Avenged by a Highland Laird

by Sky Purington

  “Ye should know that things have happened in yer absence, Cousin,” Graham murmured, his eyes pained as they met Fraser’s. “Kenna...” He clearly struggled with his words. “We lost her.”

  “Aye,” Fraser said so softly they barely caught it. There was no missing the turbulence or momentary rage that flared in his eyes.

  Based on his simple response, they assumed he must have realized it when he made contact with Christina.

  “It seems Kenna knew where ye might be...that ye were still alive,” Graham continued. “And had some final words for ye.” Fresh pain lit his eyes as he likely recalled those last moments with Kenna’s head on his lap. “She wanted ye to know she only wished ye peace...that there’s light beyond the darkness...”

  Fraser tensed at that, offering nothing more than a clenched jaw and a nod.

  While much had been revealed on everyone’s adventures, Bryce found the news that Kenna might have loved Graham more than Fraser the most interesting. While he knew full well, she loved Graham, what she and Fraser had shared was at one time untouchable. Their love had been very deep no matter what impression she might have given Christina at Stirling Castle. In fact, it had been deep enough that Fraser had told her about the MacLomain, Broun connection.

  More so, that he would not be part of it.

  Though that could very well have been his gift of foresight in more ways than one, Bryce had seen the way Fraser looked at Kenna. And he saw the torture in Fraser’s eyes when Kenna told him she loved Graham more. Yet Bryce had also seen the way Kenna gazed at Fraser when he left for battle that fateful day. The look in her eyes didn’t bespeak a lass who had just broken someone’s heart but of one letting love go to salvage her own.

  Sadly enough, he supposed it was all for naught now. Theirs was a love that was not meant to be. Kenna was gone, and Fraser was, or so it seemed, lost in his own way too. Whatever this revenge was that he sought seemed to be eating at his very soul. Or so said the hardened, almost depraved look in his eyes. The lack of humor he once had. Even his charm seemed to have been replaced with darkness.

  But then looks could be deceiving.

  And a true pirate deceived better than most.

  Fraser suddenly looked to the ocean as if he saw something they could not. “I have to go.” His eyes went specifically to Adlin and Grant before they returned to the others. “Dinnae try to seek me out. This is a battle I must fight alone. But know...” his eyes lingered on Conall and Rona before going to his parents and Blair. “Know that I have missed ye too and that I will return.”

  “We look forward to that day, Son,” Aunt Cassie replied, wiping away a tear. “And we love you very much.”

  “And I ye,” he murmured, his eyes lingering on them a moment longer before he strode for the sea and vanished.

  Silence fell again as Uncle Logan pulled Aunt Cassie into his arms when she began to tremble. His aunt felt as they all did. Relief to know that Fraser was alive somewhere. Worry that he appeared so changed. Yet grateful that he seemed determined to return home eventually.

  They would have their cousin back.

  “This is a day of celebration,” Grant said softly. “Fraser might not possess magic, but he is verra strong and verra clever. If he’s on a mission of revenge, I would say there are innocents at the root of it. Mayhap even a lass.”

  Later, after much celebration, they stood on a torch lit wall walk overlooking the North Sea and Adlin ruminated more on what Grant had said. “I got a verra particular feeling off of Fraser when Graham spoke of Kenna.”

  “Aye?” Uncle Logan cocked his head. “And what was that?”

  Adlin shrugged, a twinkle in his eyes. “’Tis hard to know with any certainty but I got the sense not all is lost when it comes to Fraser and Kenna...”

  “Aye, my friend,” Grant murmured. “I cannae help but agree.”

  Though interest sparked in everyone’s eyes, they knew they would get little more out of the arch-wizards.

  “What do you think they meant by that?” Jessie asked a while later as they admired the moonlit sea. “Because it almost sounds like...”

  “They’ll meet again,” Bryce continued when she trailed off. “Or already have.”

  Kenna had, without question, passed on so that only left one possibility.

  “I would like to think that she was reborn,” Jessie said softly, following his thoughts. “And that she and Fraser might get a second chance.”

  “’Twould be a happy ending indeed,” he murmured as he reeled her close and brushed his lips over hers. “One to match ours.”

  She had never looked more beautiful than she did right now with the moonlight in her hair

  “This has been the most amazing ending.” Her voice was breathy as her eyes held his. “Though I can think of one more thing that would top it off.”

  He smiled as he read her mind. “Are you truly ready?”

  “I’ve been ready my whole life.”

  “Aye, then.” He grinned at everyone, more excited by the moment. “My lass and I are off then. Wishing ye all a wonderful eve.”

  Not one of Jessie’s friends had a dry eye as they pulled her into a group hug.

  “What a ride it’s been,” Milly murmured.

  “Has it ever,” Christina agreed.

  A smile blossomed on Lindsay’s face as her eyes met Jessie’s. “But the ride’s not over yet, is it darling?”

  “No, actually.” Jessie met her smile. “The real ride’s just about to begin.”

  While a lusty Broun could take that a certain way considering how Bryce was looking at her, Jessie meant something else entirely.

  “Where would you like,” Bryce began, but Jessie cut him off.

  “Right here.” Her smile only grew as her eyes went from him to the ocean far below. “Right now.”

  “But you’ve never,” he began, his words trailing off as Jessie made her move.

  She was on the wall walk and leaping over the side in the blink of an eye. For a split second, his heart stopped beating before whoosh, a little black dragon swooped up and headed out over the sea.

  Everyone applauded and waved as she sailed away. She might be wobbling some, but she was holding her own.

  “Are you coming, or what?” she said into his mind, the happiness in her voice unmistakable.

  Bryce laughed, waved goodbye to everyone and pursued his wee mate. While he had always thought there was nothing as wonderful and freeing as embracing his dragon, he realized there very much was.

  Flying alongside his mate and one true love.

  It had been an adventure from start to finish full of curses and death, love and life. Yet as he and Jessie flew, he only saw what lay ahead. Close family, wee bairns, and a Scotland made better by those who had fought for her freedom. He would never forget how closely the past and future were intertwined and the sacrifices made.

  Now there was nothing but tomorrow to look forward to and a life he never could have imagined. His dragon’s eyes met Jessie’s before they looped around and headed back for the castle. For a split second he could have sworn he saw another black dragon with golden eyes sailing alongside them, but a moment later it vanished. Yet he knew a part of his sister Ainsley was still there, would always be there, and was flying home with them.

  “What a sight,” Jessie murmured into his mind, her eyes on the castle and sprawling ocean. “This is all so incredible.”

  “Aye,” he agreed, as his eyes went to her.

  She was incredible.

  “Are you ready then?” she asked, not just referring to a fly-by of the castle but to all that lay ahead for them.

  He offered no reply because she already knew the answer as she sailed over MacLeod Castle. Though small, she was majestic and quite the sight. One her friends thoroughly appreciated as they waved and smiled, happy that she was finally free from all that had bound her.

  Free to live and laugh and most especially love.

  His heart soaring, his dragon pu
rsued, more than ready to follow her.

  Not just tonight but straight into their glorious future.

  The End

  Coming Soon

  Sven’s Story...

  Viking King’s Vendetta

  Two kings are avenged as Sven and Emily stand at the precipice of a dark, unravelling prophecy. Giving in to long denied love might be their only hope as a new enemy rears its multiple heads in Viking King’s Vendetta. Coming August 13th, 2018. Available now for pre-order.

  Turn the page for Fraser’s story...

  The Seafaring Rogue

  FOLLOW FRASER ‘THE ROGUE’ MACLOMAIN as he settles an old score and exacts vengeance for the lass he loves. Coming June 26th, 2018. Available for pre-order May 29th. Please note: Due to the criteria of the multi-author series Pirates of Britannia: Lords of the Sea, The Seafaring Rogue is strictly a historical romance containing no time-travel and very little if any paranormal elements.

  I WILL BE SENDING OUT a personalized New Release text alert when The Seafaring Rogue is available for pre-order. If you would like to be notified simply text ‘skypurington’ (no quotes, one word, all lowercase) to 74121 or visit Sky’s, Sign-up Page. Readers can easily opt out at any time.

  Dear Reader Letter

  I hope you enjoyed The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning. It took on a life of its own as I navigated around some of the most famous battles in Scottish history. Researching this last one, the Battle of Byland Moor, gave me an even stronger appreciation for Robert the Bruce’s abilities as a battle commander and strategist.

  The First War of Scottish Independence ended six years later when King Robert signed the peace Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton on 17 March 1328. This recognized Scotland as an independent kingdom and Robert the Bruce as its rightful king.

  So what happened to King Edward? Nothing good. After he finally signed a truce with Robert, things went downhill, and opposition grew. When Edward sent Queen Isabella to France to negotiate a peace treaty in 1325, she turned against Edward and refused to return. She proceeded to ally herself with Roger Mortimer and invaded England in 1326. Edward’s regime collapsed, and he fled into Wales, where he was captured in November. He was then forced to relinquish his crown in January 1327 and died on 21 September at 43 years old. Rumor has it he was murdered.

  Meanwhile, and sadly enough, having fulfilled his lifelong dream of an independent Scotland, 54 year old King Robert the Bruce died on 7 June 1329, only a year after he signed the peace treaty. In accordance with his wishes, his right hand man the Black Douglas removed his heart and took it on crusade with him to Spain where he was killed. According to legend, such as it is, the heart was eventually found and returned to Scotland to be buried at Melrose Abbey.

  While this series certainly involved a great deal of research, I loved every minute of it. Following both William Wallace and Robert the Bruce over the ‘years’ from battle to battle gave me a fresh perspective on Scotland’s endurance. While this 32 year long war was one of several in Scottish history, it made all the difference in my opinion. Men like Wallace and the Bruce sparked something in their countrymen that would live on. A pride that is hard to match and I believe echoed far into the future.

  Speaking of the future...

  It’s so hard saying goodbye not only to the historical figures I’ve met along the way but the characters whose voices made all the difference. I always get extra emotional when I type ‘The End’ of the last book in a series, and this one was no different. I’ve never put one of my heroines at the helm of an entire series, but I think Jessie did great. Then, I do have a particular fondness for strong women who rise above the difficulties life throws at them.

  Of course, I have a fondness for strong men too. Most especially the sort who allow their lasses to flourish and appreciate their inner strength. Luckily, MacLomain men never let me down, and that held true in this series.

  I suppose an extra special thanks must go out to Adlin and Grant for accepting that so much was out of their hands this time. Then again, being the amazing men that they are, I know they’re more than happy to welcome another arch-wizard into the fold.

  Anyway, it’s time to say farewell to this group of time-travelers. I hope, however, that you’ll join me as I embark on new journeys. First and foremost, it’s time to steady your sea legs and set sail with Fraser. I can’t tell you how excited I was to write The Seafaring Rogue! I’ve been eager to pen a pirate tale for ages. And with the likes of a tall, strapping MacLomain along, how could I go wrong?

  Soon after, we’ll remain on the high seas as we join Sven and his dragon-shifting Vikings in Viking Ancestors: Rise of the Dragon. I’ve adored Sven since I first met him as a moody teenager in Vengeance of a Viking and of course, little Emily won my heart in her many appearances throughout The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors’ Kin. As the upcoming Viking series title implies, expect lots of dragon action on these next adventures and naturally, love stories that I hope stay with you long after you read them.

  To those of you who are new readers, thanks for taking a chance on my characters. I hope you enjoyed! As to those of you who have been reading my stories for years, thank you so very much. I appreciate you all more than you know.

  Wishing you good health and happiness always.

  xo

  Sky

  Viking Ancestors: Rise of the Dragon

  Viking King’s Vendetta (Sven’s Story)

  Viking’s Valor (Håkon’s Story)

  Viking’s Intent (Davyn’s Story)

  Viking’s Ransom (Eirik’s Story)

  Viking’s Conquest (Rokar’s Story)

  Previous Releases-Best Reading Order

  ~The MacLomain Series- Early Years~

  Highland Defiance- Book One

  Highland Persuasion- Book Two

  Highland Mystic- Book Three

  ~The MacLomain Series~

  The King’s Druidess- Prelude

  Fate’s Monolith- Book One

  Destiny’s Denial- Book Two

  Sylvan Mist- Book Three

  ~The MacLomain Series- Next Generation~

  Mark of the Highlander- Book One

  Vow of the Highlander- Book Two

  Wrath of the Highlander- Book Three

  Faith of the Highlander- Book Four

  Plight of the Highlander- Book Five

  ~The MacLomain Series- Viking Ancestors~

  Viking King- Book One

  Viking Claim- Book Two

  Viking Heart- Book Three

  ~The MacLomain Series- Later Years~

  Quest of a Scottish Warrior- Book One

  Yule’s Fallen Angel (spin-off novella)

  Honor of a Scottish Warrior- Book Two

  Oath of a Scottish Warrior- Book Three

  Passion of a Scottish Warrior- Book Four

  ~The MacLomain Series- Viking Ancestors’ Kin~

  Rise of a Viking- Book One

  Vengeance of a Viking- Book Two

  A Viking Holiday- Book 2.5

  Soul of a Viking- Book Three

  Fury of a Viking- Book Four

  Her Wounded Dragon- Book 4.5

  Pride of a Viking- Book Five

  ~The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning~

  Sworn to a Highland Laird- Book One

  Taken by a Highland Laird- Book Two

  Promised to a Highland Laird- Book Three

  Avenged by a Highland Laird- Book Four

  ~Pirates of Britannia World~

  The Seafaring Rogue

  The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Spin-off

  ~Viking Ancestors: Rise of the Dragon~

  Viking King’s Vendetta- Book One

  Viking’s Valor- Book Two

  Viking’s Intent- Book Three

  Viking’s Ransom- Book Four

  Viking’s Conquest- Book Five

  Viking’s Crusade- Book Six

  ~Calum’s Curse Series~

  Sister series to The MacLomain Series. Can stand alone, but is best enj
oyed after The MacLomain Series (Books 1-4) which includes The King’s Druidess.

  The Victorian Lure- Book One

  The Georgian Embrace- Book Two

  The Tudor Revival- Book Three

  ~Holiday Tales~

  Yule’s Fallen Angel

  + Bonus Novelette, Christmas Miracle

  A Viking Holiday

  ~Forsaken Brethren Series~

  Independent series unrelated to The MacLomain Series

  Darkest Memory- Book One

  Heart of Vesuvius- Book Two

  Family Trees

  Click HERE to view Family Trees.

  About the Author

  Sky Purington is the bestselling author of nearly forty novels and novellas. A New Englander born and bred who recently moved to Virginia, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth, and legend. When combined with a love for history, romance, and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

  Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com. Interested in keeping up with Sky’s latest news and releases? Either visit Sky’s website, www.SkyPurington.com, join her quarterly newsletter, or sign up for personalized text message alerts. Simply text ‘skypurington’ (no quotes, one word, all lowercase) to 74121 or visit Sky’s Sign-up Page. Texts will ONLY be sent when there is a new book release. Readers can easily opt out at any time.

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