Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

John clapped the driver on the back. “Inform Archie I’ll have another score of men there my midday.” John had the same dark hair with a hint of gold on the shoulder-length ends as Archie. The strands swept across his claymore holstered snugly over his back. These warriors were always armed.

A gangly boy wearing breeches two inches too short raced out of the keep. “John.” He’d chased Archie to the sea-gate the night before. He had Mary’s bright red-gold locks, although cut close to his head. “I’m coming to the village. They’re my people too. Father would expect me to do what I can.”

“The fire was extinguished by the rains, James. You need to remain with your mother. With your father gone, she worries about you.”

“Mother wishes to come too. Archie has no’ forbid it.”

Indecision crossed John’s face then he slowly nodded. “George said MacLean was nowhere to be found once the men completed their search. You’ll have a strong guard. Inform your mother she may—”

“He need no’ inform me. I’m right here.” Mary bustled out of the keep with furs draped over her arms. “I’ve sent a maid to awaken Marie. As Archie’s faerie, she too should come.”

“Allow me.” John heaved the furs from her arms and tossed them into the cart. “You’re no’ to overdo things, and you’re to return when Archie says.”

“Aye, whatever you say.” A sneaky smile lifted her lips before she quickly straightened them, one very reminiscent of Katherine’s cheeky smile. Clasping her blue woolen skirts, she clambered in beside the driver.

The maid hadn’t yet arrived, but she didn’t want to miss that cart. Where Archie was, she needed to be. Out the door, she raced through the dimly lit corridor and down the winding stairwell. Archie hadn’t brought her in from this direction, but the side stairs. Hopefully these led out.

She pounced off the last step, rounded a corner and weaved through the great hall where beautiful landscape tapestries hung on the stone walls. Above the blazing fireplace, a massive two-handed great sword encrusted with precious stones, glinted. She rounded the trestle tables and whizzed past the elevated dais.

At the door, a maid swept the floor while another shooed a dog outside.

“Excuse me.” She ran outside and across the stony courtyard to the cart.

“There you are, my dear. Come.” Mary waved.

She scrambled onto the front seat next to Mary. “I heard from my window. MacLean’s attack was in the village then?”

“Aye, but the rains doused the flames, lessening the loss. There is still much to be done though. The luck of the faeries is needed this day.” She motioned toward John. “Have you met Archie’s brother?”

“Not formally, just from beyond the veil.” She pressed out her hand. “Nice to meet you, John.”

“’Tis a pleasure to meet one of the fae. What a shame it wasnae I who pulled you from the circle.” He lifted her hand to his lips, kissed her knuckles and released her. “Spin your magic for us, Marie. We must ensure MacLean never infiltrates our shores again.”

“I’ll do what I can. Was anyone hurt?” She smoothed the wrinkles from her white woolen coat.

“No lives were lost as the warning went out in time. Give aid where you can, and travel safely.” He turned to the half dozen warriors mounted on horseback. “Guard Mary and Archie’s faerie well.”

The driver tugged the reins and the cart jolted forward over the stony path. James ran and clambered onto the pelts in the back while two warriors rode out the arched gate ahead of them.

The remaining men on horseback took positions at their side and rear.

“I’m glad we’re going, Mary. I can’t work any magic if I sit on the sidelines.” Bounced about, she grasped the bench. “This is a rather refreshing form of travel. I never thought I’d see Scotland quite this way.”

“What other forms do the fae use?”

“Rather spectacular sorts.” But less about that. She had to focus on her mission. “Is Archie certain it was MacLean who attacked?”

“Aye, I’m afraid so.” Mary patted her leg. “My brother would rid himself of my entire MacDonald clan in order to rule Islay. This attack is just another of many.”

“I hate Uncle.” James spat over the side of the cart. “One day I’ll be a warrior as Father is and hurt Uncle like he’s hurt us.”

“Careful how you speak, James.” Mary sucked in a long breath then leaned in and whispered, “James is but ten, any childhood he had taken from him.”

So sad. Children grew up far too fast in this time, and danger lurked where it shouldn’t.

The cart rattled down the trail to the north. They skimmed the edge of the forest until the coastline forced them to veer through the thick woods.

A guardsman raised a hand, called a halt, and the driver eased back on the reins and stopped.

“Wait here,” the warrior instructed him. “I’ll track ahead along the forest path and ensure all is well.”