Time Masters Book One; The Call (An Urban Fantasy, Time Travel Romance)

by Geralyn Beauchamp

Find her…

  “What?” He looked back to the starry sky as he stood and puzzled. He had not heard the voice with his ears; it was instead something inside him that spoke, that heard. “I dinna understand.” Dallan’s brow furrowed. “Nay, how could this be?”

  His gaze returned to the hills, one thought on his mind.

  Find her…

  But who was he to find? The woman from the tavern; the one everyone referred to as a Muiraran? Or was it someone else? Regardless, it would seem he had little say in any of it.

  He turned and looked at a nearby chair, deciding if he was ready to sit yet, but his eyes drifted back to the window. “If only I kent ye be real or…” He looked to the sky. “Or if I just be addled in the brain.” He shook his head. Everything was so strange here: the people, the ‘cars’ the clothes.

  Dallan let his forehead fall gently against the glass. He remained there for the next hour, as he had done the night before, and silently longed for the past. For home.

  * * *

  Lany entered the living room, a couple of blankets tucked under his arm. He set them on the couch then turned to Dallan who sat sprawled in a chair, his head slumped to one side, snoring softly.

  Angus sat on the couch watching over him as he slept.

  “Have they started yet?” Lany whispered.

  “Nay, not yet. Mayhaps he wilna have any o’ the bad dreams tonight. I think she called earlier, but it was different this time.”

  “She’s weakening.”

  “Nay, Master Lany. Lady Zara said she’s doing a form of luring.”

  “Luring?”

  “Aye, she said the Maiden would be having to self-feed if that’s the case. Very rare that.”

  Lany dropped the blankets onto the couch next to Angus. “Singing to herself, making her own food."

  “Aye, because she feeds off of music she's able to do it."

  "Living stars, she'll be ready to join any day now."

  "Shouldn’t we tell Lord John? Lady Zara said there's no been many Muirarans that can do what the Maiden is doing right now.”

  “Let him sleep. He’s going to need it. I’ll talk with Zara tomorrow.”

  “She was here earlier and seemed pretty worried about the wee Maiden.”

  Lany nodded as he picked up one of the blankets and very carefully threw it over Dallan, then went back to the couch and picked up the other one. “Zara’s not the only one. If she’s self-feeding, that could mean someone cut her off. Someone is deliberately starving her.” He pressed his lips together in anger. “Stars.” He placed the second blanket atop the first.

  Angus stood. “I’ll be back to bed then. Good night.”

  Lany sighed and stared at the Highlander in the chair. “Angus?”

  “Aye?”

  “Try not to snore so loud tonight, Eaton needs his sleep.”

  “What? Havena ye ever heard snoring is a sign o’ good health? Just look at the lad there!” Lany glanced over his shoulder at him and grimaced. “Not for the rest of us.”

  Angus snorted and left the room.

  Lany settled himself on the couch, wrapped himself in the blanket Angus had been using and stared at Dallan’s sleeping form. “I hope you’ve got what it takes tomorrow. It may be our last chance.”

  * * *

  Dallan sat, arms folded across his chest, legs crossed at the ankles, eyes narrowed at the many books of the library, a slight smile on his face.

  “No, no, that won’t do at all.” John surveyed the Scot with disapproval.

  “Aye, ye’ll scare the poor lass,” added Angus. “Try not to look like ye ha’ a sour stomach. Think o’ something that makes ye happy.”

  Dallan’s eyes immediately sought Kwaku. His expression instantly changed to one of acute, sadistic pleasure.

  “No, no, no.” John buried his face in his hands.

  Kwaku laughed, turned away, and walked down the aisle they were hiding in. The company had spent most of the morning trying to prepare Dallan for the meeting that would soon take place, a meeting that would determine the fate of the Known Lands.

  The Time Master went to stand watch at the end of the aisle; the Maiden and her companions were on another floor. He wanted to ensure she didn’t leave before Dallan had a chance to view her in a quieter setting and, if all went well, strengthen the bond between them, thus lessening their pain.

  He looked back to the rest of the company, knowing they tried the impossible, that all their suggestions would be useless. He himself had been through this; he knew what Dallan was in for. There were no rules, no set guidelines. Instinct and the true nature of the Highlander and the Maiden would determine the outcome.

  He resumed his watch, waiting for Dallan to come by so he could give to him the only piece of advice that would help.

  “Don’t scowl, Dallan. She’ll think you’re a, a… well, she won’t like it.” John stammered.

  “Think happy, lad. Happy! Ye wants to make a good impression.” Angus all but danced in front of him.

  Dallan looked from one determined face to the other, snorted and resumed his previous scowl.

  John and Angus both shot Lany a pleading look. He held up both hands in front of him as if to ward them off. “Oh, no. Leave me out of this. If I’d listened to you two, I’d still be single. Let the poor guy handle it on his own.”

  Angus opened his mouth to comment, then looked back to Dallan and shrugged. “He’s got a point, Lord John.”

  John also looked from Lany to Dallan and sighed. “You’re right, Lany. Sorry, Dallan. I guess we weren’t giving you enough credit.”

  Dallan’s eyes narrowed at John, as he decided whether or not to take the apology. After a moment of tense silence, he stood, walked over to John, and looked down into his face. “Aye, ye weren’t. Do I appear but a lad to you?”

  John met his stare head on. “No, Dallan. I’m sorry.”

  “I guess we forgot what it was like to be young,” Angus muttered. “We just thought ye…” He suddenly looked to John. “Does he know she’s…”

  “Shhh,” John cautioned.

  Dallan stood there a moment, patiently waiting. “Angus, have ye nothing more to say to me?”

  Angus sheepishly peered up at him. “I’m sorry, lad. This business has us all on edge. Ye best be off and get it over with.”

  Dallan cocked his head. “Tis only a wee lass, Angus.”

  Angus’s eyes grew wide at the casual statement and he all but choked. “Aye, laddie. Whatever ye say.”

  Dallan made to leave the aisle, but John grabbed his arm, stopping him. “Remember, Dallan, light conversation. Don’t question her to satisfy your own curiosity.”

  “Aye, and keep yer voice soft, lad.” Angus added.

  Lany groaned and rubbed his forehead.

  Dallan glared at the others one final time before heading off to the end of the aisle. Kwaku’s arm shot out to stop him. “Going so soon, Boyeee?”

  Dallan glared at the arm blocking his path. “Out o’ my way.”

  Kwaku merely chuckled. “Sometimes, Boyeee, de best ding to say to a woman is no-ding. No-ding at all.” He released him and began to laugh quietly.

  Dallan glared anew at Kwaku before he turned and walked away to silently seethe over the unwanted admission that the heathen’s advice had been the best he’d gotten all morning.

  My true-love hath my heart, and I have his,

  By just exchange one to the other given;

  I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss;

  There never was a better bargain driven;

  My true-love hath my heart, and I have his.

  Sir Philip Sidney

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  “Oh Shona, don’t be such a dweeb!” Kitty chirped at her and everyone else within ear shot of the Library’s huge third floor. A succession of “shhh” traveled up and down between the nearest shelves of books. The only consolation for Shona and her crimson face was that she couldn’t actually see any of the “shhh” sound’s o
wners.

  Shona buried her face in her hands. “For Heaven’s sake, Kitty, keep your voice down!”

  “Well, what is it then with you? Why won’t you go out with anyone? It’s not like you never get asked. Look at how many asked you out at Stan’s!”

  Shona grimaced at the mention of Stan’s. She sunk a little lower in her chair, her face even more crimson, as Kitty prattled on.

  “At least you get asked. I never even get a phone call!” Kitty plopped down in the chair next to Shona and let out a sigh. “I should be the one with the sleeping problem, not you. But I know he’s got to be out there somewhere.”

  Shona, her face still hot with embarrassment, asked the inevitable.

  “Who?”

  Kitty looked at her aghast. “My Prince Charming of course!”

  Her statement was so serious Shona had to smile and shake her head. “Well, I am sure he is out there. You just have to be patient.”

  “You’re right, I just need to wait,” Kitty pouted. “I just hope I don’t have to wait too long.” She stamped her foot on the floor for emphasis.

  “Are you two talking about men again? Lordy, Kitty, can’t you ever talk about anything else?” Tomy, just arrived, sat herself down across from Shona.

  “What else is there to talk about?” Kitty replied with a shrug.

  Tomy took one look at Shona’s red face, rolled her eyes and turned on Kitty. “Leave the poor girl alone! She doesn’t want to hear you carrying on about this man and that man and why you can’t get one!”

  “It is fine, Tomy,” Shona replied. “I do not mind. Besides, it is nice to hear a different opinion on the subject now and then. One has to admit, Kitty’s viewpoint is a far cry from your own. Or, Julia’s for that matter.”

  "A far cry indeed." Tomy imitated Shona, odd musical accent and all. “Honey, take my advice and just stay away from ‘em. They’re no good!” She gave Shona a curt nod of finality before she began to dig through a huge canvas bag full of books. “Now where did I put that doggone paper I made up for you?”

  Shona sighed as Tomy pulled a sheet of paper from between the pages of one of the books she carried. “Here it is! I knew I’d find it. Now, I want you to have these done by tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow!” Shona interjected. “Why does it have to be tomorrow?”

  “What’s wrong with tomorrow? You aren’t going anywhere tonight, are you?”

  “No, it is just that I wanted to get some other work done. Those councilors from the European university are here in the city interviewing candidates. They are coming to the house tomorrow evening for the first part of their interview with me. I do not see when I will have the time to get this done.”

  “Julia will bite my head off girl, if this isn’t done by tomorrow.”

  “Hmm. Tomorrow afternoon?”

  “That would probably work. I think tha…”

  “Oh my gaawsh!” Kitty blurted as she looked past Tomy, her eyes riveted on whatever had gotten her sudden undivided attention. What ever it was, Tomy immediately felt sorry for it.

  “What is wrong?” Shona asked concerned.

  “Oh! OH! I’ve never seen anything like that before!” Kitty kept closing her mouth only to have it flop open again as she gawked.

  “Oh, what now?” Tomy, annoyed, turned to see what idiotic thing had caught Kitty’s attention this time. Probably a man. It was usually always a man.

  He was a man, all right! Tomy turned back around to look at the table-top, trying as best she could to keep her composure for Shona’s sake. After all, Tomy had to set the good example. Lord knew Kitty hadn’t.

  The best laid plans often go awry. “Lordy!”

  “What? What is it?” Shona asked, trying to see what would make even Tomy hold her breath. She finally stood to see over Tomy’s head, but saw only an endless row of bookshelves. She sat down and looked from one flushed face to the other, eyebrows raised in disbelief. “I see nothing. So will one of you kindly explain why neither of you seems to be able to breathe?”

  Tomy actually hit the surface of the table, the color of her face brightening even more as she caught her breath. Kitty just sat, craning her neck, still searching. “Wow…”

  “Wow what?” Shona’s tone was becoming increasingly sharp.

  “A man,” Kitty sighed.

  “Oh, is that all?” Shona said, disappointed, having hoped for something of more interest.

  “Is that all?” Kitty repeated, shocked. “You have got to be kidding!”

  Tomy swallowed hard, still trying to regain her composure. “It was a man.”

  “Tomy?” Shona asked simply as if intrigued.

  Tomy glanced over her shoulder, and then quickly turned her attention back to Shona. “I know this goes against most everything I’ve told you, but I do have eyes, and now and then something is bound to catch them. And girl, let me tell you, they were just caught good!”

  Shona glanced from one flushed face to the other and shrugged. “Hmmm, I seem to have missed him. Pity.” She began to look over the math equations Tomy had given her.

  Kitty nudged Shona in the ribs. “You wont’ miss him this time!” Her voice rose steadily up an octave, her last word coming out a high chirp. “He’s over there!” She began to bounce in her chair with excitement.

  Tomy held onto one of her books with both hands, obviously fighting the urge to grab another look at the magnificent man she had glimpsed earlier.

  “You two are acting ridiculous,” Shona commented dryly, her fact finder voice now in place.

  “Willyoulookathimwillyoulookathim!” Kitty’s head bobbed up and down as she spoke, her voice still sounding like air escaping from a balloon.

  “No, I will not. I have better things to do.” Shona returned to her math.

  Tomy, unable to stand it any longer, slowly turned herself around in her chair, to sneak a peek without being obvious. “Oh, Lorrrrdy!” She closed her eyes, swallowed hard and let out the breath she was holding. “Shona, girl, you’d better look now before he disappears.”

  Shona kept her face buried in the sheet of equations, occasionally marking an answer down. “Whatever for?”

  “Because I’m telling you, honey, it’s not often you lay eyes on a man with looks good enough to make my mouth water!”

  Shona looked up from her work and gave Tomy a bemused smile.

  “Oh my gawsh, he’s looking right at us!” Kitty squeaked in time to the rhythm of her bouncing.

  “I do not believe you two!” Shona exclaimed. “If you are going to act like this, I am leaving.” She moved to gather up her things.

  “He’s coming this way, he’s coming this way!” Kitty breathed as her feet did a little tap-dance under her chair. She quickly covered her mouth to cut off her own excited squeals.

  As if she didn’t have the whole third floor’s attention already, Shona thought as she stood up from the table.

  “Omigawsh! Omigawsh! Don’t stand up!” Kitty was beside herself.

  At least someone was; Shona certainly didn’t want to be anymore. “I am going to find myself another table. I am getting nowhere sitting with the two of you,” she scolded as she slammed her work between the pages of a book and turned to leave.

  He stood not twenty feet away leaning casually against one end of a bookshelf, two huge arms crossed over a massive chest, wearing a pair of grey sweats. He was huge, well over six feet and powerfully built, with strength evident not only in his physique, but his presence. He was looking right at her, his head cocked to one side, his tied back hair pouring over one broad shoulder like a dark waterfall.

  Shona took in the sight all at once, a general picture to be quickly catalogued and filed away. But something about him refused to let her just toss him into the back of her mind like Kitty’s prattle. No, not something about him, but the man himself, the look he was giving her. A look which plainly told her to stay.

  It frightened her, and she was sure it showed on her face.

  His eyes
brightened at her, making her notice their color for the first time. They were an unusually bright green; very similar in color to her own, she realized. They softened as he offered her a light smile and her own eyes widened in return.

  Shona dropped back into her chair, slamming her book onto the table as she did, making Kitty yelp in surprise. She fixed her eyes nervously on her now-folded hands.

  Tomy sat, studying her, a familiar smirk on her face. “See, honey. I told you so,” she whispered across the table.

  “Shona, he’s looking right at you!” Kitty breathed.

  “What!” Tomy exclaimed, her gloating now pushed aside. “Don’t you dare look back at him, girl!”

  “Why shouldn’t she look at him? There’s nothing stopping him from staring at her!” Kitty argued.

  “Don’t listen to this bubblehead! You just keep your eyes down and ignore him!” Tomy glared at Kitty.

  “Well, it’s fine for you to look at him and for me to look at him but not for Shona?”

  “That was before he decided to check us out!” Tomy put a hand on the table near Shona. “It’s okay to look as long as they ain’t looking back.”

  “Well,” Kitty started, disappointment heavy in her voice. “I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about it anymore. He’s gone.”

  Shona breathed a sigh of relief as Tomy spun in her chair and saw empty space where trouble had stood. She also breathed easier. No confrontations with men today, not if she could help it! Especially after what happened at Stan’s the night before. Actually, Tomy and Kitty weren’t sure exactly what had happened last night. They only knew they’d never seen Shona act the way she did, and it caused Tomy more than a little concern. Tomy didn’t feel like protecting Shona, there’d been enough of that last night. It was what Tomy usually had to do if a man began to look at her, even before the girl’s counter dancing antics. Oh sure, Shona had something about her that could definitely attract them, and Tomy knew it wasn’t just looks. Yes, she was pretty, but her features seemed to teeter between beautiful and odd, almost Elvin. At any rate, Tomy had had to verbally beat back more than one curious male while in Shona’s company.