Highland Bloodline

by Florence Love Karsner

  "Oh, he'll be along any minute now. He's doing his ‘kitten duty,’ which he really likes. Having his mam has helped more than anything. He's making sounds and is running around like always. Aileen has brought healing that none of us could have done."

  Caitlin smiled and took Alex's hand.

  "I think the first order of business is obvious to anyone standing within three meters of any of us."

  "And what would that be, lass?"

  "A bath!"

  "Couldn't agree with ye more. I'll ask Hamish to fill the tubs and we'll burn these god-awful, smelly clothes. I don't need anything to remind me of that Tolbooth."

  "Oh dear. That means I'll have to burn Ian's outfit ... and I really like it!"

  CHAPTER 27

  W

  abi and Ian arrived on the Isle of Skye in their usual manner—literally falling from the sky, or so it seemed to Owl. The magnificent bird, making another of his spectacular aerial descents, carefully alighted on Wabi's shoulder.

  Master, if you would allow, I do believe I could instruct you in how to make a proper landing. My species perfected that particular maneuver long ago.

  "Owl, my dear friend. How I've missed you." He reached up and stroked his longtime companion.

  I trust your energies and powers have been renewed?

  "Ah, yes, indeed they have. I feel like myself again. Apparently it's not yet time for me to move on."

  Ian watched as the two communicated and was delighted that he, too, now had the ability to converse with Owl.

  And you, young Ian, I see you completed your assigned task, as my Master was certain you would.

  Ian smiled at the bird. "Ye might have given me a few more hints about where to find him, Owl. It was quite a challenge if ye must know."

  But of course. That was his intention.

  With that, Owl took his place on the perch near the back porch. He would stay there and let the wizards work out the next item on their agenda.

  Wabi stood looking down toward the loch and across the way to Aned Favre's cottage. "I believe I'll just check on Aned first thing. She wasn't quite herself when I left. In fact, she was most evasive, which is unlike her."

  "And I'll look in on Merlin. He's probably grown fat as an old ewe grazing on that grass in your field."

  Wabi knocked lightly at the door and waited quietly, expecting Aned's smiling face to greet him. But several minutes later she still had not appeared.

  Trying the doorknob, he was surprised to find it unlocked. She lived alone and was in the habit of keeping her doors locked, especially if Wabi was gone on one of his adventures.

  As he walked into the room, he looked about. Everything was in place as usual. Her teapot was on the kitchen table, a recipe for cappuccino soufflé lying next to it. She was forever coming up with a new dish of some sort and he always volunteered to try them out for her.

  Walking down the hall to her bedroom, he wondered if she had perhaps taken ill and was resting. Her door was ajar so he walked in. He was right, to some degree. There was someone resting on the bed, but it wasn't Aned. Old Groucho was stretched out with his head between his paws, sleeping so soundly he didn't even know Wabi was there.

  "You old reprobate! Sleeping in a lady's bed when she's not even here."

  He picked the old feline up, stroked his head, and walked to the kitchen again. He then went to Aned's breadbox, where she always kept something scrumptious—freshly baked bread, or perhaps some scones.

  He was disappointed. There were no pastries, but there was an envelope addressed to "Wabi."

  He had to smile. She knew exactly where to leave a message for him. He read the short note, then put it in his pocket.

  Groucho pushed his face into Wabi's hand, hoping to get his head rubbed, and of course he was successful.

  "I see. Well then, Groucho. Aned has gone to France for a while. To see family, she says. I thought she had no family left there. Of course she's free to go where she pleases, but I do wish she had discussed whatever has been on her mind lately."

  He left then, making sure he locked the door behind himself.

  He found Ian out in the pasture talking with Merlin, Henson at his feet. Wabi was relieved the lad had found him and they could now get on with his training.

  The old wizard would never have children of his own, but he'd had the pleasure of teaching Ci-Cero so many years ago, and now this young one, Ian. Ci-Cero had certainly been granted gifts beyond what others had been given, and he had great hopes for this Highland lad. He may have been chosen for greatness too.

  But, presently the country was in a state of unrest and that had Wabi worried. He'd seen much in his many years and knew this too would pass, but in the meantime there would undoubtedly be great sorrow for so many. He was lost in his thoughts when Ian spoke up.

  "Master Wabi? Are ye alright then?"

  "Yes, yes, of course. Just thinking I suppose."

  "Yeah. Me too. Wabi, do ye think we could go to the Highlands soon? I'm verra worried about my brothers, my family. I know we need to get back to my training, but if we could just go up for a day or so and find out if they're alright. Things there will most likely be as boring as always, nothing ever happens up there, but just wait 'til I tell them about my experience with the Druids!"

  "Maybe you should keep some of that information to yourself, Ian. Not everyone understands them, and some folk are actually afraid of them. Most of their fear comes from the same place all fear comes from, ignorance. But still, you must learn to filter what you reveal about some events. It could be you'll soon be called on to make decisions that may not please everyone, but as long as you have assured yourself you are following the path the Creator has set for you, then you should continue."

  "Do ye truly think I've been called for some special reason?"

  "We've all been called for some special purpose, Ian. Not everyone has your gifts or my powers, but all are called. But not all answer the call."

  "But ..."

  "To answer your first question, lad, yes, we'll go to the Highlands and see how everyone fares. I've been unavailable to Caitlin for a short while, so no telling what kind of trouble she's managed to get herself into."

  "Do you think she could get into trouble, Wabi?"

  "During my confinement, I could feel her vibrations, just slightly, but was in no position to answer her. But she's quite capable of handling most situations, so I'm not truly worried about her. Probably some issues related to her new bairn, no doubt."

  "I do have one more question, Master Wabi."

  "Let's hear it."

  "Uh, it's about Henson. Do ye think he's just a regular cat? Like other cats, I mean."

  "Henson? No. Absolutely not. He's just as special as you are, Ian. You may think you found him in the stable, but that's not true. He found you and will be with you as long as you allow him to be."

  "Sometimes he runs off and may not return for hours. And when he does, I don't know where he's been. Last time he left I was really worried about him. A large mountain lion was seen in the area and I was afraid he would kill Henson if he came across him. I read somewhere that large cats will often kill smaller ones, something about protecting their territory."

  "Oh, I wouldn't be too concerned about Henson. He's more than able to handle another cat, especially a mountain lion." Wabi smiled to himself. It might be just a bit early to explain some things to Ian, but he would soon.

  "Wabi, Master Wabi. The Druids told me I should always address you as Master. They said you are more powerful than any other called ones they know."

  "What someone calls you is of no importance, Ian. Who you are, what you value, what's in your heart, that's what counts."

  "Just one more thing. Do ye think we might go back to Druid Isle, one day?"

  "I only go there when I am in need. It's a place of reverence and I respect that."

  "Oh. I just...it's just that I saw this lass there, this young woman. She's called Arduinna. I need to see her ag
ain, ye ken?"

  "Ah. Arduinna. Yes, of course. The priestess of the order and daughter of Danaan."

  "She's his daughter? I didn't know that. He never said."

  "Going back might not be a good idea, Ian. As priestess, Arduinna has taken a vow of celibacy. She has dedicated her life in service to the order and spends most of her time in prayer and meditation. She is all but lost to this world, the world of the common man."

  "But she's so beautiful, Wabi, Master Wabi. I must see her again!"

  "We'll talk of this later, Ian. Part of your training will be for you to learn how to discipline your thoughts, and your desires. It's not always an easy task, but one that is necessary. For now, keep your mind focused on matters of the mind, not the body."

  Ian nodded, but the mental image of Arduinna was vivid in his mind. He remembered her walking down the path and, as she neared him, she sent just the slightest smile in his direction and he knew it was meant for him.

  CHAPTER 28

  C

  lint nodded to Hector. "Off with you now. Me and Ethel and Winston can take care of this place for a few days. Dorothea's got the little ones sorted and she's got several women who can step in if she needs more help. Go now. Go see about yer brothers and yer da."

  "But if the soldiers return, they could cause trouble." Hector had concerns about leaving these older hands to run the Sanctuary, although he knew each one was as capable as he and Reggie.

  "They were scared to death of that fever when they were here last time. I don't think they'll get anywhere near this place!" Ethel laughed as she rubbed butter and herbs on the turkey she was preparing for the oven.

  "I lived through the '15 uprising, Hector. Eventually they all just get tired of fighting and things settle down again. For a while anyway. Go on with you, now," Clint said.

  "Reggie? What do ye think, lass? We'd be gone for a few days, but I really would like ye to go with me. My da will hide me if I don't bring ye to meet them before I marry ye."

  "Hector MacKinnon! I haven't agreed to marry you yet, I said I'd think about it, that's all."

  But she smiled as she said it and knew she'd go anywhere with this Highlander. He was so very different from her first husband, and that was probably a good thing. This time around she was older and much wiser.

  Hector had known from the first moment that this woman was meant for him.

  "Then we'll be off early tomorrow. We'll return as soon as we've made sure everyone is alright. Clint, my fear is that Alex and Jack were sent off already. But before I go running down to Edinburgh again, I want to know if anything has happened at the lodge. Caitlin and Millie may have heard something that might help me find them."

  "Aye. That's not a bad idea. If I recollect correctly, those brothers of yours managed to get their women and themselves to safety when that lord and lunatic soldier was after them. They're not men I'd like to cross meself, 'specially that big one."

  Hector laughed. "Ye've got a point there, Clint. I don't particularly like to cross them either, and we have our moments when we're all at the lodge."

  "Another thing, too. My bones are aching like the very devil himself, Hector. That means there's weather brewing, somewhere. It might be a good idea for you to take the small, one-horse covered carriage for the trip."

  "A covered carriage? I didn't know we had one. Where'd it come from?"

  "The Mistress Cameron. She had it brought up from London some years ago. After one trip to the village in it she had us put it in the back of the barn and keep it covered with bales of hay. She thought it was just too "fancy" to be used here. So that's where it's been for some years now."

  "That would be a lot more comfortable than the cart I used to take Aileen to the lodge. At least we'd be somewhat protected from the weather you predict may be coming. Why didn't ye tell me about it?"

  "It completely slipped my mind, Hector. And, too, we had to make sure ye were as honest as our Millie seemed to think. Ye could have just taken off in that posthaste and we'd never see ye again."

  Hector shook his head and laughed. "Well then, I'm glad to see I've finally gained your approval, Clint. Reggie will enjoy the trip if we travel in that. Thank ye. I'll take ye up on that offer."

  CHAPTER 29

  C

  haos was the only word to describe the scene at the lodge this evening. With the arrival of Alex, Caitlin, Jack and Robbie a couple of days ago, any semblance of order was lost.

  Earlier in the day, Aileen had taken Charlie by the face and looked directly at him.

  "Charlie, I know you can hear me, son. Get yourself back to the classroom now."

  Aileen pushed the little lad out the kitchen door and he laughed as he ran along. He had been so excited to see Willie and would much rather spend time with the wolf than be in the classroom. The two had forged an unusual bond and Charlie was thrilled the wolf was back.

  Since the Scarlet Fever had abated, Millie and Caitlin were struggling to get the children back in school doing their studies again. Today, Dugald and Bridgette dragged the four kittens into the classroom, which brought shrieks from the other children making it almost impossible to conduct any kind of instruction.

  Aileen had taken over the kitchen and ran it even better than Millie had. This clan needed her and she was already becoming indispensable. The end of the day found her in the kitchen, Millie closing the school for the day, and Caitlin gathering up her herbs from the stable where she kept them in an unused stall.

  Alex and Jack were coming in after a long day of herding sheep from one pasture to another. They had barely gotten inside before the thunderstorm that had threatened all afternoon finally arrived.

  "Well, one good thing has come from our time in the Tolbooth," Alex said, brushing the rain off his shoulders.

  "Yeah? What's that?" Jack asked.

  "I used to think the sheep smelled bad, but after the Tolbooth I won't complain about them anymore."

  They both laughed and headed to the bath.

  A little while later they were coming down for their evening ritual, a wee dram and conversation around the dining table, when the back door opened and Caitlin rushed inside.

  "Holy Rusephus! A thunderstorm this time of year?" She'd had to make a run for it from the stable.

  The next one to make his way to the kitchen was Da, whose health had improved markedly since his lads had come home. He spent a few minutes rocking Flinn to sleep and placed her in her crib, still located in the corner of the kitchen. Willie, her self-appointed protector, was back in his preferred place keeping watch from beneath her crib.

  Millie handed out mugs of cider and watched as Aileen filled the table with scrumptious looking dishes, one after the other.

  "Aileen, you are amazing. It would take me a week to prepare that many dishes."

  Jack laughed. "But don't stop, lass. We've been starved for more than a week and need to build our strength up."

  A banging on the kitchen door had everyone looking in that direction. Jack opened the door and stood there staring. After a long minute, the visitor said his piece.

  "It's raining out here, brother. Ye think ye could let us come in?" Hector smiled at his big brother.

  "Hector? Yer alright, then? Yer alright?"

  Alex and Da came closer and embraced him.

  "Aye, I can see yer alright, lad,” Da said. "But I do believe yer mam would tell us we've forgotten our manners." He bowed to Reggie, who'd been standing there watching as the scene unfolded before her.

  "Good evening, ma’am. I'm Daniel MacKinnon and these three oafs are my sons. Please come in."

  The laughter that filled the room was music to everyone's ears.

  Reggie removed her long, hooded cloak and looked about. "So then, this is the family you speak of so often. As you said, there are a lot of them!"

  Reggie had a brother, but he had died as a youngster so she'd grown up in a relatively quiet home.

  "And this isn't all of them," Hector told her.


  "Oh goodness! Who's missing?"

  "Ian, the youngest. He's off with Uncle Wabi," Caitlin informed her.

  "But take my word for it, he looks like all the others and is just as loud."

  "Here, let's close the door. The rain's really coming down now and with this wind it'll be blown inside," Millie said.

  "Oh right. Certainly." Hector stood back, and just as he was about to close the door a booted foot stuck itself through—a boot with a prosthesis.

  "Ian! Our long lost brother! Didn't expect to see ye. How'd ye get here?"

  Then, seeing Uncle Wabi standing behind him, he quietly nodded.

  "I see. Uncle Wabi. So glad to see you, sir. Please come in."

  Caitlin's tears began the minute she saw Wabi.

  "Uncle Wabi, I thought something awful had happened to you. I've called and called but you didn't answer."

  Wabi gathered his niece in his arms. "Yes, dear girl. There was a problem for a short while, but all is well now. I can hear you now should you call again."

  Wabi was relieved to find Caitlin and the MacKinnons had endured their escapade at the Old Tolbooth. He knew what the place was like and he shuddered to think of Caitlin running through it.

  He walked over to the crib where Caitlin's bairn, Flinn, rested, then knelt down and lay a finger against her cheek. He was not surprised to feel a vibration coming from the child, but he was very surprised at the intensity of it.

  Oh, my sweet one, such strong vibrations mean challenges for sure. What lies ahead for you? Only the Creator knows for sure. But you and I will be together, of that much I'm certain.

  Caitlin walked over and smiled at her uncle.

  "She's very special Uncle Wabi, very special."

  "That she is, dear girl, as are you. Of course, all your ancestors were special. I strongly suggest you find time to read Ci-Cero's entire journal, The Wolf, the Wizard, and the Woad. Learning about your ancestors may be of great importance, Caitlin. We often are better able to face the future when we understand the past. And I have an inkling that young Flinn, the latest in this line of healers, will bring her own special talents and have her own challenges. Again, you must read the journal."