Page 2 of A Keeper of Time

“The sun will be coming up in about an hour or so,” Dylan observed as he eyed the clock on the wall.

“I doona wish to wait. I’m going now.” Angus headed for the door. “We’ve nae time to waste.”

“Uncle, yer boots,” Maggie said as he reached for the doorknob. Looking down, he realized he wasn’t quite ready to leave the house. He could wait a moment or two longer while Maggie found his boots. “And we’re coming with ye. Dylan grab flashlights.”

“Thank ye, lass.”

He steadied his breathing and went into warrior mode. He knew Edna needed him. He was ready to fight any foe to keep her safe, but he worried that he might possibly be too late.

***

Edna moved as though in a dream. She tried using her arms and legs to move towards the ground, but they were heavy and useless, unable to help her. Instead she floated towards the bridge unable to break free from whatever spell had been cast on her. And it had to be a spell. But who was at the bottom of it and why?

There’s nae point in fighting, she thought. When the time comes and ye ken what it is that’s grabbed ye, then ye’ll fight like hell if need be. Edna saw the bridge up ahead as she swiftly approached it. She reached the center and began to spin. Slowly at first and then faster and faster until everything around her became a complete blur. Closing her eyes helped her avoid feeling sick from the dizziness. Faint laughter swirled around her as she continued to revolve at an incredible pace. Whoever had her in their spell was enjoying this. The spinning began to slow and little by little she was able to open her eyes. When she finally stopped, her feet gently landed on the ground. She reached for the side of the bridge to steady herself and to get her bearings. Glancing back over her shoulder Edna noticed that the path from the inn to the bridge looked very different. Turning to the opposite side of the bridge she was surprised to see a quaint two-story brick house covered in ivy. It had never been there before. At least not in the time of the Mackenzies or in her own time.

When the dizziness had passed, Edna took a few tentative steps towards the house, though she wasn’t sure why. Stopping to try to tune in to what was happening, nothing would come to her. It seemed her powers were of nae use to her here. Someone was controlling her every move and her abilities. Edna didn’t frighten easily. It would take a lot more than this to put fear into her heart. Determined to find out who was responsible for this, she marched up to the front door of the house and lifted the brass door knocker, banging it several times.

As she waited, Edna noted that the birds were chirping happily in the trees around the house and insects buzzed through the beautiful gardens on either side of the front door. She was about to knock again when the door opened. Before her stood a beautiful young woman. She was about Edna’s height, had a slight, yet curvy build and long raven locks that reached down past her waist.

Before Edna could speak, the woman said, “I’ve been waiting for ye. Will ye no’ join me?” She held the door open as she moved aside to let Edna pass.

“Who are ye?” Edna asked, doing her best to keep the anger she was feeling from her voice.

“Me name is Evanore,” the woman replied, closing the door behind them. “This way.”

Edna followed her into a small room just off the entry way. It was beautifully furnished with silks and brocades. It had a very old world feel to it.

“Please sit.” Evanore motioned towards the settee under a window that looked out on the bridge. “Would ye care for some tea?”

“If ye wished me to join ye fer tea, ye could have just invited me. I would’ve come.” Edna was feeling more and more perturbed. “Why have ye dragged me from me bed in the middle of the night?”

“‘Twas the witching hour. Three a.m. when the veil between worlds thins and makes it easier to communicate.”

“Are ye dead?” Edna asked, examining her for signs that she might be.

Evanore snickered at this. “Of course no’. Do I look dead?”

“Nay. Ye dinnae. The dead are the ones who come in the middle of the night ’tis all.”

“I understand yer confusion.” A small bell appeared out of nowhere and Evanore rang it. Immediately a tall, thin young man appeared in the doorway.

“Yes, mistress,” he said as he stood awaiting her request.

“Tea for our guest and be quick with it.” She shushed him a way with a wave of her hand. “Now, where were we?”

“’Tis a verra good question and I’d like to ken the answer,” Edna said.

“Ye’ve crossed the bridge. Surely ye ken where ye are.” Evanore tipped her head, narrowing her eyes as she waited for Edna’s answer.

“I’ve never seen this house before. Where did it come from?” Edna took in her surroundings. Perhaps she was in a totally different time, one that was unlike the normal sixteenth century period she sent her travelers to.

“I needed a place to stay for yer visit and so I conjured it up.” Evanore smiled slyly, her eyes darting side-to-side as if she was making sure no one could hear her. “We two are the only ones who can see it.”

The young man returned and with shaking hands placed the tea service on a small table in front of Edna. He poured a cup and handed it to her. Then did the same for Evanore.

“Thank ye,” Evanore said, taking the cup and saucer from him.

He bowed towards her and silently left the room.