"We'll send the lads to bury him, Millie, or whatever you wish us to do with his body." Alex stated.
"Please. Just bury him and never let me know where. He is no longer a part of my life," replied Millie.
Alex nodded and helped her to mount up. He, too, was ready to leave this place. Well, thought Alex, most things have an explanation, but he had never seen a body with these markings. Was she a witch after all?
"I don't care what she is. She belongs to me and I'll no let her go!" Maybe Mam was still listening.
As he walked back to the others, he looked about the area. It was so quiet, with the snow beginning to fall again, like a blanket of loneliness covering the entire moor. Alex couldn't leave fast enough. It was time to go home.
Overhead an owl accompanied him in his travels, Alex didn't see it, however, he as in too big a hurry.
CHAPTER 64
Wabi sat straight up in bed, grabbing his head with both hands. "What? What is it?"
Finally, waking enough to get his wits about himself, he calmed down and quieted his mind. Ah, Caitlin. She was calling.
"Yes, my girl, yes. I hear you. What? Caitlin. Hear me. Listen to me carefully. Whatever power I have, you have also. But you must take possession of it and use it when you are sure there is no other choice. And, only you can make that determination."
Wabi considered going to her for a quick moment, knowing he could be there almost immediately. But if he did, then she may never trust her own abilities to make these same decisions. He could tell she was having a dilemma as to whether to try to stop this man, who was most certainly a madman, or whether she should ask Wabi to intervene as he did in the stables.
Whatever she decided, it must be now, this instant, thought Wabi. He knew exactly what her decision was because, immediately, the mental connection was severed with a forcefulness that took him by surprise. Well. What was he expecting? She had always done everything with a certain flair, so this was in character. He just hoped she would be prepared for the physical toll she would pay for the energy required to complete this task. He would have Owl check on her. But, his mind was at ease knowing she had taken this most important of steps, and there was no turning back now. The Creator had chosen well again.
Chapter 65
Millie had not spoken as yet, and Alex did not try to engage her in any conversation. What would he say anyway?" Like most men, he felt he was expected to have an explanation for most happenings, but he was as dumbfounded as anyone else. What was he to think of witnessing an earthquake, an ear splitting wind, a man being enveloped in a virtual tornado of snow, then being struck by a blinding bolt of lightning, and literally dropping to the ground as his life was taken away from him?
Was this witchcraft? No. He thought not. His understanding of witchcraft was limited, but he knew it was a wicked thing, and brought only disaster. But this had saved lives. No, not witchcraft. Was Caitlin responsible? Definitely. He saw her face when she touched Warwick and the strength he saw written in her every feature was unlike anything he had ever witnessed. Her entire body and spirit were being called on to come to the assistance of all. And, come she did!
He would think on this scene many, many times over the years. And, he decided this very minute he would never question Caitlin about it. They all owed their lives to her.
Even though Millie had told them on more than one occasion that she "loathed" Warwick, Alex assumed there must be some sort of grieving on her part. She had been married to this man for three years, and he had fathered her child. So, with that thought in mind, he continued to ride quietly at Millie's side, looking back occasionally to see that Caitlin, Jack and the babe were safely tucked in their blankets on the cart.
Caitlin was still in the same position she was in when she collapsed following the demise of Warwick. That event had apparently taken the last vestiges of energy she had left. What could they do to help her? Alex didn't have the foggiest idea and figured no one else would either.
Pulling back gently on her reins, Millie came to a halt. She looked over at Alex and touched his arm briefly.
"Before we get to your home, please allow me to express my thanks for what you have done and are still doing for me and my child. Without you and Jack coming to our aide, both Caitlin and I would not be here now. You are the most generous men I have ever known."
Alex didn't think of himself and his brothers as being generous, rather just doing what any honorable man would do in these circumstances, or at least what any man that Mam had raised would be doing. Only now, after she was gone, were they truly beginning to understand the depth of her teachings and realize what a fine woman and mother she had been. No wonder he and his brothers had not found mates. Mam was a hard act to follow. But, his Caitlin, and this tall, gracious, beautiful woman riding next to him just might pass the test.
Unable to find any words that seemed to be a proper response, Alex smiled at her and nodded his head.
"Look, just ahead there. That's our home. See? At the top of the moor?"
"Yes, but my goodness! It's so large! I thought a sheep farm would be just a few cottages with sheep running about! But that looks like a lodge of some kind. How many rooms does it have?"
"Oh, well, it started out as just another crofter's cottage, and then Da added a room or so each time a new babe came along. Well, there were four of us, plus Uncle Andrew who needed a room when Aunt Florence passed away. He didn't like staying in his cottage alone. Plus, him being the bard, we like having him around. At night he keeps us entertained with stories of our ancestors. We're not sure they're all true, ye ken, or maybe we hope not! Then old Jamie, he's our cousin, he needed some space. So, it just sort of grew as the family grew. But Mam put her hand to it and it's fairly comfortable. Well, at least to all of us menfolk. But, there's plenty of room for ye, Caitlin and the babe. Da will be surprised."
Alex felt his body relax for the first time in many days. He was almost home.
"Do you think we could stop for just a second, Alex? I need a private moment, if you please."
"Aye, lass. Should have asked ye long before now."
Alex pulled on the reins and drove the cart over to the edge of the wooded area on the right. That way Millie could take care of her personal needs and he would get off for a moment and take a look at Caitlin and Jack.
He watched as Millie, carrying the babe with her, walked into the copse of trees. His Mam had taught him that sometimes ladies just needed a bit of privacy, whereas men just didn't seem to think much about where they were when nature called.
Before he could even reach the cart, however, Caitlin had raised up and was muttering something, but for the life of him he couldn't hear her very well. He stepped closer and she grabbed his sleeve.
"Henbane! I smell henbane! Campbell's here! He's here!" she cried.
"Hey, now. Hey, now. Easy, Caitlin. Lie down, lass. He's gone. He'll not bother you again. He's gone. Rest now."
Caitlin lay back down within moments and seemed unable to respond to Alex. He so wished they were at the house this very moment. Then, in the next instant, he heard a scream coming from the trees.
"Millie!" Jack tried to raise up, but his head pounded so greatly that he could no longer bear to keep it up.
Alex raced toward the tree line, but as he saw Millie coming out of the forest, he also heard the crack of a pistol — actually, more than hear it — he felt it even more so! The soldier was still a good marksman and had placed the shot in Alex's right hand, and he had hit it square on.
"Ach! Jesus Christ!" Alex had made it through the entire Culloden affair with only a few grazes from a couple of bullets and a broken ankle at some point, but Jesus how this hurt! He dropped his gun and grabbed at his bleeding hand. By then Campbell had pushed Millie in his direction, and she practically fell on top of Alex. The soldier rushed over and grabbed Alex's pistol and tossed it into the trees beyond.
"Campbell! Ye need to think now man. I've been in battle. I know what it's
like to lose someone ye care about. But, this woman didn't kill yer son. Stop now before ye regret yer actions. A soldier never kills except when he has no other choice. Ye are a fine soldier. Don't leave this stain on yer soul."
But Campbell continued to walk towards the cart.
"I told you I would kill you, witch!" Campbell had known the witch had to have been injured at the well, but he didn't know how much. But, here she was, just lying helplessly in the cart. That fiery hair spread out everywhere. Well, he would finish her off NOW! And, though he really wanted to light a fire and watch her burn, he struggled to keep himself together long enough to fire another shot. His ability to think was so diminished by the henbane, and with his wounded throat, and his exhaustion from traveling, he could barely go any farther.
Alex saw the soldier was trying to get to Caitlin and he felt his blood begin to boil. This man had harmed enough people already, and Alex would die before he let him hurt Caitlin.
With his pistol having been thrown far into the trees, Alex put his hand to his waist, reaching for his dirk. Two things he never traveled without were his plaid and his dirk. In fact, those were two pieces of equipment no Highlander would be without. Long before Da had ever taught the MacKinnon lads to shoot, he had spent long hours behind the shearing barn teaching them to throw a dirk at numerous marks that he had drawn on the back wall. A pistol was a good thing, but knowing how to throw a dirk was something he knew was even more important. A gun wasn't any use if you ran out of ammunition. A dirk could always be counted on — if you knew how to use it.
Yes, Commander Campbell had been a fine marksman to hit Alex's right hand. And that suited Alex fine if he had to be wounded. As it was, his left hand was much more useful to him, however, and that one miscalculation in the Regimental Commander's strategy was his downfall. Alex took just one second to get his aim, drew his left arm back, then let his dirk fly through the air. He fully expected it would pierce the commander's back and lodge square within the area where his heart, whatever small one he had, would be located.
Alex heard the solid sounding thud as the dirk found its mark. And at that very same time, a red streak of fire blistered its way from the cart and Campbell's body was immediately ablaze with flames reaching for the sky.
"Holy Jesus!" exclaimed Alex. "Where did that streak of fire come from?" He was almost afraid to look in the direction of the cart. But, of course, he did. Caitlin was hanging over the side of the cart as if she had expired once and for all.
Alex flew to her and thought his heart would explode. She was lifeless, but still breathing. Jack was mumbling something, but Alex's attention was all on Caitlin. He had to get her home and now! So, he eased her back down in the cart and snugged the blankets around her.
When she felt Alex's hands tucking her in, Caitlin looked up at him.
"Alex. . . Alex . . . Campbell . . . he's still here?"
"Nae, lass. He's gone for sure. Trust me. He's no longer in this world."
And Alex was almost relieved when she lost consciousness. Presently Jack, too, seemed to be residing in some other place.
Alex himself was a bit shaky. Had his dirk done the soldier in? Or had the fire coming from the cart finished him off? Or a combination of the two? He was in uncharted territory now and knew it. For a long moment, he thought and sat still — and for another short moment he felt Mam's arm around his shoulder — just for a second.
He shook his head. "Hmm. Yer pretty far gone yeself, man," he thought to himself.
Campbell's bleeding and burned body lay at his feet. He retrieved his dirk, and returned it to his belt. This time he was sure the man was dead, but how many lives did this man have? He'd have the lads take care of this body, too. Such a waste, he thought. Such a waste.
Helping Millie to her feet and getting her and the babe settled once again, he looked at the woman. She kept her fears to herself but Alex knew she had to be past going much farther either. Certainly she was made of some pretty strong stuff to have endured this much.
"Let's get home now, Millie."
Millie tore off a piece of her petticoat and wrapped Alex's hand. Then they started on the last few minutes of their very long journey. She looked around as they continued up the path leading to the lodge. There was land as far as she could see, on all sides of the place. And sheep! They were as thick as flies. But the lodge was spectacular. Someone with an eye for architecture had to have had a hand in this. Jack made it sound like it was put together hosh-posh, but it was a most attractive dwelling, two storied with a central part, and a wing off either side. The walls were made of fieldstone of some kind, cream colored stones, some of which had blue veins running through them. And, around the property, the same stone had been used to create a small, short wall, probably a way to keep the sheep on their side. She could readily see why Jack preferred being up here than down in the village. The sky seemed bluer up here and heather was popping up out of the light snow. There was such tranquility in the setting. Yes, this was what a true home must feel like.
As soon as they arrived at the front, Alex climbed down from a very tired Zeus. He patted the horse on the neck, and just about that time the door of the lodge flew open and Hector was taking the steps two at a time, rushing out to greet them. His long legs had him at Alex's side in moments.
"Alex! Thank heavens! We thought maybe ye and Jack had been done in for sure!" He reached his brother and embraced him with all his might.
Alex looked down to his "little" brother with a grin.
"Aye. We're back as ye can see. And none too soon."
Hector finally found his manners and, looking at the tall, beautiful woman, bowed slightly to Millie.
"And I see you have brought some guests for us?"
"You could say that, yes. This is Lady . . . "
Millie cut him off immediately. Extending her hand she greeted Hector.
"I'm Millie Sinclair. It's a pleasure to meet you. Your brothers have spoken of you often on this trip."
Hector accepted her hand and bowed again.
"Well, just don't believe everything Alex and Jack tell ye. They're known to stretch the truth at times. But, we're glad to have ye, I'm sure."
Back in the cart, Jack began to try to get on his feet. Regaining consciousness shortly before they arrived, he was having a little trouble remembering everything.
"Hold on there, Jack. We'll help you." Alex called out.
"I'm all right. I'm all right. Just a bit of a headache."
"Yeah, well, don't try to move so fast."
Hector had hurried over to the cart by now and was taking a good look at his big brother.,
"What happened to ye, Jack,?"
"Ah, Hector. Just got on the wrong end of a pistol. Nothing serious. I'll be fine. Stop yer fussing now."
Hector's attention now moved to Caitlin. She lay very still and was still unconscious.
"What's wrong here, Alex?" Hector climbed up onto the car and stood over the healer.
"I'll tell ye shortly. Right now let's get her into Mam's sewing room. It'll be warm there. Here, hand her down to me."
Alex took Caitlin's limp body, again marveling at how tiny she was, but he knew in her case that was not to be confused with "defenseless." The brothers rushed through the front door and down the hallway without stopping to greet anyone, and left their guest standing at the cart all alone.
Getting to the front door, Millie stood there holding the baby, waiting for someone to tell her where to go. Just then an older man came out, followed by a young lad who was limping around with a crutch under one arm and studying her from head to toe.
The older gentleman greeted her.
"Madam, please come in. My lads sometimes forget their manners, but they mean well." He held out his hand, and she took it in hers.
"I'm Daniel MacKinnon, and you're welcome to our home."
Millie saw immediately this gentleman was an older version of Alex. He was tall, handsome, and a bit imposing, but with those sam
e crinkles at the corners of his dark eyes.
"I'm Millie, Millie Sinclair," she replied.
He led her to a small chair close to the fire, what one would think of as a lady's chair and probably had been his wife's seat. Of course, Millie filled the chair, but it felt so good to her. Just getting off the horse was such a relief.
The young lad came over and bowed to her, just a bit, as it was difficult to do so while holding on to his crutch.
"I'm Ian, another one of the MacKinnon brothers."
He didn't think he had ever seen such a beautiful woman. Looking at the tall woman, he asked rather sheepishly,
"Are you a friend of Alex and Jack?"
The older MacKinnon stepped in then, taking the lad by his shoulders and turning him toward the kitchen.
"Here, boy. Don't ask so many questions. See about finding a spot of tea for the lady. That's a good lad." Then he turned to Millie.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll see about Jack's head and see what else needs to be done." She nodded.
Millie watched the young lad leave the room, using his crutch and only then did she notice that he was missing the lower part of his left leg. It certainly didn't seem to be slowing him down much. Looking about the room, Millie could see a woman had lived here, her touch was everywhere from curtains to window boxes, which surely held flowering plants in the spring. Daffodils, thought Millie, smiling at the thought. And these men were doing a pretty good job of keeping this lodge orderly as well. She could even detect a faint scent of roses in the room. The scent brought memories of her childhood, and Millie had always liked it.
CHAPTER 66
Alex and Hector lay Caitlin down on the small cot in Mam's sewing room. This room was where she had spent a lot of time when not in the kitchen. At the last, she preferred lying in this room where a large window allowed the sun to come through and kept the cot warm. There was a chair next to the cot where Daniel would sit and read to her during her last days. He had no formal education, but his love of reading made up for that in many ways.
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