Quest of a Scottish Warrior

by Sky Purington

  Though she had been trying all morning, she leaned against her door again and eyed the youngest guard. He seemed to have softened the most to her relentlessness. “I really need some air. Maybe just a few moments on the closest wall walk?”

  “Och, nay, lass.” His grin dropped under the scowls of his fellow guards. “The Laird would have my hide, he would.”

  Cassie was about to attempt flirting, something she had no practice at, when a strange sensation overwhelmed her. Seconds later, her vision started to blur and she grew dizzy. Uh oh. Not again. She stumbled and tried to grab the door but panic was taking over.

  “Lass, are ye well?” she heard the young guard say from somewhere far away. Then, “Go get Lair!”

  The room grew very dim and blurry as a small voice reached her ears. “Can ye save me then?”

  Cassie spun the best she could, fighting dizziness. Though everything else blurred, she could see a young boy huddled in the corner of the room. Yet it wasn’t really the room but somewhere else. A cave maybe? It was hard to tell.

  Concerned, she crouched, glad she didn’t fall over. His features were hard to make out so she squinted. “Are you okay, sweetie?”

  “Where are ye?” he whispered. “I can barely see ye.”

  “I’m right here,” she said softly. When she moved closer, he only seemed to get further away. “You’re not alone.”

  “Please come.” She got the sense he tried not to cry. “I dinnae want to be alone.”

  “I will.” Cassie reached out. “Take my hand so you know you’re not alone.”

  But it was too late. Her vision dimmed more and the boy vanished.

  “No, come back,” she cried.

  “All’s well, lass,” came a deep voice. Only when a hand cupped her chin, did she realize she was in bed. “Can you see me then?”

  “You’re all right,” came a woman’s voice. A cool hand touched her forehead. “Just try to focus.”

  Though a little freaked out by hearing two unfamiliar voices, she was more frightened by her lack of vision. Slowly but surely, things started to brighten and grow less fuzzy.

  “There you are, lassie,” the woman murmured.

  Cassie blinked, eyes going first to the man. There could be no doubt who he was. Though older with a starburst of lines on either side of his eyes and silver peppered through his black hair, this was the guy in the photo. Ferchar MacLomain. Logan’s father. Save the age difference, the two looked so similar it was uncanny.

  “Ferchar,” she murmured.

  “Aye, you’ve the right o’ it, lass.” He nodded at the woman. “This is Lair, Chieftain Grant’s daughter.”

  Cassie nodded at the pretty woman, embarrassed by her situation. “Sorry about this.”

  “No need to be sorry.” Lair sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. “How often does this happen to you?”

  “Never.” She glanced at the corner of the room. “Where’d he go?”

  Ferchar frowned. “Who?”

  “The boy. He was Scottish.” She tried to sit up, but Lair gently pushed her back down. “He was scared and wanted me to save him.” Cassie tried to sit up again. “I have to save him.”

  “There is no one here,” Ferchar said softly. “You had some sort of problem with your eyes and balance. I lifted you off of the floor.”

  “There was someone here,” she said, desperation in her voice. “And he needs help.”

  Ferchar and Lair glanced at one another before Grant’s daughter nodded and squeezed Cassie’s hand. “All right then, lass. We believe you.”

  There was no way that little boy had been a figment of her imagination. She was about to ask more when Logan appeared at the door with a deep frown on his face. His eyes locked on hers, concerned. “Are you okay, Cassie?”

  “I’m fine,” she said, more and more embarrassed by the moment.

  “‘Tis inappropriate for you to be here, son,” Ferchar murmured as Logan entered. “You’re set to be wed.”

  “My betrothed is married to another man,” Logan muttered, sitting on the bed when Lair stood. “That makes this a tad less inappropriate, aye?”

  Her heart leapt in her chest. His betrothed was what?

  Ferchar nodded at her. “‘Twas good to meet you, Cassie.” His eyes went to Logan. “Dinnae overly linger. You are Laird and should behave as such.”

  “Tell the guards they are no longer needed.” Logan looked at Lair. “What happened to her?”

  Cassie got the overwhelming feeling that Lair knew precisely what was going on with her eyes and her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t want him to know. Not yet. Hopefully not at all.

  Lair eyed her for a long moment before she spoke. “It seems she may have a wee gift that allows her to see things we cannae.”

  Logan’s eyes roamed Cassie’s face with both interest and renewed concern. “Is this true?”

  “I have no idea,” she fibbed. “This is the first time this has happened.”

  Lair told him what Cassie had seen then met her eyes. “But I dinnae think this is the first time such a thing has happened to you.”

  “Nor do I,” Logan added, voice gentle as he took her hand. “‘Tis nothing to be ashamed of, lass.”

  “I’m not ashamed,” she said a little too quickly and though she meant to pull her hand away, she couldn’t seem to do it. “It’s nothing. Probably just my imagination.”

  “Yet you were so passionate moments ago about the lad being real,” Lair reminded.

  “He was,” she said. “Just not the other stuff…before…well, not for the most part.”

  Logan’s brows lowered. “What happened before?”

  Cassie sighed. “Darach didn’t tell you?”

  She really did not want to have this conversation with him. But it looked like she didn’t have much choice. So she reluctantly told Logan about seeing him on the horse, Athdara in New Hampshire and seeing his eyes glow in the picture on the mantle.

  His gaze narrowed as she spoke. When she finished, he said, “And Darach knows of this?”

  “Yeah.” She shook her head. “I had no choice but to share with him, Leslie and Bradon because they were there when I had one of my episodes.”

  Logan muttered something under his breath, his eyes going to Lair. “Give us a moment alone.”

  “Nay,” she murmured. “‘Tis not a good idea.”

  His voice grew stiff. “‘Tis a fine idea.”

  “Och, nay.” Lair stood her ground, accent thickening. “There’s naught but ye, this lass, and a bed in this chamber and ye’ve another lass just down the hall that’s meant for ye even if she is with another lad.”

  Cassie shook her head and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Excuse me but I have no intention of doing anything that involves Logan and this bed.”

  Lair made a soft sound and shook her head. “Ye might not intend it, but yer body doesnae agree.”

  “My body,” Cassie choked out. “Sorry, but I’m not sure what you’re getting at.” She certainly did but was horrified it had been said with him right here.

  Logan scowled fiercely at Lair as he came around and sat next to Cassie. “Forgive my cousin. ‘Tis typically Machara’s way to be rude on occasion, not Lair’s.”

  Her heartbeat kicked up a few notches. He was sitting way too close. Fire flared under her skin and Cassie knew her eyes looked guilty when they met Lair’s. Though it sounded self-condemning, she understood Lair only had Logan’s best interests at heart. And there was the fact that it didn’t appear the Scotswoman was going to share any more details about her vision issues. “It’s fine. She’s just looking out for your good name.”

  Logan caught her off guard when the corner of his lip shot up. “You say that as though 'tis in jeopardy.”

  Lair snorted, but a small grin came to her lips. “Ye need to stop flirting with the poor lass, cousin.”

  Cassie bit back a groan and carefully stood. This conversation needed to end. Now.

&
nbsp; Logan stood as well and took her elbow. “Take your time, Cassie. ‘Twould be better if you rested more.”

  “I’m tired of resting,” she complained, too aware of his close proximity, of his touch. “I’m okay. You can let go.”

  “Nay,” he said, voice a little guttural. “Not until I know you’re well enough.”

  “I am,” she assured, winded by the way his hand touched her lower back and his large body came even closer.

  “Well, I suppose you cannae be too upset with Aline marrying another, Logan.” Lair’s eyes flickered between them and she shook her head. “Not if ye keep this up.”

  “He’s not keeping anything up,” Cassie said, then coughed when she realized what she said…what it might imply. To make matters worse, her traitorous eyes lowered to his plaid. What, to confirm nothing was up?

  “Oh man,” she mumbled and stepped away from him before he could stop her. What was wrong with her?

  Logan chuckled.

  Lair’s brows edged up and her eyes widened. “Och, lass.”

  I’m s-sorry,” she stuttered and wished she had a cell phone to fiddle with, anything to keep her from having to meet their eyes. “I didn’t mean that how it sounded.”

  “You dinnae need to apologize.” Logan grinned. “It didnae sound offensive in the least.”

  Her eyes shot to his. He was definitely flirting now. It threw her off to think a guy like this was attracted to her. But then she was still getting used to life without thick glasses. Regardless, Lair was right. Somewhere in the castle there was a woman meant for him, even if she was married to another. How was that going to work out anyways? And was that why he seemed more open about flirting with her now? Obviously. He had been screwed over by his fiancé and he was probably rattled by it. Who wouldn’t want some sort of revenge? But she was not going to be his means to get it.

  So she focused on Lair, not Logan. “Thanks for being here for me when I passed out.”

  Lair seemed to sense that Cassie at last had her wits about her because she wrapped elbows and led her from the room. “Ye dinnae need to thank me. I will be keeping a close eye on ye now and hopefully be there if it happens again.”

  “As will I,” Logan said as he joined them. “I think ‘tis best you try to sit if you feel it come upon you again.”

  If she could push past the panic, she might just do that. “You’re right. I’ll give it my best shot.” Her eyes went to Logan. “What about the little boy? Who do you think he is?”

  Cassie was surprised when Ferchar met them halfway down the hall and nodded at another set of stairs winding into a tower. “Son. Cassie. Please join me.”

  She was mildly alarmed by the look on Ferchar’s face but followed when Logan took her hand and led her up the stairs.

  “‘Tis nothing to worry over," he murmured and squeezed her hand. “He but wants you to meet someone important.”

  When they arrived at the top, Ferchar knocked softly and called out, “‘Tis I, Ferchar, Logan and a lass you should meet.”

  “Come in,” said a soft voice.

  They stepped into a room with an exquisite view of the loch beyond its three windows. A warm breeze blew in as a woman with long dark hair turned to them. Cassie had never met anyone who held themselves so nobly. Shoulders back, she had a way of tilting up her chin without giving the impression she was looking down her nose at you.

  Logan gestured toward a chair. “You should sit, Cassie.”

  The woman’s brow arched slightly, but she nodded her agreement.

  “I’m all right,” Cassie murmured.

  Ferchar made introductions and Cassie soon learned why Logan was worried about her hitting the floor once more.

  “Cassie, this is Marjorie, Countess of Carrick,” Ferchar said. “Wife of Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale and mother to Robert de Brus, Earl of Carrick and the future King of Scotland.”

  Cassie was never more grateful for the supportive arm Logan wrapped around her lower back. Incredibly humbled, she lowered her head and made her best attempt at a curtsy. “Nice to meet you, Countess.”

  Seriously overwhelmed and impressed, she really wasn’t sure what else to say or if she had even greeted the woman properly.

  The Countess nodded. “Nice to meet ye as well, Cassie. ‘Tis an unusual accent ye have.”

  Before she could respond, Marjorie continued. “But I would expect nothing less of a Broun from the future.”

  Startled, she met her eyes and stated the obvious. “You know where I’m from?”

  Brilliant, Cassie. Keep sounding like a genius.

  “Aye, I know of the Brouns.” The Countess lowered into a chair and gestured to another. “Please. Sit.”

  She didn’t hesitate but sat. This was a woman who was used to being obeyed.

  Ferchar shocked Cassie when he began filling the Countess in on her vision of the little boy. Marjorie’s face went from semi-serene to upset in a heartbeat. “Was it my lad then?”

  Her lad?

  “Aye, I believe ‘twas.” Ferchar crouched in front of the Countess. “‘Tis good, this.”

  Marjorie's eyes grew moist as they met Cassie’s. “How is he? Is he well?”

  “Who exactly are we talking about again?” she said slowly even though she had a feeling she knew.

  “‘Twas her son, Robert,” Logan said.

  “The future King of Scotland.” Cassie blinked a few times. “Are you trying to tell me that Robert the Bruce was the little boy I just saw?”

  “Aye.” Ferchar nodded. “It can be none other.”

  “And how would you know that?” she whispered.

  “Because long ago ‘twas said that he would be taken,” Logan explained. “And that ‘twould be a connection of true love that brought him back to safety.”

  Ferchar’s gaze went to her ring and if she wasn’t mistaken pain flashed in his eyes. “Och, I didnae see so clearly when first we met.” Cassie’s eyes widened when he crouched in front of her and fingered the ring, disturbed, heart in his eyes. “‘Tis her ring. How can this be?”

  “Whose ring?” Logan said, alarmed.

  “I must go.” Ferchar went to Logan, clasped his shoulders firmly and ground out, “Ye follow yer path son and see the King safely returned. That is yer sole focus and purpose now. Nothing else, aye?”

  Logan nodded, frowning. “What’s going on, Da?”

  “Nothing that need concern ye.” He squeezed his shoulders tighter. “Ye see to protecting yer clan and the future of Scotland. Swear to me ye will see this quest through.”

  “I swear,” Logan promised. “Ye have my word. ‘Tis a quest that will end well.”

  Ferchar ground his jaw, eyed his son then nodded once before turning back to the Countess. “I must go. My son will save yers. Ye have my word.”

  “Aye, I dinnae doubt it.” She stood, equally concerned about him. “Please travel safe, my friend.”

  Ferchar nodded then strode from the room. Cassie twirled the ring on her finger, thoroughly confused. Why had her ring upset Ferchar so much? And what was this about a quest to save Robert the Bruce?

  One thing was for sure, she wanted to help. Needed to help. She could not explain why. All she knew was that she was being persuaded by a power she couldn’t explain, and knew nothing about.

  “I want to go too,” Cassie blurted and meant it. Her eyes went to Marjorie’s. “If I really saw him then he might come to me again which means I’m the best chance you’ve got to find him.”

  “Nay.” Logan shook his head. “‘Tis far too dangerous.”

  The Countess considered Cassie. Though she tried to remain calm, her fear and worry was palpable. “Would ye do such a thing for a perfect stranger? Logan is right, ‘tis verra dangerous.”

  Cassie remembered the fear in Robert’s voice, the terror he tried to keep hidden. Though who he would become in the future was certainly impressive, she was far more concerned about the little boy he was now. “I absolutely would.”

&n
bsp; “Och,” Logan muttered. “‘Tis a verra bad idea, Countess. She knows nothing of how to defend herself and we both know what will become of her if she’s taken from me.”

  “Then dinnae let her be taken, lad.” Marjorie’s eyes never left Cassie as she leaned over and took her hands. “Are ye sure about this, lass? ‘Tis a lot to ask.”

  “Yes.” Cassie nodded. “I’m sure.”

  “Ye are verra brave.” The Countess squeezed her hands. “Thank ye. I willnae forget what ye are willing to do for my bairn.”

  Logan was clearly struggling through several emotions between his father’s hasty departure and Cassie’s commitment, but he soon pulled it together and nodded at the Countess. “We leave soon. ‘Tis best that ye stay here under my clan’s protection until we return with Robert.”

  “Aye, of course,” she murmured, still holding Cassie’s hand. “Ye will bring yer cousins with ye, aye? I know the four of ye alone could take the whole of Scotland if put to the test.”

  “Niall at least,” he conceded. “The others returned to their clans this morn, but I will send word to them that ye wish them on this quest.”

  “Only if their clans are well protected without them,” she said.

  “Their clans will always be best protected if yer son is well protected,” he returned. “We would do anything for yer bairn, Countess.”

  She nodded and again squeezed Cassie’s hands. “Then I thank ye both so verra much.”

  “Ye need not thank us.” Logan sank to a knee in front of Marjorie and took one of her hands. He lowered his head. “I am sworn to ye, yer wee bairn and to the future of Scotland. I willnae let ye down.”

  The Countess pulled her hand from Cassie’s and tilted up his chin until their eyes met. “Ye havnae let me down thus far lad. I have complete faith in ye, ye ken?”

  “Aye,” he murmured. “I ken.”

  He kissed the back of her hand and stood. “Will ye be staying here or coming below stairs?”