Edge of Yesterday (Edge Series Book 1)

by Tarah Scott

  They neared the gate and he hugged her tight as if they truly were lovers and he couldn’t wait to get her alone. It wasn’t far from the truth. They passed through the gate and he resisted an impulse to pick up the pace. All they had to do was get a hundred feet away, near the trees where Lennox hid with his men.

  “Stop them!” a man shouted behind them.

  Cailean twisted and looked back. Two men raced across the courtyard toward them.

  He looked down at Julianna. “Run for the trees. Lennox is there.”

  She yanked up her skirts and shot forward.

  Cailean whirled to see two guards near the gates racing toward them. As the first guard neared, he swung his sword toward Cailean’s neck. Cailean blocked the blow as the second man chased after Julianna. Cailean’s attacker parried, almost catching Cailean’s arm.

  Julianna cried out. Cailean conceded two paces as the guard swung his sword. The man was good. But not good enough. Cailean jabbed and sliced his neck open. Blood spurted and he dropped to the ground. Two more men burst through the gates. Cailean cursed. Where the hell was Lennox? As if in answer to his thoughts, horses’ hooves pounded the hard ground behind him. About bloody well time. Cailean started for the two men, but they skidded to a halt, froze for several heartbeats, then whirled and raced for the courtyard.

  Cailean spun. The other guard ran toward the keep with Julianna slung over his shoulder. Lennox and Gregory charged from the trees away, their men behind them. Cailean prepared to block the man’s path. If he reached the gate with Julianna, they could hold up inside for God only knew how long. He didn’t want to consider what could happen to her in that time.

  The man’s gaze met Cailean’s and he yanked his sword free. Fear rammed through Cailean. Julianna could be injured in a swordfight. The man abruptly cried out. Julianna twisted in his grasp, reared up, and rammed something into the side of his head.

  He dropped her. She hit the ground, shoulder first, and Cailean feared she’d banged her head. But in the determined fashion he was quickly becoming accustomed to, she yanked up her skirts and scrambled to her feet. That was all he needed. Cailean sprinted toward the guard. He would reach the man before Lennox and his men did. Combined shouts went up behind him.

  Cailean glanced back and cursed. Riders raced through the courtyard gate. He wheeled about and pumped his legs faster. Julianna was running toward her brother, but the riders would be on her before Lennox and his men could grab her. Cailean needed to get to her first. He neared the guard who’d grabbed her and read in his eyes an intention to stop Cailean at any cost.

  The man’s weight shift onto his right leg and Cailean anticipated the swing of his sword. Cailean feinted right then dodged left. The guard’s sword sliced through air and he stumbled with the momentum of the swing. Cailean brought the hilt of his sword down on the back of the man’s head. He fell to the ground and Cailean dashed after Julianna.

  The thunder of hooves behind him grew louder. His heart pounded while his lungs neared the point of explosion. Julianna glanced back and her eyes fixed on something behind him. Cailean whirled as one rider bore down upon him. He bounded forward three long strides, then swung Triumph in an arc that sliced across the rider’s arm as he shot past.

  Two more riders neared and he dove to the ground as one man’s sword sang past his ear and the other jabbed. The men flew past as he rolled to his feet. He cut down the nearest rider as others raced to join the fight. A clash of swords rang out as the castle guards collided with Lennox’s warriors.

  Cailean whirled, scanning for Julianna. She was nowhere in sight. He hoped like hell she’d made it to the trees. Half of Hugh’s men turned and galloped toward the keep. The gate started to swing shut before the last rider entered the courtyard. The remaining dozen were left to the mercy of Lennox and his men. Cailean skirted the edge of the fray and plunged into the trees.

  “Julianna,” he called.

  “Cailean?”

  He spun about at the sound of her voice. She stood ten feet away, near the edge of the woods, peering out onto the road.

  “For God’s sake, Julianna, get deeper into the trees before anyone sees you.”

  She kept her attention on the road and shook her head. “Nae. The fighting is almost over. See.”

  Before he could stop her, she hurried out onto the road. Cailean chased after her to find Lennox riding toward her. He halted at the sight of bodies on the road. For an instant, he thought he would be sick.

  Chapter Thirteen

  An hour and a rough ride later, they entered Raghnall’s great hall and Julianna nearly halted when Sir Lawren shot to his feet. Beside him sat her mother.

  He met them halfway across the room, then demanded without preamble, “Are you well, my lady?”

  Julianna forced aside frustration. Clearly, her mother had told him what had happened. She gave him a soft smile. “I am unharmed.”

  He turned blazing eyes onto Lennox. “Lady Ravenstone tells me Hugh Murray kidnapped Lady Julianna. Are ye incapable of caring for your sister?”

  Lennox met his gaze, eyes hard. “Beware, Lawren. That you court my sister will not stop me from cutting out your tongue.”

  “If you cannot protect a woman, what have I to fear from you?”

  Lennox seized him by the collar and drove him back against the nearest table. Lawren heaved aside, pulling Lennox with him, and they crashed to the floor.

  Julianna whirled toward Cailean. “Stop them!”

  “Me?” He grunted. “Lennox is being gentle compared to what I would do if he’d spoken to me that way.”

  “Gregory, stop them,” she shouted as Lawren threw a hard punch to Lennox’s jaw.

  Cailean grimaced. “That’s gotta hurt.”

  Four warriors hurried forward and pulled them apart. Lennox tried to break free but they held him tight as Julianna’s mother rose from her seat and walked over to them.

  “I have had enough of this cur,” Lennox said.

  “Silence,” Lady Ravenston ordered. She looked at Sir Lawren. “Have you anything to say?”

  “I have been sick with worry since you told me of Julianna’s kidnapping. I beg your forgiveness.”

  She stared at him for a long moment, and Julianna hoped she would send him home. Instead, she gave a curt nod and said, “We have all been worried, but Julianna is now here safely.”

  Sir Lawren bowed his head in acknowledgment.

  Lady Ravenstone turned her attention to Lennox. “Lennox, you and Julianna come sit and tell me what happened.” She looked at Cailean. “You join us as well, Cailean. Gregory, have ye anything to say?”

  “Nae, my lady. Lennox knows all that happened.”

  She nodded. “Please see to the guards on the wall. Hugh willnae be pleased we snatched his prize back. I do no’ want any surprises.”

  He bowed and left.

  She returned to her seat at the high table on the dais at the far end of the room. Everyone followed, then waited until she and Julianna were seated before they took places at the table.

  She motioned to a nearby boy, and said, “Please bring wine and cider,” then addressed Julianna. “You are well, Daughter?”

  “Aye, Mother, I am unharmed.”

  Her mother looked at Lennox, but Julianna caught the slight hesitation and realized that her mother had worried that Julianna had been raped, as she had been.

  “Was there bloodshed?” she asked Lennox.

  He nodded. “One of the guards sounded the alarm as Julianna and Cailean were leaving Strone Hall. Cailean is a fair swordsman. He defended her against two men before we could reach them.”

  “Did we lose men?”

  “Two,” Lennox said. “Donnan and Angus.”

  “Donnan has a young wife,” she murmured.

  Julianna’s heart twisted. It was like her mother to know the personal lives of her father’s men.”

  “What of Hugh?”

  “The bastard wasnae there,” Lennox snarled. “In fact,
Julianna never saw him.”

  Her mother’s head snapped in her direction. “Is this true?”

  “It is true, Mother.”

  “Why snatch a woman and not see her?” Sir Lawren said.

  “I do not know.” Lady Ravenstone’s mouth thinned. “Laird less than three months and already the whelp has proven himself a bigger fool than his father. Lennox, add additional guards to the wall. We must be ready if Hugh attacks. Have you any idea why he wanted you?” she asked Julianna.

  “The men who abducted me were warriors. I do no’ think they knew anything. Cailean and I overheard two men talking. They happened down the corridor past an alcove where we hid.” Sir Lawren’s eyes shifted onto Cailean but Julianna continued, “They knew I had been taken, but neither of them knew why.” She frowned. “How did you know I was at Strone?”

  “Ask Cailean,” her mother said.

  Julianna looked at him. “You discovered where I was taken?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “He knew where you were taken,” Lennox said.

  “What does that mean?” she asked.

  “It had better mean that he truly has second sight,” Lennox said as the boy arrived with the wine and cider and set a cup in front of each person.

  “Second sight?” Julianna’s eyes widened. “You jest.”

  “I have never known anyone to know such things,” Sir Lawren said.

  “Aye, strange,” Lennox murmured.

  “Do ye not remember Hugh Quaid?” Julianna asked.

  “A fraud,” Sir Lawren sneered.

  Julianna’s mouth thinned. “How can you say that? Which of his prophecies didnae come true? He told us of the famine ten years ago. And he knew that John murdered Alan. Was he ever wrong, Lennox?”

  “I do not know all of his predictions.”

  She gave an impatient shake of her head. “You know as well as I that the well-known prophecies all came to pass.”

  “Perhaps he gave many less-known predictions that did no’ come to pass,” Lawren said.

  “But Cailean’s knowledge of my abduction was correct,” she insisted.

  “That means he is a very gifted seer,” Lennox said.

  “I admitted that I am privy to future events,” Cailean said.

  Sir Lawren jumped to his feet. “Who is this man and where does he come from?”

  “He is from Durness,” Lennox replied.

  “I have been to Durness. I do not remember him.”

  “Do you know everyone who lives there?” Julianna asked.

  “How long has he been here?” Sir Lawren said, ignoring her, and keeping his gaze on Cailean. “I saw you last night at the festivities, but have never seen you before that.”

  She gritted her teeth. “It is no concern of yours who our friends are.”

  “I will leave, if you wish,” Cailean said.

  Julianna kept her stare on Sir Lawren. “We do no’ ask guests to leave simply to please Sir Lawren.”

  The knight faced her mother. “Lady Ravenstone, forgive me, but I must ask how this man—this stranger—ingratiated himself into your home. What do you know of him? Is he kin?”

  “Julianna is right, Sir Lawren. While I appreciate your concern, I decide who is welcome in my hall.”

  “Of course, my lady.” He canted his head. “But with Lord Ravenstone away—”

  “Lennox can deal with any problems while my husband is away,” she cut in.

  Sir Lawren’s mouth thinned, but he said, “Of course, my lady.” He faced Julianna. “You must be exhausted after the day’s events, Lady Julianna. May I escort to you to your room?”

  She forced back anger. A moment ago, he openly ignored her, yet now expected her to welcome his advances. “I am not ready to retire, sir. In fact, Cailean has been injured and needs attention.”

  Fury lit Sir Lawren’s eyes. “I am certain Malvina can tend to his wounds.” He flicked a glance at Cailean’s bloody sleeve and the long bead of dried blood visible through the tear. Lawren scoffed. “It is a mere scratch. Only a woman would worry about a scratch.”

  “I imagine if the woman was Lady Julianna, she wouldn’t worry about a scratch,” Cailean said.

  She snapped her gaze to his face. He grinned. Warmth crept up her cheeks.

  “Lady Julianna should never be in a position to be harmed,” Sir Lawren growled.

  “A scratch is nothing,” Cailean said. “And, as you can see, she is unharmed—thanks to her brother, me, and his men. Not to mention herself.” Cailean’s gaze shifted onto her. “Why did the guard drop you, my lady?”

  “Drop her? What happened?” Lawren half rose from his chair.

  Julianna ignored him and said to Cailean, “I stabbed him with a hair pin. I thought I’d lost them all when they attacked us on the road. But the one that remained nearly fell free when the guard threw me over his shoulder. I saw it in the hair that slipped in front of my face and, well,” she shrugged, “I stabbed him.”

  Cailean chuckled, and tension in her stomach relaxed a fraction. Since the attack, he had remained too grim.

  “Good for you, Lady Julianna,” he said. “I feel certain you would have escaped without our help.”

  She frowned. “Nae, I tried. There was no way out of that tower.”

  His amusement vanished. “I know. I imagine your brother and I will have to talk with Hugh Murray to find out what he had in mind.”

  “You?” Sir Lawren’s face darkened. “My God, you have bollocks. It is no’ for you to do anything.”

  “It is when I ask him,” Julianna’s mother said. Her tone was mild, but no one missed the steel beneath the words.

  “Of course, my lady, but his part is done,” Lawren said.

  “Perhaps, but that is a decision for another day. It is late. Julianna, have Malvina tend to Cailean.”

  “Lady Ravenstone, you needn’t bother,” Cailean said.

  “Even mere scratches can fester,” she replied. “It is interesting that it is your left arm that is wounded again.”

  “That is because his sword arm moves like lightning,” Julianna said. “He is so fast that no one can touch that arm.”

  The instant of silence that followed told of her mistake. Sir Lawren stared at her, eyes narrowed, and curiosity entered her mother’s eyes.

  “If this is true, then I must see you fight, Cailean,” Lady Ravenstone said.

  “I would be honored, my lady, but I believe Lady Julianna is biased. After all, I aided in her safe return.”

  He smiled at her and she realized that he offered her a way out of her embarrassment. If not for the cold stare Sir Lawren turned on Cailean, she would have gone along with Cailean’s ploy. She knew full well that her praise of Cailean angered Lawren and that irked her.

  She smiled sweetly. “I am well acquainted with swordplay, sir. I grew up watching Lennox learn to wield a sword, along with my father’s men on the practice field. You are the best I have seen.” She glanced at Lennox. “Well, perhaps one of the best.”

  Cailean laughed. “I will admit that I’m glad I wasn’t fighting your brother.”

  Her mother rose and the men pushed to their feet. “I believe I will retire. Lennox, you will see to the guards. Julianna, be sure that Malvina attends to Cailean.” Cailean shook his head and started to object but she cut him off. “You do not mean to argue with me, do you?”

  A corner of his mouth twitched. “Nae, my lady, I would never disagree with you.”

  She gave a slow nod. “I knew I liked you. Julianna, come to me tomorrow morning.”

  Julianna angled her head and stood. “Aye, Mother.” She started toward the kitchen.

  “Lady Julianna,” Sir Lawren called.

  She stopped and turned

  “I will wait for your return, then see you to your bedchambers.”

  She gave him a cool smile. “That will no’ be necessary. I have some things to attend. I will make my way to my chambers on my own.”

  He took a step toward her. “B
ut, my lady.”

  She turned and continued toward the kitchen.

  “Lady Ravenstone,” he addressed her mother, “surely your daughter—”

  Julianna reached the kitchen and hurried inside, quickening her steps as she made her way to Malvina’s herbarium.

  *

  Cailean glanced toward the stables as he crossed the courtyard, headed for the gate. At this point, he was on good terms with the Mackay clan. If he mounted a horse, no one would stop him if he rode through the open entry. Or would they? He might be on friendly terms with Lennox, but the man didn’t trust him—and with good reason.

  Cailean didn’t belong in this Heatheredge.

  Patience, he told himself. He’d helped save Lady Julianna. Lennox might not trust him, but Lady Ravenstone liked him. In a day or two, he would have no trouble securing a horse and riding into Heatheredge with her blessing. And, in truth, he was exhausted. A night’s rest would clear his head, which would allow a clearer perspective on his situation.

  Cailean reached his cottage. He had to admit to a small measure of relief upon entering the cozy little place. He would find peace here, at least for tonight. He removed his sword and leaned it against the bench in front of the central cookfire. He sank to one knee and reached for the tinder box.

  A while later, he sat on the bench in front of the fire and stared at the flames. Unless Fate made a drastic change in order to correct what he’d done, he had altered the future in ways he couldn’t begin to conceive. While fighting the guards at Strone, he’d wondered if he might create a paradox that would eliminate his own birth. Science hypothesized that such paradoxes could result in a person ceasing to exist in the past as a result of their birth not happening in the future. He’d half expected to disappear. But that hadn’t happened and, instead, he’d saved Lady Julianna and killed men who weren’t supposed to die today.

  Or were they?

  He didn’t know the twists and turns. The possibilities made his head ache.

  Oddly, he couldn’t dredge up any guilt. What he did have was plenty of sadness. He’d been missing from twenty-first century Heatheredge for four days and Ginny would be beside herself with worry. She would grieve for him. Many would think him arrogant for believing a sister would grieve for a brother so much. But he shared a special connection with her—like Lennox and Julianna did, now that he thought of it. Those two knew each other, cared for each other as did he and Ginny.