Dreams Of The Highlander

by Sarah Hoss

“Aye, it has been a while.” They turned to watch the men practice when a loud curse caught their attention. A man lay on the ground and the one above him, the trainer, reached out his hand to help him back up. The practice was hand-to-hand combat and as soon as he was back on his feet, they were at it again. Both men sweating with exertion.

  Alexander continued the conversation. “Things have been going well. The animals should be ready to foal any time. That will keep me busy.”

  James laughed. The sound was deep and one that was done in complete enjoyment. James had always been the merrier one of the three. Alexander rubbed the stubble on his chin, wondering when the last time had been when he’d laughed like that.

  “Well, ye are here now, so let’s go talk. I imagine ye must be starved?” James patted Alexander’s stomach and led the way.

  He grunted, “Aye.”

  Walking in through the heavy oak doors, they turned to their left toward the kitchens. Usually, the men would eat in the great hall, but since it was just the two of them, James brought him to the kitchen. Less chance of being disturbed. Upon entering, the smell of fresh bread greeted them and his stomach growled.

  The kitchen was a flurry of activity; seven helpers ran around fetching this, chopping that. It was warm in the large room, the fireplace being quite large, black from use, and at the present moment, holding a large pig.

  All seven heads turned to the men as they entered. The kitchen’s hustle and bustle stopped. The head mistress of the kitchen issued an order to a servant, then turned her attention to James.

  “Welcome, gentlemen. May I be helping ye?” Mrs. Cleary smiled, though Alexander had the feeling that they were interrupting the day’s work, and she didn’t like it. She was tall and thin, long like a beanpole. He smiled to himself. Weren’t all cooks fat?

  “We have a guest and I wish to feed him, if ye would be so inclined?” James bowed to her and received a giggle in response.

  Mrs. Cleary laughed, her demeanor softening, then waved them in. “Aye, come on. I was ready to chase ye with a broom if ye had wanted something more.” She sat them at the table and went about the task of filling plates and cups.

  When she left, James turned to focus solely on Alexander, making him feel like an object on display. “So, to what do I owe the honor of seeing ye?”

  Alexander took a bite and wiped his mouth, glancing back at his brother. “Is there anything wrong with wanting to see yer own kin? If I’m not wanted, then I shall move on.” He started to rise, but James snaked out a hand and stopped him.

  “Ye’ll sit down and eat is what ye will do. Ye know ye are welcome here.” He patted him on the shoulder, then reached for his drink. A slow smile came to him.

  “What’s that for?” Alexander held a chicken leg in his hand and he used it to point at his brother’s grin.

  “Nothing.” James said. “I missed ye, is all. How is Hamish? And Margaret and her family? Tell me how they fair.”

  “Doing well.”

  They continued to talk, about family and farming, while he ate. When the food ran out, along with the stories, they thanked the ladies and headed out into the yard. He strode to the practice field, leaned against the rail, and lost himself in the show.

  “Come, little brother. Let’s show them how it’s done.” With a huge smile on his face, James pulled his claymore out and tapped Alexander on the ass. The two men that had been fighting left the field, slinging barbs all the way.

  Wiggling his eyebrows at him, James got into position.

  Alexander was more than ready to spar with James. It was exactly what he needed and he could feel the excitement rolling in his veins like a tidal wave rolling toward shore. His brother was a formidable opponent. The men of the Macpherson clan practiced every day and James was out here with them, teaching and sparring. Alexander hoped he was up for the challenge. As he circled his brother, he drew his sword and swung it over his head, a slow smile covering his face.

  James took his sword and kissed it, never taking his eyes off Alexander, then pointed the blade at him. “Ye, little brother, are smiling way too much.”

  “I haven’t fought with ye in a verra long time. I believe I’m going to thoroughly enjoy this.”

  They continued to move in circles—first going one way, then rotating toward the other. Men hollered out their names. Some chanted “James”, while the others cheered for Alexander.

  “Notice men, how we never lose focus of our opponent. I can hear wee Craig over there, letting a man in through the gates, but I never lose sight of Alexander. To do so, would be certain death,” James lectured.

  At that point, Alexander swung his sword again and brought it down toward his brother. James came up with his sword, blocking the hit. The clanking of metal echoed as swing after swing was blocked.

  Alexander spun to his right, bringing his sword around, just as James somersaulted on the ground, away from the blow. Jumping to his feet, he feigned left and plunged his sword forward. Alexander jumped back in the nick of time.

  Sweat beaded on both of their foreheads. Men were cheering. Alexander ran a quarter of a circle, so his back would not be up against the railing. James came at him and there was a session of hits and blocks, first backing up Alexander, then with James being pushed back.

  Alexander reveled in hearing the spectators enjoy the show, which was exactly what it was. Even in play, he knew he had to be careful, but the men knew it was for fun, also. This could last all day if they wanted it to, but there was work to be done. James winked, then brought his sword around to be hit to the ground by Alexander. There they stood, both laughing, with the men chanting and cheering in the background.

  “So, ye let me win this time, huh?” Alexander said, slapping his brother in a bear hug.

  “Nay.” He shook his head. “Ye hold your own and ye know it. We’ll call it a draw.” Laughing, James and Alexander went to instruct some of the other men who had come to congratulate them.

  Alexander strolled down the path from where the men were practicing. He was in desperate need of a bath before the evening meal. He felt good. Being here with his brother and sparring with the men was something he needed, something he had missed terribly. There were a lot of people bustling around, doing odd jobs, and he stopped to watch. Horses whinnied, children played, men talked, and women laughed. Life at the castle was good and he was glad.

  He heard the sound of the blacksmith’s hammer as it struck metal over and over again. Shoeing horses for the clan was a full time job. He studied the man swinging the hammer. He’d known John all his life. He was a good man. With arms of steel, from wielding the hammer day after day, he was not someone Alexander wanted to ever get into an arm wrestling match with. He turned toward John, wanting to speak to him before his bath; it would be nice to chat with him for a moment. James had told him John was going to be a father. There was a lot to talk about.

  Evening came, and with it, his bath and dinner were over. He felt at ease, but that was replaced with apprehension when he turned to look at his brother. James raised his eyebrow to him. Nodding in answer, the two rose from the table and headed outside for a walk. Ending up near the stables, he watched as James went in to make sure no one was around to overhear.

  “There isn’t anyone around, so tell me what’s bothering ye.”

  Alexander tried to kick him and James sidestepped quickly.

  “Why does something have to be wrong?”

  “I can tell, now out with it.”

  This annoyed him. He’d always been a master at schooling his features. Was he so bad that he’d lost control and now walked around wearing his heart on his sleeve? He glanced at his brother. James may be the joking, older brother, but he was loyal and caring. He knew whatever he told him would be kept confidential. He also knew whatever favor he asked of him, James would do it
without hesitation. It was the reason he came to him.

  Blue eyes searched his face. “How would ye go about finding information on a person?”

  He watched as James pondered the question.

  “It all depends on the information I need to find out. Most likely, I would quietly ask a few questions to the right people. Why?”

  “I need ye to find out some information for me on someone.” He stood, trying to read what might be going through his brother’s thoughts. James was a master at concealing emotion.

  “Done. Might I ask who this person is?”

  “Marlana Crawford.” Alexander waited, he knew it was coming.

  “A woman? What is it about this woman that has ye so interested in her? And I might add, it’s about time.”

  “That’s it. No teasing. No crude remarks about tupping.” Alexander stood angry. His brothers had been hoping he would get back into life, as Hamish had said once. He knew they didn’t mean anything bad by it; they just hated to see him sad.

  “Alexander, ye hurt me with yer accusations.” He swung out and lightly punched Alexander in the arm. “I’ll tease ye about some things, but not about everything. I’m only curious, is all.”

  “Aye, and I thank ye for it.”

  “Tell me about her.”

  Alexander and James took off walking again, discussing all that had happened. James stopped a few times in disbelief and Alexander had to assure him that he hadn’t gone crazy. He talked of the things he wanted to know about Marlana. Even though he told her he trusted her, he still had to see if everything added up. How could someone travel through time? How could he and Marlana both have dreams of each other? How could he be falling for her when he swore he would not do so again?

  Alexander saddled Gideon and strapped his bags securely. It was time to get back home. A smile grew on his face as he pictured Marlana waiting for him. What if he got home and she wasn’t there? He frowned. Falling footsteps in the gravel caused him to turn, smiling as James walked up and handed him a small bag with a string tied around the top.

  “Is this for me? Brother, ye shouldn’t have.” Alexander wiped away a pretend tear, causing James to chuckle.

  “Not for ye, ye swine, for the girl. Just a wee bit of ribbon.” Alexander grunted. He hadn’t thought of a gift for the lass.

  “I know ye didn’t get some yourself. She only has to think ye did.” James winked at him, then gripped him in a hug, slightly lifting him off the ground. “Ye take care of yerself. Doona stay away so long.”

  Alexander grabbed his arm. “But ye doona understand. It isn’t—”

  James waved off his words like swatting at an annoying gnat and turned to walk away. Alexander shook his head.

  Mounted and ready to go, he turned Gideon’s head in the direction of the gates when he heard his name called. Turning in the saddle, he cursed. Colyn was walking his way. Nothing good could come from Colyn wanting to speak to him and the last thing he wanted today was a confrontation.

  James was back at his side in three strides, and Alexander was grateful for the gesture. The two of them together were enough to make most men turn away. Colyn was clearly stupid.

  Colyn stopped in front of him and smiled like someone who knew a dirty little secret. With a twist of his head, he nodded once in greeting to James.

  “What do ye want, Colyn? Ye have no business with my brother, so walk on.” James crossed his arms over his chest, legs spread apart.

  “I wish to offer greetings. I thought ye wanted us to get along? Or am I wrong?” He pretended to look offended.

  “Aye. When it comes to ye wanting anything to do with Alexander, it usually turns out bad.”

  “Well, so be it then. I only wanted to tell him that Marlana sends her greetings.”

  When he turned around and started to walk away, Alexander bounded off his horse in one leap, reached out, and grabbed Colyn’s arm to stop him. He gritted his teeth, fury boiled inside of him. Thoughts of Marlana went through his mind. If Colyn had laid one hand on her, he would not live to tell about it.

  Colyn clenched his jaw as his eyes bore into Alexander’s hand on his arm. “I wouldn’t do that if I were ye.” Edward and Dunmore stepped forward, hands on their swords.

  “Ye will tell me why ye were at my house and what ye did to Marlana.” Alexander tightened his grip on Colyn’s arm. Though he could see the other men in his peripheral view, he never took his eyes off Colyn.

  “Tsk, tsk, such anger. I wonder, what is she to ye?” Colyn waited patiently for Alexander to let go.

  James reached in and laid his hand on his brother’s. “It’s neither the time nor the place.”

  “I will ask ye again, Colyn, what was yer purpose?” Alexander removed his hand, but he didn’t have to like it. What he really wanted to do was put his hands around Colyn’s throat and squeeze until his eyes bulged. He knew he shouldn’t let this man get to him, they hadn’t gotten along since they were kids, but ever since the day that Mairi chose him over Colyn, he’d been a pain in Alexander’s side. The man couldn’t let go of the past. He wondered why Colyn had never found a woman of his own.

  “Not willing to share information, hmm? Well then, what’s the old saying?” Colyn turned to look at the man on his right? “What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.”

  Alexander gritted his teeth, trying to keep his composure. He knew Colyn would do anything to spite him. The thought that Colyn may have laid a hand on Marlana set his fury blazing again. He was also angry at himself. He should’ve found some way to protect her better. Why the hell did he leave her alone? He should’ve taken her to Hamish’s. She’d have been safe there.

  James stepped in between them. “Colyn, it’s time for ye to go.”

  Colyn glanced from Alexander to James. “Aye, we’ll leave.”

  Alexander watched as Colyn started to walk away. “Ye surprise me, Alexander,” Colyn said as he half turned back.

  Alexander stared at his brother, not wanting to acknowledge Colyn.

  “I never thought ye were one to forget so easily.”

  Alexander lunged at him, only to be taken up short by James. His brother stood at his back, holding him in a bear hug and spoke so only he could hear. “Nay brother, now is not the time. He only tries to anger ye so ye will fight. Yer anger is fueled with hatred and with thoughts of the girl on yer mind, ye would not fight well.”

  Alexander shook his head. His jaw clenched and flexed, working overtime. His chest rose and fell hard with his breathing. Where did Colyn get off talking to him that way? He would never forget Mairi or William. They were his life and he grieved for them every day. And it wasn’t any of his business what Marlana meant to him. She was someone he was trying to help and that was all. That was all it could be.

  James finally let go. “Go home. Check on the lass. I’m sure she is safe. Colyn wouldn’t come here and brag if he’d harmed her.”

  “Aye, ye’re right. It doesna make any sense. Why would he go to my farm to begin with?”

  “I imagine it was for ye.” Alexander turned to look at James, a grimace on his face.

  “I’ll see what I can find out.” He reached out and touched his arm. “Now go.”

  Alexander mounted Gideon and headed out of the gates. Once out of view of his brother, he kicked his horse into a run and headed for home. He prayed that when he got there he would find her all right, because when he did see her, he would recite in detail what to do to remain safe until her ears hurt.

  When Alexander rode into the yard, covered in dust and sweat, he jumped off Gideon, who was wet and tried. Foam lathered around the bit. He knew he shouldn’t have pushed his horse that hard, but thoughts of Marlana and Colyn consumed him. He needed to see her safe. On the ride home, he could only imagine the worst scenarios. He wondered
again why Colyn had come to his house. Colyn couldn’t have known that Marlana was there unless he had been spying on him. The thought disturbed him.

  He peered around, but didn’t see her anywhere outside. He rushed toward the house, all the while saying to himself that she had better be in there. When he opened the door and stepped inside, his eyes quickly scanned the room. His heart raced. His emotions torn between anger and fear. Tension ran through his muscles, making them as tight as a bowstring. When she walked out of the bedroom, he sighed with relief. She looked well.

  She smiled and ran over to him, throwing herself in his arms. Odd sensations went through him, but he was relieved to see her. Her scent enveloped him as her hair brushed his face. His groin tightened at the nearness of her. How easily he could get lost in her embrace and he hugged her a little tighter. But first, he had to know what happened.

  Holding her out at arm’s length, he asked, “Anything ye want to tell me?”

  “Did you have a visitor?” Alexander continued, his gaze bored into Marlana’s as he waited for her answer. His grip on her arms tightened. Why did he seem so angry? She twisted in his vise-like grip.

  “Some men stopped by here looking for you. Only the one spoke.”

  “Did they hurt ye?” He looked her over, like a mother would do to a child who had fallen, trying to decide for himself. He stayed slightly bent over, since she was shorter then he, and stared into her eyes.

  “No.”

  As if he didn’t believe her, he asked again. “Did they lay a hand on ye?”

  His actions scared her. “No. Alex, why would they hurt me? He said he was a friend of yours.”

  “He is no friend of mine. I want ye to tell me everything.” Alexander straightened, then, and let go. His jaw muscle flexed as he gritted his teeth. He took slow, calming breaths.

  She nervously switched her feet and crossed her arms, hugging herself. “I’d been baking all day. I thought it was a good time to practice, you know, while you were away.” She walked over to the table and put her hands on the back of a chair. “I heard horses. I wasn’t sure if it was you or not, so I went to see. I thought maybe Hamish could’ve come back, too.” She took a knife in her hand and started slicing a piece of pie. “They seemed very surprised to see me here. I stayed in the doorway with my hand on the door, just in case I needed to get in quickly and shut it.” This didn’t seem to impress him, because his only response was an angry grunt.