Forever and Beyond: Highland Hearts Afire - Time Travel Romance Page 15

  “Ah, but you are home, Catriona,” a woman whispered.

  Katherine’s head popped up and she quickly turned toward the sound of her voice. “Who are you and where did you come from?” Beside her sat an old woman, wearing a dark hooded cloak. She must be as ancient as time itself, she thought upon noticing the woman’s pale, weathered skin, sunken grey eyes, and gaunt cheeks, her stringy grey hair, and hunched posture.

  “They call me Seonag.” The corners of her mouth twitched upward, revealing a toothless grin.

  “The seer,” Katherine gasped.

  “Among other things,” the old woman said and patted Katherine’s hand.

  A jolt of energy surged from her long boney fingertips, and Katherine quickly withdrew her hand and stared at Seonag. “What just happened?”

  The old woman shrugged, but did not answer the question asked of her. “You appear to have much on you mind, Catriona. But things are na as bleak as they may seem, lass.”

  “What things?” Seonag had her curiosity piqued and Katherine certainly had a long list that seemed be growing rapidly. She didn’t know why, but something told her the seer might be able to shed some light on what was happening. Perhaps she knew of a way to stop her marriage to MacConnery and could explain how she ended up locked in this fourteenth century dream. “Are you a witch as well as a seer?” Katherine asked.

  Seonag’s brow furrowed. “Some think I practice the dark arts, but they are usually people who are quick to judge and dinna take the time to truly look at all that is before them. Or, there are those who are afraid of what they dinna understand and find it easier to label it witchcraft.” She patted Katherine’s forearm. “But we are na here to discuss me or my abilities. You are troubled, lass, seeking answers.”

  “You were right when you said I had a lot on my mind. Some pretty strange things have happened to me these last few days. I don’t even know where to start.” Katherine dragged a shaky hand across her brow. “I guess the first thing I should ask is am I dreaming or is this real?”

  “Is what real?”

  “This place.” Katherine motioned to her surroundings with a wide sweep of her arm.

  “I’m na sure what you mean?” Seonag said.

  “I’m Katherine MacDonald, not Catriona Grant. I was born in Boston and live and work in New York City. I graduated summa cum laude from Berkley University and I have a great job, a home in the country, and—”

  “Slow down and breathe. The things you prattle on about are of no importance. What matters is here and now.” Seonag took Katherine’s hand and studied her palm. “You are correct when you say you are from another time and place.”

  “Finally. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you,” Katherine interrupted, hoping she was getting through to Seonag.

  Ignoring her, Seonag continued. “But this time and place is where you belong.”

  “What you just said makes no sense. You’ve totally lost me.” Katherine’s mouth gaped open as she tried to make sense of what the woman had just said. “How could I belong and not belong at the same time?”

  “You are no longer lost, Catriona. You’ve come home,” Seonag responded simply.

  “I don’t think you heard me. I’m Katherine MacDonald and was born in 1992. In America, not Scotland.” She paused and released an exasperated breath. “When I woke up a couple of days ago, it was the year 2016 and now I find myself in 1304. Catriona Grant was a relative of mine who lived and died seven hundred years ago.”

  “I know this is all confusing for you, Catriona. But given time, it will become clear.”

  Katherine found it hard to hide her frustration. Seonag didn’t appear to be listening to what she was trying to tell her. “I am not Catriona Grant and I do not belong here.”

  A wry grin tugged at Seonag’s lips. “I know exactly who you are, Catriona. While I may be old, my hearing is perfect.”

  Katherine yanked free of the old woman’s grasp and threw her hands in the air. “You are talking in riddles, not answering my questions.”

  “I’ll do my best to explain,” Seonag said. “You are Catriona Grant. Perhaps na in body, but in spirit and soul. Katherine MacDonald was na born here in this time or place, but it is where you belong Catriona. Soon, things will be as they are meant to be.”

  “Whoa. Are you telling me I am stuck in the fourteenth century and am betrothed to a man I detest?”

  “Destiny knows but one path.”

  “That … that’s impossible. I need proof, something concrete, something I can make some sense out of,” Katherine said. Her heart hammered so loudly in her ears, she could hardly think straight.

  “You have been given a great gift. A second chance at life and a love capable of transcending time. Dinna waste it.” Seonag rose, prepared to leave.

  “You’re not leaving, are you?” Katherine clasped Seonag’s wrist, halting the woman’s retreat. “Please, there are so many things I need to know. Like how did I come here and why? Can I ever go home?”

  “You are home, Catriona,” Seonag replied. “And the time is right.”

  “The time is right for what? This may be Catriona’s home, but it’s not mine. What if I do not want to stay in the fourteenth century?” Panic squeezed her chest. She was babbling and she knew it, but Seonag could be her only link to what was happening, and her sanity. She couldn’t let her leave without answering her questions. All of them. “If this is real, why is it happening now?”

  “The time was right and Litha is nigh.”

  “Are you saying this has something to do with the feast of St. John?”

  “It was known as Litha. Some still refer to it as a celebration of the Summer Solstice, others of staunch Christian beliefs — those who have renounced the old ways, yet still celebrate them under a new name — call it St. John’s festival, or St. John’s Eve. In honor of their saint, John the Baptist,” Seonag explained. “Call it what you wish, but over the centuries the root meaning behind the festival has remained the same.”

  “I know the names of the Celtic festivals and how they have changed over the centuries,” Katherine said, “but I don’t know how or why what is happening to me is connected to the Summer Solstice.”

  “There are things that can only happen at this time of year and at no other,” Seonag said. “Midsummer is the longest day of the year, the sun reaching its highest point in the sky and its strongest power. From that day on, the earth begins its descent into darkness, each day getting shorter as we head toward winter. During Litha, we give thanks for the sun’s warmth and light, but it is also a celebration of life and fertility of the land, animals, and man. It is a time to solidify the relationships of couples who have been together for a year and a day, making their marriage final. It is an excellent time to renew wedding vows and declare new love.”

  “That is all fine and well, but I still don’t know what it has to do with me and why I was taken from my time and dropped here.”

  “Scotland is a country steeped in legend and superstition. Being of Scottish ancestry, I would guess you are familiar with some of the old Celtic beliefs,” Seonag replied.

  “My parents never spoke much about their ancestors or Scotland,” Katherine explained. “But my grandmother taught me to read and write Gaelic. She also told me a bit about some of the legends. The one who really shared with me was my great aunt Agnes. She paid us a visit when I was seven, and to this day, I remember her fabulous tales. She lived at Glen Heather until she recently passed away. That’s why I was there. She left me her estate. But if you truly are a seer, you know all that.”

  “There are certain times of the year when the veil thins between this world and the next, a time when the souls of the dead, wraiths, and demons can cross the barriers of time. Samhain is when it tends to happen most often, but it has been known to happen during the Summer Solstice as well.”

  “But I’m not dead.” She thumped her chest. “Or at least I wasn’t two days ago when I was in twenty-first century Am
erica and flew to Scotland,” Katherine said. “I’m not handfasted or was planning on getting married anytime soon. At least not anymore,” She lowered her gaze, Ethan coming to mind. “The reason I left my home was to get away from an awful man who wanted to marry me.”

  “I know why you are here. All the reasons why.” Seonag closed her eyes, mumbled a prayer in Gaelic, then inclined her chin, catching Katherine’s gaze. “Things are na always what they seem or how we wish them to be.” She produced a bundle of dried plants wrapped in a white rag and handed it to Katherine. “Keep this with you at all times.”

  “What is it?” Katherine narrowed her eyes and studied the plants.

  “Rue, rowan, and basil. When tied together in a white or gold cloth, they have strong powers. It will bring you luck and protect you.” She closed Katherine’s fist around the gift she’d given her and again mumbled some strange Gaelic words.

  “Protect me from what?” She stared at the small bundle of plants, then peered up at Seonag. “Please, I need to understand. Can’t you tell me more?” Her shoulders slumped and tears welled in her eyes.

  Seonag stroked her hair. “Ah, lass, you know the answers. It is simply a matter of finding out for yourself what is important and what is na. If you follow the instructions you were given upon your arrival, the answers will reveal themselves. When you uncover the truth, all will be as it should be. I will leave you to ponder those thoughts.”

  Upon hearing the same words she’d been trying to decipher since she arrived in Scotland, and met with MacBain and Murray, she sprang to her feet, hoping to get some answers before the seer left. “Please, tell me what the riddle means. I—” she began, but stopped when she realized Seonag was gone.

  Frantically, Katherine searched the faces in the crowd, looking for the old woman, but like many of the things in Scotland, she appeared to have vanished into thin air.

  More baffled than ever, Katherine took her seat and once again fixed her stare on the bundle of herbs that lay on the table in front of her.

  “Is something amiss?” Lily asked upon her return to the table.

  “Did you see where she went?” Springing to her feet, Katherine clasped Lily’s hand. “Seonag. She was here one minute and the next she was gone.”

  “I saw no one, m’lady?” Lily lifted the goblet in front of her and sniffed at the contents. “Have you been sipping the mead? A lady must be careful na to over-indulge.”

  “I’ve not partaken in any spirits, if that’s what you’re thinking. She was here, sitting beside me the entire time you were gone.”

  “Beg pardon, m’lady, but I have been gone but a few minutes. I took the trencher of cheese from Cora and promptly delivered it to the men at yon table. Once I did so, I returned to you. There was no time for someone to come and leave.”

  “No.” She slammed her fist on the table, then thrust the bouquet of herbs in Lily’s direction. “Seonag gave me this and said it would protect me.”

  “A lovely gathering,” Lily said, smiling sweetly, almost sympathetically.

  Katherine couldn’t help wondering if Lily pitied her or thought she’d taken leave of her senses.

  “It is the tradition of those who follow the old ways to make these herbal charms during Litha,” Lily continued. “Many of the local ladies carry them throughout the year, then create a new one the next. The old ones are buried or tossed on the sacred fire as part of the purification ceremony on Midsummer Eve. Perhaps it was a gift from one of the clanswomen.”

  It was clear Lily did not believe she’d spoke to Seonag, but she had and the bouquet proved it. Overwhelmed by the sudden need to leave the feast before MacConnery and her father returned, she rose and moved to the end of the dais, running smack into one of her betrothed’s men. A mountain of a man, with square features, a large nose, and angry dark eyes stood before her with his thick arms crossed over his broad chest, blocking her way. He wore the protective garments of a warrior or guard, and carried a sword at his side. This was a party and she couldn’t understand why any man here felt the need to tote a weapon.

  “Lord MacConnery told me to watch over you, Lady Catriona, until he returned. Is there something you need? If na, might I ask you to please return to your seat?”

  Straightening to her full height, she still peered up at the man. “You may not.” She crossed her arms over her chest, mimicking his stance, and thrust her chin skyward in defiance. “I am not Lord MacConnery’s prisoner, and we are not yet married. So if you don’t mind, please move,” she said.

  “I have my orders.” He stood his ground and refused to budge.

  “Well, I am not feeling well and need to go lay down,” she replied. “You may tell Lord MacConnery thus and bid him good night for me.”

  “He will be back soon. I’d suggest you wait and tell him yourself,” the man said.

  Ayden immediately came to mind. He had not returned and neither had her father. And while he’d said he would go speak to the minstrels, MacConnery had also disappeared from view. Struck by the overwhelming need to find Ayden, she planted both hands on the warrior’s chest and shoved, catching the man completely off guard and sending him toppling to the ground.

  Wasting no time, she darted by the upended guard before he could rise and stop her. She had to find Ayden, consequences be damned.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Intent on losing the guards before searching for Ayden, Katherine raced toward the cottage, rather than in the direction he and Lord Grant had gone. After dodging another one of MacConnery’s men, she entered the rear door of the cottage, losing herself in the throng of people cleaning the kitchen and preparing the next course of the meal. When the men chasing her appeared in the doorway, she dove behind a table and waited with baited breath for them to pass.

  “I believe they’ve gone on to check your chamber.” Cora stood over her. “What’s come over you, lass? Have you taken leave of your senses? This behavior willna sit well with your father.”

  Panting, Katherine grasped the hem of Cora’s dress and peered up at her. “I really don’t care if he is happy or not. Please help me hide from Lord MacConnery’s men.” She kept her voice low, hoping no one else would hear and give her away.

  “Come with me and keep your head down.” Cora helped Katherine to her feet, looped her arm around her shoulders, led her into a small storage room directly off the kitchen, then closed the door. “I dinna think anyone was paying attention to us, so we should be safe in here” She spun around to face Katherine. “Now, tell me why you run from Lord MacConnery’s men?”

  “Thank you for helping me,” Katherine rasped.

  “You need na thank me. You are like my own bairn and I would do anything for you,” Cora replied. “But why are you running?”

  “I must find Ayden. I’m concerned for his safety.”

  “Slow down and start at the beginning. Why would you think Ayden is in danger? Who would want to do him harm?” Cora asked.

  “My father. Ayden asked to speak with him in private.” She swallowed a gulp of air before she continued. “He and Ayden went off talk in private. Ayden planned to ask for my hand.”

  “How wonderful!” Cora threw her arms around Katherine and hugged her. “I am so happy for you. Lord Ayden will make a fine husband,” she cooed, then hesitated, a frown tugging at her lips. “But wait. You said you thought your father might do him harm.”

  “I dinna think Ayden is in danger, I know,” she blurted. The passage in Catriona’s journal where she discloses about the beating Ayden received the night of the feast came crashing back. She wished she’d warned Ayden of what could happen if he pushed Lord Grant too far, but he’d have likely gone anyway. She’d learned that much about his stubborn streak in the short time they’d spent together. Besides, how could she explain she read about the future in a journal from the past? It sounded crazy to her, and she was living it.

  Cora cocked her head, starring at Katherine. “How would you know about such things?”

&
nbsp; “Call it premonition or a vision if you like, but I know.” She thumped her fist against her chest. “You know my father has a bad temper when challenged, and that he does not think of Ayden as a suitable husband for me.”

  “Aye. But what has that to do with him harming the lad?” Cora scratched her head. “Your father is having a ceilidh to celebrate St. John Eve and the MacAndrews are his guests. So I find it hard to believe he would do anything to harm Lord Ayden.” She patted Katherine’s forearm. “I’m sure worry about your upcoming marriage to Lord MacConnery has you imagining things. Why don’t you stay here until you calm down, then return to the feast? I am sure everything is fine.”

  “Nay. Ayden and Lord Grant went off to speak in private and they never came back. Too much time has passed for things to be fine.” Katherine clutched Cora’s forearm. “You must believe me. Ayden is in danger, and I must find him. Before they went off to talk, his lordship and MacConnery had words. Then two of his men traipsed off in the same direction a few minutes after they left. Not long after that, Lord MacConnery left and told his men to guard me and see that I remained at the table.” She glared at Cora. “You must believe me. And the more time we waste, the more I fear for Ayden’s safety.

  Cora stroked Katherine’s hand. “Dinna worry, lamb, I will do what I can to help. But first we need to get the guards to leave you be.” She opened the door leading into the kitchen a crack and peered out. “I have an idea. Stay where you are and remain quiet,” she said, then left the storage room.

  Katherine raced to the door and pressed her ear against the oak slab so she could hear what transpired.

  “Have you seen Lady Catriona?” one of the men asked.

  “I wasna aware she was missing,” Cora replied calmly. “Why are you hunting for her?”