Highland Mist

by Donna Grant

  Mostly because they would die for him. Some were hired like Gregor, but most were his clan, willing to fight and die alongside their laird.

  His eyes roamed until he found the MacInnes’ brat. She sat in front of Effie and glared at him defiantly. For a child so young she had spirit. She reminded him of Glenna’s mother. It was a shame he had had to kill Catriona, but she had been a pagan after all. Glenna had turned out all right.

  Until Conall had come.

  MacNeil wondered if she knew the truth about her parents. Regardless, he needed her by his side. The conquering went much smoother when she aided him, unwilling or not.

  He nodded to his commander. It was time to take back what was his.

  * * * * *

  Summer would soon arrive, Conall thought as sweat ran down his chest and the sun beat upon his back. He had trained with his men all morning, but all he could concentrate on was Glenna. She had told him she liked to watch while he trained yet she wasn’t there.

  Her absence was felt throughout the castle, but mostly within his heart, and it had only been a day since she left. A day that seemed as though an eternity.

  He slipped and narrowly avoided being clobbered by Angus’ sword. With a quick step to the side he ducked the swing and rammed an elbow into Angus’ stomach.

  “St. Brigit,” Angus cursed. “Must ye knock the breath from me every time?”

  “Reflex.”

  Angus snorted. “My arse. Ye’re mind was wandering to a certain dark-haired lass.”

  Conall’s life had lost its luster without her, but it must be worse than he thought if Angus would comment on it. He had to ask himself how he planned to live the rest of his life without her. For that’s exactly what would happen.

  He had given her to the Druids, and in doing so had let go of any hope of a future with her. He no longer cared about his honor or his vows. Without Glenna he was nothing.

  It had nearly killed him to watch her walk from the castle and not beg her to stay by his side. Just as it had turned his stomach to feed her the lies about returning her to MacNeil.

  Yet all had been done with the best of intentions. Keeping her safe. He had lost his sister and now his daughter to MacNeil. That bastard would take nothing else from him.

  Conall buried his sword in the earth. Aye, by his life he had sworn to kill the man who would dare to disrupt his world, who had dared to murder innocent children’s parents because of a prophecy, who had dared to kill for the fun of it.

  Angus clamped him on the shoulder. “Ye’re lost without her. After this is over, go to her.”

  He shook his head. “I cannot. As much as I need her by my side, she’ll never forgive me for what I did.”

  “It was a ruse. I’ll tell her that myself.”

  “Nay,” Conall nearly yelled. He lowered his tone, and said, “She’s better off without me.”

  Angus snorted his disapproval. “Ye’ll never be whole without yer mate. It’s the blessing the Druids put upon yer family for hiding them.”

  “It’s a curse, Angus, not a blessing, not when you can’t have your mate.” Conall turned his attention from his friend to the two soldiers who ran up. “What news?”

  “The majority of the clan is safe within these walls, laird,” said Thomas, a tall, thin boy who was going to make a fine soldier.

  “Good work.”

  “We’re ready for the MacNeil,” he said. “I’ve heard some of the men saying the Druids would aid us.”

  Conall shrugged and dismissed them before he turned to Angus. “What do you know of that?”

  Angus slid his sword into his scabbard. “Don’t be forgetting that I grew up in this clan too. I know how the Druids have always helped us. What makes ye think they’d stop now?”

  What indeed? Conall thought. “We can handle the MacNeil ourselves.”

  Angus stared at him then turned and walked away. His disappointed expression burned in Conall’s memory. Never once had Angus not stood by a decision he made. Until now.

  He must be losing the ability to lead the clan. Once MacNeil was dead and Iona and Ailsa safe, he would step aside for a new laird. One who could lead the clan properly.

  * * * * *

  The Shadow peered at Moira’s sleeping form. He wanted to get closer, but Dartayous was near. Did the cursed warrior never sleep? His eyes found Glenna who slept next to Moira. It would be so easy to slit her throat, but then Moira would wake and see that he had done it. He couldn’t allow that.

  Besides, he would never get past Dartayous. There had to be another way.

  * * * * *

  Glenna awoke suddenly, the serenity of the stone circle not reaching her troubled mind. She struggled to recall the dream she just had, but it faded as fast as she strained to remember.

  She had to see Conall. Her mind urged her to seek him out, but she wasn’t sure for what. She rose from her bed and walked past Moira’s sleeping form. It never crossed her mind to wonder where the Druid warrior Dartayous who had been watching over them was.

  With the waning moon to light her way, she moved quickly to the hidden cave entrance. She stopped just inside. Her fear of the spiders made her hesitate, but her need to see Conall pushed aside any apprehension. Besides, if she tried hard enough she might be able to roast any she spotted, she thought with a chuckle.

  There were no torches here and walking through without one wasn’t an option. She bent and picked up a sturdy stick. With eyes closed, she concentrated all her powers on lighting the stick, and to her utter astonishment it went up in flames.

  She threw the stick to the ground as flames engulfed it and hurriedly stamped out the fire. When there was nothing left of the stick, she turned back to the darkened cave.

  Doubts assaulted her. How would she ever defeat MacNeil if she couldn’t light a simple stick to use as a torch? Her powers couldn’t be summoned properly and that could cause many deaths. Moira was more than patient with her, but Glenna knew she had precious little time to garner years of Druid knowledge.

  But Ailsa, Iona and Conall broke through her misgivings. She loved Conall though he didn’t want her, and for her love of him, Ailsa and Iona she would do anything to keep them safe. Even brave the spider-infested caves.

  She took a deep breath, closed her eyes to steady her nerves, and then rushed into the caves. She didn’t slow, not even when her side ached and her lungs could barely fill with air.

  When the bailey came into view, she slowed to a walk. Just before she stepped out of the cave a spider ran across her path. She sucked in a breath and froze until all eight legs were out of view.

  So much for roasting him. I was too scared to do anything but pray he wouldn’t come my way.

  She squared her shoulders and stepped from the cave. A look around the bailey and battlements showed her Conall was prepared for the MacNeil’s arrival. The guards were doubled on the battlements and more protected the bailey.

  After a nod to the soldier guarding the cave entrance, she made her way to the castle. She entered and found the hall full of sleeping soldiers. Grunts and snores filled the hall. She spotted Angus sitting by the fire and gave him a small smile.

  He winked and motioned her over. “I thought ye’d be coming for a visit, lass.”

  “Why?” she asked, and took the goblet he offered.

  “Why?” He laughed. “Because he needs ye.”

  She shook her head and took a drink of the mead. “Nay. Conall needs his family.”

  He wiped his mouth after taking a big gulp out of his goblet. “True enough. But ye don’t give yourself enough credit. Ye got to him, lass, and that’s more than any woman here has done.”

  “If only it were true.”

  “Lass,” he said after a deep sigh, “yer as stubborn as Conall. What ye don’t know is that the Druids gave Conall’s family the ability to only marry their mates.”

  She blinked and licked her lips as Conall’s words came to mind. “You’re mine.”

  “The Druids wan
ted the MacInnes’ lairds to be happy, and for their family to be happy. Conall knows he’s found his mate.”

  She thought over his words as she gazed into the fire. Could Angus be right? Did Conall need her as much as she hoped? She set the goblet on the table and gave him a smile.

  Angus chuckled and pointed to the stairs. “He’s in his chamber.”

  She returned his wink before ascending the stairs. With every step her feet became heavier. Her heart fluttered erratically in her chest, and her body heated at the thought of seeing Conall again. She had missed his teasing smile and the way his eyes smoldered when he looked her way.

  But would he turn her away?

  That question plagued her mind as she stood in front of his chamber door. She placed her hands on the wood and closed her eyes. A vision flashed of Conall lying on the ground as MacNeil soldiers swarmed around him, his life’s blood soaking the ground. And she knew that even if he did order her from his castle she had to warn him of her vision.

  The thought of him dying twisted her gut. She was a Druid and therefore obligated to help the MacInnes clan, even if the laird had no wish for aid. She unlatched the door and quietly pushed it open. Her eyes hurriedly scanned the chamber until she found him. He sat before the fire in his favorite chair his sword between his legs as he sharpened and cleaned it.

  But it was the shadows moving across his muscular back that made her blood pound. A gasp escaped her as she recalled the fell of those muscles beneath her hand as they made love.

  With the quickness of the Fae he whirled around, the tip of his sword pointing at her neck while he crouched ready for battle. His gray eyes widened in astonishment before they narrowed in confusion.

  “Glenna?”

  She smiled and pushed his sword away. “Aye. It’s me, laird.”

  “You’ve come back?” he asked, his expression guarded now.

  “I had to see you.”

  He lowered his sword and cocked his head to the side. “Have you returned?”

  “You don’t want me here, Conall.”

  “You don’t know what I want,” he said, and raised himself to his full height.

  “Because you won’t talk to me.” When he opened his mouth to argue she hurriedly went on. “But I’m not here to debate the issue.”

  “Then why are you here?” he asked, and resumed his seat before the fire.

  She moved to his side and knelt beside him. With a deep breath and a quick prayer that it would work, she closed her eyes and touched his hand.

  Her vision came clear and sharp. Conall and the MacNeil fought, their blades clanging loudly. Conall turned and cried out as a sword sank into his back. She jerked open her eyes. The vision faded when she looked at Conall.

  He narrowed his silver gaze. “What did you see?”

  “Your death by the MacNeil’s hand.”

  He laughed and continued sharpening his sword. “He won’t kill me.”

  “You aren’t invincible. Why won’t you listen to me?” Once she had seen the vision, she knew it was the dream she had had. She had to make him realize he was in danger.

  “Not all of the Druids’ visions are correct.” He stopped and looked at her. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll be more careful when I meet him.”

  “You’re a fine laird, Conall. The finest I’ve ever met.”

  “You’ve only met two.”

  Oh, he infuriated her sometimes. “It wouldn’t matter if I’d met hundreds. I know you’re the best. But in order for you to continue to lead your clan you must remember the rest of the prophecy.”

  “Why don’t you just tell me? It would save everyone a lot of time,” he said, and rose to his feet. “Why are you here anyway?”

  She stood and watched as he poured himself some wine. “I had to warn you of your death. We need you to fulfill the prophecy.”

  His laughed resonated around the room. “Maybe my death will fulfill your prophecy.”

  “I need you to live.”

  Slowly he turned to face her. “Have you returned to me?”

  “Nay.”

  Silence filled the chamber as he stared at her. “I need you.”

  Warmth flooded her at his words, but their future hinged upon the prophecy. “I can’t be here now. It’s not time.”

  “Enough with the riddles,” he said, and threw the goblet into the fire. “Speak plainly.”

  “I am. I’m telling you I can’t be here now.”

  “Why?”

  Surely there wasn’t a more stubborn man in all of Scotland, she thought. First, he wanted her away from the castle and had gone to great lengths to get it, and now he wanted her here. She sighed wearily. “Because of the MacNeil.”

  “I will protect you from him.”

  “Aye, you would try.” She walked to him and ran her fingers along his strong jaw. “I must go now.”

  He closed a hand around her wrist. “Stay. Stay with me tonight.”

  “I’ve never left you.”

  “I need you, Glenna,” he said, his eyes molten with desire.

  Her body flared to life at those simple words, but there was also an air of despair in his words. She gazed deep into his eyes and saw the self-doubt and fear buried deep within him. She could do nothing to ease his doubts now, only grant him his one wish—to have Iona and Ailsa safe beside him again. That she could, and would, do for him. Because she loved him.

  She also knew if he was to live another day she had to leave. Staying would only make him lose focus and prolong his remembering the entire prophecy.

  “I’ve always needed you.” She withdrew her arm and walked to the door. “Don’t give up hope,” she called over her shoulder.

  * * * * *

  The Shadow rubbed his hands together. It had been easy to follow Glenna into the caves where he waited for her to return. He had to kill her this time. Even if she did yell they would be so deep in the caves that no one would ever hear her. It was perfect. Just perfect.

  “She comes,” he said as she appeared in the bailey.

  He hid in the shadows and waited until she was deep in the caves before he crept closer to her. With his power he shrouded himself so she couldn’t see him. He was almost upon her when she whirled around, swinging the torch in her hand.

  “Who’s there?” she asked, her voice pitched high from her fear.

  There was no need for him to say anything. He smiled and pulled a dagger from inside his cloak. He had moved to her side and watched in amazement as her fear grew.

  It was a good thing she hadn’t learned all her powers or he would never be able to carry this out. He raised the dagger and was about to pounce on her when a roar filled the cave.

  He raised his eyes in time to see Dartayous jumping from a crevice in the top of the cave. The warrior landed in between him and Glenna. With a curse he slid the dagger back into his cloak and melded with the shadows.

  “Dartayous,” Glenna said. “What are you doing here?”

  “He was here,” the warrior stated, his sword drawn and held in front of him as he looked around the cave.

  “Who was here?”

  “He was about to kill you, Glenna,” he said, and turned to face her. “I followed you because I knew he would as well. He’s very powerful to shroud himself so well from my eyes.”

  “I shouldn’t have come,” she said, and bowed her head.

  “Come. We must return to the circle. He can’t harm you there.”

  The Shadow didn’t wait for them to leave. He ran as fast as he could through the caves so he could return to the circle before he was missed. He had made another mistake this night, and if he weren’t more vigilant his carefully laid plans would be for naught.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The sun’s rays sprang around the mountains and spilled its golden light upon the ground still damp with the morning dew. Conall stretched his sword high above his head and began his morning ritual.

  He liked to be alone first thing in the morning. The d
awn usually set his soul at ease with new hope, but nothing would ease his torment this day. He dropped his arms and shook his head to clear it. He practiced until sweat dripped from his body, but still he couldn’t concentrate.

  Glenna’s words had haunted his sleep, and when he had risen at first light, he knew it would be the day the MacNeil came. His wits needed to be about him, and his morning exercise had always put everything into perspective before. But things were different now.

  He had lost everything. Iona, his mother, Ailsa, his power and now…Glenna.

  The sun blinded him as it crested the mountain. He closed his eyes and heard his mother’s words. “Open your mind, Conall. It’s amazing the things life can give us if we but give it a chance.”

  With a roar he swung his sword around and became one with it. This is what would avenge Glenna’s parents. This sword would return Iona and Ailsa, and it would fulfill the vow he had given his mother.

  Damn everything else, especially his vow to the Druids. He had found his mate, and he refused to live without her. After all it had been the Druids who gave his family the ability to marry their mates.

  His mind was fixed now. Everything was clear. He would vanquish MacNeil and once again have Iona, Ailsa and Glenna out of harm’s way beside him. Then every Highlander in Scotland would be safe from MacNeil’s butchery.

  Conall turned to find Angus and Gregor leaning against the wall. “Ready the soldiers. The MacNeil arrives this day.”

  Both men jerked from the wall. Angus ran off to do as he commanded, but Gregor didn’t move.

  “Are you sure?” Gregor asked.

  “As sure as I know the sun will set on this day.”

  Gregor looked at his feet, his face lined with uneasiness. “I better get ready then.”

  “Hold,” Conall said. When Gregor had turned to face him, he said, “I don’t know whether you’ve lied to me or not.”

  “I ken. You’ve lost your ability.”

  Conall nodded. “I’m going on my instinct, but if you do betray me and this clan know that the Druids will hunt you down for it.”