Page 61 of A Little Highland Magic

Chapter Twenty-Two

Athree-quarter moon shone down on the golden stones of Dunvegan Castle where they had begun their journey what seemed like only hours ago. Yet Aria knew by the shape of the moon above them that at least three days had passed, or possibly three months, or even three years.

Keiran looked about the empty courtyard, studying the shadows as though trying to remember anything about his time here before he was stolen by the fairies.

“Does anything look familiar?” Aria asked.

“Nay.”

“Do not worry. You were an infant when you left here. And if you are concerned about how you will be received by your family, fear not. They are all quite wonderful,” Aria assured the long-lost MacLeod.

“How long do you think we have been away?” Graeme asked, coming to stand beside her.

“It is hard to tell. Time passes differently in Fairyland,” Aria replied, looking at the landscape. “It is too dark to see any plants or trees that might indicate the season. However, the air is cool, though not cold as in winter. Perhaps it is still early spring.”

“Are you ready to go inside and see if Oberon kept his promise about releasing the MacLeods from his curse?”

She heard the wariness in his voice, and she shared it, but nodded. “I just pray the ban-sithe have not already been here. I am strong, but I am not sure I could survive all our family being dead.”

Graeme drew a deep breath, then released it. “I have known the loss of life on the battlefield. There is a heaviness in the air when death is near. That sensation is not present here.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close, seeking comfort and offering it. “There is only one way to find out.”

As they walked to the doorway together, Aria breathed deeply of the tangy seaside air. She prayed the air inside the castle would be as pure as this was right now. Swallowing roughly, she opened the door and stepped inside.

The castle smelled not heavy, but also not filled with the scent of Mrs Honey’s cooking. A knot of fear tightened her stomach. “Where is everyone?”

Aria? Graeme? Lady Janet’s thoughts played across their minds. They looked up the stairs to see her at the landing, floating towards them. You have returned. Her gaze shifted from Pearl and Gille to the young man beside them, and Aria could have sworn tears came to her eyes. Keiran?

Keiran paled and shuffled backwards.

“Nay, Keiran.” Aria motioned him forward. “There is no need to be frightened. In all the chaos of Fairyland, we forgot to tell you about your mother.”

My son. The words were raw with emotion. You were stolen from me when you were only three months old, and not a day has passed where I have not thought about you and prayed for your return.

Lady Janet moved close and reached out to hug him, only to have her arms move through his body. She released a mournful cry at her failure.

Keiran reached out and placed his hands against the mist on either side of her face, gazing into Lady Janet’s eyes. “And I have dreamed about you every day since I left here, though until this moment I did not know that it was your face I saw.”

I am glad you are home, Keiran.

He smiled, seeming much more at ease. “We have much to learn about each other.”

There will be time for that thanks to all of you. Lady Janet’s gaze encompassed the group.

“I hate to break up this reunion, but where are the others? Are they safe? Are they still frozen in time?” Graeme asked, his voice laced with concern.

They are all upstairs in the great hall. Alive and well. They reanimated only a few hours ago, and after three days of not eating, they were all famished. Mrs Honey is serving a simple meal of salted fish and cheese until other things can be prepared.

Relief surged through Aria, and she forced back a lump that formed in her throat. Oberon had kept one of his promises. They were alive, and only three days had passed since they’d left, not the months she had feared.

“I need to see for myself that they are healthy and well. Will you join me, all of you?”

Pearl stayed beside Gille while the others moved to the stairs. “Gille and I will follow you in a moment. I would like some time alone with my youngest daughter, if you do not mind.”

Graeme turned to Aria and lifted her hand to his lips. “Are you ready to see your family?”

She smiled wryly. “With you beside me, I am ready for anything.” They were partners. And if anyone ever abused her again, she was certain Graeme would slice them in half.

“I never got the chance to say this before we left, my sweet, but I was very impressed with how you stood up to Oberon.”