Blessing The Highlander Read online

  A dense haze eddied around her as she lay comatose in her hospice bed. Her frail form struggling for the smallest of breaths even with the aid of the ventilator. “Why don’t they just unplug those damn machines?” her mind shrieked. “All I want is for this limbo to end. There is nothing left for me.”

  “Are you so certain, Seonaid?” A soft, musical voice drifted to her from within the fog.

  “Who’s there?” Janet asked fearfully. “Show yourself. Are you an angel? Is it finally my time to go?”

  An ethereal woman dressed in the palest of blue gossamer silk floated toward her from the depths of the mist. Her platinum hair floated against her supple body. She was near the same height as Janet...just three inches shorter. Her aqua blue eyes piercing into her soul.

  There was something familiar about her, Janet believed, as she examined the wraith before her. “Who are you? I know you from somewhere… don’t I?”

  She saw a flash of panic in the woman’s eyes before she masked it with a smile. “Not good!” she thought... then banished it.

  “I say again, Seonaid, are you certain there is nothing left for you?” Her lilting voice was comforting, soothing.

  “Who is this Seonaid you speak of? I am Janet Evans. You have mistaken me for someone else.” She shook her head and began to laugh. “Even in death my life will be torture. I should have known.” Tears were streaming from her eyes before she got her laughter under control.

  The wraith’s eyes screwed up in anger. She put her fisted hands on her hips stomping her foot in a tizzy. Seeing her ire, Janet began laughing once again.

  “We make a fine pair little wraith...you are lost and I am forsaken, conceivably delusional, besides.”

  Diedre stood glaring at her. She was angry now and beginning to have second thoughts about assisting her sister. Until she recollected her father’s reaction regarding her response over her betrothal. “He will surely kill me if I do not make this right for her. I must fix this.” Resolute… Diedre held up her hand to silence Janet. She shook her head in denial.

  “I am not lost...I am not a wraith...and you are not forsaken, Seonaid. Nor delusional. Your earthly body is about to pass and I have come to correct a wrong.” She need not know that Diedre was the one who caused the error. “I have come to offer you a new life in a different time. You will be young again, vibrant, alive! You will love...and be loved!”

  Janet’s eyes rounded in astonishment…then narrowed. “So what’s the catch?”

  “Catch? I do not fathom your meaning.”

  “I mean... why would you do this? What do you get out of it? No one does anything without receiving something in return. Do you get my soul? Is that it? Maybe you’re really the devil playing tricks on me.”

  Resentment flared through Diedre’s small body! “How dare she! Obstinate fool! I offer her the world and she flings it back in my face! If it were not for Father...”

  She quickly schooled her expression then looked back at her sister. “I am not the devil you speak of and, I suppose, there is a ‘catch’, so to speak.”

  “Uh-huh! I knew it! So what is it?”

  “I will have to wipe all your memory. You must not have any memories from this time once I send you to the past.”

  “That’s it?” Janet was stunned. Forgetting her previous life would be a blessing. But what if the new life was just as bad...or worse. Her eyes narrowed on Diedre. “This new life, what guarantee do I have that it won’t be worse than what I’ve just lived through?” Janet had this niggling feeling that she knew this wraith. Maybe she was the cause of her first life of hell. She had no proof...just a feeling. Diedre sighed. This was taking entirely too long. Seonaid should have leaped at the chance of a new life. She never used to be this suspicious. But then again, she was just a toddler back then. Frustrated, Diedre shrugged, turning to melt back into the fog. She glanced over her shoulder at Seonaid. “I will not offer this for a second time, Seonaid. Either you wish it or you do not. Your time is short. Let me help you...please.”

  Her eyes pleaded with Janet and she realized that she had nothing to lose. “Okay, if you will answer one question.”

  She studied Janet’s face and saw no guile there. “Very well.”

  “Why do you insist on calling me Seonaid?”

  A broad grin spread across her face. “Because that is your name you silly goose. ‘Seonaid’ means ‘Janet’ in Gaelic.”

  Diedre grasped her hand as they melted into the fog together unaware of the watchful, icy blue eyes observing them. Lokai clenched and unclenched his chiseled jaw trying to think of a way to protect Diedre from her father. “Silly little fool! You had better have a good plan.” His image dissolved as Janet’s mortal body breathed its last.

  Highlands 1125 a.d.

  Seonaid MacGregor sat straight on her palfrey as she crested the knob, halting her mount. A smile played across her lips as she inhaled deeply of the heather scented air. The large meadow before her was smothered in lavender heather and yellow gorse for as far as she could see. The days were beginning to grow warmer as springtime marched toward summer. She shed her light cloak, securing it to the back of her saddle.

  It had not been easy escaping from her groomsmen. They were MacGregors, after all. But she was one as well, and she wanted to feel free. Even if it was only for a short time. They did not seem to care for her much anyway, she mused. They called her spoiled and arrogant. Why should she not be? She was the MacGregor’s daughter. She was well-born and beautiful with a substantial dowry. She will have her pick of husbands very soon. Her father pledged it to her before she left on this journey to Inverness Castle to visit Marion Ross.

  Marion was no great beauty but she had a generous heart and she always seemed eager to listen to Seonaid boast of her conquests or how much her newest gowns cost. She was aiding Seonaid with her trousseau and educating her on deportment amongst royals. Seamus thought that she required this knowledge in case she married well. Learning how to run a large castle was something else of which she lacked knowledge.

  Twas a pity that Marion’s husband, James, did not like her either. He was civil to Seonaid but avoided her for the most part.

  With that thought, Seonaid tightened her hold on the reins giving a kick to her steed’s flanks. With a snort her mare tore down the side of the short ravine into the field. Hooves pounded in the soft earth as she cantered easily on the flat terrain, stirring up pollen, flowers and bees as she went. The fragrance of heather surrounded her... filling her senses. She closed her eyes and slashed her mare’s flanks with the reins, as she leaned low over her neck urging her on to greater speed. Before long, lathered and spent, her horse began to slow. Her sides heaved with the effort to draw in some air. Her legs trembled.

  “Stupid horse!” She cried out as she lashed her again with the leather. “I said faster!”

  Her mount was laboring heavily now, the whites of her eyes showing, blood flecked spittle flying from her mouth as she tore across the field. They both screamed as they plummeted together over a well-hidden bluff. The mare’s neck snapped as they hit the rocky bottom. Dead on impact. Seonaid sailed from her back striking her head soundly on a large rock as she landed a few feet away. Everything went dark.

  The two women observed the scene as it unfolded. Janet was horrified to see the uncaring death of the steed. How could anyone be so cruel to such a noble beast? Her hand flew to her mouth holding back the bile that was threatening to rise.

  Her astonished eyes rounded on Diedre. “You want me to be that horrible girl? She’s a spoilt brat! Narcissistic, self-absorbed little brat!”

  Diedre chuckled. “No. She was a brat. Now she is dead though her body still lives. Her essence is gone. The only thing remaining is the shell which is yours, if you wish it. It will not survive long without a life force within though. You have only moments to decide, Seonaid. If you do this, it will be you that awakens, not her. She is gone.”

  “Will I know who I am?”

 
“No. You will not know your clan, your name, me or the future you came from. Especially not that. You will remember nothing. That is your ‘catch’. But you will still be you. Sweet, kind, considerate...all that makes you who you are.”

  Seonaid glanced around absorbing the beauty that encircled her. It was calm and peaceful. The air was fresh in her lungs as she inhaled deep gulps. Yes...she wanted this chance. Who wouldn’t? She gave Diedre a swift nod. “Let’s do it. I would be crazy to turn you down.”

  Diedre clapped her hands in delight and with a generous smile she drew a gold pouch from the folds of her gown. As she loosened the ties she mentally patted herself on the back. “Mission accomplished. Now Father need never know what a terrible thing I did to her.” She paused for a moment, “I hope he is not planning on having her at my wedding. That would be a disaster. Silly me…she will not know us in any case. Not to worry. I will cross that bridge only if it becomes essential.” She shrugged her shoulders pouring a measured amount of dust in her hand, frowning as she beheld her palm.

  Seonaid saw panic flash across her face and leaned over to look at her hand. In the heart of her palm was a small pile of glitter that resembled a rainbow. It was red, blue, green, gold, silver and all the shades in-between, almost alive with a sparkle that glowed softly in her hand.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  Diedre shook her head as she chewed her lower lip. She could have sworn that she had more of this memory dust. “Oh well. It will just have to do. It is still more than I used last time...although, she was but a babe that time. It will work...it has to work. Yes, it will do fine.” She flashed a smile at Seonaid as she persuaded herself.

  “No. Nothing. Are you ready?”

  She nodded. They strode over to the crumpled figure on the bank of the burn. Blood was pooling on the ground near her head… her chest barely rising with her shallow breathing

  “You’re certain she is gone?”

  “Yes. Now close your eyes. Our time is very short.”

  “Thank you, Wraith. I would say that I’ll always remember this,” she giggled, “but that would be a lie.”

  Diedre’s heart warmed toward her sister for a moment. As Seonaid closed her eyes she held forth her hand, quickly blowing the powder in her face. Her sister inhaled deeply. She felt the fairy dust dancing over her skin as if alive. Her lungs began to tingle as they filled...expanding to every pore in her body.

  Diedre watched as her sister’s body began to shimmer and fade to a ghost-like form. When she was satisfied, she waved the apparition into the girl’s body that lay before her. The body fused with the soul in a brilliant flash of light. She smiled in triumph.

  She tapped her bottom lip as she perused her next step. “Now to make certain that the scoundrel, Brodie, finds her in time. Now where is he? Oh yes! On his way back from Urquhart Castle. This should be easy.” Diedre laughed as she vanished in the air.

  Lokai appeared the moment she left. He frowned as he approached the fallen woman struggling to breath. He could tell by looking at her that she would not live much longer. He ground his teeth in anger at the position his betrothed had placed him.

  She knows that the Fae are forbidden to interfere with mortals! It’s a heinous crime in their realm. He looked at the broken body before him and cringed. He should let her die. It was the right thing to do. He turned to walk away when a slight tingle caressed his arm.

  “What is this?” He spun back around and knelt down beside her, gently touching her forehead. He jerked his hand back as if burned. Lokai was startled at the revelation he had at the contact.

  “She is Fae! Not pure...but Fae all the same. What are you playing at Diedre?” He bent over Seonaid studying her appearance more meticulously. “The same eyes, the same arch of the brow, the same heart-shaped face...even the same pert lips! Sisters!” Lokai growled in fury. His nostrils flaring.

  “She goes too far! King Alred will be livid with her! This must be Seonaid. The one he always asks after. I cannot allow her to die. She is a Fae princess.”

  He took several deep breaths to calm himself then gesticulated his hand slowly over her body. He healed her broken ribs and punctured lung, stopped the internal bleeding as he slowed the blood loss from the wound on her head. He shook his head as he comprehended the dilemma Diedre had positioned herself in.

  Lokai rose to leave, stopping abruptly. “She needs to be taught a lesson. She has gone too far this time. And her sister needs to, at least, know her name.” He snapped his fingers producing a small parchment. On it was written:

  Dearest Seonaid,

  I miss you sorely and hope this finds you in good stead. Soon I will find you a husband of your choosing. Until then be well and enjoy your sojourn.

  Your loving father

  Lokai grunted with satisfaction. “Yes, this will do. There is no necessity for a clan name.” As he slid the parchment in Seonaid’s bodice her eyes fluttered open as she murmured, “My golden warrior.” He paused as she fell back into oblivion, then rose to leave. “Forgive me for leaving the bruising, Princess, but it would look strange if there were none.” He made sure there was no indication of any clan affiliations then disappeared into the forest.

  Diedre wore a haughty smile as she located Chief Brodie a few miles from her sister’s whereabouts. She sighed as she gazed nostalgically at him. He was so handsome. His ebony hair draped just beyond his wide shoulders, stirring in the breeze as he rode past. His eyes were a cerulean blue which would turn black with passion...or rage, depending on his temper. She had only seen them in anger though. He did not seem to like her much the few times they had met. Granted, he was usually bathing, wenching or sleeping, but she did not think that was a good excuse to rail at her. She snorted. And the muscles on him! His entire body felt like silken steel. She could not find any fat on him no matter how hard she tried. The last time they had met was when she crawled into his bed while he slept. Thinking back, she could not figure out why he was so angry. She had been honest with him. She told him she was Fae...even told him she wanted him to be her first lover. The way he reacted you would have thought she had the plague.

  He leapt from the bed ordering her to leave. Ordered her! The nerve of that mortal! No one spoke to her that way. Especially mortals. But she will have her revenge now. She stomped her tiny foot silently. He will save Seonaid’s life and wed her. Then he will perceive who is her father and be saddled with his worst enemy for life. That will teach him.

  First he had to discover her and the scoundrel looked like he was going to miss her by a mile if he did not change course. Diedre tapped her teeth with her finger. “Now how can I get him to go to the burn?” A thin line creased her brow as she thought on the problem.

  “Why not just stand near the woman and scream till they arrive?”

  Diedre jumped then cringed as she slowly turned to face the voice in her ear. Before her was a superb brawny chest sprinkled with curly blonde hair. Across his torso ran silver cloth that sparkled as it cascaded like a river from his shoulder to his lean hip before circling his girth. She blushed furiously at the lust that flared in her body. As she slowly allowed her eyes to rise, meeting his, Diedre carefully schooled her features to nonchalance. In total innocence she queried, “Whatever are you speaking about, Lokai?”

  Oh, she was going to be trouble. He could see that now. Even caught red-handed she still lied like an angel. It was going to take all his wits to keep the upper hand with her. Lokai released an exasperated sigh throwing up his hands. Maybe she was more trouble than what she is worth. “No, she is worth it. She just needs a tighter rein.” His jaw tautened as he looked at her innocent face.

  “Do not insult my intelligence, Princess. You know what I speak of.”

  “Oh bother! I was just attempting to do a good deed. The poor girl had a miserable life and was dying. I simply offered her a new one.” She waved her hand dismissively but felt it captured in a steel grip. She gasped as Lokai spun her into his chest glaring
down at her.

  “It is reckless and you have been careless with her! If you had looked at her injuries you would know that she would be dead right now.”

  “Not so!” she shouted at him. “She had only struck her head.”

  “You are wrong, Diedre. Her ribs were broken...her lung was punctured... she was bleeding inside. She was on death’s door when I found her.”

  Oh dear. Had she almost killed her sister? She will need to be more cautious in the future. Her eyes flew wide as she looked up at Lokai. Barely a whisper, she asked, “Did she die?”

  Lokai glowered at her for a few moments, pausing long enough to let the seriousness of what she had done sink profoundly in her heart.

  “She lives...no thanks to you.”

  Tears welled in her eyes as a sigh of relief left her. It pricked her that Lokai held her in such low esteem. Why it disturbed her she did not know, but just the same, it did. Abruptly, her head jerked up to examine his handsome face.

  “You saved her.” It was a declaration. “You could lose your position over this! Your immortality! Why did you interfere?”

  “Still you play me for a fool. Do you think that I do not know what...? ‘Who’ she is? I saved her for King Alred!” “And for you.” But he would not speak the words. It was too precarious to give her that power.

  She nodded to herself. Meekly she whispered, “I meant no harm.”

  “Whether you meant it or not the harm is done. Now finish it so we may return to our realm and leave these mortals in peace.”

  “But...” she protested.

  “No!” he roared. “Lead him to her and be done with it! And be cautioned, Diedre. I will not stand for this once we are wed. You will obey me on this.”

  A slow smile spread across her impudent lips as she realized he would still wed her. For some mysterious reason it pleased her deep down inside. She did not discern why...but it did.