Page 79 of Highlander’s Protector

He sighed. “Yeah. I did. I deflowered a princess and stole her virtue. A goddamn Tristan.”

“With a happy ending… Wait… Oh my God, that’s why they forced you to marry her?”

“There’s a bit more to it. You remember the Battle of Bannockburn?”

“Of course I remember the Battle of Bannockburn. June 24, 1314. The most important battle of the wars of independence. It will bring Robert the Bruce a decisive victory over England. Why?”

“Well…until about ten days ago, it was not supposed to happen. Anna was going to marry Philip of Mowbray and, in exchange, he had promised to give Stirling to Bruce without a fight.”

“I don’t remember anything like that from history.”

David briefly told her what had happened with Anna, their adventures on the road, and the events in Stirling when they returned.

Rogene pursed her lips. “History is a funny thing. Sometimes we have no idea what really happened.”

“Yeah.”

She squeezed his shoulder. “I’m so proud of you. And so glad you’re staying here, with me. Promise I’ll get to see you more often.”

He took her hand in both of his. “Promise.” And in his heart, it was not just a promise but a vow. “I am so glad I am staying, too, to see you. That was what I regretted most through my travels, that I didn’t get to see you. Didn’t get to tell you how actually great it is that we’re on this adventure together. That I got to experience all this thanks to you. You are my family. Always have been. Always will be.”

Rogene cupped his face with both her hands. “I love you, brother.”

“I love you, too, Rory.”

He pulled her into a big hug and held her. This was what this adventure had taught him, too. Not to postpone things that needed to be said or done. And not being afraid to tell people he was close to how he felt. Especially in the Middle Ages, where death came more easily and the next opportunity might never arrive.

“How’s your life?” he asked.

She smiled. “It’s good. Really. We’re happy. Sometimes Angus drives me nuts with his Scottish stubbornness… But we always know what’s most important—love and family. And you know what’s funny?”

“What?”

She chuckled. “Well… People started thinking of me a little bit like a seeress.”

David chuckled. “Really?”

“Yes. A couple things I warned about came true. You know, stuff I know from historical research. And now all kinds of people are asking for an audience with me to predict their futures.”

David chuckled but then got serious. “You need to be careful about that. There are people who might kill you for being a witch.”

She sighed. “I know. That’s why I never meet with those people and never say anything when people ask me. Besides putting my own life in danger, revealing the course of history could alter it in unexpected and potentially harmful ways. The Battle of Bannockburn, for example. Historically, Bruce will win. But there will be many deaths, of course. And it all might change if people fiddle with history.”

Paul ran to Rogene with a squeal and collapsed on top of her knees, followed by James, still making police car sounds, who came to a roaring stop. He was panting with exaggerated heaves of his chest.

“Mr. Paul Mackenzie,” James said. “I’m afraid you’re too good of a driver, and I acknowledge my defeat. The police cease all investigation.”

“Good.” David took two cups of ale standing next to a jar in the middle of the table and stood up, handing one to James. “I think the police deserve a fresh, cold drink.”

James chuckled and gladly accepted the cup. Rogene took one, too.

“To another goddamn modern-day person trapped back in time for love,” toasted James. “May you live a long and happy life with Anna. And I bet you won’t be the last. The cheeky little faerie is at work again, mark my word.”

They chuckled and drank. Then David returned to Anna and didn’t step away from her again.

The celebration got louder and merrier, and by the evening, it seemed, the whole island was there, eating, drinking, dancing, laughing.

Throughout the festivities, Aulay sat somewhat away from the others, with a goblet of uisge, watching dancing couples with sad eyes.