Time of the Draig

by Lisa Dawn Wadler

  “Did you say prisoner?” Jeff interjected.

  “I did. My sister and I were brought here for ransom,” Dana said. She explained about the other woman who had also been captured. The other woman, Heather, had arrived three or four years earlier and had married the leader of the Campbell clan. The conqueror known as the Draig was going to kill her on the spot, but Heather claimed her as her sister and said her husband would ransom them both.

  Dana paled and said, “Let’s just say my first few weeks here were bad and leave it alone. I don’t like to talk about it. Just know that it got better, and I built a good life here. I raised four children and loved my husband, eventually.”

  “As far as improvements, it’s all so much cleaner. I think I may have invented the use of soap. Heather had a thing for romance novels, so we began calling the tribal leaders ‘laird.’ It caught on. My sister created the plaid. It took a bit longer to become a fashion craze, but it beat the long tunics the men used to wear,” Dana explained.

  She continued with explaining the outer buildings; Dana took full credit for those. She said, “The warriors and the serving women used to sleep in the hall at the end of the day. Again, I will be brief and say those were not good days, at least for the women. I had the barracks built to house the men and women separately. Consent is a word I have added to the local dictionary.”

  Dana finished with, “I raised my children to be better, and that influence was supposed to extend to the next generation.” Again she glared at Faolan.

  All Samantha could mutter was, “I’m so sorry.”

  Dana asked, “For what?”

  “I did this, I made the door you came through, and I am so very sorry,” Samantha whispered.

  The old woman stared at Samantha and said, “If you had told me that in the first few weeks I was here, I would have probably tried to kill you. But life surprised me and led me where I belonged. If you need to hear it, I don’t blame you.”

  Boomer answered for a silent Samantha. “Thank you.”

  Dana asked, “One thing has always bothered me. Do you have any idea how I spoke all the languages here?”

  Jeff said, “Think of the doorway as having a universal translator built in. It’s the best analogy to date.”

  The language question brought the thought to mind. It was better than the implications that two women had entered the time via quantum doors that could only be a result of her work. Samantha said, “Dana, when we fought with the men who stole your livestock, we spoke with one of them. He said something about coming for the Draig, that the gods of Faolan’s ancestors wanted revenge.”

  Dana surprised her by laughing. She answered, “I can imagine lots of people wanting some form of revenge.” A wistful smile covered her face when she said, “That man would have loved knowing even the gods wanted a piece of him.”

  “Do you think it was a real threat?” Samantha asked.

  “I doubt it,” Dana replied. “While I don’t know everything about his life before he came to this place, I’d be extremely surprised that anyone was left to hold a grudge.”

  Samantha glanced at Jeff, who nodded at the statement, but she could see doubt in his eyes. Her father had been correct. Jeff missed nothing. Something had been left out of that answer. Yet both left it alone for the moment.

  “I have one more question. It was winter in Phoenix when I left, but spring here. Can you explain that?” Dana asked.

  “You arrived on May 4th. All the time shifts were set for May 4th,” Samantha explained with a flat voice. She added, “It was my father’s birthday.”

  Dana nodded and said, “Good, those were the little things that bugged me. You know, maybe we’re from different realities or something like that. It could even be that another you in another reality created my door.”

  Samantha shook her head but remained quiet. Her fingers twitched with a need to connect to UNK005 to try and make sense of the surreal moment. She leaned over to Faolan and asked, “Is there some place I can work in private?”

  “Gran, Samantha wishes for some quiet time. What chamber does my mother have prepared?”

  “Your mother left this morning when she heard you were on your way home safe and sound. Riders came in from Margaret, and her time is almost at hand.” The woman explained how Faolan’s sister wanted their mother at her home as she waited for the birth of her first child. She added, “Your mother was grateful for the excuse to leave. It’s too hard for her with your father gone.”

  “I can understand her wish to be away from a place of grief.” Faolan said, “Tell me she dinna ride alone.”

  “She rode with the recognized messengers and two of ours,” Dana said, and she extended a greeting on behalf of her daughter-in-law. She continued, “Samantha, Jeff, and Boomer have chambers waiting upstairs per your instructions. One of the barracks has been made ready for the rest. None of ours will sleep there. It’s private.”

  Jeff said, “I prefer to sleep with the men, thank you just the same.”

  Samantha stood abruptly. “Forgive me, I forgot that you lost your son in the last few weeks. On behalf of my men, our condolences.”

  After a nod from Dana, Samantha asked, “Could I see that chamber now, please?” She turned to Boomer. “You have two minutes to declare it secure. I need to work now.”

  “Delay that order, Sergeant Michaels. Major, you have two men in the village, and your men have yet to be secured. Not to mention that you haven’t eaten a thing. Whatever you need to do can wait a little bit longer,” Jeff said.

  Samantha stared at Jeff as his words took hold, but he didn’t understand. There was no way he could grasp the enormity of the situation. Two women from a future that didn’t exist lived in the time. Quantum doors had made that possible, but she had never initiated them. The past had irrevocably been changed.

  Her father’s voice whispered in her ear, “See to your men.” Jeff was right, and it shamed her. The men needed to come first. She regained her composure and sat down. “Thank you, Captain.” With that said, she ate food she couldn’t taste.

  While she ate, Jeff asked, “Dana, the men need to know where they can do some laundry. We only have one change of uniform.”

  “Leave it outside the barracks, and I’ll have Keira send someone to take care of it. In fact, later I’ll introduce you to her. Keira is basically the housekeeper or the one who keeps everything running around here. She can also get everyone something a bit more appropriate to wear.”

  Private Weiler asked, “Do we have to wear kilts?”

  “No, you don’t, but you might like some pants and shirts like everyone else wears. It will help you blend in and stand out less,” Dana offered. She looked up at Boomer and said, “We may have to make something new for you. Damn, you’re big.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Boomer replied.

  Dana rose from the table. “The evening meal is around sunset this time of year. I expect you all here. My clan will want to meet the tribe that arrived with my grandson. Now, if you’ll excuse me, the meal gets done a lot faster if I’m overseeing the kitchen.”

  As the older woman left, Jeff asked, “Faolan, could we see the barracks?”

  “If you wish. Bring your packs and see them tucked away safely.” Faolan extended his hand to her while he asked, “Samantha, are you finished with your meal?”

  Food had disappeared from her plate, but she had no recollection of eating. She nodded and took his hand to step back over the bench, afraid that she would fall if left on her own. Obligation focused as she said, “Weiler, once the barrack is deemed secure, wait at the gate for Efraim and Miller to let them know where they bunk.”

  Samantha heard the “affirmative” and let herself be led back outside with her hand still tucked within Faolan’s reassuring grip.

  Satisfaction filled Faola
n as he gazed around his crowded hall. His warriors were all present along with their wives and wee ones. The din of the gathered crowd sounded like music as his people mixed with the newcomers. Laughter rang out, as did conversation, and a babe crying completed the moment. Full trenchers covered the tables, and all feasted. He and his warriors stood out in the hall wrapped in the colors of the clan, the blue, green, and black on their plaids worn to mark them as the men who protected the people.

  His grandmother had surprised him by being the first to offer words of welcome. She had claimed the travelers as part of her tribe and thus established a reason for their arrival. The scene had been completed when she placed a kiss on each man’s forehead and one on Samantha’s cheek.

  His words of welcome had been met with cheers from his clan as the men and Samantha had been presented. She had graced the evening with kind offerings of peace and alliance. She sat on his right side, and Jeff honored his left.

  Jeff continued, “If my initial scans are correct, there is quite a bit we can do to improve how the outhouses remove waste. It goes a bit too close to the water table for my comfort. With your permission, I’ll have my men look into the situation and come back with recommendations.”

  Faolan nodded. “If you say the matter should be addressed, then I appreciate your efforts. Though I would prefer for you all to rest for several days.”

  Jeff laughed. “The men need a purpose. The last thing we need is a bunch of bored soldiers underfoot.”

  With a slap to the man’s back, Faolan replied, “My thanks for sharing your skills, but enough for now. The evening is for welcoming and enjoyment. The tasks of the day can wait until the morrow.”

  Faolan had been called away from his guests shortly after the midday meal. Duty called as a laird’s afternoon spent in leisure was not common. He had missed seeing Samantha’s reaction to her chamber. She had been given the best he had to offer, one that faced the sea and the cliffs, and filled with sea-scented air. It was no coincidence it was the one across from his.

  Samantha was the only one who seemed lost in the celebration. Questions were answered, but she did not engage beyond that. Faolan could also sense her unease though no threat was present or expected. A light sheen of perspiration glowed on her forehead.

  Faolan leaned over to ask softly, “Are you unwell?”

  “No, I’m fine,” she replied. When he waited with eyes fixed on her, she continued, “I’m not used to so many people in one place.”

  “This is good for you, Sam. We’ve been isolated for much too long,” Boomer interjected.

  While Samantha patted Boomer’s hand, she said, “I know but still . . .”

  “Would you care to step outside for some air?” Faolan asked, even though Boomer glared at him. It was the perfect excuse to steal a moment alone with her.

  “Actually, I would like to go back upstairs. I need to get some work done,” Samantha stated.

  Faolan frowned at her denial. In his mind, he saw a quiet walk to the cliffs and her reaction to the moon over the sea. He described the potential sight and saw curiosity in her eyes. He offered, “Boomer is also welcome.”

  Boomer nodded. “Nice to know you paid attention.”

  The sound of a small babe crying pulled Boomer’s eyes to the corner of the hall. Faolan said, “‘Tis our way to include the wee ones.”

  “I’m good with the kids being here, and honestly, it’s nice to see. Been far too long since I’ve seen so many children.” Boomer pointed at the woman patting the back of the small babe in her arms and said, “If she pats that baby any harder . . . I can’t watch this. Excuse me.” With that said, the man rose to walk around the room.

  Faolan followed at his heels, wondering what came next. While the men had been welcomed with joy, Boomer’s size would be considered a threat if he approached a woman with a new bairn.

  As they reached the young woman patting the baby, Boomer held out his hands and said, “Hand the little one over.”

  As the big man commanded, the room stilled, and the woman looked up in horror.

  Boomer said in a surprisingly gentle voice, “Please hand over the baby. You’re doing it wrong.” His hands stayed out expectantly.

  Faolan said to the mother, “I trust the man.”

  The woman winced as she placed the wailing baby in Boomer’s hands and cringed in fear. Boomer simply asked, “How old?”

  A timid voice replied, “About one moon.”

  Boomer smiled and held the bundled crying babe to his chest and ran his hand up and down the child’s back until a large burp erupted. He said, “This one is too young for pats, a nice gentle stroke will get you there.” He then placed the squirming babe on the table and rewrapped him. “They like it when you swaddle them up tight. Makes them feel nice and secure. Let me know if you need to see that again.”

  The woman scooped up her child as cheers rose through the hall. Faolan smiled, knowing Boomer’s gesture had secured his place as a warrior with a heart. All laughed when the woman scolded her husband for doing nothing to ease their new son.

  Samantha’s voice sounded from behind him. “I think they like Boomer.”

  Faolan took the opportunity to take Samantha’s arm and sneak with her to the front door. While Boomer was entangled by mothers seeking advice, they stepped into the cool night air. “How about that quiet walk?”

  Samantha nodded and stepped by his side as he led her past the front courtyard, beyond the barracks, and to the cliffs. He could the feel the tension leave her body, and they walked in comfortable silence. The relaxed smile that covered her face at the beauty of the scene made the evening perfect.

  Faolan wondered at her silence. It was not his first stolen walk in the moonlight. Normally, the lass giggled as they walked or stole glances at him in expectation of the kiss to come. He preferred to make them wait; the anticipation had a way of making the surrender sweeter. Some lasses were bolder and dared to lead him to a more secluded spot.

  Yet, the woman by his side only stared at the sea, and he watched her grin fade.

  Waves rolled to the base of the cliffs below their feet and filled the quiet night with their roar. The sky was full of twinkling stars, and the moon had come to bathe its light on the sea. Faolan asked, “Does it please you?” He wanted her to be delighted with his lands.

  “Yes,” she answered though her gaze stayed on the dark horizon. After a deep breath, she said, “Boomer has a way with children. He was the first child out of seven with lots of older cousins who had kids of their own.”

  “Does he still see them?” Faolan asked, not sure if the question made sense given the change in whens and said as much.

  Samantha offered a sad smile but said nothing. It was enough of an answer. Faolan did not wish to spoil the evening with her presumed tale of woe, so he left it alone.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about your grandmother?” Her voice held no trace of emotion.

  “I wasn’t sure you would believe me. In truth, I never truly believed her tale of time,” Faolan explained. “I thought she teased and attempted to entertain on long winter nights.”

  He knew something about his grandmother bothered her immensely. The sparkle had gone out of her eyes after the tale was told. Samantha had grown quiet and withdrawn since. Faolan asked, “Why does it bother you?”

  She laughed though the sound contained no joy, only bitterness. Samantha did not face him as she said, “She shouldn’t be here. I’m not sure how it happened, but it’s so wrong. Somehow I did something that made that wrong possible.”

  “I am grateful she came, or I would nay be standing here looking at the moon with you on a fine night,” Faolan said, hoping to cheer her.

  She stared at the waves that came in to crash on the rocks below. Faolan saw the single tear that slipped down her cheek,
as she whispered, “I know.”

  “Samantha,” Boomer’s voice rang through the night.

  Faolan silently cursed the man as he approached. He said, “Samantha needed some fresh air.” She offered a weak smile as she nodded in agreement.

  She looked up at Boomer. “Hope you’re ready to work the night shift.”

  “Fine. The door is solid, and I have a nice pillow for the chair. Jeff knows he can’t hold you off any longer. We have decided you have a max of eight hours.”

  Faolan noted the glare in her eyes as she said, “It’s going to take a lot longer than that to figure out this mess and come up with a solution set.”

  “Eight hour chunks, time for eight hours’ sleep and time spent outside in the fresh air, or no deal,” Boomer replied.

  “Boomer, you do realize I can lock myself inside the chamber after I kick your ass out,” Samantha taunted.

  It was clear Boomer was negotiating to keep Samantha from the pale, exhausted state she had been in when they met. Faolan said, “Any door within my keep can be hacked apart with my sword if your safety is threatened.”

  She looked up at him with a frown. “I thought you were on my side.”

  The hurt on her face was for show. Faolan lifted her face in his hands under Boomer’s watchful gaze. He said, “I am yours in all ways. If I must deny you to keep you safe, I shall.” Then he smiled at her and felt her lips upturn in his palms, satisfied that she still responded to him.

  While he wanted nothing more than to kiss the lips that had previously pouted, he removed his hands. “May I escort you both upstairs? Boomer can fetch me if you have need of anything or if he would like a rest. I would be pleased to stand guard outside your door.”

  Boomer nodded. “Nice to know I can take a latrine break.”