Well aware they were not only on English soil but near a threat far more powerful than Cressingham and the Earl, he didn’t sleep long and was up early. He joined his mentor outside the castle as the sun crested the horizon. Not surprisingly, Grant had a troubled look on his face as he gazed south.
“There are few left capable of manipulating our magic like this warlock did,” Adlin said as he sat on the rock beside him. “Have ye any suspicions then?”
“My suspicions can only go so far as to what drove him,” Grant said softly. “Or, as I strongly suspect, them.”
“Aye,” Adlin murmured, thinking the same. “If they were somehow part of making these rings, then ‘tis safe to assume they will spread out their power betwixt all rings. All battles ahead.”
Grant nodded. “I would expect no less.”
Adlin sighed. “’Twas such a simple plan.”
“Aye,” Grant murmured. “But then ‘tis rare that things tend to stay simple.”
“So should we assume they’ve sent their strongest warlock first?” Adlin said. “Considering ‘twas me they’d be dealing with?”
“Och, ye know better than to assume.” Grant perked a brow. “Watch yer sense of pride, Adlin and use yer head, aye? If I were them, I’d send my weakest first in hopes ye might think highly of yerself as ye do, and assume just what ye did. I would save my strongest for those I perceived as weaker which would be yer cousins.”
Adlin sighed. “Well, at least my cousins will have not only ye but me at my fullest power when they face their foes.”
Or so he hoped.
“Assuming we’re there,” Grant countered. “Because if I were the enemy, and had such time to plan ahead, I would find some way to make sure ye and I were not with yer cousins.”
“Then we must plan that we are,” Adlin said. “Surely now that we have foresight, such a thing can be accomplished.”
“Aye, mayhap,” Grant said. “I’ve been giving it some thought but fear we need more information first. Hopefully, ‘twill become clearer once we meet this warlock and mayhap glean more about who he is.”
“There was one strange thing.” Adlin met Grant’s eyes. “I think ‘tis likely the enemy spoke within Milly’s mind before her and I even crossed paths.”
He shared what was said to her about foghar, or autumn, being her season.
“That is odd indeed.” Grant mulled it over. “Did she say if the voice seemed threatening?”
“Nay.” He shook his head. “And considering she thought it was me, I think she would have mentioned as much if she did.”
“Aye,” Grant murmured. “I think mayhap we may have an unknown ally.”
“So ye dinnae think ‘twas the enemy?”
“I think the enemy is connected to her ring.” Grant shook his head. “And she didnae have the ring on yet did she?”
“Verra true,” Adlin conceded, having thought the same thing. “But ‘tis rare for anything to get by me, especially something or someone entering Milly’s thoughts.”
“All the more reason why I suspect this is in our favor,” Grant said. “Ye would have sensed darkness. No, I think this person was helping her along.” His brows rose slowly. “Because is it not autumn and did she not finally find ye, laddie?”
“Aye,” he murmured. “But I thought I was solely responsible for getting her to the colonial.”
“I think ye likely were,” Grant said. “Whoever this voice was it sounds to me like someone letting her know she was on the right path. That we are on the right path. And I think they have continued to steer us along.”
Adlin eyed him for a moment before he said, “Ye think that’s who whisked us back in time from MacLomain Castle, aye?”
“’Twas not me,” Grant said. “And ‘twas certainly not me that got another ring to Lindsay or brought her and Jim back in time.”
Adlin frowned. “I thought mayhap that was her ring.”
“Nay, I dinnae think so,” he replied. “Not entirely that is.”
“So we’ve an unknown enemy,” Adlin muttered. “And an unknown ally.”
“Aye.” Grant shrugged. “’Twould not be the first time we’re on an adventure with unseen complications.” He cocked a look at Adlin and lightened the moment as the corner of his mouth edged up. “But none so great as ropes that give out when yer trying to...rest.”
Ah, so there was a culprit when it came to last night’s comedy.
Adlin narrowed his eyes. “’Twas ye behind all that then?”
“Och, nay, I’m not known for my humor.” He patted Adlin on the back and winked. “But I am known for seeing that ye never lose yers.”
It was good to see some light in Grant’s eyes. It had been a long, hard few years since his son Darach went missing. Made longer yet by the unease between him and Conall.
Grant and Darach had been visiting a nearby village on Hamilton land when he simply vanished. Times were very difficult, and even with protection, it was easy to fall prey to riffraff roaming their country. It had been a devastating time for all as the days ticked by, and he was never found. Darach was both a powerful wizard and a well-loved laird, so Grant assumed he had been taken by those with equally strong magic. Which naturally broke his mentor’s heart because he had experienced something similar. Grant had been kidnapped when he was younger and held by the enemy for fourteen winters.
Regardless, Conall still blamed him. He was supposed to be the most powerful wizard in Scotland. How then, was his own son stolen right out from under his nose? How could he have allowed such a thing to happen? After that, Conall changed from the lighthearted man he once was to the overly disciplined man he was today. One who no longer saw humor in things because he harbored too much resentment. Of course it didn’t help that their cousin Fraser had died in battle around that time too. A blow that had affected Conall deeply. Now, all that pain and anger was directed at Grant though none of it was his fault.
Clearly following his thoughts, Grant murmured, “I dinnae blame the lad for his behavior and nor should ye. Conall and his da were close.”
“As were ye and yer son,” Adlin said softly. “Yet ye’ve the wisdom to see things for what they are and not let anger rule ye.”
“I’ve over fifty extra winters to have established that wisdom,” Grant reminded. “Give Conall time. The day will come when he sees things clearly.”
Adlin could only hope so because he missed the man Conall had once been. While some could say his change of demeanor was a result of becoming chieftain and the level of responsibility it entailed, he knew better. Conall’s new persona was a direct result of Uncle Darach going missing and Fraser's death.
“Well, good morning,” came a soft murmur.
When they glanced over their shoulders, they saw Lindsay looking quite well all things considered. Where Graham stayed by her side, charming as ever, Conall hung back and his eyes swept over their surroundings. As he did with Milly, it didn’t get past Adlin that his cousin’s discreet eyes grazed Lindsay as well.
“Good morn, lassie,” Grant said as they stood. “How are you feeling?”
“Besides a slight headache, better than I’ve been in a few days.” She offered Graham a lovely smile. “Not surprising considering I have such a valiant protector.”
“That ye do, lassie.” Graham kissed the back of her hand, his eyes lingering on hers. “And for as long as ye’ll have me.”
Conall’s expression darkened as he ignored Lindsay, kept his eyes on the wood line and said, “I will go scout and see if I can track down—”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Grant said. “Aðísla went out hours ago and already reported back. There’s a sizeable amount of men gathering downriver just as Milly said there might be.”
As if she knew she was being talked about, Milly poked her head out the window of the top floor “Linds, you’re awake! I’ll be right down.”
Lindsay smiled and waved before her eyes skirted over Conall and went to Adlin. “Thank you for la
st night, Adlin.”
“Of course, lass.” He handed her a skin of water. “Drink this. ‘Twill help with yer headache.”
“Thank you.” She nodded, eying him with interest. “So you’re the one who’s stolen Milly’s heart, are you?”
“He’s done no such thing,” Milly muttered upon a very fast arrival indeed. “How are you feeling, sweetie?” She embraced Lindsay. “Again, I’m so sorry about what happened to you.” She shook her head, held her at arm’s length and searched her eyes. “Are you really, truly okay?”
“I am,” Lindsay assured, offering a warm smile meant to comfort. “And ready to take a break from acting and just be myself for a bit.”
Adlin could not help but speculate that even now Lindsay might be acting. Playing the part Milly need to see so that she wouldn’t worry. Graham, meanwhile, had stars in his eyes as he gazed at her. Or so it appeared.
I will go hunt,” Conall started before Blair appeared. “No need, Cousin. I’ve caught enough to feed us all.”
So much for Conall making an escape. Because he knew as his cousin watched Graham falling all over Lindsay, that’s exactly what Conall was trying to do.
A little while later as meat roasted over a fire, Milly sat beside Adlin, and they finally had a chance to say good morning.
“How’d you sleep?” she said. She had a glow to her skin that hadn’t been there the previous day.
“Fine, lass, and you?” They had been making eyes at each other since she awoke. In fact, he had started to feel like a youngin’ again hoping the pretty lass would sit next to him.
“Great.” Her eyes sparkled as they met his. “Thanks to you.”
“’Twas a verra good night,” he agreed, a heartbeat away from scooping her up and returning to bed.
“Och, listen to the two of ye.” Blair grinned as she joined them. “’Tis love found betwixt ye then, aye?”
“No,” Mildred said as Adlin replied, “Aye.”
Blair kept grinning as her eyes went between them. “’Tis always more fun if ‘tis not admitted right away.”
Adlin grinned as Milly blushed and made a non-committal sound.
“So what are we going to do about Lindsay?” Blair said softly. “I dinnae think ‘tis wise to have her anywhere near this battle.”
“Nay,” Adlin agreed. “Neither she nor Milly.”
“Actually,” Grant said, his attention on them from across the fire, a means to let everyone know the conversation should be heard by all. “While she willnae be at the battle in person, I do believe Milly should be there.”
Adlin frowned. He didn’t like where Grant was going.
“What do you mean?” Milly asked.
“Well, if nothing else can be said about your ring,” Grant replied, “’Tis that it allows you to hear and see things without being detected.”
“That you know of,” Adlin argued. “The warlock could have known she was behind him the whole time. That this is a set-up upon a set-up.”
“We both know ‘tis not based on what Aðísla saw this morning,” Grant said. “Set aside your emotions and see this for the opportunity it is, Adlin.”
“She doesnae even know why the ring takes her into the visions,” Adlin countered. “Worse than that, she doesnae know how to control it.”
“I’m not so sure that’s true,” Aðísla said as she cut the meat, put it on sticks and started handing it out. “Or should I say that with help from Blair and me, she might have all the control she needs.”
Adlin shook his head. “But we’ll need you two at the battle.”
“Mayhap not,” Grant said. “Aðísla counted Lundie’s men at no more than two hundred.”
“And there are only four of us outside of the lasses,” Graham reminded.
“You mean five,” came a deep voice before Bryce, looking much better, dropped to a knee in front of Lindsay and lowered his head. “You have my thanks for saving my life, lass. You will always have the support and backing of Clan MacLeod if ever you need it.”
While happy to see his cousin well, he couldn’t help but frown. Though foolish, he and his cousins should have tried to save Bryce sooner. He should not have been made to suffer any longer than necessary.
“You can’t think like that, Adlin,” Milly responded. “My guess is you saved lives by not rushing into something when you knew how treacherous it was.”
She had spoken within his mind.
When his eyes went to hers, she only offered a few soft words. “It seems I am.” Her eyes dropped to her ring. “So maybe the stone’s working after all.”
A stone that still shone brown.
No matter. He took her hand and smiled, grateful she was so comfortable speaking telepathically. That she did not seem daunted in the least.
“So that makes four young warriors who are also powerful wizards,” Grant said. “And me.”
Grant had always been humble about how much power he really possessed, but Adlin had a good idea. After all, why else would he have made him his apprentice in another life? That and Grant had an inner wisdom and self-control not all with magic possessed.
“We go, we fight, and we make it quick.” Grant’s eyes went to Milly. “Meanwhile, with the help of Aðísla and Blair, Milly, we need you to point us in the right direction and help us anticipate the enemy’s moves.”
He was impressed by the courage he saw in Milly’s eyes as she nodded. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.” Her eyes flickered from Adlin to Grant. “Anything to keep you guys safe.” She frowned. “The only problem is I have no idea how I got where I was either time.” She shook her head. “And Adlin told me that I saw myself with the enemy when I was ill. Any clue what that’s all about?”
Adlin kept a smile at bay. He never told her that tidbit. She had read his mind along the way without even realizing it. Yet another sign of how close they were becoming.
“My guess is you somehow saw yourself keeping an eye on Lindsay,” Grant said. “Just like you astral-projected yourself to Lundie and the warlock without them ever being the wiser.” His eyes went to Lindsay. “I dinnae know about you, but I never heard anyone say there was a lass who looked like Milly in camp, did you? That one was taken prisoner who fit her description?”
“No.” Lindsay shook her head and met Milly’s eyes. “And with looks like yours, we would have heard if you were around, darling.”
Milly didn’t comment on the compliment as her curious eyes returned to Grant. “So what about me getting so sick? What do you think that was?”
“Again just a guess, but I’d say that was you separating yourself from any black magic attached to the gem,” he said. “’Twould not be a pleasant experience for even the strongest of us. You are verra gifted in magic, Milly.”
Which was interesting considering in her previous life she was the least powerful witch in her family. It was clear Milly wasn’t quite sure how to respond other than to say, “So do you think that’s why the gem is slowly but surely becoming the color it’s supposed to be? The color of Adlin’s eyes?”
Thankfully, Grant didn’t bat a lash at her false statement. “Aye, lass, ‘tis verra probable.”
Milly smiled at Adlin. “It sounds like things are starting to fall into place.”
“It does,” Lindsay agreed, taking in everything with a perceptive eye. “And I’m happy for you, Milly.”
Despite being drugged the night before and the things she said, it was obvious Lindsay saw what existed between him and Milly. So she had to be wondering about the gem in her own ring.
“I still can’t believe how well you’re taking all this, Linds.” Milly shook her head. “You’ve seriously blown me away.”
“It was frightening at first,” Lindsay conceded as her eyes drifted over the men. “But now, it’s more interesting than anything else.” She urged Bryce to sit next to her, the look in her eyes unexplainable as she gazed at him. Maybe amazement mixed with a little something else. “I can’t believe how impr
oved you are, Bryce.” She rested her hand on his shoulder. “You are the strongest man I’ve ever met.”
There was no missing the reaction of the other men. Conall tensed while Graham took more immediate action by plunking down on Lindsay’s other side. “Ye will always have the thanks of the MacLomains for what ye did for Laird MacLeod.” He nodded. “His betrothed will be most grateful.”
“Oh.” Lindsay removed her hand from Bryce’s shoulder. “You’re engaged then?”
Adlin was surprised how well Lindsay was taking Bryce’s miraculous recovery if nothing else.
“’Tis a pre-arranged alliance.” Bryce’s eyes went to Milly. “One that I willnae see through until I know with certainty I am not meant to claim another.”
Adlin scowled. Leave it to the dragon not to play nice.
“So my ring’s still the color of your eyes, Bryce?” Milly sighed. “Really?”
“Aye.” Adlin knew Bryce didn’t mean to dash her hopes. If anything, his was a bigger agenda considering he had been fighting his marriage alliance for years, and this might give him an out. “I’m afraid your gem is still golden, lass.”
“Well, I’m sure it’ll work itself out soon,” she said. Adlin couldn’t stop a triumphant smile as her eyes met his. “Because the only man I intend to be with if I stay in Scotland is Adlin.”
While he liked the second part, the first part didn’t sit so well. She thought she would be going home? Better yet, did she actually want to?
“Why would ye not stay, lass?” Blair said, coming to Adlin’s rescue. “Have ye someone better than my cousin from where ye hail? Have ye a lad who looks at ye like he does?”
“Well, no,” she started to say, but Blair kept going.
“Of course ye dinnae.” A knowing look entered her eyes. “Jim was the closest ye ever came to love and that wasnae the real thing...not like this.”
“Is that so?” Milly’s brows perked. “And what do you know of Jim and I and what we shared?”
“I know that ye were willing to let him go when ye didnae have to.” She shrugged and gave Milly a look that spoke volumes. “And I know he let ye go so easily because he heard nothing but Adlin’s name on yer lips while you slept. The entire time ye were together at that.”
Sworn to a Highland Laird Page 20
