The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning Boxed Set (Books 1-4)

by Purington, Sky

  “I’m just surprised I never sensed her,” she said softly, clearly referring to her sister. “I sensed Iosbail but not my own blood.” She sighed, muttering, “Then there’s the warlock. I wish I knew what he was up to.” She shook her head. “I wish I could better prepare us.”

  He gripped her shoulders lightly and made sure her eyes were with his when he spoke. “All the preparation we’ll need is the strength we find together. I know that doesnae sound overly reassuring at the moment, but ‘tis true.” Confident he was right, his eyes stayed with hers. “I have never been more sure of anything.”

  How else could it be considering what they had found together? How quickly their feelings toward one another were growing?

  “As to your sister,” he continued. “Dinnae focus on the connection you never felt, or the years you lost with her but on what you know about her now, and that there is a future for you both.”

  “How can you be so sure?” she murmured.

  “Because she has seen you through this journey and we will succeed,” he replied. “Then you will see her through her journey, and she will succeed.” He shook his head, never more serious. “I dinnae have any doubt that once all is said and done that you two will come together. That you will have a future.”

  “Yet it sounds like hers might be in ancient Scandinavia with Vikings.” Her eyes remained with his, and her next words warmed his heart. “Where mine will very much be here with you.”

  He offered a lopsided grin. “Have you not heard of time-travel then?”

  A small smile wobbled on her lips. “Good point.”

  “Aye.” He kissed her again then packed up their satchel. “’Twould be nice to travel through time just for friendly family visits rather than to deal with all the strife happening now.”

  She nodded, but he could see the flicker of worry still in her eyes as they began making their way through the woods back to the others. “Something else occurred to me too,” she said. “Something I probably should have figured out sooner.”

  When he looked at her in question, she continued. “While the warlocks definitely haven’t been behind all the time-traveling with everyone, I’m beginning to think this last one has when it comes to you.”

  “Aye?” he said.

  “Yes.” She appeared troubled. “Twice now you’ve ended up in dangerous positions when you traveled through time. The first when you traveled to Bannockburn with Christina and Graham and this time by the waterfall.” She shook her head. “It’s too coincidental in my opinion.” Her eyes met his as she took his hand. “So please, if...when we travel through time again, be extra vigilant okay? I’m starting to suspect the last warlock is very jealous of you.”

  He nodded, seeing the logic in that. “You have my word, lass. I’ll be verra careful.”

  She nodded as well and was about to say more when she stopped short and whispered, “Samhradh,” as if it had just popped into her head.

  “Summer,” he repeated, narrowing his eyes.

  She had just said the fourth seasonal word that had been a part of everyone’s adventures.

  “A spirit comes,” she whispered a few moments later.

  Her eyes began to glow not with dragon magic, but her own unique magic as a slender, beautiful but very transparent woman appeared through the forest. She wore trousers and appeared ready to fight.

  “Aye, then, ye’ve nearly made it,” the spirit said in greeting, pleased as her eyes lingered on him with appreciation. “But how could ye not with the likes of ye along?” She eyed him up and down. “The MacLomains do make some fine lookin’ lads.”

  Jessie’s eyes widened as she whispered, “You must be her...”

  A ghost that knew he had MacLomain blood and looked, acted and spoke like this one? He could only think of one woman that fit that description. A woman at the heart of many stories told around the campfires of his youth.

  “Has my brother not figured it out yet then?” The spirit rolled her eyes. “’Tis no wonder I suppose, being reborn such as he was.” Her brows flew up. “And without me along no less!” She winked at Bryce. “Though as ye all verra well know I’ve been along aplenty and enjoyed the ride.”

  “Iosbail MacLomain,” Bryce said softly.

  He dropped to a knee and lowered his head in respect. A very long time ago this lass had once been immortal and birthed the Broun clan. Like her brother Adlin, she had done a tremendous amount for Brouns and MacLomains alike.

  “Aye, Iosbail MacLomain,” came a deep voice as none other than Adlin and Milly appeared through the forest. His eyes were moist as they met Iosbail’s. “I cannae tell ye how good it is to see ye again, Sister. I’ve missed ye something fierce.”

  “Aye, Brother.” Her voice softened as Adlin stopped in front of her. “’Tis hard being separated but I’ve kept a close eye on ye over the years.” She grinned. “Especially lately.”

  “And I’m verra thankful...and impressed.”

  It was clear he had many things he wanted to ask her but held back. Perhaps because he didn’t want to overwhelm her or because he was waiting for her to continue which she readily did.

  Her knowing eyes lit with amusement. “I see you’re curious about many things, Brother.”

  “Aye, we’ve accomplished much.” His pride was obvious as he considered her. “As have ye.” His eyes lit with curiosity. “How is it ye were able to influence this whole journey because ye did, aye?” He shook his head. “And without Grant and I sensing your presence.” He continued looking at her thoughtfully. “And why the seasonal words in Gaelic? Though they lined up with the battles we’ve been to, how could ye have such accurate foresight?”

  “Och, ye forget how powerful I can be, aye?” Though it might have sounded like she took insult, the sparkle in her eyes said otherwise as she went on. “My presence and magic are now of the spirit realm. ‘Tis why Jessie could more easily sense me. And because Jessie has such a connection to the fifth element, that of spirits, I’ve been able to follow her intentions since the curse began unraveling.” Her eyes went from Jessie to Adlin. “Therefore I could give her a little nudge here and there if her plans took any of ye off the course I knew would be best.”

  Adlin eyed her for a moment before he figured something out and a knowing smile formed. “And that little nudge ye gave, without question came from ye using your Irish roots in conjunction with the magic of the rings themselves.” He cocked his head. “Which leads me to believe the curse has no connection to the Celts. Hence your ability to navigate around the warlocks.”

  “Aye, Brother, ‘twas the magic of me birth home Eire that helped me.” She looked at everyone “That helped all of you.” Her eyes flickered from Jessie’s ring to Adlin. “But then how could Ireland not fight on behalf of her Claddagh?”

  “How could it not indeed,” Adlin said softly as his eyes stayed on hers. “I know I speak on behalf of us all when I say thank ye, Sister. Ye have well and truly protected your kin and country.”

  “Aye.” Iosbail chuckled as she teased him. “’Twas verra clear ye and Grant needed my help from the get go.” She shook her head. “I dinnae think I’ve ever seen anything elude ye two like this curse.” She shrugged. “But then ‘tis not every wizard that tries to create the Claddagh rings. ‘Tis supposed to be an impossible feat for mere mortals, whether magic is involved or not.”

  Her eyes were fond as she continued. “So thank ye both on behalf of my kin and country that ye were able to do it as well as ye did. ‘Tis no blame of yers that ye couldnae control every aspect of it this time.” She gave him a pointed look. “Because if I know anything about ye and Grant ‘tis that it must have been bloody hard to have so much taken out of yer hands through all this.”

  “’Twas not easy,” he conceded. “But we didnae lose control when it came to steering the couples closer.” His grateful eyes flickered to Jessie before returning to Iosbail. “And we have more faith than ever that each and every couple that’s come together will see this
curse through and save Scotland.” He had a look of both pride and resignation on his face. “The time was bound to come that I couldnae be as all-knowing as I once was.”

  “Aye, times are changing indeed,” Iosbail agreed. “But we’ve created good Scottish bloodlines, strong witches and wizards all, that will keep Scotland on track. And though we might not always be there to guide them, I’d say we taught their predecessors verra well. So well that both MacLomains and Brouns will always be as courageous and persevering as we ever were.” She chuckled and winked again. “And naturally, like us, verra clever and not hard on the eyes.”

  Adlin grinned, back to his chipper self in no time. “We are verra clever on occasion.”

  She eyed herself over, grinning as well. “And verra attractive.” Then she shook her head. “Even if one of us is transparent.”

  Both chuckled, smiling as their eyes held and they reconnected in a way long lost to them.

  Yet all good things must come to an end.

  “I’m afraid the time has come that I say goodbye to both ye and me beloved clans,” she said softly, “and remain in the afterlife with me king.”

  Like Adlin had when he met Milly in his previous life, Iosbail had met and fallen in love with King Alexander Sinclair and begun her aging process. Though Bryce was curious why Adlin had been reborn and not Iosbail, now was certainly not the time to question it. In all likelihood, the answer was as simple as wanting to remain with her one true love.

  Iosbail’s eyes went to Jessie, impressed. “Ye have done verra well by my country, and I couldnae be more proud.” Her voice lowered in respect. “Neither could yer mother, lass. She sends her love and strength and will see ye again someday.”

  Jessie’s eyes welled, and she nodded as Iosbail’s gaze turned Bryce’s way. “And yer sister feels the same about ye, lad. Know that someday we’ll all be reunited as we should be. Until then, continue to protect yer clan as valiantly as ye already have.”

  Bryce nodded, more than grateful for the kind words and the sense of comfort she offered.

  She nodded, clearly pleased with Bryce and Jessie “Ye saw through the last of my influence over this curse when ye aided Laird Angus MacDonald and set history straight again.”

  Something in her eyes told him it wasn’t quite over yet though. History would still need some help, but it was out of her hands.

  At last, her attention turned Milly’s way. “I couldnae be happier that ye and Adlin are reunited, Mildred. Ye share the truest of love and ‘twill always keep ye both strong.”

  “Thank you, Iosbail,” Milly replied, her eyes fond as she obviously recalled Adlin's sister from a previous life. “Thank you for everything.”

  Iosbail nodded before her eyes, at last, settled on Adlin, her words emotional. “’Twill be some time before we meet again, Brother. Until then, I wish ye the verra best and love ye verra much.”

  “Aye, Sister,” he replied, just as emotional. “And I love ye.”

  Their eyes held for a long moment before she began to fade then vanished. Nobody said a word as Adlin stared at where she had been for a few moments longer before he nodded as though accepting that she was, indeed, officially gone.

  “Well, then,” he finally said, breaking the silence as his eyes went to Bryce and Jessie. As only he could, he set aside melancholy and smiled. “It seems you’ve been busy in our absence!”

  “Aye,” Bryce replied, truly glad Adlin had arrived. He had wondered if either arch-wizard would make an appearance on their adventure. “It’s been verra entertaining.”

  A knowing little smile hovered on Milly’s lips as she looked between Bryce and Jessie then hugged Jessie hello. As they started back toward the others, Milly said, “We brought someone along that’s eager to see you, Jessie.”

  Jessie nodded, not needing to ask who. Minutes later, they joined his kin, and Lindsay was embracing her tightly. Neither had a dry eye by the time Lindsay pulled back, held Jessie at arm’s length and gave her the same sort of knowing look Milly just had. “Well, look at you, darling.” Her eyes flickered to Bryce then returned to Jessie. “You’re blossoming before our very eyes, aren’t you?”

  Though pink stained her cheeks, Jessie managed to smile. “So it seems.”

  After that, Lindsay took her hand and walked off to spend some time alone catching up. Already packed and ready to go, everyone followed at a distance. Conall handed him two sticks with meat on it, explaining one was for Jessie.

  “Since we learned the truth, Lindsay’s been verra eager to reconnect with Jessie,” Conall said as he, Adlin and Bryce walked together. “’Tis bloody amazing how much Jessie’s accomplished.”

  “Aye,” Bryce agreed. “I’m verra proud of her.”

  Adlin eyed him. “I’d say yer more than that when it comes to the lass.”

  Bryce shook his head. “I’ve never met anyone like her.”

  “’Tis safe to say none of us has,” Adlin murmured. “She’s exceptional.” He grinned at Bryce. “Though ye know verra well I wasnae referring to her magic but the love already betwixt ye.”

  “Aye,” Bryce said softly. “’Tis...remarkable.”

  “Aye,” Conall replied. “There is nothing like coming together with our lasses.” His eyes remained on Lindsay. “The love is verra strong verra fast.”

  “Aye,” Bryce agreed. “’Tis unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”

  “And that love has already made a difference,” Adlin said. “Though I cannae help but wonder why I was compelled to come here when ‘tis obvious ye’ve things well in hand. I would have thought ye’d be on to the Battle of Byland Moor by now.” He shrugged. “Mayhap ‘tis as simple as making sure Lindsay works her magic on Angus’ fleet, so they dinnae remember seeing dragons.”

  Bryce had been wondering the same thing about their arrival. More than that, why they were still here. Two rowboat trips later to get all of them back aboard the ships, he continued to wonder. As far he could tell, all was as it should be as they set sail down the eastern shore of Scotland. The weather was temperate and the North Sea fair. Too fair actually with far too little wind.

  “Mayhap ‘tis as simple as needing Conall along to manipulate the wind, hence ensuring Angus and his fleet arrive on time,” Adlin pondered as he, Milly, Bryce, and Jessie stood at the railing and enjoyed a vibrant sunset rich with deep reds and oranges.

  Because Angus had the largest boat with the most space, he had taken the extra travelers aboard his ship. As it was, Lindsay had to be on the same vessel as Jessie so that his lass could amplify her friend's gift of enchantment to the entire fleet when the time came. The others had returned to their original ships, confident Adlin would make sure all traveled on to the next battle together.

  Bryce suspected Angus had insisted Lindsay be on this ship for more selfish reasons than anything. Where his son seemed to have a taste for petite brunette’s it appeared the MacDonald Laird enjoyed blondes. But then Lindsay was, at heart, an actress and seemed to only boost the morale on the ship with her enigmatic ways. Of course, this was much to Conall’s chagrin who remained by her side and manipulated the air so well that wind helped the rowers move the ships right along. The truth was Lindsay only had eyes for Conall, and he knew it. Moreover, Adlin pointed out, a boost in morale could only help their cause.

  As it turned out, everything worked perfectly.

  Lindsay used the opportunity to enchant the men into forgetting that they ever saw dragons or witnessed any magic at all. Rather, she convinced them they were such mighty sailors that they had single-handedly weathered the most powerful storm in Scottish history. And all for the love of their king and countrymen.

  Though Bryce and his kin knew full well those extras Lindsay threw in would be lost to history, it helped the men tremendously. And where it might have taken too long otherwise, thanks to Conall and their current speed they should arrive right on time. Not to say Jessie couldn't have managed it, but she seemed just as happy to take a break.

&
nbsp; “And what harm can it do to be a part of such history as what lays on the morrow, aye?” Adlin asked.

  Bryce grinned. “Aye, I hope we’re around long enough to see King Edward’s face when Angus sails by with three of his ships.”

  Jessie was about to speak but stopped when she seemed to see something they couldn’t.

  “What is it lass?” he began, but trailed off when she put her hand on his arm, shook her head and whispered, “Look...”

  The moment she touched him, not only him but his cousins and their lasses saw the same thing.

  A ghost ship was sailing by in the opposite direction, its black sails revealing what it was. What truly startled them, however, was the bearded man who stood on the side closest to them, his narrowed eyes locked on theirs.

  “’Tis Fraser,” Bryce murmured, shocked. “And bloody hell if that’s not a fifteenth century pirate ship!”

  Chapter Thirteen

  WITHIN MOMENTS, THE pirate ship faded but not the inner turmoil Jessie felt within every MacLomain who had just connected with her via Bryce.

  “I dinnae ken,” Bryce growled, fire flaring in his eyes as he stared at the sea where the mighty ship had just been. “Is Fraser dead or alive?”

  “Alive,” Jessie said softly. “Though he appeared to be a ghost, and I certainly accessed the spirit realm to see him, it was more of a time flux. Similar, actually, to what Christina and Graham experienced the first time they met at Mystery Hill in New Hampshire.”

  “Bloody hell,” Adlin muttered, echoing Bryce’s earlier sentiment. “How can he be alive when Grant and I cannae even sense him? ‘Tis frustrating!”

  “Don’t forget what you and Iosbail so recently discussed,” Milly reminded, squeezing his hand. “A lot’s been taken out of your hands because of this curse.” She shook her head. “You can’t blame yourself.”