Highland Bloodline

by Florence Love Karsner

  "I'm coming, I'm coming."

  Ian hurried into the cave, keeping his eyes trained on the light coming from within. Apparently the highwayman must have needed light to find his way about the cave and in his haste had left a torch burning in a niche in the wall.

  Ian spied the group immediately and one of them called out to him. "Oh, thanks be. Ye found us," an old bearded man mumbled as he spied Ian. "We need yer help, lad."

  "What happened? How did ye get in here?"

  Ian began to untie the prisoners, which took some time as the highwayman had used leather ties with which to bind them and they had gotten tighter and tighter. There were half a dozen men and four women all trussed up like turkeys, their hands tied behind them and their ankles secured as well. A couple of them had rubbed their wrists raw trying to free themselves from their restraints. They didn't seem to be harmed other than that. All of them had been gagged, but the old bearded man had managed to struggle and get his gag away from his mouth and call for help.

  "We really thought we were goners when that mountain lion showed up. He was huge! Did ye encounter him?"

  "Only for a moment. He was clawing his way across the back of a highwayman I met in the stable. But as soon as I arrived, he took off."

  "Lucky for ye. He could have attacked ye as well."

  "How did ye get here, in this cave?"

  "That highwayman ye spoke of. He came into the pub brandishing a pistol. He took our coins and our horses. Then he marched us into this cave and tied us up."

  "I see. Well, he walloped me a good one and left in a hurry. Ran into the forest, I guess. I don't even know which way he went."

  "Did ye see our horses anywhere?"

  "Nae, I didn't. My bet is he has them stashed away somewhere and he'll return for them."

  "Aye. But right now, if ye'll untie us we'll get back to the pub. There's food and room for everyone to rest. We'll look for the horses in the morning light. We need to be inside in case that mountain cat decides to come back. Ye've come at just the right time, lad."

  Ian got everyone headed to the pub and he, too, wasn't keen on spending the night outside with a large mountain lion wandering about. Eventually everyone got settled in the pub and all was quiet.

  When daybreak came, Ian and Henson were nowhere to be found.

  CHAPTER 4

  A

  lex had been as patient as he could possibly be with young Robbie. He had bit his tongue on more than one occasion knowing the lad was struggling as much as he was to form some sort of relationship. Being a teenage lad was not the best time to learn that what you had been told about your father had all been a mother's fictitious tale. Still, Alex would not give up on his son. Just looking at him daily made his heart ache for the years that had been lost to him.

  "Caitlin, it's like watching myself every time I see him. He even thinks like I do at times. It's verra unnerving. But for the life of me I can't find a way to reach him. He refuses to even look me in the eye when I'm talking to him. And he doesn't seem to even be trying when I try to teach him how to throw his dirk. It's almost as if he wants to disappoint me, and it's obvious he's verra unhappy about being a Scot. Well, that's just a fact he'll have to come to grips with."

  He leaned his forehead against the window, staring out at the sheep grazing high up on the moor. Failure was not an experience that he was very familiar with.

  "Perhaps you might be exaggerating a bit, Alex. Robbie's bound to be going through a very difficult period right now. He's not who he thought he was, his father was just a figment of his mother's imagination, and now he finds himself living with a family he has nothing in common with other than blood. But as Uncle Wabi will tell you, blood always wins out. Give him time. He's extremely bright and I'm quite sure he understands more than he lets on."

  So now here they were once again, Alex working with Robbie, who still didn't seem to understand the importance of learning the basic skill of throwing a dirk.

  "Ye gotta know how to throw a dirk, ye ken? The Highlands have many dangers and your dirk can save yer life, lad. Now, try once again."

  Robbie slowly pulled the dirk from the rear wall of the stable. Alex had demonstrated once again how to execute throwing a dirk properly, lodging it deep within the planks. Robbie walked back to where Alex was standing.

  The lad had been with the MacKinnons for some time now, but so far there had been no progress in his skill level, nor in their relationship. Alex thought teaching Robbie the skills Da had taught him would be a good place to start, but that plan wasn't working so well.

  "It's no use. I'll never learn how to do this. Can't you see that?"

  "Just give it one more try. It'll come."

  But with his next attempt the dirk never even reached the stable wall, falling to the ground short of its target. Alex could see the young lad was defeated, and it was true the boy was no better with the dirk now than he had been several weeks ago when they first started his training.

  "Don't worry so, Robbie. I'm verra sure it took me some time to learn the process, and we'll not quit on it. Ye'll get the hang of it. But let's call it a day."

  Robbie was not at all sure that was true, but he nodded just the same.

  Alex tucked the dirk back inside his belt and they headed to the lodge, walking side by side.

  "Is Ian coming back any time soon? He said he would, but now I wonder." No matter how hard he tried, Robbie's speech sounded stilted, even to him.

  "Oh, aye. He'll turn up. He's studying with Wabi and Da believes it's what he was meant to do. He's our brother, but he's got a few different talents the rest of us don't have."

  "What kind of talents?"

  "Oh, just special ways. When ye've been here a while longer ye'll understand what I'm telling ye. Wabi is a most unique man, too, ye ken? But our mam always taught us to accept folk as they are and not to try and put our ways and beliefs onto them. It may be that they know more than we do. Wabi, Caitlin, and Ian have saved us from harm on more than one occasion, so I'll not question their ways meself."

  "I saw him off that morning, after the bairn was born. He said he didn't like goodbyes so wanted to leave before all of you were up and about."

  "Aye. I figured as much. Ian's got a soft place in his heart, which is a good thing most of the time. But he sometimes feels things that make it difficult for him to act. It was just as well he left quietly, and I'm glad ye saw him off. The two of ye probably have a lot in common, being so close in age."

  "Maybe. He told me he's sixteen and I'm fourteen, so, yes, we are close in age. But he's a lot more accomplished than I am. You should have seen him astride that black horse of his. The animal snorted and pranced about until Ian whispered something in his ear. Then he put that big cat in the saddlebag and threw his leg over Merlin, without using the stirrup. He fairly flew out of the stable and never looked back."

  "Aye, well, he does that sometimes." Alex was not ready just yet to try to explain Ian's and Wabi's eccentricities to Robbie. "So then, have ye never been on a horse, lad?"

  "Oh, yes ... sir. But not one like that one. I'm not very good at riding either I have to tell you."

  "Not to worry, lad. Ye just need to know that Ian's been on a horse since he was old enough to walk. It was one of those things Da made sure all of us learned to do. Ian was just particularly good at it, as is Da. We'll have ye riding like Ian in no time. Ye'll take to it lad. Yer a MacKinnon after all."

  "Yes ... sir." What the lad didn't tell Alex was that he wasn't particularly fond of horses. He'd actually taken a spill from one when he was small and hadn't cared much for them ever since. But living up here, it was obvious he would have to learn a few things in order to survive.

  Living in London and Edinburgh was a bit different. Of course there were horses there too, but most of the time he and his mother would take a carriage to their destinations and someone else was in charge of controlling the animals.

  Standing quietly at the edge of the stable door, Da ha
d witnessed the exchange between his newly acquired grandson and his son. The strain between the two was obvious to everyone. Apparently the others thought time would take care of the situation, but Da wasn't so sure about that. So, as was his habit, he discussed his worries with Alice.

  Ah, mo chridhe. It's a delicate situation I'm dealing with today. This new grandson, Robbie, looks exactly like our Alex, but in every other way he couldn't be more different. Well, other than his intelligence, that is. He's such a bright young lad. Ye'd find a way to make him part of the family, but I'm not sure I can. 'Course I know ye'd tell me, "Daniel, just treat him like ye did the other lads." Aye, Alice. I know that's what ye'd tell me.

  Even before they reached the back door, Alex and Robbie could hear voices coming from the kitchen, but were too far away to distinguish words.

  "I can't stand that odious man! If he touches me again I'm going to scream." Millie clinched her hands together and tried to regain her ladylike composure.

  "Maybe you should tell Jack. I'm pretty sure he'd put a stop to Boder even coming close to you." Caitlin didn't care for him either, but was surprised when Millie told her about his advances.

  "Oh, aye. But that's just it. I hate to think what Jack would do to him. Probably beat him to a pulp—or worse. No. I'll just be careful to keep out of his way."

  "Yes, I'm sure you're right. Jack would make mincemeat of him, I'm afraid. But that man reeks of something dirty and foul. Alex says it's that cheroot he keeps in his mouth. Most of the time it's not even lighted, but he still chews on it just the same."

  "Well, let's not mention it to Jack just yet. Hopefully Boder will keep away. I'm quite sure he understands I don't like his attentions."

  Millie left and began to prepare her lessons for the next day and Caitlin got back to her potions.

  As Robbie opened the door, Alex again heard voices, and this time he could tell whom they belonged to, and Caitlin's was loudest of all.

  "Dugald MacKinnon. Get yourself back upstairs and stay there until I come for you. There will be no stealing from others even if they are your brother or sister. Now go!"

  "My name is not Dugald MacKinnon! It's Dugald MacGregor!"

  "I said go. Now."

  Alex and Robbie walked into the kitchen, where Caitlin was busy making herbal remedies and tinctures for her clinic. Their new bairn was resting in the small crib that had been here as long as Alex could remember. The most recent bairn to use it had been little Midge. She had gotten too big for it, and now it was occupied by the latest MacKinnon, the one they had decided to call Flinn. Willie was resting beneath the crib, and though he never made a sound his eyes took in everything that was happening around him. He was most definitely Caitlin's protector, and now he had decided he also had a new little mistress to watch out for.

  "Problem, mo chridhe?" Alex asked.

  "No, not really. Dugald took a couple of wooden soldiers Da had whittled for Charlie. Seems that Charlie went looking for them and found them in Dugald's secret hiding place. Some hiding place if a lad as young as Charlie can find it.

  But, no matter, stealing can't be tolerated and I've told him he has to stay upstairs until I come for him. He hates being inside more than anything, so that's a real punishment for him." She smiled as she stirred her potion.

  Alex walked up behind her, put his arms around her waist and sniffed her hair, which smelled of lavender, as always. He'd never tire of this woman and he thought she was even more beautiful now than when he first met her. It was his belief that motherhood agreed with her and she glowed from within.

  "I wouldn't be too hard on him. He's just a young lad. Jack stole my keepsakes more times than I can remember and I never let Mam know. We usually just duked it out and settled it on our own."

  "Well, Charlie's a good bit smaller than Dugald, so I'm not sure that would be a good solution."

  "Don't let his size fool ye, lass. Hector was always smaller than Jack and me, but he could always take care of himself. And, of course, I was always the best lad of all."

  "Yes, and I hope Mam's not listening right now."

  She laughed and Alex was glad to see her back to her normal size and seemingly taking motherhood in stride. She was ready to resume her clinic hours and the lodge was full of activity, with Millie still teaching in the crofter's hut out back.

  Camille, Uncle Andrew's lady friend, apparently was staying permanently and that was good. They didn't know much about her yet, but she was a godsend as far as Millie and Caitlin were concerned. In fact, even the orphans were growing to like her. The two younger ones, Bridgette and Charlie, could often be found visiting her in the crofter's hut where she lived with Uncle Andrew.

  That relationship, Uncle Andrew and Camille, had brought happiness to both and the family was pleased for Uncle Andrew. He had lived in the lodge for many years after his Florence passed away, and now the lodge had another empty room since he’d moved to the large crofter's hut that Millie and Caitlin had turned into a very hospitable home for the couple.

  With Uncle Andrew out of the lodge, and Old Jamie having passed on a few months ago, and Ian gone to Skye, it was quieter than it had been in some time. But today the quiet was disturbed by the new bairn when she began to fuss and cry. Caitlin's hands were busy adding herbs to her concoction and she looked at Robbie.

  "Robbie, would you please pick Flinn up and walk her about a bit? She's been fussy all morning, but refuses to nurse. I'll be finished with this brew in just a few minutes."

  "Me? You want me to pick the bairn up?"

  "Well, yes, if you would, please."

  Robbie stared at Caitlin, his eyes shifting toward Alex, perhaps hoping for some help from that corner, but Alex kept quiet.

  "I've never held a bairn in my life. I don't think I know how to do that."

  Alex finally did speak up. "Well, she is yer half sister, ye ken?" Alex reminded him.

  "Yes ... sir. But she's so small."

  "Aye. That she is. But I've already learned she doesn't break. Just pick her up and hold her close. She smells pretty good too. Well, most of the time, that is."

  Robbie stepped closer to the crib, and just as he was about to lift the child, Willie raised him head, causing Robbie to step back.

  "Caitlin, I don't think your wolf will let me do this." Fear was evident on his young face, and both Alex and Caitlin saw it.

  "If Willie didn't like you, Robbie, you'd have known it by now. He's just making sure you know he's under there. He's had his paws stepped on more than once and has yet to retaliate."

  Cautiously, Robbie stepped forward and lifted the bairn, holding her out at arm's length.

  "Now, just bring her close to your chest and let her rest her head there."

  But Robbie didn't bring her close. He held her out in front of himself, letting her legs dangle in the air, and the child ceased her crying and quieted. For the longest moment she seemed to search Robbie's face the same way he was searching hers. He then pulled her close and she let out a long sigh, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  "She's got the same eyes as you, Caitlin. And her hair is the same too. But I don't see anything about her that looks like Alex—uh, my father—my da."

  "That may be, but I have a feeling she's a MacKinnon through and through. She already has a way of letting you know when she wants something and how soon she wants it. It's a trait I've learned runs in the family," Caitlin responded.

  Robbie looked to Caitlin as he held the babe and finally asked, "She's sleeping I think. What do I do now?"

  "Just walk around the room with her a bit. She'll learn to recognize you by your scent. Uncle Wabi has convinced me that infants are just like small animals. They know those around them mostly by scent and sound rather than by what they see."

  Alex stood in the corner observing Robbie as he walked about the room, softly rubbing the bairn's back as he did so.

  My children. These are my children. Mam would have said the Creator has found me worthy and b
lessed me.

  He left the room before his emotions got the better of him. Fatherhood was indeed a new experience, and one in which he felt unsure, an almost foreign feeling for the very able Highlander.

  Later that same evening, Robbie returned to his attic hideout. Writing in his journal that evening, as most evenings, he put his thoughts of the day down.

  I don't think I quite realized what a quiet, solitary life I lived until now. The library was my favorite place to visit and at home I pretty much stayed in my room, writing and drawing. But there's so much to see up here. I want to explore, but I'm afraid I might get lost. Then what? Alex, my father, would think even less of me then, more than he does already.

  ~ ~ ~

  Early the next morning Robbie was surprised to hear a soft knock on his door. Opening it, he found his grandda standing there.

  "Alex and Jack are out early looking for some strays. Mrs. Sutherland complained they've made her garden a mess and are eatin' her new flowering buds. Spring has its own problems I guess."

  "Yessir, I suppose so."

  "Well then. Since those two are out of pocket, let's sneak some of Millie's scones and a mug of coffee. We'll head to the stable and see if we can't make a bit of headway with your dirk throwing."

  "I don't know . . . sir. I think I'm one of those who can't even hit the broad side of a barn, or stable in this case."

  "Not to worry, lad. I taught the other lads and they're all able to throw it quite well. I expect ye'll manage it too. Come on now."

  Robbie was reluctant to attempt this particular skill again. He'd really rather stay in his room and write a story or record something in his journal. But Grandda fell into that same category as Ian. Something about him was to Robbie's liking, even if he didn't want it to be.

  The two armed themselves with several scones and coffee and took their mugs, making their way to the back of the stable.