Page 4 of A Little Highland Magic

Her well-honed muscles responded as she drew a breath and lifted and extended her sword. She exhaled as her shoulders dipped, bringing the blade down, protecting her chest from her imaginary enemy’s sword. In this warrior’s dance, she showed no fear, betrayed no vulnerability—though that was far from the truth.

Aria refocused her mind on her steps in an attempt to quell her emotions. She had to master keeping her feelings buried deep inside if she were to keep Oberon from finding her in the human realm. The blade in her hand always helped her block out her troubles and calmed her mind. As she continued her battle, an icy chill whispered across the tower floor that had nothing to do with the early spring weather. A frothy grey mist swept in front of Aria and gathered into a more solid shape, until the image of Lady Janet MacLeod, known to the castle residents as the Grey Lady, appeared before her.

Aria brought her sword up with only a slight hesitation. It had been months since Aria had returned to Dunvegan, and she still felt the pull of guilt and grief every time the ghostly woman appeared. Lady Janet’s circumstances were entirely Aria and her mother’s fault. For helping the two fairy women escape, Norman MacLeod had thrown his wife into the dungeon where she had died and became her ghostly self. “What do you want, Lady Janet?”

The mist surrounding the ghost dissipated and her image became more solid. I felt your distress and I came to see if I could be of assistance.

The Grey Lady could not speak with words, but communicated by somehow making her thoughts resonate in the minds of those who were near her. “There is nothing wrong,” Aria assured her.

Then why are you fighting the air?

Aria turned away and brought her sword down just as Lady Janet moved to stand before her once more. The blade swept through the ghost. Aria gasped. “Will you stop that? I have no wish to harm you.”

You cannot harm me, my child. But perhaps I can help you if you will only talk to me about what distresses you.

“I do not wish to trouble you.”

You are family, Aria. Talk to me. Let me help you.

Aria released an exasperated breath as she continued her mock battle. “I was certain the MacDonalds were here to continue their battle with the MacLeods. I even challenged Graeme about the MacDonalds’ true intent. And I was wrong.” Aria’s sword came up then around, before dipping again.

You were not wrong.

Aria’s motion ceased and her attention shifted to Lady Janet. “What are you saying?”

I can feel the MacDonalds’ intentions are not entirely honest. And before they entered the courtyard, I heard them talking amongst themselves. They are here to make peace because of Marcus and Rowena’s joining, but they intend that peace to be short-lived. They are here to steal the Fairy Flag once more.

Aria gripped the hilt of her sword with more force. “They will never succeed.”

The Grey Lady smiled. Not with you to protect the artifact, they will not. Your instincts were right, Aria. Never doubt that.

Aria’s thoughts instantly flashed back to her mother, Pearl, who had long ago given the MacLeods the magical cloth that had since been known to the MacLeods as the Fairy Flag. The flag was infused with magic that would protect the clan three times in moments of great need.

Your mother gave the magical silken cloth to the MacLeods to protect not only her son, but also her daughter.

Stories from her mother’s past came back to Aria. Pearl had told her she’d fallen in love with a man upon a visit to the human realm four centuries ago. After much negotiation with the fairy king, Pearl had been allowed to marry Iain Cair MacLeod and bear him a son. After a year and a day, the fairy king had called Pearl home, forcing her to leave her husband and child behind. Before leaving, she’d made Iain promise never to let the child cry, but the laird failed. Hearing her son’s cries, Pearl had returned and wrapped her son in the silken cloth. Her mother said she’d considered telling the laird she was pregnant with a second child, but before she could follow through, Oberon had pulled her back to the realm of fairies.

You’re remembering the past, aren’t you?

“Nay,” Aria lied, returning to her mock battle, and trying to still the emotions that threatened to break free. Eight months after Pearl’s return to Fairyland, Aria had been born.

You cannot lie to me, Aria. I sense your thoughts and emotions even more than my own children. I have always thought it was because of the connection we share.

Aria’s gaze returned to the ghost who hovered before her. “You tried to help me and sacrificed your own life for that attempt.”

I would do it again, even knowing the outcome.

Janet MacLeod had died. Her infant son, Keiran, had been stolen from his nursery by Oberon and taken to the fairy realm. Pearl had been sentenced to the shadow realm. Aria spent the next nine years as an outcast. And Keiran had become a favourite son of the fairy king.

Aria shook her head, clearing the memories. “How can you say you would do it again? You were the one who suffered the most from our previous encounter. It cost you your life and your infant child.”

I do not blame you. Neither does my family.

“They do not know the truth! No one here besides you and I know why you were placed in that dungeon and left to die. I caused your death. And I caused Keiran to be taken from his loving family.”

Fairies have taken mortal children into the fairy realm for centuries. The MacLeods’ history with the fairies always made them a target for such mischief. Besides, you yourself said that Keiran lives and is a favourite of the king. Because of that status, he is safe and well cared for. A thoughtful expression crossed her ghostly face. How old is Keiran now? I’ve lost track of time . . .

The words hit Aria like a blow. Her weapon stilled, hanging in the air. “I never told you . . .” Her stomach coiled. “The fairy king had no desire to care for an infant. As soon as Keiran arrived in Fairyland, the king magically aged him. Instead of nine, he is a score and three.”