Highland Defiance - By Sky Purington Page 0,16

disappeared.

“Where are you guys?” she yelled.

But they were gone. For that matter, everything save the rock and reemerged sun had vanished. There existed nothing but a vibrating rock, a loud hum and a long stream of near-blinding sun rays. By instinct, Mildred crouched to protect herself from the wind and sun. Plastered back against the rock she watched as the sun rays streamed past on either side. It was almost as if the sun itself was trying to swallow her whole if only it could find her.

“Mildred.”

Adlin? She heard his voice. But how was that possible? Mildred squinted but it hurt more and more to keep her eyes open. The vibration and strange sound became louder. Tucking her head into her legs, she started to pray.

The rock warmed and she tilted forward, disconcerted by the sensation. Panic rose but she tempered it. What good would anxiety do right now. She squeezed her eyes shut to the point of pain and tried to remain calm.

But it was becoming harder and harder.

The only reason she didn’t bolt was because of Adlin. She was positive that she’d heard him. And that was all she had to hold on to in what was quickly becoming pure madness. Mildred ignored the tear that leaked from her eye, ground her teeth and rode out the strange storm screeching and howling in what seemed an isolated world. As before when she traveled back, she smelled burning sugar.

Eventually, the sound started to fade as did the smell. Though she shook, Mildred focused on breathing. Almost afraid, she slowly opened her eyes. Not to sun burning and steaming around her but to a thick forest. David and Jim were gone. In fact, everything that’d been there before was gone. The air was slightly cool. Sea salt tainted the wind.

Mildred carefully stood. It almost felt as though if she made a sudden movement her world would come crashing down around her harder than it already had. But the strange wind had ceased. The severe sunlight was gone. All that existed was her and forest.

Peace.

“So are you a fairy then?”

Mildred scurried back against the rock and remained silent. Was she hearing things?

“No need to be alarmed. We’re alone.”

It took Mildred several more long moments to realize that the person who spoke was a child. She somewhat relaxed. “Who are you?”

The little boy plopped down in front of her and shrugged. “I’m just a stable boy.”

A stable boy? While she kept an eye on her surroundings she said, “Just a stable boy, huh?”

“Aye.” The boy nodded. “And you’re just a fairy, right?”

Cautious, Mildred sat and pulled her knees up. Yes, she could run and try to hide. But what would be the point. In her estimation, it’d do no good. “I’m not a fairy. I’m a woman.”

The little boy nodded and sighed. “That’s too bad because I really am just a stable boy.”

Mildred eyed him uncomfortably. How was she to believe that? “What’s your name?”

“James,” he said nonchalantly and twisted a pine needle around his finger.

“James is a good name,” she gave willingly. “My Da’s name is James.”

The boy arched his brows. “Really?”

Mildred studied him. As far as she could tell there existed nothing but innocence in his eyes. “Yes, really.”

James eyed her for several long seconds before he reluctantly asked, “Why are you out here alone? Nobody travels alone anymore, especially not a lass.”

“I would imagine not.” Mildred shifted uncomfortably. Was she back where she’d landed before? Obviously it was Scotland based on the boy’s thick brogue. But was she near Adlin?

“You should probably come with me. I’ll take you home.”

“Where is home?” she asked.

“Not far.” James held out his hand. “Come, I’ll show you.”

Mildred took his hand and let him lead her. To where she could only speculate. As they walked she asked, “Does your mama know you’re out her in the forest?”

“Aye!Of course. But she knows we MacLomains are explorers.”

So she’d returned to Adlin. Good. Or was that bad? Either way, her footsteps lightened and her chest felt a little less tight. Once she could talk to Adlin again, all of this would be worked out and she could return home, explanation intact. Mildred chose to ignore the extra beat of her heart and inability to swallow correctly.

“We’re not far now,” James said.

Thank God. But as they walked it became more and more apparent that this wasn’t where she’d been before… this wasn’t Cowal. “Does Chieftain Adlin know we’re coming?”

James shrugged innocently. “I dinnae ken. Chieftain Bruce probably does