Quest of a Scottish Warrior

by Sky Purington

  She blinked several times and nodded. “I saw Robert again.”

  “I know.” He rested her head against his chest. “Just take a few minutes to acclimate then you can share what happened, aye?”

  “We don’t have a few minutes.” She pulled back. Strangely enough, when she spoke to him, she looked just to the right of his face though he knew she intended to look directly at it.

  “They’re on the move again with Robert and they know they’re being followed. Robert didn’t know if they knew by who, though.”

  Again Logan and Grant’s eyes met. The Hamilton looked perplexed.

  “Did they say where they were heading?” Rònan asked.

  Cassie’s head turned slightly, almost as if she was surprised that he was there. As they had with Logan, her eyes didn’t quite focus on Rònan but more so on Darach, who crouched beside him. “Yeah, that’s sort of the super strange part. They said their Laird was waiting for them at the oak tree ford.” Her face turned back to Logan. “That’s the meaning of Athdara’s name right?”

  Logan frowned, discomforted by the uncanny information. “Aye, but ‘tis likely just a coincidence."

  Darach looked at Grant. “We need to know who brought those horses to New Hampshire, Da. Was it you then?”’

  “Nay,” Grant murmured.

  Cassie’s brows perked and her eyes turned back in the general direction of Darach, clearly surprised he was there. Enough was enough. Something was wrong with her and he needed to know what. Logan looked at his cousins. “I need a moment alone with my lass. Make sure the men are ready to travel.”

  Grant’s brows drew down sharply and he spoke within the mind. “Your lass?”

  “Aye, until she wishes it otherwise.”

  Grant stood and sighed. “We’ll speak of this later, lad.”

  Cassie remained silent as everyone walked away, her fingers clenching and unclenching ever so slightly on her lap as though she was nervous. Logan again tilted her chin until her eyes went to his. This time they seemed a bit better focused. “Are your visions starting to affect your eyesight, Cassie?”

  She swallowed and shook her head a little too quickly. “No.”

  Frustrated by what he knew was a lie, he said, “‘Tis understandable if they are. ‘Tis also something I need to know as it puts you more at risk on this quest.”

  “I’m not worried about being more at risk,” she murmured, her eyes now firmly locked on his. “I just want to get Robert back.”

  Logan caressed her cheek, his worry only growing. “I got the sense you wanted to tell me something last night before Niall arrived. What was it?”

  Her eyes held his for a long moment before she shook her head. She was up and off his lap so quickly that he shot to his feet to steady her.

  “I’m fine, Logan.” Cassie started to walk away then stopped short, spun on her heel and put her hands on her hips. Her eyes were surprisingly confrontational when they met his. “No, that’s not true.” She shook her head. “I’ve been lying to you and it’s time to come clean.”

  Logan remained still and nodded, his words gentle. “Okay, lass. Say what you will.”

  He thought for sure she would at last share that she did, in fact, have a love in the twenty-first century. For surely a lass this beautiful was pursued by many.

  Cassie started to talk then stopped. She crossed her arms over her chest, then she uncrossed them. For a woman good at blurting things out, she was remarkably tongue-tied.

  “There’s something you should know about me,” she finally said. “Something I should have been honest about from the start.”

  When he saw how uncomfortable she was, he could not help but go to her. He didn’t pull her into his arms but took her hand and squeezed, words just above a whisper. “You can tell me anything. ‘Tis all right.”

  If he was not mistaken, her eyes started to moisten before she blinked and straightened. Though her next words were firm and clearly spoken, he wasn’t sure he heard her correctly.

  “I’m going blind…and it has nothing to do with my ability to have visions.”

  The announcement hung between them as he tried to process what she had said. As if to fill in the blank space, she rambled, “I was diagnosed with something called Macular Degeneration. Usually, it happens when you’re older and takes a long time.” She shook her head, not quite meeting his eyes. “Not in my case. It started years ago and has been progressing pretty fast lately.” Her shoulders pulled back and her eyes were at last strong when they met his. “I got laser surgery so that I could enjoy seeing clearly for awhile longer without my glasses, but it is a temporary solution.”

  When Cassie finished speaking, she released a deep breath and it occurred to him just how worried she had been about telling him. His heart broke for what she was facing, but he dared not show it…too much. So he reeled her closer and cupped the side of her neck, his brogue thickening with the emotions her revelation incited. “No doubt ‘tis a difficult path ahead of ye, lass but ye are not alone.” His voice deepened. “Never alone.”

  For the first time since Logan met her, he saw a flash of fear in her eyes before she clenched her jaw and the sentiment vanished. “I’m not sure you’re hearing me. Pretty soon I’m gonna be totally blind. No blurry vision. No episodes that end up passing.” She swallowed but plowed on. “Everything will be dark…black.”

  “Aye, lass, I heard ye.” He cupped her cheeks. “And I meant what I said. Ye will never be alone. I’ll face this with ye if ye’ll let me.”

  Her brows drew together and she pulled away. “You can’t possibly mean that. Do you have any idea how dependent I’m going to be on people for God knows how long?” This time her eyes did glisten before she turned away and adjusted clothing that didn’t need to be adjusted. “I’m going to have an assistive care person live at my place for a while and learn how to adjust to a seeing-eye dog. Not to mention I’ll have to figure out how to manage all the things most people take for granted. Preparing my own food, walking around in public, stuff like that. Good thing for audio books or…”

  Cassie’s mouth clamped shut when he turned her and clasped her shoulders firmly, eyes locked with hers. “When the time comes ye will excel at whatever ye set yer mind to but why not face this here with me? Ye dinnae need to go through this alone. I will help ye every step of the way.” He gave her a comforting smile. “We’ll go through this together.”

  A tear managed to escape and rolled slowly down her face. “That’s sweet. Really. But not the least bit realistic. You’re a chieftain in a day and age that keeps you extremely busy. There’ll be no time for trying to deal with a disabled…friend. Besides, I wouldn’t put that burden on you.” She shook her head. “I just wouldn’t.”

  His response was cut off when Grant returned. “We must go. The scouts have picked up tracks.”

  Cassie pulled away and nodded. “Grant’s right. We do need to go. I’m really worried about Robert. I hope I’m wrong, but I think that guy was getting ready to beat on him.”

  Logan rolled his plaid and tucked it in his satchel. Then he strapped on his sword and bow and arrows before stepping close and murmuring in her ear. “Ye are not just my friend, lass. And seeing ye through what ye must face would not only be an honor but a privilege.”

  Grant’s eyes flickered between them before he strode off. Logan swore for a moment he saw something more in the wizard’s eyes. As if he knew something they did not. Almost as if things were going precisely as he wanted them to. But that would make no sense considering the Hamilton’s insistence on Cassie being with one of his cousins. Then again, Grant was becoming more and more like Adlin by the day—meddlesome and evasive—so who knew.

  Cassie insisted on riding Athdara. Though she had indeed improved at horseback riding, he presumed she felt more confident now because they communicated telepathically. Even so, he told Athdara to stay near him at all times.

  Thankfully enough, the rain had let up again so traveling would be
less slick. A handful of his men would remain at the MacLauchlin castle until the warriors from the MacLomain castle arrived. Then they would catch up with Logan.

  He was glad his cousins and Grant were able to join him on this quest. They were far more formidable together than apart.

  Once they settled into the journey and he knew Cassie and Athdara were doing well, he fell in behind her as Grant came alongside. The Hamilton's words were soft. “I dinnae think that those who have Robert know ‘tis us who follow.”

  “Nay.” Logan eyed Grant. They both knew two separate sets of tracks had been found. “But I wonder if they know who the others are that follow them. Have we any idea who they might be?”

  Grant shook his head. “Mayhap ‘tis the Bruce’s men.”

  He’d thought of that but had to wonder. “The Duchess was vague about why she was in the MacLauchlin village to begin with and close-lipped entirely about whoever glamoured her to look like Aline.” He arched a brow at Grant. “Did ye have a chance to speak with her alone?”

  “Briefly,” Grant said. “But she wouldnae share much. Just that she missed her wee bairn and ‘twas not the first time she’d visited him in disguise.”

  “So ‘twas simply fortunate timing then,” Logan murmured, not a big believer in things that worked out so conveniently. If it could be said that being in a village the day it was ravaged convenient timing. Nonetheless, he strongly suspected that Marjorie was not there on a lucky happenstance. No, she was there to protect her son. Yet for whatever reason, it seemed she had not confessed to any of his kin which baffled him. Wouldn’t it behoove her to share everything she possibly could to help those who were set to save her son?

  Grant’s voice entered his mind. “So ye know of Cassie’s plight with her sight now, aye?”

  Logan frowned at him. “Ye knew?”

  “Of course I knew. The verra moment I touched her.”

  Sharp frustration rose. “And why is it ye chose not to tell me?”

  “Because ‘twas not my information to tell.”

  “So instead ye let the lass worry over telling me for days.”

  “Days, might I remind ye…” Grant’s eyes narrowed on him. “That ye were not supposed to woo the lass.”

  “I didnae woo her.” But he had. As often as possible. “And in case ye somehow missed it, I’m no longer betrothed so my heart is free to do as it will.”

  “How easily ye forget the ring she wears,” Grant reminded. “And mayhap the stories about how fickle it can be.”

  “So now ‘tis less about being born to the Next Generation and more about what the bloody ring has to say?”

  “The rings are for those born of the Next Generation, lad.” Grant sighed. “And I love ye well so dinnae think I like reminding ye that the two are interconnected.”

  “I willnae be sharing her.” He made sure his words carried just enough threat without being too disrespectful. This was the MacLomain’s arch-wizard after all. Still, he was willing to test boundaries when it came to Cassie. “I willnae share her with my cousins. Not with anyone.”

  “‘Tis yer heart to do with as ye will.” Grant’s eyes met his. “Just remember that ‘tis not only your heart at stake, aye?”

  Logan knew Grant spoke of Cassie’s heart, but he couldn’t help but narrow his eyes on Darach as his horse fell in step beside hers. A smile broke over her face as the two started chatting. Having no desire to talk with the Hamilton about how his son might be a better fit for Cassie, he redirected the conversation. “What make ye of the oak tree ford? ‘Tis strange considering Athdara’s arrival, is it not?”

  “Aye,” Grant agreed, clearly contemplating his son and Cassie though he did not say it. “‘Tis a bloody difficult thing because there are far too many oak tree fords in Scotland.”

  He mulled over how such a place might possibly relate to Cassie, him, Robert or even Athdara. While the trees were certainly kindred to Logan's magic, the water at a ford would be kindred to Niall’s. Speaking of water, it wouldn’t have hurt to have the wizard who was strongest with the element of water with them. “Where is your brother? I thought for certain he would want to join us on this venture.”

  Something troubling flashed through Grant’s eyes so quickly he almost didn’t catch it.

  “Malcolm watches over my castle,” Grant said. “I wanted extra protection for my people and Sheila...”

  Horseshit. The Hamilton was lying. Something was wrong. “Tell me what’s happened.”

  “Ye must stay focused on your mission.” Grant’s eyes were hard when they met his. “Nothing else.”

  Logan was about to tell him he wasn’t a bairn anymore and could keep his wits about him regardless how dire the news but Grant spurred his horse and trotted ahead. What the hell was going on? Discontented, he frowned and pulled his horse up on the other side of Cassie.

  The grin she had been aiming at Darach dropped when she looked at him. “Hey there. Everything okay?”

  It would be better if his cousin stopped eying her with such avid appreciation. Then again, he didn’t much blame him. She was lovelier than usual with her hair full and waving loosely down her back. Her cheeks were rosy from riding and her eyes sparkling from the endless chuckling the two of them seemed so good at when together. Though he could admit to being jealous, he would not put his bad mood on her. She didn’t deserve it.

  So he mustered up a small smile. “Aye, all is well.” He couldn’t think of a better way to cheer his spirits and soothe his jealousy than to say, “We soon travel over far hillier terrain and you’re too unpracticed at riding for that.” Cassie’s eyes widened and she released a less then dainty grunt as he scooped her off her horse and plunked her down on his. “‘Tis best that you ride with me for now.”

  Logan winked at Darach when his cousin’s eyes narrowed.

  The morning was balmier than usual, but he still tucked her cloak more securely around her. “Are ye hungry lass? I’ve some berries and dried meat.”

  “No, thanks.” Her eyes met his over her shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay?” She grinned a little. “We don’t always have to talk about my problems, you know.”

  He wondered if she realized that they had never talked about her problems until just this morning. And he certainly had no intentions of laying his troubled thoughts on her. “Nay, all is well enough, lass.”

  Cassie turned forward again, words soft. “Did it ever occur to you that I might want to help you through the stuff that’s bugging you as much as you seem to want to help me?”

  Logan considered her words. She made a good point. If he was going to convince her that he truly wanted to be there for her when she lost her sight, then it made sense that she felt she was there for him as well. “I worry about the behavior of my Da and uncles. Something is happening and they’re determined to keep it from me.”

  Her eyes again met his. “It’s something to do with my ring, isn’t it?”

  “Aye, I think so.” He wrapped his arm more securely around her small waist, comforted by the feel of her.

  Cassie turned forward again and he knew she was discreetly eying her ring. “I’d take it off if I could so it wouldn’t stress everyone out so much.”

  “Nay.” He rested his head next to hers and inhaled the scent of petunias in her hair. “‘Tis meant for you and no other. Take pride in the wearing of it because ‘twill only bring you the best of loves in the end.”

  God willing it be his love because there wasn’t another lass on Earth he wanted to give it to. Having her in his arms and being inside her the night before had shot him straight to Heaven. He had never felt anything so astounding. Not just sexually but emotionally. Somehow it had felt like he had come home after being lost for so very long.

  Immersed in honor and doing right by his clan, he had set aside his own needs for so long. Longer than he could remember. Indulging in laying with a woman without thinking once of his duties or obligations was not something he did. Ever. Or should he say lyi
ng with a lass period. That alone was a luxury that had not been his in far too long.

  Thoughts of Cassie’s moans and the way she had responded so readily to him made his groin tighten. Barely aware he was doing it; he ran his hand up her stomach and dusted the underside of her breast with the pad of his thumb. When she shivered, he murmured in her ear, “Would ye like me to share what I’m thinking now, lass?”

  She adjusted her backside and he almost groaned. “No, I’ve got a pretty good idea.”

  Logan reached into his satchel and pulled out the petunia that he had dragged across her skin last night, whispering, “Terrain venit a te, quia vibrant manere. From Mother Earth came thee, stay vibrant for she.” Then he tucked it into her hand and spoke, making sure the heat of his words dusted the shell of her ear. “‘Twill forever look as it does now so that ye might remember our first night together. The first of many I hope.”

  “Oh,” she whispered, emotion evident as she gazed at it. There was a slight curve to her lips and a dewy look in her eyes when they met his. “I think Niall’s right. You’re a romantic.”

  “He’s right enough this time.” He brushed his fingers over her cheekbone. “When it comes to you that is.”

  “M’laird.”

  Logan’s attention snapped to the man veering in from the right. It was one of his scouts. “Aye, what is it?”

  “We’ve located the band of warriors following the bairn. Ye willnae believe who—”

  That’s all he got out before a loud whooping sound was followed by a flourish of activity. MacLomain warriors surrounded him while others fanned out, weapons at the ready. When the whooping came again, Logan grinned. He knew that sound. It was one he had been forced to perfect when a wee bairn.

  “Stand down. ‘Tis any ally,” he roared.

  Darach chuckled as a female called out from somewhere unseen. “Are ye married yet then, Laird MacLomain?”

  “Nay,” he yelled back. “So ye best show yer face, aye?”

  Logan patted Cassie’s thigh and whispered, “Be right back,” before he swung down. Moments later a horse came thundering out of the woods and a woman leapt off as it came to a stop a few feet away.