Highlander's Destiny, page 21
Rogene ushered Paul towards the group of children that played and danced in another corner of the room. Then Rogene and Angus made their way down the aisle between the long tables and benches in the great hall. As they went, they smiled and greeted their guests, including Mackenzies from all around Kintail, as well as clans Cambel and MacDonald.
When they reached Owen and Amber, they hugged. Amber’s long, fur-trimmed cloak and Owen’s wolfskin cloak were covered with snow. Rogene took in Amber’s rounded stomach and gasped.
“Amber Ryan Cambel!” she cried. “Why didn’t you send a message! Congratulations! How far along are you?”
Amber beamed and exchanged the most loving smile with her husband. “Six months.”
“So were you finally ready, or was it a happy accident?” Rogene asked with a wink.
“I was finally ready,” said Amber.
“We were,” said Owen with a grin.
Since Rogene had last seen him a year ago, he’d taken on a more mature look, and Rogene wondered if it was because of the pregnancy or because he was, indeed, ready. Amber was glowing, and not just because of the pregnancy—she had always been a gorgeous woman.
“Right,” said Amber. “We both were. You know, we traveled for the first few years, and then we were helping the Bruce. But after the Battle of Bannockburn, it feels like the war is won. Even though it isn’t officially over.”
Rogene pulled her close with one arm around her shoulders and led her towards the table of honor while Owen and Angus walked together, talking. “I’m so happy for you both. Paul and Emma can’t wait to have another cousin to play with.”
“And how are my niece and nephew?” Amber leaned her head close to Rogene’s.
Even though the only time traveler related to Rogene was David, her brother, from the moment they’d all met, she’d felt like they were family.
“They’re good,” said Rogene. “You see him playing with Noah?” She pointed at the corner where Paul and Noah, the five-year-old son of Kate and Ian, built a tower of wooden blocks.
“Oh, yes,” said Amber. “Good God, they grew up!”
“And there’s Jenny.” She pointed at a seven-year-old who ran through the tables and joined the dancing couples by the musicians. She took the blond girl’s place, dance-jumped with Seoc, her red curls bouncing, her green Cambel eyes glistening with joy.
“Aw, look at her!” Amber cooed. Midway to the table, she stopped and gaped at the space next to the fireplace.
“Rogene Mackenzie,” whispered Amber. “You didn’t! A Christmas tree?”
Rogene beamed. “James, David, and Angus carved the decorations from wood. It must have taken them months. Then Catrìona, Seoc, and I painted them. Paul helped, of course. His are the ones with tiny fingerprints.” She giggled.
“Of course.” Amber grinned, her eyes on the little dark-haired head. “But where did you get so much dye?”
“David sent it over. He had the MacDonald traders bring some when they traded in Naples.”
Owen stopped by Amber’s side, and with a frown, eyed the large fir. “Is that the odd tree ye kept telling me about, love?” he asked Amber.
Amber nodded, her eyes tearing up. “It is. Isn’t it beautiful? Gosh, I missed a proper Christmas…” She squeezed Rogene’s hand.
Owen and Angus exchanged a look, raising their eyebrows. “I ken, Owen,” said Angus. “I dinna understand this tradition from the future. But what my wife wants, my wife gets. I only hope it doesna send Eilean Donan up in flames.”
“We still have all your traditions as well,” said Rogene, pointing at the Yule log next to the fireplace, ready for burning later that evening. “And I really appreciate all the effort you and everyone made to put this Christmas tree here. You made eight people from the future incredibly happy.”
Angus wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her to him. “Ye did, love,” he said, his voice sending a shiver through her whole body. “It was ye.”
“The Christmas tree,” she said as she continued leading them down the aisle between the tables, “was a German tradition that was introduced to other countries only in the middle of the eighteenth century. And I know people born in the Middle Ages are confused about it, but…I love it!”
There were branches of holly and mistletoe hung as decorations on the rough stone walls, as well. The air was thick with the scents of freshly baked pastry, grilled meat, bread, wine, and ale. Kate had been in charge of managing the kitchen and had made sure there were traditional medieval dishes, such as roast grouse stuffed with what Kate called haggis—the medieval cooks looked at her funny and said they had no idea what haggis was. She’d also made the dish she called Crazy Mary, delicious roast mutton. There was also roast pork, chicken, and honey-glazed deer, plus meat pies. There wasn’t turkey or mashed potatoes, but there was ham and mashed garlic parsnips, which smelled amazing. She’d even managed to make gingerbread cookies and made sure there was a plate of them on each table.
As Rogene took her next step, a flash of red and brown passed right in front of her feet.
“Nessieee!!! Give it back!”
A dark-haired boy in a purple tunic ran after the flash of fur, his arms outstretched. It was Alexander Cambel, Amy and Craig’s four-year-old, chasing Angus’s favorite hunting hound. The dog loved playing with children more than chasing boars and foxes. When the hound was a puppy—the smallest and most mischievous of the litter—Angus had lovingly called her a little monster. So Rogene had named the pooch Nessie, after the Loch Ness Monster. Now that Rogene could see the dog clearly, she noticed it had a grouse’s leg in its jaws, its eyes as wide and as glistening with excitement as Alexander’s.
William, Catrìona and James’s three-year-old son, ran after them, his gait less steady and his excited squeals even louder than the music. His head of soft, blond curls earned him adoring gazes from all guests.
When Rogene, Angus, Owen, and Amber approached the table of honor, there was a festive roar of greetings. Amy and Craig, Kate and Ian, Catrìona and James, Anna and David, Aulay and Jenny as well as Colum and Danielle were all here. Chairs scraped against the floor as people stood up to hug and greet the final couple.
When they could all sit around the table, Rogene wiped at her teary eyes. David and Anna’s daughter, Alice, who was one year and nine months, slept peacefully in her father’s arms. Una, the beautiful red-haired daughter of Aulay and Jenny, now almost three years old, sat in a high chair next to her mother. With a look of great concentration on her little face, she studied a picture book with wooden pages that Jenny had painted for her.
“How’s everyone?” asked Amber cheerfully as she undid her cloak and handed it, with a nod of thanks, to a waiting servant. “I missed you all!”
“We missed you!” said Kate, passing a dish of glazed apples. She looked beautiful with her golden hair in a pretty updo and her gorgeous curves complemented by a deep violet dress with silver embroidered flower patterns. “We are all good. Healthy. Noah is good, too. Keeps us on our toes.” She glanced lovingly at her son playing with Paul.
“He adores his mother,” said Ian. “Who wouldna?” He planted a kiss on her cheek. Her smile illuminated the room. He was as huge and protective as Rogene remembered, though his previously fiery red hair had now turned to pale copper.
“Danielle, are you settled in?” asked Amber. “You must be missing things.”
Danielle, a beautiful, tall blonde who had joined the time travelers’ club last year, looked at Colum with a tender smile. “The only thing I miss is chocolate. And my family. I couldn’t care less about the rest. I went to say goodbye to my parents and my sister. Told them I’m happy and that they don’t need to worry about me. I told my sister the whole truth, and I gave her a letter for my parents. I didn’t think they’d believe me if I told them the truth upfront, but I wanted them to know I hadn’t died or been kidnapped. I wanted them to have closure, with time.”
Colum MacDonald, a handsome, tall, muscular warrior with shoulder-length dark hair and the look of a wolf, grinned at her.
“Well done, lass,” said Aulay MacDonald, towering and broad-shouldered, with long, silvery hair. He chewed happily on a crispy gingerbread cookie. “Wasna easy.”
“Looking now at all of us gathered tonight for Christmas,” said Craig Cambel, running his fingers through his dark mane that now showed a few silver strands. “Ye ken what I miss…or rather who? Marjorie and Colin.” Nods of agreement came from Ian and Owen. “I’d like to meet Konnor, as well.”
“Aye, brother,” said Owen and squeezed Craig’s shoulder. “I miss them, too.”
“As do I,” said Ian and sighed.
Catrìona sighed as she set down a half-eaten oatmeal cookie. “And I miss Raghnall.”
Her blond hair was done in two buns, one on either side of her head, her cheeks flushed from the heat in the room and perhaps also the mulled wine.
“Me, too,” said David. Rogene’s brother looked like a proper medieval man now. He and Anna were the youngest in their little club, but people grew up quickly in medieval times, especially during a war. She was thrilled to see her brother so happy and to still have him here with her. She only wished the first few years hadn’t been such a struggle for David. But she knew the challenges had helped him become the man he was today—a loving husband and father and an increasingly skilled trader.
“I miss the rascal, too,” said Angus and raised his goblet of mulled wine. The rest followed him. “To those who arenae among us but who will never leave our hearts!”
They clunked their cups and goblets together and drank, and the wine, dark and spiced, spread a warm glow through Rogene’s body.
Later that night, Craig stared through the open shutters at the gentle snow falling outside of the great hall. The white banks on the other side of the loch glowed dimly through the snowfall. The vast room behind him was quiet now that the clansmen from Dornie and nearby farms had returned home, the children were asleep in their chambers, and the only ones left in the great hall were the time traveler couples.
He turned back, watching Amy help gather the food trenchers and pack the leftover food—of which there was plenty—into baskets and bowls together with Kate, Danielle, and, Rogene. Those would later be delivered to the poorer families in the area so that they, too, could celebrate with full stomachs. The four women chatted as they worked. Amber talked to Catrìona and Jennifer in another corner, perhaps they were advising her about the pregnancy. He knew Jennifer was a physician of some kind, and Catrìona was a valued healer.
And while Ian, David, and James brought in more firewood, and Owen, Aulay, and Colum stood near Craig and quietly talked of the war and trade, he felt the absence of Marjorie and Colin like never before. It was a dull ache in his chest, a distant memory but also a need. He wondered if it was grief for Marjorie. She wasn’t dead, not in his imagination, even though he’d never be able to talk to her again. It was more like she’d traveled to a distant country, so far away, there was no means to write to her or receive a response.
Angus came to stand by his side and peered through the open window as well. “Anything troubling ye?” Angus said without looking at him, his arms crossed over his chest.
“I just…I miss my sister, ’tis all,” said Craig. Sharing his emotions still wasn’t always easy, but he’d gotten better at it with the right people since Amy had come into his life. And Angus was his friend.
Angus let out a sharp exhale. “I ken. I miss my brother, too.”
“Aye, Raghnall…” said Craig. “I wish he were here, too.” The raven-haired warrior had been both a rebel and a terrifying man to meet in battle. They had fought together at the Battle of the Pass of Brander, and at numerous others. “’Tis strange to think he’s in the future, too.”
“He is, the rascal,” said Angus and chuckled. “’Twas I who insisted he needed to marry. Which he did, and I ken he’s happy. But I still miss him. I just wish I could see him one more time.”
“All right, everyone!” Rogene’s cheerful exclamation had them both turn their heads to her. “It’s time for presents!”
Craig glanced at Amy, who caught his gaze, and his heart clenched at the sight of her bright, bonnie smile. It was the kind of smile that melted his heart every time he saw it, and he thanked God he was lucky enough to be able to put that smile on her face every day of his life.
The journey from their estate, Falnaird, had been difficult and dangerous given the weather, but Craig was glad they’d decided to make the trip. Thanks to the friends who lived on Cambel and Mackenzie lands along the way, they’d made several stops in warm, friendly homes and arrived well.
“Come to the Christmas tree, everyone!” chimed Rogene.
The eight couples made their way to the Christmas tree and began the future custom of exchanging presents. Craig was familiar with it by now as Amy had showered him with gifts the first year of their marriage, which he’d been very grateful for. But he hadn’t realized he needed to give her presents as well, which had caused a tight smile and sad eyes from her. He never wanted her to look like that again and gave her gifts he knew she’d love, too: silver necklaces and brooches, cakes of soap from Galicia, soft fabrics from overseas, and even rare finds like Mediterranean fruits, herbs, and spices.
This was the first time all sixteen of them and the children had come together, so excitement was high.
The presents were exchanged. Craig received a beautiful dagger, a box of delicious pastries from Kate and Ian, a gorgeous belt for his tunic, carved wax candles, and sharp trimming scissors. He knew the world in the future was more abundant and the meaning of presents for Christmas was much less. In his time, presents were given much more rarely, with the highest meaning and intent, and weren’t taken lightly. His chest tightened in appreciation of these thoughtful and very valuable gifts.
Then there was just one more box left under the tree. It was Craig and Amy’s present that they had been preparing for a long time. His gut twisted with uneasiness at the thought of this present’s recipient. He’d never seen her, although she had impacted all of them in the most profound way.
Amy exchanged an excited, sly smile with Craig.
She looked around. “Sìneag, sweetheart, this is for you!”
The rest of the couples held their breath, looking around. Craig knew all their stomachs must have tightened, like his own.
For a few long moments, nothing happened. The fire still played in the fireplace. Candles flickered in the slight draft coming from the gaps in the window shutters.
The silk ribbons on the tree ornaments glimmered. No sounds came other than the crackling of the firewood and Craig’s own loud breathing in his ears.
She wouldn’t come. It wasn’t so simple to summon a Highland faerie, surely, as just calling her name.
And then Amy looked past him into the great hall and gave a small gasp. Then she beamed. Kate covered her mouth and grasped Ian’s arm.
Like the rest of the couples, he turned around. More gasps sounded. There, next to the log prepared for lighting, stood a woman of an average height. She wore a dark-green hooded cloak. From beneath the hood, long, wavy red hair cascaded over her chest. Using both of her hands, she lowered the hood to her shoulders and a pretty, strawberry-shaped face looked at them with a shy smile. She had a small, pointy nose, rounded lips, and big, slightly slanted green eyes. Freckles were sprinkled over her nose and cheeks.
Sheepishly, she smiled at them.
Craig’s throat tightened. It was her. Thanks to this creature, who had so abruptly uprooted his wife and nine other men and women from the future, all their lives had changed for the better.
Amy leaned down to the last present under the Christmas tree—a small box wrapped in bonnie green fabric.
She approached Sìneag with the gift in her outstretched hands. “This is for you, Sìneag.”
The faerie looked at the box dubiously.
“What is this?” asked Sìneag.
“Maybe you know, it’s Christmas now,” said Amy. “Christmas is a time of miracles. A time of love. A time when everything is possible. And on Christmas, we give each other presents. We gathered here as a family, a big family that was created thanks to you. So it wouldn’t be a celebration or a reunion without you. Because you’re part of this family, Sìneag.”
Sìneag’s eyes glistened, and she touched her cheeks wonderingly, then stared at the teardrops on her fingertips.
“Open it,” said Amy. “Please.”
Sìneag took the box in her hands and unwrapped the fabric. When she removed the lid, she retrieved a necklace on a leather string. It was in the rough shape of a heart, a simple rock that wouldn’t mean anything to anyone else. But Sìneag’s eyes widened like two silver pounds.
“It’s because you touched our hearts,” said Amy, “and helped us fill our lives with love.”
Sìneag looked at the necklace in one hand and said, “I can feel what rock ’tis made of. Ye mischievous lass”—she looked at Craig—“and lad.”
“It’s part of the rock that brought this woman to me,” said Craig, pulling Amy closer with a hand around her waist. “A chip came off when the wall caved in a few years ago. We kent it was precious.”
“Thank ye,” Sìneag said. “I ken ye all went through quite some ordeals, but yer love and happiness is all I’ve ever wanted. And it means more to me than ye can imagine, to be called yer family. And this gift…nae one has ever given me a gift before…” She wiped her cheek again. “I never felt so human…”
They all chuckled.
“Would you like some cookies?” asked Kate and stretched out a plate with oatmeal pastries she’d called cookies.
“Oh, aye,” Sìneag exclaimed. “I canna say nae to human food, especially from ye!” She eagerly put the necklace on and took a cookie. She bit into it and moaned enthusiastically.
