Cullen had a stony look on his face but as Logan suspected he had done several times before, the Stewart wasn’t shying away from his fate but looking it dead in the eye. “What will ye have of me then?”
“If it could be any other way ‘twould be but I cannae risk ye being here any longer.” Fionn sighed. “I’m banishing ye to the twenty-first century. When there seek out the Worldwide Paranormal Society. They’re warlocks born of a man named Calum. He was of a Celtic lineage related to the Broun clan. They will be able to keep ye well hidden from your sister.”
“He doesn’t deserve that,” Cassie broke in, lifting her head. “He just saved us!”
“Shh.” Logan pulled her head back against his chest. “Fionn means to keep him safe, lass. There is no other choice.”
“Och, the bloody future,” Cullen muttered. “For how long?”
“‘Tis hard to know,” Fionn said. “Mayhap indefinitely.”
Cullen wiped a hand over his face and shook his head. He didn’t look at Logan or even his cousins, men who had cared so much about him. No, the decisions he made, even if for the right reasons, had caused him to fall from grace. Even before accepting the essential darkness of a newly made warlock, a man like the Stewart wouldn’t think he deserved the kinship or forgiveness of his brethren if God Himself had cast him out.
He would go it alone.
Jaw set, eyes hard, Cullen said, “If it will help keep the Bruce safe.” His eyes dropped to the boy in Cassie and Logan’s arms and his gaze softened before the sentiment vanished and he looked at the god. “Just do it.”
“Wait,” Niall and Rònan said at the same time but it was too late. Fionn whipped out his hands and bright white light flashed. When it faded, Cullen was gone. Logan closed his eyes and murmured a prayer for the Stewart’s soul. Might he find redemption wherever he ended up.
“Bloody hell,” Rònan murmured.
Niall swore under his breath, plunked down on a thick branch and held his head. Machara and Darach had equally disturbed looks on their faces as they started to wipe the blood from their weapons.
Fionn turned to Grant and Ferchar. “Ye and yers stay here for the eve. ‘Tis well protected by my magic now that I’ve a better idea of what we are up against. The Genii Cucullati willnae return here anytime soon nor will any Celtic god save myself.”
“The Genii Cucullati,” Grant murmured. “Not only do they eat the flesh of the soul…” He shot Fionn a concerned look. “But ‘tis said they have a tendency to hover around births. Though not a birthing, could they have done such when Brae and Cullen were conceived here?”
“I would have known,” Fionn replied but there was a perturbed look on his face and Logan wondered if he truly believed his words.
“‘Twas ye who helped Robert’s mother, Marjorie visit her son all along, wasn’t it?” Grant said, evidently trying to piece together several things at once. “‘Twas yer glamour that enabled her to look like Aline.”
“Aye, as it was me who told Adlin MacLomain of Robert’s destiny so that ye could make sure Logan saw him safely into this world.” Fionn gave them all a pointed look. “And so that ye could keep the King safe through this difficult period.”
Logan remained curious about something. "Why disguise the Countess to look like Aline? 'Twas risky considering Aline herself was in the village."
"That is where the story grows more interesting," Fionn said. "As it turns out Robert was not just visiting the MacLauchlin village the day of the raid but lived there. 'Twas where he received his fostering." A twinkle lit his eyes. "And 'twas Aline herself who often helped foster the lad."
"Och, I always did wonder about that," Clyde MacLauchlin mumbled somewhere in the background before he chuckled. "My wee lass fostering someone so important. Well how about that."
"So Aline knew you glamoured the Countess to look like her when she visited the village and I assume she made herself scarce on such occasions," Logan said.
"Aye," Fionn said, sadness flickering over his face. "But not nearly scarce enough that dreadful day."
Logan was curious why the god did not just protect the Bruce himself but supposed there was likely a good reason. Perhaps because of the love of the couples the rings were meant to bring together. Or perhaps even the relationships they would all likely forge with Robert before everything was said and done.
“What of this demi-god Laird that Brae has involved herself with?” Ferchar asked. “Do ye know who he is?”
“Nay. Nor did Cullen it seems. Though he knew of him they never actually met.” Fionn frowned. “But whoever he is, he has access to our otherworld and keeps Brae safe there for now.”
“What did she mean when she said that the screaming banshee lass’s ring was nearly hers?” Cassie asked. Though she had lifted her head, Logan realized her eyes remained unfocused.
“I think I can answer that,” Grant said. “It means that Brae and her counterpart must have somehow locked onto Nicole’s essence when she traveled at the oak ford.”
“Oh no,” Cassie said, alarmed. “Then did she make it to the twenty-first century or not?”
“Aye, the magic Grant and Caitlin used to get her home was strong but 'tis hard to say how long 'twill hold for. Now that we know the Genii Cucullati or at least a darker variation of them are involved, what Brae can harness in the mystical realm is truly unknown,” Fionn said. “The Genii Cucullati are spirit gods that first made themselves known with the Romans and have since dwelt with the Celts. With their help ‘tis always possible that Brae might try to take Nicole again.”
Cassie’s frown only deepened. “When that happens, if it happens, will we know and if so, how do we save her?”
“I swore on my honor that I would protect her, lass,” Niall said, anger and—interestingly enough—genuine worry in his voice. “And I will. I will save her if she is taken. Ye dinnae have to worry, ye ken?”
Cassie gave a small nod, concern still etched on her face.
“Only one person will be able to track Nicole’s whereabouts if she’s taken by Brae and whatever dark magic was at work at the oak ford,” Fionn murmured. “But that isnae something to worry over yet if at all.”
Logan’s eyes narrowed as the truth dawned on him. If he understood the god’s implication correctly, then it could only be someone who had experienced the same magic as Nicole. Someone taken against their will as she had been.
Robert the Bruce.
So he well understood the god’s desire to be vague right now. There was no need to broach something that might not happen.
“I’m gonna worry about Nicole regardless.” Cassie sighed. “I know she’s meant to travel back in time but the idea that she could end up in the enemy’s hands seriously stinks.”
Yet she kept her voice soft as she stroked Robert’s hair, wholly aware that he had been through more than the lot of them. Fionn’s eyes went to her and softened considerably. He gestured at Machara to follow him.
Air shimmered around the god as he strode Cassie’s way. By the time he crouched beside them he was no longer a massive golden warrior but a little old woman with kind eyes. It was the visage he used when trying to comfort.
She met the boy’s eyes. “How fare ye, laddie? It has been a frightening journey but ye have been verra brave and soon ye will reunite with your Ma and yer fosterer, Aline aye?”
Robert’s eyes were moist when they met Fionn’s. “Aye, but I think mayhap I was brave because of my friend, Cassie.”
“Aye, ‘tis verra good. Our true friends can often give us courage when the way is dark. They make ye a better person for knowing them. Always remember the bond ye forged with Cassie so that when ye someday rule this great country ye will better recognize friend from foe.” The old woman’s gaze grew wise. “Because it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the difference.”
“Aye, mistress,” he whispered. “Cassie saw me when nobody else could and never gave up on me. I will look for friends that can see me better than any
one else and never, ever give up on me.”
“Aye, my lad.” Fionn cupped his cheek. “And always remember to treat your friends the same way.”
Robert nodded. “Aye.”
“So now I ask ye to treat your friend, Cassie with a kindness. Let her spend some time with her love for she faces something just as frightening as ye did.” Fionn introduced Machara. “She will keep ye safe for the eve, all right?”
Logan’s heart clenched when he looked at Cassie. God, no. Not yet.
Robert’s brows furrowed and he took Cassie’s hand. “Are ye well, my friend?”
Though she clearly meant to, Cassie didn’t quite look at him when she replied. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me, okay?”
But the Bruce had every right to be concerned. As did they all.
The magic she had forged through to save Robert had sped up the inevitable.
Cassie was blind.
Chapter Seventeen
When Robert’s little arms wrapped around her and he murmured, “‘Tis all right. Be brave as I was and we will get through this, aye?” Cassie bit back tears.
Fionn had explained to Robert about her eyesight. Regrettably, she could no longer see the child’s response. Until now. Or should she say hear and feel it. With a thick swallow, she hugged him and whispered, “You got it. I’ll try to be as brave as you were.”
When Robert stood and walked away, she knew he was safe with Machara. Soon after, Logan picked her up and started walking. “Everyone is spending the night in the cave below so that we might have the mountaintop to ourselves.”
Cassie kept her eyes squeezed shut and head buried against his chest. Maybe, just maybe, when she opened them again the blurriness would return…anything other than complete darkness.
The faint metallic scent of blood from battling faded as Logan climbed something and fresh air met her nostrils. “There have to be so many dead bodies around us.”
“Nay,” he said. “Fionn got rid of them with magic.”
“Ah,” she whispered. “Did you lose many men?”
“Not one.” He sat with her on his lap and pulled her cheek against his chest, voice soft. “Dinnae worry over anyone, lass. The harm is behind us for now.”
For now. Key words. But the gentle way he stroked her hair and held her tight allowed her to at last relax. Something Cassie realized she had been terrified to do. Opening her eyes, she tilted her head and looked up. It was completely dark. Nothing. But perhaps it was like last night against the tree? Rallying her courage, she murmured, “Is the moon out…or stars?”
She felt the increased thud of his heart and the slight tension of his body as a long silent moment stretched.
“Just tell me,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “I need to know.”
He again paused before he inhaled deeply then spoke. “The moon is nearly full and the rock around us is shining silver from its glow.” When he cupped the back of her head, his response husky with emotion, she realized he was trying to create a picture with words. “There are a thousand stars covering the sky. They speckle the glistening rocks off to our left, damp from the wind blowing spray from the waterfall below.”
Cassie tried to nod but couldn’t. Grasping his tunic, she squeezed her eyes tighter then opened them again. Nothing. Only darkness. Had the day truly come? Though incredibly frightened, she knew she had to ask. She could only be grateful that she was questioning not only a wizard but a man who loved her. Trying to keep fear from her voice, trying to be strong, she cursed the shakiness of her words.
“I’m blind, aren’t I?”
His body stiffened further, but it seemed he preferred honesty versus sugar coating the truth. Still, his voice was pained when he said, “Aye, lass. You are blind.”
“Officially blind, for-sure-no-turning-back-blind?” Cassie would be kidding herself if she said she hadn’t wondered since learning magic existed that perhaps…just maybe…it could cure her.
“No turning back blind,” he whispered so softly she barely heard him.
Eyes shut again, she rested her cheek against his chest and tried to focus on deep, steady breaths. Logan said nothing, only held her. She was never more grateful. This was the day she had dreaded for so long. This was the day that she said goodbye to the woman she had been and hello to the woman she would be. A day she had long prepared for and swore to her friends she would face with bravery and courage.
Yet as she twisted her hand further into his tunic it occurred to her that nobody, not a single soul, could ever really prepare themselves for something like this. Indescribably lonely in its own way, it almost felt like she had been separated from the rest of the world. She was her own entity floating in this deep, dark space now made entirely of her mind and thoughts. Sure, technically it was that way for everyone but losing your sight sharpened it a thousand times over.
Strong.
Stay strong.
Do not give into the fear.
Logan never stopped stroking her hair and she swore his words dusted her mind. “There is strength found in grief. There is also strength in letting go. Ye taught me that so verra well last night, lass. Dinnae be afraid to embrace the fear.”
Was there truly? Because it felt weak. Yet the more firmly he held her against him, the more her emotions started to make their way to the surface. It almost felt as if he anchored her while they washed over her. Wrapping her arm around his waist, she choked back a sob. Dear God, she was going to cry. She didn’t want to do that…had promised herself she would not. Then another sob wracked her, this one more violent.
“I don’t want to,” she choked against his chest. “I don’t…I can’t…I’m so scared…”
Logan engulfed her in his strong arms and braced his feet on the ground so that she was cocooned against him. “Ye can and ye will. There isnae any weakness in letting go, lass.”
But there was…wasn’t there?
Whether or not there was, her body, her very soul, followed the unexpected freedom his soft declaration allowed. Face buried into the alcove beneath his chin and collarbone, she faced the darkness and completely fell apart. All the years of worrying and fear reared up. All the years of uncertainty and bracing herself to face something life-altering.
The limitless emotional battle that lay ahead of her.
Tears ran down her face as she cried but for the life of her she could not brush them away. All she could do was hold on tight and pray the grief didn’t ravage her. There was no way to know how much time passed. No way to know if after all the years of preparing herself for this she wouldn't end up becoming the exact opposite of the courageous woman she hoped to be.
Cassie had no clue when the heavy wracks of pain in her tight chest started to loosen or when the relentless tears finally abated. What she did know was that Logan never let go, his silent support profound and so much more meaningful because he said nothing. Letting her sift through her thoughts and find herself through the darkness was a personal battle that seemed to almost build the foundation for what? The next breath? The ability to lift her head and be aware that yes she was blind, but unlike so many, she still had her health, her very life.
She remembered the long conversations she’d had with Nicole, Jaqueline, and Erin. Though she intended to keep her thoughts inside, they poured out. “My friends and I chatted about what it would be like afterward.” Cassie sniffled and rubbed her lips together, damp cheek still resting against his tunic. “The one thing we all agreed on was that we were gonna be having a lot of selfish thoughts. Woe is me sort of stuff. And when we did we should focus on one thing. Do you know what that was?”
“Nay, lass,” Logan murmured, kissing the top of her head. “What?”
“That somebody always has it worse. Everybody's going through something. That we all face struggles and remembering that we’re simply human and vulnerable is part of living. No one is perfect in body or spirit. That we’d be better people if we remember that absolutely everyone faces difficult things
in life. What we take from it, how we grow, is everything.”
“Aye,” he breathed. His arms tightened a fraction as his emotions became hers. “‘Tis the verra best way to look at life.”
Cassie continued resting her head against his chest for a long time as she recalled all the long conversations she’d had with her friends. Yes, they had become a support group to help her prepare for what was happening right now but they had no idea how helpful they really were. She could only hope that when their time came they were able to draw on her support just as much.
Yet her emotions continued to fluctuate.
On occasion, she was convinced she felt Logan’s mind brush hers, his strength and support lifting her up when she thought she would drown in misery. Then she would refocus on what she had told him about the way she was determined to look at life, and the fear would lessen. It was truly the most emotional roller coaster ride of her life and she sensed he was there every step of the way. As she slowly but surely came to grips with being blind, she must have dozed off because her eyes snapped open when Logan moved.
“All is well, lass,” he whispered. “I but moved us a bit so that I could lean against a log.”
“Oh, sorry,” she murmured, groggy. “We can lie down if you want.”
“Nay, I’m content here. The sun sits just below the horizon. Within hours, the rest will awaken.”
“What?” Startled, she sat up and tried to suppress the gripping terror of darkness still surrounding her.
Logan pulled her back against him and murmured soft, reassuring words in her ear as he cupped her cheek. “‘Tis okay. Rest.”
Though still fearful, she relaxed beneath his touch and stared in what she hoped was the direction of his face. Oh, that face. She would miss it so much. But her concern lay more in what he had said. “You moved us so that you could lean back? Does that mean you’ve been sitting up all night?”
Quest of a Scottish Warrior Page 25
