Cottage in the Mist

by Dee Davis

  "Yes. Nothing was going to keep me away from him."

  Lily nodded with satisfaction, but her heart dropped. "Still, with Iain, his sending you away was for the best. I mean, you were hurt. And Elaine told me that you wouldn't have recovered if you'd stayed here."

  "Well, we'll never know that for certain, now will we? But I do believe that Iain did what he thought was best at the time. And I know what that choice cost him."

  There was silence for a moment, and Lily sipped the bitter brew, turning Katherine's words over in her mind.

  "Bram didn't want to leave you, you know," she said.

  Lily lifted her gaze to meet Katherine's. "What do you mean?"

  "He told me, himself. He was full of regret. He only did what he did to protect you. It's not that different from what Iain did for me."

  "But Iain was trying to save you. Bram pushed me away."

  "He wanted to keep you safe."

  Lily opened her mouth to argue, but Katherine waved her quiet.

  "I'm not saying that I agree with Bram. I'm just saying that he thought he was protecting you. And making that decision cost him, Lily. He even told me that he went back for you."

  "He did?" Some of the fear that had been hounding her slipped away.

  "Yes. But it was already too late. You were gone." She smiled, her eyes kind. "He loves you, you know."

  "I suppose I do." Lily sighed with a weak smile. "And I must love him. I mean, here I am in the middle of what could only be described as a fractured fairy tale. Who's to say that I haven't lost my mind completely? I mean, for all I know this is all some kind of demented fantasy."

  "Except that it's not. And I'm proof. Me and Jeff—and Elaine. We've been through it before. And so we're your touchstone. You're not going crazy. At least no more than anyone would when they'd just traveled back in time." Her smile was contagious and Lily felt better.

  "Did Jeff tell you why we're here?" she asked. "It's about more than just my feelings for Bram."

  Katherine's smile faded, worry creasing her forehead. "Yes. He explained everything. The battle. The outcome. All of it."

  "And my being a Comyn. Did he tell you that part, too?"

  "He did. And you still have the ring?"

  Lily lifted the silver chain. "Yes. It's partly what helped me to get here, I think. That and the brooch Bram left for me." With her other hand she produced the little cat from her pocket. "Do you think he'll forgive me?" She hadn't meant to say that. But the words had just come tumbling out. And now they seemed to hang there in the air, taunting her. "I mean, the Comyns are his worst enemy. And now it turns out I am one."

  "But you didn't know. So there was no deception. And if he really loves you—it won't matter. Besides, for all you know that's the point of all of this."

  "Jeff told you about the legend?"

  "He did. Of course Bram's version is a little bit different, not surprisingly. But maybe that's the point. Maybe fate is trying to right a wrong. Comyns and Macgillivrays reunited. Or at least a new bond forged."

  Lily blew out a long breath. "That makes it all sound so overwhelming. Less than a month ago I was living in Connecticut wondering how I was going to cope with the loss of my parents and now I'm planning to march off to try and stop a medieval battle. God, I am insane."

  Katherine laughed. "No. Just in love. And you won't be the first woman to try and stop needless bloodshed. But first we have to be certain you're ready for the journey. Drink." She motioned to the cup in Lily's hand, and she dutifully swallowed some more of the bitter brew, the ensuing warmth welcome.

  "Where is Jeff?" Lily glanced again around the bedroom but there was still no sign of Katherine's brother.

  "He's with Fergus, Iain's captain. The two of them are getting together the things you'll need. I'm afraid most of our men left with Iain, Ranald and Bram. But I'll send Fergus to guide you. He only stayed here to protect me."

  "Then we can't take him away with us," Lily protested.

  "Nonsense. He's the best tracker I know. And you'll need someone who is more familiar with the way of things than you or Jeff. I'd go myself, but I can't leave Anna."

  "Your daughter." Lily nodded. "Elaine told me about her. Although I don't really understand how she knew."

  "It's a long story, but let's just say it was foretold."

  "Well, no matter, I'm truly happy for you."

  "Thank you—she's the light of our lives. And so, understandably, I cannot leave her. And seriously, you don't have to worry about us. You have far bigger concerns. Even without Fergus, there are people here to protect us. And honestly he's been chomping at the bit ever since Iain left. He's not one to be left out of a fight."

  "Well, if we're lucky, maybe there won't be one."

  "So you have a plan?" Katherine's skepticism belied the question.

  Lily shook her head. "No. I wasn't even sure I'd get this far. But I know I have to try. If I can find Bram and tell him what happens then maybe I can convince him to step down."

  Katherine laughed. "I wish I could be there to see you try."

  "I know it won't easy. But it has to be done. Surely you see that." Lily felt her throat tighten at the thought of what failure might mean.

  "Of course I do." Katherine was quick to console. "I just have firsthand experience dealing with pig-headed men. And despite the fact that you come knowing the truth of things, I fear that Bram and my husband will still want to proceed. They're not foolish, but they are proud."

  Lily tilted her head defiantly. "If they won't listen, I'll just have to find another way."

  "And Fergus will be there to help you." Katherine nodded, reaching into a trunk at the end of the bed. "I'm sending William as well. He's loyal to me and will do what I ask of him. So you can count on him no matter what." She handed Lily a piece of folded linen. "This is an old shirt of Iain's. From when he was younger. I wear it sometimes when I want to travel more easily.

  "You're smaller than me so it'll be big, but you can use the belt to make it work over your leggings. And this," she said, handing over a folded length of soft wool, "is a Mackintosh plaid. Drape it like a shawl over the shirt and secure it with the belt. It'll keep you warm. And hopefully help you pass as someone from this century."

  "I don't know how to thank you."

  "It's simple." Katherine's smile didn't quite carry to her eyes. "Watch out for my husband and brother."

  "I promise that I will."

  Katherine nodded, and handed her the belt as Lily struggled into the billowy shirt. "You can ride, I take it?"

  "Yes. Actually, quite well. When I was younger I had my own horse. One of the privileges of wealth, I suppose."

  "I'm sorry about your parents," Katherine said, reaching over to help Lily arrange the plaid.

  "Thank you. With everything that's happened, it feels so long ago. I know that you lost your parents when you were really young. That must have been awfully hard. At least I had mine as long as I did."

  "Well, I know it's not the same, but now you've found a new family." Katherine helped her fasten Bram's pin into place as tears filled Lily's eyes. "And I promise you that together we'll see everything come out right."

  "Lily, are you ready?" Jeff stood in the doorway, looking very much a man for the ages. He, too was wearing a linen shirt and plaid over his jeans. But unlike her, his made him look fiercer somehow. Especially with the broad sword swung across his back.

  "If the situation weren't so serious, I'd say you were enjoying yourself," Katherine quipped, smiling at her brother.

  "I'm not relishing what we're off to do, if that's what you mean." Jeff frowned. "But I will admit to being more comfortable with a sword than I was the first time I was here. I've been practicing."

  Katherine's smile widened, love reflected in her eyes. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

  Lily suddenly felt very alone, but it wasn't a new feeling. And she most certainly wouldn't have anyone if she gave into her own insecurities. Squaring her s
houlders, she broke the moment. "I can't very well carry a sword like that." She nodded at Jeff's weapon. "But surely I'll need something to defend myself."

  "Can you use a bow and arrow?" Katherine asked.

  "I can actually." It was Lily's turn to smile. "Best in my class back in the day."

  "Great," Jeff said, his grin infectious. "Nice to know you'll have my back."

  Lily smiled, grateful again to have found such good friends. "And you'll have mine."

  *****

  Bram pulled his plaid close around him as Iain's men came to a halt in a small clearing in the woods. The mist had lifted, and a soft wash of orange above the craggy cliffs indicated dawn was well on its way. The bubbling burn they'd been following veered sharply to the left, taking the narrow valley with it. Straight ahead loomed the sharp rocks that led up into the mountains. Bram's mare pulled against the reins, her eagerness to keep going echoing his own driving need.

  "Why are we stopping?" he asked as Iain came up beside him. Ranald and Frazier reined in their horses as well, the three of them all looking to Iain who, as always, assumed the role of leader.

  "We've a decision to make," Iain said, nodding toward the burn. "To the west lies Tigh an Droma and Alec Comyn. And to the north the pass that Frazier indicated."

  "I thought we'd decided to take the pass." Ranald frowned. "Use the element of surprise."

  "We had," Iain agreed. "But things have changed with Macniven escaping. There's always the possibility that he overheard our plans and has shared them with Alec Comyn. While there can be no argument that using the pass is a good way for us to spring a surprise, 'twould be just as easy for the Comyns to use it as a trap."

  "I dinna think Macniven had the chance to hear much of anything," Frazier growled, his hand tightening around the hilt of his claymore. "We isolated him as soon as he was captured. And ye canna think that Collum would have told him anything."

  "Collum is no' what I'm worried about," Iain said. "But we dinna ken how long Macniven was following us. And we've no' been shy about talking amongst ourselves. So there's no way to know what he may or may not have heard."

  "I still say Frazier's way is the best," Bram urged. "Even if he did overhear us, he's only just escaped and there's no' much chance he'll reach Alec before we can get through the pass."

  "Which means it's still our best hope," Frazier agreed, his ruddy face flushed with anger. "If we attack head on, then Alec and his men will have more of a chance to best us. Particularly if he's been warned. I say we stick to the plan. Surprise or no."

  "Ranald?" Iain asked, his gaze meeting his cousin's.

  "I dinna ken that there's a difference in which way we go. If Macniven has the way of our plan, then Alec will be watching for us either way. He'll know that we know that Macniven might have gleaned our strategy. So there is every chance he'll believe we'll change course because of it."

  "Which means the odds are in favor of our keeping to the mountain pass," Bram said, reining in his prancing mare. "If Macniven knows nothing, then we will take Alec by surprise. And, as Frazier said, even if the man has news to impart, Alec shouldn't have time to respond quickly enough to intercept us before we're through the pass. So although we might lose the element of surprise, we'll still be in place for the battle. I say we follow the mountains."

  Iain paused for a moment, his gaze drifting up to the harsh peaks. Then he nodded his acceptance. "The mountains it is then."

  Frazier grunted his approval, and then, with a grin, spurred his horse into the woods. The other men followed, Iain, Ranald and Bram bringing up the rear.

  "We're putting our faith in your man, you know." Iain's expression was grave.

  "That I do," Bram acknowledged. "But there's naught to fear. Frazier saved my life at Dunbrae. He and Robby Corley. And he would have done anything for my father. Which means he has as much to avenge as I do. So, if nothing else, I believe in that."

  CHAPTER 22

  DESPITE THE BLUE SKY and bright sun, a cold wind swept up the narrow valley as they rode higher into the mountains. Lily pulled her borrowed plaid closer. They had been riding since sunup, moving as quickly as possible. The mist had evaporated, sliding back to wherever it had come from, but the placid countryside was deceiving.

  The rushing stream, whispering leaves and plaintive calls of the birds might be heard in any century. What sent chills racing through Lily was the underlying quiet. It echoed across the forest and meadows—no cars, no airplanes, no machinery of any kind. In the entire time since they'd left Duncreag, they'd only passed one person—a crofter driving sheep across the narrow track they followed.

  Above her a hawk screamed and her horse shied. Lily tightened her hold on the reins. Jeff and Fergus rode in front of her, the two of them deep in discussion. The older man's face was ruddy and grizzled, a warrior through and through. By comparison, Jeff looked less seasoned, although he sat well in the saddle.

  Reflexively, Lily reached back to touch the quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder. There hadn't been time for practice, but bows and arrows hadn't changed much over the centuries, and she felt certain if called upon she could do the weapon justice. She shivered, thinking about the potential battle to come. If they didn't reach Bram and his cousins in time, there'd be hell to pay. Still, she was here, and that alone had to change the balance somehow.

  Unless this was the way it always happened. And she was already too late.

  She shook her head, banishing the thought. Behind her, bringing up the rear, Lily could hear the soft jingle of William Macgowen's horse's bridle. The young man hadn't been all that eager to join their party at first. Apparently, he considered himself Katherine's personal bodyguard, and it had taken both Fergus and Katherine's considerable influence to convince William that he was needed as an escort.

  Since leaving Duncreag, however, he'd thrown himself wholeheartedly into their quest. Actually spoiling for a fight, if Lily had to call it, with all the accompanying enthusiasm that only a young man could pull forth. And most surprising of all, he seemed to have transferred his allegiance from Katherine to Lily, staying close, determined to protect her from whatever might come. She allowed herself a small smile. Just a few weeks ago she'd felt all but rejected by men in general and now here she was with not one but two champions. More, she supposed, if one counted Fergus and Jeff.

  Of course in truth, the jury was out when it came to Bram. He'd left her behind for a reason. And even if Katherine was right and he regretted leaving things as he had, it didn't mean that he'd welcome her presence now. At least not here on the cusp of potential fighting. He'd made it perfectly clear that a battle was no place for a woman. And he wasn't all that wrong. But this was an exceptional situation in every possible way, and Lily would be damned before she'd abandon him when he needed her most.

  Squaring her shoulders, she spurred her horse onward as William rode up beside her. "Ye look as if you're right at home on yer horse. Have you many then on yer holding?"

  Lily smiled at William's earnest expression. He understood that she, like Katherine, had come from the future. And like the others at Duncreag who'd been told the truth, he accepted her fantastical tale without question. But that didn't mean he truly understood the vast differences between his world and hers.

  "I don't actually have a holding. I live—well, lived—in an apartment in a large city called Manhattan. There isn't room for horses."

  "Then how do people get around?" he asked, frowning. Then, quickly, his face cleared. "I remember now. Katherine told me there are carriages that don't need horses. A magical thing, that."

  "Indeed." Lily smiled at his enthusiasm. "And in Manhattan even those carriages are difficult to deal with, so people do a lot of walking. And…" She trailed off, not sure how to explain subways. "…and whatever it takes."

  "And are there many people in this Man-Hat-Tan?"

  "Yes. More than you can imagine."

  "More than at the Clan gatherings?" His expression mirrored hi
s disbelief.

  Lily had no idea how many people came to such an event, but she doubted it would put a dent in the population of Manhattan. "Many more. And they're all crowded together—practically living on top of one another."

  "Then you must be glad to be here." He waved at the surrounding woodlands. "'Tis much nicer than what you describe. Here, there's room to breathe. And space to grow. There's no more wondrous place in all the wide world than this part of the Highlands."

  Lily's smile widened. "And have you been many other places then?"

  William's cheeks reddened. "Nay. I havena'. But I canna imagine any place more bonny."

  "It is beautiful." As if to echo the thought, they rounded a corner and the small stream they'd been following dropped down into a series of pools, the water splashing merrily as it moved over the rocks. Overhead, the trees formed an arching canopy that shaded the grassy banks dotted with colorful wildflowers. She recognized bluebells and anemones.

  Ahead of them, Fergus and Jeff had pulled to a stop, the former swinging down from his horse.

  "Why are we stopping?" she asked, trying to curtail her frustration. These men had agreed to help her almost without argument, Jeff risking the journey across time. She hadn't the right to be angry. But in her heart she knew that time was of the essence. Every second mattered.

  "We willna' be o' use to Bram and Iain if we ride our horses into the ground. Best to let them have a rest and a drink. It wouldna hurt us either, I reckon." Fergus released the reins and his horse made for the stream, drinking deeply.

  Lily felt a wash of guilt. She owed these men more consideration. Swinging down from the saddle, she felt weak at the knees. It had been too long since she'd been riding.

  "So how close to them do you think we are?" she asked.

  "Hard to say, lass," Fergus said, his bushy white brows drawing together as he looked towards the mountains towering on the horizon. "If they sat out the mist, which makes the most sense, then we shouldn't be too far behind. But I canna say for sure what they've done, ye ken?"