Laughter froze in her chest.
Iosbail’s eyes stayed on Adlin. “Weel, did ye then?”
Before Adlin said a word, Mildred responded. “He did. Care to be any more crass, Iosbail?”
Eyebrows raised, Iosbail’s eyes grew merry. “I like her.”
Then she turned and vanished inside the keep.
Adlin grinned and shrugged when Mildred looked at him. "She likes you. Great sign, lass."
“Well, thank the Lord,” she responded sarcastically but in good humor. “Where would I be if your sister had issue?”
“Let’s eat and go.” Adlin pulled her inside.
Half an hour later, belly full, he pulled her back out.
The day was warmer than the one before.
Trees swayed, sea salt filled the air.
“What’s that?” she asked and pointed at the bag on his shoulder.
“Supplies.”
Hand in hand, they continued walking for several more minutes. The forest grew thicker but the land turned uphill. “I thought you said we’d reached the northern most point of Scotland.”
“Aye.” He smiled. “But certainly not the highest altitude.”
Curious, she watched as he stopped and pulled a pair of sturdy boots from the bag. “Time for you to change.”
Mildred sat on a nearby rock. “But I have no socks.”
Adlin went down on bent knee and took her foot. “These.” He pointed at her odd shoes that she thought boots. “Are socks enough.”
Before she knew it, he had both boots on, his nimble fingers working the strings until they tied tight. Kneeling, he came between her legs and cupped her cheeks, his thumb skimming her lower lip. “What do you want from this, Mildred?”
Confused, she shook her head. “I don’t know. What do you mean?”
“From this day, from me, what do you want?”
What did she want? Honestly, she’d given it very little thought. She put her hands over his. “To understand what I want.”
Surprised by her own response, she knew it to be the truth. This day with Adlin was fresh and new but somehow old. It was a day that she got to escape and be outside herself, at least outside the person she’d always thought she was.
Adlin’s eyes studied hers for several long moments. “Good,” he said softly.
This time he didn’t pull her after him but stood and started through the woods. Sort of stunned, she sat for a moment, but not for long. In hot pursuit she trailed him up an ever narrowing path through the woods. Adlin moved smooth and smartly, his long legs at ease in his own land.
And he wasn’t about to give her any help.
It occurred to her then… perhaps he and Iosbail had something in common. Yet she kept up, curious about his quick pace and somewhat distant attitude. In fact, she rather liked it. This allowed her time to gather her thoughts. Yes, she was in a foreign land and time. Much like her brother and friends back home would soon be if they went off to war.
Strange how thoughts of her issues back home suddenly resurfaced.
Then it occured to her... had she been purposly ignoring her real feelings?
The idea of Jonathan going off to war petrified her. He was ready to fight a battle that he had nothing to do with. He could turn away, not be a part of it. He had that choice. A choice she didn’t have right now. Not that their circumstances were anything alike really.
The path narrowed then ended. “Time to climb a bit,” Adlin said.
Determined, ready, she grabbed the first tree root and pulled herself up. Grateful for her new shoes, Mildred continued. Despite how determined, the route grew more difficult. Whether the air thinned or she’d just grown weak, it was hard to tell.
Eventually, Mildred found herself trudging uphill at a slow grade. Slight at first, she marveled at the trees thinning on the right and the vast view of the ocean. Eventually, the incline became steeper, the trees thinner.
Adlin stopped. “Time for you to go first.”
Though she had lots of questions, Mildred sidled past him, more aware of the way his skin glistened with sweat than anything else. Why were they doing this when they could easily spend the day in bed? That in mind, she didn’t meet his eyes but traveled upward. It soon occurred to her he’d put her in front of him for good reason.
The path became not one that she walked but once again one she climbed. And this climb proved far tougher than the first.
“I’m right behind you, lass,” Adlin said.
With an emphatic humph, she pulled herself onto a narrow ledge and frowned when Adlin sat alongside.
“Your body is shaking.”
“Do you blame me?” She asked, gripping the rock.
“No.”
“Adlin,” she growled, frustrated by his indifference.
With a sharp shake of his head he looked from the horizon to her. “What, Mildred?"
“Do you hear how hard I’m breathing?” She pointed at the trees below. “I’ve followed you without question.” She glanced up the mountainside, dubious. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see. We're almost there." When he stood and held down his hand, she took it. Instead of continuing the fairly treacherous climb, he led her up a narrow path that cut alongside a moss covered sheet of rock.
Mildred exclaimed in surprise when ancient looking steps appeared. As expected, they made the climb considerably easier. It was hard not to stare up in wonder as the path became framed on both sides with hundreds of feet of rock wall that narrowed at the top. Wind whisted high overhead and created a sound simliar to a church pipe organ.
"Beautiful," she murmered.
"My thoughts exactly," he said. When she glanced over her shoulder it was to catch his eyes on her backside. He winked and nodded for her to continue up the steps.
Though she blushed, Mildred made conversation. "So who built these steps? You?"
"Nay. They were here long before me."
"Amazing." The walls slowly lowered, an optical illusion of course as they ascended the last few stairs.
When she arrived at the top, Mildred stopped in awe. "Ohhh."
Adlin's hand touched her lower back, his whispered words close to her ear. "Glad you like it."
"Like it? Who wouldn't!"
Wide and spacious, a meadow ignited in warm, bright sunlight in what appeared to be a valley tucked into a massive bowl of dark, proud, unrelenting Highland rock. But by far the most impressive element of their surroundings was a massive, familiar shape carved into the rock, creating a gigantic window that looked out over the sea. Waves crashed far below, the sound booming as though right in front of them.
"How is that possible?" she murmured.
Adlin took her hand and they began to walk. "You're wondering how the Highland Defiance can be here as well."
Mildred stared wide-eyed as they continued toward an exact replica of the window that was in their room, the Highland Defiance. Except this one was far larger, it's height easily over hundred and fifty feet tall. "Yes."
"Well, it's a doorway of sorts, this being the original."
"A doorway to where?"
"Several places. Wherever there's another doorway."
"You mean that this connects to the one in the keep?"
"Aye."
She frowned as they drew closer. "If this connects to the other, why didn't we use the doorway in the keep to get here?"
"Because I wanted you to appreciate the experience of getting to this location."
"Ah, you mean the stairs."
Adlin's intelligent eyes cut to her. "No, I mean the thoughts you had along the way."
Irritation flared. "You read my mind?"
"Not really. Sensed rather than read."
"Sounds the same to me."
"They were thoughts you'd been avoiding."
"My thoughts about my brother and the war are none of your business."
Ugh, she hadn’t meant to say that.
"No, but your pain is."
Frustra
ted, Mildred stopped and put her hands on her hips. "You go too far, Adlin."
Adlin's gaze flared. "You have no idea how far I can go, especially when it comes to you."
Mildred shook her head. "You're right, I don't." The words hurt before they even came out. "Quite frankly, I'm not sure I want to."
He stepped closer but didn't touch. "As discussed, this is a day for you to figure that out. But rest assured, my love, whether you want me or not is something you've already decided."
"Actually, I'm not so sure at the moment."
Adlin's brows shot up and a crooked grin crept onto his face. "Oh, you're sure."
Before she let him see her grin in return, she strode for the Highland Defiance. Adlin might drive her a little insane with his intensity and riddles, but she really did enjoy his arrogance.
Yet it wasn't just that. Happiness came easily when he was around.
A little too easily.
By the time she reached the bottom of the Defiance, Adlin had caught up. In a quick, breathless movement, he cupped her waist and hoisted her up so she sat on the ledge. Expression far more intense than it'd been moments ago; he came between her thighs and tilted back her chin. Slow, and so sweet it set her body to flame, his lips gently touched hers. Unable to do anything else, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Tilting his talented mouth over hers, he cupped her backside and pulled her tightly against him.
Fire roared through her blood and she groaned.
When his lips pulled away just a bit, he murmured. "We might not be in bed but that doesnae mean I willnae find a way to do this to you all day long."
With that deep voice and sexy brogue, she could only melt.
"Promise?" she murmured in return.
Quick, tempting, he kissed her one more time before he swung up next to her and helped her stand. "Careful now. I wouldnae want to fly after you if you fell."
Mildred grinned. "Funny, I almost believe that you believe you can fly."
"I can be quite convincing, lassie."
"Yes you can," she said softly, her jaw dropping as she allowed him to take her hand and walk closer to the oceanside part of the rock.
By instinct, she squeezed his hand and put her free hand on the rock beside her as she looked down and down. Much higher than where they'd stood earlier, the view was both remarkable and daunting. White and angry, the impatient waves boomed and crashed far below. As before, sea spray blew on the wind, dusting her skin. This time however, she was protected by rock on either side so the experience felt far less vulnerable.
“I assume that this was here long before you as well," she said.
"Aye." Adlin's plaid blew in wind, his stance tall and proud. She got the sense, despite where they stood, that he was on alert. Almost as if he'd seen or discovered something new. Did it have to do with her?
Mildred leaned back against the wall and looked up and up at the gigantic structure. “Though it might sound redundant, looking at this makes me feel like I’ve truly stepped back in time.”
“You have.” Adlin’s eyes watched her closely. “In more ways than one.”
Her eyes dropped to his. “Why?”
“There’s no easy answer save that which I’ve already told you.”
“Because of you.” She looked out at the sea and shook her head. “I need to understand more.”
“As do I,” Adlin ground out.
Her eyes shot back to his. “Are we meant to have a life together?”
With a sharp shake of his head, his gaze held hers, his blue eyes stark and restless. “I have no idea.”
“Well, why else would I have been brought here and possess such strong feelings.”
More than she wanted to admit.
Clearly, he didn’t want to give her the answer he did. “Perhaps to help yourself through your own pain.”
“My pain?”
“About losing your Da and possibly losing your brother and friends to war.”
“What do you know about my Da?” she said, stunned and once more frustrated.
“I know he’s a MacLomain. I know he’s lost to you.”
Her body started to shake. “How lost to me is he, Adlin?”
Eyes not wavering more than a moment he said, “You willnae see your Da again, Mildred.”
It felt like a knife cut through her chest and she shook her head. “I don’t believe you.”
Surprised, she watched anguish fill Adlin’s eyes. A pain he quickly hid by turning his eyes to the sea. “He’s a Highlander born to his time…meant for his time. In fact, you met him briefly yesterday. James, the stableboy.”
Oh dear Lord! How had she not connected the dots? Mildred’s throat clogged. While she always suspected her Da would not return she found she hurt more for her Mama than anyone. “Oh no,” she whispered.
Adlin had her wrapped in his arms before the first tear fell. Angry she tried to push him away but he held tight. “He loves you, always will. You must forgive him.”
“Will he remember meeting me here?”
“No, he is only just seven winters, lass. No need to worry.”
Somehow, the thought that she’d so recently talked to him, even if when a boy, calmed her immensely. Struggles ceased, she rested her head against Adlin’s chest and closed her eyes. Long ago, she said goodbye to her Da. Somehow she’d known that he would not return. Could it be her mother had as well? The thought broke her heart. Had their Mama been strong for her children all along knowing she’d lost the love of her life?
After some time, Adlin pulled back, his fingers wiping away more tears than she’d realized had fallen. Tender, his hands cupped her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, lass.”
“Why,” she whispered. “Unless you have the power to bring him back.”
Adlin stroked his thumbs over her cheeks. “In this case, I dinnae.”
“In this case?”
“’Tis not part of the plan.”
“The plan?” Mildred frowned and pulled away. “What plan?”
Equally aggravated, Adlin made a wide sweep with his arm. “Their plan. The God and gods and all who are not us.”
“Adlin, you’re a five hundred year old wizard. You are not us!”
The pain she saw cross his face almost made her stop.
Almost.
With a heavy thump of her palm, she tapped the rock. “Everything about you and this land is full of secrets and things that shouldn’t even exist!”
“Much like the very magic you possess shouldn’t,” he returned, unwilling to back down when faced with the rage she felt building inside.
“Oh nevermind that,” she exclaimed and pointed at him. “I find it very hard to believe you are as unknowing as I about why I’m here when you have the ability to intrude on my thoughts about Jonathan!”
Adlin pointed back the way they’d come, his voice raising. “How well you mask my intruding opinion on your thoughts when the real reason you’re mad is because you’re unwilling to admit you should just tell your brother and friends you love them and support their decision to go to war. Not act like a child and throw things at them.”
She started to shake and narrowed her eyes. “How would you know I threw anything at anyone?”
Adlin shook his head. “Because you want to throw something at me right now, Mildred. You behave like a child when things dinnae go your way.”
Fists clenched she found herself eyeing the ledge for a rock and stopped. Oh shoot. “I don’t behave like a child,” she muttered.
“Prove it,” he said and grabbed her hand.
Mildred tried to pull back but it was too late.
He threw her right off the edge.
Chapter Nine
Adlin knew better than to have done what he did.
But it was too late.
“Wha…” Mildred’s voice slurred.
Adlin leaned back against the wall and held his head in his hands until the pain passed. He’d have to answer for this one.
“What’s going
on,” Mildred whispered.
“You’re home.”
A dim stone room slowly became visible. She sat next to him. “Home?”
“Aye. Home. Nineteen-forty-two New Hampshire.”
A sound of disbelief in her voice she asked, “Really?”
“Really.”
“Mildred?” Shouts started to drift their way from outside. “Mildred, where are you?”
Here goes.
Adlin ran a hand over his plaid and felt the fabric change.
Mildred stumbled to her feet and headed for the entrance to the cave. “Jim? David?”
By the time he exited the small entrance, Mildred was already hugging her friends. “I’m so glad to see you! You’ll never believe what happened to me!”
“One second you were at the rock over there, the next second coming out of there.” Jim’s voice faded when his eyes locked on Adlin.
It was an odd feeling finally looking this man in the face. He’d watched Jim Seavey for a long time, sized him up in every sense of the word. While he liked the lad he also absolutely loathed him.
After all, Jim loved Mildred nearly as well as himself.
That didn’t mean Adlin had any intention of letting the man have her.
Mildred turned in Adlin’s direction, almost surprised to see him even though they’d just spoken with one another.
“Adlin?” She whispered. “You’re really here?”
“Who?” David asked.
Adlin’s attention turned to the other man. Quiet and contemplative, he’d always held a certain fondness for David.
Mildred seemed to gather herself though her smile was uncertain and her eyes worried. “Adlin. A friend of mine.”
Jim shook his head and positioned himself in such a way that Adlin would have to get through him to get to her. “He’s no friend. You lie. Who is he, Mildred?”
Now this was a man who’d make a good addition to his warriors.
Even Adlin was surprised when she walked over and took his hand, her eyes going from him to her friends. “He’s okay. Adlin came a long way to deliver a message to Mama about Da. He’s just lost right now is all. Glad I found him here.”
A heavy frown pulled Jim’s lips down. “Mildred, one second you were at the rock over there, the next second coming out of this rock structure.” He shook his head. “I saw you vanish!”
Highland Defiance (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) Page 12
