Edge of Yesterday (Edge Series Book 1)

by Tarah Scott

  “It was the same with Agnes and Bruce,” Lennox said.

  “What?”

  “Four years ago, my mother’s sister Agnes disappeared. Four years before that it was Bruce, our stable master.”

  “Three people have disappeared? Don’t you think that’s odd?” Cailean asked.

  “Odd? Many think it is the work of the devil.” He gave a mirthless laugh. “My father has been accused of being a sorcerer. Some people go so far as to make the sign of the cross when we pass. There are those who willnae leave their homes in the month of April every fourth year for fear of being taken—and some blame us.”

  So here was the source of the rumors that the Ravenstone family were witches—and all the while it was Crowe who was practicing black magic.

  “What do you think?” Cailean asked.

  Lennox’s mouth tightened. “If I catch the kidnapper—man or demon—I will kill him.”

  A thought struck. “How long has Crowe been Clan Ceann-Cath?”

  “‘Tis nine years now.” His expression darkened. “By God, if he—” Lennox broke off and narrowed his eyes on Cailean. “How did ye know?”

  “It was just a hunch.” A hunch that rose the gooseflesh on his arms and sent shivers down his spine. It was too damned coincidental that the disappearances in medieval Heatheredge fit with the disappearances in modern Heatheredge. “I cannae say there is any connection between the disappearances and Crowe,” he said.

  “But it is odd that they began after he arrived in Heatheredge,” Lennox finished.

  “What counts is that your father isn’t on his way here—”

  “My message was to turn him back if he is on his way,” Lennox cut in. “Yesterday, my mother sent him word about Julianna’s kidnapping.”

  “You mean he might already be coming?” Cailean’s gut clenched.

  Lennox paled. “Ye are sure he is in danger?”

  “Good God, man, send someone to meet him—better yet, go yourself.”

  Determination hardened Lennox’s expression. “You are going with me.”

  *

  A heavy rain fell as Cailean rode alongside Lennox on the way to Reay Forest where Lennox hoped to intercept his father. According to Lennox, his father journeyed about his estate every spring, visiting each tenant to hear how they’d fared through winter, to learn what they might need most, and to deliver a fresh change of clothes, seed, and other supplies to see them into summer. Apparently, the lord’s last stop was usually a small farmhouse at the forest’s edge. The farmer’s great-great-great grandfather had been a Saxon with a fine hand for brewing ale, while a later ancestor had married a Frenchwoman who, according to local legend, had only to wriggle her fingers to turn water to wine.

  No one truly believed such tales, but one truth remained: the farmer’s cellar held casks of the best ale and wine to be found this side of Inverness. The farmer, Alan Muir, supplied ale and wine to Reay village’s inn and tavern, and whenever the nearby monastery’s store of libations ran low, Muirhead Hall, as the farm was called, would send a cartload of casks to the thirsty monks. Lord Ravenstone enjoyed stopping at Muirhead Hall.

  Just now, Cailean hoped the man had knocked back enough ale or wine to keep him in his chair—or, better yet, napping in a warm bed.

  The crushing sense of doom that had swept him when he’d realized that Lord Ravenstone might be on his way home still made his heart pound. He didn’t understand why he felt such a rush of extreme dread. He only knew he couldn’t let Julianna’s father fall into whatever black hole had pulled the other residents of Heatheredge away from here. How long would a fourteenth century knight survive in the twenty-first century? He gave a silent, morbid laugh. A day had passed, and already he’d changed history. In his world, Julianna hadn’t lived long enough to see her father disappear.

  Now…

  Dread ripped through him. He shoved the fear to the back of his mind. They would reach Lord Ravenstone in time.

  They’d overtaken Lennox’s messenger and kept him with them. If they ran into trouble, an extra blade would come in handy. Bloody hell, he’d been here four days and his go-to impulse was to use his sword.

  “Where is Crowe from?” Cailean asked.

  “Nae man truly knows, though I believe far to the south.” Lennox rubbed his chin. “I heard him mention Hadingtoun once, a bustling market town far east of Edinburgh.”

  Cailean nodded. “I know the place.”

  He did. But as Haddington in East Lothian, and more quiet than busy.

  The rain stopped and a modest tower came into view beyond the hills up ahead. They followed a muddy track that soon widened into a road, and finally opened into the tiny village of Reay. Little more than a cluster of thick-walled and thatched cottages, Reay still offered a surprisingly affluent-looking inn and tavern, and a stout wooden structure Cailean guessed to be a watch tower. Despite the cold, wet day, several women labored at the well, filling water buckets, and a score of big, rough-garbed men plowed the fields that surrounded the village.

  Cailean guessed the crops were oats, barley, and wheat. Any other time, he would have gone into the field to get a look at a real medieval plow, but today he only cared that they hadn’t encountered Lord Ravenstone on the road. Cailean hoped that meant the messenger Lady Ravenstone sent yesterday hadn’t located him.

  They stopped at Muirhead Hall, more a modest medieval towerhouse than the ‘small farm’ he’d been told awaited them. They could’ve been on the moon and he still would’ve wanted to whoop for joy when they found Lord Ravenstone in Alan Muir’s cellar inspecting the ale and wine casks that filled the cold, dimly-lit space. The smell of damp stone, oak, and spilled ale and wine was enough to intoxicate a man. It was easy to see why Lord Ravenstone liked stopping here.

  Lennox had told Cailean to let him do the talking. Cailean hadn’t argued. The less he said, the better.

  Lord Ravenstone caught sight of them and his expression lightened. He said something to the man beside him, Alan Muir the farmer, from the pleased and proud look of him, then started toward them.

  They reached him and father and son hugged. They separated and Ravenstone said, “What are ye doing here?”

  “Did you receive Mother’s message?” Lennox asked.

  His brow furrowed and he shook his head. “Nae. What has happened?”

  Lennox motioned with his chin. “Let us talk alone.”

  His father glanced at Cailean, then bid farewell to the farmer and preceded them up the stairs into the rising mist. A short while later, they sat in the private room of the Monk’s Elbow tavern and ordered wine.

  “This is Cailean Ross,” Lennox said.

  Ravenstone’s eyes snapped onto him and his expression hardened.

  “I know it is strange,” Lennox quickly said, “but his mother is a Mackay.”

  Cailean wondered if the baron was thinking of his daughter, whose biological father was a Ross and her mother a Mackay.

  Ravenstone studied him. “Who is your mother?”

  “Linda Mackay. She died when I was ten. My father Robert Ross died two years ago.”

  “I dinnae know them.” He sat back. “But there are many Rosses and Mackays.”

  “I am surprised my mother’s messenger didnae find you,” Lennox said.

  The door opened and a lad brought in wine and goblets. When he’d set the goblets and wine on the table, Lord Ravenstone waved him away. He left and Lennox poured the wine.

  “I have been traveling,” Lord Ravenstone said as Lennox set a filled goblet in front of him. “I only arrived here in Reay this morning. What has happened?”

  Lennox set a full goblet in front of Cailean, who took a long swig.

  “All is well,” Lennox said. “However, yesterday, Julianna was kidnapped.”

  “Kidnapped?” Fear flashed in the baron’s eyes.

  “She is well. We rescued her—largely due to Cailean’s help.” Lennox described the events, ending with how Cailean fought the man who chase
d them out of Strone Hall.

  Ravenstone’s eyes shifted to Cailean. “Ye knew her kidnapper’s identity. You must be a powerful seer.”

  Cailean shook his head. “Nae, just lucky.”

  “That ‘luck’ struck again,” Lennox said. “Cailean said that if you had returned home with the messenger ye would have disappeared.”

  “Disappeared?” he repeated.

  “Like Malcolm did.”

  “What do you know of his disappearance?” the baron asked in a cool voice that gave Cailean a glimpse of the hard man beneath the relaxed exterior.

  Lennox leaned forward, speaking low, “He knows enough to suspect Crowe.”

  “What has Crowe to do with this?” Ravenstone demanded.

  “Maybe nothing,” Cailean said. “I only pointed out that the disappearances began when he became Clan Ceann-Cath.”

  The baron’s brows furrowed. “Malcolm disappeared the month after Alexander named Crowe clan war chief.

  “Aye,” Lennox said.

  “But it is easy to suspect him because we do no’ like him, and given that your mother’s messenger didnae reach me, then we can conclude that Cailean’s prediction could no’ have come true.”

  The door opened and a warrior entered.

  “Sweet God,” Lennox murmured.

  “What is it?” Cailean looked at him.

  “It is Kevin, my mother’s messenger.”

  The man stopped in front of Ravenstone. “Laird, I am here with a message from Lady Ravenstone. Forgive me, I rode to the farms up near Loch Eriboll first, where she thought ye were, and I traveled back through the countryside from there. Your daughter—”

  “I know the message, lad,” the baron cut in. “Julianna has been rescued and all is well. Rest, then ride home and tell Lady Ravenstone I am well and will return within a sennight.”

  The warrior nodded. “Aye, laird.”

  When the door clicked shut behind the messenger, Lennox looked at his father and said, “It would seem my mother’s man reached you, after all. Had we no’ found you first, ye would have left for home immediately.” Lennox’s gaze shifted onto Cailean. “Would he have disappeared on the way, Cailean?”

  Cailean released a breath. Dammit, he hated this, but he had no choice.

  He nodded.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Lady Julianna,” David, the guard to her right, called above the pounding of their horses’ hooves. She rolled her eyes, sure she knew what he was about to say. “We should slow down, my lady. The horses will weary if we keep up this pace.”

  The truth was, he was afraid she would tire. Julianna often wondered if any of the men she’d grown up around knew her at all. The cool spring air whipped her face and chilled her arms, but she refused to pull her cloak closer about her. Even the slightest hint of discomfort would have David stopping until he knew not a hair was out of place on her head. To her shame, she’d been surprised at the nervousness that made her feel like she wanted to reach Reay village as quickly as possible.

  There had been no sign of Hugh Murray or his men, but she’d caught herself feeling that he waited around each bend. God help her, if Lennox ever guessed her feelings. He would never let her forget it, and would use it to keep her home.

  “My lady,” David insisted.

  She blew out a frustrated breath and slowed her mare to a trot. He was right, of course, and she couldn’t let fear rule her action. A rustling in the trees caused her to jerk. Sweet Jesu’, she couldn’t let Lennox or her father see her act like this. Two hours had passed since she learned that Lennox and Cailean had gone to meet her father. Lennox had purposely left her behind. If they’d planned to see him, she should have been invited along. But they had something in mind. What, she didn’t know, but she knew her brother well enough to know he was up to something. That didn’t excuse sneaking away without a word.

  The fact that this was a good opportunity to spend time with Cailean away from home, well…she knew how to seize opportunity. She’d hoped to overtake them, but at this pace, her party would meet Lennox and Cailean on their return.

  An hour later, the modest tower of Reay village kirk came into view up ahead. If luck favored them, she would find the men here and not in the outlying area searching for her father. They entered the village and her heart leapt when she caught sight of one of her father’s men emerging from the stable at Muirhead Hall.

  “Cameron,” she called.

  He turned in their direction, lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the late morning sun and waited until they reached him. “My lady, I didnae expect to see ye here.”

  “I am to meet my brother and Cailean at the farm,” she said. “We are to continue on together.”

  He frowned. “You are going to Reay Abbey with us?”

  Satisfaction shot through her. So they did have other plans than seeing her father.

  Julianna nodded. “Of course. Where is Lennox, is he with my father?”

  “He is. They are at the Monk’s Elbow.”

  “Thank ye.”

  She urged her horse toward the small inn-yard and two minutes later they stopped in front of the tavern where her brother’s charger stood tied to the post alongside another charger that had to be Cailean’s. David dismounted and hurried to her side. He reached her as she swung her leg over her mare’s rump and he grasped her waist and set her on the ground. He nodded to the other men, thanked the servant who ran over to tend their horses, and then followed her beneath the sloping roof of the porch and into the two-storied building.

  At the entrance to the main room, they were met by a petite, buxom woman. “My lady.”

  “Hello, Mary.” Julianna greeted her with a smile. “Are my father and brother here?”

  “Aye, they are in the private dining room abovestairs.” She started toward the dimly-lit stairwell on the far side of the room.

  “No need to show me up, Mary. I remember where the dining room is.” Julianna nipped up the steps with David close behind.

  At the top, she hurried to the room and entered. The three men looked up from a table near the room’s only window. Lennox and Cailean stood, but she kept her attention on her father. She felt like a silly young maid. Her heart beat fast and she suddenly wondered at the wisdom in her plan.

  Stay calm, she told herself. You are simply visiting your father.

  Her father rose.

  Lennox didn’t hide his annoyance. “What are ye doing here, Julianna?”

  Julianna cast her brother a mutinous look, resisted sticking out her tongue, and hurried to her father. “Papa.” She threw herself into his open arms.

  He held her close and stroked her hair. Her chill arms began to warm and she snuggled closer. For a moment, all was right with the world and she knew that even if Cailean hadn’t come here with Lennox she would have made the journey to see her father.

  He pulled back and looked down at her. Gray tinged the sides of his hair and crow’s-feet crinkled the corners of his eyes. “What are ye doing here, child?”

  “I missed you.”

  His brows rose. “I will be home soon.”

  “Perhaps,” she said. “But often you are gone longer than expected.”

  He laughed softly and hugged her again. When they parted, he glanced at David, “David, lad, ye brought other men with you?”

  “Aye, laird, eleven warriors.”

  “Ye are a good man. You and your lads are free to do as you please until Julianna returns home.”

  Julianna intended to remain with Lennox and Cailean. The guards would likely ride with them.

  “Thank ye, laird.” David turned and left.

  “Are you pleased with Reay, Father?” Julianna didn’t mention her concerns. “Were you satisfied with Farmer Muir’s ale and wine stores?”

  “I was indeed.” He smiled. “No’ a soured cask to be found. All is well here in the village, too.” He cupped her elbow and guided her to a seat at the table. She unclasped her cloak and hung it on a wall h
ook, then sat to his left. Lennox and Cailean took their seats.

  He flattened his hands on the table, looked to her. “If you wanted to see me, lass, why did ye no’ come with Lennox and Cailean?”

  “Lennox didnae tell me they were riding out to meet you.”

  “Nae?” Her father glanced at Lennox. “He will no’ make that mistake again.”

  “She should have stayed at home.” Lennox shot her a glance that said he knew their father indulged her—but he wouldn’t.

  Her father ignored him. “Have you eaten?”

  “I am thirsty.”

  “Have my wine, Lady Julianna.” Cailean picked up his goblet and set it on the table before her.

  Warmth flooded her cheeks. She smiled. “Thank you.” Lennox’s gaze sharpened on her. She ignored him and kept her attention on her father. “Lennox told you what happened yesterday?”

  His expression darkened. “He did. You have no idea why Hugh stole you?”

  She shook her head. “None. I didnae even see him.”

  “I shall deal with him.”

  “Not for another sennight, Father.” Lennox set down his wine.

  Julianna glanced from him to her father. “Why wait?”

  “It isnae your concern.” Lennox remained stern.

  A flicker of ill ease stabbed. “Papa?”

  He patted her hand. “ ‘Tis nothing, sweet.”

  So, they didn’t want to tell her why they’d rushed off to see her father. She sat up straighter. “Did they tell you how they knew it was Hugh who kidnapped me?”

  Her father nodded. “Aye, Cailean knew.”

  Was that why Cailean had accompanied Lennox? Did Lennox want her father to meet the man who had been such a help in saving her? Nae, that could have waited until he returned home.

  “How long do you plan to stay in Reay?” She glanced at Cailean. “Have you taken a room here? Or at the Sleepy Abbot Inn?”

  “Neither,” Lennox answered for him. “We leave today.”

  “Only a few hours with our father.” She frowned. “It seems a shame to return home so quickly.”