A Highlander's Destiny (Digital Boxed Edition)

by Willa Blair

  When he entered the kitchen a short while later, his mouth watered at the scent of freshly brewed coffee. His mother stood at the stove, stirring a pot of porridge. She set down her spoon and wordlessly held out her arms, and Ian stepped into them.

  They stood silently for a long moment, then Laura handed him a cup of coffee and they sat at the table.

  “For four years, I’ve looked for Abby in every crowd, heard her voice on the other end of every phone call. When I saw her at that fundraiser the other day, it was like all my dreams had finally come true. She was right there in front of me, and it was like I’d been given a chance to make things right. And now she’s gone, vanished into thin air before I even had that chance.”

  He stopped and took a shuddering breath before continuing. “It’s my fault, Mum. My fault she’s gone.”

  “Of course it isn’t, Ian. How could it possibly be your fault?”

  “We fought, Mum. She got upset and walked away, and I turned my back on her. And then she was gone.” Ian’s eyes burned. “She must think I abandoned her, just left her there after we argued. I can’t bear the thought of her being alone and terrified, in the dark, not knowing…”

  “Ian, listen to me. She knows you would never have abandoned her, no matter how much you might have argued and how angry you might have been. I promise you she knows that. I know you will find her, love. You just need to have faith.”

  “Faith in what, Mum? That there really is a portal in the mist, and that if I go through it, I’ll find her in another time? I can’t even believe I just said those words out loud!”

  “You have to have faith in your love for Abby.”

  He sighed and took a sip of the strong coffee. “That’s all I have. I just hope it’s enough.”

  “It will be.” Laura reached across the table and placed her hand over Ian’s. They remained that way, silently sipping their coffee, until Duncan and Robbie joined them a few minutes later. Robbie looked at his brother with concern, noting his haggard appearance. They ate in silence, and less than hour later, they were checking their gear and loading Lucifer and Wee Angus into the trailer.

  Laura came out to bid them goodbye. She went first to her husband, who pulled her close. “Don’t worry, darling, we’ll stay with him as long as it takes for him to go.” She nodded tearfully. He kissed her and handed her off to Robbie.

  “Bye, Mum.” Robbie kissed his mother’s cheek and then enveloped her in a bear hug that left her breathless. The others looked on curiously as Laura stared into his eyes for a moment. She leaned in close to whisper into Robbie’s ear, hugged him again, and then walked over to Ian, who glanced questioningly at his brother.

  “I’ll pray for you, my love. But I know you’ll bring her safely home. Just trust in your love for each other, and you’ll find her.” Ian nodded, hugging his mother close. She kissed his forehead and then stepped back.

  He joined his father and brother in the trailer, knowing it would take more than love to find Abby.

  ****

  Abby awakened to hot breath stirring her hair and a warm weight against her arm. Ian was lying beside her and it had all been a dream! She eagerly opened her eyes and managed to stifle her scream, a squeak escaping her as she found herself inches away from a pair of unblinking yellow eyes.

  It was Conall. His hairy body was pressed against hers, and one heavy paw rested on her uninjured arm. Abby managed to get her breathing under control and she warily patted the wolf with her free hand, wincing a bit from the pain in her wrist. Conall gave her an eerie wolf-grin and licked her cheek. She giggled at the sensation, which only encouraged the animal to lick her again. She sputtered, but Conall seemed to enjoy the one-sided game.

  Light streamed into the hut as the door opened and Alannah stepped inside. “Conall! Sguir dheth!” Conall stopped mid-lick and stood, looking contritely at his mistress. Alannah rushed over to Abby’s side and peered anxiously at her.

  “I’m sorry I left you alone, but I needed to tend to my animals.” At Abby’s nod of understanding, Alannah smiled. “Let’s have a look at your leg, then.” She pulled the furs aside and lifted the hem of the nightgown. She examined Abby’s knee. “Well, ’tis swollen and bruised, but that seems to be all.” She gently probed the injury with her fingers, and Abby winced, sucking in a breath at the pain. “Aye, well, ’twill take a few days to heal. After we eat, I can pack it with a poultice that may help.” She examined Abby’s wrist as well, and found that injury to be less severe, though it was tender to the touch. “Let’s get you freshened up, and then we’ll break our fast.”

  Alannah helped Abby stand up and handed her a shawl. She led her around the back of the hut to a small creek where she washed up. Not far from the hut was a small barn that opened into a fenced-in yard. There were various farm animals in the yard, along with a lovely white mare with strange blue eyes. The horse eagerly approached the fence when she saw her mistress, and Alannah patted her affectionately.

  “This is Epona.” From her extensive reading about all things Scottish, Abby knew that Epona was the Celtic horse goddess. “She and Conall are my dearest friends.” There was a wistful tone in the other woman’s voice, which gave Abby the impression that perhaps the animals were Alannah’s only friends. The idea that this woman led such a lonely life touched Abby, making her want to confide in her. But she could not.

  Once they were back inside the hut, Alannah helped Abby to a chair. “Where are your clothes?” Abby just shook her head mutely. Alannah sighed. “Well, I suppose you can stay as you are for now. It’s not as though you have anywhere to go.” She started making porridge as Abby sat silently at the table. When it was ready, Alannah dished the oatmeal into two bowls and poured two flagons of water. After they had eaten, Alannah set her bowl aside and stared into Abby’s eyes.

  “Perhaps now you can tell me some of your tale, aye?” At Abby’s look of distress, Alannah touched her hand sympathetically. “All right. For now. But you will have to speak at some point. Don’t forget that the men who brought you here are going to come around before long with questions of their own.” She scowled at the thought. “I can hold them off for some time, telling them you’re feverish, but that will not work for long.”

  She rose from the table. “I must go out for a bit, to gather some herbs and plants. Let’s get you into bed in case anyone comes by, and I’ll leave Conall here to keep watch. I shan’t be long.”

  Alannah helped her get settled in the bed with a poultice on her swollen knee. She grabbed a basket and left the hut, pulling the door shut behind her. Conall lay next to Abby, his ears pricked, his eyes fixed on the door, awaiting his mistress’s return. Abby tried to relax, but she was overwhelmed by her fears that Ian would never find her here, that she’d never be able to return home. She drifted into an uneasy slumber, filled with images of Ian riding towards her at a full gallop, sword in hand, as she cowered helplessly on the ground.

  ****

  Alannah walked along the stream, collecting herbs and other plants as she wondered about her mysterious guest. Who was this woman? She looked familiar somehow, though Alannah knew they’d never met before. The poor lass was terrified. And rightly so. Alannah had seen her strange clothes the night before and knew something wasn’t right. She’d immediately ushered Ewan out of the cottage, hoping he hadn’t gotten a good look at the young woman’s clothes, which she assumed were now hidden somewhere. Where was she from? And what had happened to her? Alannah wanted to help the young woman, who seemed so lost and afraid. And she herself was so desperately lonely. It would be wonderful to have a friend.

  ****

  Duncan tried to give Ian as much advice and information as he could as they drove to MacNab’s farm.

  “Do you have any idea what year I’m tryin’ to get to, Da?”

  “If the years are running parallel to each other, then you should return to 1610, which would be about thirty-two years after I left. If not, then the best you can hope for is that the portal is
consistent and will take you to the same year it took Abby.

  “When the mist clears, you should be in the same place you were when you left here. If the weather cooperated, then you may find her footprints. If not, you’ll have to search for her. In 1578, there was a Fraser village some miles east of there. That may be a good starting place.”

  Robbie interrupted his father, excitement in his voice. “Actually, wouldn’t that be a perfect place to start? Abby has no way of knowin’ that she time-traveled. The logical thing for her to do would be to head towards MacNab’s farm, which is east of there, probably in the same general direction as that village.”

  Duncan grinned broadly. “Brilliant, Robbie! That’s definitely what you should do, Ian.” Duncan’s voice turned somber as he continued. “You must tread carefully, lad. The Scots are a superstitious lot now, and they were much more so in my time. You cannot say or do anything that will bring any suspicion upon you. They will be wary enough of strangers. If they suspect for one moment that you are anything but a weary traveler from another village, you’ll be in trouble. Do you understand? You must take care!”

  “Aye, I understand. What should I tell anyone I come across? What would you have believed of a stranger in your village back in 1578?”

  “First of all, keep your hands away from your weapons, unless you’re challenged. Chances are that anyone you’ll meet in that area will be a Fraser. Mackenzies and Frasers were allies, so you should have no problem if you tell them your name. Don’t forget to speak in Gaelic, lad. Some folk spoke English in that time, but it certainly wasn’t the first language they’d use, and it will make them suspicious of you. Tell them that your woman was taken by a rival clan. You tracked her to the area but then lost her trail. It’s not the greatest tale, perhaps, but it might suffice. You’re a big, strong lad, and they will see your weapons even if you make no move to use them. Perhaps they won’t challenge you.”

  They pulled into the driveway to the farm and parked the trailer near the barn. MacNab came out to greet them.

  “Your horses missed you last night, lad, but they’re both sound and ready to go.”

  “Thank you very much. I appreciate you looking after them for me.” Ian clasped the older man’s shoulder and then walked past him into the barn, Robbie following close behind.

  MacNab looked at Duncan, his blue eyes shrewd. “The lass went into the mists, didn’t she.”

  It was a statement, not a question, and Duncan nodded grimly. “Aye, it has to be. There’s no other explanation. She must be frightened near to death.”

  The men were silent for a moment. They had a long history, and no further words needed to be said. MacNab finally broke the silence. “What’s your plan, then?”

  Duncan quickly filled him in. MacNab nodded in approval, offering to help in any way possible.

  ****

  Ian and Robbie emerged from the barn, leading Blackjack and Bonny. Jack was obviously thrilled to see his master. He pranced and tossed his elegant head, his long wavy black mane rippling in the breeze. The men worked quickly to saddle and pack the horses. Ian was using his father’s old saddle and packed the handmade saddlebag with Duncan’s engraved dirk, some basic food supplies, a fresh shirt, and bandages. Sewn very carefully into the corner of a blanket, he had hidden some painkillers and antibiotic tablets, fearing that she might be injured.

  “Ian, lad, why don’t you go get changed? We can finish up here.” Ian looked at his father, wondering what MacNab would say when Ian appeared dressed in his plaid. Duncan correctly interpreted the expression on his son’s face. “MacNab knows what we are about, lad. Don't fash yourself. Go now and get ready.”

  Of course he does, thought Ian. He knows everything else, why wouldn’t he know about portals in the mist as well?

  “Wait, lad.” MacNab laid his hand on Ian’s arm. “What you are about to do is very dangerous. You must take care. Anything you do can impact the future. The simplest action could have ripple effects all the way through to the present. Don’t ever forget that.”

  Ian nodded grimly. That was something he hadn’t really considered in his desperation to find Abby. He grabbed his pack and went into the barn to get dressed, his hands trembling as he pleated his plaid. A few minutes later, he returned to the others, dressed in his plaid, long-sleeved shirt, and boots, his weapons at his belt. He threw the bag with his modern clothes into the truck.

  “Where’s Robbie?”

  Duncan looked around as if just realizing Robbie was not with them. “I guess he must have gone to the loo.” His eyes widened suddenly, then narrowed speculatively. Ian turned to see what his father was staring at.

  “What the bloody hell do you think you’re doin’, Robbie?”

  Robbie had come from around the corner of the barn, dressed in his own plaid and weapons belt. “I’m comin’ with you. Don’t even try to argue with me. You need someone to watch your back. I’ll not be talked out of it.” Robbie glared defiantly at Ian.

  Ian felt as though some of the weight had been removed from his shoulders. He clasped Robbie’s shoulder. “I’m glad you’re coming with me. I wasn’t looking forward to going alone. Thank you.”

  Duncan smiled, evidently relieved that Ian wasn’t going alone. “All right, lads, enough dithering about. Let’s get going so that you can find your lass.” The brothers sobered instantly, and all three Mackenzies bid farewell to MacNab and rode out of the yard.

  CHAPTER 7

  By the time Alannah returned to the hut with a basket full of leaves and flowers in her arms, Abby had made her decision. It was time to stop being a coward and say something. The bed creaked as she got to her feet. She hobbled gingerly to the table and lowered herself into the chair next to where Alannah was sitting and sorting through her plants. Alannah looked up at her and smiled.

  She managed a small smile in return. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out as Alannah watched her. “My name is Abigail. Everyone calls me Abby.”

  Alannah grinned broadly. “How are you feeling, Abby?”

  “My knee still hurts, but it’s getting easier to put weight on it. Thank you for your help and your hospitality. I know I haven’t returned your kindness.”

  Alannah laid a hand on Abby’s arm. “Don’t fash yourself, Abby. I know you have gone through something terrible. Just rest and get well, and when you feel like you can trust me, you can tell me more, aye?”

  Abby’s eyes filled with tears and she nearly wept aloud at Alannah’s sympathetic words. With his uncanny way of sensing her distress, Conall came over and laid his head on her thigh. Abby stroked his soft gray fur, and the wolf closed his eyes in bliss. She continued to watch Alannah sort through her plants.

  “What is that plant in front of you?”

  Alannah spent some time explaining the various plants and their uses to Abby as she carefully organized them and hung them in bunches to dry. She then helped Abby outside to take care of necessities. Conall had followed them out, and took off immediately, heading towards the woods.

  “Where is he going?”

  “He always goes out to hunt at this time of the afternoon, though he never strays very far.”

  They returned to the hut, and Abby helped Alannah prepare a stew with rabbit meat and root vegetables she had dug up from her garden. Alannah set the pot over the fire and then went out to tend to the animals, leaving Abby to rest her leg.

  ****

  As Alannah threw feed to the chickens and fought off the goats, which were trying to eat her skirts, she heard hoofbeats approaching rapidly. She grew cold with dread, for Conall was still off hunting in the woods, and she loathed facing the men alone. She quickly grabbed a pitchfork from inside the barn, and squared her shoulders as she prepared to face the intruders.

  She turned around, trying to steady her breathing as Ewan and three other men pulled their horses to a stop in front of her. Before they could speak, the horses shied as Conall rushed out of the woods to her side, growling viciously. Al
annah closed her eyes in relief, and told Conall to sit down. He ceased growling and sat alertly at her side.

  “What do you want?” she asked, proud of the steadiness of her voice.

  “What of the lass? Has she said anything about why she was roaming our lands alone?”

  “She hasn’t said much of anything. She’s injured and feverish, and I can make no sense of her ramblings. Come back in a few days, and perhaps I’ll have more to tell you then.”

  Ewan studied her face for a moment, but Alannah stood firm. Finally, he nodded. “Aye, we’ll return in a few days, then. See to it the lass stays here with you.” Without waiting for her answer, he turned his horse and rode off, his men following in his wake.

  Alannah watched until the men were gone. She and Conall returned to the cottage where Abby sat huddled on the bed, a fearful expression on her pale face. She realized that Abby would not have understood the Gaelic, so she quickly reassured her that all was well.

  “’Tis all right, Abby. I told them you were injured and feverish and to come back in a few days.”

  Abby closed her eyes and let out her breath in relief.

  “Thank you, Alannah.”

  “Aye, well, you will have to answer some questions soon. And I’m sure you’d rather answer to me than to them.” As Abby’s face paled once again, Alannah softened her tone. “Is it so bad, lass, that you cannot tell me anything about where you came from, or what you were doin’ out there all alone?”

  Abby’s voice was barely a whisper. “I’m sorry. I want to trust you, really I do. I just need more time. Please.”

  Alannah nodded. “Aye, all right. The stew should be ready soon. Let me help you outside before we eat.”

  ****

  Ian, Robbie, and Duncan cantered their horses past the tree under which Ian and Abby had picnicked the day before. Ian held Bonny’s reins as well, knowing they would need a horse for Abby when they found her. When, not if, he reminded himself, refusing to think of the alternative.