It was around eleven when the path we were following began to narrow. Although I was more comfortable astride Barbie after Byron’s help, I could still feel tension across my neck and shoulders. Every time I turned round, either the Kincaids or the Darrochs were spitting silent venomous looks in my direction. Once the Foinse was fixed, I definitely wasn’t going to stick around to find out whether they would make a move on me. It might be paranoia but they certainly appeared to hate me enough to want to get rid of me for good after I’d served my purpose.
Forced into single file, we meandered down the valley. With our goal getting ever closer, everyone dropped into a meditative silence. Even Lily ceased her humming. I supposed it made sense; this was a pilgrimage that no one had completed for years because of the difficulty in getting together at least four different people from four different Clans to make it. For once, I wasn’t at a disadvantage; I didn’t think anyone knew what to expect.
The path gradually changed from worn dusty grass to sharp stones. The horses were forced to slow down and pick their way down carefully. It seemed to suit Barbie; for once she wasn’t at a disadvantage. As the sides of the valley grew narrower, however, I wondered if her wide girth would make it. I could feel claustrophobia setting in when the slopes at either side became so steep that the blue sky was nothing more than a strip above our heads.
We eventually emerged into a small circular clearing, deep within the hills. The cliffs were just as craggy and foreboding and the atmosphere remained oppressive. All the same, a wash of relief overtook me. It wouldn’t be long now.
The others jumped lithely off their horses. I stayed where I was. I wasn’t convinced that, even with Byron’s helpful advice, I’d be able to walk without bowed legs. I was going to take my time.
‘Look,’ Diana Darroch said softly, pointing ahead. ‘There it is.’
I frowned. ‘It’ was another gap in the landscape leading to another narrow passageway, almost identical to the one we’d just left. The only difference was that this one was even darker and even more of a tight squeeze. I eyed the gap then glanced at Barbie. There was no way she’d fit. Hell, I wasn’t even sure if I would fit.
Malcolm strode forward, halting right in front of it. He placed his palm flat against the air. That was when I saw what had really grabbed the attention of the others. There was a ripple in the air, almost like heat rising – but this was Scotland in October. It might be a sunny day but it was still damned cold.
As I watched, he pushed his hand further in. It was as if he was pressing against a vast, invisible force. He shivered and quickly withdrew.
‘We’re here,’ he announced. ‘I can feel it.’
My skin prickled and when I glanced down, I saw goosebumps on my arms.
‘We shall have to leave the horses here,’ Aifric said.
‘How far is it to the Foinse?’ I asked. If it was going to be a long hike, I wasn’t sure my aching muscles would make it without a hot bath and long massage first. I looked at Byron. Perhaps he could…
‘I don’t know,’ Aifric replied. ‘A few hours, I expect.’
‘We should eat first,’ Diana said. ‘Then we can leave the rest of our supplies here.’
He pursed his lips. ‘Good idea.’
Byron walked past me. He was whistling and carrying some wood which he must have collected from the campsite. He turned up and gave me an arch look. ‘You’re going to have to get off sometime,’ he said. His mouth curled up in a smile. ‘Barbie needs the rest. Would you like some help?’
I had a sudden vision of falling on top of him because I couldn’t hold my own weight any more. He’d definitely be carrying some wood then, I’d straddle his chest. It would be similar to our position in the penthouse – except the ground was hard and there was an audience.
‘It’s fine,’ I sniffed. ‘I can manage.’ I looked helplessly round and caught Lily’s eye.
She beamed at me and danced over. Byron’s smirk grew then he continued on his way.
‘How are you, Chieftain?’ she asked.
‘I’m okay, Lily but I might need a bit of help getting down. I’m rather stiff.’
‘I wouldn’t worry about it too much,’ Malcolm interrupted. ‘I’m sure after the Foinse is opened, you won’t feel any pain at all.’
Lily and I stared at him. I licked my lips. ‘And why is that?’
He gave me a long look filled with cold amusement. ‘It’ll be so reinvigorating that’ll you’ll forget all about your aches.’
Or I’ll be an unfeeling corpse, I thought. I’d received his message loud and clear. I glanced at Aifric who was murmuring to William, the Kincaid Chieftain. Would he step in? Would Byron?
‘Give me your hand, Chieftain,’ Lily said. ‘I’ll help you.’
I realised that her aura had changed again. It was a crisp green that reminded me of spring. ‘Are you sure? I don’t want to squash you.’
She flexed her muscles. ‘I feel very strong.’ She tapped her head. ‘And the cobwebs have gone. It’s good here.’
‘It’s the Foinse,’ Diana said. ‘It’s affecting her.’
I heard Byron grunt. ‘It’s affecting me too. I can’t light the fire.’
We turned to him, watching him flick his fingers. No matter what he did, nothing worked. He grinned ruefully. ‘Does anyone have a lighter or some matches?’
Aifric grimaced. ‘I was afraid of this.’