by Patty Taylor
“My sister, Beth, is very gifted, much like you, Darby. Her expertise is herbal medicine, too. She’s always helping cure people and stray critters with her remedies. I wish you could meet her. You both have a lot in common.” She sniffled before accepting the vial and swallowing the entire contents in one gulp. It was sweet and reminded her of honeysuckle. Her eyelids soon grew heavy.
Darby removed the bottle from her hand and gripped her shoulder, helping guide her to lean back on the sheepskin. “Beth sounds like a grand person, indeed.”
She swiveled her head to face him, wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands. “Yes, she is. My parents adopted Beth when I was little, and we’ve become very close. She’d fit right in here. Much better than I do, I’m afraid.”
“Nonsense,” he said matter-of-factly, handing her a worn wrinkled handkerchief. “’Twas destiny that summoned ye here in the first place. And I, for one, am glad you came. Speakin’ of which, I’m sure me potion should soon be takin’ effect. Ye should feel better come morn.”
The little man’s deep concern and patience warmed her heart. She grabbed his hand inside her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I have a feeling you played a role in helping Duncan get that gorgeous gown. I don’t know how you ever managed to do it, but I want to thank you.”
His plump cheeks blushed red before lifting her arm next to her side and tucking the covers beneath her chin. He patted her hand, leaned over, and placed a friendly kiss on her forehead, then whispered, “Ye give me too much credit, lass. I dinna know what ye mean. Now close yer eyes, me friend, and get a good night’s sleep.”
Keara snuggled underneath the warm fleece, her face tickled from the soft curls gently tucked under her chin. Unable to open her eyes, she sighed. Tender, cold lips sealed a kiss on her mouth. Her heart raced. A fiery shudder ignited a desire for another taste of the savoring sweetness left tingling inside her mouth.
Duncan had returned. The Highlander was the only man that could make her flesh yearn from his touch. She tried sitting up but Darby’s tonic was already taking affect. Her eyelids and limbs had grown like heavy weights holding her immobile. Her emotions fully aroused and her mind now wide awake, she lay still and listened as the Highlander’s brogue grew deep and gruff as he snapped at Darby. Maybe now she could find out why he stormed off the way he did.
“Are ye daft? Ye canna be serious,” Darby said. “Besides, ye made Keara a promise. Ye canna be going back on yer word to the lass, not now. Not after what all she’s been through. Not to mention, she saved young Colin’s life. Ye owe her for that.” Darby paced back and forth, rubbing his chin. “No, I willna play a part in this new plan of yers. Do ye honestly believe she and the lad will stay put and not follow? And what of their safety? Have ye even considered the possibility they’ll become more vulnerable to the sorceress?”
“Do ye think I enjoy being the villain? I have Colin to think about, too.” Duncan slammed his fist in his other hand and glanced at the sun starting to set. “Mo creach, Darby! I dinna have much time left. I should have been to the castle by now. Are ye gonna help me, or not?”
“Ye’re not thinkin’ straight right now. Ye didna’ see the look of pain in Keara’s eyes when ye walked away last night. I willna do anything to hurt her.” Darby straightened, shaking his finger at Duncan. “If ye havena noticed, young Colin will soon be a man. It’s time ye face it, man. Ye canna change destiny. And whether ye like it or not, the two of them are meant to be here. As long as I can help it, they’re gonna stay.”
A growl rose in Duncan’s throat. Twilight shadowed his frame, demanding the beast to awaken and take control. The pain commenced, racing through his veins. Gripping his hands into fists at his sides, his voice thundered within his ears. “How much time before she’s strong enough to travel?”
“Give her a few days yet. She’s still recoverin’ from that poison arrow in her back. Ye still have plenty of time to reach Dunscaith. The herbal potions I give her at night are helpin’ to speed up her recovery.” Darby hobbled over and stood, peering up at him. “Keara’s strong. And verra much like yerself. Be off with ye, and take a long walk to cool that hot head of yers before ye make matters any worse and we both say somethin’ we might live to regret.”
Chapter 17
“I just can’t understand him, Darby. Duncan acts as if the mere sight of me disgusts him. I was surprised to see him come back this morning. He’s been different ever since I put on these new clothes the other night.” Keara swallowed a sigh and threw a handful of dirt over the smoldering campfire. She patted her hands together before placing them on her hips and turned her attention to Duncan helping Colin. “I guess I’ve held him back and become more of a burden than he bargained for. He must resent me for that.”
“Not true, Keara. Ye canna blame yerself for his moodiness. Duncan’s a good man with a giant heart, but I’m afraid ‘tis too much on his mind right now. He never was good when it came to having patience.” Darby grabbed her hand, patting the top of it with his stubby fingers. He smiled and glanced over at Duncan. “Dinna fret yerself. Ye must give him some time.”
Her small friend frowned while he muttered, a distant look in his eyes. “I think he found something more important to him than his own life. Something he’s afraid he’ll lose before he even has the chance to claim it.”
Keara began to ask Darby what he meant when she was interrupted by boisterous laughter. Duncan stood, his legs spread wide apart and arms crossed, watching Colin’s arrow soaring high in the clouds. The teen was obviously taking advantage of his uncle’s undivided attention. The young man hurried to shoot another arrow.
Darby glanced at Duncan and Colin, his chubby fingers pushing a dangling ivy vine sticking out of his bushy sideburns behind the tip of his ear. “I think I’ll go ask Duncan what his plans are for the day if ye dinna mind me leavin’ ye for a wee bit.”
“Thanks, Darby, but I’ll be fine. I’ll just sort through a few things.” She strolled to the new bag and peered inside while Darby lit his pipe and made his way beside the rambunctious pair.
Samson sprinted to her side, pawed at her leg, and mewed.
A cluster of tiny blinking lights danced in front of her, reminding her of the delightful displays of lightning bugs back home every July. It’s not even dark yet. She held out her hand, waiting for one to come close enough to catch. Less than the size of a pea, one of the lights bounced up and down on the palm of her hand and hovered several feet in front of her. The rest of them swarmed around her and floated toward the woods.
Keara glanced quickly at Duncan. His back turned toward her, he was yelling at Darby while Colin stood kicking his foot at the ground. By the looks of things, I’m guessing it’s not a good time to interrupt. Besides, the lights could have hurt me already if they wanted to. I’ll be back before they even notice I’m gone.
Curious, she followed the bouncing orbs though a meadow of bluebells mixed with wood anemones. The unusual spheres disappeared someplace shrouded in mist behind a thicket of gorse. She pulled the hem of her gown right below her knees and watched her footing while treading over a small pathway of stepping stones.
The lights grew brighter, weaving within a circle of towering stones encrypted with symbols like those on her amulet. She approached one of the ancient stones and stopped. Awed by the structures, she rubbed her hand up and down the smooth surface, gliding her fingers over the peculiar engravings. She reached inside the gown’s hidden sewn pocket for the talisman. It grew warm in her hand just like the first night she found it.
Her stomach twisted in knots. Images of Duncan, Darby, and Colin filled her mind. How can I leave them without saying goodbye? Especially Duncan. Hot tears stung her eyes. A sharp pain pierced her midriff as she realized this might be her only chance. She bent, scooping her faithful furry friend into her arms. “Hurry, Samson, this may be our way home.”<
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The feline squirmed and jumped to the ground, pawing at a patch of grass in the middle of the towering stones. A small pool of clear, sparkling water appeared in front of them. Keara stepped backward, her back colliding with one of the huge rocks. The golden amulet glowed, growing hotter inside her hand. The heat climbed up her arm. She couldn’t hold it much longer.
She knelt in front of the tiny pool, set the talisman by her side, and plunged her hands inside the cool, refreshing water. Ripples of water changed colors in front of her.
Three images appeared in front of her eyes. The first, of a beautiful young maiden wearing a wreath of flowers and leaves in her hair. It faded into the second image, of a pregnant middle-aged woman. The third image appeared—an elderly crone with an owl on her shoulder.
I know these signs. They represent the Triple Goddess.
The water whispered, “The pearl.”
A watery mist sprayed on her wrist making her tattoo swell slightly in size. She felt no pain, only a sense of comfort and warmth, like someone tucking a snuggly blanket—right out of the dryer—around her.
“Drop the pearl into the water for the answers you seek,” the soothing voice ordered.
Keara unwrapped the handkerchief and placed the delicate, iridescent pearl on top of the water. Shaped like human fingers, the glistening liquid wrapped around her precious gift and tucked the pearl inside its clutches. The treasure slipped safely beneath its watery bed. A magnificent water lily emerged, floating in place of the pearl, and opened in full bloom in a variety of bright colors.
The sparkling orbs reappeared and encircled the lily. Their twinkling motions seemed to act as the flower’s voice.
“The Goddess protects and favors you, offering valuable gifts. You are a child of the earth, as were many of your ancestors. You must guard the talisman, enchanted by the Witches of the Mysts. It must not fall in the hands of evil. You must seek the answers inside your heart before you can save the lives you were sent here to protect.”
“Whose lives are in danger? How am I supposed to protect people when I can’t even protect myself right now?” Keara straightened, rubbing her wrist.
The petals slowly started to close. A few tiny orbs darted inside the plant and disappeared.
“Please, wait. I still don’t understand what I’m supposed to do. You promised me answers,” she pleaded, frustrated.
“Look to the night sky to guide your way. More answers await you there. Remember, Samhain Eve approaches fast.” The voices lowering to almost a whisper, the sparking lights fluttered in a frenzy above the shrinking plant. “Beware the poisonous, wicked seed. Make haste with your decisions and choose well. Heed this warning before doom befalls your fate and all becomes lost. Our paths are destined to cross again in the future.”
“But how will I know when our path crosses again?” Keara cried out.
The remaining orbs vanished into thin air.
She stood rubbing her arms and watched the tiny pool swallow the lily before the water shrank to the size of a puddle and was gone as fast as it appeared.
The pearl lay at her feet.
“I didn’t even get to ask what the symbols mean.”
Duncan turned to check on Keara.
“That fool-headed woman is gone again,” he yelled and clenched his fists, staring at Darby. “I knew I shouldna have listened to ye and planted her stubborn backside in a village where I didna’ have to worry about her hard-headed notions and wanderin’ off whenever she bloody-well pleases. I would have been to Dunscaith by now if it wasna fer her.”
He turned his head and spotted Samson scampering toward them.
“Where is she, lad?” he asked, while Colin stooped and petted the feline.
A breeze carried the scent of lavender to Duncan’s nose. “Never ye mind, I think I can find her on me own.”
Duncan’s temper was reaching its limit. Bloody hell. Why does she have to have that effect on me?
Taking longer strides, he left Darby panting and running behind, trying to catch up. He was too angry to hear Darby’s cries, pleading with him to watch his tongue.
He spied Keara sitting on the ground in the meadow with her eyes closed and her face turned to the sky. Basking in the sun, her long hair shimmered, flowing to the ground. Auburn curls resembling lacy ribbons trailed in ripples across emerald-green grass.
The muscles in his legs and arms tightened. His hands clenched the shaft of his bow. His full attention focused on Keara, his gaze lingering on her body. The blasted woman aroused feelings he hadn’t felt for many years. But that wasn’t his only problem. No matter how hard he tried to stay away from her, like a strong wind, her appeal carried him back to her side. He could no longer deny his true feelings for her.
Keara stirred and opened her eyes. Their gazes locked, her face flushing a warm peach color before finally looking away. She hugged her knees, her fingers fussing with the bottom of her dress.
Duncan took a deep breath, relieved to find her safe. He sauntered to her side and squatted in front of her. “Woman, ye’ve got to stop wanderin’ off by yerself whenever ye damn well please. I would think by now ye would know better. Look here, lass. I know all this must be hard on ye. I wish there was something I could do to help make it easier for ye, but I did try me best to warn ye.”
“I’m sorry I’ve caused you nothing but aggravation since you met me.” Her head shot up, and she glared at him. “Is that why you’re so irritable when you’re around me lately? Does the very sight of me suddenly disgust you that much?”
He opened his mouth to speak and clamped it shut. Not expecting her reaction.
“I know you’re hiding something from me. I can feel it. Here.” She placed her hand on her chest. “You can’t deny the connection we have, no more than I can.”
Like a slap in his face, her accusation moments before was not without anguish. He realized he might have been too hard on her and even nastier than he should have been. His only defense was trying to push her away for her own good.
In truth, he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. Especially to another man. A man named Dennis. A man living centuries in the future that could provide her with things he’d never imagined existed.
“Ye dinna’ understand, Keara.” He reached out and touched her face. The warmth of her soft skin made his fingers tingle. “Ye must trust me. Ye have no idea how I wished I could confide in ye. Canna ye believe that I’m doin’ this for yer own good? ‘Tis too dangerous. I fear only for yer safety.”
Darby stumbled behind him, panting and out of breath. The little man hobbled over to Keara and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are ye all right, lass? Ye gave us a mighty scare.”
“I’m sorry, Darby. I didn’t mean to upset anyone.” She patted Darby’s hand but glared in Duncan’s direction. “I wanted to tell one of you about the lights, but Duncan seemed too busy raising his voice at you, so I decided to follow them on my own.”
“Mo creach!” Duncan straightened. “What lights?”
“The little bright orbs. They reminded me of lightning bugs back home, and they acted like they wanted me to follow them. So I did.” Her eyelids blinked and she turned her attention to Darby. Colin came strolling up behind him and stood between Keara and Darby.
“Look, woman.” A growl rumbled inside his chest. “Those wee lights could have led you deep in the woods and ye’d been lost forever. Do they not teach women any common sense where ye come from?”
Keara stood and faced him. Her cheeks turned red and her eyes narrowed, as she brushed the back of her gown with her hands. “Where I come from, people have the courtesy to let someone explain themself before jumping down their throat and accusing them like they did something wrong.”
“Ye willna have to worry about me accusin’ ye no more. I willna be respo
nsible for any harm comin’ to someone that willna listen for her own good. Come ‘morrow, ye and Colin will be safe in a village, and ye’ll and wait ‘til my return. There shan’t be more talk about this.” His voice thundered as he turned and headed back to fetch Goliath and the rest of his gear.
“Ye’re bein’ foolish, man. Stop and listen to Keara.” Darby hobbled as fast as he could and grabbed the hem of Duncan’s plaid. “Do ye not want to know what she discovered and what the stone magick revealed to the lass?”
Frustration, disbelief, and rage filled his entire body. His fingers wrapped around the center of an arrow he gripped in his hand. He snapped it in half and threw it to the ground before stomping in Darby’s direction. “Ye mean to tell me ye knew all the time where she was and didna’ tell me? Is that why ye started an argument about how important it was to keep her with us, so I wouldna’ see her traipsin’ off on her own? I guess ye’re the one that planted the seed in her head about the witches’ stones. I wouldna’ put it past ye to summon the will-o’-the-wisp in the first place.”
Frustrated that his best friend would think to betray him, he stopped at the brownie’s side and grabbed his jacket by the neck and lifted the little man off the ground, holding him high above his own head. Darby’s small legs dangled in front of his chest.
Colin and Keara came running behind, Keara pleading with him to stop and listen.
“What’s got into ye, man?” Darby’s face turned pale as he kicked his feet in midair.
