Highland Magic

by Donna Grant

Wallace's eyes flashed with anger an instant before his mouth began to move and a ball of lightning formed in his hand. Frang didn't have time to blink before Wallace threw the lightning ball at him.

  Frang flew backwards as it surrounded him and struck pain throughout his body with each strike. He took a deep breath and tried to pull the lightning away from him. But the more he pulled, the faster the lightning struck him, numbing all his muscles so he couldn't move them.

  Desperately, he shifted through his mind trying to find a calm place and push aside the pain. Only then was he able to pull the lightning from him, once more forming the ball. For a moment he thought about tossing it back at Wallace, but what if Wallace moved and it hit Kenna instead.

  So, Frang smashed it into the earth, dissolving the spell instantly. He reached for his sword and rose to his feet. Wallace's eyes grew round as he saw Frang approach him.

  "So you know some magic?"

  Frang shrugged. “You could say that."

  "I've wanted to test myself. Now, you've given me the chance."

  "Then come and get me."

  Frang smiled as Wallace let down the shield around the camp and walked into the forest towards him. Frang raised his sword, ready for an attack. The light of the moon reflected off the blade, illuminating the Fae markings.

  He moved his gaze back to the Wallace and waited. Instead of another spell, Wallace raised his hand and Callum moved towards him.

  Frang took a deep breath and watched as Wallace's first in command came towards him.

  "I knew I'd have a chance to kill you,” Callum boasted.

  They began to circle each other, each measuring his opponent.

  "It's not good to brag before you have something to brag about,” Frang said.

  "Oh, I have no doubt I'll kill you."

  Frang stepped to the side as Callum lunged, and Frang used that advantage to spin and come up behind Callum. With the tip of his sword, he sliced Callum from shoulder to waist.

  Callum hissed and jerked away. He touched his wound and looked at the blood on his fingers. “No one draws my blood and lives."

  "Then come and get me,” Frang taunted.

  Callum was large and his arms longer, but Frang used his speed and wit to stay out of reach of Callum's sword. It wasn't long before the big man began to tire. When Callum lunged towards him, Frang pivoted and drove his sword into Callum's chest.

  Frang pushed Callum's dead body to the ground and withdrew his sword to face Wallace. “Is that the best you can do?"

  Wallace raised his hand and twenty-five of his soldiers ran at Frang.

  In a heartbeat, fire sprang around them, stopping the soldiers from reaching him. He looked out over the tall flames to find Wallace glowering at him.

  Frang moved away from the screaming men. Inside Wallace's camp he saw Conall, Brock and Sampson fighting the other half of Wallace's men, and every so often out of the corner of his eye he saw a bolt of fire shoot from high atop the cliff towards the soldiers fighting Conall.

  "No matter what you do, you won't win against me,” Wallace said as he advanced on Frang.

  Frang shrugged. “'Tis you who is mistaken. You've let the power of those spells blind you to what is all around you."

  "The Druids?” Wallace laughed. “They worship nature and heal. They've no real power."

  Frang just smiled, letting Wallace believe what he wanted. He rotated his wrist, his sword swirling around him. And just before he was going to attack, Wallace disappeared.

  He didn't move. The sounds of the men's screams were too loud for him to ignore as he listened for Wallace's approach. It was the movement of air around him that let him know where Wallace was.

  Frang moved his sword so that the tip faced the ground and he held the hilt with both hands. He stepped back the same time he moved his blade back and pushed. There was a grunt as sword meet flesh. He pulled his sword free and turned to find Wallace clutching his side.

  "How did you know?” Wallace grunted.

  "I'm a Druid, that's how.” He glanced at Kenna to find men fighting around her, and with her being bound, she had nowhere to go. It was only a matter of time before she was wounded.

  Without hesitation, Frang kicked Wallace in the face. Wallace grunted as blood poured from his nose and he fell onto his back. Frang had precious little time. He quickly moved into the camp and rushed towards Kenna.

  "I'm sorry,” she said as soon as he approached.

  He shook his head as he cut her bonds loose. “Let's get out of here first then you can apologise and tell me why you didn't trust me."

  She took his hand as he helped her to her feet. “Frang."

  "Not now,” he hissed. He dragged her to the edge of the camp and pushed her. “Go to the stones. Aimery is gathering everyone in there. The Fae will keep you safe."

  She hesitated as she looked at him. “And you?"

  "I'll come as soon as..."

  Kenna gasped as Frang was thrown backwards and pinned against a tree. His entire body shook with pain as lightning struck him again and again. She took a step towards him as he valiantly tried to pull the lightning from him.

  She couldn't imagine the pain he felt. With her heart hammering in her ears, she started towards him. Only to halt as another ball of lightning soon joined the first.

  Kenna turned to find Wallace about twenty strides from Frang, a smile of pure malice on his face as his lips moved in another spell.

  Frustration gripped Kenna as she realised how helpless she was against Wallace and his spells. Then she remembered a spell she had found as she'd looked through the book. She pivoted and rushed to where she had seen Wallace put the book.

  She was nearly there when something gripped her hair and yanked. Hard.

  Kenna fell to her back, knocking the breath from her body. She gasped and clawed at the earth while she struggled to breathe. Finally, her lungs filled with precious air.

  She turned over onto her hands and knees and slowly rose. Standing between her and the book was Malina. “Get out of my way."

  "I'll kill you first,” Malina hissed.

  Kenna smiled. “You can try, but I am going to get that book.” Behind her she could hear Frang bite back screams of pain. It was love and pure willpower that drove her towards Malina.

  Before the tall priestess could raise her arms, Kenna used all her strength to backhand her. When Malina doubled over clutching her face, Kenna knew she had to finish it. She took a step towards Malina and punched her in the stomach. Malina fell to the ground, unmoving.

  Kenna gripped her hand as pain travelled through her hand and up her arm. She moved towards the book and flipped it open, desperately searching for the spell. Every now and again she would glance at Frang. His strength was rapidly waning, and it wouldn't be long before Wallace killed him.

  She might not be able to kill Wallace herself, but she could sure make the fight between him and Frang fair. She flipped through more pages and spotted the one she needed. She opened her mouth to say the words when a man, nay a Fae, suddenly appeared in front of her.

  "Don't,” he warned.

  Kenna looked from his swirling blue eyes to Frang then back to the Fae. “I have to."

  "You will lose part of your soul."

  She smiled. “It's worth it."

  When he didn't say more, she bent her head and proceeded to say the spell aloud.

  The gods of the earth,

  Hear me now as I call upon you.

  Heat of fire, heat of light;

  End Wallace's voice before my sight.

  As soon as the last word left her mouth, the spell Wallace had been speaking stopped, though his lips continued to move. Kenna rose as his gaze swung to hers.

  "The spells only work if you speak them,” she cried triumphantly.

  Wallace threw back his head and howled, though no sound came from his throat. Kenna rushed to Frang who could barely lift his head.

  She reached towards him and lightning struck her. She scream
ed as her flesh was scorched. All her efforts to stop Wallace had been in vain if she couldn't free Frang.

  "Use his sword,” the Fae whispered in her head.

  Kenna turned to him and watched as his eyes moved beyond her. She turned and found Frang's sword lying on the ground. She rushed towards it and lifted the heavy weapon in her hand. It took both hands to hold it as she hurried back to Frang, and it took all her strength to lift it when she reached him.

  "I love you,” she screamed as she struck the lightning surrounding Frang, all the while praying the blade didn't touch him.

  Instantly the lightning disappeared and Frang crumpled to the ground. Kenna dropped his sword and fell to her knees beside him. She smoothed back his hair from his sweat soaked forehead and felt the tears begin to fall.

  "I was too late,” she whispered.

  She reached for Frang's hand when someone grabbed her from behind and hauled her up. She turned to find Wallace sneering at her. She didn't need to hear his words to know he meant to kill her.

  Her gaze moved around the camp, the men that had come with Frang had killed most of Wallace's men, though they still fought a few. And the Fae, he had left them.

  There was only her, Wallace and Frang.

  Her eyes moved to Frang. Her only regret was not telling him she loved him sooner. The arm around her throat tightened as it was joined by the feel of something cool and hard ... a dagger.

  She didn't fight Wallace as he dragged her towards the book, kicking Malina out of the way. He pointed at the book with the dagger, but Kenna only shook her head.

  "You're going to kill me anyway, so I'd rather die knowing you won't ever be able to use any of the spells again."

  The blade pricked her throat and she felt something warm and sticky roll down her chest. But she never wavered.

  "Conall and the Druids will beat your men then they will destroy the book as it should have been destroyed years ago."

  The blade pressed deeper into her skin, and she knew it was the end. She didn't care anymore, not if Frang was gone. She closed her eyes and accepted her fate.

  And just as she expected to feel the dagger slice open her throat, Wallace's hand slowly fell away. She heard a thump and looked down to find Wallace on the ground with his eyes staring at nothing.

  It was then she saw Frang's sword. She whirled around and saw him standing, his hand against a tree to keep his balance.

  "Frang,” she called as she rushed towards him.

  He enfolded her in his arms as they fell to their knees. She touched his face, kissing him between her tears. “I thought I had lost you."

  "You nearly did,” he rasped.

  She took in a shaky breath. “You came for me."

  He smiled as he cupped her face in his hands. “I would have died for you."

  She melted against him as he took her mouth in a searing kiss, one that told her there was much more pleasure to come. When he broke the kiss, she gripped his shoulders and struggled to get her desire back under control.

  "Did I hear you right?” he asked.

  She blinked up at him. “What?"

  "Did you say you loved me?"

  She laughed and flung her arms around his neck. “Aye, Frang Malcolm. I love you."

  His arms held her tightly. “'Tis a good thing since I love you."

  Her heart skipped a beat. She slowly pulled out of his embrace to look into his bright blue eyes. “You do?"

  "For quite some time,” he confessed. “I don't know how I survived three hundred years without you, Kenna, but I don't want to go another day without you by my side. Be my wife, and I'll give you as many children as you want?"

  Tears blurred her vision. “You're giving me the world, and I'm giving you nothing."

  "You're giving me your heart. That is more than enough."

  Kenna nodded as words eluded her. Frang laughed and kissed her again.

  It was then she noticed how quiet the forest had become. When Frang ended the kiss, they both looked over to find Conall and two other men watching them with knowing smiles on their faces.

  "She's going to be my wife,” Frang announced.

  Conall laughed. “We heard. Now, let's get you both back to the stones so we can see to your injuries."

  Kenna managed to support Frang as he slowly got to his feet, but it took Conall's aide to get him to the stones. They passed a burnt circle on the forest floor, which made Kenna look around her.

  "Where are Wallace's men?"

  "The ones that aren't dead ran off as soon as Glenna stopped the fire,” Conall said. “I don't think we'll be seeing them again."

  No other words were spoken until they reached the stones. Frang was laid out on one of the long, flat stones. Kenna turned to get her herbs when the Fae she had seen at Wallace's camp moved behind her.

  "Aimery, let her through,” Frang whispered.

  Kenna glanced at Frang and knew he was weakening by the moment. She turned back to Aimery. “Please let me pass. I must save him."

  "That is for me to do.” The Fae stepped around her.

  Kenna didn't fight when Conall pulled her to Frang's other side.

  "Watch,” he whispered in her ear before he moved away.

  Kenna's eyes widened as Aimery held his hands palm down over Frang and closed his eyes. Instantly, the shallow pallor of Frang's skin improved, the burn marks from the lightning vanished and light surrounded him.

  Then, Aimery stepped back and Frang opened his eyes. He smiled up at Aimery.

  "Thank you."

  Aimery laughed and held out a hand to help Frang sit up. “You are most welcome."

  Kenna's heart accelerated as Frang turned to her. He reached out his arms for her, and it was all the encouragement she needed. She buried her face in his neck and breathed in the scent that was his alone.

  When she looked into his eyes she saw a future filled with pleasure and happiness and magic. She had been given her most treasured fantasy, and she intended to make sure she enjoyed every moment of it.

  * * * *

  Frang stared down at the Book of Magic. The part of the forest Wallace had used for his camp had been cleared of the dead, and Malina, their traitor, had been dealt with swiftly.

  Aimery had wiped her memories of Druids and Fae and put her in a village on the other side of Scotland. She would not bother them again, but evil would always find its way to the Glen.

  He took a deep breath as the centre of the stone in the book began to glow red. The book knew when something powerful was near, and it called to them.

  Yet, Aimery was strong enough not to heed that call, for if he touched the book, it would kill him.

  "What are you waiting on?” Frang asked as he came to stand beside him.

  Aimery shrugged. “So much power in one book."

  "Aye, that's the truth. I'll feel much better about it once it's gone."

  Aimery didn't hesitate a moment longer. He extended his hand towards the book and it erupted in flames. They stood and watched until there was nothing left but ashes.

  "Let me,” Frang said as he motioned his hand up and the ashes followed into the air. With no more than a flick of his wrist, Frang scattered the ashes to the wind.

  "Thank you."

  Frang shook his head. “Nay, thank you. We wouldn't have succeeded without you. You saved all of us."

  Aimery smiled and shifted his gaze over Frang's shoulder where Kenna awaited him. “Someone is waiting for you."

  Frang looked over his shoulder and waved to Kenna. “I hope to see you soon,” he said to Aimery.

  The Fae smiled as Frang moved to join Kenna. Once they were gone, he whispered, “You'll see me sooner than you think."

  Epilogue

  Frang sighed and shifted his shoulders again.

  "She'll be here,” Conall said for the hundredth time that morning.

  Frang was nervous. He was never nervous, but it was his wedding day, and he feared that Kenna would change her mind. And after their conve
rsation with Aimery the night before, he wouldn't blame her.

  Because of his service to the Druids and the Fae, King Theron and Queen Rufina were gifting him and Kenna with immortality if they so wanted it. They had also asked that Frang stay as High Priest at the Druid's Glen.

  Neither he nor Kenna had made a decision yet on either offer. Now, as he stood atop the cliff overlooking the forest, loch and MacInnes castle, he wondered how he could have ever left such a magical, beautiful place.

  He turned then and spotted Kenna walking towards him, a bright smile on her face. Her beautiful flame hair was down with a circle of white and yellow flowers adorning her head. Her gown was of the palest yellow and unadorned in any way except for the Malcolm plaid that was draped from one shoulder to her hip then up her back and pinned together.

  The ceremony was a traditional Druid ceremony, one that lasted far longer than he would have liked since all he wanted was be alone with Kenna and kiss every inch of her luscious skin.

  Yet, in a heartbeat, it was over, and Kenna was well and truly his.

  "Do you regret it?” she asked.

  "Never,” he replied as he bent down to claim her lips.

  Through all the good wishes, Frang saw Aimery standing off to the side, waiting for their decisions. Finally, everyone but Conall and Glenna had moved to the castle for the celebration.

  It was then Aimery stepped forward. “I'm very happy for you both."

  "Even though you didn't want me to read from the book?” Kenna asked.

  Aimery smiled. “I was testing you."

  "Thank you,” Frang said. “Thank you for everything."

  Aimery shrugged. “It was you we have to thank. You and Kenna, for without the bravery each of you displayed, none of us would be standing here now."

  "I second that,” Conall said.

  Frang wrapped an arm around Kenna's waist and pulled her against his side. He knew what Aimery was waiting on. “Are you ready to make a decision?"

  She nodded. “I am."

  "Then what are they?” Aimery asked.

  "We'll stay with the Druids,” Frang said. “But not forever. I think it is good for them to have a new high priest."

  "So you aren't going to take the gift of immortality?” Aimery asked, his brow furrowed.