Page 4 of A Keeper of Time

“Thank ye, lad.” Angus quickly mounted his steed and rode to the center of the bridge.

“Good luck, Uncle,” Maggie called.

The familiar whirling of light and color surrounded Angus in a scene that Edna was very familiar with. In a few short minutes he’d be right in front of the house.

She clasped her hands, touching them to her lips as she waited. Before long Angus appeared, but he didn’t seem to notice the house. She was sure he would. It had never been there before and he was familiar with this side of the bridge. Instead of stopping, he rode right on by at a gallop. She knew he was headed to Breaghacraig.

“He dinna stop,” Edna said, her heart sinking with the knowledge that Evanore was a powerful witch and Edna was here at her mercy.

“He couldnae see us,” Evanore smiled. “Remember I told ye, only ye and I can.”

“I doona understand what yer plan is,” Edna said. “Why did ye let Angus ride by without stopping him?”

“Angus is nae the one I want.” She faced Edna with raised eyebrows and a sneer.

“I am,” Edna said. “I ken it, but ye said he’d be back here where he belongs. What did ye mean by that?”

“Can ye no’ guess?” She was playing a game with Edna and it was one Edna didn’t wish to play

“I doona ken that I want to,” Edna said.

“Are ye afraid to find out?” An arrogant laugh erupted from her lips.

“Nae. I doona wish to participate in this little game ye are playing with me.”

“What a shame. ’Tis a good game and one that I will win, of course,” she bragged, reinforcing the fact that she had the upper hand.

“We’ll see about that.” Edna assessed her situation and was coming to the conclusion that it was completely possible Evanore would best her. The fact that her powers had mysteriously disappeared and might not be restored made that clear.

Chapter 2

It was still early in the morning. The sun was making its first appearance of the day. If Angus kept a good pace he’d be at Breaghacraig by nightfall. Nothing would stop him.

He wasn’t sure why Edna left when she did or why she hadn’t woken him to let him know. Something had to be very wrong for her to go off like that. He prayed he’d find her safe and sound with the Mackenzies and wouldn’t think about what he’d do if she wasn’t there, because she had to be. Maggie would keep watch back at the inn while Angus sought answers to all the questions that were running through his head.

He’d met Edna at the bridge while still a young lad. He liked to believe that it was the day his life truly began. The Campbells had no need of him. Not being a first son or even a second, his place in the clan had been decided by his placement in the family. Never one who’d been satisfied with the ordinary role that would be his life, he struck out on his own. It was then he’d met Edna. Her fiery red hair and emerald eyes captured his soul upon first sight. It seemed she felt the same for him because they’d been together ever since.

Angus stopped at a stream to water his horse and was surprised to hear the sound of cart wheels on the road intermingled with the gurgling of the stream.

He turned to see a man waving to him. “Angus?”

“Aye,” Angus replied, wondering how this man knew him.

“I was waiting for ye at the bridge, but ye were there and gone before I could catch ye.” The man tugged on the reins. “Whoa!” he called. The large draft horse came to a stop. “Yer a good one ye are,” the man muttered and then hopped down from the cart, patted his horse on the rump and walked towards Angus.

“Catch me?” Angus left his horse to enjoy the stream and walked up to the man.

“Yer lady always has me meet travelers when they arrive,” the man explained.

Angus was aware of that. “Yer Wallace.”

“I am.”

“Did Edna send ye?” A bit of hope sprang in his heart.

“Nae.”

“How did ye ken I was coming?” Angus asked.