“Thank you.” Mama looked at both boys. “I hold the fae skill of death-warning and can receive visions. Of those who live but are soon to die, I can warn them aforehand and ensure they are given the chance to live. Earlier this eve, I had a vision of both of you.”
“I remember you.” Coll peered into Mama’s eyes, such wisdom shining within his young gaze. “You cared for us when we were little.”
“Aye, you and Duncan were all but three years of age when I left.”
“I remember you too.” The lad on the right, his hair as dark as Coll’s, but his eyes a clear blue, inched forward a step. “I’m Duncan. What have you seen, Mistress Grace?”
“More than I wish.” Mama cleared her throat. “In order to ensure your survival you must both listen to me well. From this day forth, neither of you must ever raise a hand in battle against a Matheson, no’ because you willnae be strong warriors, but because in harming a Matheson you will also be harming yourselves. Soon, you will both understand what I speak of, for there will be things you’ll be able to do that no other MacKenzie warrior can. The fae battle skill will come upon you and when it does your strength will be immense.”
“We’re MacKenzies, no’ Mathesons. How can we hold a fae skill?” Coll glanced at his father. “Mother was a MacLennan and no’ of fae blood.”
“What’s going on, Father?” Duncan darted a look back and forth between Mama and the chief.
“I never wished to speak of this, no’ since you both took your mother’s death so hard.”
“Cait has passed?” Shock coursed across Mama’s face as she rose to her feet.
“Aye, she took a chest illness last winter. She’s been gone nigh on a year now.” Colin MacKenzie shoved off the desk and paced the solar then halted before his sons. “Since I no longer have any choice but to speak of this, I shall. Unfortunately, Cait wasnae your true mother. Afore your birth, I handfasted with a fae lass named Beth, although she passed away while birthing you both. Mistress Grace was here at the time of your true mother’s passing and she took care of you until ’twas time for her to return to her own people at the village. The knowledge of your fae blood isnae something I speak of, ever, and neither of you are permitted to speak of it either, or your coming skill.” The war braids plaited at each side of his head swayed as he lowered to his haunches. “You are my sons, hold my blood, and your additional strength will be attributed to that fact alone. Do you both understand? I certainly cannae lose the alliance I’ve formed with the MacLennan, or the land I’ve come by.”
“Aye, Father,” both murmured together.
“There is more,” Mama continued, the plea in her eyes clear to see as she eyed Colin. “You must ensure Coll and Duncan are taught the arts of warfare well. One day, far in the future, they will meet a fae sorceress by the name of Muirin. I saw her in my vision. She is the one who’ll ensure your sons fulfil their destiny.”
“What destiny?”
“All I can say is, ’tis time for the fae to live.”
“Nay, ’tis time for clan MacKenzie to live.” Jaw clenched, the MacKenzie shoved toward Mama and Christina rushed forward and kicked the chief’s shin. No one would hurt her mama and get away with it.
The chief bellowed and tried to grab her, only Mama scooped her up and snapped at him, “You promised I’d always be safe should I need to return with a vision, but now ’tis clearly time I left. Look after Beth’s sons, and never forget my vision.” Mama fled out the door and Christina clutched her around the neck, her chin bumping on Mama’s shoulder.
At his doorway, the chief snarled, the look of retribution in his gaze flaring strong.
Never had she been so scared of a man, or at least not until this night. Colin MacKenzie had struck terror into her very heart once again.
“Cease your whimpering, child.” Colin stormed down the darkened forest trail as he left her fae village well behind. He should never have snuck into her home and taken her from her parents. Never. He rounded a corner then dumped her into the waiting arms of one of his warriors. Gregor, Fiona’s father.
The MacKenzie’s second-in-command shook his head at her. “Stay still. Dinnae make a sound. All will go far easier if you do.”