Highlander's Castle

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “Those tensions arose because of your chief. He’s no longer around, nor will he be for some time to come.”

  “Having her at Dunscaith is a solid reminder we no longer fight.”

  “We fight now. A better reminder would be if you left.”

  “I will, with her by my side.”

  “She stays.”

  “We will speak our vows again. I demand it.”

  MacLeod shoved his chair back and marched to the door. “There will be no vows spoken. I willnae sway from my decision.” He instructed his men to remain on guard.

  The warning was clear. Anne wouldn’t be permitted to leave Dunvegan.

  Chapter 9

  Anne clutched the back of the padded chair to regain her balance after the jump through time. The rich burgundy fabric, highlighted by the moonlight streaming through the window was all too familiar. She patted her scratched up desktop. Solid wood. In the corner her childhood bed sat. Nothing had been destroyed. She flicked on the light. The ashes of her home hadn’t fluttered away in the breeze. “I’m home. I’m really home.”

  Footsteps pounded down the hallway. Annie raced into the room, her white-gold hair breezing over her shoulders. “Oh my goodness. You’re here.”

  “This is where you ended up?”

  “Aye, welcome home.” Dressed in yellow brushed cotton pajamas, she crossed the room and grasped her hands. “I’m sorry we parted last time so quickly.”

  “Me too. What year have I arrived in?”

  “Two-thousand and fourteen. After I left you at Dunscaith, I came through the portal and landed in your apartment a few streets over. The strangest thing happened. Your parents arrived on your doorstep after receiving your new address from the police, only instead of you, they got me. They told me as soon as they’d disposed of the heater, it was suddenly two-thousand and fourteen. Three years had passed and the letter you’d sent them was still on the table, opened as they’d left it. I believe my arrival here triggered whatever was needed to move them back fully into time.”

  “What happened next?”

  “They brought me here and together we tried to sort out what to do. Though we didnae speak again to the police. Fairy magic was clearly at work.” She wrung her hands together. “I’m so sorry. For days we considered every single angle and ’twas only once we received a call from Scotland that we had something to work on. Your parents left immediately.”

  “What call?”

  “One from Donald and William MacDonald. They told us they knew where you were, or at least they did. You’d just been sucked back through a portal afore their eyes. Your parents have gone to Scotland.”

  “But I only left Donald and William a few hours—” Oh, stupid damn time travel. “When did Donald and William call?”

  “’Tis been six days since they spoke through that strange device which captured their voices. Time has no meaning until we’ve arrived.” She pulled her into a hug. “Your parents are wonderful. Your letter to them was very clear. They cannae wait to see you.”

  “Ha, that would be nice,” she mumbled into Annie’s pajama top, no, one of her old pajama tops. “How come you didn’t go with them?”

  “I’ve no passport, and even though I could use yours since we’re identical, Donald and William had it.”

  “Argh, that means we’re both stuck here.”

  “I don’t mind. I love your country. The beach is beyond your window, and the sand is so soft, the water such a clear blue. ’Tis no wonder MacLeods traveled halfway across the world to settle here.”

  “Alex needs me. We handfasted, and then Rory came for me, you, I mean—well, you know what I mean. He came and I returned with him to Dunvegan. That’s where I made a wish upon the Fairy Flag as well.”

  “You did? ’Tis the power behind our travel. What was your wish?”

  “That my parents survive the terrible fire which took them. To allow you to travel through time as you wished, but that I not be taken from Alex.”

  “With our wishes made, our travel may be intertwined. You have come to me, once at Dunscaith and now here.”

  “Yes, but I need to see my parents, and I also need to get back to Alex. He followed me to Dunvegan. You wouldn’t believe how stubborn he is.”

  “You’ve come to care for him?”

  “More than anything.” She palmed her chest. “My heart aches for him, and I carry his child. He knows, and I’m sure right now he’s peeved I disappeared the way I did.”

  “A bairn.” She hugged her. “Goodness, our Highland men are incredibly obstinate, although I don’t know how you’ll get back to him. The portal has a mind of its own.”

  She swayed on her feet. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”

  “Dinnae apologize to me. Come. I’ll see to your care.” She guided her out the door and down the cream carpeted hallway.

  Colorful prints of her family graced the sea-blue walls, a montage from over the years. Her favorite was one of the three of them sitting at the base of the sand dunes. The foamy waves had rolled in and tickled their toes. Memories surged. “After the fire, I had nothing, not one of these prints. Now, it’s all back. Amazing.”

  “You have a wonderful family.” Annie led her across the kitchen to the side alcove.

  “I’ve missed this place.” Silver-edged blue curtains adorned the bay windows and she sat underneath them on the padded seat. She stroked the covers sewn in the same luscious fabric. On the kitchen countertop, Mum’s glorious white roses bloomed in a sparkling crystal vase. “Did you pick those?”

  “Aye, they’re beautiful. Morainne’s rose garden is stunning.” Annie nabbed a credit card from the bench then sat beside her. “She gave me this and a number which unlocks money from those machines which hand it out. I had some practice before she and Tor left, but ’tis good you’re here to aid me.”

  “I’m so sorry.” How could she have forgotten how scary the future must seem to Annie. Sure, her ancestor had made the wish, which had started it all, but she was also here, trying to fix what she’d begun. “I met Margaret. She insisted we not tell Rory what had happened, that he’d never believe and only blame Alex for my loss of mind.”

  “Aye, she’s right. It would take a miracle for Rory to believe you were no’ me. Look at us. We’re the same, even down to the tiny mole we have above our left eyebrow. We must be close in age”

  “My birthday is June first. I’m twenty-one.”

  Those identical eyebrows rose. “I too am one and twenty, June first. Blood of my blood.” Annie clasped her hands. “That could be another reason our wish was granted.”

  “What happened to your parents? I’ve heard they passed away, but not how.”

  Tears welled in Annie’s eyes. “They should never have died. Three years past we were traveling to Edinburgh. Mother and I sat in the cart as Father and several of our guardsmen rode with us. Such rugged terrain, but still we traveled the roads instead of the waterways. One of the wheels came loose and we had to stop. The moment we did, a savage party of ruffians stormed out of the forest. They wielded two claymores each and attacked with ferocity.”

  “Why?” Oh, poor Annie. She must have been terrified.

  “There is such unrest in the Highlands. The king wishes the wealth of Skye for himself and if a clan denies what he requests, they soon find disfavor and bounties on their heads. A number of clans have lost their lands. Those cast out take what they can, where they can. ’Tis a game of survival, although many are strong, highly trained warriors. This band of ruffians was one such group.”

  “But you survived.”

  “Father tossed me his dirk and told me to take Mother and run. She wouldnae leave him, and I couldnae drag her away. Father died protecting the two of us.”

  “And your mother?” She wiped her wet cheeks.

  “We were taken. Mother fought her captor and hit her head on a low tree branch as we passed underneath it. She never recovered from the blow.”

  “What about you?”


  “I was dumped in the middle of their encampment and held as a hostage. The leader sent word to Rory.”

  “You were held for ransom?”

  “Aye, but Rory planned his own attack against the thugs. He tortured the messenger until he broke. ’Twas only five days after my parents’ death when Rory stormed into camp. I’ve never seen him so as I did that day. He went berserk, killing every single man who’d attacked us. Not one man was granted leniency. ’Twas a message well sent, that none would ever attack his clan so again.”

  “I’m sorry.” She hugged Annie as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Some time has passed and my heart is less burdened. The good memories have risen to override the bad. I keep the precious times with my loved ones close.”

  “What happened next?”

  “Rory took me in after my parents’ death, and though he is a chief and a warrior first, I have been privileged to have been in his care. You said he came for me—I mean you.”

  “Yes. The Chief of MacDonald was captured by the king’s men.”

  “Oh.” Annie rubbed her chin. “With Donald MacDonald out of the way, there would be no need for the handfast.”

  “Exactly, but I’d already spoken my vows, only I broke them when I left with Rory to ensure my letter made it to my parents.”

  “Rory would use such a thing to his advantage. Hmm, what to do. I must think on it.” She wandered into Mum’s cozy kitchen. From the crockery cupboard, she nabbed two glasses and set them on the sand-colored countertop. “Juice of the orange, or milk?”

  “Orange juice.”

  She took the milk from the fridge, poured two glasses then passed her one. “Milk is better for the bairn. Would you like a sandwich?”

  “No, I just—”

  “Food is good for the bairn too.” Annie removed four slices of bread from the bag and laid them on a wooden board.

  “Okay, I should be trying to up my iron levels anyway. Toss some meat on that if there’s some, and I’ll try and keep it down.”

  “Morning sickness?” Annie buttered two slices, fetched some sliced ham from the fridge and slapped the sandwich together. Passing her the meal on a plate, she added, “Is there aught I can do to help?”

  “I don’t think so. I feel all right at the moment. I’ll eat this slowly.” She nibbled on the sandwich.

  “I have a thought.” Annie lathered honey on her sandwich, cut it in half then returned and sat beside her. “The handfast was to take place afore the first of the coming month.”

  “Yes, it did.”

  Annie smiled, rather slyly. “Ah, but who’s to say it can’t take place twice?”

  “Rory no doubt, and if you haven’t noticed, look where I am.”

  “Aye, that is one problem, or mayhap two.”

  “I also need to consider my parents.”

  “Ah, or mayhap three. Still, enough of that.” Annie tapped Anne’s knee. “Worry willnae get us anywhere. I said I’d sort this, and somehow I will.”

  Three problems, and a distance of over four-hundred years spanning them.

  Great. Annie fixing this was something she’d like to see.

  * * * *

  Alex paced Anne’s chamber. “She will return.”

  “It’s been two days.” Margaret perched on the end of the bed, wringing her hands in the lilac folds of her gown. “What if she does no’ come back? Annie still hasn’t.”

  That hadn’t passed his notice. His first intended bride hadn’t been seen again since Anne had arrived. He halted at the window, gripped the stone sill. The loch remained calm with nary a ripple. Its glassy surface was at great counter to the storm of emotions roiling within him. “Anne will come back. I will hunt her down if she does no’.”

  “Rory grows restless. He continues to ask about her, and I cannae keep him from this chamber for much longer.”

  Margaret had informed MacLeod Anne had the same chest sickness as Mary, both suffering terribly from their travel across the sea.

  “Continue to keep the door barred. Do whatever you can to keep him from entering.” Below in the inner courtyard both his warriors and MacLeod’s men trained, each clan keeping to their side. “I need to join my men.”

  “Go. I’ll send word if she returns.”

  Anne would come back to him. He wouldn’t accept anything else.

  ’Twas a mantra he recited over and over as he left Margaret behind and stormed outside.

  At the edge of the courtyard, he eyed the Fairy Tower. ’Twas where Rory MacLeod’s chamber was located, not in the old keep where he’d just been.

  The front door of the tower opened and MacLeod stepped out in his great plaid belted at his waist. Their gazes clashed, and MacLeod tipped his chin up then stared him down. “Do you wish to train, MacDonald?”

  From the sheath across his back, Alex slid his claymore free and held it aloft. He wanted nothing more than to release this tension tying his muscles in knots. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  MacLeod withdrew his own sword and advanced. “To the first who yields goes defeat.”

  “Aye, that shall be you.” Alex strode into the center of the yard.

  Cheers sounded from his men and MacLeod’s. They formed a solid circle around them.

  Alex eyed MacLeod’s stance as he softened his footing in preparation to attack.

  They circled each other, MacLeod matching him in height and breadth. Good. An even match. He enjoyed nothing more than battling an adversary such as this. “When you’re—”

  “I’m always ready, MacDonald.” MacLeod struck and Alex blocked. Their weapons clashed dead center, steel ringing loud against steel. “Best you never forget that.”

  “Then dinnae hold back on my account.” He came at MacLeod, landed several hard blows one after the other.

  “You favor your right.” MacLeod twirled then attacked on his left, each hit stronger than the last.

  He would fight, for Anne, for him, for their future together. Rory MacLeod would be the first to yield, because he never would. “Aye, but I can bide my time until you tire with such play.”

  MacLeod grunted. “Strong words.”

  “More like accurate.” Alex switched their positions. He sprang forward and caught MacLeod on his left. Battle lust rode him hard. The itch to kill throbbed through his blood. “Let’s battle.”

  “You’re an admirable opponent, MacDonald.” MacLeod’s gaze flashed with determination. “But I’m bred from Vikings. We never concede defeat.”

  “You will this day.”

  “Alex!” Margaret raced out the door of the keep. “Mary has asked for you. ’Tis urgent.”

  He swung his claymore down on MacLeod’s blade, every muscle in his body on fire with rage. Mother no doubt watched from her window. “Tell her I’ll be up shortly.”

  Margaret stood at the edge of the circle, one hand pressed to her chest. “I’ll tell her no such thing. Rory, this fight must end. The MacDonalds are our guests.”

  MacLeod smirked at his sister. “’Tis no’ a fight. We are enjoying the sunshine and fresh air while partaking in exercise.”

  “Dinnae you try to wheedle your way out of this.” She ran to the central well, heaved up a bucket of water then marched toward them.

  “Lass, dinnae even think—”

  She tossed cold water at them, and it washed away the fury that had consumed Alex.

  MacLeod slipped then righted himself with a chuckle. “Sister, that was wasteful.”

  She stepped between them, eyeing her brother. “No more of your training. ’Tis getting late and the kitchen staff stand ogling you two instead of tending to this eve’s meal. You may train again in the morn.”

  MacLeod leaned in and tweaked Margaret’s nose. “Aye, you may have your way this one time.”

  Alex dipped his head respectfully toward Margaret. “Excuse me while I go and see my mother.”

  “Thank you.” Huffing, she planted her hands on her hips. “Sorry to have w
et you. Mary will greatly appreciate your visit.”

  Sheathing his claymore, he backed away. Booming their congratulations, his men surrounded him. Had Margaret not intervened he would have won that round with MacLeod, but maybe ’twas best she had. They were guests, of which he currently needed to remain. He had to keep his head.

  James gripped his shoulder. “We need to speak.”

  “About?” He moved out of the others’ hearing range.

  “While you fought, and MacLeod’s men were so engrossed, Alan and I searched for the Fairy Flag. It seemed logical for MacLeod to keep his talisman close, very close.”

  “You searched the Fairy Tower?”

  “Aye, and the old keep, but we’ve found naught so far. If the flag exists, ’tis kept securely hidden.”

  “It exists.” Anne would not have been taken from him without its magic. “Continue with your search. Take every opportunity you can to find that flag.”

  He would get Anne back and he wouldn’t rest until he did.

  She was his, heart, body and soul.

  For all time, not just the past.

  Chapter 10

  “How do those machines fly so high?” Annie gripped the railing of the glass viewing room at Auckland’s international airport. “’Tis a miracle for sure when they appear so large and cumbersome.”

  Smiling, Anne rested her head against Annie’s shoulder. Her ancestor’s curiosity knew no bounds. Keeping up with her barrage of questions over the past two days had been both exhausting and comforting. Her enthusiasm for this time at least distracted her constant thoughts of Alex. “They run on fuel and with very large engines.”

  “Which one will Morainne and Tor be on?”

  “You can’t see it yet, but their plane will be here soon.” Thank goodness she’d been able to reach Donald and William the morning after she’d arrived. Being able to tell them she’d traveled through time again and was now with Annie, had eased some of her worry.

  Donald had passed the phone to Dad. He’d demanded she not disappear again, his voice and hers breaking as they spoke.