Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“Thank you, Cherub.” Julia squeezed her hand. “I need to get my parents back and now we have a destination, to Loch Broom we go.”


“Aye, to Loch Broom. I’ll open a portal and take us directly there rather than fly us through the skies. There’s an inn I’ve visited afore, one close to the loch’s entrance and at a good guess, I’d say his keep will be close to that point.” She glanced over her shoulder at Kirk. “Ready to leave?”

“Always, my elusive imp.” He banded his arms tight around her waist. “How are you holding up?”

“My energy is depleting. I’ll soon need a rest, but for now I can manage one more jump through time.” Cherub swirled one hand through the air and the wind rose and tunneled around them. The dark ensued and they all fell away into the churning abyss.

Moments later they reappeared on the rise overlooking Loch Broom. Dark and ominous clouds gusted in from the sea. Loch Broom weaved inland for several miles with the odd longhouse nestled along its rocky shoreline. Cattle grazed within the lower pastures and sheep dotted the craggy hills rising high either side of the waterway. This ruggedly wild land was so difficult to reach when one traveled the dangerous mountain pass directly across the mainland.

Cherub swayed and Kirk turned her in his arms and eyed her. “You need to rest now, before we go any further.”

“Aye, an hour or so to replenish my strength would be appreciated, a meal as well if possible. Transporting so many so far can be draining.”

“You also haven’t rested since well before the battle. We’ve got time on our hands right now. Not only will Colin MacKenzie be searching for Julia but Red Point is still a half day’s sail away from here.” Kirk motioned toward the winding downward trail where at the base, nestled amongst a stand of towering elm trees, a quaint stone building with smoke puffing from its chimney, beckoned travelers. “We’ll head to the inn for a meal. None of us are wearing our Matheson plaid. We’ll appear as no more than any other warrior or traveler would.”

“We also need to keep a low profile,” Tavish added. “Ensure no one discovers who we are or where we’ve come from.”

’Twas a sound idea and Julia nodded her agreement. She too longed for a hot meal. At the side of the inn, a wooden beamed enclosure housed horses and a lad with a woolen cap, his tunic’s sleeves rolled to his elbows, brushed a horse tethered within. Two other horses dug their snouts into a wooden pail holding feed and gobbled it down.

“Look, right there.” Cherub pointed toward the loch’s entrance. On the jutting, rocky tip overlooking the ocean, a castle stood, its stone curtain wall rising high. The MacKenzie’s banner flapped from the uppermost corner of the gatehouse. “That must be our enemy’s holding.”

“That’s it all right.” Tor’s gaze narrowed on the very strategic location the MacKenzie held. “From that point, the MacKenzie will be able to keep an eye on one and all sailing these seas.”

“Let’s go. I’ll rest, restore my strength then we’ll be underway once more.” Cherub tugged on Kirk’s hand and started down the trail, her white fur cloak resting over her shoulders and her navy skirts flapping. Tor followed them and so did she.

“Julia, slow down for a moment.” Tavish tilted his head in that angle she was fast learning meant business. “If you feel unwell at any time, then you must tell me.”

“I promise you I shall. Now cease worrying.” Before he could issue yet another demand, she picked up her pace and skipped ahead down the trail to prove she was mightily well. This mission was far too important to allow a little head wound to get in her way, one that bothered her not at all. So too Arabel was counting on her and she wouldn’t let her sister down. Not again. Bringing her parents back home was all that mattered, however it had to be done. Surely they lived. The MacKenzie had been so adamant that they did, and she wouldn’t allow herself to think otherwise.

Tavish grumbled as he caught up to her. “I will worry as much as I like.”

“You are one very stubborn mate.” Thunder rumbled overhead and a drop splashed her nose. “We’re about to get wet.”

Cherub glanced skyward. “’Tis best I allow those clouds to remain where they are. No’ only do I need to conserve what strength I have but sweeping them away will alert the MacKenzies to my arrival. Our enemy’s warriors have seen me in action, and far more than once.” The heavens opened and Cherub tugged her cloak’s hood over her head and dashed toward the inn’s front door with its low hung eaves and stony facade.

Kirk chased her and Tor loped after them.