Sworn to a Highland Laird

by Sky Purington

  “Laird MacLomain.” William nodded at them as they joined him. “Milly.”

  When Mildred offered Wallace a warm smile, Adlin wanted to rip the man off his horse and get back to battling. He scowled inwardly. This had to stop. He could not afford these petty emotions, yet they only seemed to be worsening.

  It had to be because of the gem.

  As far as Moray knew, however, Adlin was just doing what was asked of him.

  “I will admit ye seem to have more of a changeable nature than I anticipated, Adlin.” Andrew’s eyes slid his way as he fell in beside him. “But then I cannae be that surprised I suppose all things considered.”

  Adlin narrowed his eyes as he continued playing the part they had agreed to earlier after William and Mildred left Andrew’s tent. “Aye, I’m glad ye ken my bold actions. ‘Tis not every day a wee bonnie lass the likes of Milly comes along.”

  “Nay, ‘tis not.” Andrew’s eyes went to Mildred. “How fare ye lass after stealing the hearts of two such important men? After having them lose their minds and fight over ye when there are far more important things they should be focusing on.”

  Milly tensed but kept her voice light. “Well, I don’t know. I’d say giving your men such an exciting show likely got their mind off of war for a few minutes.” She perked her brows at him. “The last I heard a little morale boost could be considered important enough before war.”

  When Moray chuckled and kept eying her, Adlin realized Mildred might have caught the eye of not two but three men. The fickle ring needed to make up its mind and do it soon.

  “Oh, aye, ye gave them a show all right, lassie.” Moray was bold enough to look her over with appreciation. “And I’m sure many got just the sort of morale boost they needed.”

  Adlin grumbled under his breath, knowing full well what Andrew was up to. More rumors. More talk that lessened the threat of the great Adlin MacLomain’s arrival. Because in truth, that was what they were trying to accomplish. Moray knew full well if his own men had heard such heroic things about Adlin then surely the enemy had too and that, unfortunately, was why Andrew suspected the English were reconsidering their method of attack.

  The question of course at the forefront of Adlin’s mind was who had told the enemy of Adlin’s arrival? Was it Bryce under the duress of torture or was it one of Moray’s own men? Unlike most commanders, Andrew was not overly quick to come to his men’s defense. While he claimed the majority were stalwart and devoted to kin and country, others had been stragglers who joined en route. Men who were likely once mercenaries. Always in need of more able bodies and seasoned warriors, he was hard pressed to turn them away.

  All that aside, what Adlin did know without a doubt was that Bryce would never talk no matter what they did to him. He was one of the most loyal men Adlin knew, and it bothered him greatly that he might have been taken. That he might be suffering.

  As if she sensed his sudden melancholy, Mildred’s hand rested on his thigh beneath the cloak. While he could speculate she did it to reassure him she wasn’t interested in her effect on Moray’s men, he somehow knew her touch was in regards to Bryce. Which meant they were starting to bond despite the blasted gem.

  A gem that had, at last, flickered light blue.

  “We will travel most of the day and should arrive north of the bridge by nightfall,” William said as they slowed down on purpose. “I’ve sent some of my men ahead to join up with yer scouts, Moray.”

  Adlin remained silent but watchful as the men talked about things they had already discussed in private earlier. Things said to test the loyalty of those listening. While scouts had certainly been dispatched, more warriors, trusted men all, were in hiding, ordered to follow any that might break away or try to send a message to the English.

  All part of Moray’s plan. All anticipated. Except for what Mildred’s ring had done. Though Moray seemed to be taking it in stride, Adlin knew the commander wasn’t overly pleased with his men thinking they had a witch amongst them. That, he imagined, was the main reason he and Mildred were between the two leaders now. So that all could see Moray and Wallace accepted them which meant that magic could not possibly be involved. After all, the likes of William and Andrew would never allow a witch to interfere in something so important.

  It turned out to be a relatively uneventful, but long day for Mildred who wasn’t used to riding. Though she never complained he could tell she was sore when they stopped mid-day to eat and even worse off when he helped her down later that evening.

  “I need to work out more often,” she groaned, clearly grateful that he stayed beside her for support. He knew better than to comment on her state of fitness but as far as he could tell, she was doing just fine. Based on her slim yet curvy body against his all day, he would say she didn’t need to make any changes at all. So said his constant arousal.

  As her eyes lingered on his, he realized the ride had been equally testing for her. Grant better make an appearance soon and help him figure out her moody ring because keeping his hands off of her was bound to get more difficult. Not that he had been showing much restraint as it was. Maybe because since it had flashed his eye color, it didn’t seem to be making her ill. Still, it was reckless of him considering all the unknown possibilities.

  “Watch your wandering hands,” Aðísla bit out from nearby. She had ridden with Moray’s first-in-command and wasn’t too happy about it based on the way she glared at him as she hopped down. Though it would have been better had she kept a low, submissive profile, nothing was less likely when it came to the Viking.

  Where most men preferred eying Blair because she was of their ilk, he didn’t miss the hint of interest in Moray’s eyes when they skimmed over Aðísla. Suffice it to say, neither lass seemed concerned in the least by the men. If anything, he got the impression they were more interested in the upcoming battle and based on Blair’s heavy frown, the whereabouts of Bryce.

  “I’m going to scout the area,” Conall informed, his voice low as he joined Adlin and Mildred. “Bryce is out there somewhere, and I intend to find him.”

  “Aye.” Adlin nodded. “Wait until night falls then bring Aðísla with you lest you find him injured.”

  His cousin nodded before he strode off. Meanwhile, Graham had an odd look on his face as he stared into the forest.

  “What is it?” Adlin asked. “What are you sensing?”

  “Deception,” Graham murmured. “Someone is not who we thought they were...a pretender.”

  Adlin frowned. “Who?”

  “Her,” Graham whispered, his eyes still distant. “The lass with white hair.”

  “I dinnae ken.” Graham was known to do this sort of thing on occasion but had not in some time. “What lass?”

  Graham looked at him, blinked and frowned. “What do you mean, what lass?”

  Adlin repeated what he just said, but as tended to happen to Graham, he had no recollection of what were likely prophetic words.

  “My apologies, m’laird.” Graham squeezed Adlin’s shoulder and shook his head. “I dinnae remember but can only hope I help.” He shrugged. “I’ll go start setting up our tents, aye?”

  “Aye.” Adlin sighed as Graham walked away.

  “What was that all about?” Mildred asked.

  “I’ll explain, but first let us get you somewhere you can rest for a wee bit.” He grabbed the skin of whisky he had been given earlier and led her through the forest until they came to a clearing. It overlooked a valley cut through with a winding river.

  “Oh, wow, that’s Stirling Castle, isn’t it?” she whispered as her eyes went to the castle in the distance surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. Before he could confirm, she continued. “I wasn’t sure at first because it looks so different. Smaller.” She turned and eyed the forested hill behind them. “We’ve arrived on Abbey Craig, haven’t we?”

  “Aye.” He pointed downward. “And that is the River Forth and the original Stirling Bridge.”

  “Right,” she whispe
red. “Because the Stirling Bridge that exists in the twenty-first century is rebuilt and not where the original one was.”

  “That’s right,” Adlin said. “But ‘tis not far off.” He scowled, his eyes once again on the infamous castle. “I would take you to see Stirling Castle, but the bloody Sassenach are using it for their garrison right now.”

  “No worries,” she murmured as she rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I know it sees more sieges throughout history than most castles, but at least it ends up in Scottish hands.” Her eyes returned to the castle. “But I wouldn’t mind checking it out if we get the opportunity.”

  “Which we will,” Adlin assured as he rested his hand over hers. “When all is said and done, I will take you there, lass.”

  She nodded but said nothing more about it. Likely because she didn’t want to tempt Fate.

  “I’ve seen pictures of all this, but it’s so different now.” Mildred’s eyes again swung up the hill. “God, there’s a fort there now whereas in the future it’s crumbled to nothing and...” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Of course, the William Wallace monument isn’t there yet.” She swallowed hard, still staring. “I can’t believe I’m here.” Her eyes finally turned to his. “I can’t believe we’re actually part of all this.”

  “Aye, we are,” he replied softly. “Really and truly part of it though no history book will ever remember us.”

  “That’s unreal.” She shook her head. “All of this is.”

  Adlin smiled, glad that she seemed to take everything in stride and looked for the positive instead of being frightened.

  She sat on a rock next to him and swigged some whisky as she took everything in. Eventually, her eyes turned his way again, and she grew curious. “So what happened back there with Graham? Is he okay?”

  “Aye, he’s fine, lass,” he said. “’Tis just a thing that happens to him on occasion. Like his father, Graham’s element is water. Therefore his powers which sometimes include prophecy, are more likely to happen if he’s near a body of water like the River Forth.”

  “Interesting,” she murmured. “So what do you think he meant? Do you know any women with white hair?”

  Adlin shook his head and wondered how much he should reveal. Honestly, how much was she ready to hear? Handle? Yet as their eyes held he knew he would be pressing his luck if he kept his silence and the woman with white hair turned out to be someone he hoped it wasn’t.

  “I dinnae know a lass the likes of that,” he said softly. “But mayhap you do.”

  It didn’t take Mildred long take his meaning and shoot to her feet. “Please tell me you’re not talking about Lindsay.”

  “Does she not have rather light hair?” Though he urged her to sit again, she refused. “Please, Milly, you need to rest.”

  “No, what I need is to understand what’s going on, Adlin.” Her eyes narrowed as she considered him. “What aren’t you telling me? What secrets are you keeping now?”

  Grant might have urged him to say nothing but his mentor was not here, and he suspected the truth was about to reveal herself in little time. “Sit, and I will tell you everything.” He gestured at the rock. “Please.”

  A frown tugged at her lips as Mildred eyed him for another long moment before she finally sat. “I’m listening.”

  “Yours is likely not the only ring, Milly,” he began. “The magic used when creating yours opened a doorway of sorts meant to continue protecting Scotland if need be.”

  “I’m not sure I follow.” Her eyes narrowed further as she whispered, “Or is it as I suspected...my friends are going to somehow be involved in all this?”

  Adlin was careful with his words. “’Tis hard to know with any certainty, but ‘tis looking more and more likely.”

  “More and more likely you say.” She ground her jaw and shook her head. “Why do I get the feeling it’s been far more than likely from the very beginning?”

  “There is a lot at stake here, lass,” he explained. “’Twas unwise to say too much at the start so as to not upset my kin.”

  “Your kin.” Her eyes widened. “What about my friends?” She made an encompassing gesture that must signify medieval Scotland. “What about warning them? Preparing them for what’s to come? Letting them know that they might be caught up in all this danger!”

  “Och, lass,” he began, but she cut him off.

  “I think you’ve known everything from the very beginning when you stood in my driveway pretending to be English of all things.” Her eyes grew round as saucers. “No, I think it started before I even met you when I whispered foghar, and you told me that meant autumn...my time.” She shook her head. “What was the point of that anyway?”

  Adlin frowned, alarmed. “I dinnae ken what you speak of.”

  “Of course you do,” she exclaimed. “It was your voice in my mind, Adlin.”

  “Nay.” He shook his head. “I assure you ‘twas not because I dinnae relate foghar with you at all. If anything, ‘twould be spring as that was your favorite season in your last life.”

  Mildred kept eying him. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

  “Aye, it wasnae me who spoke to you.” He took her hand. “But rest assured, I will find out who it was.”

  “Adlin, they spoke within my mind.” Her hand trembled slightly, and her anger turned to concern. “It’s one thing to know you do on occasion but the idea of some stranger doing it...”

  Adlin did not much like the thought either but kept concern out of his voice and reassurance in his eyes. “’Twill be all right, lass. I willnae let anything harm you.” He shook his head. “Not ever, you ken?”

  Mildred swallowed and nodded. “Yeah, I understand.” Fear faded, but disappointment remained in her eyes. “I get your reasoning when it comes to your family, but why not just tell me about the rings and my friends from the start?”

  “Because there was no way to be sure they would become involved and I didnae want to upset you any more than you already were,” he said softly. “You had enough happening to you, and it’s been my experience that it doesnae do a person good to worry unnecessarily.”

  “Maybe not,” she said. “But it’s affected how much I trust you, Adlin. It makes me wonder what other secrets you might be keeping.”

  “I know,” he murmured. “And I’m sorry for that, lass. I truly am.”

  She said nothing for several minutes but sipped the whisky and continued staring down at the bridge then further south until she finally whispered, “I had hoped they were just dreams after the ring burned me.” Her eyes turned to his. “There was another there in the English encampment. A woman. I just couldn’t see her face...I couldn’t...”

  When her voice broke, he pulled her against him. “You cannae know with any certainty ‘twas Lindsay.”

  “She felt familiar though,” she whispered. “I knew her, Adlin and there’s no way that’s possible in this era.”

  “Actually, with dark magic, anything is possible.” He stroked her hair. “Whatever has attached itself to your ring could have verra well put false images in your mind. Images meant to lure us closer. To bring us to them versus the other way around.”

  She pulled back and looked at him. “What do you mean?” Her voice grew a little shaky as she realized his intentions. “What are you planning to do, Adlin?”

  “What I have to.” He kept his voice gentle rather than express the determination and anger he truly felt at the idea of Bryce being tortured. Worse yet, an innocent lass from the future. “I’m going to save whoever might need saving.”

  “But you just implied that you don’t know with any certainty that anyone needs saving,” she countered. “That this might be a trap laid by black magic.”

  He was touched by her reaction. That she feared for his safety.

  “Of course I fear for your safety.” She shook her head, amazed. “Don’t you remember what else is supposed to happen here? Your possible death?”

  Adlin eyed her, both pleased an
d curious. “I never said you feared for my safety, Milly.”

  “Yes, you did. I heard it clear as day.”

  “Nay.” Adlin tapped his temple. “You heard my thoughts clear as day, lass.” He couldn’t suppress a grin. “If nothing else is being proven, ‘tis that we dinnae need a ring’s glow this life any more than we did in another life. We’re bonding without the gem’s magic, Milly.”

  Her eyes stayed with his as she whispered, “But it sounded so real.”

  “Aye.” He cupped her cheek and ran the pad of his thumb over her soft skin. “And ‘twill only sound more real as we grow closer. As you remember the love that I have never been able to forget.”

  He swore as her eyes stayed with his that for a flicker of a moment she saw him, remembered, but whatever he thought he saw soon fled. Even so, something remained. Something new. The beginning of a romance he had not anticipated given how little time she had known him.

  Yet there it was. The sort of genuine affection that could support true love. The spark of something that could, all on its very own, make her heart his.

  Adlin was about to kiss her but stopped when he sensed someone watching them.

  “When I move, duck down behind this rock,” he whispered in her ear as he shifted his hand to the dagger at his side. He leapt over the rock and moved so quickly the intruder never saw him coming until he was behind him.

  “Wait, stop, Adlin,” Mildred cried as he brought his blade to the man’s throat. “I know him, and I’m pretty sure you do too.”

  When Adlin frowned in confusion, she continued.

  “Adlin, it’s Jim.” Shock rounded her eyes. “My Jim from home.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “OH, MY GOD what are you doing here, sweetie?” Milly cried before she flew into Jim’s arms. “You shouldn’t be...this makes no sense.” She held him at arm’s length and looked him over. “Are you okay?” She shook her head. “How are you even here?”