden and thought about the transparent figure she'd seen twice now. Who was interfering in her life, trying to take control, and manipulating events? After Tristan had knocked the cup of mead out of her hand, she finally realized the seriousness of her situation. If she'd listened to him, perhaps she'd still be at Dun Ceathach. Maybe having bodyguards following her around wouldn't have been so bad. Then again, if she had remained—as if she'd been given a choice to stay or go—she may have put another life in jeopardy. She couldn't do that to anyone, not even for her own safety.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  The female viewed the scene and drew in a sharp breath. “Why there?” she asked quietly.

  The male replied thoughtfully, “Perhaps our enemy, being unsuccessful thus far, has decided to go back to the beginning.” He saw a certain logic in such an approach. “If you cannot remove the offense, you cut out the source that created it."

  The female's dismay was obvious. She gave her companion a wistful smile when he wrapped his arm about her shoulders and gave them a light squeeze.

  "Don't fret, my dear. She is intelligent and will use caution,” he assured her.

  "If she doesn't know what awaits her, she could destroy all and not realize it."

  "You see? She goes too far back to cause more problems. It will all work out well."

  The female's smile was tentative. The male returned it, keeping his doubts to himself.

  * * * *

  Black void. Muted sounds, buzzing, like angry hornets rudely chased from their nest. No air. Her lungs felt empty and still while she fought for breath. A sudden gasp.

  Meryl knew she'd finally landed, wherever ‘here’ happened to be this time. “One day,” she muttered between coughing spasms, “I'll learn to control these miserable crash landings.” Strong, gentle hands helped her sit up, while a pair of smaller hands brought a cup to her lips.

  "Drink slowly” a feminine voice insisted as the cup was tipped, forcing Meryl to accept the watered down wine.

  Meryl felt a sense of panic, hoping whoever these people were, hadn't heard what she said. “What is this place?” she asked and regretted it as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

  "The master's villa, of course. The girl glanced at her male companion and they shared a worried look. “The fit is bad this time. The master will punish you when he finds out.” The girl lowered her voice. “He is not known for his kindness, but surely he would understand this unbearable heat. Never has there been a summer like this."

  Meryl's foggy mind began to clear. A fit. She supposed this woman's reaction to her sudden arrival in this strange place would appear as one. How much worse could things get?

  "Are you all right?” the young man asked.

  "Yeah, I think so. Thanks for your help.” Meryl looked up to see an older man standing in the open archway.

  "Flavia, Leander, return to your tasks.” A dark look flitted across Leander's features and vanished. The older man waited for the two slaves to leave before turning his attention to Meryl. “Adria, the master demands your presence—immediately."

  The master? Meryl glanced about the room then back at the older man and pointed to herself. Me? She mouthed the question, then shrugged and followed him. Adria, she thought, not a bad name. She'd have to get used to it quickly while she tried to find out where she was and figure a way out of this mess. She glanced about, wondering what had happened to Dinks. Had he made this journey with her, or did he get free of her and end up stuck in the colonial village?

  Where on earth had she landed anyway? There was no doubt in her mind that, once again, she'd overshot her destination. By the look of her surroundings, it was no near miss this time. Wide archways opened out onto a garden that should have been ablaze with color. Instead, it was dull and lifeless. Judging from the richness of the house, Meryl thought the garden should have been in better condition. Rich people loved their gardens and were often judged by how well the grounds were kept. She knew that well enough from the mansion and wondered vaguely if different people saw this place through different eyes. She saw plants that were brown and dry, resembling old parchment. The petals crumbled to dust at the slightest touch. Too much heat and lack of sufficient water had done this.

  Oil lamps hung from overhead beams and swayed slightly in the breeze. Despite the openness of the house, the interior should have been cooler. A hot breeze passed lazily through the room, letting the heat settle. Backless chairs, with frames curving upward on the sides, were covered with embroidered designs and strategically arranged to catch the cool breezes when they did exist. Meryl could feel the heat radiating from the decorative tile floor.

  "Hurry, you worthless
, slave. The master doesn't like to be kept waiting."

  Worthless? Slave? Meryl quickly glanced down at herself and noticed, for the first time, the belted knee length tunic she wore. Thin leather sandals were hot on her feet, but she resisted the temptation to kick them off. She didn't think these people would appreciate the move. Her long hair was plaited into a thick braid and hung damply against her back. The heat was miserable. If she could figure out the time and where she was, she'd have a better idea of how to escape and return to Scotland.

  They reached a shaded area of the courtyard and the older servant stepped to one side. When Meryl moved past him, he gave her a hard shove, sending her to her knees. She righted herself but didn't stand.

  "You may go, Phineas."

  Phineas bowed to his master and backed away, giving Meryl a distinctly menacing leer as he left.

  "Uh oh,” she mumbled under her breath. She was in deep trouble. Meryl didn't dare look around at the moment. She kept her eyes cast downward while she sat back on her heels. She waited ... and waited. Her patience grew thin.

  "It has been brought to my attention, you have been feigning ‘fits’ to avoid doing the tasks assigned to you.” The master pinched a half-dead flower from its stem and scattered its shriveled petals across the ground.

  Think fast. “The heat has proven more than I can bear, sir.” Meryl glanced up at the man who considered himself her owner. One eyebrow was raised. Oops. “Master,” she corrected herself quickly and watched his features relax after a moment of consideration.

  "Other slaves manage to do their work. Beliefs would say you are either cursed or blessed. I shall have to determine which applies to you. Do these fits not prevent you from carrying out your assigned tasks?"

  "Oh no, Master! The fits are gone almost as quickly as they occur.” Meryl sensed the thoughts going through his mind. He was scheming and it set her heart beating a little faster.