Dreams Of The Highlander

by Sarah Hoss

  “Alexander, all will work out. As soon as Alistair gets back, we can move.”

  He looked at his brother, his eyebrows knotted together as if in deep thought.

  “Aye, James, I know. I’m ready to get this over with. I want Marlana back with me and I want to settle things with Colyn once and for all.”

  Hamish laid his hand on his shoulder. “Ye do realize that this isn’t going to turn out how ye want. One of ye will die today,” he said and Alexander only nodded. “Just try and make sure it isn’t ye.”

  The brothers laughed for a moment, easing some of the tension.

  “I know what ye speak of is true and it saddens me.” He turned to stand in front of his brothers. “I need ye three to promise me that ye will not go after Colyn, he is mine.”

  James spoke first. “I only promise to not go after him if Marlana isn’t in any danger and ye aren’t free to help.” Hamish seconded that statement. Alexander looked at them, then nodded in agreement. Marlana’s safety came first.

  A lone horse whinnied in the distance, followed by the answer of another. One of the men near the horse quieted it quickly.

  Alistair dismounted, took a drink from the wine bag that had been handed to him and tried to catch his breath.

  “Go on, man, what did ye find?” Hamish elbowed Alexander, who was practically standing in the man’s face, waiting for word about the situation.

  Alistair glanced around the group, then directed his attention to his superior, James.

  “They arena far, only up the road a ways. There are about twenty of them. They’ve set up camp, but I doona think they’re staying the night.

  James turned to Alexander. “They’ll want to get out of the area as soon as possible. Head back to their lands.”

  “Aye.” He glanced back at the informant. “Did ye see Marlana? Is she all right?”

  “Aye, I saw her. She was sitting off to the edge with a guard. I doona know if she is all right or not, though I believe she is. She was alert and bound when I saw her.”

  He tensed at this, his jaw muscle and mind working overtime.

  Sitting on a log, next to the fire, Marlana stretched her back and yawned. Sitting and waiting began to fray her nerves. She was the only female here and none of the men paid her any attention, which, for the most part, was a good thing. She wanted desperately to know what was going on, but being bound as she was, it wasn’t as if she could walk over and ask. It wouldn’t matter anyway; no one would answer any questions she had. Men sat in groups. Everyone seemed tense, even Colyn. Marlana watched the men, trying to learn them. If she was going to be stuck in this group, she wanted to know all she could.

  There were between fifteen and twenty men, including Colyn and his lap dogs. The only one that was remotely decent was the old man who cooked. The others all glared at her, making her feel uncomfortable. They would whisper or talk quietly to one another, then look over at her. It is the most unnerving feeling.

  She touched her cheek where she’d been hit earlier that morning. She winced with the pain and wondered what it looked like.

  A noise to her left caught her attention and she glanced up at her prison guard. Simon stood close to hand, which seemed ridiculous. As if she could get away from them. Not much she could do when every time she turned around, someone was watching her.

  He glanced down and smiled and she gave him a disgusted look back. A soft chuckle rolled from his lips.

  Sighing, she peered back over the clearing and picked up the hem of her ragged gown. She was inspecting it when she heard the most bone chilling noise coming from the woods. A war cry permeated the air as shots rang from the trees. She jumped and screamed. A chill ran down her spine as the war cry was sounded again, this time as the group answered the call.

  They were under attack. A sound like that could only mean one thing; these men were out for blood. They were surrounded.

  Colyn’s men were quick to react as the group came running into the clearing, but those sitting closest to the trees, were not so lucky. The sound of pistols being fired made her jump again and she scooted back, being brought up short by the rock wall behind her.

  This is real, she thought hysterically, as she watched the violent hand to hand battle happen in front of her. Men were dying and her mind had a hard time grasping that information. This was not something she would ever encounter back in her old life. As much as she wanted to put her head between her knees and hide this from her vision, she was riveted and couldn’t look away.

  The smoke from the pistols was thick in the air, making it hard to see. The smell of gunfire filled her nose.

  Someone grabbed her arm. She screamed and tried to pull away. Clawing the hand that held her, she peered up to see who it was and rose to her feet, ready to flee. Simon’s face was serious and as he reached for her again, she fought.

  “Come here, ye bitch.” He lunged for her and almost had her. The sound of an arrow whizzed past her ear. She watched Simon slide to the ground; the arrow point now replaced his left eyeball, leaving his face twisted in a gruesome display. She sucked in a breath and turned to see where the arrow had come from.

  Their eyes locked for a brief moment and her heart swelled at the sight of him. Alexander stood in the middle of the make-shift camp, bow still held out in front of him. Tears sprang forward as she bit her lip and nodded her head. He returned the gesture, understanding that she was all right.

  “Alexander!” she screamed and pointed, as she saw a man coming up from behind him, sword over his head. In a smooth motion, Alexander spun on his heel, ducked, and grabbed a sgian dhu from his stocking. He then swung his arm up as he rose, and sliced his opponent’s neck. She flinched as blood sprayed from the wound. She covered her mouth as if that one movement could keep the bile down.

  As her eyes scanned the area, she spotted Hamish and James. Each one engrossed in their own battle and she sent up a prayer that they would be safe. Where was Callum?

  A man ran for Hamish, barreling into him like an angry bull, knocking them both to the ground. They rolled back and forth, both grunting with exertion. The man brought out his dagger and Hamish reached up, grabbed his arm, stopping him inches from his throat. As Hamish swung his leg up and over the other man, he twisted his arm around his attacker and flipped him over, sending the man’s dagger flying. Hamish punched him in the face, then grabbed the man’s head and twisted, breaking his neck.

  Alexander came running toward her, using his shield to slam into anyone that was near, while his sword swung vengeance to those daring enough to get in his way.

  She stood with her back against the rock face that was jutting out of the hillside. She was scared to immobility- scared of what was going on around her, of what to do next, terrified Alexander would be hurt. She peered around the field, fighting ensued everywhere. No matter where she thought to run, a fight would be in her way. The clash of steel echoed in her ears so loudly that she covered them with her hands. She flinched as two men close to her fought, almost hitting her and she moved out of the way. The Macpherson man was about to be taken over. She glanced around, trying to find something she could use to help with. Adrenaline coursed through her body as she found a large stick. Picking it up, she grasped it firmly in her hands and waited for the best opportunity. When it finally came, she swung with all of her might and hit the other man in the back. This gave the Macpherson the moment needed to overtake him.

  She dropped the stick; the force of the impact sending tingles up her arms, her fingertips went numb. She stared down at the fallen man at her feet, the body still twitching before he finally succumbed to death. She stepped back, bile rising to her throat again. This time, she turned and threw up. The Macpherson man was gone, already engaged in another battle. Deciding then that she couldn’t watch any longer, she took off at a run for the trees. Her only though
t was to get behind one and hide. She’d almost reached sanctuary, when she was grabbed from behind. She kicked and screamed, trying to get away. A hand clamped over her mouth, hot breath blew against her ear as her attacker spoke.

  “And where did ye think ye were going?”

  She stopped struggling.

  “Ye and I are going to walk out of here and ye won’t say a word. Do ye understand what I am saying?”

  She nodded.

  “All right then, move.”

  Something in her head started to work again. Colyn had her and she was determined not to go anywhere with him. He didn’t have a knife in his hands, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t one on his body somewhere. She wondered where Alexander was. He hadn’t made it to her earlier. Had he seen her run toward the woods?

  “It’s a shame I never got to taste ye for myself.” He nipped her ear with his teeth as a hand came up to cup her breast. Irate, she stomped down on his foot while bringing her elbow back to hit him in the stomach with more force than she knew she had. His hand dropped from her mouth and he clinched his stomach with a grimace. She screamed for all she was worth.

  “Alex!” She wretched free from Colyn’s grasp and started to run for the clearing again. Her only desire was to get back to Alexander. She tripped over a tree stump and fell, sprawling out onto her stomach. Colyn reached down and grabbed the back of her dress, yanking her up. Her hand instantly went to his to try and dislodge it. Tears sprang to her eyes.

  “Ye stupid bitch, that will cost ye.”

  She was fighting for her life now and she knew it. She had to give it all she had. Her fear was subsiding and she became very angry. Turning to face him, she growled, “Got to hell,” and kicked him between the legs.

  He twisted, just in time to block her kick, then backhanded her, letting go of her dress at the same time. The impact sent her backward, falling to the ground and hitting her head. She heard her name being called, just before she blacked out.

  Alexander saw her run into the woods, Colyn giving chase, and blood boiled in his veins. He’d had enough.

  He pivoted, swinging his blade as he did and sliced his opponent across the chest. The man dropped like a stone. He glanced around for his brothers, finding James fending off a rather large attacker. Spying Hamish, he pointed with his head toward the woods and Hamish nodded understanding. Then he took off running toward the woods, making for the edge of the forest when he heard her scream his name.

  Chills covered him. They were off to his left and he turned toward them at a full run. He saw Colyn yank her up by her dress after she fell, heard her tell him to go to hell, and watched, in horror, as he slapped her to the ground. She didn’t move.

  He growled and yelled the war cry again, as he ran toward Colyn, sword above his head—the fury of a berserker in his eyes and wings on his feet.

  Colyn turned and posed. This confrontation was a long time coming and Alexander was ready and excited. He came up on Colyn hard, bringing his sword down with a mighty blow. Colyn staggered back.

  “Oh, like that, is it?” Colyn stepped toward him with an upper cut of the sword. He turned to the left, avoided being hit.

  “I’ve waited a long time, Alexander, to fight ye properly. Patience is a virtue, I suppose.”

  “Are ye going to talk me to death? Is that yer plan?”

  The two circled each other while they spoke. Metal hit metal, both men sweating with effort. Swords locked and Colyn swung them around, pointing Alexander’s toward the ground, using his other hand to punch Alexander in the face.

  His head whipped back, but his body didn’t move. They broke apart again, circling.

  “I always knew ye were married to trouble and I sometimes wondered if ye werena courting death as well.”

  “It isn’t I who willna walk away today. That privilege is reserved for ye.” Colyn swung his sword in a high arc above his head. “Too long I have lived in your shadow.”

  He watched Colyn for his next move, amazed at the words he heard. “What are ye talking about? Where does this deep hatred for me come from?”

  Colyn shook his head. “Ye are a Macpherson, do I need any more reason? How about Mairi? I loved her and ye stole her from me. How easy ye forgot Mairi,” he spat out. “Barely in the grave a year and here ye are, sleeping with that bitch.” He jerked toward Marlana with his chin. “Ye took Mairi away from me, so, I’m returning the favor. Once ye are dead, I’ll not take her as my wife, but my mistress. That is the only place befitting a whore.”

  He lunged again at Colyn, tackling him to the ground. They rolled to the side, both standing back up. As he went for Colyn again, Marlana made a sound as if she was waking, distracting him for a moment. Colyn seized on the chance to get the jump on him, and Alexander braced himself. He breathed in anticipation and watched in amazement as Colyn froze in mid-air, a look of horrific pain suddenly seizing his face. He stared at Colyn, who fell dead, a war ax embedded between his shoulder blades.

  Alexander swung around, staggering backward to get away from the falling form of Colyn. Disbelief washed over his face as he stared at the ax sticking out of the lifeless body. He glanced up to find his brother, James, standing in between the trees, no expression on his face, hands at his side.

  He was thankful that James had been there and nodded to his brother. James nodded back, turned, and walked away, heading back to the clearing. The battle was over.

  CHAPTER 25

  When her eyes fluttered open, she tried to focus, then squeezed them shut again. What little bit of light there was, shone right through the trees and into her eyes, making her head pound. She laid there for a moment, trying to take stock of herself. The root of the tree she was lying on dug into her back and she tried to sit up.

  “Marlana, are ye all right?”

  “My head hurts, but I’m okay.” She rolled her head, closing her eyes for a moment in satisfaction as her neck cracked, muscles loosened.

  “Tapadh leibh,” Alexander said, staring up at the sky.

  She’d never heard him say that one before. “What does that mean?”

  “Thank ye.”

  Smiling, she started to stand, but Alexander stayed her movements and knelt down beside her. Hands roamed over her checking for broken bones. She flinched when he touched her cheek, wondering if it had turned purple yet. She wouldn’t look him in the eye, embarrassment over everything that had transpired in the last week came flooding in on her. She bit her lip and tried to turn away from him.

  “Nay, Marlana, stay with me.”

  Swiping at a tear, she sighed. “I’m sorry, Alexander.” She turned to regard him. “I’m really sorry. I should’ve listened to you. I should’ve stayed away from him. This is my fault. If I hadn’t acted the way I did, if only I had listened to you.”

  She stared at her feet. “It was so stupid of me. In my time the men would have been mad and went on. Maybe punched each other, but that is it. Here men die.”

  Tears flowed freely. She wasn’t going to hide the badge of shame she was feeling.

  “I’ve caused you nothing but trouble, Alex, I’m sorry.” Turning her back to him, she whispered, “I don’t belong here.”

  He grabbed her shoulder and turned her around quickly, making her unstable on her feet for a moment. “Ye do belong here and with me. I willna let ye go, Marlana. Ye have the right to feel the things ye do and I willna begrudge ye that. I know I didna help ye in your feelings toward Colyn and I will shoulder the blame, also. But never say ye doona belong here, for hearing the words rips out my heart. I love ye and I want to marry ye.”

  She stood rooted in place, dumbfounded. After everything that happened, he still wanted her. She laid her hand on his cheek.

  “I’m sorry I had to say those things in the forest and that I had to hurt you. He said that if I didn’
t he would kill you and I believed him.”

  “Doona worry about it. It’s over now.” He drew her close, enveloping her in a fierce hug as he kissed her with such need, she thought they would both die of it.

  Large, strong arms scooped her up behind her knees and she found herself cradled against his strong chest. His heart was beating quickly. She knew how he felt, hers was, too. After everything that had happened, then that kiss, how could it not. She laid her head in the crook of his neck, snuggled in, accepting the heat his body offered. He smelled of gunpowder and sweat and she never thought anything could smell so wonderful. She smiled to herself as he carried her into the clearing where the other Macpherson men waited.

  He lowered her to her feet and she turned to survey the area. Horror caught in her throat so thick, she almost gagged on it. Quickly she turned away and met Alexander’s eyes. She wanted her mind to go numb, but it wouldn’t. She felt intense sadness at the loss of life, no matter who was dead. She closed her eyes and said a little prayer for their souls at the same time Alexander embraced her and she hugged him back. She felt safe and took comfort in that.

  He stroked her hair, soothing her.

  “Let’s go home,” he stated and she shook her head in agreement. He led her to his horse and helped her mount, swinging up behind her. Hamish, Callum, and James rode on each side of them with the rest of the men in line behind.

  The brothers had all spoken to her, wondering if she was all right and thankful that she was. She’d kissed them all on the cheek and thanked them for their help in rescuing her. She was glad to see them come through this unharmed. She spoke briefly to Callum and he assured her that Margaret and the kids were well and waiting for them back at the keep.