TIA'S MATE (Shifters of the Bulgarian Bloodline Book 1)

by Dalia Wright

  “That is always a possibility in war, Elizabeth, I’m not going to lie. But we must take this chance. Their stronghold is an important target for us. And if I can gain it, I will be promoted so that I will never have to see another day in combat again and you and I can focus on our lives.”

  Hamish gave Elizabeth another kiss and then they each went to bed. In the morning they broke their fast on a hearty meal and then spent the day waiting for the additional troops to show up. At about four o’clock in the afternoon they arrived, all five hundred of them. By the evening they set out on a march toward Prince Albert’s castle. It took them all night and part of the following day to arrive at the castle, and when they did, they saw that it was well fortified. Archers manned the walls and patrols were guarding against attack by foot. But the highlanders are legendary in battle. They remained confidant of their victory, mainly because they outnumbered their enemy and they were of a fiercer breed than the English soldiers.

  As soon as the eight-hundred highlanders approached the castle an alarm was sounded and all of the civilians who were outside going about their business were called in and the portcullis was closed shut. The soldiers who were patrolling the outside were summoned into battle formation and took a defensive position against the highland raiders. Hamish and the other commanders took their position on the front line, and charged forth. The enemy English soldiers charged as well, and for a few moments nothing could be heard but the battle cries on each side. Suddenly each side came to a clash and then there was blood and mayhem everywhere. Hamish erupted into a godlike war hero and carved his way through the English soldiers. He sliced here, and thrusted there, and all around him bodies dropped. Blood sprayed onto him as well, covering him in a layer of red gore. He looked to his right and saw Octavius doing well as well, and the two of them charged deeper into the mayhem together. An English knight on horseback charged at the two of them. They darted to either side and used their blades to injure the horse, and the knight fell to the ground. Octavius jumped on the fallen knight and made short work of him, slicing his skull in two with a might downwards stroke. Before long the highlanders had cut their way through the main outside force. When real danger had abated, Hamish stood and looked around him. He estimated that roughly about two hundred of his fellow highlanders had fallen, but that they had killed twice that many of the enemy. The outside battle was just about wrapping up. Next they would have to contend with the archers from the castle. And getting together the proper instrument for breaking through the gate would be a lot of work too. “Retreat!” called on Hamish, and the cry was echoed by other soldiers so that they could all hear the order. The remaining six hundred of them retreated back until they were a safe distance from the castle and just on the outskirts of the forest. Gil came up to Hamish, all bloodied but apparently unharmed. “I made it, warrant officer,” he said.

  “You did, son. And I am proud of you.” Hamish smiled at the lad. “Where is Elizabeth?”

  “She’s a safe distance away – in the forest,” said a tall soldier with a large sword strapped to his back.

  Just then a messenger arrived with a parchment bearing the sealed crest of Prince Albert. Hamish read it allowed: “Dear Scotsmen, I shall not call for reinforcements or take any further steps towards your demise if you bring me the girl. I demand to see Elizabeth up close and to have her as my personal guest. You may bring one soldier with her as an escort, and that is all. I await your arrival. Sincerely, Albert.”

  “There is no way we are doing that,” said Hamish. “We are just going to have to find some other way to take the castle. I was thinking we could construct a battering ram from the lumber in this forest and break down the door.”

  “That is certainly one possibility,” said Octavius. “But their archers are many. We risk losing a great number of soldiers when we man the battering ram. And they likely have hot oil and flamed arrows as well, creating even more difficulty.”

  “We will have to do our best. I am not going to send Elizabeth into danger. Now let’s begin preparations. We are still six hundred strong. We should be able to have a sizable battering ram by nightfall.”

  The men scrambled to and fro, cutting down trees and bundling them together. They created sturdy wooden frame to support the ram, along with large wooden wheels and handles so that brave soldiers could grip the sides of the ram and shove it forward. By the time the moon was up the ram was ready to be launched. So the first group of brave souls manned the ram and started the attack on the gate. It took three attempts before the ram had to be re-manned. Arrows reigned down from above, and, just as Hamish had predicted, so did hot oil and flaming arrows. Then another group of soldiers had to be sent in as replacements. Then another. Finally, on the fifth group of soldiers the gate gave way and there was a large enough opening to get inside. A tremendous roar erupted from the highlanders and they stormed the gate, entering at an alarming rate. Soon the entire highland force was inside the castle walls and running up the steps to the gates. First the highlanders took out the archers, then the armed guards. Finally, they made their way to the center of the keep, where Prince Albert was headquartered. Hamish was one of the first to enter the center of the keep. His sword drawn, he crept up the steps and walked up to the throne. Prince Albert was sitting there. But he didn’t look scared, or terrified. He looked confidant. “You will not be winning this war. My death, should you wish it, will mean nothing. You pathetic Scots will fall in the end, you’ll see. Even now, there are a thousand of my countrymen marching here to do battle with you. You will not prevail,” said Prince Albert.

  “That might be what you think,” said Hamish, “But we have won this battle. And if you think we are going to put you out of your misery by slaying you, you are wrong. You, unfortunately, are much more valuable alive than dead. So we will take you and you will become our prisoner.”

  The orders were given to send Prince Albert to the dungeon along with any remaining English soldiers that had surrendered without a fight. The citizens of the castle were sent loose on the outside to fend for themselves. Word was sent to Glasgow notifying them of the Scottish victory and the apprehension of the Prince.

  Elizabeth made her way up to Hamish and said, “Is it over? Are we done? No more fighting?”

  Hamish smiled at Elizabeth and replied, “It is over for now. We have won this battle, and mighty splendidly. Do you wish to meet Prince Albert?”

  “No,” replied Elizabeth. “I don’t have any desire to see him. He is no longer going to be my husband. I will leave that role in your hands,” Elizabeth winked.

  “Okay, sounds good,” said Hamish.

  “There is one other thing, Hamish,” said Elizabeth. “If we are truly to get married, I’d like you to meet my parents. They are not the easiest to get along with in the world, but they do still mean a lot to me. They are a few hours ride east of here. Will you come with me and have dinner there?”

  “I would be delighted. But what if they don’t approve of me? After all, you were supposed to marry an English Prince. I am but a lowly non-commissioned officer of the Scottish national army.”

  “If they don’t approve of you we will have the wedding anyway. There will just be fewer guests.”

  Hamish gave instructions to the other commanders regarding how to handle the city’s maintenance. When he left the castle, he felt as though it was being left in good hands. Hamish and Elizabeth saddled up and made their way to their parents’ estate near the border.

  It took them two and a half hours to arrive there and when they did it was just about supper time. Elizabeth and Hamish dismounted and knocked on the door. Elizabeth’s mother was the first to come to the door. “Oh my heavens!” she exclaimed. “Elizabeth! We have been worried sick about you! Where have you been all this time?”

  Her mother wrapped her in an embrace and it was the tightest hug she had ever received from her.

  “Mother, meet Hamish. Hamish, this is my mother, Bridget.”

  “Ple
ased to meet you, ma’am,” said Hamish.

  Bridget took a long, hard look at Hamish. It was apparent that from first glance she did not quite like what she saw. Bridget was a formal, traditional woman and she did not like the looks of an outside coming into her family. Let alone a Scottish one.

  “Charmed, I’m sure,” said Bridget coldly. “Come, we have to let your father know that you are back!” She hurriedly ushered the pair into the house. “Edward! Come! She’s back!” she cried out.

  Edward came thumping down the stairs and embraced Elizabeth in a tight hug as well. Hamish held out his hand for Edward to shake and he gripped it tightly. “Who is this, Elizabeth?” asked Edward. “This is my fiancé, Hamish.”

  At the word “fiancé” Elizabeth could sense her parents shudder a little. “How long have you two been engaged for? You’ve only been gone a couple of days,” said Edward.

  “Well, we just met,” explained Elizabeth. “It was love at first sight. It turns out that Hamish is quite a commandeer and a respectable warrior as well. I witnessed a recent battle where his battalion went up against Prince Albert’s forces and emerged victorious.”

  “We just heard word of that battle,” said Edward. “I was amazed at the outcome. Say what you will about the Scots, eh honey? They sure know how to fight. I have heard legends told of soldiers shaking in their boots at the sound of the highland bagpipes.”

  “So you approve of him then?” asked Elizabeth with wide eyes. “I mean, you approve of us? Hamish and myself?”

  “Well he isn’t royalty,” admitted Edward. “But I suppose there comes a time when a woman must make up her own mind. And you two are clearly in love.”

  “Excellent!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Let’s start wedding preparations at once!”

  “Yes dear,” said Bridget. “But a little supper first?”

  Elizabeth was famished. The four of them sat down to dinner and it was one of the tastiest meals she had ever eaten. They ate roast lamb with garlic potatoes and grilled asparagus. They drank wine and were merry. She couldn’t have asked for a better outcome in telling her parents about her engagement. “Father,” she said. “It turns out that on the basis of this military victory, Hamish is going to be promoted to an even higher rank. We will likely go back to Glasgow and he can continue to contribute to the Scottish cause from a safe distance. He won’t have to go to war any more! And we can settle down and have a nice life together.”

  “That is fantastic news Elizabeth! Congratulations you two,” said Edward. “I have never served in the military myself, for I am a man of commerce mainly. But I have nothing but respect and admiration for people who do.”

  “Well,” explained Hamish. “It is not always a glorifying role. But when you can help out your country and build strong young men at the same time it all becomes worth it. I have been involved in the army since I was twelve years old. So I have had the benefit of a lot of experience. I don’t like taking lives, but sometimes you have to. I took many lives on the battlefield but the goal of taking Prince Albert’s castle was worth it.”

  “Sounds like it,” said Bridget. “Dessert anyone? We have chocolate cake and oatmeal cookies. They might go nice with a bit of brandy, eh Edward?”

  Edward went and fetched the good brandy from his liquor cabinet. He poured everyone a glass and they all drank merrily.

  That night as they were getting ready for bed, Hamish came into the bathroom where Elizabeth was removing her makeup. “My dear,” said Hamish. “I am just so happy that I am going to be your husband. And your parents are remarkable. I felt an instance rapport with them. I know they are going to make great in-laws.”

  “I am glad you feel that way!” said Elizabeth. “I was a little worried about whether or not they’d accept you. It turns out they are much more open-minded than I had thought. I guess they saw that it was true love between you and me.” Elizabeth kissed Hamish on the cheek.

  “You look beautiful without your makeup,” said Hamish.

  “You are sweet.”

  Hamish and Elizabeth retired into the same bedroom that night. As they slept on their comfortable, large feather bed they each had so many thoughts going through their minds that it was difficult to articulate them. But they were both happy, and for the first time in her life, Elizabeth felt that everything was going to be okay.

  The following weeks were devoted to planning the wedding. Edward spared no expense in laying out the costs and it was going to have everything from a formal ceremony, to a delightful reception with one hundred and fifty guests, to a catered dinner, to a live musical band. And of course plenty of wine. Elizabeth was thrilled to hear all the details of the wedding and as it turned out, Bridget was a very skilled party planner. Finally, the big day of the wedding came and Elizabeth was in her room getting her dress on. Bridget entered, who was wearing a beautiful silk blue dress with pink ribbons and bows. Elizabeth had on a very tasteful white dress with a veil and a blue flower over her breast. “Are you ready?” asked Bridget.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be, Mom,” said Elizabeth.

  The next thing Elizabeth knew she was being walked down the aisle by her dad and one hundred and fifty guests stood up to either side of her. The music almost brought a tear to Elizabeth’s eye as it was a very emotional moment. Hamish looked positively gallant in his military attire and kilt. She was so proud to be marrying such a handsome and well put-together man.

  Finally, she reached the end of the aisle and took her place among her maids and across from Hamish. A few words were said by the presider and before long they were exchanging rings. Their vows were read and then it was time to kiss. As they kissed, the guests erupted in a thunderous applause which made Elizabeth’s heart skip a beat. Then they walked down the aisle again, hand in hand, and made their way to the formal table where they would sign their marriage certificates.

  After the ceremony was a positively delightful reception. The whole time guests were coming up to her congratulating her on a magnificent ceremony and finding a great catch in a husband. Almost every guest brought presents. Elizabeth had no idea how she was going to go about opening them all and as for thanking everyone, that was going to be a daunting task indeed.

  Their first dance as a married couple went off swimmingly. They danced to an old Scottish folk song and as a special treat, two players with bagpipes emerged onto the scene and played magnificently. They even managed to get out the song that they first danced to and that went very well indeed. Practically the entire room got on their feet to dance to the beautiful melodies that the bagpipes spewed forth.

  It was a whirlwind of a day. Finally, after everyone had gone home, and it was just Hamish and Elizabeth in the house, they retired to their bedroom. Elizabeth undressed, and so did Hamish. Their bodies came together as one and they made love in a beautiful and passionate fashion.

  A few months later, now living in Glasgow, Elizabeth had a house of her own – a modest thing with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and was now expecting a child on the way. Hamish worked every day in the front office of the military quarter. He planned battles and used his cunning and military prowess to orchestrate some of the most decisive victories the Scottish army enjoyed.

  Every night when Hamish came home to Elizabeth they would talk, and cook, and dance, and sing, and drink wine, and make love. They had many friends who would come over and spend entire evenings with them. Elizabeth made friends with many other military mothers-to-be and shared gossip and stories about the local merchants and citizens. Elizabeth, it turns out, became quite a well known socialite. And when her son was born, she became a very devoted parent as well. As the years passed, she bore more children until eventually their home was blessed with a full household. Hamish worked in the military until he was old enough to retire, and took great pleasure in watching his children grow up to be strong, confidant young adults. Every now and then, when they felt the urge, they would go out dancing. They would go to the local watering hole where they ha
d a band that played the bagpipes. And as they danced, in a whirlwind of song and wine and cheers from the crowd, they would always remember back to that first dance when they became enthralled with each other. They would always remember the sound of the bagpipes.

  When they reached old age, and their children all had families and children of their own, they would sit together and reminisce on old times. On the wedding, on the battle at Prince Albert’s castle, and a smile would come to their elderly faces. They knew that they lived full, healthy lives and if they had to change anything they wouldn’t.

  ***The End***

  Craving a Cowboy

  By: Elaine Young

  Chapter 1

  Cowboys.

  Muscles, tans, cowboy hats. What’s not to love?

  Jasmine’s little Jetta speed down the dirt road, probably faster than it should have. But hey, it was a nice summer day. The sun was beating down on the road, the sky was clear except for a few well-placed clouds that seemed almost close enough to reach out and touch. Hey, guess that’s why Land of the Living Skies is on the license plates around here- right?

  Jasmine grinned widely as she passed a small town- the first she had seen in an hour or so. Her music loud and all four windows rolled down as she cruised along the road. Right now, she couldn't be happier.

  An hour later, as Jasmine made her way closer to her destination she could have been much happier. She could have been there. Only a little longer left. She told herself as she turned down the dirt road that promised to take her there- in 31 K.

  It didn’t take long to get there, or maybe she just wasn’t paying as much attention as she should have been but Jasmine slowed as she saw the sign advertising the guest ranch and turned down the long winding road.

  As she came to a stop in front of a row of buildings she looked around shutting the engine off and slipped out of the car, her Vera Wang purse in her hands. Jasmine heard the crunch of gravel behind her.