Highlander's Charm

by Joanne Wadsworth

  Yes, and Nanna’s was etched with her name. “I miss her.”

  “She too spoke of missing you.” Margaret rubbed her arm. “She left you a message, one I couldnae speak of to another. She said you must no’ tell Calum that you’re from the MacIan clan. Jean used the name Cunningham, and you must use it too. She also spoke of the fortuneteller who gave her your charm. The old woman told her that the past must be set to rights. That’s why you’re both here.”

  “Calum was told the same thing.” Goodness, she needed to find that fortuneteller.

  “Come, the water cools and you’re shivering.” Margaret passed her a drying cloth.

  “Why didn’t Nanna wait here for me if she knew I would come?” She dried herself then picked up the sapphire gown the maid had left and eased it over her head. The soft folds shimmered down her hips and swished to her ankles.

  “Duart was no’ her home.”

  “Yes, but we don’t have any home in this time period. Waiting here would’ve been best.” She laced the front stays to the top of the square-cut neckline trimmed with a lacy ribbon, then donned the matching slippers.

  “Come. Your hair will dry quicker afore the fire, and I’ll explain further.” Margaret patted the wooden chair and Lila sat. “Jean was told by the fortuneteller there were two charms linked through time, as was their true holders’ souls. That’s why you and Jean both arrived here first, where Calum holds the other charm.”

  So Calum was like the magnet that had drawn Nanna and her to the same place and point in time. Calum too had said they were bound, and after only a short time in his company, she believed.

  “You need to know your grandmother awaits you.” Margaret picked up a brush from the side table, separated her hair into sections and combed. “You must follow in Jean’s path.”

  “To where?” The moment she knew, she’d go.

  “Look into your heart for the answer.” Margaret smiled. “Deep inside, you know exactly where she’s gone. Where do the MacIans reside?”

  “Mingary,” she whispered.

  “Aye, you will find your grandmother in the home of your ancestors. That too is where you need to be in order to set your past to rights.”

  “Then I have to leave, immediately.” Except Calum had already said she must remain here. “But it’ll have to be in secret.”

  “Aye, if you’re bound to Calum as strongly as Jean has said, then you must leave without his knowledge.” She set the brush down. “I will aid you as I did Jean.”

  “Thank you. That means the world to me. What’s the easiest route to take from here to Mingary?”

  “By way of the forest path. It meanders alongside the coastline toward the tip of Mull. Once you reach Tobermory, you can hire one of the fishermen to sail you across the sound. They willnae wish to make landfall for long, but ’tis a short mile across the sea, no more. I have my own coin. I’ll give you what you need.”

  “I’ll find a way to repay you.” Her heart heaved at the thought of leaving Calum. They’d had so little time together. Oh, but Nanna was close. All she’d ever learnt was at her knee, and now it would only be a matter of days before she saw her again.

  Not a soul could keep her from this journey, not even Calum.

  “I have to see him before I go.” She owed him her life.

  “I’ll take you. The men will have left for the training yard.”

  Lila retrieved her charm from the bedside nightstand and gripped it tight.

  A journey into MacIan land would be treacherous for Calum. Going alone was her only option. This was her mission, not his, whether their charms and souls were bound or not.

  Chapter 4

  Margaret guided Lila down the winding stairs and into the great hall.

  Within a wide arched stone fireplace, sparks flared, and firelight shimmered across the hefty clan shield hanging over it. So beautiful. The silver edge, embedded with diamonds, rubies and yellow sapphires, gave proof of just how much wealth this clan held. The MacLeans had certainly survived and thrived as her clan had not.

  They passed two maids clearing the trenchers away, and a large brown-haired dog guzzling scraps from under the trestle tables.

  Outside in the bailey, the sun shone and she breathed the fresh sea air in.

  “’Tis a short walk to the training yard at the tip of the loch. ’Twill no’ take long.” Margaret snuck her through the arched gates and into the outer courtyard. The glittering waters of the sound beckoned, and so close lay Ardnamurchan.

  They followed the stony path.

  Near the stables, a gangly-legged lad in loosely belted pants brushed a sleek black warhorse. Beyond him, two armed warriors mounted their steeds then galloped across the moors toward the forest. “It’s awful you must live like this, so on guard all the time.”

  “There is naught we can do to halt this feud, no’ when Lachlan fights to right the past wrongs done to him.”

  “What wrongs are those?” The path weaved uphill, and she lifted her skirts out of the dust.

  “Lachlan’s father, in the short five years he was chief, gambled away his lands on Islay, but they were unfairly lost to him. ’Tis why he’s so determined to get the Rhinns back.”

  “If that’s so, then why doesn’t he simply take his case to the king? It would have saved on the whole being captured thing.”

  “He’ll never accede to the king, no’ in anyway. To do so, would be accepting the king’s rule over our isle.”

  Since it was the late 1500s, the king had to be James VI, one of the greatest kings of all times. What she’d read about him at the museum had intrigued her. Because of his birth, he’d successfully united the kingdoms of England and Scotland at the turn of the coming century. He’d led with determination during his long reign. A shame she hadn’t read more about this particular feud. That would’ve been helpful.

  They made the top rise and she raised a hand to her brow. Duart sat prominently at the point where the Sound of Mull intersected with Loch Linne and the Firth of Lorne. Land rose from the water in every direction. A very favorable position for a stronghold with its unhindered views.

  “If you look to the south you can see the isles of Jura and Islay.” Margaret plucked a yellow flower from the lush grass and tucked it behind her ear. “Lachlan holds the northern half of Jura. That he has never lost.”

  “Where are the Rhinns located?”

  “There on Islay’s west.”

  “It’s close.”

  “Aye, we usually receive fair warning when our enemy sails these waterways.” She pointed toward a cluster of trees where beyond the clashing of steel against steel rung through the air. “The men are down there, where they can also keep watch over it all.”

  “Then it’s time for me to see Calum.” She strode along the thinning, scrub-lined path. At the edge of the loch, a hundred shirtless warriors wielded swords in a battle of strength against one another. Another hundred swam toward a small island in the middle of the waterway. “That’s some training.”

  “Our enemies dinnae lie idle, and neither may we.”

  Among the half-naked men, Calum swung his two-handed claymore down on his opponent’s. His shoulders and arms were thick, strong, and packed with muscle. A healthy sheen of sweat glistened across his glorious abs. He shoved forward and the force of his move sent the warrior he fought against stumbling backward. So impressive.

  “Mother!” Hector raced down the trail toward them, his red hair a bright beacon of color amongst the green of the moors.

  “Slow down or you’ll trip and fall.” Margaret caught him as he plowed into her. “Oomph.”

  “I have a message for you from Betsie.” His breath came hard and fast. “She said Bethag fell and cries for you.”

  “Oh dear.” She spun and faced Lila. “My daughter. She’s learning to walk. I must go and see she’s well. I’ll return soon and”—she leaned in and squeezed her hands—“sneak your bag out as I do.”

  “Thank you. I must leave w
ithout anyone seeing.”

  “’Twill be done.” Margaret hurried after Hector.

  One quick goodbye with Calum, and then she’d be away.

  She threaded through the battling men, all far too intent on killing each other, as if they were each other’s mortal enemy. If this was training, she shuddered to think what an actual battle would look like. She darted through then fell in behind the one she was after. “Calum, I—”

  He jerked around. “Lila? What are you—”

  “Behind you, Calum.”

  The warrior he battled swung his sword.

  Calum whirled, barely catching his opponent’s blow. “Get back, Lila.”

  A blade whistled past her ear, and hot air pulsed all around. She was blocked on every side. “Get back to where?”

  “Hold onto me.” Calum scooped her against him then dodged through his warring men until they reached the edge of the flat.

  “I’m so sorry.” She plastered her face against his chest, her heart beating so loud it pounded in her ears. “I didn’t know that would happen.”

  “They cannae see any but their opponent when their blood roars for the fight.” He gripped her hand and tugged her into the thick copse of surrounding pine trees. Nesting birds twittered within the highest branches. “How did you manage to slip past the tower guardsman?”

  “I was with Margaret and we didn’t have an issue. I needed to come. I had to see you.”

  “Then speak.” He slid his claymore into the sheath strapped to his bare back.

  Oh, now she had to find a way to say goodbye without actually coming out and saying it. “You left so quickly this morning.” Okay, that was a good start.

  “That is hardly an adequate reason for the risk you just took with your life.” He backed her against a wide trunk, his gaze dropping to her lips.

  “I wanted to thank you for saving my life and pulling me from the loch.”

  “You did that last eve.” He dipped his head, urged her lips apart and from one heart-stopping breath to the next, swarmed her senses with a ferocious kiss. Every inch of her sizzled, burned and throbbed.

  “Once didn’t seem enough,” she said when he finally eased back.

  “My apologies. I had to kiss you.” He caressed her sides, roamed down and scooped her bottom. He lifted her higher and pressed his hard length against her belly. “Do you feel our connection?”

  “Yes.” She seized his powerful biceps and held on. “I’m not sure what we’re going to do about it though.”

  “I do.” He kissed her again, so deeply their breath mingled as one, his hardness a hot brand that made her tingle all over. Then he cupped her breast and thumbed the peak through her gown. “In the cave, I saw your beautiful hair spread like black silk over my tartan. I’ve wished since for that vision to come true.”

  “You have a wicked way with words.” She tangled her fingers in his hair and reclaimed his mouth.

  * * * *

  Calum groaned as Lila pressed her breast more fully into his palm. He stroked the pebbled peak of her nipple. Her breast was lush, and he ached for more. Carefully, he swept her bodice to the side then eased his hand in. The lace edging slid sensuously over the back of his hand as he filled his palm with her warm flesh. “Aye we will be one as I’ve seen. ’Tis only a matter of time.”

  Heat surged through his blood and dove straight to his cock. He immersed himself in the heat of her, drinking in her sweet taste.

  He wanted more, and not just to have his hand against her. He loosened the ribbon and eased her gown over her shoulder. One pink and luscious nipple beckoned. He rolled his tongue around the tip and sucked.

  “Calum.” She moaned and arched into him. “That feels so good.”

  His vision resurged, of his plaid pooled around her hips. He wished to slide that last obstacle away and love her fully as he should. They were bound, and in the deepest sense. ’Twas as if she were a part of him, and now she’d returned to claim her rightful place in his life. He moved to her other breast and tasted the tight bud. Perfect.

  She broke their kiss and looked into his eyes. “Where’s that cave? Is it close?”

  “There are caves all over Mull, and I’ve no’ seen which one might be ours.” The clamoring of weapons rang in his ears. Damn. How had he forgotten his men trained just beyond the trees? When he made love to his woman, he’d give her a night of pure pleasure, not a fast coupling in the woods. “We need to wait.”

  “We do?” She shook her head as if trying to clear it. “Oh, of course we do. You’re in the middle of training, and I was in the middle of, well, never mind. You’re right. We should wait.”

  “Is there more you need? Have you spoken to Margaret?”

  “Yes, I did.” She adjusted her gown, covering the luscious golden skin he’d exposed. “She knows about my grandmother, and that we’re both from the future. Nanna told her, being that they were Cunningham kin.”

  “Margaret never spoke a word.” Mayhap she feared for Jean if she had. Other than Colin, he too would never tell another of Lila’s time travel. “Is she aware of where your grandmother journeyed to?” A question he would have asked Margaret himself at midday once he returned.

  “Calum!” The shout came from one of his men.

  “How about we talk about this later. I should have waited at the castle as you said.” She rubbed his chest.

  “Aye, I’ll escort you back to the keep.”

  “No, I’ve kept you from your training long enough.” She ducked under his arm and around the brush. “The castle is close. I can manage the short walk alone.”

  “I’ll accompany you all the same.” His wee charm certainly liked to have her way, though so did he.

  “Seriously, you go swing that sword of yours about and ensure no one tries to take your head off again.” She strode out of the forest and into the meadow, her long black hair swaying from hip to hip.

  He wanted to pull her back into his arms, the urge the strongest he’d had. ’Twas too dangerous to let her out of his sight. “Lila, wait.”

  “Margaret’s expecting me.” She blew him a kiss then picked up her pace. “Be careful when you return to the fight.”

  Something was afoot. Lila had come to him and now she couldn’t leave quick enough. He yanked the horn from his side, blew long and loud then called for the change. The warriors on land would switch with those in the loch. Icy water would clear their battle lust.

  Bent, catching his breath, Colin waved him over. “There you are. ’Twas I who called out. Was that Lila?”

  “Aye.” He passed him the horn. “I’ll see her safely back to the keep. Oversee the men until I return.”

  “Is all well?”

  “She thinks to dismiss her need for protection.”

  “Go. I’ll remain here.”

  “My thanks.” He clapped Colin on the shoulder then followed after Lila. His protection of her would be absolute, a fact she would soon learn.

  * * * *

  Lila lifted her cumbersome sapphire skirts and ran. How could she have let Calum’s kisses sidetrack her like that? Nanna came first. Goodness, she had no idea how this time travel worked or how long she might be stuck in the past. Every minute counted. So the tower guard wouldn’t see her, she veered off the trail then snuck down to the loch and hid behind the sand dunes.

  “Lila.” Margaret raced alongside a thick clump of bushes, keeping herself hidden too. “I packed a bag for you. It includes your strange suit of black from Calum’s chamber.” She skidded over the dunes. “Why are we hiding? Did your farewell no’ go well?”

  “Calum insisted he escort me back, and he may follow. Thank you for these things, but I’ll only need what I came with. There’s no time to delay.” She hauled off her gown and tugged the wetsuit on.

  “You’re going to swim across the sound?” Margaret grasped her shoulders. “Nay, allow me to organize a horse.”

  “No, Calum will find out. I’ll be fine in the water. I swim all the time and
I’ll rest as needed.” She swiped her charm from her gown’s pocket and shoved it into her zippered pouch.

  “I cannae believe you must swim.” Margaret glanced toward the rise. “If there’s no other choice, then swim alongside Mull’s coastline. Only cross the waters once you reach Tobermory. ’Tis the safest course.”

  “I’ll do that, and don’t worry about me.” She shoved her flippers on and jammed her mask into place. “I told Calum we spoke, and that you knew I was from the future.”

  “He’ll question me.” She fluttered a hand over her mouth. “What shall I say?”

  “Tell him this was my choice. I don’t want him to worry, or for you to get into any trouble. But he can’t stop me once I’m gone, so speak as you will. It won’t matter.” She hugged Margaret. “Thank you again for your help. I wouldn’t have been able to get away like this without you.”

  “I will always be here to aid you should you need it.”

  “No wonder Nanna trusted you.” She released her then shuffled backward into the surf. Along the hilly rise, Calum ran, his dark hair whipping in the breeze as he tore along the trail toward the castle.

  “Go quickly,” Margaret called then ducked, remaining hidden.

  She dove into the cold waters of the loch. Her heart ached for the time she and Calum would never have together, but Nanna needed her. She wouldn’t fail in her mission to reach Mingary.

  * * * *

  Pain slammed through Calum’s chest and he stumbled to his knees in the thick grass. ’Twas as if someone had taken a spear and thrust it right through his heart.

  Toward the sound, something sleek and black disappeared within the tumbling waves.

  With one hand on the ground, he shoved to his feet then raced toward the loch. He skidded over the sand dunes and tumbled into Margaret. “What are you doing here?”