Highland Charm: First Fantasies

by April Holthaus

  Without a moment of hesitation, Ella dashed out of the cemetery and up the hill before vanishing into the darkness of the barn. After a quick survey, she noticed two horses; a beautiful buckskin-colored stallion and a chestnut-colored mare, both locked in their stall. Galen’s horse, however, stood before her already saddled and ready to go. Mounting the large beast, she smacked its backside hard, urging it to go. The horse bucked and pushed open the barn door. Ella jerked the reins toward the trees from which she had come, and without further encouragement the horse took off in a fast sprint. Ella needed to find the portal before it was too late.

  “Lassie, lassie!” Evelyn cried out as Ella bolted passed her.

  Ella could hear Evelyn calling out for her as the distance between them increased, but she could not turn back. Time was not on her side.

  Galen and Warrick ran out to the cemetery when they heard Evelyn crying out. Worry kept him at a hasty speed. As he ran toward her, he saw Evelyn standing alone.

  “Evelyn, was it is? Where is the lassie?”

  “Gone!”

  “What do ye mean, gone?”

  “I dinna know. We were just walking through the graves, and when I told her the story about the children, she became increasingly agitated and took off in a sprint.”

  “Where did she go?”

  “She took yer horse and ran off into the woods.”

  “No’ again!”

  Without another word, Galen ran to the barn, mounted a horse, and took off after her.

  Galen searched well into the night, but she was nowhere to be found. By morning, he returned to Dunquest to send men out to search for her. Throughout the day, he was given reports of their status, but they still couldn’t find her.

  Galen prayed she was safe. He had to trust that she knew what she was doing; otherwise it would drive him mad. The only comfort he had was that she had his horse and all of the provisions he had packed stuffed inside the saddlebags. At least she wouldn’t go hungry.

  Chapter 17

  After riding for hours, Ella finally came upon the withering oak. The portal was hidden to the human eye. Sliding off the horse, she walked toward the tree. Not knowing how to open the gateway from this side, she took the runes out of the satchel, hoping they would guide her. Dumping them into her hand, the stones did indeed tell her how to open it. As she smoothed her hands down the bark of the tree the vortex of light appeared. Without hesitation, Ella stepped into the light.

  Within a blink of an eye, she was back in her own realm. She sighed with relief. Hiking up the skirt of her dress, she ran back up the path towards the iron gates of Lochmoor. As she approached the gate, she was grabbed from behind. It was Baudi.

  “No! Please, Baudi, let me go,” she pleaded as he began dragging her toward the gate.

  She felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted when she realized her voice had been restored. A sudden burst of excitement shot through her like a bolt of energy.

  “I know you have your orders, but you must listen. I need to stop this war; Baudi but I need your help.”

  Baudi stopped. His eyes narrowed. Reluctantly, he released her.

  “Stop the war?” he asked in a gritty tone.

  “You of all people know the casualties and aftermath of war,” she reminded him, as she glanced down at his broken tattered wings. “I know crossing through the portal was forbidden, but I have learned a great deal. We are fighting on the wrong side, Baudi. Alaris has us all bewitched and me more than anyone. I must get to Greylyn. I must speak to the Queen. I cannot explain it now, but you must let me go.”

  Baudi looked to her as if he himself had hope. War had destroyed him once; who knew if he could survive another? Releasing his breath slowly, he firmly placed his hands upon her shoulders.

  “If what you say is true and you can stop this war, then go. Do what you must.”

  Ella’s lips curled in a small smile.

  “Thank you, Baudi.”

  Ella placed her fingers to her lips, and in a loud, high-pitched whistle she called for her horse. Within moments, her demon black stallion rode to her side. The horse bowed his head, allowing her easy access to mount. As she swung her leg over its neck, the horse lifted its head, raising her up onto its back.

  “Go!” she called out as the horse bolted up the steep hill toward Greylyn.

  Once they reached the top of the hill, the flat terrain was draped in a white curtain of snow. What was once a beautiful, lush forest was now a barren flatland, made so by war. Along the outskirts of Lochmoor, Queen Talara had ordered the trees and brush to be cut down to prevent anyone from hiding from her guards. It became a fine dividing line between the dark lands Alaris controlled and those of Talara’s. Fear of being caught did not once cross Ella’s mind. Demon was faster than any horse in the realm.

  If her calculations were correct, the royal babe’s celebration was a little more than a week away, just enough time for her to reach Greylyn and return to the citadel of the Order, that’s of course if she could convince Talara of her plan. At this rate it would take three full days alone to reach the walls of Greylyn. Kicking the horse’s flank, Demon picked up speed.

  Heavy precipitation blurred their visibility and caused them to slow their pace. Surrounded by falling white snow with no visible landmarks to follow, she let Demon use his instincts to guide them. A fitful breeze of blowing snow continued to sweep across the frozen terrain, making it appear as if she rode the clouds among the Gods.

  ~ ♥ ~

  It had been days since Galen sent out his best men to search for the lass. There hadn’t been one trace or clue as to where she could have gone. The last report he received was that they had lost her trail days ago headed north in the direction of the nearest port. They believed she had boarded a vessel and left Scottish soil.

  From across the table, Alex watched Galen as he picked at his meal like a bird.

  “My Laird, I do no’ mean to interrupt ye, but I have word. The horse has returned riderless. As for the lass, we have searched everywhere to no avail. Messengers and scouts have been sent to the nearby clans, but nay one has seen her. It’s likely she has either headed south toward England or boarded a vessel towards France. Tis been almost a week, my Laird. I think that if the lass wanted to be found, we would have found her.”

  That was the last thing Galen wanted to hear. Picking up his mug of whiskey, he smiled as he remembered the lass’s reaction the first time she tasted it. It was a fond memory.

  “Yer right, Alex. Call off the search. Starting tomorrow we will focus all of our attention on the security of this castle and surrounding villages. I am to travel to Inveraray next week to meet with Laird Campbell and the Duke of Argyll. We will need their support. The discovery of the lass interrupted my plans for the campaign. Neville Campbell has proposed a treaty with Arthur McGregor, and I have agreed to sign the contract to end this war. My uncle started this dispute, but as of today, I am going to end it. Whatever the cost!”

  “Tis a bold move.”

  “Aye, and one long overdue. We need to be one step in front of our enemies. Tis time for change, my friend.”

  Chapter 18

  In the wee hours of the morning Ella gazed upon the fortress of Greylyn. Built into the rock face of the vast mountain range of Mor na Beinn, the fortress was as tall as fifty men standing one on the shoulder of another. Its massive height towered over the valley below. With little sleep and only a few frozen berries in her stomach, she felt weary and sluggish as she wavered in the saddle. ‘Twas almost a blessing she arrived when she had. She was unsure if she could survive another night out in the cold.

  Perched on her horse, Ella could hear the drumming of hooves approaching, and the ground shook beneath her. The rhythm of the vibration beat in her chest. Dressed in armor, their weapons drawn, six armed Greylyn warriors rode in circles around her; assessing her. Ella’s eyes met theirs as she waited for one of them to address her or take her into custody.

  “It’s the Princ
ess”, she heard one of them whisper. Their acknowledgement caused her to inwardly smile. Ella could feel their tension in the air. They feared her. It was a gratifying sensation.

  “I am Ella of Andor. I am here to speak to Queen Talara.”

  “Lady Talara sees no one,” one of them spoke.

  Ella lowered her gaze in anger. Insolent fool!

  “If you do not allow me to pass, Alaris, Queen of Darkness, will strike fear into the hearts of your children and blood will be shed. You will bear witness to a world of destruction and terror far greater than you ever dreamed imaginable. War is coming, and you have no way to stop it. Not even the Gods can save you. If you wish to save your lives and the lives of your families, I implore you to let me pass.”

  The six guards looked to each other in horror. They knew she spoke the truth. One of the armed guards nodded to the others, and for several moments they stood in silence. It appeared to Ella that these men were gifted with a telepathic ability, but it did not appear they could read her mind. But, of course, how could they? She was not like them. She was not a Fae. At first, it was hard to accept the reality of it and believe that her whole life had been a lie, but she’d had time aplenty to think during her journey here and could no longer deny the truth. Everything she had learned made sense. She was, in fact, human.

  The decorated guard rode to her side and forcefully grabbed the reins from her hands.

  “We have agreed to allow you safe passage,” he said in a grave tone.

  The guards escorted Ella to the great hall of the fortress, where she waited alone behind a closed door. Much like Dunquest Castle, the room had high decorated ceilings and portraits from the ancient past. Over the past several days thoughts of Dunquest and Galen had been pushed out of her mind to keep focus on her mission, but not without struggle. Had she allowed them to invade her thoughts, she would not have been in the state of mind to see out this plan and stop the war. Though she had discovered the truth about her past, it did not change her future. After everything had come to light, Ella finally understood why the stones led her to the mortal world. She was meant to stop this war.

  Behind her, Ella heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw the most amazing sight descending the stairs. The long train of her dress trailing behind, Talara came to stand before Ella. Ella could feel the intensity of her powers by her mere presence. A pale blue aura of light radiated around her, like the glowing halo that circled the moon.

  Talara’s flawless beauty was striking compared to Alaris’s aging features, but the likeness was remarkable. Though Alaris’s hair was black as coal, Talara’s hair was as white as snow. Talara’s long hair draped down her back in waves and wild curls. She shared her sister’s tall yet slim figure, like a flower that has not yet bloomed. Even their eyes have the same crystal blue color, which made Ella feel a bit apprehensive. Had she not known better, she would have believed they were one and the same.

  “My lady, I have come here to tell you that you are in grave danger.”

  “Danger? My sister has lured us before. How do I know that she did not send you as a ruse to fool us once again? Though I am surprised she sent you.”

  “I will not lie to you. I did not come here to ask for peace among our kind. I am here to stop the war. Had I completed the mission on which I was sent, it would have helped Alaris seize this fortress and gain great power over this land. But by doing so, I would have put my own people at risk as well. We may have our differences, but there is one thing that still remains. We both have a common enemy. Alaris!”

  “Why the change of heart? As Princess of the dark world, and head of the Order, what will you gain from this?”

  Ella narrowed her brows at Talara’s acknowledgment.

  “Yes, I know exactly who you are. I know a great many things,” Talara added.

  “I gain nothing. But you will gain a great ally.”

  Talara turned away from Ella and headed toward a table on the far side of the room. Picking up a golden urn, she filled a glass with red wine and took a sip.

  “War is inevitable,” she said before turning back to face Ella. “I believe that was the message you sent on the body of a dead man.”

  Ella shamefully looked down. It was true. Had she not crossed into the mortal world to learn the truth, she would not be here having this conversation with her enemy. She would have kidnapped the child and successfully completed her mission.

  Raising her head high, Ella looked into Talara’s dazzling blue eyes.

  “War is inevitable, but it’s the outcome that matters. The Order is powerful; together, more powerful than Alaris. They follow my command. There is truth hidden behind a sea of lies that, once revealed, will change everything. But we must act with great urgency. Alaris’s army will soon breach the gates of this fortress. I must be allowed to return to the Order. But I cannot do this without you. So I ask, will you help me defeat Alaris once and for all?”

  Talara’s skeptical look faded.

  “What is it you want from me?”

  “The night of the babe’s celebration is when Alaris will strike. She believes the babe is a threat. She plans to kill the child. I have come to stop her, but I cannot do it alone. I ask you to fight with us. I wish to join our forces and restore the balance of our world. If we succeed, Andor will be yours once again.”

  “If what you say is true, Ella of Andor, I will offer you my assistance.”

  Ella felt relief sink into her bones.

  Talara offered her a warm meal and a room in which to rest before she needed to head back to the Order. Now that she had the support of Talara’s army behind her, she needed to convince the Order as well, which was not going to be easy. They were as devoted to Alaris as she was. But once they learned the truth, she expected they would rebel as well. At least, she hoped.

  Chapter 19

  “Peter, are ye going to see Laird Graham?” Moira asked, holding onto a tray of roasted beef and potatoes.

  “Aye. I have a message fer him.”

  “Bring this to him, will ye? Poor lad has no’ left that library fer days. Been working himself to the bone, I tell ye. I have ne’er seen him like this, no’ e’en when his own mother died. If ye ask me, he’s like a walking dead mon. He barely eats, barely sleeps. He keeps his focus on work, but I know the real reason he keeps himself so distracted as of late,” Moira said, before handing Peter the tray.

  “Aye, I know. Losing the lass has been hard on him. Hard on us, as well. We’ve been havin’ to train day and night. I dinna even think real battle would be this tiring. Since the lass came to Dunquest, Laird Graham has been a changed man. But now that she has gone, he seems to have become harsher than he was before.”

  “I do hope things will change soon.”

  “Aye, me too,” Peter said as he knocked on the door.

  Sitting at his desk, Galen tallied the coin he needed for the King’s taxes. Discovering his taxes were two months overdue, he was grateful the tax collector was a kind man. Building up his campaign was beginning to cost them, and so far he still waited for Neville Campbell to respond to the inquiry he had sent days ago about funding. The past several days he had kept busy laying out plans for more crop growth along the southern portion of his land, near the village that was currently unoccupied. The increase in crops in the summer would help bring in more profit to the clan as well as more food. Digging himself out of the financial debt his uncle had created had not been easy.

  A soft knock sounded at the door. It must be Moira with lunch, he thought as his stomach growled. Standing from his chair, he opened the door for the old woman, but in the doorway stood Peter holding his tray of food.

  “Peter? I had expected Moira. Is something amiss?”

  “My apologies, my Laird; Moira asked me to delivered this to ye, but that was no’ the reason I am here. Ye have a visitor; a fearsome lass who has demanded an audience.”

  As much as Galen wanted to believe the lass had returned, he couldn’t allow himself t
o hope. Weeks had passed and there had been no sign of her. For a fleeting moment, thought of her crossed his mind, but any optimism immediately vanished when a bold red-headed lass pushed her way past Peter and entered the library.

  “Good day, Lady McFadden. Tis always a pleasure. What bring ye this far north?”

  Without responding, Braelyn looked over her shoulder as she waited for Peter to exit the room and close the door behind him. Once they were alone she turned back to him and smiled.

  “Ye, of course, my Laird. My father has no’ heard a reply to his inquiry regarding a contract, so I have taken it upon myself to retrieve his answer,” she responded, as she took off her tan-colored wrap and placed it over the arm of the chair near the hearth.

  Her long reddish locks hung across one shoulder, complimented by the brilliant blue gown she wore. A necklace with a single teardrop-shaped jewel hung low between her bosoms, making it hard for Galen to avert his eyes; losing all sense of discretion.

  Dragging her feet upon the floor, she moved closer to him as if she were dancing to a tune that only she could hear. Her eyes stayed fixed on his. The blue color of her eyes matched the crystal waters of Loch Awe in early spring, and the freckles that dotted her cheeks were like the constellations in the night sky. Her beauty was vexing, and there was no doubt that she was a woman who could easily get what she wanted.

  “Ye are referring to the betrothal contract.” He presumed.

  Braelyn innocently smiled.

  “My Laird, I dinna pretend to no’ understand yer reservations. There have been many things said about me. Some of which are true, but mostly false. I only ask that ye dinna be so quick to judge me based on my reputation. I am a kind and loving woman.”