“I know, but what should we do?” Marie edged closer to Archie.
“The whispers grow stronger, brother. Magic hums in the air.” Archie’s gaze narrowed on her as he searched within.
“Aye, make your wish while I find Mary. I dinnae want her hearing of Angus’s capture afore I can speak to her. The men will be hard-pressed to delay her questioning.”
“Go. I’ll be with you shortly.”
John strode off into the dark.
“Aye, the air vibrates far too strongly no’ to state my desire.” Archie rubbed the veil. “Guardians of Dunyvaig, I ask for a wish. I seek my chief’s return and require your aid in this journey. Send me a sign. I must win this war against MacLean.”
The veil shimmered and Marie’s pulse spiked. “I can almost touch him, sis. The haze is thinning.”
“Marie, I think you should step back,” her sister warned.
“Marie?” Archie whispered her name. “The faeries have given me a name.”
“He heard you, Katherine.” Marie pushed toward him. “I have to warn him not to kill MacLean.”
“Come to me, Marie. Mayhap you are the sign.” His husky words swarmed her senses as he swept his hand through the air.
Her amulet rose, breached the barrier between them and spun into his palm. She’d tell him in person.
“Wait!” Katherine yanked her coat. “You’re not going anywhere without me.”
“Hold onto me. He needs us.” Wind tunneled around her, whipping her hair across her face.
“Come, my faerie.” Archie jerked her amulet.
“Whoa.” She lurched through the barrier and slammed into the warrior. His body was solid, his flesh warm and his hold tight.
“Unbelievable.” His gaze searched hers. “A faerie in truth. My sign, as I wished.”
“I—I—”
The circle was again thick with the haze. But where was Katherine? She should have come with her. She pounded the veil. “Hey, I said to hold on, sis. I don’t want to do this on my own. Get here now, or you’re going to be in a ton of trouble.”
* * * *
Afraid the faerie would get away, Archie gripped her arm as she called out for another. She had a strange accent, like the Lowlanders. “Who is Katherine?”
“My sister. She was right there with me in the circle.”
“There is none here but you and me.” The faerie’s white-blond hair shimmered to her waist, and her eyes shone the deepest shade of midnight-blue. He stroked the soft folds of her white woolen coat. Never had he known such a fine weave. Her legs were covered in white linen, clothing similar to men’s trews yet completely feminine. White knee-high leather boots encased her feet. Head to toe, a vision.
’Twas a powerful circle to deliver one holding such magic. The power radiating from this circle had beckoned him time and again over the years. The faeries often played, throwing up a haze or causing the wind to sweep through or become completely still. Now it had brought him her. “Mayhap your sister will come another time?”
“She has to come now. Her wish was for both of us.” She struggled to push back in. “I can’t leave her behind.”
“The veil is strong. I’ve never been able to pass through when it’s risen.” He shoved his upper arm against it. “When the haze is gone, you can enter, though none do. ’Tis a sacred place, and now with my wish, the fae have delivered you. Your sister must no’ be needed.”
“Of course she’s needed, and I didn’t mean to answer your wish without my sister.”
“What does your sister look like?”
“We’re identical twins.” She grasped his shirt. “I really can’t leave her behind. I’ve got to get back in.”
“You dinnae appear to have a choice, otherwise she would have come, or you would have been able to return.” Aye, she was here to stay, this faerie with her tiny nose and high cheeks sprinkled with freckles. So young and enchanting. Never had a faerie graced one of his clan with their presence like this. They tinkered and played, but they also guarded their lands, having ensured Dunyvaig never fell into MacLean’s hands. “Magic has brought you to me when we need it the most. I have a war to win, and you’re a wonder bestowed by the circle. You even wear Mary’s amulet. How did you come by it?”
She gripped the piece. “I’m no faerie, just a regular person, and Mary gifted this to me. She left instructions asking I return it to Islay.”
“Good. Then you have done as she asked.” He cupped her cheek. “Fae you are, your presence one of magic.” ’Twas abundantly clear, and she would never convince him otherwise.
“I’m not from this time or place.”
“Aye, you’ve come from your own time and place. The fae live—”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I’m really not one of the fae.” She glared at the veil then slammed her hands against it. “This is impossible. Guardians of Dunyvaig, I wish to be reunited with Katherine. Send her through, or let me back in. Please, do something.”
“Nay, lass. You must stay. See to my wish and then you may go. The guardians willnae keep you here beyond the time you’ve been sent. I’m certain of it.”
“How long will this barrier be up for?”
“It comes and goes, depending on your people.”
“The fae aren’t my people.”
“Aid me, and I promise you my protection.” It appeared his faerie didn’t wish to accept her destiny. He would convince her otherwise. “No harm shall ever come to you. My word is true.”
“My sister and I never do anything without each other.”
“Mayhap this is the one time you shall.”
“Excuse me, but I’d rather not.” Arms crossed, she thumped her foot. “You really don’t listen very well.”
A woman with fire. Even better. She would need to be strong in order to grant him his wish. He had a battle ahead of him against MacLean, and the Chief of Duart was no easy adversary. “What would your sister wish you to do right now?”
“Return to her.” She huffed then slid Mary’s talisman over her head. “Or return to her the moment I’d seen to your wish. Katherine is the adventurous sort. She’s probably peeved she’s not here right now, as well as freaking out about being alone. I’ve got to get back to her, and since this talisman brought me here, hopefully it will do the same and bring my sister to me.”
“Your words are strange. ’Tis clear you speak of another world.”
“No, this world, just a different time.” She stepped back then frowned. “Hold on. The veil’s lifting.”
“Then be quick about what you need to do to bring your sister through. Throw her the amulet afore the veil disperses.”
She tossed the talisman and it landed with a clunk on the center stone. “Take the amulet, Katherine. Mary may have bequeathed it to me, but use it to get out as I did.” She fanned her hand through the veil as it continued to thin. “Please, hurry.”
It shimmered and vanished on the wind, gone as quick as it came. “Lass, the fae are nay more, but they always return. You must now wait.”
“No, this can’t be happening. I need my sister.” She staggered inside and fell to her knees before the center stone. “Katherine, come back.”
His heart heaved for her loss, but it wouldn’t be for long. “You’ve come for a reason, Marie. To aid me.” He held out his hand. “Come. I shall look after you as I promised.”
“I didn’t want to do this alone.”
“Once you’ve fulfilled my wish, you can return. I didnae ask for any more than your aid. Come.”
She swiped her tears then rose and wobbled toward him. “If I help you, it’s because I want to get back to Katherine.”
“Aye, lass.” A few more steps and she cleared the circle. He caught her around the waist and held her close. His faerie would aid him, just as he needed her to. “Together we cannae fail against MacLean. You’ll soon be back with your sister.”
“Since I don’t have any other choice, tell me where to start. The sooner I’m
done here, the sooner I can return.”
“’Tis late and I’ve traveled far this day. We’ll begin on the morrow. For now, you’re welcome to use my chamber to rest. It overlooks this circle, which should bring you comfort.”
“Are you taking me inside?” Her beautiful eyes widened as she glanced at the castle.
“You’ve naught to fear.” Eager to get her within the safety of the Dunyvaig’s walls, he tugged her under the arched entrance. “No one would ever harm one of the fae.”
Within the inner courtyard, stone buildings rose all around them. He steered Marie up the side stairs, bypassing the great hall where his clan had gathered for the evening meal. Inside his chamber on the third floor, he ushered her in and shut the door.
She hurried to the window, shoved open the wooden shutters and peered through the dark. “I can see the circle, just.” She slumped against the stone sill. “I can’t believe I’ve left Katherine behind. It all happened so fast.”
“Believe it, lass.” He crossed to the fireplace, lit and stoked it into life. It blazed and spread its heat through the room. After taking a candle and lighting it from the flames, he set in in the corner stand next to his bed. The warmth and light should soothe her.
“Please, tell me more about the circle.” Her gaze remained glued to it.
“There is never an assurance of when the veil rises, only that it does.” He eased in behind her. The stones, lit by the moonlight, appeared ghostly white, and Mary’s talisman sparkled atop the center stone. “As no one enters the circle, the amulet will remain within should your sister have need of it.”
“Yes, I don’t want anyone moving it.” She peered at him. “And it used to be Mary’s talisman. I know you don’t believe me, but I’ve told you the truth. She gifted it to me on my twenty-first birthday.”
“’Tis impossible.”
“I’ve no reason to lie.” She shook her head. “I’ll convince you somehow. First, tell me more about the warrior with you before. John. You called him your brother. Could he keep a watch out for my sister? The more who do, the better.”
“John is my twin. We are similar but no’ identical, and aye, I will have him and the guards keep an eye out. As soon as you’re comfortable, I’ll go speak with him.” If reassurance was what she needed, he could easily provide it.
* * * *
“Yes, speak to him, please. That’s what I want.” Marie clutched Archie’s arm. She would have to see to his wish, which had better not take long. Katherine needed her, would be so worried.
“First, tell me more about your sister.” He stroked her back, his touch sending a delicious tingle to her toes. “You said her wish was for both of you. What was it she asked for?”
“For a moment of magic. She wished for us to live and to have untold adventure along the way, although I doubt she meant quite this much adventure.” Never this much.
“Will anyone other than her miss your presence?”
“No. Our mother, Marianne MacDonald, passed away a few months ago. Our father, Locky MacLean, the year before.” He thought her fae and she had to set him right. Convincing him she was from the twenty-first century wouldn’t be an easy task, but she had to try. “I don’t want there to be anything but the truth between us. I’m from a time far in the future, and I’m a direct descendent of Mary’s, well Mary and Angus’s on my mother’s side. The amulet I wore was Mary’s. I received the family heirloom in my time, through my maternal line. Mary left instructions it be handed from her eldest daughter to her eldest daughter until it once again came into the possession of a daughter born to a MacLean. That’s me.”
“Angus and Mary’s bairns are too young. What you speak of isnae possible.”
“You have to keep an open mind. I truly am both MacDonald and MacLean. My name is Marie MacLean. I’ve traveled here from the year two-thousand and fourteen.” She couldn’t state it more clearly.
“Nay, lass. There’s no need to ply your tricks. Fae you are, and fae you remain.” Clicking his tongue as if in admonishment, he strode to the door. “I’ll ask a servant to bring a tray. Make yourself comfortable while I speak with John.”
“I’m really not fae.” She raced after him, snatched his arm. “You have to believe me.”
He tweaked her chin. “’Tis the year fifteen-hundred and ninety. Now, no more. On the morrow, you’ll work your magic. MacLean must be halted.” He closed the paneled door with a thunk. Gone.
Hopefully it didn’t matter if he believed her or not, but she’d rather he did. His disbelief didn’t change the fact she was now in Scotland though, somewhere far in the past and needed to fulfill his wish before she could return to Katherine.
She stalked to the window, needing to be closer to Katherine even though currently impossible. She’d tried to learn all she could about Mary MacDonald before she’d traveled here, but with over four-hundred years passing, the information had been sparse. More was recorded on her husband, Angus MacDonald, and brother, Lachlan MacLean, both chiefs of their own clans. Although, she’d never quite understood how the intense feud had begun.
Right now, she’d try to seek the answers she needed, and from Mary no less. The task before her was immense. Aid Archie in winning the war, while ensuring he didn’t change history and kill MacLean.
Her sister’s wish would certainly provide a ton of adventure, and with her own Highland warrior on the side.
But she’d do whatever it took to ensure she returned.
There was no other option.
Katherine needed her, and she needed Katherine.
Chapter 2
Next to John atop the battlements, Archie inspected the faerie circle. Under the moonlight, ten pale stones beckoned with their otherworldly secrets. Marie was his faerie, not Mary’s direct descendent. As much as he believed in magic, her traveling from the future was beyond the realm of possibility.
Nay. Mayhap she was concerned about the task set before her, but he’d allay those fears when he rejoined her. He only sought her magic, not for her to undertake the battle against MacLean herself. He’d make it clear.
Had Angus remained at Dunyvaig Castle instead of traveling to Skye to visit his brother, he would never have been captured. And if the king’s men had come to Islay, they would have fought to ensure he remained here.
John cleared his throat. “You said Marie fell out of the circle right after you made your wish. ’Tis a miracle, a sure sign we will overcome MacLean.”
His twin, so close to him in looks that the odd man mistook them, knew him as no other did. At eight and twenty, his brother was his second, as he himself was Angus’s. Together he and John would ensure Islay never fell to MacLean while Angus remained imprisoned. Stroking the dirk hilt strapped at his wrist, he said, “I’ve offered her my protection and in doing so, yours too.”
“Aye, without question she has mine.” John scanned the horizon toward neighboring Jura. MacLean held a firm hold on the northern end of the island, but the southern portion was theirs. “Should we expect her sister? Will there soon be two fae in our midst?”
“The veil lifted and the haze cleared. Marie is here. She is the only one the guardians delivered to us. I dinnae believe Katherine will come.”
“Does she have any other family apart from her sister?”
“She told me her parents have passed, although she speaks of coming from the future, of being born from Mary’s maternal line, her mother a MacDonald and her father a MacLean.”
“’Tis impossible.” John scoffed.
“As I told her, but she worries for her twin. I’m sure that is the only reason behind her ramblings.”
’Twas normal for the eldest to worry. John was a minute younger than he was. Over the years, many had told them twins were nature’s gift, although in the days following their birth, Mother had bled to death. No gift at all. They did their best though, fighting for their clan as Father had done. He’d died with honor on the battlefield, albeit under a MacLean’s blade.
“Word of Angus’s imprisonment will soon spread through the isles. Lachlan MacLean willnae hesitate to use our chief’s capture to his advantage.” John crossed his arms.
“Then we’ll be here to ensure he does no’ make any gains. We fight, as we always have. Per mare per terras, by sea and by land.”
“Aye.” John scrutinized the circle. “Fortune shines upon us. The guardians have sent us a boon, one we—”
A horn trumpeted with one long and eerie blast from the north.
“Damn.” John gritted his teeth. “Will guards the coast toward Jura as you instructed on your leaving. He has no’ sounded the horn since our rival’s last disturbance.”
“It’ll be MacLean. Like a rat, he continually returns. I’ll rouse the men.”
“What of your faerie, Archie?”
“She remains here until I send word all is clear. Secure the keep and maintain a tight guard. Lachlan MacLean is devious, but I’ll deliver the message personally that I’ve returned and am eager to brandish my sword.” He raced for the steps, shouting over his shoulder, “He wishes a fight, John, and he shall have it.”
“Take care, brother.”
“Always.”
* * * *
A horn sounded with a chilling blast and Marie wedged out the window to get a good look. Shouts boomed from the courtyard, and men swarmed the area. More than twenty warriors mounted their horses while an equal number raced down the trail to the sea-gate. Archie led, with a redheaded lad sprinting beside him. Archie skidded to a stop on the slippery landing, caught the boy’s arm and said something to him. The lad nodded and ran back toward the castle while Archie leapt into the birlinn.
They set sail, the stormy breeze speeding them out of the bay. Clutching the windowsill, her nails scraped into the stone. Dust plumed below as mounted men galloped out the gate and headed north toward Jura. MacLean territory. The horn must have been a warning, and a bad one considering the number of men now at arms.
“Marie.” A knock sounded.
“’Tis Mary MacDonald. Archie sent word for me to check on you as he left.”
“Coming.” A jumble of nerves bounced in her tummy as she opened the door.
Highlander's Magic Page 2