Highland Fires

by Donna Grant

  If he had done the unthinkable, Ahryn knew there had to have been a reason. She didn’t for a moment believe that a man capable of what was hinted about on her realm would save her instead of leaving her to die.

  She wished her mind would stay occupied with such thoughts, but inevitably, they shifted to his kisses and the feel of him that morning. The love and desire shining in his eyes as he spoke Moira’s name would be etched in her memory for eternity.

  Ahryn barely saw Lugus stop in front of her. She hastily sidestepped and missed running into him and ignored the inquisitive look he shot her. When he turned his head she followed his gaze and found herself looking across the sea to a large isle.

  “Is it the Isle of Skye?” she asked hesitantly.

  “Aye.”

  She looked to the sky and the growing darkness. “Will we make it today?”

  Lugus sighed and turned away. “It is too late. We’ll go first thing in the morning,” he said as he searched for a place for them to bed down for the night.

  She had noticed how uncomfortable he became in the darkness and wondered if it was her imagination or if he truly didn’t like the night. Slowly, she turned and followed him. As preoccupied with his own thoughts as he was, he never noticed her studying him.

  Lugus looked very much like his brother, King Theron, yet there was something missing from him besides the Fae glow of his skin. It was then she realized what it was. Hope. He had no hope in him, and without hope, it would only be a matter of time before he died.

  She leaned against a tree and asked, “Can we chance a fire tonight?”

  Lugus paused in his perusal and looked at her. “I cannot shake the feeling that Marcus is not very far behind us. If I had pushed a little harder today, we could be on the isle,” he said and pointed to the Isle of Skye. “And you could be nearly home by now.”

  “It isn’t your fault,” she assured him. “I slowed you down. I’m not so sure that Marcus will know where we are. I don’t know how you stand it,” she said and rubbed her head. “I hate not being able to read the future.”

  He shrugged and sat down against a tree. “You get used to it, just as you get used to not healing quickly.”

  “It must be dreadful.” She sat across from him, hoping he would continue talking without her having to ask more probing questions. She had no idea why she felt the need to know him as she did.

  “It wasn’t as bad as I had thought. In all honesty, I hadn’t expected to live.”

  That’s when she remembered what he had said when he first saw her on his isle. “You thought I had come to kill you. Have you been waiting for that?” He didn’t meet her gaze as he nodded. “I’ve asked for it.”

  “So you think you deserve death?”

  “Most certainly.”

  The conviction in his voice gave her pause. “You were given a second chance. Why not grab hold of it with both hands and live your life?”

  “It isn’t that easy,” he said, his voice laced with sorrow. “I have much to pay for, Ahryn. My deeds demand my death.”

  “Yet King Theron didn’t allow it.”

  She heard what sounded like a chuckle, but surely that couldn’t be since she hadn’t even seen him smile.

  “Theron had nothing to do with it. The only thing he did was place me on this realm instead of somewhere else.”

  Ahryn was more confused than ever. If Theron didn’t halt the hand that would end Lugus’ life, then who had?

  She watched Lugus with his cool demeanor and somber blue eyes and knew what she had to do.

  Chapter Seve

  Lugus rubbed his tired eyes and looked out over the sea. He couldn’t believe he had gotten Ahryn here safely, but then cursed himself for not having her on the Isle of Skye before nightfall.

  He knew in the depths of his soul that Marcus was coming for her. Lugus would have another soul on his conscious if he didn’t send Ahryn through the gateway before Marcus arrived. And all because his mind couldn’t let go of the dream and waking up atop Ahryn.

  The dream was still vivid in his memory, and with it the glowing blue eyes that had stared back at him. It’s why he had called Moira’s name. It was as if she had transformed in his arms to someone else, someone looking like Ahryn.

  He told himself it was simply because he had been alone for so long and had not tasted a woman’s flesh in all those years. It was because of those reasons alone that Ahryn had been taking over Moira’s image in his dreams. It had to be, he told himself. He refused to think of the other possible reasons.

  His gaze moved to Ahryn. She had been quiet and withdrawn the entire day, and he couldn’t blame her after what he had done that morning. He wouldn’t speak to him either after what he had done to her that morning.

  What really angered him was that Ahryn was a good sort, someone that he didn’t want to harm, yet he seemed to be doing just that. It was one of the reasons he had wanted to reach the Isle of Skye that day. The sooner she was away from him, the better off she would be.

  He was surprised when she moved her head and met his gaze. Her mystical blue eyes sparkled in the fading light of the sun.

  “What will you do once I am returned to my realm?”

  He pondered her question a moment. “I don’t know,” he said after not being able to come up with a lie.

  “You cannot return to your isle.”

  He shook his head. “Nay. Even if we manage to get to the Isle of Skye and you pass through the gateway without Marcus catching you, he will hunt me. Returning to my home isn’t an option.”

  “You like Scotland,” she said suddenly.

  He was surprised that she had managed to see that about him. “I do.”

  “You won’t leave it.”

  “It suits me,” was all he said in answer.

  She tilted her head to the side and regarded him. “Aye, it does. Marcus’ hand reaches far and wide, and his power over other clans is great.”

  “I had assumed as much. There are many places in which a man can live undetected for a few years.”

  He had already decided he would head deeper into the Highlands and the rugged mountains. There he would find some place to call home.

  “And you?” he asked. “What will you do?”

  She looked down at her hands that played with the material of her skirts. “I will return to my parents and explain what happened, and then, after that, I want to visit Caer Rhoemyr.”

  Lugus jerked at hearing of his city. “What is there?”

  “An aunt. I think some time away from my family is in order so I can determine what it is that I want, not what my parents want for me.”

  “A smart idea.”

  Silence fell around them, but he was loath to break it. When he heard Ahryn’s stomach rumble, he rose and gave her the last bit of cheese and bread.

  “What about you?” she asked.

  “I’m not hungry,” he lied and walked down to the shoreline.

  Water gently lapped at his feet as he watched the sun disappear into the horizon. He sighed and refused to let the fear take hold of him. He would see the light in the morning, he repeated over and over in his head.

  Their water supply had run out earlier, and Lugus knew he had to find some fresh water for them soon. He looked to his right and the village. There was nothing else for him to do. He had to get some water.

  “Where are you going?” Ahryn asked as he walked to her.

  “Into the village for some water.”

  “It’s safe. There is no way Marcus and his men got here before us. Why not let me come?”

  It probably was safe, but the more people that saw them, the more that could lead Marcus to them. She looked so hopeful that Lugus couldn’t refuse her, not after all she had been through.

  “All right, but try to keep your hand hidden. If anyone sees that....”

  “I know,” she said quickly.

  Lugus looked over her and resigned himself to the fact that he would have to trade another of his
daggers for a room so she could bathe and rest peacefully. There was no way he was going to chance another night alone with her.

  Her steps were lighter as she walked beside him to the village. “Do you know where the gateway is?”

  “Nay.”

  “So it could be anywhere on the isle.”

  Lugus didn’t bother to answer her statement.

  “How big is the Isle of Skye?”

  He cursed and plodded forward.

  “That big,” she said softly. “It could be another several days before we find it.”

  Lugus hadn’t wanted to tell her until once they had reached Skye. She was exhausted, and to learn that they would have even more days of travel would only worry her. Yet, he hadn’t wanted to lie to her either.

  Once they came to the village, Lugus found an inn with two empty rooms and traded another dagger for it, food, a bath and clothes for Ahryn. He walked her to her room and pointed to his across the hall. “The owner is sending up hot water, a new gown and some food. Don’t leave.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “To ask some questions,” he said and turned on his heel.

  Lugus didn’t breathe until he had reached the stairs and stepped into the dining room. He seated himself in a corner and ordered a mug of ale. The owner had told him that the dagger would cover anything he and Ahryn ordered for the next two days, so Lugus was going to be certain to get his money’s worth.

  When the owner’s wife came to bring his mug, he stopped her and asked, “Is there a ferry to the Isle of Skye?” “Aye,” she replied, her graying brown hair coming loose and falling about her face.

  “Do you know much about the isle?”

  She chuckled and placed her hand on her plump chest. “Ye could say that. I’ve lived here me whole life. What do ye want to know?”

  Lugus took a long draught of his ale before answering her. “Do you know of a place on the isle where there are two massive standing stones?”

  She peered closely at him. “There are many such stones all over Scotland and the isle.”

  “These are different. Both stones are set apart and face the sea, their height reaching high into the sky.”

  “I know those,” she answered softly, her gaze glancing around the dining room.

  Lugus said a silent prayer of thanks. “Can you tell me where on the isle they are?”

  “For a price.”

  Somehow, that didn’t surprise him. He reached into his boot and pulled out one of his throwing daggers. It was smaller than the others, but the weapon was one of his most prized possessions. It had been one of the first he had made.

  “Will this do?” he asked and slid it toward her on the table.

  She smiled, showing two missing teeth. “’Twill do nicely,” she said as she placed it in the pocket of her apron. “The stones are on the northeast side of the isle. If you follow the coast, you won’t miss them.”

  “How long will it take to reach them?”

  “Depends on how fast you travel. If you walk it could take up to five days. There is a ship that will take you and get you there in three.”

  Lugus had already bartered three of his weapons, leaving him with his sword and only two more daggers. He had no wish to trade more, but their food was gone and they had no coin in which to spend. It was either barter the weapons or barter themselves.

  ~ ~ ~

  Ahryn stared at the big wooden tub that was being filled with water. She couldn’t wait to lower herself in the steaming water. It wasn’t the giant stone bath of her parent’s, but it would do just as well.

  The young girl gave her a smile. “I will return with your food and a gown later.”

  Ahryn nodded and kicked off her shoes. She didn’t care about food at the moment. All she wanted was to wash the grime and dirt from her body and hair. Her long hair had become tangled and knotted so that she knew she would be combing it out the rest of the night just to work out all the tangles.

  She dipped her toe into the water and hissed as the heat connected with her skin, but it didn’t stop her from stepping into the tub and sinking into the delicious hot water. With a long sigh, she leaned back and let the water lap around her. She closed her eyes and felt her muscles began to relax little by little until she was nearly asleep.

  Leisurely, her hand reached over and grabbed the bar of soap. She brought it to her nose, thinking it would smell as wonderful as the soap that was made on her realm when she got a whiff of the foul concoction. Holding it as far away from her as she could, she lathered up and began to scrub her body. Twice. Even then she wondered if she should scrub it again. Instead, she dunked her head to wet her hair.

  She wiped the water from her eyes and looked around for the bottle of hair wash. Seeing nothing but the offending soap, she rolled her eyes and reached for the bar again. As loath as she was to use it, she had to admit it seemed to get her skin and hair clean.

  By the time she was finished, the water had begun to turn cool. As she stepped out of the wooden tub and began to dry off, there was a soft knock on the door, and Ahryn heard the serving girl call out.

  “Come in,” Ahryn called and wrapped the material around her body.

  The girl smiled shyly and set the tray of food on the table before laying a gown on the bed. “I hope the color suits you,” she said softly.

  Ahryn looked at the pale blue gown and smiled. “I love the color. Thank you.” She waited until the door closed behind the girl before she ran over to it and bolted it. Only then did she let the towel drop as she reached for the new chemise. She debated on whether to put the gown on since she knew she wasn’t going out. She decided against it and sat down to eat.

  ~ ~ ~

  Lugus walked woodenly back to the inn. The night had not gone as he had planned, and his mood had soured quickly. He didn’t even glance at the innkeeper as he walked in and climbed the stairs.

  As he passed Ahryn’s door he saw light from beneath it. He knocked softly and heard her hurry to the door.

  “Who is it?” she asked hesitantly.

  He rubbed his eyes and said, “It’s me.”

  A moment later, the door cracked open. “Is everything all right?”

  “I need to come in and tell you the plans,” he said as he pushed open the door and walked in. It never registered in his mind that she might not be dressed, so when he turned and found her in nothing but her shift, he could only stare.

  She shrugged. “I tried to warn you.”

  He blinked as she walked to her table and sat down to continue eating. Unlike the women on Earth, the Fae didn’t conceal every part of their bodies and run and hide if someone came upon them. The Fae body was one of beauty, and they didn’t mind showing it off.

  Lugus stared at the ceiling as he tried in vain to tell himself not to look at her, and he begged his body not to respond.

  She giggled. “I find it odd that you have changed to this realm’s ways.”

  “A person gets used to something, but that isn’t it,” he said and turned his back to her so that he looked at her bed and the pale blue gown.

  “Then what is it? Does my body not please you?”

  It pleases me too much.

  “I didn’t come up here to discuss your body or what pleases me.” He knew he should have continued on to his chamber and spoken with her in the morn. Yet, instead of walking out, he stayed, wondering what outrageous question she would ask him next.

  “True, but that’s what we’re discussing now. So answer me. Do I not please you?”

  He sighed and leaned against the bed post. “You know you do. Fae are some of the most beautiful, alluring creatures in creation.”

  “Exactly. So it only makes sense that you would please me as well,” she said matter of factly, as if there wasn’t a debate.

  Lugus turned around, prepared to tell her the news and leave. Instead, he found himself watching her as she slowly rose from the table, the light from the single candle behind her illuminating her sil
houette through the thin shift. All the moisture in his mouth vanished as he simply stared.

  His heart began to beat wildly and his blood pooled in his rod, bringing it to a painfully hard and yearning state. All he had to do was reach out and touch her. He could sense her own need which only spurned his desire.

  But to touch her, taste her would be to give in to his pleasure, something he had denied himself for too long. Giving in now would not be fair to either himself or Ahryn.

  With more willpower than he ever thought himself possible, he said, “I came to tell you the plan for tomorrow.”

  “The plan?” she asked, her voice low and seductive.

  “Aye. I discovered the gateway is on the northeast side of the isle,” he said and stepped away from her toward the door. “It would take us longer by foot, so we’re going by boat.”

  “All right.”

  He swallowed and reached for the door. “We leave at first light.”

  She smiled knowingly. “Why are you fighting this? We both know what we want.”

  “I have my reasons.”

  “Lugus,” she said.

  “Don’t,” he said harsher than he intended. He glanced down before gazing into her mystic eyes. “I have my reasons, Ahryn. Please don’t ask more of me than I can give.”

  Ahryn stared at the closed door, not believing Lugus had walked out. For a moment she had thought he would give in, but then something had happened and he had left before she could say another word.

  Whatever prison Lugus kept himself it, it was near impenetrable.

  ~ ~ ~

  Lugus hurried from Ahryn’s chamber to his own and barred the door. He sank onto the bed, his head in his hands as his body ached with need. If it had been anyone else, he might have given in if only to relieve himself. But it was Ahryn. A Fae that had entrusted him with her life.

  He could not fail her.

  Chapter Eight

  Lugus ran his hands down her bare back and smiled as she arched away from him. He leaned forward and ran his tongue down her spine, lingering at the base as he teased a sensitive spot. He heard her sharp intake of breath and turned her around to face him.