THE HEALING HEART

by Zelda Clemens

  The cave was shrouded in darkness. Alice could just barely make out the faces of Roland and Perceval. Her hands groped along the slimy hard rock surface of the cave as entered, trying to guide her passage through the darkness. She didn’t like existing in this darkness, anything could be hiding or living in here and she’d never spot it in the darkness. For some reason, the cave was unnaturally cold too, she could imagine a frost demon sleeping within.

  A hand closed on her shoulder and she jumped imagining the worst.

  “I think that’s far enough,” Roland whispered. “Be hard to find our way out without light.”

  All three sat facing the exit in total silence. Listening for the slightest sound or scuffle that signaled they had been discovered. Alice’s hands found Perceval’s and Roland’s in the dark, as she tried to draw strength from them.

  Time seemed meaningless in the cave but for what seemed like hours she could hear the soldiers outside the cave bark indistinguishable orders. With each order, she heard she thought that was it. That they had found them and tensed. It was during one of these moments Roland broke down.

  “I’m so sorry.” His whispered apology was wrecked with sobbing. “It’s my fault. It’s all my fault. I’m such a coward. I always run.”

  “It’s fine, don’t fret.” Alice squeezed his hand. “They’ll never find this.”

  “But you don’t understand. It’s my fault. My father was right. I’m such a coward. I did it as I was a coward. It was me, I’m to blame. It was me that…” he raved madly.

  “No one blames you,” Perceval reassured him.

  “Really? You mean that?” He was almost begging.

  “Yes.”

  “Thanks.” Roland grew calmer and the cave was ushered into silence again.

  After what seemed an age, it grew quiet outside. The press of fear and the excitement of the day hit Alice all at once and she felt tired. Her head was slowly slumping forehead, her eyes closing against her will. She nestled against the cold hard floor of the cave. Perceval joined her on the floor, placing his arm under her head so she had a pillow to rest her head on. Behind her she felt Roland snuggle up to her, his arms wrapping around her body.

  Perceval’s face was so close she could make out the lines of his cheeks even in the darkness. She reached out and stroked his cheeks. His big, soft hand caressed her cheeks, and traced around her lips. Roland brushed her hair to the side and pressed his rough tickling beard against her bare nape as he kissed it softly. Perceval pressed forward and his lips met hers in the darkness. Alice loved the sensation of Roland kissing and massaging her back. The fact he was doing it as her tongue probed Perceval’s mouth made it even more special somehow. She knew she should stop it, that they may not even realize they were kissing and groping her at the same in this darkness. She reveled in the feel of being accepted completely by these two men and let it go on too long. Roland’s hands clasped around her breast just as Perceval’s hand stroked up her flat stomach to it. They’d found other hands in the darkness.

  The men paused and broke away from her body. Alice could feel them trying to penetrate the darkness to stare at each other. What had she done? Had her weakness ruined everything? Was the fragile tension between the two of them finally going to break and a fight erupt? She rolled to her back and felt like crying.

  To her surprise felt Roland hover over her, his mouth closing on hers as Perceval began kissing her neck. She basked in their warm tender caresses wondering what was going on. As they inched the top of her dress down kissing down her body she felt the passion in their kisses, and the way they caressed her body. They were fighting over her but in the most untraditional and pleasurable of ways. Either one’s kisses, or moans of pleasure would spur the other one on to new and more magical ways of exploring her body. Roland, rough needy and fast, while Perceval was so soft gentle and attentive. Together they kindled a heat in her body she’d never felt before.

  She found her hands exploring each of their bodies, caressing and groping at their chests. Tickling and teasing their way up their hairy legs and slipping under their kilts. That was the best thing about kilts. She though as her hands clasped around their engorged members. You didn’t need both hands to undo a tricky clasp or buttons.

  ***

  A chorus of chirruping birds filtered into the cave dragging Alice from her slumber. She awoke to find herself nestle between the naked bodies of Roland and Perceval. A beam of golden sun-light entered the cave from the entrance giving their silhouettes a golden hue in the darkness. She still couldn’t believe that last night had really happened. The tingling afterglow pulsing through her body was a pleasant reminder that it had.

  She stood and pulled her simple wool dress over her body and crept to the mouth of the cave peering out into the glen beyond. It was empty and silent. Their pursuers had either moved to search new areas or given up.

  “Is it safe?” Roland asked his eyes transfixed on Perceval’s back with a tinge of regret.

  “Seems quiet out there.”

  “We should rest a little more,” Perceval chimed in without opening his eyes.

  “I think you’ve worn him out,” Roland joked as he closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

  By the time they’d left the cave it was mid-day. They skirted the open terrain of the highlands, hugging the rocky crops or forests as there was less chance of being seen by the English Army. Once or twice Roland stopped the advance and turned back to avoid an encampment or a patrol. By time early evening had arrived Alice felt exhausted, her feet throbbed and she seriously began to doubt that they’d ever reach Inverness.

  Alice was glad when Roland led them to another cave and told them that’d camp there for the night and arrive tomorrow afternoon. She was led down and briefly fantasized about a repeat of last night before passing out.

  “Alice.” She was woken by Perceval’s gentle calls. “Here, have some meat, it’s important to keep your strength up.” Where Roland and Perceval had found the energy to hunt and cook the rabbit, she had no idea. Her whole body seemed to protest when she moved.

  “So, have you decided what you are doing after we get to town?” Alice asked Roland as they ate.

  “I have to admit there is something appealing about your fairy tale, lass. A fresh start away from everything we’ve done. Who wouldn’t want that? The thing is I’m unsure if it would change who I am or even who I want to be.”

  “You know you’re welcome to join us,” Perceval offered. “You’re not a bad person, war makes monsters of us all.”

  “Thanks.” The camp-fire descended into silence once more and Alice went back to sleep.

  ***

  They were close to Inverness. Alice had realized and they reached the town before mid-day. English soldiers bustled up and down the street keeping the townsfolk under an unflinching and repressive glare. Groups of them burst into houses dragging the Jacobite rebels into the street. Others stopped random groups searching for anything suspicious. The town’s walls were plastered with wanted posters for the leading members of the movement who’d gone underground since the spectacular loss at Culloden. The whole town felt a powder keg ready to explode.

  “Right, you two find a ship that will take you to one of the colonies. I have some business to attend to in town. Promise me you won’t leave until I find you at the docks?” Roland announced leaving the group.

  It didn’t take Alice and Perceval long to find a transport that was willing to take transport them to the colonies despite the fact they were already slightly full. Given the apparent urgency, the captain would transport them on the promise of indentured service on the other side. The best thing was that he left later on that day which meant they didn’t have to spend another day laying low.

  It was a few hours later that Roland appeared on the docks.

  “We’ve found someone with room pulling out later today. They have room for you, too,” Perceval informed.

  “Thanks, but I have to stay. I can’t leave
the clan or Scotland like this. If something isn’t done we will lose everything that makes us, us. But I did get you these.” He passed across two slips of paper.

  “What’s this?” Perceval asked confused.

  “Read it,” Roland said excitedly.

  “I’ve told you before, I can’t read.” Perceval flushed a bright crimson and glanced at Alice.

  “You really can’t?” The old sullen look washed over Roland’s face. “It’s a promise of payment. Although most of my father’s holdings have been seized, there are a still a few merchants we have secret funds with. Give it to the captain as payment and you’ll arrive in your new life totally free of old ones.”

  “Thanks. I think yes. You could be free,” Perceval said.

  “Thanks,” Alice said hugging him. “I’ll miss you.”

  “You can always stay and help me,” Roland asked.

  “I can’t. I think this is something I need to do. I can’t run, I have to try.”

  Perceval and Alice boarded the ship ready to begin their new life together and Roland left to fight for his old one.

  THE END

  Another bonus story is on the next page.

  Bonus Story 7 of 44

  The Thrill

  Description

  Kara loves men, and they love her. Since she was in high school, every boy who ever saw her went wild for her, especially the Wentworth brothers, Lucas and Adam- the two wealthiest and most popular boys at school.

  Now years later, Kara is at college in New York when she receives news that her mother is remarrying. The man is none other Harry Wentworth, Lucas and Adam's father.

  When Kara meets her soon-to-be stepbrothers again after years, feelings from the past come rushing back- feelings that are strictly taboo.

  Will Kara understand that the boys are now off-limits or will she get caught up in the thrill of forbidden love?

  *****

  Kara leaned forward and reapplied her lipstick, holding up her phone as a mirror. She could see the two guys behind her checking her out, and she smiled at her own reflection just as her friend returned with the coffees. Nina sat down across from her and said, “Hey, there are a couple of guys-” but before she could finish, Kara rolled her eyes and said, “I know- like they’ve got a chance.” Nina shrugged and said, “I don’t know, they’re kinda cute,” but Kara shook her head. “No, Nina, look at us and look at them. They’re losers.” Nina laughed and said, “Only you would be comfortable enough to give up cute boys in a coffee shop- the rest of mortals don’t know when the next guy to flirt with us is gonna come around.”

  Kara sipped her coffee and said, “You’re insane- look at you, you’re perfect.” Nina shook her head and said nothing, because the truth was plain and obvious for everyone to see. Nina was small and pale and attractive in her own way, but she was nothing compared to Kara’s long legs, bronze skin and perfect light brown waves. Everything Kara did was laced with seduction, whether she was smiling with her pouty mouth and dimpled cheeks, or speaking in her sexy voice. When Kara walked into a room, all eyes were on her. She was like the sun that couldn’t be eclipsed.

  Kara quickly changed the subject to the girls’ college classes and they chatted away as they drank their coffee, complaining about deadlines and professors. Nina was in the middle of a long rant about her course in World Literature when Kara’s phone started to ring. She glanced down to see her mom’s name flash on the screen and she furrowed her brows, holding up a hand as she said, “Sorry, Nina- I’m gonna have to take this.”

  She got up and walked to a corner of the coffee shop, worried that something might be wrong. Her mom almost never called her on a weekday. “Hello?” she answered, her voice layered with concern. “Kara, darling,” her mother’s strangely cheerful voice said on the other end, “how are you?” Raising an eyebrow, Kara said, “Hey Mom, I’m good. What’s up- is everything okay?”

  Her mom giggled and said, “Everything’s great, sweetie- better than great. I have something to tell you.” Kara narrowed her eyes and slowly said, “Okay- what is it?” There was a brief pause and then her mother burst out and said, “Kara I’m getting married.” Kara’s hand flew to her mouth and she said, “Oh my God- what? When?” Her mother giggled again and said, “He proposed to me last night, and I just- oh gosh, Kara, it’s all so lovely. I’m so happy.” Kara smiled brightly and turned to glance at Nina, but Nina was busy smiling at one of the guys from the other table. Kara rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her mom and said, “Mom, I’m so happy for you- who is he?”

  Her mom sounded so happy that Kara beamed as she listened to her. “He’s wonderful- so smart and funny and oh God, he’s so handsome. You’d love him! He’s a hedge fund manager so he’s pretty comfortably well-off too. I don’t know, Kara- I just feel like I have a second chance you know.” Kara smiled, a little sadder this time as she thought back to her parents’ divorce and how depressed her mother had been for a long time after that. Kara nodded and said, “Mom- I couldn’t be happier. What’s his name?” Her mom laughed and said, “Oh yeah- sorry, his name’s Harry, Harry Wentworth.” Kara suddenly froze and then slowly said, “Wentworth? As in Lucas and Adam Wentworth?” Her mother exclaimed and said, “Right- you must have known his sons in high school,” she laughed and said, “They’ll be your step-brothers now.”

  Kara returned to the table a minute later, still in a sort of daze. Nina looked up from her coffee and said, “Kar- is everything alright?” Kara licked her lips and looked at Nina and said, “My mom’s getting married.” Nina clapped her hands and said, “Oh my God, that’s great.” Kara nodded and Nina looked at her, “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy? Is this about your dad?” Kara shook her head and said, “No- It’s just that- she’s marrying Harry Wentworth.” Nina blinked at her for a few seconds before her expression completely changed. “Oh my God,” she breathed, “She’s marrying the twins’ dad?” Kara nodded, unable to process any of it. Nina shook her head in wonder and said, “That means the twins are gonna be your-” but Kara held up her hand and said, “Don’t say it. Don’t say the B word.” Nina laughed and said, “Kara, when we’re back home, I’m gonna be hanging out at your place all the time.”

  Kara buried her face in her hands and groaned and Nina laughed and said, “Oh come on- it’s not like you hooked up with them.” Kara lifted her head and looked at Nina miserably and then Nina raised a hand to her mouth and said, “No- you did?” Kara gulped and said, “Nina we weren’t friends in high school.” Nina shrugged and said, “Yeah ‘cause you were popular and I was a complete loser.” Kara chewed on her lip and said, “Do you know why I was popular? It’s ‘cause my boobs grew out in the seventh grade and I loved to show them off. Oh God, I loved all the attention- and the boys knew it.” Nina laughed and said “I’m sure whatever happened wasn’t that bad.” Kara buried her head again and said, “I can’t believe it- Lucas and Adam. Oh God, I wonder if they know yet.” Nina shrugged and said, “Maybe they don’t remember you?” Kara scoffed and said, “Trust me- they’d remember me.”

  *****

  FOUR YEARS AGO

  Kara tied a green ribbon around her long ponytail. Green was the school color and she wanted to show how supportive she was of the football team. “You hate football,” her friend Aria said in a bored voice, leaning against the bathroom wall as she smoked a cigarette. Kara tossed back her ponytail and said, “Yeah- but I love football players. God, have you seen Michael Garcia’s six-pack?” Aria dropped her cigarette butt in the toilet and pulled out a deodorant from her backpack, spraying it around the bathroom to disguise the smell of smoke as she said, “The guys are playing really well today, aren’t they?” Kara shrugged and said, “I have no idea- but they look damn good when they play.” Kara pulled up her bra to adjust it and stuck out her chest slightly before she turned to leave the bathroom with Aria. They walked out, passing a small pale girl in the hallway who nervously said, “Hi Kara, hey Aria.” They ignored her and continued to
walk towards the football field.

  As they stepped out into the bright sunlight, the crowd erupted into a huge cheer, signaling the end of the game. By the dejected look on the football players’ faces, they could tell the game hadn’t gone so well. “Yes!” Kara exclaimed under her breath, and Aria looked at her questioningly. “We lost, Kar…” but Kara nodded happily and said, “I love it when they lose- they’re all so sad afterwards, and in need of validation from hot girls.” Aria laughed and watched Kara as she pasted a sympathetic smile on her face and made her way towards the team. She was looking for Michael and she spotted him being hugged by two cheerleaders. She knew that if she sashayed over there, Michael would forget all about the cheerleaders, but she noticed someone else looking at her.

  Lucas Wentworth was leaning against the bleachers with his arms folded over his chest, and his eyes were on Kara’s legs, slowly moving upwards until they met hers. Kara glanced at him and then looked away, licking her lips as she pretended to scan the crowd for someone else. As she expected, Lucas took the bait and a second later, he walked over to her. “Hey,” he said softly, shaking his long brown hair from his eyes. “Hey,” Kara said, making sure to keep her tone neutral. “Who are you looking for?” Lucas asked, moving a little closer and Kara shrugged as she said, “Nobody important,” and turned as though to leave.

  She heard Lucas say, “Nice ribbon,” and stopped to look at him over her shoulder. “Thanks- I was really rooting for you guys,” she sighed and turned to face him again, “It’s sad that we lost- but you played really well.” Lucas’s mouth twisted itself into a crooked smile and Kara admired just how heart-stoppingly handsome he really was. “Listen-” he started to say and Kara grinned- she had him right she wanted. “Meet me behind the parking lot in five minutes.” She turned around and walked away, knowing perfectly well that his eyes were on her ass. Ten minutes later, his fingers were up her skirt and her mouth was on his neck.