Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

Nay. Mayhap she was concerned about the task set before her, but he’d allay those fears when he rejoined her. He only sought her magic, not for her to undertake the battle against MacLean herself. He’d make it clear.

Had Angus remained at Dunyvaig Castle instead of traveling to Skye to visit his brother, he would never have been captured. And if the king’s men had come to Islay, they would have fought to ensure he remained here.

John cleared his throat. “You said Marie fell out of the circle right after you made your wish. ’Tis a miracle, a sure sign we will overcome MacLean.”

His twin, so close to him in looks that the odd man mistook them, knew him as no other did. At eight and twenty, his brother was his second, as he himself was Angus’s. Together he and John would ensure Islay never fell to MacLean while Angus remained imprisoned. Stroking the dirk hilt strapped at his wrist, he said, “I’ve offered her my protection and in doing so, yours too.”

“Aye, without question she has mine.” John scanned the horizon toward neighboring Jura. MacLean held a firm hold on the northern end of the island, but the southern portion was theirs. “Should we expect her sister? Will there soon be two fae in our midst?”

“The veil lifted and the haze cleared. Marie is here. She is the only one the guardians delivered to us. I dinnae believe Katherine will come.”

“Does she have any other family apart from her sister?”

“She told me her parents have passed, although she speaks of coming from the future, of being born from Mary’s maternal line, her mother a MacDonald and her father a MacLean.”

“’Tis impossible.” John scoffed.

“As I told her, but she worries for her twin. I’m sure that is the only reason behind her ramblings.”

’Twas normal for the eldest to worry. John was a minute younger than he was. Over the years, many had told them twins were nature’s gift, although in the days following their birth, Mother had bled to death. No gift at all. They did their best though, fighting for their clan as Father had done. He’d died with honor on the battlefield, albeit under a MacLean’s blade.

“Word of Angus’s imprisonment will soon spread through the isles. Lachlan MacLean willnae hesitate to use our chief’s capture to his advantage.” John crossed his arms.

“Then we’ll be here to ensure he does no’ make any gains. We fight, as we always have. Per mare per terras, by sea and by land.”

“Aye.” John scrutinized the circle. “Fortune shines upon us. The guardians have sent us a boon, one we—”

A horn trumpeted with one long and eerie blast from the north.

“Damn.” John gritted his teeth. “Will guards the coast toward Jura as you instructed on your leaving. He has no’ sounded the horn since our rival’s last disturbance.”

“It’ll be MacLean. Like a rat, he continually returns. I’ll rouse the men.”

“What of your faerie, Archie?”

“She remains here until I send word all is clear. Secure the keep and maintain a tight guard. Lachlan MacLean is devious, but I’ll deliver the message personally that I’ve returned and am eager to brandish my sword.” He raced for the steps, shouting over his shoulder, “He wishes a fight, John, and he shall have it.”

“Take care, brother.”

“Always.”



A horn sounded with a chilling blast and Marie wedged out the window to get a good look. Shouts boomed from the courtyard, and men swarmed the area. More than twenty warriors mounted their horses while an equal number raced down the trail to the sea-gate. Archie led, with a redheaded lad sprinting beside him. Archie skidded to a stop on the slippery landing, caught the boy’s arm and said something to him. The lad nodded and ran back toward the castle while Archie leapt into the birlinn.

They set sail, the stormy breeze speeding them out of the bay. Clutching the windowsill, her nails scraped into the stone. Dust plumed below as mounted men galloped out the gate and headed north toward Jura. MacLean territory. The horn must have been a warning, and a bad one considering the number of men now at arms.

“Marie.” A knock sounded.

“’Tis Mary MacDonald. Archie sent word for me to check on you as he left.”

“Coming.” A jumble of nerves bounced in her tummy as she opened the door.

The young woman wore a billowy burgundy gown, her hair a riot of red-gold curls. The waist-length locks swayed forward over her distended belly.

“Oh my goodness. Please, sit.” So many questions raged through her mind, she barely knew where to start. “What’s happening? Where did Archie go?”

“Aye, thank you. My feet need a resting. Archie’s sailed to answer the warning.” She waddled into the room, pulled out the chair wedged under the desk and plopped down. “Dinnae fear though. My brother may be a thorn in our sides, but Lachlan cannae breach these walls. Archie and John will no’ allow it.”

“Will Archie come back soon?”