They entered the chamber and the lads shuffled out. Across the room, Effie knelt at the hearth, coaxing the sparks of a welcoming fire into life. She added a log and it crackled and caught alight. Rising, she dusted her hands against her aproned sides then bobbed her head and quietly closed the door behind her as she left.
“I can barely comprehend all that’s happened in such a short time.” Isla removed the tartan blanket she’d snuggled in, her clothes already half dry underneath, then laid it on the end of the four-poster bed with its rich burgundy velvet canopy and crossed to the fire. She rubbed her hands before the blazing warmth. This was real. They’d traveled through time to the past and now had a formidable mission ahead of them.
“Dinnae fear.” Nessa gripped her hands. “You hold great strength and courage. You wouldnae have been the one chosen along with your mate to bring Kenneth and Ivan’s lines together otherwise.”
“Thank you.”
“I speak only the truth.” She squeezed her fingers. “The words I needed to speak privately to you about. The portal. It couldnae have opened until you’d completed the bond as prophesized, and then of course, conceived a babe. That is the only true sign that proves the two lines had in fact fully merged.”
“Conceived a, ah—” She shook her head. “Fertility rates are down in our clans, and I’m only a day or two late at most. Are you sure?”
“You are the daughter of a seer. I would only ever speak the truth with you, just as your father would do the same. I’m sure you’re aware you must now take great care. ’Tis too dangerous for a woman who is with child to shift.”
“No shifting while pregnant. I’m aware.” She fluttered a hand over her belly as a strange surge of protectiveness welled within her. A precious new life grew and she was now responsible for it.
“Isla? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just received some unexpected news is all. I’ll tell you as soon as you’re finished down there.”
“Are you sure? I can sense your unease.”
“I’m positive.” She faced Nessa. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Your mate longs to have many babes with you. I’ve seen such.” Nessa wrapped her warm fingers around hers. “Your father too longs for grandchildren. Murdock is a wise seer, and while you are here, I shall watch over you and yours just as your father would wish it.”
“Thank you.”
A knock sounded and Nessa released her and bid the servants to enter.
Two maids and two lads hustled forward, each carrying a steaming pail of water. Effie returned and hung an armful of gowns in the burgundy curtained ambry, while another lass carried a tray and set it on the side table.
Nessa oversaw the filling of the tub then added a few drops of scented vanilla oil. After the servants left, she shut the door and patted the chair in front of the table. “Come. There’s a warm meal and you must eat. Your babes will need to grow to full strength.”
“Babes? Hold on.” Surely she couldn’t mean she was expecting more than one child. “What do you mean by babes?”
A wide smile lifted her lips. “Multiple births run through both Gilleoin and Sorcha’s lines. Two or three babes can be birthed at once. ’Tis more difficult, but still it can and is done.”
“You need to be more specific. Are we talking two, or three babes?” She plopped onto the chair in front of the side table. Steam from the bowl of chunky seafood stew wafted around her. It smelt delicious and made her belly rumble.
“Eat first then I shall tell you.” Nessa sat beside her and passed her a slice of crusty bread.
“Obviously I’m going to need the fortification.” She dipped the bread and took a hearty bite. Warmth raced to her belly and calmed her anxiety. “I’m ready.”
“There shall be two. Both your sons shall be tangled together and neither older than the other when they are delivered.” She raised a brow. “In the future, I’ve seen that babes can be delivered in a way that remains impossible in this time.”
“You mean by caesarean?”
“Aye, that is it.” She smiled. “That is how you must deliver them once you’ve returned, for there is a reason why they must enter the world as one. They shall, one day far into the future, lead together. They are both seers, and their need to merge the clans will be their greatest desire, just as it shall be yours and Iain’s. Allow your father to aid in their guidance, to teach them all they need to know of their skill.” She crossed to the tub, knelt and swirled her hand through the water. “This is the perfect heat. Come and have your bath.”
“I’d love one.” She shed Iain’s shirt, her blouse then shucked her jeans and stepped into the tub. She lowered into the water, dunked her head and when she emerged, accepted the bar of soap Nessa passed her. She lathered and worked the vanilla scented suds gently through her hair.
At the side table next to the basin and jug, Nessa picked up a brush and knelt at the edge of the tub. “Dip and rinse and I’ll untangle your hair for you. ’Tis been whipped into a mighty mess by the portal’s strength.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate the help.” She went down and popped back up.