Highland Games Through Time

by Nancy Lee Badger

  Had her imagination run unbridled? Could she blame it on her recent kidnapping? Had she imagined the phenomenon? Jake acted as if he had not seen anything amiss.

  “We have people who use…methods…to predict weather patterns,” Jake said.

  She was still confused. He was trying to explain someone who could predict weather? “Seers?”

  “No,” he said, smiling, “but they are pretty accurate.”

  Jake returned to a stall and saddled the mare, Dara. His low murmur, and the way he scratched the animal’s neck, warmed her and filled her with a craving of such intensity, she wanted to know how his hands would feel as they stroked her body.

  The sweet memory of another man’s hands, roaming over her virginal flesh on her wedding night, caused a sudden intake of breath.

  Jake turned toward her. The concern in his raised eyebrow and open mouth drew her to his side. “Would you rather postpone our—”

  “Nay, if ye deem it safe, then we shall ride.”

  Dread blanketed her, and she clasped her hands across her chest. She had nearly died by the sorcerer’s hand. The sea almost swallowed her down into its murky depths. The dragon could easily have eaten her. Was her nephew at risk while she made small talk with Jake?

  Her arms trembled, but she was neither afraid nor worried.

  She had vowed to kill Andreas Borthwick, and talking with Jake was her path to victory. Convincing him to return with her to Scotland of his own accord was the best way to handle the situation.

  Jake had deep, relentless anger inside him. He held resentment toward her, yet he had kissed her.

  The sunlight did not fill the barn, and she missed her heavy wool cloak, a wedding present from Lethan. He could ill afford such an extravagance. At the time, she had not realized the truth about her husband’s financial situation.

  Skye rubbed her hands over her chilled arms and joined Jake beside his mare. Dara nuzzled her palm, and a sense of calm washed over her.

  “I apologize. I have nary a treat for ye, lovely Dara.”

  “She’s a bottomless pit. I just gave her an apple.”

  Skye rubbed the buff-colored beast on her neck and behind one ear. Jake kept the animal’s dark brown mane clipped short.

  She stepped back.

  Jake slipped a bridle over Dara’s head, then settled the bit inside her mouth. While he led the animal to an outside hitching post, she walked into the next stall. Old Balfour fidgeted. The disturbance she had experienced was real. The creature nuzzling her armpit shared her unease. Animals such as Balfour had intelligence in a round-about way. Self-preservation ruled their instincts, and she had learned to value their warnings.

  After Jake saddled her mount with the intricate leather contraption, she patted Balfour then joined Dara in the sunshine. The gray clouds had vanished. Only birdsong filled her ears, its peaceful sound more delicate than the thunder that had threatened earlier.

  “See? Blue skies ahead. Let’s mount up.” Jake offered his clenched hands for her foot. She placed her boot in his hands and rose up. After swinging her leg over Dara’s back, she squirmed in the unusual seat. Her hip felt fine, except for some pulling around the bound wound.

  Jake headed toward the paddock to collect Tavish, and her gaze followed his backside as he strolled.

  When she hunted as a child, she had worn her brother’s breeches. Though she had grown up to enjoy the feminine appearance of gowns and cloth slippers, trews and well-worn boots were more comfortable for riding. The sense of someone watching her suddenly rose.

  “Hey! Are you leaving without me?”

  A shadowy form marched toward them, and his booming voice made Skye’s mount lift its front hooves in surprise. Struggling to stay seated, she twisted her fingers in Dara’s short mane.

  “Calm down, pretty one,” she whispered in Dara’s ear. Her mount calmed and Skye’s shock dissipated when she recognized Bryce Buchanan. Dressed in leggings of a deep blue, he sauntered to her side, clapping a large hand on her thigh.

  “Just what I was about to say. Ma’am, you sure are pretty.”

  Skye grinned. She had only seen him in a kilt and T-shirt, what Jake described as his competition outfit. Whatever he called these new leggings, they hugged his thighs. He had tucked them inside leather boots that showed their age, and he appeared taller and leaner.

  “I be calm, but ye startled us.” Skye patted her nervous mount’s neck, while warmth flowed from Bryce’s hand. He still touched her thigh, and though a little forward, she found it pleasant.

  “Sorry about that.” Bryce’s hand slid lower. He patted Skye’s booted foot, and gazed up at her. The color of his shirt matched the blue sky. As he swept his black hair off his forehead and behind his ears, his eyes sparkled with mischief. Sensing a glare boring into her back, she turned. Jake led his mount from the paddock, already saddled. His facial expression was anything but friendly.

  “Why are you here?”

  “Jake! Doona’ be rude. We were…talking.”

  “Right.”

  Bryce lowered his hand to his side.

  “I want to go riding with you.”

  “C’mon, Bull. You aren’t a man who fancies horseflesh.” Jake’s eyes glanced from his friend to Skye.

  Was Jake’s frown, and shoulder shrug, his attempt to apologize to her for the interruption? Or, was he upset over their sudden lack of privacy? Had he looked forward to their ride together?

  She had.

  “I only came to check on the little lady,” Bryce said, and walked over to Jake. He patted Tavish’s neck. Jake’s expression darkened.

  “Sure you did.”

  When Bryce bowed at the waist as if impressing a laird, Skye laughed. She slapped a hand over her mouth, but not fast enough.

  Jake’s expression turned beastly. He directed his frown toward his friend, but she wanted nothing more than to embrace him, to make him smile once more, and to taste his kiss. The care and concern Jake, Bryce, and Jenny had shown her made her a little uncomfortable. She did not want to feel beholden to others. Her brief engagement, and shorter marriage, had taught her to not rely on others, and here were friends at each others’ throat on her account.

  “Please doona’ argue.” Skye could not help feeling guilty when she recalled her mission. Worse, she would have to use these people if she expected the best outcome.

  How could she get these men to bend to her will? The trick was to make them help her without their knowing they were doing it.

  “I am glad to see ye, Bryce. I am…better.” It was not exactly a lie. Her side ached, but the healing poultice had eased her pain. Her heart tightened when she thought of her mission’s final outcome. She would kill the sorcerer and most likely die in the aftermath.

  “We’re off to Faerie Falls. Gotta get back before nightfall,” Jake said.

  “I’ll join you.” Turning away, Bryce headed into the barn.

  The curtness in Jake’s voice was obviously lost on Bryce. Skye glanced at Jake as he mounted. His fist clenched around the reins, and Tavish jumped sideways. Grumbling something akin to a curse she barely understood, he loosened his thighs from the horse’s sides.

  “I apologize,” he said, and nodded toward Bryce’s retreating back, “and I should have been more…direct.”

  “I doona’ mind the company of two men. Though I hoped to discuss a matter with ye. An important matter concerning—”

  “Home?”

  Skye read the worry in his expressive raised brows, and head cocked to one side. She had meant to talk to him last night, but all thoughts melted away the moment he had interrupted her bath. Then, when she found him alone in the barn, the opportunity quickly faded. Their conversation stopped with a long, heart-stopping kiss.

  “Aye. I need yer help.”

  “Skye, you know I didn’t want to go last time. Look how that turned out.”

  “Jake, I am verra’ sorry I sent ye back too soon. Yer assistance would have aided our battle. Even so, every
thing turned out fine.”

  “I didn’t know that!” His voice had risen, upsetting his mount again. “Honestly, Skye, do you ever think before you act?”

  His words hurt.

  They were the same words her brother, Kirk, had spoken several times before. Was it her fault she had a tendency to act first and reflect about her actions later?

  Poor Jake. The man was correct. Caught in the middle, she had sent him back to his world with no explanation.

  He kicked his steed’s flanks and disappeared down the trail beyond the paddock. She followed at a canter. When the pain in her side intensified, she slowed Dara to a walk.

  Dipping her head under low-hanging branches, she headed in the direction Jake had disappeared. Did he care how far behind him she had fallen? The trail was easy to follow, yet she had the sense something evil was close.

  Skye listened for Bryce. Was he following them as yet? Would Bryce commit to her mission? Would he understand her plight?

  Jake was the best chance to help save her family. He knew her and her secrets. Witchery, not openly practiced in either world, was her gift. Jake hid his own secrets. She had to convince him to use his special talent to help her and her cause. How could she bring up the subject?

  In a flash of movement, Jake and Tavish were beside her on the trail, facing the opposite direction. Concern for her well-being was written on his expressive face. Before he could ask, she said, “I be fine. Riding slow is the best I can do.”

  What he really deserved was an apology for what she had done, many years ago.

  “Also, it was not in my power to contact ye after I sent ye home. The sorcerer kept up his attacks, and then there were…others I had to keep safe.”

  “You didn’t think I might like to know what happened to all of you?”

  “Did Dorcas not share our troubles when she returned to her tent?”

  He swore under his breath. “I saw her only once, barely a week after I left. She assured me all was well and under control. She promised I’d hear more soon.”

  “She did not return?”

  “No. I saw Iona’s dad yesterday for the first time in years. He let me know she was okay.”

  “I like the man. He is a doting grandfather.”

  “Until yesterday, I thought everyone was dead!” His mount shied away, and he patted the animal’s long, black neck. Skye immediately glanced at Jake’s hair tied behind his head, as black as his mount’s. Tavish calmed down, and trotted back to her side.

  “So, I am telling ye now. All is not well. I need yer help.”

  He answered with a bark of laughter.

  “I see nothing funny.”

  “After five years of silence, after five years filled with worry…and other things, you demand my help?”

  It was her fault to assume that Dorcas had shared their news. Old Dorcas was not in good health. Several fights against the sorcerer over the years had weakened her, and she appeared older than ever.

  “Dorcas did not share the outcome? Why would she keep silent? Did ye ask the right questions?”

  “All she told me was that my friends would stay in the past. The next day, once I gained my senses, I visited her tent to ask more questions. She’d disappeared.”

  “Without her tent?”

  “Yes.”

  “What has become of her herbs, potions, and other belongings?” The disposition of so much power made her think of the sorcerer. If he gained access to them, the tide might turn in his favor.

  “Izzy is caring for it all,” he said, smiling. Then, his eyes clouded, as if he recalled some tender emotion.

  Hmm. “Who is this Izzy who has caught your eye?”

  “What? No, I only visited her to, um, I mean—”

  “What went on inside Dorcas’ herb tent these past five years? Her potions and herbs are powerful magic. If there is any chance this woman is under the sorcerer’s control—”

  “No way. Izzy is a little odd, but she is sweet and innocent. She reminds me of you.”

  Skye wanted to argue that she was no longer innocent, but Jake’s face had brightened as he pleaded for Izzy.

  “I had to ask. Iona related how the first time she saw the sorcerer, was when he had attacked Dorcas at the Highland Games. Then he nearly captured them inside Dorcas’ own tent. He knows of this place, and I fear he knows about ye.”

  “I haven’t seen anyone suspicious, and no one’s given me any problems. I doubt he even comes around anymore, especially if Dorcas no longer hangs out at her tent.”

  “I hope yer right. He canno’ know where I escaped to, but I fear he will attack someone I love.”

  “If he goes after Kirk, I might be too busy to lift a hand,” he said, smiling.

  “Ye doona’ mean that.”

  “Your brother nearly killed me. I can’t forget that.” Jake smiled wider, and turned Tavish. Skye grit her teeth to keep from lashing out with a harsh retort. Would he really wish ill to befall her brother?

  Bull saddled Jake’s ancient gelding within minutes. Old Balfour grunted, as he tightened the cinch beneath his belly. Leading the old gelding from the barn, he mounted, and headed up the trail.

  He hadn’t slept all night. He kept thinking of the lovely Skye who had mysteriously fallen into his arms. How come no one thought to explain that?

  She was the tiniest woman ever to catch his eye, and he was determined to find out everything she seemed to be hiding. Yesterday, he’d gathered his thoughts while he suppressed his surprise. While carrying her into Jake’s tent, he had breathed in her fragrance, smelling mainly of sea spray.

  And blood.

  She had not explained her ugly wounds, except to claim a dragon had attacked her while she swam in the North Sea. In Scotland? Meeting her as he did, was a concern.

  She fell from the sky! Not that I’m complaining, but…

  She obviously knew Jake, though he’d never mentioned her. Jake acted more perturbed than happy at her appearance.

  If a beauty like her ever crossed my path, I would have bragged to every guy around.

  “Git,” he yelled. Balfour, gaining speed, trotted up the trail toward Faerie Falls. He and Jake had made the trip numerous times, and the weather was perfect for a ride. Had Jake wanted some alone-time with the new girl?

  Too bad. I have questions needing answers.

  Besides, her blue eyes had roamed over his physique, as he walked up to her. She had given him a similar stare during the Highland games. Granted, yesterday’s athletic tank top and kilt made all the women stare. Today’s tight blue jeans seemed to have had a similar affect.

  He brushed aside a low-hanging branch, and kicked his mount’s flanks. Voices ahead proved he was gaining on them. Why hadn’t they waited? Was Jake worried about his possible attraction to Skye?

  He had hoped to catch her alone. He knew Jake was an early riser, what with three horses to feed. She must have followed him into the barn.

  Another strategy was in order. Once they got to Faerie Falls, he’d make his move. Jake had his chance last night. Now, it was his turn.

  He straightened in the saddle, because he had a lot going for him. He was a college professor at a private college by day, and competed with athletes from all over the world on weekends. Although he loved teaching, living history was his passion.

  The New England Highland Games had the largest and best display of historical Scottish life. Bull had met Jake in the village on the side of the mountain, tending the blacksmith’s furnace.

  He liked Jake immediately. They shared lunch and a few beers, then talked about nearly everything. He sensed his friend had secrets, but he didn’t mind. When they got to know each other better, he’d share.

  The Highland games got into his blood, years ago. The sheaf toss, the hammer throw, even turning the caber were events he could win in his sleep. Athletics kept Bull grounded. The competitive spirit was what kept him riding closer to his quarry. Wasn’t love just another contest? Let Skye decide between the
m.

  When she chose him over his friend, he’d show her a very good time.

  CHAPTER 15

  Lost in thought, Skye had failed to notice the waterfall, until its cool spray dampened her cheeks. Faerie Falls plummeted down the rock face of a tall cliff. In the spring, it probably thundered, which is why she had not heard it. The clear water tumbled over the bushes and small trees growing in the cracks in the rocks, spraying her with a fresh mist. At the base was a small, sparkling pool of water.

  “Where does the water empty?” It was the only question she thought to ask. She had stared too long at Jake’s rear, as he trotted along on Tavish. She and her mount had followed him along the trail, so it was not her fault that the view took her mind off everything else.

  “The Kancamagus River is about a mile that way,” he said, pointing.

  It was still early, and the air was crisp with autumn scents. Blue sky spread out beneath the sun, but gray clouds were closing in. Jake had insisted they were in for a storm-free day. He jumped to the ground, walked to her side, and raised his arms.

  Skye smiled and leaned over into his open hands. He set her on her feet quickly and painlessly. “My thanks, Highlander.”

  His face darkened, but instead of spewing an angry curse, at her comment, he kicked a pine cone. When a startled Dara stepped sideways, he lunged for the reins. His sudden movement knocked Skye against the mare’s lower shoulder.

  “Ouch!” As she steadied herself, a wave of nausea gripped her stomach.

  “Sorry! That was clumsy, and…”

  When he paused, Skye raised her gaze to his. He was staring at her with a hungry look. She flattened her back against Dara.

  “What?” he growled.

  “The look on yer face…’tis disconcerting to someone familiar with your true nature. Yer eyes are feastin’ upon me, as if I were yer next meal.”

  Suddenly in his arms, she shuddered with unease. Before her power rose to protect her, his palms slid down her arms, then cupped her hands in his.