Mortal Magick (9 page)

Chapter 15

“That gown has your name written all over it. You should treat yourself and buy it,” Beth encouraged her.

Keara would always remember that day well. She couldn’t help but notice her sister admiring a Scottish outfit for herself.

“I might consider it, only if you get that lovely tartan gown for yourself, too. You’ve been eyeing it ever since we got to this booth,” Keara hinted, spotting a pair of matching slippers in her size.

“It can’t be,” Keara whispered, raising the exquisite, emerald-green gown from the sack and laying it across her lap. It appeared identical to the one she’d admired this summer with her sister. Right down to the meticulous scrollwork designs hand-embroidered on the bodice and down the center of the sleeves. Her fingers glided across the lavish, downy material when she spied the custom-made label discreetly sewn on the inside. She recognized the inscription, ‘Evelyn’s Treasures,’ and the initials
EVT
embroidered in gold, with ‘
one of a kind’
printed in bold italic letters directly below the name.

How could it be? This wasn’t possible by any means. She hugged the garment to her chest and closed her eyes. Less than a month ago, she and her sister Beth tried on several dresses at the local Renaissance fair. They acted like two high-school girls getting ready for their prom.

Like a speeding car zooming in front of her, events in her life raced through her mind. So far, the only good thing resulting from picking up that antique amulet in the backyard was meeting Duncan, Colin, and Darby.

Her eyes closed tight, she let her mind wander to her favorite spot, now halfway around the world, not to mention, several centuries in the future.

1711 Pantera Lane. Her home located in the rolling hills of Thurmont, Maryland.

By now, the rosebud trees should be in full bloom with multiple shades of pinks and purples as they breezed their way to the charming old farmhouse. Both sides of the cobblestoned walkway leading to the house were always carpeted with rust-colored, golden-yellow, and red chrysanthemums.

Terra-cotta pots filled with red and white geraniums, and flowing green ivies, lined the front steps to the inviting front porch. Rosemary, basil, and various herbs planted in window boxes hung from the white-painted railing. Blue morning glories graciously climbed their way up two trellises connected to the terrace. The entire place projected nothing but positive energy, reminding Keara of her mother’s nurturing love and warmth.

Beth used her gardening talents to keep the lovely country homestead Keara’s parents passed down to them as a magical haven filled with top-quality varieties of herbs and flowers. She’d even converted part of the huge country kitchen and kept it filled with dried herbs, remedies, and lotions.

Keara would give anything right now to sit on her favorite porch swing, sipping ice-cold lemonade and sharing this unbelievable adventure with her sister.

Heart pounding and short of breath, she wiped her sweaty hands on her pants as an anxiety attack swept through her veins like an erupting volcano. Keara swallowed the lump in her throat, realizing she may never see her home, family, or friends again. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, and her body trembled.

She took several deep breaths trying to calm herself and clutched the gown, hugging her knees to her chest. “If only there were some way I could let Beth know I’m okay.”

Keara concentrated instead on getting herself washed and cleaned up before putting on the gorgeous dress. She sorted through the other bag, filled with a few women’s undergarments and miscellaneous toiletries. She grabbed one of the small bars of scented soap and a scrap of linen to wash with and opened a tiny jar of lotion to sniff the perfumed fragrance.

“A hairbrush.” She gasped. Something else wrapped in brown paper lay at the bottom of the bag. Her hands still shaking, she ripped open the wrapper and discovered some parchment paper, a quill, and a piece of charcoal. Delighted, she could hardly wait to start sketching her new friends. “Duncan thought of everything.”

Excited, she started her bath. The cold water sent shivers down her spine. Goosebumps rose on her arms and legs. She hurried, anxious to get into clean, dry clothes.

She pulled the soft cream-colored chemise over her head before lowering the flowing gown over top of it. The princess-cut dress was flattering to her figure. She wrapped the tight, uplifting bodice around her breasts, fixing the sleeves in the arms before fastening the front ties and clasps. A pair of slippers was hidden beneath the matching hooded cloak. There was even a woven shawl she could wrap around her shoulders on cooler days.

After shoving everything back inside the sacks, she draped the shawl over her shoulders and ran her fingers down the sides of the gown, stopping to examine the contents of a bulging pocket. She reached inside and pulled out a rose-colored wooden hairpin shaped in the design of a Celtic knot.

Keara hurried, sticking it in her hair, and glanced at her reflection in the water. She blinked, hardly recognizing herself. If she hadn’t known better, she would have thought a woman from this century was staring back at her. Her cheeks were still pale, but unfortunately she didn’t have any rouge.

She stooped, making sure the parchment paper was safely tucked inside, before clutching both bags in her hand. She felt like a new woman. Nervous, her stomach fluttered like a field full of butterflies. She grew anxious to see her new friends’ reactions. Without wasting more time to contemplate her predicament, she decided to make the best of her situation. She grasped the bottom of her dress and shawl and scrambled up the fern-covered bank.

Keara stopped dead in her tracks, waiting for their reactions. Her hands trembled, placing the garment bags on the ground. She straightened, watching all three of them rise to their feet to greet her. Darby and Colin smiled, appearing delighted.

Duncan stared at her from head to toe. His gaze locked with hers. The electric charge from their shared connection raced through her veins. She could sense the enormous weight of pain he carried from that unique bond. His agony was too much for her to bear. Still weak, her body trying to recover from the poison, her knees buckled.

Duncan raced to her side, picking her up and cradling her in his arms like a child. He carried her over to the sheepskin next to the fire and put her down.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Tears welled in her eyes, anxious for him to speak.

“Ye’re a beautiful woman, Keara. Too beautiful, I’m afraid.” He crouched and lowered his mouth over hers. She savored his lips covering hers. Her head was already reeling from his touch and their unique connection.

Duncan’s eyes darkened with misery as he abruptly pulled away and stood towering over her. His voice turned stern and curt. “Darby and Colin will take good care of ye.”

A sharp pain seared through her chest, and her stomach twisted in tight knots. Her forehead grew sweaty. Her gaze followed his broad back as he walked to the fire, picked up his tin of ale, and threw it into the flames.

Duncan’s reaction was not at all what she’d expected. He muttered something to Darby and stormed off. Leaving her feeling alone and rejected.

Chapter 16

“Don’t fret, lass. He’ll be back in a day or two. He just needs some time to sort out a few things on his own.” Hot tea spilled over the sides of Darby’s tin and onto his pants as he stole a peek at his own likeness. His cheeks blushing, he shuffled his dowsed pants before sitting across from her. “If ye’re feelin up to it, I thought the three of us might go for a stroll later this morning, and ye can help me collect some herbs for me stockpile.”

Keara finished drawing the pointed tip of Darby’s ear on the parchment. She’d tossed and turned all night, fretting about her situation and decided to sketch some sheep grazing on the patchwork of green hills, with Darby as the center of attention. She smiled and nodded her head, trying to hide her disappointment that Duncan had left the way he did without saying a word to her. She’d try to make the best of it by getting better-acquainted with Darby and Colin.

She wrapped a cover around her shoulders and plucked a purple wildflower from beside her and sniffed it. “Darby, how long have you known Duncan?”

“‘Tis comin’ up ten years now.” He poked a stick in the flames to get fire to light his pipe. “I guess ye can say he helped save me from a terrible misunderstandin’ in a tavern late one night. He’d never admit to it, but I owe him me life. I’m afraid to say, I wasna as helpful to him that night as he was to me.”

“What happened?” she asked, hoping to find out more about the mysterious Highlander.

Waiting patiently as Darby lit his pipe and puffed on it, Keara glanced to see Colin shooting arrows into a dead tree for target practice. Darby took a long draw from the crooked stem and blew smoke ringlets overhead.

“I think ‘tis best if Duncan tells ye. ‘Tis not really me place.” He turned his head from side-to-side and leaned forward, lowering his voice to almost a whisper. “I guess since ye already know about the sorceress, especially since she tried to poison ye after yer wee confrontation, ye have a right to know a wee somethin’.”

Keara inched closer, not wanting to miss a word.

“The wretched witch had her sights on Duncan from the minute she spied him. She used her charms on him, she did. I even saw her slip a powder from her ring into his tankard.”

“Did you warn him?” She clutched her hands together.

“I tried. But I’m afraid someone hit me on the head and I blacked out. By the time I came to, she’d already bewitched him and lured him away from the tavern. Once I found him, it was too late. Her treacherous deed had already been done.” He stared off in the distance. With a faraway look in his eyes, his lighthearted face suddenly appeared old and weary.

“What deed? You didn’t finish telling me what she did to Duncan.” She covered her mouth with her hand, waiting for his reply.

“I’m afraid I told ye too much already. ‘Tis Duncan’s place to tell ye the rest.” He hopped up and tossed the rest of his tea into the flames. The fire crackled and sputtered. “It’s important for ye to know she’s evil and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I’m afraid she still has her sights set on Duncan.”

Keara sighed and closed her eyes momentarily. “I still don’t understand why I’m here and what any of this has to do with me? Why would she want to poison me? I haven’t done her any harm.”

“Aye, maybe so. But ye had the guts to stand up to her.” He smiled and patted her shoulder. “Besides, ye’re much prettier than she is. Right there’s two reasons enough for her to come after ye. And the fact ye’re being escorted around the country by the man she wants to claim for herself. In her eyes, ye’re a threat and one she needs to be rid of.”

Frustrated, she raked her fingers through her hair when she spotted Colin making his way toward them. She grinned, spying Samson following behind at his heels. “I still can’t understand why she’d try to hurt Colin. She almost got him killed. The boy never did anything to harm her.”

“The lad is Duncan’s blood. She’ll hurt anyone or anything she feels is important or gets too close to the man. He’s made her angry and she’s out for revenge.” Darby picked up a small sack and threw it over his shoulders, clutching the leather straps. Colin came and stood behind Darby, towering over his head. “C’mon, Colin, we’re givin’ Keara a few minutes to herself to get ready.”

Keara strolled behind the bushes and relieved herself, grateful for some privacy and time alone to gather her thoughts. She rinsed her hands with fresh water from the brook nearby and brushed her teeth with her fingertips. She rose and strolled over to where Darby and Colin stood patiently waiting.

“I’m ready if you two are.” She forced a smile, eager for something to help get her mind off everything, and followed behind her partners in crime for the day.

When they finally returned after a long day of harvesting roots, herbs, and flowers for Darby’s collection, she plopped down on the sheepskin, exhausted. After a dinner of last night’s leftover bread and cheese, she was ready to drift off for a good night’s rest.

Keara removed the delicate handkerchief from inside her side pocket and touched the pearl Colin gave her. The golden amulet was nestled alongside it. Darby lit his pipe and settled down beside her.

“I see ye have a few treasures of yer own.” Darby leaned over to examine both items. His eyebrows rose as he took a closer look at the amulet. “Do ye mind if I take a better look at your talisman?”

“Please.” She picked it up and handed it to him. “I’ve been trying to decipher what some of the symbols mean, but I can’t figure any of them out. Maybe you can help me. Have you ever seen anything like this before?”

He ran his fingers over the double-crossed arrows and pointed to them. “Ye see these here, lass? The ‘W’ stands for warrior. The wee arrows are the symbol for archery. ‘Tis a powerful talisman ye have from what I can tell of the ancient Celtic symbols etched around the edges.”

“Can you read what any of this mean?” she asked, hoping he could distinguish the eccentric images.

“Nay, I’m sorry, lass.” He turned it over in his hand before setting it back down next to the pearl. “I canna tell ye much more, other than that talisman is filled with verra old magick. Something as grand as this, ‘tis normally only passed from someone gifted with powerful abilities to the one they feel is at least their equal or even more deservin’ of it than they themselves. I’d advise ye to guard this well, child.”

He smiled and reached inside his shabby coat and held his closed hand in front of her. “Here, lass. I canna think of anyone more deservin’ of this than you.”

Keara bent forward to see what he held out in his hand, concentrating on the unusual leather pouch tied with a sparkling gold, twisted drawstring. She’d never quite seen anything like it. Multicolored and shiny, it glistened when the light touched it. It rippled like water when she touched the soft material. She snatched her hand away, giggled, and stroked it again. “Why does it do that?”

He chuckled and placed it inside her palm. She stole a look at his face and caught the twinkle in his eyes. “‘Tis a gift from a verra good friend of mine, Angus. He was an incredible dragon by far.”

“Now, Darby, you’ve got to be kidding,” she said grinning, but saw his brows raise when he stared at her. “You’re dead serious, aren’t you?”

“Aye. And inside ye’re gonna find a gold coin with the engravin’ of a unicorn. In fact, have ye ever seen our famous coat of arms?”

“Yes. But I’m afraid only in pictures.” Fascinated by Darby’s legendary tales, she held the precious gift close to her chest, eager to hear more.

“Two unicorns were gracious enough to give me a few hairs from their manes to put inside with the coin. There’s also a lovely purple head from a Scottish thistle. This wee pouch possesses powerful magick. Of course, I’ve added a few of me own treasured plants from me own collection.” Darby straightened his back and held his head high. His face grew serious and he leaned forward and lowered his voice. “But I must warn ye. Like yer talisman, this must never get lost and risk being found in the wrong hands.”

Keara snuggled the pouch to her cheek before clutching it to her chest and smiling. “Darby, I don’t know what to say except I’m honored you think enough of me to give me something as valuable and precious as this. But I’m afraid I can’t accept it.”

Darby stared at her, a puzzled expression on his face. Sensing his hesitation and afraid she’d insulted him, she hurried and knelt in front of him. “I’m so sorry, Darby. I don’t want to offend you, but I’d worry if something would ever happen to this, I’d never be able to face you again.”

His gaze locked with hers and he winked. The smile and dimples she adored appeared again. “I’ll make ye a bargain. The gift is still yers to keep, but for now I’ll hold on to it a wee bit longer. Remember, lass, this pouch has the power to save yer life and the lives of others in need. I pray ye never have the need to use it. Keep in mind, it’s here for ye when ye need it.”

Keara stroked the leather pouch one last time, watching the rainbow ripple effects flowing around the pouch before handing it back. She waited until Darby tucked it safely back inside his jacket before hugging him and placing a kiss on his cheek. She smiled, watching him blush. “Thank you, Darby. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Come now, lass. ‘Tis way past time for bed, and it’s been a long day, and ye need yer rest.” He handed her another odd-shaped vial. “Here, drink this. Will help ye get a good night’s sleep, makin’ ye stronger for the journey ahead.”

“My sister, Beth, is very gifted, much like you, Darby. Her expertise is herbal medicine, too. She’s always helping cure people and stray critters with her remedies. I wish you could meet her. You both have a lot in common.” She sniffled before accepting the vial and swallowing the entire contents in one gulp. It was sweet and reminded her of honeysuckle. Her eyelids soon grew heavy.

Darby removed the bottle from her hand and gripped her shoulder, helping guide her to lean back on the sheepskin. “Beth sounds like a grand person, indeed.”

She swiveled her head to face him, wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands. “Yes, she is. My parents adopted Beth when I was little, and we’ve become very close. She’d fit right in here. Much better than I do, I’m afraid.”

“Nonsense,” he said matter-of-factly, handing her a worn wrinkled handkerchief. “’Twas destiny that summoned ye here in the first place. And I, for one, am glad you came. Speakin’ of which, I’m sure me potion should soon be takin’ effect. Ye should feel better come morn.”

The little man’s deep concern and patience warmed her heart. She grabbed his hand inside her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I have a feeling you played a role in helping Duncan get that gorgeous gown. I don’t know how you ever managed to do it, but I want to thank you.”

His plump cheeks blushed red before lifting her arm next to her side and tucking the covers beneath her chin. He patted her hand, leaned over, and placed a friendly kiss on her forehead, then whispered, “Ye give me too much credit, lass. I dinna know what ye mean. Now close yer eyes, me friend, and get a good night’s sleep.”

Keara snuggled underneath the warm fleece, her face tickled from the soft curls gently tucked under her chin. Unable to open her eyes, she sighed. Tender, cold lips sealed a kiss on her mouth. Her heart raced. A fiery shudder ignited a desire for another taste of the savoring sweetness left tingling inside her mouth.

Duncan had returned. The Highlander was the only man that could make her flesh yearn from his touch. She tried sitting up but Darby’s tonic was already taking affect. Her eyelids and limbs had grown like heavy weights holding her immobile. Her emotions fully aroused and her mind now wide awake, she lay still and listened as the Highlander’s brogue grew deep and gruff as he snapped at Darby. Maybe now she could find out why he stormed off the way he did.

“Are ye daft? Ye canna be serious,” Darby said. “Besides, ye made Keara a promise. Ye canna be going back on yer word to the lass, not now. Not after what all she’s been through. Not to mention, she saved young Colin’s life. Ye owe her for that.” Darby paced back and forth, rubbing his chin. “No, I willna play a part in this new plan of yers. Do ye honestly believe she and the lad will stay put and not follow? And what of their safety? Have ye even considered the possibility they’ll become more vulnerable to the sorceress?”

“Do ye think I enjoy being the villain? I have Colin to think about, too.” Duncan slammed his fist in his other hand and glanced at the sun starting to set. “
Mo creach
, Darby! I dinna have much time left. I should have been to the castle by now. Are ye gonna help me, or not?”

“Ye’re not thinkin’ straight right now. Ye didna’ see the look of pain in Keara’s eyes when ye walked away last night. I willna do anything to hurt her.” Darby straightened, shaking his finger at Duncan. “If ye havena noticed, young Colin will soon be a man. It’s time ye face it, man. Ye canna change destiny. And whether ye like it or not, the two of them are meant to be here. As long as I can help it, they’re gonna stay.”

A growl rose in Duncan’s throat. Twilight shadowed his frame, demanding the beast to awaken and take control. The pain commenced, racing through his veins. Gripping his hands into fists at his sides, his voice thundered within his ears. “How much time before she’s strong enough to travel?”

“Give her a few days yet. She’s still recoverin’ from that poison arrow in her back. Ye still have plenty of time to reach Dunscaith. The herbal potions I give her at night are helpin’ to speed up her recovery.” Darby hobbled over and stood, peering up at him. “Keara’s strong. And verra much like yerself. Be off with ye, and take a long walk to cool that hot head of yers before ye make matters any worse and we both say somethin’ we might live to regret.”