Highland Bloodline

by Florence Love Karsner

Then, before either of them could see it coming, a large dark shadow reared its frightening head out of the darkness and flew through the air toward them.

  WHUMP!

  Caitlin was flat on her back, struggling to get her breath. It happened so quickly that Robbie fell over trying to get to her.

  "Caitlin! Caitlin!"

  The healer sighed and finally was able to speak, her nerves on fire.

  "Willie? What are you doing out here? I told you to stay with Millie!"

  But Willie had other ideas apparently. Presently, he licked his master's face as he stood over her with his fur standing on end and his tail wagging vigorously. Caitlin hugged him and held him close a moment.

  "Alright then. Looks like we're stuck with you. No doubt you may be helpful to us. Should have known you wouldn't want me to go without you."

  Robbie was almost relieved the wolf had come. He'd watched him follow the bairns at the lodge. The large beast was ever mindful of where everyone was and often knew when things were happening before all others. Yes, Robbie was very glad Caitlin's protector was here.

  After a brief rest they were back in the saddle and on the path to Edinburgh, but they still had no real plan of action for what to do when they arrived.

  Caitlin had never asked Robbie anything about his mother. She felt he would bring her up if and when he wanted to discuss her. That he did so now was a bit of a surprise to her. They continued to move along, and Robbie began to speak with more ease than usual.

  "My mother left a letter for me before she passed away. I brought it with me when I came to the lodge, but I had not read it until last evening.

  Mother's father is Lord Robert Wellington, a British citizen of course. He lives in London, but has properties in Scotland as well. In fact, according to her letter the house I have always lived in belonged to him, but he deeded it to her when she insisted on leaving London and moving to Edinburgh. She says she had her solicitor deed the house over to me, so I guess it belongs to me now.

  One other fact I should probably tell you is that Lord Wellington is not particularly fond of me. Even as a small child I could feel his anger when I would come into the room. I wasn't old enough to understand, but I was aware of his dislike for me.

  Apparently he knew who my father was, and that caused a great rift in his relationship with Mother. I don't think he knew the name, but he knew she was keeping company with a Scot, which in his mind was beneath her. But in her letter she says if I am ever in true need, I should go to him. Even though he despised she had a child by a Scot, he made sure she never wanted for anything and visited, even if infrequently. But he always frightened me, so I doubt I'll ever make contact with him."

  "Families can cause great pain, but then also bring the greatest joys. I never had anyone but Uncle Wabi, but he was enough. Now, being part of this MacKinnon clan, I see what I have missed by not having sisters or brothers. I know you must understand that, even if only a little bit, since you were an only child yourself."

  "When I first arrived at the lodge I was so scared. I didn't know what to do or say. Still don't sometimes. There are so many people at the lodge, or were. At my home it was usually very quiet and I kept to myself, either in my room or at the library. But I'm getting use to lots of folk and I can see that Alex's, er, Da's family is most important to him. But I'm not sure I'll ever fit his idea of what he wanted in a son."

  "Alex is a very complicated man. But you'll find he is fair at all times and will never turn his back on anyone he cares for. He is truly the finest man I have ever met. I knew from the first that I wanted to be with him. Now, he is my life and I don't plan to let the Brits take him away from me."

  With that statement she kicked Soldier's side and hurried on down the trail, with Robbie keeping pace every step of the way.

  CHAPTER 19

  M

  aking his way to Edinburgh in the dark of night was not such a chore for Hector. He'd always done Da's legal negotiating with their solicitor and was very familiar with Edinburgh. Of course, since the Battle of Culloden no one had ventured in that direction. Even now he would rather have stayed at Cameron Castle with Reggie. His mind kept returning to the embrace they had shared when he had left.

  "You must hurry back. I want you by my side, Hector MacKinnon."

  She smiled up at him and he felt her warm body next to his.

  "That's exactly where I want to be, Miss Reggie Carmichael. So ye can count of me returning shortly."

  But, of course, he wasn't sure what he would find in Edinburgh. It wasn't like he could just walk up to a stranger and ask where the Jacobite supporters were being kept. That being the case, he decided to remove his kilt and dress like a highwayman, a vagabond of sorts, and visit a couple of pubs and see if he could learn anything. News travels fast in the dark corners of pubs, and a few coins dropped in the right place always helped too.

  Tying his horse at the back of the pub, he walked around front and took time to carefully see where the doors opened out to, what the surroundings were, and what was the best route to make a quick getaway should he need to do so. He enjoyed his role at the Sanctuary keeping track of the financial details, but he hadn't forgotten Da's lessons of survival. He could take care of himself. But would he be captured as well?

  Hector hoped his highwayman persona would keep him disguised somewhat and he'd move on as soon as he knew anything that would help locate Alex and Jack. He remembered those two extricating him from an uncomfortable predicament once when an Englishman, whose wife made advances toward Hector, had come after him with murderous intent. A long time back now, but he recalled being greatly relieved when his brothers came to his rescue. That was a tight spot, certainly, but it couldn't hold a candle to this situation.

  He kept his weathered hat pulled down around his ears and made his way to the farthest corner in the pub. There were a dozen or so men huddled together around the end of the bar, all talking at the same time, throwing dice, and laughing at something one had said.

  "Yep. They bringing 'em in every day now, ye ken? Just yesterday I watched as they paraded a couple of Highlanders by on horses. Said they was taking 'em to the Old Tolbooth. The Brits seemed to enjoy marching 'em past us, as if that's a spectacle we would enjoy. Damn scoundrels. Why can't they just go back to they own country and leave ours to us?"

  Downing another pint of ale, they were all back to their game of dice and Hector walked out the back door and was on his way once again. Two Highlanders could mean anyone, not necessarily Alex and Jack. But even so, the fact the captured men were seen means the Brits were becoming more successful in their task. He had to get to Edinburgh quickly, and the Old Tollbooth was at least a place to start his search.

  As he passed through the villages, he saw numerous fires along the way. He had forgotten it was time for the great Beltane fire rituals. He stopped at one small village with the intention of finding an inn where he could get a decent meal, and again listen to the local talk.

  A huge fire had been built in the village square and Hector heard music, loud talking, laughing, and women snickering in the background. He slowly made his way to the square, and as he ambled along a young woman grabbed him by the arm as he passed by. She was quite attractive. Her long, dark curls hanging down her back and her frock of dark green sprigged with lace at the neck and wrists made for a most pleasing appearance. Yes, she was dressed in her finest for the occasion.

  "Come! Come dance with me, handsome fellow. Here, drink my ale and dance around the great fire with me. This night can be one you remember."

  Pretending to enjoy her overtures, Hector grabbed her hand and began to swing her around in a slow dance. She stopped and insisted he take a swig of her ale before they continued. Hector drank deeply and laughed as she pulled his face down to hers and planted a very wet kiss on him.

  "Beltane is for lovers, don't you know?" She kissed him thoroughly once again then lifted the mug to his lips.

  "Here, one more taste for you then we'
ll find a quiet place in the forest where nature will give her blessings to all who celebrate the great fire."

  Hector drank once again, hoping he might get her to tell him of happenings in the village.

  "Lass, have ye seen many travelers today? Anyone that ye didn't know?"

  "Oh, listen to that Highland brogue! Aye. We have travelers every day in our village. It's only a short distance to Edinburgh from here, so we get them as they pass through."

  "Have ye seen any of the captured Jacobite supporters?"

  "Oh, aye. There be lots of supporters about this area, but they stay hidden as much as they can. The British are searching every street and hollow looking for them."

  Hector was pleased the woman was beginning to offer a few tidbits of information. Just as he was about to inquire a bit further, his head began to swim and he found himself sitting down to keep from falling over.

  "I'll sit here for just a minute, lass, if ye don't mind."

  "Aye. That's some fine ale old Jem makes if I do say so. It can put you on your tail if you're not use to it! Ha!"

  She tried pulling Hector to his feet, but he was a large man and she couldn't budge him.

  "Aw, now, come on. Dance about the fire with me, big fellow. Celebrate with me. We'll share the night. That's what the Beltane time is all about, renewal!"

  But Hector slumped to the ground and she was not sure what to do with him. Looking about, she called over a couple of young lads to help her.

  "Here, Aidan, Seamus. Let's get this one tucked up over on the haystacks. He's done for. No good to me tonight. He'll come round in the morning, I reckon."

  Hector was quite a large man and the two lads struggled to get him out of the way of the dancers. They stretched him out atop a large hay bale and went on about their own frolicking. The young woman left, still laughing, hoping to find another partner for the evening.

  CHAPTER 20

  H

  earing the sobs of the woman in the cell down the hall was the worse part of being in the prison. Alex and Jack had both seen the inside of a few jails during their time, but never anything as disgusting as the conditions in the Old Tolbooth.

  "Wouldn't ye think the guards would at least give the lass a blanket? Did ye notice that when we walked by? She had nothing but that fancy red dress and her shawl—silk it looked like to me. She's gotta be cold."

  "Aye, I did notice. I also saw she was wearing ankle irons, too. At least we've been spared that ordeal, so far. Let's try to think this situation through and come up with a few ideas that might help us get out of here."

  "Aye. But, Alex, I think we're on our own now. Da's too old and Hamish and Kenny are too young. Robbie's no help either. Maybe if Hector gets wind of our predicament he might come looking for us."

  "Hector's got his hands full at the Sanctuary. At least he's not out in the general public like we've been. He may actually be safer where he is, in a house full of women and children. It's not likely the Brits will be looking for Jacobites there. Let's hope he stays there. I believe yer right—we're on our own. So, what do we know?"

  "Well, I know it stinks to high heaven in here and if I see that snake again I'll tear these bars down with my bare hands."

  Alex chuckled. "Then I hope he comes slithering by any minute now." Sitting down on the straw mat, he looked about.

  "As I see it, the guards only make rounds about once every three hours. So if we ever get even a whisper of a chance to make any sort of break, we'll have three hours to make our escape."

  "Escape? How do ye see us escaping from this rotten hellhole?"

  "I assume ye've got a dirk tucked under yer shirt and most likely another in yer boot? Am I right?"

  "Oh, aye, aye."

  "Then that makes two of us with weapons we know how to use. If we pay attention and think a bit on this, we may just come up with an escape plan."

  Alex stared up at a small opening in the ceiling at the rear of the cell. He had no way of knowing its purpose, but the cell they occupied was at least two levels below ground, so the opening might put them in another cell or room in a higher level of the prison. If they were lucky, it would be an opening to a hallway. The problem would be how to get up to it. Obviously the guards were not worried about that, as the opening was at least three and a half meters from the floor. The opening was small, but perhaps large enough for one of them to get through it.

  "I know that look, brother. What do ye have in mind?"

  "Let me think on it another few minutes. But assuming we can get out, where do we go from here? We have no horses, no food or water, and our stinking bodies alone will tell others we're straight out of the Tolbooth."

  Jack lay his head back on the reeking bed of straw and felt critters scurrying about beneath him. Jumping up quickly, he lashed out.

  "Jesus! Snakes, rats, and filth! We've gotta get out of here. Hurry up with yer thinking!"

  Alex paced around the perimeter of the cell, taking long strides.

  "What are ye doing? Measuring the length and width of the cell?"

  "Aye. If my thinking is right, this cell is a square. If that's right, then let's hope it's a perfect square."

  "What's a perfect square?"

  "One where all sides are equal."

  "How does that help us?"

  "Well, the length is about three and a half to four meters and the width is three and a half to four meters also. A right small space ye ken? But then that's exactly what a prison cell should be—a small, tight space just large enough to hold one or two prisoners. No need for any more space than that. If the cells are constructed that way, then you can house a lot more prisoners than if ye made larger rooms. Too many prisoners in one large room always makes for trouble."

  "Aye. So, again, how does that help us?"

  "I'm betting the room is also three and a half to four meters high, too. If that theory holds true, then with a little help perhaps one of us could squeeze through that opening. I could stand on your shoulders and try to get through it. Once I'm up there, I'll need a rope or something to throw down to pull ye up. What do ye think about that plan?"

  Jack walked off the length and width of the cell for himself. He glanced up to the hole and then over to Alex. "That opening looks like it could be a tight squeeze for me, but I don't have anything better to offer. I agree we'll need to figure out how to get some rope or something to pull me up with. Where we gonna get that?"

  "Next time the guard comes by, let's check him out carefully. Maybe he's wearing a belt or has a rope of some sort on that fancy uniform he wears. Just like the Brits to even outfit their prison guards with their ridiculous garb."

  CHAPTER 21

  T

  he great Beltane celebration was over and the villagers were occupied about their places of business, trying to get things back in some sort of order. There had been much gaiety, laughter and dancing, and a lot of ale had been drunk as well. So, finding a highwayman with his head held over between his legs was not surprising.

  "You got a big head this morning then I guess, eh?" The old man had seen the aftermath of celebrations before and knew what it felt like himself. He was too old for such shenanigans now, but could empathize with the man sitting on the bale of hay.

  "Aye. Looks like I must have had quite a time. Can't actually remember much about it, though."

  "Then I suggest you find your horse and get on back home, wherever that is. From the brogue, I assume it's in the Highlands somewhere.”

  That statement had Hector's mind reeling. He'd taken pains to try and speak like the Lowlanders last evening. But this morning his head hurt too much and he knew without question that he was feverish. This was more than just a hangover from a night of celebration. He was intelligent enough to realize he was in no shape to help anyone, and had no choice but to try to get back to the Sanctuary and recover before he could help his brothers.

  Just standing up was a real chore, and for a moment he was overcome with dizziness and all was dark. If th
at gentleman had noticed his brogue, then he'd better move on quickly. Not all Highlanders were Jacobites, but some were, and there were even some down here. And there were some folk who were quick to turn the Jacobites in for a small reward.

  It took him a few minutes to locate his horse. Thank goodness he'd had the sense to turn him in at the local livery. At least his horse would not be hung over and struggling with fever.

  ~ ~ ~

  Reggie busied herself about the Sanctuary, which wasn't difficult. There was always a problem with one of the children or the women, or the kitchen staff. But at least Ethel pretty much handled that area. However, the kitchen was not quite the same without Aileen. The woman might have been quiet and prone to crying, but she was a marvelous cook and they all missed her dishes.

  Old Clint came by for his morning coffee and a quick chat with Ethel. They'd shared a cottage for some time now and the arrangement worked for both of them. Even at their advanced age, a warm person to lie next to on a cold winter's night was comforting. Their morning ritual of coffee and a chat had started many years ago when they were both married to others. Time had a way of altering lives and it was just a truth they accepted. Both lost their mates and had to learn to pick up the pieces of their lives and move on, and they had. Now, at this stage of their lives, there was a quiet happiness and contentment they may not have expected, and both were thankful.

  Reggie came to the kitchen just as Clint walked in.

  "I didn't see Mr. MacKinnon, uh Hector, this morning, Reggie. He always takes a turn around the castle. Is he alright then?"

  "Aye. He's gone down to Edinburgh. Something to do with seeing his da's solicitor about some property deeds. He'll be back in a day he said."

  "Then I'll walk about the place, just to make sure nothing's amiss, ye ken?" This old one hailed from the Highlands long ago and his speech pattern never did change.

  When the next morning came, Clint once again made rounds as Hector still hadn't returned. Later, just as the sun was slipping behind the distant hills, Clint saw a rider coming. It was dusk so he couldn't see the face very well, but he recognized the horse right away.