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Highland Magic Ch. 01

By: Luckie_Duckie



Standing up, I began to pace in the small area. The muscles in my back were screaming at me, my legs were hardly able to move at all. I looked a bit like a penguin, shuffling around the crowded area like a caged animal. The airport had delayed the flight to Scotland twice, and now there were rumors that they were going to cancel the flight due to intense weather here. 

Hobbling over to the windows that separated the general population of JFK airport from the blistering cold. It looked like a sea of white. The snow was thick and somewhat frightening as I watched it come down in clumps. It had been coming down harder, but since I had fallen asleep in that small horrid little chair, it had eased up a bit. There was still a curtain of white, so one wasn't able to tell the sky from the ground, but it was easing up a bit. 

Rolling my neck and rubbing it with my hands I watched the snow fall. This hadn't been what I expected at all. I had flown in from PDX in Portland Oregon on my dream vacation. I really hadn't thought it would turn out like this. Of course, no one wants to be stuck at an airport for two days. I glanced at my watch and sighed. Exactly sixty nine hours and fifty-three minutes. 

Annoyed, I slapped my hand against my thigh and watched out the window. It wasn't the thought of having to cut my vacation short due to work. I had taken a league of absence and wasn't due back until after the next school year. Who's to say teachers don't get burned out? We do, we just usually don't complain about it. Well I had, until I finally decided I had enough money to take my dream vacation to Scotland. I sighed. Some vacation.

And it wasn't that I didn't think I would have my hotel once I got there. I called on the first day of delays and explained to the proprietor my situation. He had been incredibly nice and said he would of course hold my room for me until I got there. That it would be his pleasure. I smiled recalling his sweet accent. The brogue had been soft, intelligent. I couldn't wait to get there. And that was my problem. Impatience. 

While other passengers had opted to either cancel their tickets and go home, go to another airport and hopefully have better luck, or even gone to a local hotel, I had not. I opted to stay here, in case there was a flight that needed to be boarded quickly. 

Damned impatience was giving me a cramp in my neck, back and legs. 

Sighing, I turned and began to hobble back to my seat near the ticket counter. As I hobbled past, the head clerk, or whatever you call them, Madge, from Scotland herself, smiled at me, that smile people use when they feel genuinely sorry for your plight. We'd spent several hours over the past few days talking about Scotland. She seemed to be a very nice woman. I was glad I could talk to her.

Easing back into my chair, I sat forward and pulled a book out of my carry on. For the next several hours, I sat engrossed in my historical romance, based, of course, in Scotland. I sighed as I munched on my banana chips. Miss Julie Garwood could really write a story. 

At seventy four hours and thirty eight minutes I took another walk around. I was beginning to get hungry, but as my flight had initially been in the wee hours of the morning, there wasn't a thing open near the terminal. I glanced around I saw a Starbucks, and the people working there just seemed too happy this early. It was only six A.M.

Rolling my back, I groaned. These airport chairs were going to be the death of me. Although it would have been a hell of a lot worse if I hadn't brought my own travel pillow. I thought of how my neck would be cramped from sleeping upright with out it, and cringed. I was not the best traveler, but I did what I could, and I could bring my travel pillow. 

Walking to the windows I smiled. The snow had let up a lot in the past few hours. For that I was glad. There was a least two feet on the ground, but I was going to hope that in the next few hours that could be cleared and I could be on my way to Scotland. I almost giggled in anticipation. 

Heading back to my chair, I grabbed my purse and carry on with everything packed neatly inside and picked them up. I wasn't going to leave them unattended. They went with me to the bathroom too. Making sure I hadn't left anything behind, I walked slowly to the Starbucks stand. Coffee would help me stay awake. Not that I really wanted to stay awake, but if I fell asleep, I was afraid that they wouldn't wake me for the flight.

"What can I get for you today?" the overly cheery woman said as I stopped in front of her. I sighed. "I'd like a double latte, skinny, extra froth, decaf with a shot of Irish Cream." The woman smiled at my small coffee challenge. She called back the order precisely as I had ordered it and turned back to me. "And one of those cream cheese pastry things." She pushed a few buttons on her little machine and asked if that was going to be it.

"That's it."

"Okay. Your total today with tax is $6.54." I almost felt my jaw drop. God, Starbucks with sales tax will kill you. I payed up and waited patiently for my coffee and food. A few minutes later, my order was called out and I eagerly grabbed it up. 

As I walked back to the terminal, there seemed to be some sort of commotion going on. I walked up to the crowded ticket counter and pushed my way in. When Madge saw me she sighed. "Here she is." I tilted my head and watched her. "We've got three first class ticket upgrades to give out to passengers, and I saved one for you, chickie." She smiled and handed me my new ticket. 

"Wow," I breathed. I couldn't afford first class. "Madge, thank you," I said, my voice fluttery.

"Ah, nothing to thank me for." She smiled. "You said yer self this was yer dream vacation, right? Well, I just made it a might bit better." She leaned in close smiling. "Besides, you've been stuck around here for three days. You deserve it right out, you do." She straightened and waved me away. Speaking into the microphone next to her, she looked directly at me. "First class passengers en route to Glasgow, Scotland, flight 7884 will be loading in approximately ten minutes. Coach passengers will load in twenty. Thank you for flying British Airways."

"Thank you," I mouthed to her, as she busied herself with another customer. I was beaming from ear to ear. I had my ticket, a fist class ticket, my passport, and I was going to board in ten minutes. I went with my luggage to the line for first class and smiled. This was going to be fantastic!

When I boarded the flight, a very polite British woman checked my ticket and asked me to follow her to my seat. She lead me to a window seat near the front of the plane. As she took my very large carry all bag and expertly stowed it above my seat, she asked me if I wanted a complementary glass of champagne. 

"No thank you." I said smiling. I held up my coffee. "My latte will hold me for now. Thanks though." She smiled politely at me and went back to help the next passenger to his or her seat. I settled in to the large luxurious seat, and sighed. 

This was going to be a wonderful flight.

I fell into a much needed sleep soon after take off. I didn't wake up until we were well over the Atlantic. Reaching beside me where I had stowed my historical romance, I quickly flipped to the page where I had left off and began to read again. 

I looked up as the same flight attendant from earlier came by and asked if I would like a breakfast, since they had passed them out as I slept. I was glad to take it off her hands as I was starving.

Unwrapping the foil, I felt my mouth begin to water. In coach, the food was hardly tolerable. Watery eggs, cold sausage. The works. This time, it was steaming. Fresh looking eggs with cheese, sausage with bacon and hash browns. Wow, I was definitely flying first class from now on.

I read as I munched and soon the meal was gone, much to my disappointment.

Sooner than I expected the flight was coming to an end. I hadn't realized it, as I was so engrossed in my book. "Please take your seats as we will begin our decent into Glasgow International Airport in precisely ten minutes." I almost shouted with glee. I was really there! We landed safely, and after I completed my encounter with customs, I was on my way to the real Scotland. I jogged quickly, following the signs for baggage claim. Just as I got there, I saw my suitcase rolling by on the conveyer belt. I grabbed it quickly and headed outside. 

It was fall in Scotland. As soon as I pushed the doors open I could smell it. The scent of wildness, fresh air and history. All becoming to me. I grinned and headed to where the cabs were. Hailing one, I jumped in and told the cabby the address of the Inn I was to be at.

I'm not so foolish as other passengers. I know that I can't drive one of those, wheel on the wrong side, cars. Hell, I can hardly drive my wheel on the right side of the car, car. I wasn't deluding myself. Besides I had already figured in all the cab rides I would need into my expenses. Not that it really mattered. 

This would probably be the best time to tell you a little about me. My name is Regan Shepherd. I grew up in upper New York, and went to the finest schools. I attended Stanford for College and decided to go into teaching. My family own a hotel chain around the country, and once the hotel in Paris opens, around the world. I come from old money, and I hate it. I love my family, don't get me wrong. I do. But I hate that they think I should sit back, drape myself with diamonds and do nothing. I have to be doing something with my life. 

I choose teaching. My mother and father were shocked at first that I would want to teach at a public school of all places, but after explaining to them for the hundredth time that I felt that was where I was most needed, they stopped arguing with me. 

I was completely independent. I could afford my own apartment, and everything else I needed with my teaching salary. But if I should ever fall on hard times, I always have my trust fund. I hadn't touched it since I paid off my student loans. My parents blanched when I had gotten them, but I wanted to stand on my own two feet. Not have daddy pay my bills my whole life. After working for three years in the history department of a very violent school in Portland, I decided I needed a break. I took off the next school year, and packed my bags. And here I am. 

Not even my family knows I'm gone. 

I smiled at the landscape as it passed along on the wrong side of the car. I wanted to laugh. It was like a twisted roller coaster ride. I loved it. The roads began to tilt upward, and I knew I was getting closer to it. I had always had a love affair with the highlands of Scotland. I always imagined to be beautiful, but what I was looking at out my window was more than I had ever anticipated. The hills were rolling and green with soft fall breezes. The mountains in the foreground were astounding. Never had I seen such beauty. 

A short time later the cab pulled up in front of a small Inn. As I stepped out into the fall sunshine, I smiled, and breathed in the crisp air. 

"That be fifty pound, missus," the cabby said as he dropped her bags at my feet. I turned and smiled happily at him. He gave me a small smile as I began to dig in my wallet. Handing him the money I thanked him. "Aye, welcome you are, missus. This here be Fraser land, it does. A few hundred years ago, I'd get me feet chopped off for daring to come on this land." He looked disgruntled. "Aye, how time changes." He seemed mad that his family wasn't warring with the Frasers anymore. 

"What clan do you come from?"

"I hail from the clan MacPherson. Sworn enemies of the bastard Frasers." He puffed up proudly and pointed to the South. "My clan holds land there." I turned to look in the direction he was pointing and smiled.

Turning back to him I dropped my purse. The cab was gone, as was the cabby. I shook my head. That wasn't possible. I looked back down the road that was visible for a good two miles in both directions. No cab. I touched my head. Must be all the traveling. He must have left long ago and I never noticed. I told myself.

Picking up my purse and bags from the ground I turned to the Inn and made my way inside. There was a small reception desk on the left side with an older man sitting behind it. To the right there was a room, my guess would be a salon. It was beautiful from what I could see. Done in rich burgundy reds and gold, I couldn't wait to curl up in there with a book and read in front of that inviting fire.

Smiling, I walked to the desk and set my bags down. 

"Hi." The older man looked up from his book startled. "My name is Regan Shepherd. I have a reservation?" He was so cute, fumbling with his book and trying to stand at the same time. 

"Of course, Ms Shepherd. I'm Henry Fraser, the proprieter." He held his hand out and I took it. It was warm and leathery in mine, much like a grandfathers. I beamed at him. He was the same one I had spoken with on the phone. "I see you made it in one piece." 

I laughed. "That I did Mr. Fraser."

"Please, call me Henry." He smiled as he pushed his glasses farther up his nose. Turning a large book so I could read it he pointed to a line. "If you'll just write in your information here, I would be more than happy to get your key for you, Ms Shepherd."

"Call me Regan, please." I said as I began to fill in the required information. 

A few minutes later he handed me a key. "Iris!" He yelled squeakily. I wanted to laugh when an older woman came stomping out of what appeared to be a back kitchen, her hands on her hips. "Now see here, old man, there will be no shoutin in this here house!" She wagged her finger at him and was getting ready to do more than that when he interrupted her. 

"Iris, this here be Ms Regan. Show her to her room." Instantly the woman was contrite.

"Beggin your pardon my lady." She smiled at me and reminded me of the grandmother I had always wished for. Her blue eyes sparkled and her hair was done in a tight bun. Yes, exactly like her. 

Her face darkened when she looked back at her husband. "Don't think I'm done with ye, Henry Fraser. Just ye wait until I come back down from showing this lady to her room." She left him with a scowl, and smiled at me. I smiled at her, and followed her up two flights of stairs to my room. 

"We've no other boarders this time of year, so ye've got the run of the place. If ye'd perfer a room else where, I can get another set up." She said as she opened the door to the room. 

"I'm sure this will be wonderful." As I stepped inside, I thought I'd entered a fairy tale. The bed was a four poster with a bright yellow quilt on top. It looked fluffy and wonderful. There was a dresser with a mirror and chair, like in olden days. A lounge chair sat near the bay window looking out. The entire room looked warm and cheery with the mix of soft blues whites and yellows. I walked to the window and looked out. 

In the distance, a few miles away, sat the ruins of a once magnificent castle. Most of it was still in tact, but a few of the outer walls had crumbled. I was in complete awe. 

"Will this room suit?"

I turned and beamed at her. "It will suit wonderfully," I said. I don't think I had ever been more happy in my life...

I spent the rest of the day in my room. Jet lag. As soon as she left the room, I flopped on to the inviting bed and sighed. The sun was sinking low behind the ruins of the castle. I turned onto my side to watch the sun sink low, even as I felt my own eyelids sinking lower and lower. 

I don't remember falling asleep, but I remember dreaming. 

I was walking through a forest. It was dense and thick with foliage. I felt that I was being drawn forward through the thick woods. I pushed my way through a bush and stopped. There in front of me was the castle. It rose in stark splendor. The outer walls weren't crumbling. That was the first thought through my mind. 

I looked up as I approached, unaware until just then that I had been walking, and saw soldiers patrolling the wall. One saw me and called out to have the gate opened. I walked through the gates as they slowly creaked open and smiled. Directly in front of me was the entrance to the large castle. But that wasn't what had me smiling. 

He was large, his hands on his hips, and smiling at me. I felt myself rush forward and at the same time, saw him start for me. He wasn't running though. Part of me knew he wouldn't. That he didn't want to seem overly eager in front of his men. 

As I reached him, I vaulted from the ground and threw my arms around his neck. His arms circled my waist, and crushed the breath out of me. 

"You've been gone to long, love. I have missed you." He pulled me back from his thick embrace and kissed my forehead. "Much too long." He turned and began to pull me toward the castle doors. 

I felt myself being dragged behind him, and couldn't have been happier about it. It wasn't until I tripped on the stairs leading up to the castle doors that I realized what I was wearing. A woolen dress, scratchy against my legs, with a tartan around my waist and then pulled up and over my shoulder. It was secured with a beautiful pin. What appeared to be.... strawberries?

He tugged me along, and I looked up into his face. Dark brown hair fell to his shoulders with an occasional braid and bead. His eyes were pristine blue. Like a lake that had yet to be touched by man. So clear. His face didn't have any scars on it, but I could see his legs, and they had a vicious amount of scars. 

I looked quickly into his face, and felt myself smiling. This man was a warrior. He pulled me up into his arms and began to walk again. I felt like I was on a roller coaster. Looking down from his arms, it had to be a good five foot drop, but I hadn't ever felt more safe in my life. 

He blasted through the doors and turned to the right. On that side of the great hall were stairs. There wasn't a rail to hold on to, and I wondered if anyone had ever fallen down the stone steps. He climbed them three at a time, and didn't loose his breath once he was at the top. 

I began to play with his hair. Pulling on the little beads and running my hands through the thick wave of hair. He was mounting another bout of stairs, but this time, they were circular. I could hardly keep the excitement out of myself as I realized we were going to his room. I don't know how I knew, I just did. The Laird's tower. I knew that was what it was called. 

He kicked in a door at the top of the stairs and stomped inside. He slid me down his body incredibly gently. I knew he could hurt me. He was strong, and big. At least six-six, but I also knew he would die before he ever hurt me. He held me close and looked into my eyes for a moment, before moving away and closing the door. He locked it with a quick flick of his wrist. 

Turning to me, he smiled. And oh Lord. He had a little dimple on the left cheek that winked at me. I felt my heart rate speed up as he walked slowly toward me. "I have been waiting a long time for this, my love." He nuzzled my neck. "You have been gone too long." I sighed.

He was kissing under my ear now. I moaned inspite of myself and tilted my head so he would have better access to it. He wrapped his large arms around my middle and hauled me up against him. I lifted my head and looked deep into his eyes, and felt a tear slide down my cheek. He loved me. I knew that. And I loved him. 

I pushed my lips against his and kissed him with all the love there was inside me. The rest soon became a daze. Hungry lips, groping touches. His hands were everywhere, and I loved it. I was naked suddenly, and so was he. There was no embarrassment. We were on the bed, covered in animal furs and plaid. His touch was so gentle, so loving. "I love you," he whispered over and over again. 


Highland Magic Ch. 01



I felt him slide into me and I cried out with the rightness of it. He was big. Not so big as to be a carnival freak, but big enough that it was this side of pain to have him push his way inside. "I love you," became his chant as he thrust himself into me over and over. It seemed to last forever, and was over all too soon. 

I cried out, arching against him as I climaxed around him. He shouted and thrust himself in hard one last time, shuddering against me, calling my name, and chanting his love. We held each other for a long time after that, stroking and kissing, smelling and tasting. It had been too long. I had been waiting for this day for too long. 

"Don't go," he said as I felt myself begin awake. 

"I must, Cien. I cannot stay." I snuggled closer to him. "I wish to stay here for all eternity." I slowly felt myself being pulled away from him and looked into his face, it looked as pained as I felt. 

"Come back to me, my rose, come back to me!" His blue eyes became haunted, and his arm reached for me. I reached out with my arms trying desperately to grab him and hold on. But it was too late. 

Morning sunlight streamed into the room, waking me. I sat up, unaware of where I was at first. Where was Cien? Why wasn't he next to me? As I looked around I slowly remembered where I was, that I fell asleep in my clothes, and that it had all been a dream. 

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and looked around me dazed. I needed a shower and clean clothes, then I was going to find out what the hell had happened to me. Who was Cien, and why had he called me his rose?

Standing up, I grabbed a pair of jeans, a clean tee shirt and clean under things and went straight to the bathroom. I was going to be getting a history lesson from the proprietors today, and there was no way they were getting out of it.

To be continued... 



Highland Magic Ch. 02



I walked downstairs slowly. I had taken a long hot shower and taken my time getting dressed all the while pondering my dream. It had been a dream. Wasn't it? It felt so real. I shivered as I thought about how he had touched my skin, how he had kissed me. I was rubbing vigorously as I walked into the dinning room. 

Henry was seated at the head of a long table with a newspaper held up to his face, blocking my view. Iris was no where to be found, but by the smells of bacon and eggs cooking, I could tell she must have been in the kitchen. I forced myself to stop rubbing my arms and slapped a smile on my pale face. 

"Good morning, Mr. Fraser." Henry slapped the paper down quickly and smiled brightly at me. 

"Ah, there ye are, lassie." He stood as I approached the table. When I pulled out a chair a few away from him, he stopped me. "Nay, come, sit by me, lass." I gave my first real smile of the day and moved to sit on his left side. "That jet lag had ye asleep in no time, eh?" I nodded as I watched him take his seat. "And how did ye fare in our bed last night?"

"Oh," I said. " I slept wonderfully. But I had some questions."

"Oh," Henry said, his face knotting, "What kind of questions?"

"Well, I had this dream-" I began as Iris burst through the door carrying several plates in her hands and on her arms. 

"Break yer fast, lassie. Much to be seen in these here Highlands." I smiled at Iris as she spoke and set down the plates. There were plates of eggs, bacon, sausage, something that looked like portage or maybe grits, fried potatoes, and kidneys. After setting them down on the table, she began to heap a great amount of all on to my plate. 

I didn't really mind. I wasn't going to eat all of it, no matter how famished I was, but when she got to the kidneys, I put my hand over my plate. "I'm really not a kidney girl," I said smiling. 

Iris blushed. "Of course yer not. Yer American after all." She said as if that explained everything. I laughed and turned to look at my plate. It looked like a mini version of Mount Everest.

"Hush yer yappin old woman," Henry said as he took a large scoop of kidneys. "She said she had herself a dream she wanted to talk about." Iris quickly took her seat across from me at Henry's right side. 

"Do go on." She said, picking up where Henry left off on the kidneys. "I do love to hear 'bout dreams and the like."

I smiled at the elderly couple. "Well, I actually had a few questions about the castle on the rise." Henry nodded as he chewed. "What is the name of it? And, were there any famous people who lived there in history?" I paused. "Or could you just give me a history of the castle?"

Iris smiled. "That there be Castle Inverlochy. And a bloody history, does it have. A might bit mysterious too." She took a bite of kidney, and I was surprised that I couldn't watch anyone else eat what I found disgusting. Looking away, I picked up a piece of bacon and began to nibble.

"Go on." 

"It was built in the thriteenth century." Henry answered for her. "Bonny Prince Charlie faught the bloody English there, before being chased out of Scotland after Colldeun. Then later hundreds of years between the seventeen and nineteenth century, it was burned to protect it from the dastardly English." Henry waved his arm in what apperared to be anger. " 'Tis nothing but a tourists attraction now, Lass. For they built a new Inverlochy Castle a few kilometers to the south. 'Tis a frilly fancy hotel, 'tis. Must have coffers built of pure gold by now." He grumbled.

I thought about that for a minute. I knew the Highlands hadn't come out unscathed in the Wars for Independence, but I hadn't actually thought I would be staying so close to something that historical. I realized I had been pushing the food around my plate with my fork, and quickly took a few bites. 

I glanced up and saw Iris watching me with a smile on her face. Then I remembered what else she had said. "What is so mysterious about it?"

Henry threw up his hands and shook his head. "Bloody hell. Ye women will kill me. All yer talk of love and mystery and romance." He pushed back from the table and tucking his paper under his arm, walked out of the room. Glancing at Iris, she shook her head. 

"Don't let that bugger bother ye none." Leaning closer over the table, she continued. "Was hundreds of years ago. The second Earl of Inverlochy in fact. The line died out when he died. 'Twas a great loss." She paused and flicked a piece of fuzz off the cloth. "Lord Cien was his name."

At the name I felt all the blood drain out of my face. 

"He was a great warrior, he was. Treated the serfs and noble alike, he did, or so 'tis said." She shrugged her shoulders as if it didn't really matter. " 'Tis said that one day a beautiful woman rode into the castle and he instantly fell in love with the stranger. She was the daughter of a noble Scotsman in the lowlands, and had been sent there for her father's fear of being attacked by the English."

She continued. "Lord Cien was sworn to protect her at all costs as was the alliance between her father and him. Now, no one knows what exactly happened. Some believe Lord Cien killed the beautiful woman for she refused to love him. Others say that she loved him so that when she learned she could not marry him, she drown herself in the loch." Iris shrugged her shoulders again. "Either way, the beautiful Countess was lost to him, her body never found. Lord Cien denied he had killed the beauty, and the father believed him, but alas, no one else in the country did. He became a black wolf, and no one would have him. 'Tis said that was just fine with the Lord. He did not want any but the woman he called his Rose. He died a few years later. Again, some say of a broken heart, while others say it was his drunken stupidness that got him slain down by a sword." Her eyes began to sparkle. " 'Tis said that until his Rose comes back to him, he will walk the castle floors and walls, for he can have no peace with his rose lost to him."

I sat back in the chair and looked down at my hands. I was clutching them together so tightly that they were white. I relaxed them and stretched my fingers out in my lap. 

"Come back to me, my rose, come back to me...." His voice flowed through my ears, and I closed my eyes. It seemed so real, so incredibly real. The touch of his hands... I could almost still feel them on my body, smoothing the skin where ever they touched. I could almost still feel the heat of his breath on my face. 

"Are ye all right, Lassie?" Iris stood and came to stand next to me. 

I looked up at her, and knew I must have looked as stricken as I felt. "How far is that castle?"

"Within walking distance. A few kilometers at most." She said as she watched my face. "This is what you need to do." Iris said, sitting in the chair next to me. "Walk out the door in the kitchen, and you'll see a path that leads ye through the forest. It hasn't been traveled in a long while, but it is still there. When ye come to the fork, go left. Do not at all go right. Tis said to the right is where the fey hold court and none of their magics can be trusted." She paused looking at my face. "The castle will only be a few minutes away from there." Standing she looked down at me. "Ye let me fix ye a small meal to take with ye." And with that she turned to the door and vanished through it.

I stood slowly and walked up the stairs to my room. If Henry spoke to me as I passed, I didn't hear him. When I got to the room, I went to my backpack I used as a carry on and emptied it out. Turning I left the room and went directly to the kitchen. Iris already had everything ready.

I loaded the 'small' meal that had to be at least four courses in my backpack, and then she handed me a flashlight. "The forest can be so dense, as no light can get in." I thanked her and walked out the door of the kitchen into the morning sun. 

I saw the forest a few paces in front of me, and immediately spotted the path Iris had spoken of. Slinging the backpack on, I checked to make sure the flash light worked, and then headed into the woods. 

I became absorbed in the beautiful plants and trees in the forest as soon as I began my walk. It didn't seem at all long before I was at the fork in the road. At the right the forest seemed to open up, and let the sun in. On the left, the forest seemed to swallow the path up in darkness. I stopped and tried to remember what Iris said about the fork in the road. 

Hard as I tried I couldn't remember what she said. I had been reeling from the story she told that I really hadn't been paying to closely attention. I sighed. Well... what was that old saying? Righty tighty, lefty loosy. I turned to the right and started down they way. 

Glancing at my watch a little while later, I realized twenty minutes had passed, and I was still in the forest. I thought Iris said that the forest would open up and I would be able to see the castle after a few more minutes? I shrugged. Maybe she walked faster than I did. Picking up the pace, I forced myself to keep going. 

After another ten minutes I stopped. It was an open field, with little specks of houses dotted around it. Not seeing the castle, I sighed. I must have taken the wrong way. Cursing my stupidness, I turned to walk back down the path to the fork and then go left. 

But the path wasn't there. I blinked and looked all around me in hope of seeing it. "What the..." I said as I walked down the slope a bit looking at the edge of the forest hoping to see the path. "This is insane." I said, dropping my backpack on to the ground, and plopping my self on to a large rock. I leaned forward resting my elbows on my knees and burying my face in my hands. 

"Perfect," I groaned. Lost in Scotland. Just what I was hoping for. Just was I was about to give into my self pity and cry, I heard thunder. Glancing up at the sky, I wanted to cry even more. The sky was crystal clear blue. "Great, now I'm hearing things." But the sound became louder and closer. I kept eyeing the sky, waiting for the invisible clouds to open up and pour on just me. 

Dropping my face back in to my hands I groaned. "Okay God. You've had your fun. Now just let me get back to the Inn. Please..." I stopped as the ground began to shake. I stood up, watching the ground. Oh God, now an earthquake? When was this going to stop. Suddenly it stopped and I heard some sort of heavy breathing next to the back of my head. Turning quickly, I screamed. 

A huge black horse stood right behind me, breathing on my shoulder. I tried to turn around and found myself on my butt, my backpack straps tangled around my feet. From the ground, the horse looked even bigger. 

I felt my head begin to swim, and the edges of everything going black. Giving in to my faint, I let myself fall to the ground. Just as everything was going black, I saw a man jump down from the horse and come to my aid. But as I was looking toward his face, everything went black and I was gone.

To be continued... 



Highland Magic Ch. 03



Kevin Fraser slipped down from the black's back as the woman toppled backward. He reached out to her, before she swooned, but he didn't grab her in time, and she struck her head on the small rock that she was now resting on. Walking toward her, he watched her. She was garbed strangely. Blue leggings that seemed to hold her legs tightly and a white tunic with no toggles and strange markings on it. 

Crouching down he poked her gently in the stomach. She didn't move or make a noise. What the hell was the woman doing out here dressed as a lad? Kevin shook his head, knowing what lay ahead of him. Carefully, he slid his arms under her neck and knees, lifting her effortlessly. Standing, he strode toward the keep. 

With a shrill whistle, the black followed behind, walking slowly. Kevin sighed. 

Cien wasn't going to like this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grasping the arms of the ancient chair, Cien Fraser listened to the final accusation. Three men were accused of abusing one of his scullary maids. When Cien himself asked the men of their guilt, they had all shrugged their shoulders and said she'd asked for it. 

The woman Cien saw hadn't asked to be violated. She sat next to his chair on the floor, sobbing quietly to herself. Raising his hand to his head, he rubed the bridge of his nose in irritation. "You mean to tell me, this woman here, the woman sobbing to herself because she was violated, was asking for you attentions?" Cien said, sarcasm thick in his voice. 

"Aye, she asked for it, she did. Begged for it," Brenden McPhearson said with a deliberate sneer. 

Netty stood and if Cien hadn't caught her, would have flung herself at her attackers. "Yer nothing but a liar, ye damned McPhearson! I said nay to ye. Ne've a once did I say aye. Ne've once!" She screamed. 

Bretta, the cook, stepped forward from the servants stationed near the door to the kitchens, and took Netty into her hands. Netty was sobbing loudly now, her entire body sinking slowly to the ground. Bretta held her up as much as she could, but when she too began to slide to the ground, Harold the blacksmith came forward, and picked up Netty.

"If it be fine with ye, my lord, I would take Netty to her chambers now." Cien stood facing the men accused. He didn't take his eyes off them when he gave a nod. He stared at Brenden with such pure hate, he wasn't sure it was of a natural occurance. 

As he stared at Brenden, the other two accused stood slowly, flanking their obvious leader. "Gwain Fraser, Ulrick Fraser and Brenden McPhearson," he said slowly, "I am giving you ten minutes to get out of my sight," he bit out angrily. Brenden, thinking this was all he was going to do snickered. "And off my land." Brenden's jaw dropped, and he took a step forward. 

Cien grabbed his neck, and yanked him close to his face. "If I ever see you, or them or any of your clan on my land again, I will take personal insult and petition the king for your death. After," he emphasized, "I've already killed you." 

He threw him to the ground with a flick of his wrist and turned away. Giving a nod to his personal guard, he turned back to his chair and sat down. 

Alac, his cousin and second in command, stepped forward with twelve of the others and picked up Brenden by his hair. "Get up, you filth." He growled at him. When Brenden didn't move fast enough for him, he began to drag him out of the enterance by his hair. "Liam," Cien called out. 

The tallest man of his guard stopped and turned back to Cien. "Make sure his father and entire clan know why he has been banished from my land. 'Tis an insult I can not and will not condone." Liam nodded his understanding and left to follow the rest of the men. 

Cien nodded to the servants, and instantly they disbanded to go about their duties. A few minutes later, Alac returned from outside. Sitting at the table across from Cien, he picked up his cup of ale from earlier. "Liam, Henry and Jessie are traveling with them to McPhearson's land. I understand you gave Liam some instructions to be given to the McPhearson?" Cien nodded. "That was a good idea. 'Twill keep us out of war with them." 

"That wasn't why I did that. 'Tis to be a deliberate insult to the old man and his disgusting son." 

Alac nodded. "I liked that about it too." Gulping the last of the ale from his mug, he stood quickly. "What say you to some exercise?" Cien looked up saying nothing. "Come now, cousin, you know you would love to try to best me on the field." Cien felt a faint smile tugging his lips. 

"You mean, you would have great pleasure in besting me?" Alac roared with laughter. 

"Aye cousin, something of that accord." Cien didn't bother to respond, but stood and picked up his sword. 

Just as they opened the door to the great hall, Kevin, Alac's younger brother, was bursting through it. Almost knocking Cien to the floor, Kevin stopped quickly, and appoligized. "My lord, I do appoligize! It is just, I found this woman..." It was then that Cien's attention was drawn to the small woman clad in mens clothing resting in his arms. 

"Besides her unnatural state of dress, what is wrong with her?"

"Sir, she swooned dead away at the sight of the black, and I'm afraid she broke her head on a rock when she fell." Cien looked her over quickly and dismissed her. 

"Find a chamber above stairs and send for Maggie." At the name, Kevin almost dropped the woman. 

"Maggie, the witch my lord?" Cien sighed.

"Maggie is not a witch. She is a healer. If the woman took a fall onto a rock, Maggie will be able to help her." With that, Cien walked around Kevin, who was still left in shock, and out the door. "Damned women are bloody inconvenient," he said as Alac caught up with him. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The first thing I noticed was the pain in my head, it was constant and pounding. Groaning I lifted my hand to my head and wanted to die. This was the worst headache I'd ever had. The second thing I noticed made me go completely still. Humming. I could hear someone humming to themselves. 

Struggling, I managed to open my eyes a small slit. What I saw made my eyes go wide. There was an old woman sitting in a rocking chair humming to herself as she went about sewing something. It wasn't the old woman that made me take pause, it was the room around me. It was... harsh. The stone walls were grey and looked stark. There was a large fire place off to my left at my feet. It wasn't the kind you see now days, but large and open. It looked like a hearth from the olden days. 

I pushed myself up on my elbows and looked at the old woman. She continued to hum, smiling at me now, her sewing forgotten. "Je vois votre éveillé maintenant.," she said. I tilted my head to the side, slightly panicked. "What?!" I cried out. I was somewhere no one spoke English??

The woman chuckled. "My appoligies." She stood up and walked to the bed where I lay. "There was a belief you were of French origins. There was a substantial wager being placed on that, and I wanted so dearly to disprove them." 

Her white hair was pulled up in a long braid and then wrapped into a bun. Her eyes were the same green as the sea on a summer day, and her smile infectious. I found myself smiling back at her and not knowing why. "Who are you?"

"They call me Maggie. But 'tis the truth I have many names." She smiled at me broadly. "And ye, Regan of the future, may call me Maggie." I fell back on the pillows beneath my head.

"I'm sorry. Did you call me Regan of the future?"

She smiled again at me. "Aye child." She stood and picked up a goblet from the table beside me. I did a double take. It was a real goblet. Old, and was obviously made by hand as it had the look of beaten metal. 

"Drink this," she said, and obediently, I did. It was sour and I nearly vomited it all back up. "Good," she soothed as she took the goblet from me and sat in the chair next to me again. "Would you like to know my other names, Regan?"

I shook my head starring at her. "What did you mean, Regan of the future?"

She began to rock again and picked her sewing back up. "They call me a Witch." She seemed to be proud of that announcement. "Alas, I am ne're a witch. Only a seer." She paused and looked at me. "I see the truth of all things, lassie. I see the past and the future. I see all." She dropped her sewing again into her basket. 

"I know of your dream." My eyes shot to hers. "Of our Laird Cien. Of being called his Rose. I know this. Ye want to know what it means do ye not?" I couldn't speak and simply stared at her. "Laird Cien Fraser has never been wed nor does he have any child to call his own. Ye are here to remedy that." 

Still I stared at her. "So you want me to marry the guy from my dream? Is that it?" She nodded happily. I rolled my eyes. "Riiight." I started to pull the blankets off and stand up when I realized I was naked. I let out a shriek and bundled myself back up quickly. "Where are my clothes?"

Maggie smiled at me as she picked her sewing back up and began to pay attention to that instead of me. "They were not appropriate for this time. I burned them." I almost vomited. She burned them?!? 

"And what the bloody hell, do you think I should wear?!?" I knew I was screaming, but I couldn't help it. My clothes? I took a deep breath trying to calm myself. Count to ten, I told myself. After I hit ten, I knew I was going to count higher than any mathematician before I could be calm again. I opened my eyes and gave Maggie a dirty look. It was completely wasted on her, as she was sewing again, humming to herself. 

Sitting up, I wrapped the blankets around me, tucking them under my arm pits like a towel and stood. Making sure they were secure enough to stand up with, I walked slowly around the room. Looking at the bed, I felt my heart stop. Everything in here, including the bed, looked like it should have been in a museum. It was made of wood with feather pillows and a straw mat. I swallowed. 

Finally I noticed a small amount of light coming from beneath a rag on the wall. Hoping it was a window, I walked slowly to it, and pushed the fabric aside. The sight that greeted me nearly caused me to scream. 

I was in a tower of some sort, at least four stories up. Looking down, I saw men and women milling about in what appeared to be an inner bailey. I studied them quickly, and noticed all the men wore kilts. Not the long-ish kilts Scotsmen wear today, but the short ones. The ones they wore back in the day. 

The women wore old fashioned dresses, and the children were running around with out shoes. Looking away from them, I glanced around the courtyard. It was surrounded on all sides by stone walls. I staggered backward when I made my realization. It they weren't just stone walls. They were fortified castle walls. I turned quickly and looked at Maggie. She was still sewing, humming pleasantly to herself.

"Believe me now do ye?" She chuckled to herself. 

"What year is this?"

She smiled again. " 'Tis the year of our Lord, Christ, 1231." 

Oh shit.

To be continued....



Highland Magic Ch. 04



A while later, I didn't exactly know how long, as my watch had for some unknown reason, died, Maggie had me dressed in a soft blue gown made of what I assumed was wool. It was a beautiful dress, I had to admit, even if it was slightly itchy and a little too short. 

I glanced down at my toes and sighed. You could see up to my ankles. Maggie said it was considered very improper to see a woman's ankles, but since I hadn't any other clothes, she said it would have to do. I stared at her for a moment, before nodding. No ankles. Got it. I wanted to shake my head and tell her the only thing improper in my time was walking around nude. And people did that anyway too.

She stood back and examined me closely after she brushed my hair until it shined. She seemed pleased with what she saw, because she smiled and nodded. "Aye, it will do." Moving me from the chair back to the bed, she sat me down and sat next to me. 

"Now lassie, here is the story ye must use until the Laird has fallen in love with ye. Then ye can tell him what ye true origins are." She licked her fingers and tucked a piece of my hair back. "Yer the daughter of Laird McNare. The old Laird is dying, and his daughter be missing. Ye tell the Laird that yer father was horrible to ye, beat ye and the like. So ye dressed as a page and ran from yer father's lands. That be when Kevin Fraser found ye." I nodded. I think I could handle. that. 

I looked at Maggie and felt something deep inside me. Like I remembered her from somewhere. "Maggie..." She shook her head and held up her hand. "Nay, Lassie. 'Tis not the time for questions. There will be a later time and place." She stood quickly and gave me a reassuring smile. 

" 'Tis time, my lady." 

I nodded and stood. Pulling at the dress, I wished desperately that it would fit and finally settled for trying to push the wrinkles out of it. When I looked up at Maggie, I gave my best reassuring smile, and knew I failed. 

I was heading into the lion's den.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cien Fraser was sitting in the Laird's chair at the head of the table waiting for Maggie and the mysterious woman to come down to sup. He glanced around the hall quickly, watching his men jest and speak amongst themselves. Cien gritted his teeth as he again looked at the stair way. 

"Cien, calm down." Alex spoke from his left elbow. 

Cien looked down at him and glared. "None of us can sup until those bloody women come down here." Alex laughed. "What is so funny, cousin?"

Alex continued to laugh. "That it was your order that is keeping us from eating our dinner. You do remember ordering the men not to eat until the women joined us, don't you, Cien?" Alex ducked laughingly as Cien struck his fist out. "I am guessing you do." 

"You stupid son of a -"

"Here they come," Alex interupted. Cien looked away from his couisn to the stair case where Maggie the Healer was helping a young woman down the steps. He watched them make their way down the steps and when she finally made it to the bottom, the mystery woman looked up, her face glowing with her smile. 

Cien stood when he saw her face. It was bright with joy and youth. Her hair was the color of a raven and curly to boot. When she was close enough he could see her eyes. They were the blue green of the sea. He didn't realize he was stairing until the entire hall went silent and Alex cleared his throat. 

"My lord," Maggie spoke smiling, "May I present the Lady Rose. Daughter of Laird McNare." She curtsied, blushing all the while. Cien bowed low. 

"My lady, it is a pleasure to have you in my hall. Please be seated." Cien smiled over her as she blushed again. After everyone was seated and the serving wenches had begun serving supper, Cien leaned back in his chair and stared at Rose again. "What brings you to my hall, Lady Rose?"

She looked startled as she looked up at him, but quickly masked it. "My Laird is dying, your grace." She glanced at Maggie who nodded. "I have left because I was beaten daily and wished myself away." She looked uncertain of her own answer, but was able to look him in the eye. Odd, Cien thought. McNares hated the Frasers' and for her to look him in the eye without fear... Spunk, he decided. She had spunk.

She looked away at back to Maggie. It was obvious the women had a connection of some sorts. He watched them speak quietly, smiling at one another. As soon as he could he was going to get Maggie alone and they were going to get a few thing out in the open about his house guest.

"Cien, don't you think we should return the Lady Rose to her father? We don't need a war with the McNare's right now." Alex spoke sofly. Cien nodded without looking at his cousin. 

"It would be the wisest thing to do." Cien agreed. "But you heard her speak of her father. The man abused her Alex. I canna send her back to that. No person should have to be beaten daily by their own kin. Tis an outrage." Cien's face grew dark. "As long as the bastard McNare doesn't know we have her then there won't be a war."

Alex nodded and turned away from his cousin. He could see where Cien was coming from but he thought it an unneedy risk. The fate of the clan was suddenly in jeopardy and all because he didn't want to send one woman back to her father? Alex resisted the urge to shake his head, as he picked up a piece mutton and shoved it in his mouth. 

Cien was a caring man, he always had been. Alex considered it one of his greatest faults. The Laird needed to be a hard harsh man in all respects, but Cien wasn't. He was harsh when he needed to be, harsh with his soldiers, but not with anyone else, regarding anyone else. He had a soft touch. Alex mentally shook his head. A woman's touch. 

He'd over heard one of the serving wenches talking to another about Cien a fortnight ago. She'd told the other how harsh he'd been with her and another wench. Alex and grinned with approval. Then she had spoken of how she believed that Alex was the devil himself with his cruelty. Alex felt the devil's own grin split his face when he thought of how the serving wench would never talk again. Not from her shallow grave in the forest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I sat at the table, speaking softly to Maggie about what she had deemed appropriate topics. Tossing my hair over my shoulder, she gave me a quick shake of her head, letting me know that was inappropriate. I sighed and picked at the food on my trencher. It was greasy mutton and fruit tarts. Not exactly a five star meal, but it was food. I forced myself to try a bite of the fruit tart and was pleasntly surprised. I smiled, biting into it again. Not so bad at all.

"Lady Rose," a soldier down the table spoke loudly, "regale us with your tale of escape from the McNares." I blushed and looked away. Oh crap. What the hell was I going to tell them? I looked off into the flames of the fire in front of me, and pretended shyness.

"The Lady Rose has had a powerfully long day, Laird Cien. Perhaps I should take her up to her chamber?" I glanced at Maggie as she spoke and then to the man they called Laird. He was tall, handsome in a rugged sort of way. I could tell his nose had been broken a few times, wether or not in battle, I didn't know. But that only added to his rugged appearance. His long hair had a braid here and there with the occasional colorful bead. It was just has he had appeared in my dream.

When I had first seen him in the flesh, I had almost fainted. It was as if I was seeing my long lost lover. I didn't know where that came from inside me, but that was what I felt. He was my other half. I realized I was staring at him when Maggie began to pull at my arms. "Come child. It is time you went to bed." 

"I'm not a child," I grumbled before I could help myself. Maggie only laughed and forced me from the table. But I didn't want to be away from Cien. I wanted to be as close to him as I could get. As we passed him at the head of the table, I stopped and turned to him. 

"I trust I will see you in the morning, Laird?" He looked up, a bit started and smiled at me. When he didn't say anything, I assumed the smile was the answer. Smiling back, I turned and headed up the stairs with Maggie.

It hadn't been so bad after all. 



Highland Magic Ch. 05



I caught up with Maggie as she neared the stairs. I knew I was smiling after my encounter with the Laird. I couldn't help it. Maggie held her elderly arm out for me as she waited for me to begin climbing the steps. I don't know if it is because she is elderly, or because she just wanted me to hurry up. I glanced covertly at her as we climbed the steep steps, out of the corner of my eye. 

How is it that she could possibly have known so much about me? I 'd heard one of the soldiers whisper to another during dinner, saying Maggie was a witch. Was that how she knew? Knew I was from the future, and about my dream and about my future? One thought was running into another as I walked beside her. But the most important question made me stop. Did she know how to get me home?

Almost as if she knew what I was thinking, she answered. "Nay child, I know not. 'Tis as much a mystery to me as tis to you. And nay, I am not a witch." I stared at her in disbelief, as she smiled serenely at me, patted my arm and walked away. "Get some sleep, child. A busy day the morrow is." She called over her shoulder, as she turned a corner and disappeared. 

I turned to the door of the chamber and opened it slowly. Walking inside I closed the door and rested against it. I looked the room over carefully. Nope, still hadn't changed. The fire in the hearth had been freshly stoked, and blazed with comforting heat. 

I walked to it, and held my hands out. I had the sudden feeling that I was camping and felt a giggle rise in my throat. Yes, this was very much like camping, but not quite the same. It was... more rugged. I sighed and looked behind me for Maggie's chair. Pulling it close to the fire, I sat down and let my thoughts wander.

Laird Cien was certainly handsome, I thought and then shook my head. He probably has lice and ten STDs. I shuddered. There were no condoms here, were there? I wanted to cry as I thought about all the things they didn't have here. No electricity. No cars. No television. No chocolate. No ice cream. My eyes began to tear at the thought of no ice cream. I burst into tears when I thought of no ice cream and hot fudge with nuts and whipped cream. 

Oh Lord, get me out of here!

I don't know how long I mourned everything I had lost, but when I was finally through sobbing, I was exhausted. Stumbling over to the bed, I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I woke to someone shaking my shoulder lightly.

"My lady," they whispered. I opened my eyes slowly. They felt heavy, they way they did when I hadn't slept enough. A young girl about tweleve stood in front of me. She was slightly dirty, a streak of dirt on her face and her hands crusted with something I couldn't identify. "My lady, the Laird has ordered you new gowns and a bath. He would like to see you when your ready." I sat up slowly watching her carefully.

"What is your name?"

"Tilda, my lady." I smiled.

"How old are you Tilda?"

"Fourteen summers, my lady." 

"I'm going to make a deal with you Tilda," I said.

"A... deal, my lady?"

"A... er... bargain." She looked intrigued. "I will bathe, but when I am done, you must." She looked startled. 

"But, my lady-"

"And another thing. Quit calling me my lady. Its Regan. Er, Rose. Call me Rose." Tilda blushed. 

"It is not above a ladys maid to call her mistress by her name in the McNare clan?"

I didn't understand for a moment what she meant. Then it dawned on me. Right, I was Rose McNare. Got it. "Nope. Everyone called me Rose there."

Tilda looked enthralled. "And my ladys maid always bathed after I was done. Always," I emphasized. As long as I was here, I was going to make sure this kid was clean. And maybe a hair cut. Her red hair was ratted on her head. I tilted my head, mentally taking all the dirt off and fixing her hair. With a little work, she would be a beauty. I grinned. 

"And how about I give you a make over?"

"A.... Makeover, my - Rose?"

I nodded. "A new look to impress the boys." I laughed when she blushed. Then I nearly screamed when two men came barging in the room carrying a large barrel looking thing. The set it in front of the fire and walked out. They were followed by two men carrying two buckets of steaming water each. The parade continued for what seemed like an hour until the tub was full. 

Tilda helped me stand and strip out of my clothes. I tried deserately not to be bashful. No one had seen me naked since I was a child. But Tilda didn't seem to pay the least bit of attention. She busied her self cleaning the chamber. Straightening the bed, sweeping the floor. 

Halfway through my bath a woman burst into the room carrying a bustle of fabric on her arms. She curtsied to me, and I inclined my head, not knowing what else to do. She hurried to the bed and dropped it onto it. Spreading it out, I realized it was a dress. She turned to me and curtsied again before hurrying right back out the door, closing it softly behind her. 

I looked over at the dress and felt my breath catch. It was a blue almost the same color as my eyes. I didn't realize I was standing until I felt Tilda wrap a towel around my middle section. I smiled at her, and looked back at the dress. "Aye, its a beauty, is it not, my, er, Rose?" 

I nodded quickly. "It is. Its georgous." I stepped out of the tub and over to the dress. "Who does this belong to?" I ran my hand down the fabric. I was soft as cashmere. "I need to thank her for letting me borrow her dress." Tilda smiled. 

"It is your dress, Lady Rose." I turned and gave her a raised eye brow. "Tabby made it last night. She has a talent for being able to look a woman and know her size. She saw you last night during the sup and made it special for you." Tilda moved to touch the dress. "Is it not fine, my lady?"

"It is," I murmured. Tilda helped me dry off, and it was the most embarrassing thing that had ever happened to me. I took the towel from her, and wrapped it around my hair so it wouldn't touch the dress. Tilda gave me an odd look as she looked at my head, but helped me into a shift and then the dress. 

It fit like a dream. Tilda buttoned all the tiny buttons on the back of the dress. When she finished, I turned around and held my arms out. "Well, how do I look?" Tilda clasped her hands together, as if in rapture. 

"You look wonderful, Lady Rose." I smiled. 

"Okay, you remember our deal, right? Into the bath water with you." Tilda smiled brightly, and began to strip right in front of me. I turned away quickly until I heard her splashing in the bath water. "Be sure to wash your hair and all your body." Tilda nodded happily. 

I moved over to the chair at Tilda's back and sat. I towel dried my hair and began to run my fingers through it, trying to get it untangled. "There is a brush on the table, Lady Rose." Tilda pratically sang from the bath. Her good mood made me wonder how long it was since she'd had a bath. 

I got the brush and began to run it through the wet curles on my head. When I finally finished my long hair was practically dry. Tilda finished her bath and dried off quickly. She began to put the clothes back on she had on earlier, when I stopped her. 

"Wear this," I said, handing her the dress I wore the day before. She was shorter than I, and had a bigger bossom, but then again, everyone was shorter than me and had a smaller breast size. Tilda took it happily.

"Are you sure, Lady Rose?" I nodded.

"This one needs to be washed." Tilda smiled and slipped the dress on. It was a little tight on the chest, but it looked good on her. "Now I need a pair of.. um... shears?" I laughed.

After an hour, maybe more, I brushed out her newly cut hair. When she stood up, her hair was clean, bright red, and bouncy with curls. I cut it just a few inches below her shoulders. Not so short that it was indecent, but enough to be more manageable. 

"Come now, Tilda, lets show you off!" Tilda giggled as she reached for the door handle.



Highland Magic Ch. 06



I held Tilda's arm as we walked from my chamber down the steps. She kept looking up at me, nervously, I think. I patted her arm, as I straightened my shoulders. As if on cue, she straightened her shoulders and walked the steps by my side like a queen. 

I was careful not to look over to where I knew Cien would be. At the table in the same spot as the night before. The Laird's chair. As we took the last step, I forced my head up, and starred confidently ahead. Slapping a small smile on my face, I looked over to where Cien was. He looked exactly the same as he did the night before. 

As we approached, I could tell he was staring at me. I blushed and he finally looked away, eyes twinkling. When he set his eyes on Tilda, his entire demeanor changed. "What in Saint George's bones happened to you, Tilda Fraser?!" He shouted. Tilda shrank back in disappointment. I felt my jaw drop open. How dare he yell at a child like that. 

I stepped in front of Tilda without realizing it, and put my hands on my hips. "That is no way to talk to her, Cien Fraser. You appoligize to that child. All she did was take a bath and I cut her hair to a more respectable length." I took a step forward and began shaking my finger at him. "She's just a child and you have no right to yell at her like that. It was my idea, and if you need someone to yell at, you yell at me, Cien. I won't have you yelling at an innocent child!" 

Cien stood, anger radiating off his body. He walked rigidly toward me, and I finally saw the error of my ways. This man is a warrior, and could knock me across the room with a look. Who was I to tell him not to yell at a servant? I forced my gaze up to his, as he stopped in front of me. She's only a child, I told myself. A baby. And he has no right to yell at her the way he has. 

My resolve strengthened, I looked him in the eye, giving him my best death glare. He growled, and grabbed my arm. Pulling me close, he whispered in my ear, "Donna you ever talk to me like that in front of my men. I was not angry with her new appearance. Shocked by it, but not angered by it." 

He pulled back, still holding my arm and looked at me. I felt myself blushing. "I..." I didn't know what to say as he watched me. "I am sorry. I thought you were going to yell at her and I couldn't have that since it was my idea." He gave a stiff nod, and continued to look at me. 

His blue eyes were enchanting. Until that moment I hadn't realized how much taller he was than I. He stood at least six feet seven inches. As I was five foot seven, he was a good head and a half taller. I didn't take my eyes from his though. I watched them as they roved over my face and finally met mine and held. 

I almost leaned in to kiss him, so powerful were the feeling rolling through me. He looked as if he were dealing with the same problems. I lifted my hand to touch his face when a loud ruckus erupted behind us, breaking the spell. 

"Lord almighty, what happened to your sister, Cien?" The soldier shouted from the doorway. Behind him stood four more soldiers all staring at Tilda. I turned back to Cien and grabbed his hand. 

"Tell her how lovely she looks. She needs to hear it from her brother, Cien." He looked at me as if I were some riddle he were trying to solve, before giving a small stiff nod.

He pulled away from my hand and walked toward the soldiers. As he passed Tilda, he paused briefly, and said something to her. I couldn't hear what he said, but it must have been wonderful as she began to glow with happiness. He turned and tilted his head in a shortened version of a bow. I curtsied as he left.

Once the hall was empty again, I turned to Tilda. "Oh, Lady Rose!" She cried out in happiness asshe began to twirl about the room. "Thank you so much. You don't know how very much this means to me, Lady Rose."

I smiled and sat down at the table. Bread baked freshly, apples and a jug of what I assumed was water sat on the table. I grabbed an apple and began to eat it merrily. Tilda left to show her new look off to the others and I was left alone. 

And as always when I was alone lately, my mind wandered to Cien. His eyes were so clear. So pristine. Like if he tried, he could see right down into the depths of my soul. The thought made me shiver with heat. I held the long forgotten apple in my hand as I remembered him in the dream. He called me his Rose, and was the most tender lover....

"Lady Rose?" The voice shattered my fantasy, and I shot up from the table. 

"Yes?" The soldier who had sat next to Cien the night before stood a few feet away, watching me as if I were a witch. 

"I am Alex, Lady Rose." He said, and bowed, but kept his eyes on me. 

"It is a pleasure to make your aquatint." I said, forcing a curtsey. I didn't want to, this guy was giving me the major creeps. The way he was watching me with those almost black eyes, was something to run away from. "Can I help you?" I said, and immediately thought better of it. I wasn't in my time anymore. It wasn't smart to antagonize they bad guys.

His eyes narrowed at my tone, and he sat on the bench next to me. "Aye, you can." He watched me carefully as I sat back down across from him. "You can start by telling me why your here." He glanced at the door to the main hall. "And what ye've done to my cousin to make him milk toast over you in only one day."

I blushed and looked down at my hands. "I told you why I came here, last night. I ran away from my father. He would beat me and abuse me in horrid ways, so I ran away." I looked back up at him. "As for your cousin being milk toast around me, I don't know why he is, but I can assure you, I had nothing to do with it. I think your cousin is..." My voice stopped. I couldn't think of the words I wanted to say without giving myself away. "...charming." I said quickly. "He is very charming, and I wouldn't want to change him for the world." 

I stood quickly, placing the half eaten apple on the table. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to see to."

I turned to walk away, but was wrenched around, his hand grabbing my arm hard enough to give a nasty bruise. I cried out in pain as he jerked me around. "Listen here, Witch," he said. "I know you've bewitched my cousin and I mean to see you burned for what you are." He pushed me back so hard I fell onto the stone floor. I cried out again, tears beginning to sting my eyes. "I'll see you burned a witch, that I promise you." 

He stepped over me and walked out the door. I waited until I knew he was gone and pulled myself into a ball and began to cry. Harsh wracking sobs. Seconds later, Tilda was at my side, gently touching my shoulder. 

"Oh, my Lady Rose," she whispered as she knelt beside me. "I know ye are not a witch, and I will be sure Cien does too. He listens to me," she promised as she handed me a woolen cloth to wipe my eyes and nose. "Such horrible things Alex said." She shook her tiny head. "I shall seek Cien out at once." I grabbed her arm before she could leave me. 

"No, Tilda, please don't." She knelt back down beside me, and gave me a worried look. "Cien will know I am not a witch, and if he thinks I am, then no one will be able to change his mind. Will they?" Tilda looked away, before sighing.

"Ye are right. Cien listens to none but himself." I nodded. That was the impression I got. 

"Please don't tell Cien. I don't want him to get in a dispute with his cousin of all people. I'm not your 

family. Alex is. Not me." I didn't know why it hurt me so bad to say that I was her family. Or more importantly I guess, I was not Cien's family. 

Tilda helped me up to my feet, and I winced as she touched my clothed arm. "Left a bruise did he?" Tilda shook her tiny head. "Stupid bloke."

I couldn't have agreed more.



Highland Magic Ch. 07



Cien didn't see Rose the rest of the day, but looked forward to it at sup. He found himself down at the lake, shaving his scruff off, and bathing in the cold water. As he walked up the hill to the holding, he stopped completely in his tracks when he realized he was whistling. Frowning, he continued on, careful not to whistle or smile anymore. 

He sat in the lairds chair for Sup and stared up at the steps leading to the great hall. She didn't appear. He kept staring until he saw Tilda rushing down the steps, her newly washed and cut hair bouncing a long as she came toward him. She stopped close to him and leaned down to his ear. 

"The lady does not feel well, Cien. I fear she has caught a fever." Cien stood quickly. 

"A fever? I should send Maggie to tend to her." But Tilda just shook her head.

"She insists she is fine, Cien, but wishes to rest tonight and not sup in the hall." Cien stared at Tilda as he weighed her words. She had never lied to him before, and he had no reason to believe she had lied to him now. He gave a stiff nod, and sat back down at the table. When Tilda was gone back up to Lady Rose's chamber, Cien began to eat. 

"And where is the Lady Rose, Laird?" Alex asked politely as he ate a fresh apple. 

"She does not feel well. Tilda fears she may have the fever. But we shall see how the lady feels on the morrow." Alex nearly dropped his apple in his lap. 

"The fever? And you plan to let her stay here? Cien, what if it gets passed around? Last winter ten younglings caught fever and died. You can't be serious to let her stay here-" Cien raised a brow and Alex closed his mouth.

"I am the Laird Alex. I fought for that right and title. If you would like the title, I would be happy to fight you for it?"

Alex and Cien both knew that Cien was the better soldier, the better fighter. Straightening his shoulders, Alex shook his head. "I did not mean it as a challenge, cousin. I truly did not." Cien didn't look at him again as he continued to eat his food. 

When the rest of the clan had bedded down for the night, and were snoring contentedly in the great hall, Cien was still awake and sitting in the Laird's chair. Something didn't sound right about what Tilda said, he thought. Something was... off. He didn't know how to explain what he knew was true, only that he knew that it was. 

Standing, he walked to the stairs and climbed them effortlessly. Crossing quickly to her chamber, he raised his hand to knock, and stopped. What the hell had gotten into him? It was late, and she was likely asleep, especially if she were truly ill. Feeling like a cad, he turned away and strode to his chamber down the hall. 

He opened the door and closed it quietly, not wanting to wake up the Lady Rose down the hall. Stripping down, he crawled into bed and prepared himself for a night of restlessness.

~~~~~~~~~

I sat in a the chair I pulled to the window, wrapped in a blanket pulled from the bed. The sky was becoming a light blue as the sun lightened the horizon in the East. The fire in the room had gone out long ago, and not wanting to stoke it or rekindle it, I let it die. I could hear the first stirrings of chickens sqwaking. The Frasers would be waking soon.

I looked to the bed where Tilda slept, covered to her chin in thick blankets. She looked so young and so peaceful. I wonder what will happen to her when I'm gone.... I stopped the thoughts before they could continue. Stop thinking like that, I scolded myself. 

I shivered under the blanket, and it wasn't from the cold. I thought about the cold reality of Alex's words. Witches were still being burned at the stake at this time in history, I knew. And if Alex had as much power over the Laird as he thought he did, then I was going to burn. I pulled the blankets tighter against me, and stood. 

I walked out of the chamber, being careful to quietly close the door behind me. Tilda should get all the sleep she could. Walking down the steps quickly, I stopped when I saw all the sleeping soldiers. They were snoring loudly and grumbling. I walked to the front door and opened it. Stepping outside, I forgot all about closing the door. 

I wanted to see the sun rise. It may be my last, I thought desperately as I ran through the court yard to the hill I had found myself on the day before. Stopping at the top, I could see the mountains to the East and the sun slowly rising behind them. I wrapped the blanket more securely around my body, and watched in awe. It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen.

"You will catch your death in that, Lady Rose." 

I jumped and whirled around. Cien stood a few feet behind me, watching my face quietly. Unconsciously I pulled the blanket tighter to heed his words. I stared up at him, the forgotten sunrise behind me. The sunlight played in his hair showing streaks of red in the brown richness of his hair. I almost reached out to finger a lock of the red shining at me, but caught myself. He would think I was overly bold, and then see me as a witch, I thought dismally. 

My smile fell as I stared at him not as the man I wanted to fall in love with, but as my executioner. He must have noticed my change in disposition, because he took a step forward and began to lift his hand. I dropped my head and moved away. "My lord, I think I should be getting back to my chamber." I whispered. Cien didn't say anything for a long time. When I looked up at him, I forced a small smile. His frown should have been able to knock a tree down. "Is there any thing the matter, my Lord?" 

Cien shook his head and moved to the side, allowing me to pass. I didn't breathe my sigh of relief until I was well past him. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cien watched her leave. There was something going on. He could feel it now. When he had heard her chamber door open, he'd followed her quickly, being quiet so not to scare her. When she'd gone to the hill to watch the sun rise over the ridge, he'd been breathless. Her dark hair shimmered in the morning light, giving the appearance of an halo. 

And when she'd first seen him, he was positive, she'd been happy to see him. But after a short moment, she looked as if he were about to pull a battle axe out of his kilt and begin striking her with it. He shook his head. He'd never struck a woman, let alone hurt one, in his life. It was news all over the Highlands. He was considered milk toast by many of his enemies for just that reason. 

But she looked as if he were going to kill her. 

He turned to the rising sun and watched it rise completely over the ridge. He had to do something to show her he wasn't going to hurt her. Rubbing a hand down his face, he sighed. What the hell was wrong with him. Worried what an insignificant woman thought of him?

She's not insignificant, a voice deep inside him whispered. The voice he'd trained himself to listen to. He cursed, and turned away from the hill. There was only one solution. He had to busy himself with work all day, and ignore the woman.

Yet, as he walked down the hill to the great hall, he knew that was going to be easier said than it was going to be done. With a sigh, he made up his mind. 

He was going to be difficult.

*~*~Authors Note~*~* Hey guys, I am sorry the chapters have been so short. Its hard for me to write a long chapter, because I fit so much into such a short amount of space. I will try to make a longer chapter tho. Thank you to all my faithful readers, you know who you are... Texas... anyway :D Thanks for all your support and help, its really made me want to make this story my best ever! *~*~*~



Highland Magic Ch. 08



Cien ground his teeth in frustration. Laird Jeremy Fitzhugh's son, Colin, did not seem to learn. At all. He was at his wits end after trying to teach the boy for the entire afternoon how to use a sword. Cien wasn't stupid. He knew he couldn't teach the lad everything there was to know about sword play all in one day, but he also knew the boy must be slow for he hadn't learned a thing.

Swinging high with his sword, Cien brought it down on the boy's open spot above his shoulder. A killing move. Throwing the sword to the ground, he grabbed the boy by the neck and held him up close to his face. 

"I swear, Colin Fitzhugh, if you don't begin to pay attention and learn something I will send you back to your father and declare war," he grated out at the boy. The boy began to shake and nodded weakly. Unable to take anymore from the boy, he tossed him to the ground none to gently, and picked up his sword. 

"You've got to be harder on him, Cien." Alex said as Cien passed. Stopping he turned to his cousin. 

"Cousin, I have had an idea. You," he said brightly. " You will teach Colin over there how to protect his clan." Cien smiled at his cousin's obvious dismay. "Aye, you'll teach him and I won't have to." Grinning like a loon, Cien strode off, content for the first time that day. 

And with that thought, he thought of Rose again. He wanted to slap his forehead and pull his hair out like the mad man he must have been. No other reason would there be to think of the Lady Rose the way he was. Utter foolishness, he told himself. Why would he want to get involved with a woman like her? He tended to like his women experienced, not fresh from the school room as she obviously was. He liked women who well, weren't virgins. Virgins meant commitment, and this woman had commitment written all over her.

Even while scolding himself for his thoughts of her, he couldn't make himself stop from looking up at her window. She was there, brushing her hair and staring into the distance, as if day dreaming. He didn't know how long he stood there staring up at the window, watching her brush her hair, when she looked down at him. 

She seemed happy to see him, her face blushing with innocent pleasure. He grinned back at her and lifted a hand to wave when she suddenly went pale and fled from the window. Curious as to what startled her, he turned and looked behind him. Alex stood there, a fierce look upon his face. 

"Is there something you need, cousin?" Cien asked, bringing Alex's attention to him. 

"Nay, Cien. Nothing." 

"Is there a reason as to why you wish to scare the Lady Rose?"

Alex shifted on his feet. "Well..." 

Cien sighed. "Out with it. I have no time for this." Cien braced his legs apart and crossed his arms as he looked at his cousin with impatience. Alex looked at his cousin and forced it out.

"I think her a witch." Cien stiffened at the comment but didn't move. He watched Alex closely looking at his reactions. 

"A witch." Cien said slowly. "Here, on Fraser land." 

Alex nodded quickly. "Aye Cien. I think the Lady Rose is a witch." Cien shook his head slowly. 

"Cousin, I think you need to rest. The Lady Rose is not a witch." Cien turned away from his cousin, dismissing the subject all together. 

Alex bolted in front of Cien, stopping him. "Cien, don't be so hasty. Look at her. Has she not the look of a witch?" Cien sighed and shook his head sadly.

"She does not." 

"Cien open your eyes, the lady has the dark gift!" Alex fair yelled at his cousin. 

Cien took a deadly step forward and lowered his voice to a whisper. "Nay, the lady is not a witch, cousin. And take that to heart that I still call you cousin. If I ever hear you say such slander against the Lady Rose again, I shall be obliged to take action. Is that quite clear, COUSIN?" His voice deadly soft and his face inches from his own, Alex swallowed quickly and nodded, dropping his eyes from Cien's.

"Aye cousin. I shall ne'er say a word again." 

"Aye, you wont. And you will ne'er bother the Lady Rose with such nonsense. Is that clear?"

"Quite, Cien." 

"Good." Cien stepped back and took a deep calming breath. Turning back toward the hall, he dismissed his cousin all together in hopes of seeing Lady Rose at sup. 

Did Alex actually think Lady Rose was a witch? It wasn't like his cousin to point the witchery finger at anyone, let alone a well bred lady. Cien forced himself to shake such thoughts from his mind. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I didn't want to go down stairs to eat that night, but I for some reason, I felt I needed to. Tilda helped me slip into a brand new dress. Tabby had made me three in the two days I had stayed at the castle. A yellow one to match my beautiful light blue one I wore yesterday, and an pink rose colored satin frock. 

When I had first seen the dress, I just about fell over from shock. I didn't think they had satin in the Highlands at this time period. Tilda explained that they traded with the French and other clans as that was the only way to get things. I nodded as if I already knew all that.

" I will be going down to dinner tonight." Tilda clapped her hands together in what I thought was happiness. "What time do I need to be down?" 

"Sup is always served when the sun sinks from the sky." I nodded, and glanced out the window. The sun would be down in about twenty minutes. Standing I moved toward the door. "Where are you going Lady Rose?"

"To sup, of course." Tilda shook her little head. "I can't?"

"Not dressed accordingly." She picked up the satin dress and laid it on the bed. "Wear this, Lady Rose. Cien will surely take to you wearing this." I dropped my mouth open and gaped at her. 

"How on Earth did you know how I feel about Cien?"

Tilda giggled. "You look at Cien the way I look at Reggie. The stable master." She giggled again, which made me giggle. Soon we were both laughing with out reservation. There was a knock at the door and Tilda, still laughing, opened it slightly.

"Cien, what do you need?" She asked, smothering her giggles. 

"What is all the noise in here?" He must have tried to open the door, because Tilda had to push it back as it began to swing open. 

"Cien Fraser! How dare you try to force your way into a Lady's chamber. She is dressing and we have been speaking jests to one another. That is all. Now be gone with you, brother." There was a silence at the door, before a gruff reply.

"Fine."

Tilda closed the door and leaned against it, letting loose with peels of laughter. When she finally calmed down some, she whiped at her eyes that were tearing and picked the dress up. "Come now, Lady Rose, it is time to dress."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The dress fit like a dream. It hugged my breasts just shy of too tightly, and when it hit my hips, flared out and looked like something fit for royalty. Tilda pinned my hair up so a few loose curls lapped at the bottom of my neck. 

I never wished for a mirror more. 

I didn't feel exactly comfortable wearing the dress, but Tilda assured me she had never seen anyone dressed more beautifully before. "Don't you think its a bit....much?"

Tilda shook her head quickly. "One must dress to impress her beau." I laughed at that. 

"Who told you that, Tilda?"

"Tabby did, Lady Rose. She says that was how she got her husband to dote on her." I laughed again and shook my head. 

"Imagine that." Tilda smiled and quickly brushed her own hair. 

"Let us go down to dinner." Tilda smiled and took my arm. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cien was seated at the Laird's chair speaking softly to one of his soldiers when he caught a flash of color out of the corner of his eye. Glancing up, he lost all thought. Rose was walking down the steps, arm in arm with Tilda. She wore a beautiful dress made of rose colored satin, that made Cien's hands ache with the urge to touch it. 

Would it be as soft as her skin?

"Laird?" Snapped out of his day dream, he looked back at the soldier. "Will that be all Lard Cien?"

"Aye, for now." Cien said, before returning his gaze to Rose. She spoke softly to Tilda as they walked toward the table. Tilda laughed loudly, and Rose smiled brightly. Cien stood as they approached.

"Lady Rose." Cien said taking a deep bow. 

"Laird Cien." She answered and dropped into a perfect curtsey.

"Lady Rose," Cien said as she stood back up. " 'Twould be a great pleasure for you to sit near me for sup." Rose blushed brightly but smiled in acceptance. Moving to his right, he pulled a stool out for her. Taking her hand gently, he helped her sit. 

"Thank you Laird Cien." Cien smiled in welcome. When Tilda sat down beside Lady Rose, everyone began to eat. Lady Rose reached for a fruit tart, as Cien bit into a mutton leg. She nibbled delicately, smiling up at him as she caught him staring at her. 

"Do you know, brother," Tilda said from beside her, "that the Lady Rose was speaking of how she wished to see the Fraser countryside?" 

Swallowing his bite, Cien leaned forward. "Is that so?"

"Aye," Tilda said smiling at Rose. 

"Aye, I would love to see what your countryside holds, Laird Cien." Rose spoke, staring up into his eyes. 

"I have the most wonderful idea, Cien." Tilda announced. "You should take Lady Rose for an outing tomorrow. Mayhap to the stream, and show her the fey mound?" Cien didn't look at his sister but continued to stare at Rose.

"Would you enjoy an outing tomorrow, Lady Rose?"

She blushed. "I would. It would be lovely to walk around outside, if only in the inner bailey."

Cien puffed up like an over stuffed goose. " 'Tis settled then. Tilda," he commanded, "tell cook to prepare a repast for us to be ready before nooning meal. I will take the Lady Rose for a stroll to the fey mound and the stream." 

"Thank you. That is very kind of you, Cien." Rose whispered for only his ears. 

"You are most welcome, Rose." 



Highland Magic Ch. 09



I was pleasantly surprised how wonderful dinner was. I felt like a pig when I was done, as I ate more than I had in a long time. But then again, I hadn't eaten the day before except an apple. Cien made great company, and I found myself laughing and making jokes with him. I discovered much to my dismay, he had two wonderful dimples in his cheeks, so that whenever he smiled, he looked like a cherub. 

It seemed as if he couldn't take his eyes off of me. I blushed throughout the entire meal as he made small jokes and comments about how wonderful I looked. I would look at Tilda every once and a while, and she would have the most smug look on her face. I wanted to laugh and shake my head, but didn't dare. I didn't want Cien to think I was crazy. 

That thought brought me up short. I had been having such a good time, I had forgotten what Alex said. The memory of the way he'd pushed me to the ground and told me he would have me burned as a witch made me shudder. I looked up at Cien with renewed fear. This man was amazing, and the first person I had ever felt like I could really fall in love with, and my potential executioner. 

"Are you all right, Lady Rose?" I glanced up at Cien. He had a look of concern and confusion on his face, and I knew that I had to lie. I looked away, down to my plate and lied through my teeth. 

"I am fine, Laird Cien. Quite well, indeed." I glanced back up at him to see if he had taken my lie to heart. He sat back in his chair studying me cautiously. Oh God, had I made him think the worst of me?

"I think you must still be feeling ill. Your face paled considerably. Mayhap I could take you back upstairs to rest?" The idea was so appealing I nearly jumped out of my seat and danced. 

"That would be wonderful, Larid Cien." He nodded as if he had known he was right all along, and stood. Helping me up, he took my hand in his. There it was again... That electricity I had felt when he helped me onto my stool earlier. I glanced up quickly to judge wether he felt it or not as well.

He had a look of pleasure on his face, and grinned like a loon when I looked into his eyes. Lord, but they sparkled. Keeping my hand in his, he turned to the those who were still eating. "The Lady Rose still feels slightly ill. I am taking her up to her chamber." There were a chorus of good nights and feel betters. I smiled and curtsied to them all. "Thank you all for your company. I am sure I will feel better on the morrow." I hoped I said that right. Tilda smiled brightly at me, and I knew I had. 

We walked slowly up the stairs. "I am happy you will be joining me on the morrow for our outing." 

Cien said as we climbed. I smiled up at him, genuinely. 

"As am I. I truly wish to see your land, Cien. It is wonderfully beautiful here, I can only imagine how beautiful it is away from your castle." Cien smiled as if I had just given him the greatest compliment on Earth.

"That is a fine compliment, Rose." I blushed again, and looked away. 

"So..." I said, feeling the strain on the conversation. "How did you become Laird?"

Cien spoke softly as we entered the upper stairway. "My father was larid, but unlike most clans, we doona just become laird if your the son. Nay, I had to fight for my right as larid." I was quiet, thinking on the cruelness of this place. It wasn't fair. In the future we had medicine, good hygiene and for the most part, peace.

So why was this such a war torn, dirty, disease ridden place? 

I looked back up at Cien to find him smiling down at me. "And what has such a lovely lady thinking so hard?" I looked away, trying to fight a smile. How was it, that no matter how hard I tried to not let his flirting get to me, it always did? And I liked it?

"Nothing, Cien. I promise you. I was just thinking on our outing tomorrow." 

Cien nodded. " 'Twill be very entertaining, I think." I laughed. 

"I hope so. That is the entire reason for going isn't it?" Cien laughed. It was a strong laugh, thick with masculinity and joy. I found myself giggling in response. 

"Aye it is." He stopped at my door. "Now Lady Rose, I shall bid you good night." I grinned as he lifted my hand to his lips and gently kissed it. "Let us meet at the stables at an hour before the nooning meal." 

"I will see you there, Laird Cien." I smiled, pulling my hand back. 

"Please, my lady, call me by my Christian name."

"Only if you will call me by mine, Larid." He studied me with a small smile for a moment before grinning. 

"A deal then. Would you like to shake on it, Rose?"

I shook my head. "Let it be a promise. Something less personal surely." 

"A kiss then?"

"It shall surfice, I suppose." Cien grinned broader and put his hands on my shoulders lightly. Slowly he leaned down and pressed his lips against mine. It was brief. All too brief. When he pulled away, I knew I was blushing. Again. 

"Good night my sweet lady." 

"Good night, Cien." I opened the door and watched him walk back down the hall to the steps. He turned and waved a small wave to me as he decended the steps. I closed the door and leaned against it. Sighing, I began to hum to myself as flounced over to the bed. 

That was when it grabbed me. 

They must have been hiding in the nook by the door, in the shadows. As I neared the bed, they grabbed me from behind and put a hand over my mouth. I screamed in vain. The noise downstairs would have drown out my voice, even if there wasn't a hand on my mouth.

"Witch!" The accusation came harsh against my ears. "I will see you burn this night." I began screaming and twisting in the arms that held me to no avail. I began pleading for my life. I was begging like a person condemned. As I was.

Suddenly something crashed into my head, sending cascades of pain down my head into my back. I sagged against my attacker and was giving into the blackness when I felt another sharp crash against my skull.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cien felt a shiver of cold and looked over his shoulder. The door to the hall was closed, as most people were still at sup. No one had come in, and no one had left. Cien shrugged mentally. It would just be a cold night. Turning back to the table, he felt an undeniable urge to check on Rose. Turning, he glanced up at the stairs, watching them closely, almost as if she were standing there, watching him. As the piper died down at the end of his song, he heard something upstairs. 

"Kevin, Gwain." Cien stood, shouting the names of his most trusted soldiers. He didn't stop to see if they were behind him, but jumped up the stairs, taking them three at a time. He heard what sounded like a heavy groan, and knew something was wrong with the Lady Rose. 

It only made him increase his speed until he was running. 

He pushed against her door, only to find it blocked from the inside. "Kevin, help me push the door down." The men rushed the door, knocking it off its hinges. With the door down, Cien and Kevin and Gwain stormed the room. 

Rose was on her back, in the middle of the carpet. She looked as if she'd fallen in the river. Her hair and clothing were wet, and she lay moitionless on the ground. Above her with a torch in his hand stood Alex. 

"Come no closer, cousin." Alex said in a deep frightening voice. "She is a witch and I mean to see her burn as one."

"Alex," Cien said, as he stepped further into the room. "Doona do this. She is naught but an innocent. Would you see an innocent harmed?"

Alex sneered. "She is no innocent, as you well know." He dropped to his knees above her. "She has possessed you and wants your soul Cien. And I mean to save you." Alex turned his attention to lighting Rose on fire.

Gwain leapt forward and tackled Alex to the ground, throwing the torch to the other side of the 

stone room. Cien leapt forward and grabbed Rose off of the floor. She was limp, and no matter how he wanted to scream in fury, and hold her close, he handed her gingerly to Kevin. 

Turning back to Alex who was now subdued by Gwain. Alex sturgged against Gwain, but it was to no avail. Gwain was a hundred pounds heavier and in far better shape. 

"You," Cien ground out in furry, "are no longer welcome on Fraser land. If I ever see you on this land again, you will be a dead man. You are no longer a Fraser. Now get the hell off my land!" He ended on a roar. 

Gwain easily lifted the man and led him from the room. "Take him to the boarder, and leave him there. No horse, no food. Let the treasonous bastard find his own supplies." 

Gwain nodded and led Alex away.

Cien moved to where Kevin stood, lying Rose on her bed. "He covered her in whiskey, Cien. He really meant to burn her a witch." Cien nodded. 

"Order her a bath. I want her head seen to as well. Tilda can do it. Send for Maggie the Healer. I want her here around the clock until Lady Rose comes back to us. She will not die, is that clear, Kevin?" Cien demanded.

"Aye, Cien. Clear enough." Kevin stood, and moved away from Rose and out of the room. 

Cien sat down on the chair near her bed and held her hand in his. "My dearest Rose," he said, a fine mist coming to his eyes. "I have failed you." 

It was the last coherent thing he said for a long time. 



Highland Magic Ch. 10



Cien stayed at her side until Tilda brought Maggie up to the chamber to bathe her. "Cien, she is a maiden. Surely you would not disgrace her so." Cien shook his head without speaking, and slowly stood up. He still held her limp hand in his, clutching it like a last life line. Maggie was silent as she watched him. "Does she know ye care so greatly for her, Cien?" He shook his head slowly after a moment, never taking his eyes off of her. Maggie smiled a gentle smile. "Then I shall have to make sure ye may tell her, shan't I?"

At her words, Cien looked up quickly at her, giving her a surprised look. "If she survives tonight, she may not wish my intentions upon her at all." Maggie smiled a secret smile.

"Oh Cien," she almost laughed. "As if ye were to know the way of a woman's heart." She shook her head at him, and waved her hand toward the door. "Be gone with ye now, lad." Cien looked a last time at Rose and turned away, walking quietly to the door.

Closing it softly behind him, he turned and stopped. Half of his soldiers were crowded up on the landing, and those who couldn't fit on the landing were milling about below, casting worried glances up at the door. Glancing about quickly, Cien's voice boomed. "Maggie says she will be well upon the morrow." 

There was a general sense of relief among the men, as the seemed to relax as a group. Cien forced himself not to smile. How was it that a woman who had only been here a short number of days, had made such an impression upon the men? Cien wanted to laugh. Who cared, he thought, as long as the change remains.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The pounding in my head was extreme. It was like there were a hundred tiny elves in my head pounding at my brain with a hundred tiny hammers. I groaned and clutched at my head, praying silently that it would help the pain. It didn't. I sucked in a hissing breath and brought my other hand to my head. Jesus, what was wrong with me?

"Do ye not remember, lassie?" That voice, so familiar.... I opened my eyes and looked up with veiled lids. Maggie stood above me, holding a candle above my head as if to light my face. "Ye have been gone a long time, lassie. Days now." 

I groaned again and wanted to die. Why wouldn't the pain go away? "Drink this," she said as I felt a cool metal cup at my lips. I opened my mouth and sipped lightly. It was foul. I gagged and almost threw up on Maggie. 

"Have no stomach for it, eh, lassie? Well, that just be to bad. Drink," this time, my lips were forced open and drink was forced down my throat. I gagged and choked, but I must have gotten enough down to satisfy her, because she stopped forcing me and cleaned my face up with a wet cloth. I cracked an eye open and gave her my best death glare. She smiled back. 

"What," I groaned, "happened to me?" 

Maggie sat back in the chair and regarded me with curiosity. "Ye truly do not remember," she shook her head. "This be the way of it." Over the next hour she told me of Alex trying to murder me and how Cien had banished him from Fraser land. She said I had been delirious for a few days, and unconscious a total of a week. That she had taken care of me every moment I was ill, and that 

Cien visited the chamber several times a day, to see how I was. 

At the mention of Cien's name and the realization that a week had passed, I realized I had missed our outing. It made me want to cry. "How's ye head, lassie?" I looked at Maggie and almost smiled. I hadn't thought about it recently, but my head wasn't hurting in the least. What ever she had given me needed to be in pill form. 

"It is fine." I smiled. "What ever was it that you gave me?"

"A healer's secret, to be sure." I almost laughed, if I'd had the energy. I tried to shake my head instead. I think I managed a minor wiggle. I sighed and looked into the hearth. So, Cien had saved the day, I thought, and smiled. And he's been visiting you every day, several times a day, a little voice inside me cheered. I felt a blush work it self up onto my face, and closed my eyes. 

"Is she awake?" At the hushed voice, I opened my eyes, and found my face a few inches from 

Cien's.

"Aye, as you see." Maggie said in a merry tone of voice. 

We stared into each others eyes silently for what seemed an eternity, and all too soon it was over, and he was moving away from me. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he had a worried look on his face. "Are you in pain, Lass?" 

I shook my head, "No. Maggie gave me something vile, and now my head doesn't hurt at all." 

Cien grinned. "I am glad to hear that." 

I smiled up at him shyly, and looked away. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to go on the outing with you." 

Cien waved a hand in the air dismissing me. " 'Twas not of your choice at all, Lady Rose." He suddenly went from looking arrogant to looking like a shy child. "It is my apology that I was not here sooner to protect you from Alex. I knew of his intentions, but dismissed them entirely. That is my fault, and I would beg your forgiveness."

I swallowed past the lump that had suddenly formed in my throat, and gave a weak smile. "Cien, I know you aren't to blame. I think Alex didn't want me to have any of your attention, and the only way he knew how to dismiss it, was to kill me." I gave another weak smile. "It is quite final."

Cien nodded gravely. "So there is nothing for you to be sorry for. It is in the past. Forget it." 

"I shall make it up to you, Lady Rose." 

"That isn't necessary Cien." 

"Aye, I know it, but I will still." I shook my head slowly. 

"All right. If you really want to make it up to me, as soon as I am better, take me for that outing." He looked surprised by my offer, but the surprise quickly vanished. It was replaced by a charming smile and sparkling eyes. 

"Aye, a deal then." He grinned. "Shall we shake on it?"

I looked into his eyes and smiled. "Something less personal surely."

"A kiss then."

I smiled brightly to let him know he'd hit the nail on the head. He gave a small chuckle, and leaned down. He barely brushed his lips against mine and it was over. I smiled up at him a smile of happy satisfaction.

"Get well, Lady Rose, and I shall live up to our bargain." I nodded slightly as he stood up. "Take good care of her, Maggie."

"I shall, Cien." 

Before he opened the door to leave, he looked back at me and grinned. I knew then everything was going to be better than it had ever been for me before.



Highland Magic Ch. 11



A week later I was much better. Cien and Maggie both conspired against me and wouldn't let me leave the bedroom for three days. Finally I convinced Maggie it would be for my better health that I get some fresh air and walk around. She didn't seem to agree with me, but let me go. 

I was greeted by Tilda as soon as I opened the door. She hugged me, and gushed on and on about how she had helped Maggie care for me and did I like her new dress. The gray color looked nice and complimented her hair. I assured her I did. 

Maggie came to my assistance and told her to quit nagging me. I only smiled, and let Maggie take me down the stairs. It was harder than I imagined it would be. My legs were weak from non use, and my entire body was ready to give up. I almost did when Maggie told me where she was taking me. I shut up right then.

She led me out the doors to the bailey. There she turned and led me around the main building to the back. There was a small field looking area, but I saw quickly it wasn't used for farming. It was a training area. 

Cien's soldiers were working hard at their training. Sword clanking, shouting, and grunting seemed to be all they could do. Maggie found a bench close to the building and we both sat down. It was so interesting to watch them grunt and work so hard. I knew they trained so hard so they could defend the keep against any intruders that may try to capture her.

It was then that I saw Cien. He was in the thick of the mock battle, swinging his sword and shouting a good deal himself. I don't know why I never pictured him as the fighting type, lack of scars perhaps, but he was the best of all the men. I watched as he trained harder than the rest of the men, and pushed them as hard as they could. 

Finally after a long while, it was over, and I realized, I had never taken my eyes from Cien once I found him. As the men walked off in different directions, Cien finally saw Maggie and I as we sat there. Walking away from who ever was talking to him, he walked to our bench and stood before us.

"Lady Rose," he said in greeting.

"Laird Cien."

"What has you out this fine day?" At his mention of the day, I shivered. It was sunny and bright out, but the wind made it frigid. 

"I needed some fresh air. Maggie was good enough to bring me out to get some. And to watch your mock battle. It was very interesting."

Cien smiled slightly, "Battle is no place for you to be watching."

"I can take care of myself." 

"No woman can take care of herself in battle."

"This woman can."

"You could be violated easily enough, Lady Rose."

"Only if they got the best of me."

"Aye, and they would."

"Are you so sure?" I gave him a mischievous smile.

"Are you challenging me?"

I nodded. "When I am completely better, I will let you attack me and I promise you that I will win."

"And a wager?"

"I don't know." I thought for a second. "I have nothing to wager.

Cien grinned. "Mayhap you do." He shuffled his feet and looked at me again. " 'Twere I to win this wager, I shall have your hand in marriage." I felt my jaw drop, but I couldn't seem to bring it back up."

"And if the lassie wins, Cien? What will she win?" Maggie asked. Thank God Maggie was paying attention to the conversation.

Cien seemed to think for a minute before snapping his fingers. "If the Lady Rose wins," he paused and looked at me with a devil may care grin on his face. "then the lady shall have my hand in marriage."

Maggie laughed, and I just about fell off of the bench. "Is that your idea of a proposal?" I demanded. 

Cien shrugged. "Let us see who shall win this. I will give you three days to be ready." 

I stood up, which was a mistake after the fact as all my muscles started screaming. "Your on buddy!" I said. 

I felt myself sway and tried to correct it myself. I ended up almost falling in the mud at my feet. Instead I was hoisted up onto some very tall man's arms. I looked up, disgruntled at Cien. "Your lucky I don't attack men on a regular basis." He laughed a deep laugh. It made him seem younger than he was. 

"How old are you?" He looked slightly startled by my question, but was quick to answer. 

"A score and one." A score... that was thirty... wasn't it? Yes, thirty one.

"How old are you, Lady?"

I gave a watery smile. "Too old by your standards." He tilted his head as if I hadn't given him an answer. I thought for a second. How did one say twenty seven back then? "Um..." 

"She is but twenty and seven years, Cien. Think you that old?"

Cien looked startled for a moment, but smiled. "Nay, not so old." He looked at me a smiled. "Recover soon, for I shall enjoy your attack."

I shook my head. "I knew you would." He grinned and winked at me. Then bowed and left us there on the bench. 

Oh, this was war.

~~~~~~~

Over the next few days I recovered completely. I was still slightly weak, but I forced myself to ignore it. I was going to win this little competition Cien had going if it was the last thing I did. By the third day I was fit as ever and ready to go. 

I did some minor stretching in my chamber before I left to humiliate him. Tilda knocked lightly at the door before opening it. "They are ready for you, Lady Rose." 

I turned to her and smiled. She really was blossoming. Her eyes sparkled, and she looked older than she really was. Her smile was always ready, and I'd seen her spending a lot of her time with one of Cien's soldiers. A younger soldier, but I still thought a trifle old for her. Maggie just shook her head when I brought my complaints to her. 

"That is the way of this time, Rose. Men choose their women young. Sometimes too young." 

Well I guess that summed it up, didn't it?

I moved gracefully out the door and down the steps. My guess was that Cien would be out side with an entire troop of soldiers ready to defend him. If that was the case, I was just going to have to inform him that the rules are me against him. Not me against his army. 

"He is waiting in the hall," Tilda called out as I made a bee line for the door. I stopped and glanced to my left. Yep, there he was, but he only had a few soldiers there. One's I'd seen before, but couldn't name off hand.

"Trying to avoid your promise, Lady Rose?"

I laughed as I approached. "Nope, I assumed you would be outside." I walked into the hall radiating arrogance and confidence. Cien smiled. As I took the last step down into the slightly sunken down hall, I stepped on fresh rushes. Glancing down, I noticed that there were an extreme amount of them on the floor. Ah, I thought. Padding.

I walked up until I stood only a few feet away from him, and looked up. He was amused by my arrogance, I could tell. But it was all bravado. I knew he was a trained soldier and I really had no chance. He wouldn't hurt me, I knew that. And he knew I couldn't hurt him, no matter how hard I tried.

"Cien?"

"Aye?"

"Just know, this isn't personal. I am not doing this to really hurt you, okay? It is just a way for you to see, so don't think its personal."

"I see." He grinned. 

"I need your dagger." He looked puzzled, thinking I was going to stab him or something. "I won't stab you with it." 

That seemed to satisfy him, and he pulled it free of his boot. Handing it to me, I bend down and slashed my dress at the bottom of my thighs. Cutting it all the way around I let the excess fall to the ground and handed the dagger back. 

"Do you think your dress is really appropriate for the men to see?" I glanced around. 

"I think they've seen a lady's legs before, haven't you men?"

All of them nodded with a grunt.

I turned back to Cien and smiled. "Besides it would be awful hard to attack you with a long dress on." Cien shook his head, chuckling. 

"All right woman let us start."

"Okay," I said, and braced my feet apart. "Advance on me." 

He did. He grabbed the tops of my arms and held on tight. I slid my hands between his arms and twisted, pulling the tops of my arms free, and putting a big strain on his wrists. He rubbed one and looked at me in disbelief. 

I dropped back into my stance, feet apart, one hand fisted above my heart the other fisted at my belly button. He advanced toward me again and as he reached for me, I struck out with my lower fist, hitting him in the wind pipe. He staggered backward, falling to the ground and gasping for air. 

"Oh, God, Cien!" I yelled and ran to his side. His breathing was labored and a cough followed each breath he took. "Cien, are you alright?! I am so sorry! I didn't think to really hurt you!"

Cien leaned back in the rushes and closed his eyes. "To be bested by a woman," he mumbled between coughs. When he looked back up at me, it was with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. 

"Where did you learn to do that?"

I smiled. I couldn't exactly tell him that I'd learned it at woman's safety seminars, now could I? I hoped my smile would be enough to satisfy him. It seemed to be, because he shook his head and leaned back in the rushes.

"Have I won then?"

He grinned up at me. "Aye you've won, saucy wench." 

I laughed and stood. "What is my prize?"

He stood up and came close to me. "Your prize is me, Lady." 

He took my arms in his hands and pulled me closer just before his lips settled on mine in a hard possessive kiss. It seemed to last forever, and then suddenly it was over. His lips had been warm and almost loving on mine. I opened my eyes to find him watching me with pleasure on his face. 

"We wed on the morrow." He announced to the room without taking his eyes off of me. Soldiers cheered, and I could hear Tilda behind me. She must have been crying, because her voice sounded tear choked when she mumbled, "Oh thank God." 

"Fetch a priest!" He thundered, making me laugh.

I had to admit, even to myself, this had been what I was hoping for.

*~*~*~ Thank you to all the people who have read and reviewed any and all of my stories. You are the reason I write. Thank you. This chapter is short, because what I wanted to start on next was ULTRA long, and I didn't want to make a chapter TOO long. :D Anyway, thank you all for your reviews and support. I can't thank you enough. And HIGHLAND MAGIC is not over!! Thanks again, all!!!*~*~*



Highland Magic Ch. 12



He sat at the table and listened closely. The plan was ludicrous. He knew that. He also knew that if he would be a dead man if anyone ever knew he had any involvement. He watched the pacing soldier with a close eye, and wondered what broke his sanity.

"What say you, laird?"

"You do know what would happen to me if I were to go along with you, don't you?" he asked the younger soldier. He seemed to think on that a moment before speaking.

"Aye, it would mean that you would break your oath of alliance with him." 

The old laird nodded. "Aye, it would cause a great rift amongst my clan. Many of the women are Frasers by blood, and they're husbands loyal to he and I both." That seemed to make the soldier stop dead in his tracks.

"So you will not help me, Liam?" Liam McCullom stood on shaky knees and sighed.

"Nay Alex, I willna. I canna go against Cien. If you had thought about this before coming to me, you would know this too." He shook his old scruffy head and sighed again. "I canna believe he would allow a witch into his home. And marriage? The lad is the farthest from it. I donna see him getting married any time in the near or distant future."

"I tell you laird, he is going to marry the witch!" Alex yelled loudly.

"Enough!" Liam yelled, making the soldier jump back a step. "You disgrace me, my clan and my hall by thinking I would betray my ally so. You have seconds to get off of my land or I shall hang you myself."

Alex took a step forward, but was suddenly blocked by two warriors that he hadn't seen before. "Leave my hall!" Liam commanded.

Alex turned and strode quickly, leaving the hold never to return. Liam sighed and sat down slowly in the Larid's chair. 

Glancing up at the two warriors, he motioned to the tallest. "Ready my horses, son. Gather a garrison. We leave for Fraser land on the hour." Grady stood from his father's side and nodded quickly.

"It shall be done, sire."

~~~~~

It was dusk when the riders neared the gates. "Riders at the gate!" The guards men called. A group of soldiers saddled up and rode out of the gates to investigate. The two groups stopped and spoke quickly, before the guests followed the soldiers in. 

"Laird McCollum!" One of the soldiers cried out. A soldier hearing the call ran into the hall from the bailey.

"Laird," he said as he bowed at the table. Cien sat at dinner enjoying a delightful conversation with Rose when the soldier interrupted. 

"Aye?"

"Riders, at the gates," the soldier replied. "Laird McCollum." Cien smiled and nodded to the soldier. 

"My thanks, John. Bring Liam in when he arrives in the bailey." The soldier bowed again and left the hall to do Cien's bidding.

"Who is Laird McCollum?" Rose asked politely from his side.

Smiling down at her, Cien couldn't believe how lucky he was. It was only a few weeks ago when he told Alex he would never wed, that he had no inclination to wed. But now, he wanted to jump up and swing Rose around and around.

"Cien?"

Clearing his throat, he answered her question. "Laird McCollum was my father's dearest friend. He is my strongest ally, and a good friend. He is someone we can greatly count on." 

Rose smiled and began to talk Tilda of wedding arrangements. Ak, Cien thought. Women's things. 

"Cien!" Liam boomed from the entrance to the hall. 

Cien stood and met the old soldier in a brief hug. "It has been much to long old friend."

"Aye, much too long." Cien looked to his side and found Grady there. 

"Grady, it is good to see you." Grady looked him over with a watchful eye. 

"Yer in a fine mood. Too much wine this eve?"

Cien laughed full and heartily. "Nay, Grady. Not the wine. Simply the company of good friends and the company of a beautiful woman at my side." Grady lifted an eye brow and glanced at the table. 

He saw Rose immediately.

"It that the Lady Rose?" He asked cautiously.

"Aye, it is, friend. She is lovely is she not?" Rose blushed and smiled up at Cien. 

"Surely you jest, Laird." Cien laughed whole and robust again. Shaking his head he looked back at Liam. 

"Why the sudden meeting, Liam? What are the tidings?"

"Not good ones I afear, Cien." Liam said. "Mayhap we can speak privately?"

Cien regarded him silently for a moment and then nodded. "Up to my chamber. Tilda," he called out as he lead the way, "bring wine and food for our guests to my chamber." 

Tilda stood and nodded, heading off to the kitchen.

Cien lead the men up the stairs and into his chamber. He had several chairs in the room as it was used for meetings more often than not. When everyone had entered the room and Tilda was gone, Cien closed the door and spoke softly.

"What brings you to my land, Liam?"

"Alex."

The one word sent a shiver down Cien's spine. 

"What of him?"

Liam spent the next hour filling Cien in on Alex's activities. How he had come to him begging him to help him get me for war against Cien, and how Cien was about to marry a witch. And trying adamantly to convince him that he needed to help him burn the Lady Rose as soon as possible. 

"Such treachery, and by your own kin. What would cause him to do such a thing?" Grady asked.

"He tried to burn Rose for a witch in her own chamber. I banished him from Fraser land." He stated in a deadpan voice. "The bastard!" He side gaining furiousness in a matter of moments. He stood and paced like a caged tiger in front of the fire.

"Is there anything else?"

"Nay, only that he is looking for a clan to go against you."

Cien seethed for a few more minutes before finally stopping and gazing into the fire. "Will you help me find him? He has got to be stopped. Surely you see that Liam? He will not stop until Rose is dead. And I shall not stop until I see his head on a pike."

"Cien, stop." Liam said. "You sound as blood thirsty as the English."

Cien only stared into the fire. 

Liam sighed and thought. He was not only the boy's godfather, but his friend and ally. With a sad shake of his head, he sighed. "Aye, of course we will stand with you, Cien. But I have one question."

"Aye?"

"Is she a witch?"

Cien turned and gave over the full rath of his fury onto the look he gave Liam. "Aye, its understood. She is not a witch."

Standing he touched Cien's shoulder. "We will sleep for tonight now, and on the morrow we will figure out a plan. We will beat Alex at his own game, Cien. That is a promise to you."

Cien nodded. "I need to speak to Rose."

He left the room in a huff and after a quick look down stairs he knew she was in her chamber. 

Climbing the stairs two at a time, he neared her room quickly. Pounding on it soundly, he wanted to break the door down. "Rose, open the door."

Rose came to the door in her dressing gown and a wrapper. "Yes, Cien, what is it?" Cien stared at her for a minute. 

"You are henceforth restricted to the castle." He turned to leave when she caught his arm. 

"Excuse me? YOu can't do that."

"I am Lard, Rose. I can do as I please." 

His harsh tone of voice, made her stumble back into her room and close and lock the door. If he wanted to be a jerk, then fine, she'd let him be a jerk. But she damn well wasn't going to take it! 



Highland Magic Ch. 13



*~*Hey guys, Luckie here. I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been reading HIGHLAND MAGIC and any of my other stories. Your reviews are what keep me writing. I am sorry the chapters have been short, but I try to pack them in with a lot of stuff. I am working on several other stories as well, so if it takes me a while to get another story up, that is why. Thank you all again for your time and for choosing my stories to read. Reviews keep me writing, so please, review away! Thanks! Luckie *~*~*

I paced the room like a caged animal. I knew what animals in the zoo felt like now. Tilda would poke her head in the doorway every once in a while to make sure I was still in my room. Where was I supposed to go? There were two guards at my door and the door was locked from the outside. 

I wanted to pull my hair out and scream in frustration at the same time. I watched the door waiting for the next person who came through. They would be my salvation, or else. I could feel my sanity edging over to rage at being caged the way I was, but I knew in all reality there was nothing I could do. Not that I cared. I was going to take it out on who ever came through that door next.

It had been a week and a half. Ten days of being stuck in this room with only Tilda's company at night and the guards at my door. The first few days hadn't bothered me. I learned why Cien put me on lock down, but that hadn't improved my temperament. I knew he wanted to protect me from Alex and who ever else Alex got to help him in his stupid plan. 

The mere thought of Alex made me want to punch my fist into a wall or tear someone's head off. I took a few deep breaths trying to control the rage bubbling in my veins, and knew it was going to take more than a few deep breaths. I needed some serious chocolate. Chocolate always made me feel better. Too bad the only people with it were in South America. They hadn't even been discovered yet. 

I groaned and threw myself down on the hard straw pallet that made up the bed. I was becoming more and more comfortable in this time. I knew in my heart of hearts that I shouldn't and couldn't marry Cien. What if it screwed up the fabric of time? What if... The what if's were beginning to chew at my mind. I didn't know much about the space-time continue whatever, and what I did know came from movies. 

Somehow BACK TO THE FUTURE didn't compare what I was going through. At least Marty McFly wasn't mistaken by a medieval barbarian for a witch. No, he wasn't that lucky at all. 

I wished at times I could go home. I just wanted a soft bed with a beautiful view and heat. Electric heat. I sighed. The things I took for granted, it made me sick the more I thought about it. Last week I had to deal with my period. I never wanted to go home more than I did then. I won't say anything, but suffice to say that really helped my foul mood.

I pushed myself up and walked to the window. Staring out at the lands that belonged to Cien, I saw the large loch. I sighed. That had been one of my touristy stops. I wanted to dip my feet in Loch Ness. Maybe I'd see some one faking some pictures of Nessie. Who knew. Now I would never know. 

I'd snuck a question about the loch and Nessie to Tilda, and she just looked at me as if I were crazy. I guess that confirms that it is just a modern invention of the mind. She certainly never heard of a creature in the Loch. "Pure foolishness." Her exact words. 

I watched the soldiers as they trained and longed to walk the grounds. Cien wasn't among them. I knew that, but it didn't help me from stopping to look if he was. No, he wasn't there. He was still gone. He'd left the morning after he told me I was room bound. After I found out why, I couldn't blame him. I would have done the same thing, but at the same time, I did blame him. He was the one that got me stuck in here. 

I scowled as I watched the men train. For a the last few days I had wished I was indeed a witch. I would have been able to escape the room if I was, and Alex would have a reason to hate me. But I wasn't a witch. Hell, I was barely a passable person. I worked constantly, had no real life, and ate take out every night. That was until my take out had been take in and it consisted of Mutton and fruit tarts baked fresh. 

I turned around and shoved my back up against the wall. If I wasn't careful I was going to bruise myself, I thought with a pout. I wrapped my arms around me and pushed away from the wall just as the door creaked open slightly. A lock of Tilda's hair slipped into the room a second before the rest of her face. 

"Rose your awake," she said sounding happy. "I've brought you some nooning meal." 

I shook my head and decided it was now or never. "Look, Tilda," I started. "I need out of this room."

Tilda shook her sadly. "I am truly sorry Rose, but Cien said you canna leave the room. I would let you out if twere up to me. I am sorry Lady Rose." 

I shook my head. "Here's the deal. I'm desperate. I'm going to go insane if I'm stuck in here a minute longer. Lets take a few soldiers and go to the Loch. We can have a picnic."

"A picnic?"

I sighed. "Yes, we will take our meal down to the lake and sit on a blanket and eat." Tilda's eyes lit up. 

"I do think that would be fine," she thought for a moment. "But Cien did say he didn't want you to leave the room." 

"that's the beauty of it. He wants me to be safe, so we can just take some soldiers with us. I am quite sure they would enjoy the picnic as well. What do you think? If Cien can't rely on his own soldiers to keep me safe, then what good are they?"

Tilda seemed to think about that for a minute. "I see the logic in it." She bowed her head for a minute before looking back up at me. 

"Aye, a fine idea, Lady Rose." 

I grinned. "Great. Go put all that food in a basket and pack enough for you and the soldiers and we will go." Tilda beamed at me. "And I will bring the blanket to sit upon." 

Tilda bounded from the room and gave the soldiers at the door their new instructions. The nodded stiffly, and didn't move other wise.

"How many soldiers shall we take, Rose?" Tilda asked from the door way as if she'd been asked by one of the soldiers. 

"I don't know. How ever many that you think we need." 

Tilda relayed the message to the guard who bowed and walked away. "I will be no more than a moment!" Tilda called as she rushed down the steps. I grinned. I was getting out.



Highland Magic Ch. 14



It was only a matter of minutes before Tilda had everything going they way it needed to be. I grinned at her as we mounted. She had picked the best guards, and from the expression on the six men's faces, they thought this was a bad idea. I flashed a smile at them. They all seemed to ignore it. The youngest blushed before he saw the error of his ways, and changed to a frown. It only made me laugh. 

"You are in a fine mood, Lady." I glanced at one of the soldiers who'd rode up next to me and smiled brightly at him. 

"Aye, I suppose I am. Who wouldn't be? I'm out of that dreadful room. I thought that if I didn't get out of there I was seriously going to throw myself out the window!" I said on a laugh. Sarcasm. I had missed it. 

He gave me weary eyes and rode ahead of me. I glanced at Tilda. She smiled and pushed forward with her horse. I took a deep breath and looked down at the beast beneath me. He seemed calm enough. I tried to nudge him forward, but he didn't move. "Come on, they're leaving us. Move it." The horse shook its huge head and I sighed. 

"I promise, that if you get me there in one piece, I'll give you an apple?" I said. Don't horses like apples? The great horse leapt forward, startling me, and almost tossing me to the ground. I screamed and wrapped my arms around its neck. The horse seemed to know where it was going, and with me wrapped around its neck, I felt secure enough. It galloped until it found the rest of the party outside the gate. Then it slowed to a canter and finally a walk. 

I sat up, blushing like I never have. Everyone in the party was turned on the horses they sat on and looked at me. I tried to play it off as if I had meant to do that. "I... uh, I meant to do that." The soldier in front raised an eyebrow but the other's let it go. I glanced at Tilda before she turned around and saw an unmistakable light in her eyes. She was trying not to laugh. I felt my cheeks begin to burn again and wanted to just turn the damned horse around and go back to the keep. But if I did that, I would be stuck in that room. 

I sat up straighter and plastered a smile on my face. I would NOT be going back to that room!

~~~~

Cien stood on the ridge and looked down. The hillside was covered in tall trees and a few small streams. Putting his hands on his hips he surveyed the land. He knew the infidels had gone this way, but where they had gone in the woods... He couldn't figure that out. 

"Your keep is only a two day ride from here, Cien," Liam said as he approached. Cien nodded but didn't say anything for a long minute. 

"The MacPhearsons keep isn't far from here." Liam nodded. "But Keith MacPhearson has an alliance with me. He would not help Alex." Cien spoke as he thought. Liam regarded him from his left. 

"Are you so sure of that, Cien?" He asked carefully.

"Aye," Cien said, but the stopped. He moved his weight from foot to foot, staring out at the horizon. "They are religious zealot's, the MacPhearsons." Liam nodded watching him. Cien shook his head. "All we know is they traveled this way more than a week ago. They could be anywhere." Liam gave him grave eyes. 

"At least your lady is safe in her tower." 

Cien nodded. "Yes, for now she is safe in the tower. I pray she stays that way." Cien took a deep breath and turned to Liam. "Let us go, Liam. To the MacPhearsons." Liam grinned and turned to the soldiers.

Shouting orders, and scurrying soldiers didn't distract Cien from looking out over the horizon and wondering where Alex was. Could he have gotten the MacPhearsons to go along with his plan? He wanted to say no, but even he knew the MacPhearson Laird, Keith, held no honor except that of the Lord. And if Alex showed up ranting about a witch in the Highlands, Keith would be the first to head out to kill her.

"At least she is safe behind my tower walls," Cien said. Trying more to convince himself she was safe than to actually believe it. Oh, he knew every soldier he left behind would shed their life blood for her, and die before letting something happen to her, but he was suddenly afraid for her. 

"She is in good hands Cien." Liam said from behind him. "I know how you worry. I loved Johanna the way you love your Rose." Cien looked at him. "Aye, I loved. Though, none knew it but her." Liam shook his head as if throwing the memories of his dead wife from him. "She will be fine, Cien."

Cien nodded, and turned away from the old Laird. Aye, she would be as safe as she could get behind his walls. 



Highland Magic Ch. 15



From the window in the tower room that I had been a captive, or at least what felt like a captive, in for two weeks, the loch seemed close. But an hour later as we continued along the bumpy trail that lead to it, I wasn't so sure anymore. Tilda rode next to me busily chatting away like a little humming bird or something. I wasn't really paying any attention though. My butt was taking a serious beating from riding. Tilda didn't seem to notice. I would smile and give a small nod every once in a while to let her know that I was paying attention.

The forest we rode through was dense and thick with underbrush and old trees. The smells were ancient and lovely. The smells of a well occupied forest, and of an old forest. I glanced above me at the thick trees and saw that it was so dense, no light was coming though the trees. It should have scared me. Instead it made me grin.

"Here we are, Lady," one of the guards at the front called out to me. I looked at him and waited expectantly. "Loch Ness." I pulled my horse to a stop and looked at him like he was insane. 

"Loch Ness?"

He tilted his head. "Aye, Lady." 

I shook my head. "Are there any legends of the lake?" The soldier turned fully around on his horse and looked at me carefully. 

"Aye. Saint Timmothy was said to battle a demon here. And then there is the legend of Old Laird Augustus. His son was eaten by a creature in the loch. No one swims in it, and only the brave put their feet into her."

I wanted to laugh. So legends were true, huh? I shook my head. Well, maybe there was something to the whole Nessie sightings thing. I never thought much of it to be truthful, but hearing it in the eleventh century? Well, maybe I'll pay closer attention. 

We walked the horses close to the shore line before dismounting. My legs were incredibly stiff and sore. When I climbed off I almost groaned out loud at how sore I was. I watched Tilda, and she simply hopped down and went about setting the picnic up. I wanted to do that! Giving myself a strong mental shake, I forced myself to walk over to where Tilda was laying a plaid down to set the food upon. 

"Is there anything I can do to help you, Tilda?" She glanced up at me a smiled.

"Oh, nay, Rose. I do believe I've got it under my control." I grinned at her.

"If that is the case, I think I'll just go dip my feet in the Loch." 

Tilda shot up instantly. "Rose, didn't you hear? You can't. The loch is a beauty to look at, but deadly. Nay, you canna put your feet in there! For certain they will be bitten off by the demon!"

I laughed and shook my head. "Tilda there isn't any demon in the water. Its probably just a prehistoric creature trapped there. And I don't think they eat humans."

"Prehistoric?" She asked confused. 

I gave her shocked eyes. Holy crap, did I just say that? "Er..." I looked around. "What I meant was..." I glanced around wildly looking for something to take her mind off of it. "Good heaven's I'm hungry. I hope you brought a lot of food."

Tilda watched me carefully as if she expected me to sprout wings and fly away into the horizon. I just stood there and gave my best stupid grin. Finally she smiled. "You're an odd one." Shaking her small head she plopped down on the blanket. "I've brought more food than we could possibly eat. Even with the soldiers here." 

One of the soldiers behind me snorted, making me laugh. 

I reached for an apple and the horse I rode reared up at the back of the 'camp.' Two soldiers rushed over to calm the beast, as I watched. "I wonder what caused him to do that?" I mumbled aloud. 

" 'Tis mostly likely nothing at all, Lady," one of the soldiers called as the supervised the calming down of the horse.

"What is your name?" I asked.

He grinned at me and bowed. "Lochlain, Lady Rose." Standing he introduced the other soldiers. Patrick was the soldier who told me about the legends, Jacob and Harold were the ones trying to calm down the beast. Urlick and Gawain were leaning against rocks behind me. I nodded to each of them as they were introduced to me. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Alex stood in front of the men with his fist in the air. The soldiers behind him stood poised, ready in their hunting plaids. They'd watched the group of Frasers come down to the Loch, and while some of the soldiers were spooked enough to run away, most were fierce enough to stay with Alex at the lead.

Alex watched Rose as she sat on the plaid and spoke in soft tones to his cousin. Tilda laughed and Alex felt his fist clench harder than it already was. "Witch!" He hissed under his breath as he watched them. 

Suddenly Rose stood and removed her shoes as she walked toward the Loch. "Witch!" He heard one of the soldiers whisper behind him. He knew she was a witch now. All doubt, if indeed there had been any at all, was washed away, as she dipped her delicate looking feet into the loch, and no demon came up to claim her. 

He glanced behind him to see most every may crossing himself in protection. "We do this to save the Laird of the Fraser's is that understood?" All the men looked at him and nodded. "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live," Alex slowly repeated to himself. 


Even the Holy Bible itself said he should burn her.

"Do not kill the soldiers. Knock them unconscious, but do not kill them. They are only loyal Frasers." All of the men nodded in unison. 

Alex took a deep breath and released it slowly. It was now or never. 

He dropped his fist.



Highland Magic Ch. 16



The water felt cool and fresh against my feet, making me sigh. Who would have thought, I wondered as I kicked up water, that I would travel back in time and put my toes into Loch Ness? I giggled and opened my eyes. All of the soldiers were staring at me. I stopped and looked at them with curiosity. 

"What? Have I done something wrong?" They continued to stare at me as I stood ankle deep in the loch. I took each one of their faces in and noticed some were a bit white. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

I was so busy staring at the soldiers I didn't notice Tilda rise and point over my shoulder at the loch. I turned around wondering what they were looking at, and gasped. Right before I screamed and scrambled back onto the shore. 

There was a long neck slowly rising out of the loch a goodly distance from us. It rose slowly and from where I sat shaking and shrieking on the sand it looked enormous. The head was small, and for some reason that surprised me. I don't know if I had expected Nessie to have a big head or what, but the smallness of it shocked me. It was hardly wider than the neck and the only reason I knew it was the head, was because it was angled abruptly from the neck and flat. 

It seemed to look about itself once its head and neck were fully out of the water. I watched in morbid fascination, my mouth hanging open. It turned is small yet massive head and looked directly at us. "Milady, you must quit yer screaming!" The hushed whisper came from one of the soldiers at my back. 

I shut my mouth quickly and squeezed my lips shut to if only for me to know I wasn't screaming anymore. Thoughts raced through my mind. I tried to grasp them, but they fleeted before I could fully understand what they were. Is it real? I thought it was a legend. The thoughts came slowly to realization and held. 

Was it going to eat us?

The thought made me want to start screaming again. Fortunately, it looked off toward the eastern portion of the lake and dove beneath it. I was shaking uncontrollably and could not take my eyes from the loch. 

Had that been real? Was Nessie real?

"Saints above, your shaking!" I hardly felt Tilda's ministrations before I was lifted up by one of the soldiers and placed on a horse.

"This place is unholy." He declared in his deep rumbling voice. "We're leaving." I knew, although my thoughts were flowing a bit wildly, that I was in shock and needed to calm down. I forced a deep breath and tried to center my thoughts.

I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay...

I glanced up at the soldier and gave my best half hearted smile. "I am all right now." He gave me a skeptical look and didn't move. "I am all right now." I said forcing myself to believe it so he would believe it as well. He still looked a bit skeptical but only nodded. 

He left me on the horse and went to help Tilda clean up the picnic. She'd had it almost completely cleaned up when he started to help. Tilda glanced up, a surprised look on her face, and then she blushed and looked back at the mess. 

I smiled my first genuine smile. So this is the guy, I thought. He was handsome I supposed. Tall, his nose slightly crooked, as if it had been broken numerous times. Dark and rich chestnut hair and brown eyes. I grinned at Tilda. She could have made worse choices. I tried vainly to remember his name and failed. Damn. 

When everything was finally packed up, the soldiers mounted and the mystery soldier that obviously liked Tilda, helped her to mount. I grinned at her, and when she caught my look, she blushed and looked away. 

We turned around and headed back toward the keep. I was not looking forward to the ride. I was suddenly very much missing cars with comfortable leather seats. The horse bounced me along, and I held on as best I could. Damn horses. Someone should start inventing a car right now. 

We entered the wood without speaking. One of the soldiers a head of me in the line was whistling a wonderful Highland ballad. I knew it was that, because Cien hummed it himself and Tilda said it was his favorite song.

I was suddenly tired, and I had no idea why. I yawned into my hand and shook my head, trying to make my drooping eyelids stop drooping. I was half asleep when they attacked.

The mystery soldier was knocked from his horse by one of the enemy. I looked about wildly, trying to discern what I should do. There were men in muted colored kilts running all over. Attacking. They stabbed a soldier's horse in front of me, as the soldier tried to hack them to pieces from atop it. He'd gotten a few, but they pulled him down. 

I realized slowly that the other soldiers had surrounded Tilda's horse and my own, fighting off the enemy. There were only five men protecting us and at least thirty attacking. Tilda jumped from her horse to mine and wrapped her arms around my waist. 

"Ride!" She screamed. I kicked the horse into action, nearly trampling one of our own soldiers, and held on for dear life. The horse thundered through the forest, running at what seemed to be the speed of light. 

I realized I was screaming again when my throat began to hurt. I closed my mouth and held on tighter. Another small kick and the horse was flying throughout the woods. Part of me was suddenly very happy. This is life, I thought. The speed, the wind. Another part of me said this is going to be your death, stupid.

I could see light ahead of us in the woods. We were coming out of them! I let out a shout of victory, that was quickly vanquished. A lone rider stepped out in front of me casually. I pulled up on the horse to make him slow, less we plow the man down. I couldn't make his face out, but he was wearing the Fraser plaid. I sighed in relief. 

"There are soldiers attacking our men!" I screamed at him, but he didn't move. "Sir, did you hear me?" Again no movement. I pushed the horse forward enough to see him. 

Oh dear God.

"Hello, cousin." He bade to Tilda. "I find it hard to believe you to be in the company of a witch." He shook his head as if disappointed in her and sighed. "I suppose your a party to the devil himself now as well?"

"Yer daft, Alex!" Tilda declared boldly. I tried to bolt around him, but he dismounted and yanked me down before we could get around him. 

"Get down here Tilda or I'll kill her." Tilda looked at me and began to climb down.

"Tilda don't!" I cried. "He's going to kill me anyway! Ride back to the keep! Get reinforcements for the soldiers!" She looked as if she may just do it, when Alex produced a knife and put it against my throat. 

"I am sorry, Rose. Truly." She dismounted and stood before Alex. "What would you have of me?" Alex laughed and threw his head back. 

"Get the rope out of my satchel." 

He tied me up and flung me over his horse like a bag of grain or something. 

"Your crazy." I said as he climbed up next to me. 

"And your a witch."

I glanced behind the horse and saw Tilda bound and gagged. He was going to drag her behind him. I started screaming and trying to throw myself off of the horse. He slapped me hard.

The world began to go grey around the edges.

And then the blackness surrounded me.



Highland Magic Ch. 17



Cien sat astride his horse wearily. It had been a long while, and he was more than ready to be home. They had not found Alex, but there had been gossip that he was dead. Cien felt a pang of regret. He wished he had not been driven to throw his cousin out, but it had come to it, he reminded himself sharply. It wasn't his fault. Nay, Alex had indeed gone daft. Speaking of elves and witches.

The rain didn't help his mood. 

It had begun to drizzle a few hours before and was now down to a steady down pour. Glancing behind him, he saw his soldiers looking as miserable as he felt. He shook himself mentally and forced himself forward. 

They rode steadily, the rain belting at them from a sharp angle as the winds changed. A short while later, Cien noticed movement ahead of them. Pulling his horse to a stop, he listened as the other soldiers behind him came to an instant stop as well. He watched the movement take form. The man on the horse rode fast, as if the hounds of hell were chasing him. 

He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to pull it out if the man was an enemy. 

As he approached Cien relaxed. It was Lochlain. Cien felt his mouth curve into a small smile as he watched his trusted soldier come riding up. When he was within distance, Cien saw the ashen color of his face and was instantly hardened up. The soldier stopped his mount in front of Cien and jumped down unceremoniously. 

Cien descended the mount and walked quickly to his friend and soldier. 

"They've taken Rose." He said without preamble.

The world went red, and Cien could hardly contain his anger. "Who?"

"Alex." The soldier moved his weight from foot to foot. "He had the MacPhearsons with him, Cien." Cien looked off into the distance, strategies in his head. 

"I dinna check the MacPhearson holding. Damn me to hell." He whirled around and mounted. "Get every soldier worth his weight and bring them to the MacPhearson hall. If war is what they crave from me and mine, 'tis what they shall receive!" The men behind him gave war cries and lifted their swords to the sky. 

There was bad blood between MacPhearson and Cien's sire, but he had left them be. Not any longer.

Cien screamed long and ragged at the sky. When he again looked down at his soldiers, there was blood in their eyes. 

Aye. War they would have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My head hurt. I tried to open my eyes, but couldn't. The pain in my mind and back was so horrible the light even hurt. My back? I forced my eyes open to realize I was on a horse. Why was I on a horse? I tried to lift my hand to my face, but they were bound. Panic set in, and I screamed as I began to thrash around. What the hell was going on? Why was I on a horse? Why was I bound?

The horse came to a sudden stop and I screamed again. I forced a deep breath and tried to calm my racing heart. Oh my sweet Jesus, was I dead? 

I was in the bailey of some keep. It wasn't Cien's keep though. It was far dirtier, and instead of being made of stone, the keep was wood, and looked haphazardly made. I was yanked off of the horse suddenly, and thrown to the ground. 

I hit hard, knocking all the air out of my chest. I tried to breathe, but I couldn't and that made the panic all the worse. My eyes darted around wildly trying to take everything in. Where the hell was I? Who were these barbarians standing over me, snickering? Why was I bound? Oh Lord help me, I cried silently. 

"Ah, Alex," a loud booming voice announced from my left. I looked quickly to see my least favorite person in all of medieval Scotland clasping hands with an unsafer looking older Scotsman. I was finally able to drag in a breath and looked away, least he look at me. 

I looked to my right, and screamed again. Tilda. 

She had been bound and tied to the back of a horse, no doubt the one that I had been on, but for the life of me I couldn't remember. I screamed again, until someone hit me on the cheek, sending me sprawling on my side.

She'd been dragged behind the horse. I wouldn't have been able to recognize her except the dress she wore was one I had given her. I hoped she was dead for all the pain she would endure for the injuries she had on her body. Her face was unrecognizeable. Battered and bruised beyond anything I had ever seen. 

She lay limp and I prayed harder than I ever thought possible. I prayed she died quickly, that she did not endure the pain long. I cried. I cried even as they spit on me, calling me the Fraser whore and witch. I mourned the loss of my friend. Some one kicked me in the stomach and I did not see who it was or care. I hardly felt it.

I felt myself being moved back and forth and realized a bit distantly they were beating me. They kicked me brutally, stomping down on my legs, but I didn't feel it. I was numb to it all. I stared at Tilda's body unmoving and still as death as I cried and they beat me. 

"Enough," some one yelled. "We want her alive for the burning." 

At that moment I could have cared less. 



Highland Magic Ch. 18



Cien couldn't remember the last time he'd rode as hard as he rode now. The MacPhearson keep was a two day ride. He'd forced his men and himself to make it a matter of hours. Their horses were winded, he knew, and they grew tired. He knew that as well. He also knew if he kept pushing as hard as he was he was going to lame his horse, or that of one of his men, and thus, put them in harms way. 

But he couldn't slow down. 

He kept his eye on the horizon watching in the direction of the keep for smoke. His rational mind told him they would wait to burn her, as it was raining like all the Saints were tearing. Mayhap they were, he thought bitterly. He had shed his share while he rode.

With single mindedness he rode. He had to reach the keep. He had to save her. 

~~~~~~~

They'd thrown me in a chamber up stairs, though quite honestly, I didn't know why. Tilda was dead. I closed my eyes, and could see them again. What they did to her. 

Bile rushed up my throat and I heaved up into the rushes. I heaved until my sides were sore and my body exhausted. I leaned back, pulling my legs up to my chest and cried. Why had he done that to her? I wanted to scream. Why had he killed his own cousin, and them let them befoul her in such a way. 

Exhausted, I lay back on the straw pallet and replayed the scene in my mind. 

When I hadn't given them enough pleasure, kicking and stomping me, they turned to her. She lay motionless, dead, behind the horse, who was anxiously prancing about. One of the soldiers, the dirtiest one with the scraggly beard, untied her hands and I thought briefly that they were going to bury her. 

I was wrong. 

They untied her arms from the horse and let her body drop with a sickening thud on the ground. It was then that scraggly beard dropped down on top of her and assaulted her sexually. I felt my stomach lurch again in protest, but had no energy left to vomit. Had nothing left to vomit. 

Tilda's lifeless eyes stared skyward, unmoving in her head as he assaulted her. Her face was unrecongnizable, so cut up, bruised and swollen it had become since her cousin had her dragged behind him. 

Everyone was cheering on the soldier. And when he finished, abusing her once virgin body, another fell atop of her and ravaged her. None were looking at me, as all were too occupied with Tilda's body. And they called me a witch and the scum of the Earth.  

I stood as best I could. Not feeling any pain for the rage I felt. No one looked away long enough to see me stand. Too preoccupied with raping a corpse were they. I wanted to scream, but that would get me no where. 

The men were shouting up a storm, cheering their lecherous friend on. I could have thrown up on them all, the scum. Reaching out to the man closest to me, I pulled his dagger out of his belt. He did not even notice me removing it. 

And then I pushed my way forward. 

Slipping the dagger in my sleeve, none could see it. They were all amused as I pushed my way to the front. Amused I could walk maybe, or amused that I wanted to see such a sacrilegious event. When I stood over the man heaving above her, I kicked him soundly in the head. 

He rolled off of Tilda clutching at his skull. There was a bloody imprint of my boot on the side of his skull. I smiled in self satisfaction.

He stood quickly and yelped. "The witch as tried to fell me!" All of the soldiers backed away from me. I felt it more than I saw it. They thought me to do black magic right there in front of them. Black magic, no. But modern day justice, the best I could dish out.

I smiled wickedly at Tilda's assaulter and fell into a fighting stance. 

"Come to me, you chicken shit mother fucker. Come on!!" I screamed at him. "What, you can rape a dead girl but a live one is much to frightening to you?" He bellowed in rage and rushed toward me. 

Oh this was going to be too easy.

A mere second before he was to plow into me, I stepped aside and let him fall into his own friends. They pushed him back, causing him to fall to the ground. I threw my head back and laughed. I laughed long and hard. 

"Stupid. You are all so incredibly stupid!" I taunted them. Not the wisest thing to do, but I wasn't exactly in my own head. If they wanted a witch. A witch I would give them. 

He rushed at me again, and this time, I was done fooling around. I slid the dagger out and he saw it just as it came to rest in my palm. But he had to much momentum behind him and couldn't stop. I slid the dagger easily into his neck and watched it slip out the other side. His blood began to spill over the blade and onto my hand. 

I didn't care. 

I shoved it in to the hilt and watched his eyes widen with pain. "Ah, Karma is a bitch isn't it?" 

I twisted the blade.

He made was sounded as a gargled noise, but it must have been an attempt at a pain induced scream. He fell to his knees with me still holding the blade. I leaned down and whispered into his ear. "I condemn your soul if you should prove to have one, to hell." For shits and giggles as I was hardly in my own mind. I kissed his temple. 

"Say hello to the devil for me." 

I pulled the knife free.

The man fell to the ground lifeless, blood still pooling around his body.

"Anyone else?" All of the men were staring at the dead man. "Aye, he's dead. Good and dead. Worry not, the devil will welcome him into the gates of Hell." I threw my head back and cackled. I laughed hard and sarcastically. 

"I know I'm going to die," I announced watching them all. "Whose going to come with me?"



Highland Magic Ch. 19



Cein returned to the keep two days after the news and was met by three leagues of men. He smiled grimly. Ah so the gossip did still travel at the speed of the wind in the Highlands. He nodded to the men leading the Hamiltons, Buchannans, and MacBains. The three leaders followed Cien and his men into the keep and sat around the table. 

"Hamilton, Buchannan, MacBain. I see you knew to come to me."

"Aye, Cien Fraser. We know of our bonds to you, and have come to reclaim yer lady." Davis MacBain growled out in his raspy voice. 

"And kill a few of them damned MacPhearsons. Aye?" Kevin Hamilton grinned. 

Cien shook his head. "Aye, kill as many as you wish, but no harm will come to the lady Rose." He paused and looked at the three men. "Understood."

"Aye, Cien. We understand." Harry Buchannan agreed. Of the three commanders there, he trusted Harry the most. He'd fostered with him as a lad. Twas an English tradition, but his father thought it beneficial for him to learn from another Laird as well as he. Cien had never thought it wrong. 

"We leave at day break."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No one had come. I felt the dull ache in my head and was glad no one had come in the last two days. I sat on the small straw pallet next to the cold fireplace and wished against wish that I was back home sitting in my living room watching some episodes of FRIENDS. God, how I missed modern technology.

Instead I pull my legs up to my chest and shiver. At least they could give me some wood to rebuild my fire. But I knew they wouldn't maybe they were too afraid that I would kill them if they came into my chamber. Maybe they were as cowardly as I thought they were. It didn't matter. I was a witch in their eyes. I would die either way. 

I shivered again and rested my head on my knees. Maybe I would luck out and get hypothermia and die in my sleep. I smiled a genuine smile. Yeah, that wouldn't be too bad. I mean, I was already colder than I had ever been in my life. Hypothermia wouldn't be to far off. Of course I could get phenomena and die slowly too. I didn't like that idea, obviously.

I started to hum to myself softly, rocking slowly back and forth. I knew I was reaching my mental breaking point. I was cold, exhausted, and ready to die. Yep, my toes were wrapped around that cliff. I thought desperately for a song I loved. There were so many, but my vocal cords found one that it liked and I began to sing softly to myself.

"Another day has almost come and gone
Can’t imagine what else could wrong
Sometimes I’d like to hide away somewhere and lock the door
A single battle lost but not the war"

I turned my head flat against my knees and continue to rock slowly, clutching at my sanity with both hands. 

I sang to my hearts content, slowly getting more energy into it and singing louder and louder. I never realize that I go from song to song, singing loudly and straight from my heart. I sing songs my mother sang to me as a child. I sing songs I loved on the radio. My heart seems to break inside of me with each note I sing, with each breath I take.

I never realized I was crying, listing to myself. I closed my eyes tightly and imagined myself at home in my room singing with the radio.

A sob ripped through my voice, but I shoved it back inside and forced myself to keep singing.

"I give you my destiny. 
I'm giving you all of me. 
I want your symphony, singing in all that I am 
At the top of my lungs, I'm giving it back....."

Cien flashes through my mind and I feel a sob in my throat, but force it back down. Cien with his beautiful eyes and powerful arms. He's smiling in my minds eye, and I can see he's happy. He picks me up and twirls me around. I laugh with him and wrap my arms around his neck. 

I feel the tears slipping out beneath my lashes, but don't move to wipe them away. He kisses me in my minds eye and I feel his warmth against my lips. His warmth recharges me. I open my eyes slowly, and feel a renewed strength. Cien would be coming. I knew that, why was I giving up. 

I feel the first genuine smile of hope I'd had in so long I could hardly remember cross my lips. Cien was coming. He wouldn't want to see me like this. I pushed myself back up from the floor and wiped the tears away from my cheeks. 

Cien was coming.

I looked around me and found the ribbon Tilda had put in my hair so long ago and felt my heart shudder. Picking it up with renewed stubbornness, I tied my filthy hair back from my face and began pacing the room. I felt like singing. Really singing. 

I opened my mouth and let the words tumble out. I felt like kicking some ass. And I was going to make damned sure everyone in the keep knew it. I began stomping hard and clapping my hands loudly to keep beat, and I felt more energy than I had in so long.

"I could be mean, I could be angry 
you know i could be just like you
I could be fake, I could be stupid
you know i could be just like you!"

I screamed as I sang, and I knew they could hear me. They were listening to my every word. The question was, were they going to come up and do something about it, or were they going to chicken out and let me scream my lungs out for them.

My money was on me screaming.



Highland Magic Ch. 20



It was taking entirely too long. Cien closed his eyes and grit his teeth as he listened to the Buchanan and the Hamilton squirming over some pitiful aspect of their plot. "By Saint. Timothy's teeth!" Cien roared finally tired of the bickering. He stood from the Laird's chair and stomped over to the two over grown children. 

"Tis my plan and it shall be carried out to my specifications. UNDERSTOOD?!" The Hamilton backed a few steps away, knowing what was good for him. The Buchanan scoffed.

"Cien yer entirely too hot headed. If we follow this plan accordingly, yer not only gonna kill yer men, but ours as well," he said motioning to the other men. "Ye need to stop and think this through. Yer gonna kill us all with yer idiotic ideas."

With a growl, Cien picked the man up by his neck and tossed him away. "Anyone else think my plan needs more thought?" No one said a word as the Buchanan stood slowly shaking himself. 

"We leave within the hour."

He stomped out of the hall and into the bailey. It was raining, and the only men out were the stable boys running from the hall to the stables to ready the numerous horses. He stopped in the middle of the mud soaked field and tried to calm himself.

It had been a week since Rose had been taken, and it had been a hellish week. He had outlined his plan on the first night the Hamiltons, Buchanans and MacBains had arrived. It had been nothing but bickering over it ever since. He'd stayed up all night every night unable to sleep. Wondering what her fate was. Was she already dead? Had they burned her, or had they let her live?

He raised his head to the sky and let the pounding rain wash over him. Maggie had come to him last night and frustrated him further with her tales of Rose. 

She'd some to his chamber after he'd retired, and sat down in front of his fire. "Healer, what is it you wished to speak to me about?" Maggie had only smiled, warming herself with the fire.

"Who found our Lady Rose when she first came to the keep, Cien?"

He thought for a moment. "My cousin Kevin, I believe." Maggie smiled.

"Do you remember when he brought her?"

Cien nodded and looked into the fire. "He was holding her in his arms and I bid him take her up to a chamber and see her fixed properly. We sent for you soon after."

Maggie held her hands out to the fire and watched it closely, never looking at Cien.

"Do you remember how she clothed herself?"

Cien shook his head, but stopped. "Aye, she was wearing a strange fashion of breeches and a strange tunic. Her boots were odd as well." He shrugged. "Her mother is English and her father a Lowlander. I thought that excuse enough for her oddities."

Maggie didn't say anything for a long time. Only sitting close to the fire on the small stool, holding her hands to the fire. Finally, she dropped her hands to her lap and sighed.

"I had thought you smarter than this, Cien." 

Cien's head snapped up at the remark. "Smarter than what, Healer. Watch you words carefully, lest you insult me again." He warned.

She only chuckled. "My dear Cien, our Lady Rose is odd is she not? Her original manner of dress? The manner in which she speaks? Find ye not this odd?"

Cien shrugged. "Nay. Her mother is an Engl-"

"Nay Cien. Her mother is nary English or Scots. She's American." Cien looked at her quizzically.

"What the devil is an American?"

"America is a country far to the west of us, across the great ocean."

Cien shook his head. "I have ne'er heard of such a place, Healer. I think ye've drunk to much wine this eve."

Maggie chuckled again. "Nay Cien. Tis you who is blind. Your lady Rose is not Lady Rose at all. Her Christian name is Regan Sheppard." Cien watched her carefully, and the Healer watched him just as carefully. "What I am about to tell ye is hearicy, Cien, and if ye tell any tis I who will burn." Cien only watched her. "Lady Regan is not of this time."

Cien didn't have a reaction. "Not of this time."

Maggie sighed impatiently. "Aye, Cien. She comes from the year of our lord Christ, 2007." Cien stared at her blankly for a few minutes before standing and looking down at her.

"Rose is from the future?"

Maggie nodded. He was finally beginning to understand. "Aye, Cien. Need you proof."

"Aye." He said shortly.

Maggie stood and retrieved a bag she'd kept at her side since the day Regan had stepped into their time. She opened it and pulled the small contraption out. Handing it over to Cien, he look it hesitantly.

"What be this?" He asked, running his fingers over it carefully. 

"It is called a 'watch'." Cien raised an eyebrow at her. "It tells the hours of the day."

"The hours of the day? But the sun is gone down for the night."

"Aye, that is the point, Cien. It tells you the time of the day or night." She pulled it away from his fingers. "Like this," She said and pressed a button that made it light up with a green light.

"Jesu!" Cien yelled and stumbled backward.

"Don't curse, young man!" Maggie scolded him. 

Cien approached it again slowly, a hand on his sword. "What kind of magic is this?" Maggie smiled. "No magic at all. It is called technology."

"I thought it was a watch?"

Maggie smiled. "You believe me then?"

Cien looked up at her and then back down at the watch. He looked at it for a few moments before slowly nodding his head. "Aye, she is from the future, or a witch. And surely not a witch."

Maggie smiled at him. "There is the clever boy I knew was in there."

As the rain pelted down on his face, Cien wanted to yell. Raising his arms into the rain he let it fall on him. So Rose was Regan, and Regan was from the future. He tried to wrap his mind around it. He'd tried all the night long, but he knew it was going to take him some time to fully understand. And now, he knew he had to get Regan, if only to return her to her own time. 

But damn him to the devil, he wanted her here. He wanted to keep her here with him always. He dropped to his knees, burying his hands in the muddy ground. He was a selfish bastard, and he knew it. But he wanted so desperately to make her his.

Damned to the Devil he would be then. 



Highland Magic Ch. 21



Cien sat atop his mount, and gazed down. They stood on the ledge looking down into the morning mist at the McPhearson keep. It was cold and foreboding in the cool morning, but Cien didn't notice. 

He balled his fist at the anger the sight of the keep brought him. The mounting rage had built with in him until he thought he would die from the torture. He wanted to blast into the keep with all his men, and kill anyone who stood in his way of getting to Rose. 

He knew he couldn't do that. He let out a heavy sigh and un-balled his fist. Rose would be hurt in the skirmish, he was sure of it. As soon as they attacked, Alex would go find her, if she weren't already dead, and kill her then. No, attacking off right, wouldn't work. 

But he knew his plan would.

"Are you ready, Laird?"

Cien nodded, taking a long last glance at the keep. He would find Regan today. He would find her if it killed him.

~~~~~

I felt a smile creep onto my face as I watched what happened before me. Yesterday one of the maids had been assigned to me to keep me from singing. It seemed the downstairs hounds enjoyed my voice too much for the rest of the populations liking. I wanted to laugh. I could hear them howling from my room. 

Inna was a nice girl for such a retched place. She had pretty blonde hair, she tied in a ribbon behind her head and a shy if not pretty smile. She would sit with me in the room, making sure it was warm and I was fed well. But what I really enjoyed was her baby.

Grace was only about nine months old, and full of mischief. She crawled around the floor in her little white dress/tunic thing. She had a cute little patch of red hair on the top of her head and was full of such sweet laughter. She played with me, laughing at my silly faces and my crooning. 

Every once in a while I would see one of the guards assigned to my door peek a head in to make sure I wasn't killing everyone in the room. I didn't mind though. If it meant I got to have Inna and Grace as company, I didn't mind. 

Inna didn't seem to think I was a witch. When I asked her if she thought I was one, she only cocked her head and said that she didn't believe in witches. A few hours later she had come back with Grace. 

Grace sat before me, trying desperately to chew on her foot, but she kept rolling on to her back side. I laughed as she tried again and again. I never realized how entertaining a child could be. Grace threw her little fists in the air and seemed to declare war on her feet, as she seemed to try to savagely attack the offending foot. 

She gurgled and spoke in a language I had never understood. Laughing to herself and playing with her feet, she finally got part of a toe in her mouth. It slipped out and she let out a squeal. 

The door to my room swung open and the soldier standing there looked ready to do me bodily harm. I only raised an eyebrow at him and waited. 

Inna looked up and saw the soldier and sighed. 

"Gavin, the child is playing. Be off with ye." He didn't seem to like that and shot her a cold glare. "Be off with ye." Inna repeated and he finally closed the door softly behind him. 

"Maybe you shouldn't be here, Inna." I said looking down at Grace again. "I mean, what if they think I hurt you both or something. I don't want to be responsible for that."

Inna didn't look up from her sewing. "Never ye mind that. Ye just sit right back there, and enjoy yer self, now." 

I was not convinced. If something happened to Grace, there was a good chance I would be blamed for it. I knew enough history to know that if they already thought me a witch, and something bad happened to either Inna or Grace... well you know the saying "Off with her head?" It wouldn't just be a saying. 

Inna began to hum as she sewed the tunic in her lap. She'd told me yesterday it was for her husband, and that it was the first she'd ever made for him herself. I knew she was taking great pride in it, as she would softly hum to herself now and then as she sewed, a beautiful hum of a song I think. Although I couldn't be sure.

It was early still, and outside a window, I could see the morning mist covering the hills. Standing, I moved to the window and gazed out on the land. It really was a pretty place, if not brutal. The hills were soft and green in the mist, and even the cliffs looked soft.

I stared at the cliffs, and wished. Cien I wish you were here. I closed my eyes and sighed before slowly opening them. 

I stared at the cliffs and saw some sort of movement. Men? I mentally shook my head. No, there was no one ever up there. But my heart still wished. It wished for Cien, and to be held in his arms once again. To be loved by him again. 

He'd never admit it, but sometimes I would look at him, and I could see it shining in his eyes, bright and beautiful. He would look away, and I would feel myself blush, but I knew it was there. He loved me. He just hadn't said as much. Yet. 

A girl can hold out hope.



~~~~~

Cien felt himself being drawn toward the castle again. There was something beautiful about it. He didn't know what, and part of him didn't care. He closed his eyes and wished for Regan. Beautiful Regan with her wavy black hair and sparkling laughter. He could almost see her in his minds eye. Her beautiful eyes, sparkling with good humor and... what was that that he saw in her eyes? It made me feel much hotter, and a little uncomfortable. 

Opening his eyes, he promised her and himself then and there, that he would find her. Today. Suddenly in one of the far towers, he thought he saw movement in a window. He watched it more carefully, but saw nothing move again. 

Turning back to the men, he raised his fist and dropped it.



Highland Magic Ch. 22



The keep was quiet for the better part of the day. I sat after Inna and Grace left, listening to the sounds of the keep. It was either that or slowly drive myself insane with escape plans that would never work. I voted for the latter. 

There was a sudden commotion buzzing around the keep. It was louder and the energy level jumped up to a sudden level high above what it was only moments before. I stood and looked out the small window. I didn't see anything at first, but then I saw it. A small band of men, ten maybe, were making their way toward the castle. I tried to see who they were, but my eyes could only make out small figures. They approached slowly, almost as if they were tired. 

Finally when they were only a few yards from the gate, I could make out their plaids. My heart stopped, and my breath caught in my throat. Frasers?

I moved away quickly from the window, and began to pace the room. Was Cien in the group? Had he come to save me or condemn me? I fidgeted, wringing my hands together. Unable to help myself, I went back to the small window and peered out, watching for Cien. 

They were through the gate now and stood almost directly under my window. I watched them all carefully, looking for something familiar. That was when I saw him. He stood talking to on of the MacPhearsons'. My heart stopped in my chest. 

He looked tired, from what I could see. It nearly radiated off his body. I hoped against hope and wished harder than I ever had in my life that I could only reach out and touch him. I put my hand up on the sill, wanting to reach out, but afraid to draw attention, less they come up and beat me again. I was still healing from the last one. 

I guess I won't be singing anymore.

The MacPhearson nodded up to my window and Cien looked up. I felt a pain in my chest and fell away from the window before he could see me. It was there, burning and real. I gasped for air and fell against the wall. 

The last time the soldiers had come in and beat me, they'd kicked me in the chest. Ever since then I'd had a pain that came and went in my chest. This time was the worst. I lay on the floor and gasp for air. It wasn't working.

My mind was working telling me to calm down, to relax and I would be able to breathe. But my body had other plans. I was hyperventilating, and I couldn't help it. The lack of oxygen was going to my head, as the entire world began to go grey at the edges. I fought to breathe, and finally blackness enveloped me.

~~~~

He'd seen movement in the window. He didn't know why he knew, but he knew she was alive. Saints be praised. He listened to Hamish MacPhearson tell him that she was alive, but he almost didn't believe him. He knew alive didn't mean unscathed. She'd probably been beaten to submission long ago. If she were even able to walk, it would have been a miracle unto itself. But when he saw the movement in the window, he'd known. She was alright. She wasn't dead or maimed. 

She was alive. 

A shallow breath escaped him and he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Looking at Hamish, he sighed. "I want to see the witch before her burning." 

Hamish nodded his fat head. "Of course, Cien. We're so glad you've come to your senses. Alex was afraid that you'd never be freed of the witches spell." Cien nodded and followed Hamish into the keep. "There are two guards at her door." Hamish laughed and it sounded more like a snorting than any sort of laugh Cien had ever heard before. "They beat her regularly, of course. She won't admit to witch craft, so we try to beat it out of her." 

Cien felt his fist clench and forced himself to relax. He was going to be of no help to Regan if he couldn't keep the ruse up. He nodded at Hamish and stopped at the base of the stairs. "I want to speak to her alone."

Hamish shook his head regretfully. "That isn't possible. You must understand why."

"I will see her alone, Hamish MacPhearson. Understood?" Cien let every ounce of anger and frustration out in his voice. Hamish swallowed quickly and nodded. "Aye Laird Fraser. Aye." s

He led Cien upstairs to where a door was guarded by two men. He dismissed to soldiers quickly and turned to Cien. "You understand that if you come out be spelled, we'll have to torture it out of you." Cien nodded. Hamish gave a low bow and turned away. 

Turning to the door, Cien felt rooted to the spot. He had come so far and was now so close. Regan of the future, his one love and bride was behind that door. He took a deep breath and pushed the door open. 



Highland Magic Ch. 23



The wooden door swung open with a loud thud, hitting the wall behind it. He didn't see her at first. Stepping cautiously into the room, his breath caught in the back of his throat. She lay on the ground, a crumpled dirty heap, unconscious. 

A bellow of rage fell from his lips as he rushed toward her, picking her up gently. She sighed gently. Cien took a deep ragged breath. She was alive. He crushed her to him, holding her close and rocking her gently. 

Guilt rushed over him in a hot scalding wave. If he hadn't taken so long, she would already be back at the keep. Warm, clean and safe. "I'm sorry Regan..." He felt the burning sting of tears behind his eyes and blinked furiously. He would not cry. He had disappointed her, practically left her for dead. That gave him no right to cry. 

But the tears fell anyway.

The tears fell on Regan's face, making small clean streaks down her pale face. After a few moments, he forced himself to stop his womanly ways. Lying her back down on the sad excuse for a bed pallet, he took inventory of her. Her face was dirty and bloodied on one side. It looked like old blood, but he wasn't quite sure how old the blood was. 

She had bruises on her arms and he assumed she would have them on her legs as well. Anger fresh, consuming and scalding bubbled up inside him. He smiled grimly. Anger he knew all to well. Anger he could deal with. Anger at the MacPhearsons' and his bastard cousin Alex. 

They had been beating her. 

As far as he could tell, they were trying to beat her into submission, not to death, or she would already be dead. He stood and looked down at her for a moment. He heart sang that she was alive, and that he had found her. His Rose, or Regan, what did that matter, she was alive!

Anger burned a hole deep in his gut. He ground his teeth together and yelled for Hamish. Hamish appeared at the door a moment later, wringing his hands together as if he had known he had been summoned to his own demise. 

"She has been beaten."

"Aye, Cien."

"Why?"

That seemed to catch Hamish off guard. He stared at Cien as if waiting for him to answer the question for him. After a minute, he blinked and looked away, down to Regan. "We were trying to get her to confess, Laird. Confess to dancing with Lucifer himself." He nodded as he spoke as if trying to convince himself as much as he was trying to convince Cien.

Cien didn't look convinced.

"We heard her not a sen-night ago singing praises to the devil himself. She was up here dancing with the devil, singing to him when we found her. Two of the soldiers tried to set her down and banish the beast, but she only laughed in their faces." Hamish paused and looked back down at Regan. "They may have gotten a wee bit rough with the lass, but the devil's wench she is any how. Wouldn't admit to her crimes, she wouldn't. Your cousin, Alex, he said to keep her alive until she confessed. To beat it out of her." He gave a small smile as he looked to Cien. "Thought she would give in early, confess to all and be left to die, Alex thought. But not this one. The witch 'ere wouldn't confess at all. Told 'em we should burn her to purify the castle of her evil charms." He shook his head as if he couldn't understand why. "Wouldn't have it."

Cien looked at the portly man and shook his head in disgust. "Get her cleaned up." 

"Laird?"

He stared at Cien stupidly, not quite understanding. "Get yer sorry arse down to the kitchens, and order the lady a bath. NOW. And bring my cousin to me. He and I are of need of speaking." Hamish stared at him for a moment, until Cien made a move toward him.

He scrambled out of the chamber and down the stairs like a frightened mouse. 

Turning down to Regan, he pushed a lock of hair that had fallen into her eyes back. He eyes gave a small flutter, and her breath caught. Cien leaned back on his heels and watched her wake slowly. Her eyes were that beautiful hazel he remembered, shining and bright with she laughed. 

Slowly, her eyes fixed on him, and a small smile appeared on her face. "I knew you'd come." Her eyes shone at him with all the love in the world. Cien felt his eyes begin to swim with his own tears again. 

"Aye, I'm here now, lassie. I'm to take ye home."

"Inverlochly castle?"

Cien looked down on her and sighed. "Nay lass." The pain of what he was going to do cut through him like a hot knife through butter. 

"Then where?" Confusion was present on her face, not quite understanding what he was leading up to.

Cien watched her carefully for a few seconds, then sighed. "To the future." 



Highland Magic Ch. 24



I knew I was dreaming. Cien stood by my pallet and watched me with those beautiful eyes, his hair falling slightly forward, and I knew I was dreaming. To the future? He didn't know I was from the future, so this HAD to be a dream. Right?

"The future." I said.

"Aye, 2007." That made me sit up quickly. 

"How do you know about 2007?" Cien shifted uncomfortably, glancing around him. It was like I'd asked him what was in the secret sauce, and he was going to tell me, he just didn't feel right about it. I almost opened my mouth to take the question back when he finally answered me.

"Maggie told me of yer travels." I sat back on my elbows and watched him. Maggie told him? I thought she said he would think I was a witch if we told him I was from the future. My head was beginning to spend and 

I felt nauseous. Too much information. I looked at Cien, and shook my head.

"This is my home now. You are my home now, Cien." 

He knelt down beside me and touched my face gently. "We canna be here any longer than necessary. I will speak to Alex and persuade him that I am his ally, and I want ye burned. Believe me Regan, this is a ruse, and nothing more."

I started to nod and stopped. Regan? He called me Regan? Tears welled in my eyes and I wanted to just lay down and cry my heart out. He did know. He knew that I was from the future. And he didn't want to kill me. More than that, he still wanted to be with me. 

"This is my home, Cien. This time. I am not going back to 2007. I won't." 

He touched me gently again, my face, my hair. "Ye canna see what they've done to ye, Regan. If ye could, ye would run screaming to yer own time." Cien shook his head and stood. "I'll go with ye to yer 2007, if ye will still have me as yer husband." He bowed his head and looked up again. "Will ye have me?"

I started crying in earnest now. I put my hands over my eyes and cried into them. My heart had been broken, from nothing of his doing, and now if was whole and full again. That was his doing. I'd been so broken after Tilda's death. So broken inside. And Cien was there to fix me. I felt whole, renewed, alive for the first time in so long.

"Yes, I'll have you." I said, my face buried in my hands.

I sobbed loudly, and suddenly heard the door swing open. 

Alex stood there glaring at me. "Why did ye order a bath for her, Cien?"

Cien turned to his cousin and shrugged. "I thought a clean witch was better burning than a dirty one." Alex eyed him carefully.

"Ye believe me know do ye?"

"Aye. He magic's wore off when she was away from me for so long." Cien looked at me, his eyes cold and distant. I stared back into them, trying desperately to remember that he loved me and he still wanted to marry me even though he knew I wasn't of his time. He still loved me. Unconditional love. He was trying to get me out of here so I wasn't going to be killed. 

But right that moment, with his eyes as cold as a winter sky, it was hard to remember. It was cold hate shinning in his eyes, and for the briefest of moments, I thought it was directed at me. That cold, hard hate. But something poked through, a glimpse of warmth underneath. I almost smiled, almost. Instead I dropped my head down and started crying again.

"Why does the bitch cry?"

Cien looked back at him and shrugged. "Mayhap she knows she is going to die. Mayhap it is because she knows she will never be the Laird Frasers wife." He shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows."

Alex continued to watch him carefully. Cien sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "I canna be more sorry for not believing ye than I am right now, Alex. Ye tried to save me from her traps, and I dinna believe ye. For that I am sorry."

Alex finally sighed and shook his head. "I was only trying to protect ye cousin."

Cien nodded. "Aye. I know."

"Come, let us sup together. It has been much too long." Alex clapped Cien on the back and led him from the room.

"When is the burning to be planned?" Cien asked as the door to Regan's cell closed.

"With ye here cousin, we shall proceed on the morrow."

Cien nodded. Fine. War on the morrow.



Highland Magic Ch. 25



I knew I was dreaming. Cien stood by my pallet and watched me with those beautiful eyes, his hair falling slightly forward, and I knew I was dreaming. To the future? He didn't know I was from the future, so this HAD to be a dream. Right?

"The future." I said.

"Aye, 2008." That made me sit up quickly. 

"How do you know about 2008?" Cien shifted uncomfortably, glancing around him. It was like I'd asked him what was in the secret sauce, and he was going to tell me, he just didn't feel right about it. I almost opened my mouth to take the question back when he finally answered me.

"Maggie told me of yer travels." I sat back on my elbows and watched him. Maggie told him? I thought she said he would think I was a witch if we told him I was from the future. My head was beginning to spend and 

I felt nauseous. Too much information. I looked at Cien, and shook my head.

"This is my home now. You are my home now, Cien." 

He knelt down beside me and touched my face gently. "We canna be here any longer than necessary. I will speak to Alex and persuade him that I am his ally, and I want ye burned. Believe me Regan, this is a ruse, and nothing more."

I started to nod and stopped. Regan? He called me Regan? Tears welled in my eyes and I wanted to just lay down and cry my heart out. He did know. He knew that I was from the future. And he didn't want to kill me. More than that, he still wanted to be with me. "This is my home, Cien. This time. I am not going back to 2008. I won't." 

He touched me gently again, my face, my hair. "Ye canna see what they've done to ye, Regan. If ye could, ye would run screaming to yer own time." Cien shook his head and stood. "I'll go with ye to yer 2008, if ye will still have me as yer husband." He bowed his head and looked up again. "Will ye have me?"

I started crying in earnest now. I put my hands over my eyes and cried into them. My heart had been broken, from nothing of his doing, and now if was whole and full again. That was his doing. I'd been so broken after Tilda's death. So broken inside. And Cien was there to fix me. I felt whole, renewed, and alive for the first time in so long.

"Yes, I'll have you." I said, my face buried in my hands.

I sobbed loudly, and suddenly heard the door swing open. 

Alex stood there glaring at me. "Why did ye order a bath for her, Cien?"

Cien turned to his cousin and shrugged. "I thought a clean witch was better burning than a dirty one." Alex eyed him carefully.

"Ye believe me know do ye?"

"Aye. He magic's wore off when she was away from me for so long." Cien looked at me, his eyes cold and distant. I stared back into them, trying desperately to remember that he loved me and he still wanted to marry me even though he knew I wasn't of his time. He still loved me. Unconditional love. He was trying to get me out of here so I wasn't going to be killed. 

But right that moment, with his eyes as cold as a winter sky, it was hard to remember. It was cold hate shinning in his eyes, and for the briefest of moments, I thought it was directed at me. That cold, hard hate. But something poked through, a glimpse of warmth underneath. I almost smiled, almost. Instead I dropped my head down and started crying again.

"Why does the bitch cry?"

Cien looked back at him and shrugged. "Mayhap she knows she is going to die. Mayhap it is because she knows she will never be the Laird Fraser's wife." He shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows."

Alex continued to watch him carefully. Cien sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "I canna be more sorry for not believing ye than I am right now, Alex. Ye tried to save me from her traps, and I dinna believe ye. For that I am sorry."

Alex finally sighed and shook his head. "I was only trying to protect ye cousin."

Cien nodded. "Aye. I know."

"Come, let us sup together. It has been much too long." Alex clapped Cien on the back and led him from the room.

"When is the burning to be planned?" Cien asked as the door to Regan's cell closed.

"With ye here cousin, we shall proceed on the morrow."

Cien nodded. Fine. War on the morrow.



Highland Magic Ch. 26



In the middle of the night, as all in the MacPhearson keep slept, Cien sent his page out to his men. Be ready at first light, and when everyone gathered in the inner bailey, attack. No reservations except women and children. Frasers never touched the women or children.

Cien paced the hall as everyone started to wake. Serving wenches were setting platters of fruit tarts, oat cakes and fresh ale on the tables. Men were scratching their beards and waking up from a long nights rest.

Cien watched and paced.

Alex clapped him hard on the back and laughed. "So anxious to see the burning cousin?" Cien nodded. "Aye, will cleanse my soul it will." Alex gave him a sideways glance before the commotion at the top of the stairs brought his attention to it. 

There she was, in all her glory. The stupid bitch was struggling with the guards, throwing her body into it. He had to hand it to her. She really was making it difficult for the guards to haul her down to her pyre. After her little incident with the dagger, he wasn't about to get close to her. He'd hadn't any contact with her until yesterday when he saw Cien with her. 

She was clean now, her hair light and flowing against her face as she struggled. He wished it didn't have to be this way. She would have been feisty in bed. With a sad shake of his head and a sigh, he grew tired of watching the soldiers struggle. "Haul the bitch down!" 

His shout was followed by others. They all gathered behind Alex and Cien, watching the guards struggle with her. They finally got her down the stairs and dragged her kicking and screaming past Cien and himself. Her face was red and her breath was coming in ragged pants. 

"I'm not a witch!" She screamed over and over again. As they opened the door and dragged her out the door, she screamed one loud and ragged scream. If he hadn't been a God fearing man, he would have said she was truly innocent. But seeing as what she did to Cien, he knew she was a witch.

"Shut her up!" Alex yelled. 

The soldiers dropped her just outside the door in the mud and the one on her right kicked her hard in the stomach. She doubled over and clutched her stomach. She fell to her side, her face scrunched and red, trying desperately to bring air into her lungs. She must have managed better than he thought, because Cien didn't even realize she'd gotten enough air to scream, but she had, and it was long and pain filled. Sorrowful as if she knew she was going to die, and there was nothing anyone could do to help her. 

He took a step forward, unknowingly, waiting to get to her, to save her from the pain she must be experiencing. 

"Get her up on the pyre!!" Alex shouted from next to him. 

The soldiers bent and each picked up an arm, and began to drag her toward the wood pyre that had been built in the court yard at Alex's command the night before. There were dozens of people standing about waiting for the event.

As they got close, people began to scream obsenities at Regan. And that was when she was lucky. Most threw rotten meat and vegetables, spitting and cursing her. By the time she was strapped to the wooden stake, she was ready to give up. 

Cien could see her lack of hope on her face. 

She truly was ready to die.

She closed her eyes and threw her head skyward. Cien didn't know what she was doing until he got close enough.

"Heavenly father, who art in heaven... Hallowed be thy name..." Cien stopped and stared at her. She was praying? "Forgive my trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us... Lead us not unto temptation but deliver us from evil..." Cien glanced about him, and knew it was growing too late. If his men didn't act soon...

They had better act soon.

The crowed grew silent and stared behind him. Turning, Cien clenched his fists in anger. Alex was walking up from behind him, a lit torch in his hand. He was looking at Regan as if he wanted to watch the flesh peel from her bones. 

Christ almighty.

The men had better be there soon...



Highland Magic Ch. 27



Cien held his hand out to his cousin and waited. Alex looked down at the hand in front of him and then up at his cousin, confusion on his face. "Give it to me, Alex." Alex watched him carefully for a moment, the torch in question, burning nearly silently in his raised hand. Finally he must have seen what he expected to see, because he sighed and shook his head at Cien.

"I canna cousin."

"Give me the torch, Alex," Cien commanded softly, anger seeping into his voice.

"Nay. You still care for the witch. This is the only way." Alex stepped around Cien and bent to light the pyre.

"NO!" Cien screamed and rushed at Alex. But he stopped. His sudden stop made Cien stop and stare at his cousin. He stood slowly and turned to Cien. An arrow stuck out from his chest. Somewhere in the crowd a woman screamed. Her scream was followed by others. 

Alex dropped to the ground in front of Cien, staring down at the thing in his chest, almost as if he couldn't believe it was stuck in his chest. Maybe he couldn't believe it. Cien looked up at Regan in disbelief. For a split second he thought she'd done it until he saw her. She was blowing at her feet hastily. She was going to hyperventilate. Behind her, he saw two of his men shooting arrows into the soldiers.

Looking back at Regan, he realized why she was blowing so hard at her feet. Alex had dropped the torch on the kindling of the pyre. It was quickly engulfing the dried wood at her feet. "Regan!" Her eyes darted up to his and they had a perfect moment of understanding. She was not going to die, and if she did, he'd die trying to save her. 

Regan quit blowing on the wood at her feet and began to struggle against the ropes on her hands. Cien rushed forward, jumping on to the pyre narrowly jumping past the growing flames. He pulled his dagger and sliced through the bonds easily enough. 

Regan sagged against him, and he readily caught her weight. Lifting her easily, he coughed on the rising smoke. "Cien!" Owen stood just out of the flames holding his hands out. "Throw her to me. I'll catch her!" 

Cien hefted her back and tossed her body over the flames and into Owens arms. Her body had long since gone limp and still. Cien dove through the flames praying for no serious damage. He rolled into the cold dirt of the ground, and rolled around putting out the small fire on his plaid.

He stood carefully, and although the world spun for only a moment, he righted himself and got to Owen's side. 

Owen looked up at his laird and wanted to fix this in any way he could.

"She isn't breathing, Laird."

"Give her to me!" Cien roared as he ripped her out of Owen's arms. He lay her gently on the cool ground, and listened for her breath. When she didn't take any, he opened her lips and pressed his to hers and breathed into her. 

"Breathe...." He prayed out loud. The breath of life worked sometimes and sometimes not. 

He prayed it would work this time. 

He breathed into her again and felt wetness sliding down his face. He hadn't realized it was raining. "Regan..." He whispered. "Please love, breathe...." Giving her breath one last time, Cien gave up.

Racking coughs erupted from her throat, pulling her to her side, barely being able to bring enough breath in to make the coughs. Her entire body was racked with them. Cien leaned over her, amazement in his every feature. Gently he pulled her hair from her face, and rubbing her back as she coughed. 

"Water!" He cried out hoarsely, never looking up from her. He only hoped someone went for water or they would all be in hell. Finally the coughing subsided enough that she could look up at him.

"Cien," her voice sounded hurt and harsh, as if it pained her to speak that one simple word. He picked her up gently, and brought her to him. With her head lay against his chest, he realized it wasn't raining at all. He was crying.

"Cien," she repeated. "Please..." Cien looked down into her face and knew something was wrong. Something was more than wrong. "Promise me..." Her voice cracked. "Future... Go..." 

"Regan, I-"

"Please." Her eyes pleaded in ways that her mouth and voice could not. 

"I promise." She nodded and Cien looked up.

"Ready the horses. We ride to home!"

A loud cheer erupted from behind him and he realized that his men had fought the battle without him. He didn't mind in the least. Regan was alive. That was all that mattered.



Highland Magic Ch. 28



It was a long hard ride. Cien kept Regan with him, holding her gingerly in his arms. She was bruised to high heaven, he knew. Subconsciously he tightened his hold on her as he thought of the way she was beaten right in front of him. She groaned in response, and he instantly eased up on her. 

She'd slept most of the last few days away, and for that reason alone, he'd known she was well and truly hurt. Last night as she'd slept before the fire, he'd checked her for broken bones and bruises. She'd had no broken bones, but enough bruises on her body, chest and legs that he was worried. The bruises and welts were bright and angry. Some red and purple, blue and black while others still were yellowed with age. She had a dark black and purple bruise high on her chest, near her collar and heart.

That one worried him the most.

They'd split with his men yesterday, telling them to continue on to the keep to prepare a feast. He was going to take her into the forest to Maggie. Hopefully the healer could help her. Cien glanced down at the raven haired beauty on sleeping so soundly in his lap and on his chest and felt his entire body ache. He did not want this for her. 

Guilt seeped into him like a roaring tidal wave. 

He should never have left her the way that he did. Never. He should have stayed by her side and sent his men after Alex. There was a brief pang of regret over his cousin's death, but it was quickly pushed aside when he looked down at her again. 

He was really going to kill her. 

The disbelief he'd held on to the entire time he looked for his cousin was gone now. Alex was insane. He saw that in his eyes as he tried to kill this innocent creature. Knew it in the depths of his soul, and still felt a distant pang of regret. 

He hadn't been able to find Tilda at the keep, and look mightily hard he had. He knew that Alex had taken her along with Regan, but there was narry a sign of her. He'd questioned Regan about it gently last night, but at the sign of her tears and horrified eyes, he wasn't sure he wanted to know more. Regan told him slowly, between halting breaths, what had happened to his sister. 

He sat shocked for a long time. Tilda was gone?

She looked like their mother, her bouncy red hair, and easy smile. She would have made a good wife and mother some day to one of his soldiers. He knew he would have to go back for her body, to make sure she had a true Christian burial. He shed tears for her. 

But for now, he had to care for his bride. 

He led the horse down the next path in the forest and knew it was only a few more minutes ride to Maggie's hut. He didn't want to, but he knew he had best wake her now. Leaning his head down next to hers, he spoke softly.

"Regan. Regan, wake up lass. We're at Maggie's Hut." Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking away the sleep that had held her captive these long hours. Slowly her eyes became clear and alert, as she darted her glance around the forest.

"We are going to Maggie's house? Why?"

"I fear you need to be truly well again, and Maggie is the only healer I dare trust with you."

"I'm perfectly fine, Cien. You worry too much." She gave him a disgruntled look, and he laughed. Never before had any one accused him of worrying too much. That was something he did not ever take a shine to. He supposed he had now.

"We will see Maggie." He didn't leave room for an argument.

She grunted and didn't look up at him. He couldn't contain his smile. Even injured she had spunk. 

Maggie was standing at the door of the small hut when they broke into the clearing. She waited patiently as Cien pulled Regan down gently from the horse. Regan let out small whimpers of pain and knew that Maggie could hear her. It bothered her to know, but she tried desperately to be as regal as possible. She was not going to faint from the pain burning in her stomach. 

It was her last thought before she fell forward into the darkness.

Cien caught her as she pitched forward and lifted her easily. "Help her," he said helplessly. 

Maggie looked at Regan's face as Cien passed her, entering the hut. "I will do my best, Cien. Many of her injuries look grave." Cien only nodded. The thought so as well. 

He lay Regan on a soft pallet of straw, covered with a Fraser plaid. She whimpered in her faint, and grimaced. "At least she willna be awake for your examination." 

"Aye, that would not be something to enjoy awake." Maggie checked on Regan and nodded, then turned to Cien. "Out." 

"I will not leave."

"Aye, you will. She's a maiden, and I will not have you seeing her in all her glory, 

Cien Fraser."

"Listen here, old woman-" 

"Cien FRASER!"

"Saint Georges bones! Fine! I'll tend the horses. Be quick woman." Maggie grunted and didn't say anything else. Cien reluctantly left Regan to Maggie's care, and closed the door to the hut. 

And counted the seconds till he could go back in.



Highland Magic Ch. 29



The sun was setting in the hills when Maggie finally opened the door to the small cottage. Closing it softly behind her, she looked down at Cien. He sat with his back propped up against the cottage wall. He looked up at her expectantly, like a child. A sad smile eased her lips before she sighed and looked into the distance. 

"How does she fare?" He asked quietly.

Maggie was silent for a long time, simply gazing out into the setting sun. Finally, she sighed and looked at the ground. "She bleeds. It is inside her body, draining into her. 

There is nothing for either of us to do." She stopped and looked at Cien carefully. He was staring off into the distance. "She pains, and I have given her something to help her sleep. The lass will not make the night. Of that I am sure, Cien." Looking away, she fought tears of her own. 

She blamed herself. She could see into the future, and the past. She should have known. She should have stopped this from happening. Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks, and she whipped at them angrily. This was all her fault. 

Taking a deep breath, she forced the guilt back down. "She will want ye by her side, Cien, when she departs this world. She will want ye with her." Cien nodded, mute. Standing on shaky legs, he turned to Maggie. He could see the tear stains on her cheeks, but didn't say a word. He knew she wanted to save Regan, that she would do anything she could for her, but there wasn't anything she could do. 

He stepped inside the cottage and turned to Maggie. "Nay, I'll wait out here, Cien. Ye two need your time together while ye have it." And she turned away walking further into the woods. 

Cien turned back to the cottage, closing the door behind him. Regan lay with her face toward the wall away from him. He thought she was asleep. Pain welled deep inside of him, such as he had never known. Taking a step toward her, he realized she was awake. She lay on the small cot, tears running down her face. Maggie had told her. She knew she was dying.

Cien didn't even realize he'd moved until he was on his knees beside her, clutching at her hand. He felt his own hot tears running down his face, and didn't care. She turned to him and broke out into loud sobs. Clutching her hand to his lips he kissed it over and over again. 

She reached up with her other hand and pulled him down, holding him to her. They cried together, her tears streaking his shoulders, and his running down her neck. And together they mourned. They mourned the loss of their love, of their future together, their hope of a family. 

"Donna leave me," He cried into her shoulder. 

"I don't want to go," She sobbed into his. "I l-love you, Cien... I love you...so m-much. I ...wanted to m-make babies with... you and s-spend our lives t-together." I shuddered out as she sobbed. 

Pulling back from her, he began to wipe her cheeks. "I love ye, Regan. With all of my being I love ye. I would wait eternity for ye, and wait I will." He wiped all the tears away, and tried to wipe the fresh ones as well. "I donna want to spend the last of our time mourning. Joy. Let us be happy we found each other." 

Regan let out a short sob. "I am so grateful I met you." She started wiping at the tears on his face. "I never thought I could be happy about going back in time, but I met you. I never thought I could love the way that I do now." 

"Will ye wait for me?"

"Everyday from here to eternity." She answered, looking deep into his eyes. "Your the best thing that has ever happened to me. I want you to know that. I couldn't ask for more."

Cien closed his eyes against the pain in his body. It was a physical ache. He felt like he was going to vomit, and there wasn't anything he could do about it. The feeling was only getting worse, not better. Opening his eyes, he could see the pain in her eyes. 

"Does it pain you much?"

"Yes, but whatever Maggie gave meit'sts making me sleepy." She shook her head. "I don't want to go to sleep, Cien. I don't want to lose any moment of being with you." Fresh tears leaked out the corners of her eyes and slid down into her hair. "I wish we had more time. I want to be a wife to you."

"Joy. We must talk about joyful things." 

"I don't have anything to talk about."

"Tell me of your future. Tell me of your life there."

Regan smiled. "Alright." For the next hour and a half she talked about her life in Portland, teaching, and her family. She had to clarify what things were every now and then, and Cien listened, trying desperately to memorize the sound of her voice. She told him of her dream of coming to Scotland, and how she had finally made it and how she came to be in his time. 

Finally the tiredness won and she fell asleep midsentence. 

Cien sat beside her all that night and when her last breath fell from her lips, he was there, holding her hand, and whispering love words into her ear. He kissed her gently on the lips as she passed away. Kissing her hand, he stood and placed it on her chest. 

She looked so peaceful, and he knew that God would welcome her into his house with open arms. That didn't stop the tears falling down his cheeks. He clasped his hands together and bowed his head, giving her the last rights. 

When he finished, he looked down at her, whispered his own goodbye, and turned out of the cottage. Maggie was sitting where he had sat earlier that night, waiting for her. Now it was his turn to deliver the news. Maggie looked up and he only nodded. 

She burst into tears, and he knew there was no comfort in him to give her. With a deep breath he walked into the woods, far away from the cottage and dropped to his knees. It was only then that he lost all composure, screaming his pain into the darkness. He slammed his fists over and over and over into the ground, screaming through the pain. 

As the sun rose in the sky, his strength was depleted and he fell helplessly into the dried leaves of the forest floor. His eye lids heavy, his last coherent thought was that he needed to find a place for the burial.



Highland Magic Ch. 30



Cien started the sad task of the burial when he woke. His body was stiff from the exertion, but he wanted no one to help him in the task. He dug the hole deep in the woods beside Maggie's cottage. Maggie stayed inside, preparing Regan. 

When the hole was deep enough, Cien climbed out slowly and looked down. He had the most sincere wish that he could burry himself right along with her. For a long moment he couldn't breathe through the pain in his chest. Would that pain always be there when he thought of her? 

A memory of her smiling and happy flashed through his mind. How her raven's dark hair shone in the light, how her eyes sparkled as she beat him in a fair fight. With a sad shake of his head he turned to the cottage and waited. Maggie came out a few moments later and nodded. Cien dropped his eyes and took a deep breath. This was going to be the hardest part. 

He went inside the cabin and saw her laying where he'd left her the night before. She was wearing a beautiful purple gown now, rich with color and gold thread. She would have loved the gown. With a puzzled look, Cien turned to Maggie.

"I was making the dress for her, for when she returned to us." Cien nodded silently and moved forward.

She looked peaceful. Her face was slack except for that small smile she'd had as she fell asleep the night before holding on to his hand. Her hands were folded neatly on top of her chest, as if she were waiting for her galliant knight to come and kiss her awake. 

Dropping to his knees beside her, he lowered his head into prayer. He wasn't a religious man, but he did believe in God, and he did believe in Heaven. If it took his prayers the rest of his life, he would get to Heaven and to Regan. She would wait for him. She said she would wait all eternity for him. And he believed her. He only hoped he didn't have to wait that long. 

He bowed his head and recited every prayer he'd ever been taught. Not sure which one would bless her soul the most. Finally he lifted his head and sighed a heavy, pain filled sigh. Standing up, he slid his arms under her body and lifted her easily.

She was dead weight now, unlike all the other times he'd held her. He head lolled off to the side, her hair streaming out around her. One of her arms fell off and swung around her. Turning he walked past Maggie, brushing away at her tears, and out of the cottage to the hole he'd dug. 

Carefully, he jumped down into the hole and lay her gently down. He adjusted her dress and her hair to make her look as perfect now as she had been when she lay on the small cot in the cottage. Brushing a lock of hair out of her face, and back into place, he leaned down and kissed he forehead. "I love ye, lass." He whispered before straightening. Climbing out of the hole, he looked down at the woman he loved. 

Maggie had come up beside him, quietly sobbing. Clasping his hands together, he looked at Maggie. "Should we say anything?"

"Yes."

He waited for her to elaborate, but she didn't. So he turned back to the grave and the woman he'd loved, and knew what to say.

"I ne're worried about marriage and the like. Women were not my problem. I remember when Kevin brought ye inside that first day. I thought ye strangely dressed, but only a woman, and nary my concern. But when ye came down that night, my heart gasped and my soul fawned. Ne'er had I seen a woman such as ye. So beautiful and gentle and kind." He paused looking Heavenward, hoping for some sort of grace. "I loved ye then, and I love ye now. Wait for me, lass." 

With that he made the sign of the cross and waited until Maggie did the same before he began to shovel the dirt back into the hole. When the hole was finally finished, Cien found a large semicircle rock and spent the next few hours carving into it. When he finished, he placed it securely at her head, and leaned back on his knees to read it.

"Lady Regan Fraser

Loving wife to Cien

She left us too soon"

And with that he got up, slid on to his horse and rode out into the night, looking for something to stop the pain inside him.



Highland Magic Ch. 31



Cien couldn't bring himself to go back to the keep. Memories were at the keep. Memories of Regan. Of her smiles, and her laughter and her happiness. Of his happiness with her. Their time together was short, but to Cien, it had been life changing. 

Instead he begged a few provisions from Maggie, and after a long lecture, she had given in. He collected them and packed his saddle bags up. "She wouldn't want ye to hide," Maggie reminded him and he grabbed the blacks reigns. He looked at her, nodding once he turned away and into the forest. 

As a child, when his father drank too much whiskey and became abusive to himself and his mother, Cien came to the forest and was calmed. He didn't know what it was about the forest that calmed him, but they had. Taking his fear, his anger and his pain away from him. He prayed it would still be the same now that he was a grown man. 

What he really wanted to do was head back to the keep and lock himself in his bed chamber with a few bottles of Kevin Foster's best whiskey. Cien almost smacked his lips at the thought and then shook his head. He knew that he couldn't do that. 

Regan would have hated it.

And so he walked on. That night he found a comfortable place among the dried leaves and trees, and settled down for the night. After building a fire, he lay propped against a fallen log and watched the flames. He was thinking about her. How her hair shone in the summer sun. How her beautiful blue green eyes would sparkle when she laughed. All the meals they shared together. And her beautiful smile. 

He slept restlessly that night, tossing and turning in the dried leaves until he was certain he was never going to get a single minute of sleep that night. Every noise of the forest woke him. His very breathing woke him several times during the night. 

He woke in the morning to the sun warming his body and blinding his eyes. For a long minute, he simply stared up at the foliage above him. Pain such as he had never known sliced through him freshly. Would this pain never lessen? Somewhere in his mind, he realized it had only been two days and he was mourning. In his heart, he knew, certain as the sun shone, that it would never lessen. He would live the rest of his days with the pain of loosing the one he held so dear.

He lay on the cold ground unwilling to move. It was comforting in a way. The cold dew against his skin was refreshing, real. He didn't want to move. And he closed his eyes and prayed for death. Mayhap the Lord was in a merciful mood that day and would accommodate him. 

"Cien." Opening his eyes he heartily swore. St. George's bones. Now he was hearing her voice in his head? He sighed and pushed himself up on his elbows. Blinking against the light, he looked around the clearing. There was nothing out of the normal, nothing that hadn't been that way the night before. 

"Cien." He heard his name again and this time it wasn't in his head, it was behind him. Turning his head lazily he rolled to his feet quickly, his breathing quick. 

Regan stood half behind a tree, holding on to it lightly. She was smiling and looked healthy if a bit pale. He took an involuntary step forward, and she shook her head. He tried to speak, but found it more difficult than he had anticipated. 

Finally he managed. "Are you real?"

She smiled again and watched him carefully. "Yes, Cien." Her voice was a whisper. She stepped part way out from behind the tree and then stopped. She wore a beautiful dress. It was a pale blue nearly white, billowing around her softly as if from a breeze. But there was no breeze. 

"Follow the path. When you come to the fork, go left." And with that she turned and ran down the path that had mysteriously appeared. It wasn't there the night before. 

"Wait!" He called, chasing after her. "Regan, wait!" he darted through the trees and bushes, following the small blue cloud he could see of her dress. 

"Cien," she whispered into his head. 

"Wait for me, Regan!" He shouted as he bolted down the path. 

She stood at the edge of the path, her gown still billowing softly around her. Behind her there was a small clearing with a large cottage. "Here, Cien." 

"Regan?" She shook her head, as he stepped forward to touch her. 

"I love you, Cien Fraser." And with that she closed her eyes and was gone. 

Cien blinked and glanced around. She was here. He knew she was. He stepped into the clearing, thinking she was somewhere in there, and knew he had missed something. 

The cottage had strange markings on it, and wasn't any type of cottage he'd ever seen before. There were glass windows in all the window holes. They must be nobility, Cien thought and he continued to look for Regan.

"Regan?" He shouted as he examined all the trees and bushes around him. 

"You there, what are you doing?!" Cien turned and slid his sword out of its sheath in one movement. The older man stopped in his tracks and watched him carefully.

"Your not from the reenactment up the way, are you lad?"

"What are you doing on my land, old man?" Cien shouted at him in Gaelic.

The man seemed taken aback. 

"Your land?"

"Aye. This is Fraser land." He took a menacing step forward, and growled. "And I'll have yer feet for the insult old man." 

The man's eyes widened and he made a hasty sign of the cross. "Forgive me, Milord." He swallowed. "I dinna know it was ye."

Cien paused and really looked at the old man. He wore strange britches, even though his voice sounded Scots. Even for English garb, it looked strange to him. 

"Why do you garb yourself in English clothes?"

The old man swallowed again. "Let me get me wife, Milord." He turned back toward the house and shouted up. "Iris!! Iris get down here NOW!"

A few moments later a door behind the house Cien hadn't realized was there, opened and an elderly woman stepped out of the house. "Now what the bleeden hell have I told ye about shoutin at me Henry Fraser?" She stopped at the look on her husband's face and turned slowly. "By the saints," she whispered quietly. 

"Cien Fraser?"

Cien lowered his sword but didn't resheath it. "Aye." The woman clasped her hands together and screeched. 

"Oh, I had not believed it. But she was right. She was right, Henry!" Henry nodded unable to take his eyes off the large Highlander. 

"My great, so many times back I care not to count, grandmother said ye'd be here. That ye'd be looking for your lady love."

Cien narrowed his eyes at the old woman. "And pray tell, who was yer great grandmother?" He watched her carefully. Now suspecting but not exactly sure. 

"She was a healer. Her name was Maggie."

Cien felt himself stumble and was able to throw his sword away from himself before he killed himself with it. He'd done it. He'd gone to the future. "The year, good woman. 

What be yer year?"

"Year of our Lord, 2008." 

He'd kept his promise. He closed his eyes, and felt his heart sing. He'd promised her he would come to her time, and he'd come. He only wished he could spend it with her. 

"Thank you," he whispered and he fell on to the ground. "Thank you, Lord."



Highland Magic Ch. 32



For the past week, Cien had been learning about the future. Somehow there was a very real difference between Regan telling him about it, and being there, living it. He remembered how she spoke of her time as she lay there, fighting to stay awake and smiled. She had so obviously loved this time, this place. 

And Cien could understand why.

Henry had been giving him lectures about the new world he was in. He had discovered hot showers that soothed the body and lasted a long while. He discovered electricity, which had scared the bejesus out of him at first but after explaining that there was no fire inside it and the devil did not have a pact with humanity for such a thing, Cien had eased down. When the telephone started ringing, Cien attacked it with his broadsword. 

Needless to say, the proprietors needed a new phone. 

But his favorite thing so far had been the cooking. 

His first night there, the Lady Iris had labored over a meal to befit the King and God himself. Cien reveled in the flavors and smells. His favorite part had been the bread. There were no weevils or rocks or dirt in it. Amazing, he thought, and he had munched down another piece. 

And now as he sat in front of the fire in the library, dressed in his modern frocks of what they called Jeans and a sweater, Cien brooded. He thought how he would feel knowing all of these modern conveniences and ease of doing things and was suddenly dropped in a time when they thought you a witch for thinking such things. 

It boggled his mind. Regan had been strong, he knew that, but he hadn't realized how strong she was until seeing all these things. Leaning back in his chair he sighed. The lady Iris had been questioning him about his lady love. What was her name? What did she look like?

But Cien didn't want to answer. Right now, the only thing he had to cling to of the past was Regan. Her memory kept him pushing through his days. And he would not share her so easily. Not even with those who took him in and helped to take care of him. He would not share what little he had left of her.

Leaning back with a sigh he glanced at the clock. Iris had spent many an hour today teaching him how to tell the time. She explained the differences between a digital clock and the one above the mantle. That one only had little sticks to tell the time. 

He much preferred the digital clock.

Studying it for a few minutes he decided it was afternoon when he couldn't understand the clock. It was a bit nippy out and he decided against going outside. He would dearly like to stay inside and wallow in his misery. He knew eventually Iris would nag her husband to come in here and attend to him. But he wished he could simply be left alone. 

They were only trying to help him, that he knew, but his foul mood didn't dissipate. 

He heard the front door to the Inn open and sighed. Henry told him the night before they had a guest set to arrive that day, and to try not to frighten them off. Cien had reluctantly agreed, but he prayed that they left him alone.

He could hear footsteps on the hardwood floor, light but still there. He wished he'd closed the door to the library then and there. It was only slightly open but enough to be bothered by whoever it was checking in.

"Hi," he heard the voice say. 

Cien sat up straighter and listened. It couldn't be. He shook his head a bit wildly. No, it wasn't. 

"My name is Regan Shepherd. I have a reservation?" Cien bounded out of the chair and ran to the door. Peering out he saw her. She looked happy but a bit tired. He knew she was tired when he saw the small wrinkles around her eyes. 

"Of course, Ms Shepherd. I'm Henry Fraser, the proprietor." He held his hand out and she took it. "I see you made it in one piece." 

She laughed then and Cien closed his eyes. Lord, how he had missed the sound of her laughter. "That I did Mr. Fraser."

"Please, call me Henry. If you'll just write in your information here, I would be more than happy to get your key for you, Ms Shepherd."

"Call me Regan, please." She said happily and bent down to scribble in the book. 

Cien's heart was pounding so loudly he could hardly hear over it. She was alive, and she had just gotten to Scotland. Moving away from the door he leaned against a book case and tried to think over his racing thoughts. 

"Iris!" he heard Henry shout.

He didn't see Iris, or Henry for that matter, but she must have been in the kitchen for she didn't answer immediately. "Now see here, old man, there will be no shoutin in this here house!" 

"Iris, this here be Ms Regan. Show her to her room." 

"Beggin your pardon my lady."

Cien didn't bother to listen to the rest of the conversation. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to remember everything Regan told him about her trip to Scotland. 

She had fallen asleep. He knew that much. After she was shown her room, jet lag had gotten to her, she'd said, and she'd fallen asleep. She'd explained Jet lag to him so he knew what it was. Then she had dreamed of him. She had blushed all the way through the confession, but she told him. She had dreamed of him, calling her his rose, and making love to her. 

He opened his eyes and realized Iris was chatting with her as she took her up stairs. Cien looked out the crack in the door again and knew that she was going to go to sleep and dream of him. 

Ideas began to pop into his mind and he had a sudden plan. 

He was going to get his Rose back



Highland Magic Ch. 33



Cien paced the length of the dining room anxiously the next morning. He'd had lain awake in his bed all night making plans, ideas on how to win his Rose back. He shook his head. How could he win her back, he thought, if he had yet to win her at all?

With that thought his head began to pound. All of this time traveling nonsense was much a bother. He'd lain awake most of the night with a pounding headache when he thought about such things. 

It really didn't matter to him. If he had won her or not. He knew he had once, in his time. With a soft smile, he stopped and leaned his forehead against the cool wall. And if a barbarian could win the hand and heart of such a soft woman, the good Lord above knows he has to try again. 

Closing his eyes, he prayed. He could still feel the crushing weight on his heart that her death had caused him. He could still feel her last kiss on his lips. Slowly a tear slipped from beneath his lashes and ran down his cheek. He would not let her be harmed again. He stood abruptly from the wall and wiped fiercely at the tear running down his check. 

Saints above, he was the Laird Fraser. Cien Fraser. And Cien Fraser didn't cry. He threw his arrogance around himself like a cloak, wrapping himself tightly in it. 

"You'll ne're get her back like that, my young Laird," Henry said from the foot of the table. 

Cien spun around and glared at the old man. He was greeted with a newspaper that covered Henry's face completely. "What nonsense is this that you speak old man?" Cien demanded.

Henry sighed, and folded the newspaper before setting it down in front of him. "The Lady Regan, my laird. She won't be won with arrogance and chest pounding." Henry rolled his eyes. "Believe this old man when he tells you that. No woman is won in such a way."

"And why would I be wanting to win this Regan?"

Henry smiled a soft smile and looked off into the distance of the room. "Because when I saw you peeking out at her yesterday, I saw the same look in your eyes as I saw in my own when I met my Iris." Henry chuckled and shook his head. "Tis naught but love, Lad. I see your love for the girl plain as day. Let her see it as well, and she shall love you the same."

Cien's body was shaking finely, and was forced to sit down. He stared down at the table, not really seeing it. "She is my Rose."

Henry smiled at the younger man before picking up his newspaper again. "Bah. Enough of this women's talk. Iris!"

Iris stormed into the room hands on her hips and glared at Henry. " 'Twill be done when it's done, your royal highness." With that she spun on her heel and disappeared back into the kitchen. 

"She seems cross with you, Henry. Twas not love I saw shinning in her eyes. Twas murder." Cien and Henry both shouted with laughter. "I need to be seeing to things outside." Cien picked himself up and headed out to the stables from the kitchen.

Henry's laughter was the first thing Regan heard when she hit the down stairs. See, she thought to herself, this was the right place to go. The view is amazing, I got a great night's sleep... The images of the man from her dream stopped her in her tracks. Her heart began beating hard and her breath caught. 

She could still feel the rough calluses on his hands when he touched her body. She could still feel the weight of him on her. With a sigh she shook her head. But she could still smell his skin, and see his face in her thoughts. 

Opening her eyes she forced herself to keep moving. She was NOT going to fall in love with a dream. That was something twelve year old girls did. Not twenty something teachers. Squaring her shoulders she plastered a smile on her face and pushed the door to the dining room open. 

She ate a small amount and spoke to Iris of her dream, and learned of Cien. 

~~~~~~~~~~

"Are ye all right, Lassie?" Iris stood and came to stand next to me. 

I looked up at her, and knew I must have looked as stricken as I felt. "How far is that 

castle?"

"Within walking distance. A few kilometers at most." She said as she watched my face. "This is what you need to do." Iris said, sitting in the chair next to me. "Walk out the door in the kitchen, and you'll see a path that leads ye through the forest. It hasn't been traveled in a long while, but it is still there. When ye come to the fork, go left. Do not at all go right. Tis said to the right is where the fey hold court and none of their magic's can be trusted." She paused looking at my face. "The castle will only be a few minutes away from there." Standing she looked down at me. "Ye let me fix ye a small meal to take with ye." And with that she turned to the door and vanished through it.

I stood slowly and walked up the stairs to my room. If Henry spoke to me as I passed, I didn't hear him. When I got to the room, I went to my backpack I used as a carry on and emptied it out. Turning I left the room and went directly to the kitchen. Iris already had everything ready.

I loaded the 'small' meal that had to be at least four courses in my backpack, and then she handed me a flashlight. "The forest can be so dense, as no light can get in." I thanked her and walked out the door of the kitchen into the morning sun.



Highland Magic Ch. 34



Cien watched from the stables as Regan walked out of the house and checked her flash light. With a deep breath, she walked forward into the woods. Cien looked himself over, suddenly unsure of himself. 

His new jeans were in a good clean condition, and the same could be said of his black sweater. He'd allowed Iris to pick out his clothes for this special occasion, and now he wasn't sure if he should have just worn his torn and burned kilt instead. 

Taking a breath, he followed after her. She was only twenty yards ahead of him, and seemed to be taking in the sights around her. She was smiling, and humming to herself, he could hear. 

After a few minutes, she stopped suddenly, looking to her right and her left. She seemed to debate which way she should go, and finally decided on the right, and took a step in that direction.

"Don't go that way, lass." 

Spinning around, Regan gasped. 

Cien walked until he was only five feet from her. 

"Am I dreaming?"

Cien smiled. "Nay. I'm as real as you are."

Regan shook her head, and stared at him. "You were my dream..." She shook her head again. "I probably sound crazy." Cien took a short step forward. 

"I don't think so. I know about your dream."

Regan groaned. "Iris tell you?"

Cien shook his head. "Nay, you did." 

He didn't say anything, and watched her face. She looked at him for a long minute silently. "What is your name?"

"Cien Fraser."

Regan gasped, and took a step forward. "It isn't possible."

Cien moved forward until he was only a breath away from her. He couldn't believe she was real. He ached to be able to touch her skin. To hold her tightly to him. He knew it was an impossible dream, but he knew he had to hope anyway. "Nay, lass. You are my bride. We we're married in secret at my holding, Inverlochly Castle. The one up the way, there."

~~~~

How was this possible? I stared at him, wondering if I was truly going insane or if he was really standing there in front of me. My heart ached with pain, I had never felt before or could understand. 

I can't explain it now, nor could I then or ever, but it was as if standing there, I knew him. My soul knew his soul, my heart knew his heart. He was what I had been looking for my entire life, and he was telling me I was already his.

"But I never..."

"Aye," he said slowly. "You have lass. Close your eyes, and remember. Ye know me more than any ever has. Ye stole my heart." 

Closing my eyes, I let the feelings rolling and flowing through me take over. Was this real? I felt my heart constrict. I had loved this man. It didn't make any sense to my mind, but my heart and soul, they knew. And they weren't going to let me forget him. 

I had a flash of visuals in my mind. Cien standing over me, fighting off men with swords as arrows flew all around us. Standing in front of a priest with Cien next to me, his plaid wrapped around our joined hands. Tilda...

I opened my eyes with a heart wrenching gasp. 

Tilda.

I flung myself in to Cien's arms, holding tightly to his neck. "Cien, oh Cien..." I cried against his neck. "I thought I'd lost you..." I didn't understand the words coming out of my own mouth, but I knew them to be right. I had lost him, and somehow, he had found me again. "Tilda..." 

"Hush, love," Cien crooned against my cheek, as he soothed me. "She is safe with her sweet love in Heaven, now. Think not of her pain, love. She is safe and happy, I promise you."

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, breathing his scent deep. 

Memories crashed down on me like a tidal wave. 

Pulling away, I fell to the ground, and let them roll over me. Tilda with her bouncy red hair. Loch Ness. Getting married. Alac. The burning pyre. Maggie and her soft words. 

Lying on the bed as I bled to death. 

"How?" I forced out.

Cien leaned down next to me and shook his head. "I don't know. But I shall be damned to the Devil if I lose you again."

I threw myself into his arms. "Then never let me go."

Cien laughed. "I never shall. My Rose."