Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

The horses whinnied and the guardsmen behind them brought their mounts closer, offering their protection from every side.

“Dinnae fear, Marie. George is one of our best trackers.” Shielding her eyes against the sun’s glare, Mary eyed the coast. “Lachlan will have retreated knowing Archie will have warriors searching for him. My brother is a strategist and will wait for the right time to pounce again. I’m certain.”

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before.” She relaxed a little, easing against the backboard as Mary did. The sky was a soft blue, clear except for a wisp or two of cloud, and ahead, the warrior George, disappeared within the beautiful elm and ash trees. “It’s hard to believe such destruction lies in wait for us. How long until we get there?”

“’Tis a short journey, no more than a league, and George willnae take long. John will have warriors on the lookout within the forest too.”

She had no idea was a league was, but it didn’t sound far.

A pretty chirpy bird whistle broke the stillness. The driver snapped the horses’ reins and they moved on.

“George didn’t come back.”

“Aye, but ’twas his call.” Mary stroked her belly. “George will ride a furlong or two ahead. ’Tis his way.”

The warriors took every precaution, and Marie’s need to see Archie soon buzzed strongly through her. Within the faerie circle, she’d connected with him as if more than his wish tied them together. She was meant to be here, this adventure hers. She’d embrace it. Katherine would want her to, as much as she’d want her to hurry and return home.

“Where do you live?” Mary lengthened her legs and wriggled her toes. “I’m curious to learn more.”

“Near the ocean, at a place known as the Gold Coast.” She snatched an amber falling leaf as it fluttered past. “It’s spring back home, and the land is lush and green.”

“The fae live back-to-front then, and along a coast of gold. How intriguing.” She smiled at James. “Marie is fae, and there is a coast of gold where she lives. So many riches. Can you imagine?”

“Is that how the faeries get their gold?” James scrambled closer then propped his chin in his upturned palms.

“No, I meant I live along a coast with golden sand. That’s why it’s called the Gold Coast. My twin sister, Katherine, loves to swim there as I do. On our thirteenth birthday, our mother presented us with diving lessons on the coast and we explored its beautiful reefs. Definitely no gold, or at least I never saw any.”

“Lessons?” James’s blue eyes sparkled. “’Tis easy enough to duck your head, toss your feet in the air and dive. Why would one need lessons?”

“Cheeky.” She flicked his arm. “The lessons were required because diving around the coral reefs takes great care. Our instructor gave Katherine and me a mask. It’s placed over the eyes and mouth and has a clear, ah, front.”

“Water does no’ leak in?” James edged up higher, completely intrigued.

“Nope. The mask suctions to the face so when one dives you have a perfect view of the reef and sea-life. During our lessons, Mum waited on the boat, but before long she was in the water, chasing to catch us up. I’ll never forget holding hands with her and Katherine as we dived. There’s such beauty in the wild depths. I loved it.”

“We dinnae have such masks. That is some fae magic.” Mary nodded at James. “Would you enjoy diving in such a way?”

“Aye.” He grinned. “Marie, could you weave some of your magic and take me diving as you did?”

“The magic was Mum’s gift. I can’t wield such unless I took you with me to the Gold Coast.”

Gasping, he gawked at Mary. “Can—”

“Nay, you are no’ leaving me with your father away.” She wagged a finger at him.

“Once he returns then, Mother?”

“You’ll be fostered after the winter and already I miss you. I think no’.”

“I can’t take you anyway, James. I live too far away. Even I can’t get back, or at least not until I’ve seen to Archie’s wish.” They emerged from the forest and the sun warmed her through. She shrugged her coat off and straightened the long sleeves of her white blouse.

“Oh, such a sheer fabric.” Mary fingered the silk. “’Tis as beautiful as your coat. How do the fae weave this fine a thre—”

A horse galloped over the rise toward them. George circled their party, calling out, “All remains clear. Archie awaits our arrival.”

James bounced onto his bottom. “I want to do everything I can to help.”

“We all do.” Mary squeezed his hand. “Your father would be proud of all you’ve taken on at the keep lately. Cleaning the armorer’s tools, sweeping out the stalls, helping me with the young ones. No task goes unnoticed. ”