feel the wrath of my brother, that ye heed his plan. We could all be in danger, if you do not play along.”
Gwen came over to her, a small frown line between her dark blue eyes. Abby noted she was a pretty woman, and obviously too young to be playing around with magic. Magic she’d yet to master. “Wrath of your brother? What will he do to me, burn me at the stake? Hog-tie me behind a horse and drag me through the countryside?”
“Of course not. We’re not evil villains. And what is ‘hog-tie’? I don’t believe I’ve heard that saying before.”
Abby growled. “Okay. Fine. I understand that I can’t leave…yet. But you must promise that as soon as I can, you’ll allow me to go. How long does it normally take for a person to be able to travel back?”
“I promise as soon as I’m able, I will send you home. And as for the time, I’m not sure.” Gwen looked sheepish, and Abby sighed. “You see, I’ve never brought anyone back through time before. You were the first. I didn’t think it would be a problem, as I assumed you’d stay. My sincerest apologies for the distress I have caused ye, Abigail.”
Abby couldn’t form the words she was dying to yell at the woman. Gwen had never brought anyone back before? Did it mean she might never return home? Or if Gwen tried to return her to her own time, she could end up anywhere, perhaps blown to bits, or floating around space, even? Holy shit!
“Please leave. At this moment in time you’re far from my favorite person.”
“I’m sorry.”
Gwen ran from the room, tears brimming in her eyes. Abby slumped on the bed, the furs creating a false sense of security. How would she survive in this time where disease, malnutrition, and non-hygienic practices were as common as fleas?
She itched her head at the thought. There was no running water and no pharmaceutical medicines—only herbal remedies and prayer. What if she fell ill? Caught some disease she hadn’t been immunized against and died a painfully slow death?
Abby took a calming breath. She wouldn’t be here for long, she reminded herself. They would send her back as soon as it was safe. And she was a tough woman. The past two years had proven that, since the death of her boyfriend David. All she needed to do was stay calm and in control. Maybe she ought to take Gwen’s outstretched hand of friendship and clasp hold of it tight. She would need as many friends as she could get.
A servant entered bearing clothing and helped her get dressed. She looked down at the blue velvet gown with long sleeves that covered her hands when she held them at her side. It was very pretty. Silver stitching ran along the seams in an intricate pattern. All hand sewn. It would have taken forever to make. The workmanship was exquisite.
“I have a missive for ye, miss. The laird wanted me to wait for ye to read it, ask if you’re in agreement, before allowing ye to break yer fast in the great hall.” The servant handed her a piece of coarse paper.
Abby broke the wax seal and started to read.
Abigail,
If you agree to the terms as outlined by my sister Gwendolyn this morn, then please proceed to the great hall and join us in a repast. If you are unable to abide by our decree, you shall be locked in your quarters until you are dissuaded from the foolish course you’ve chosen.
Please give your answer to the servant.
Aedan MacLeod
Abby clenched her jaw, glaring at the words until her eyes crossed.
“What is ye reply, miss?” The servant looked at her with concern, but Abby knew she’d not stand a chance of getting past the woman should she go against the laird’s decree.
“I’m in agreement with the laird,” she said.
The servant smiled in relief. “Very good, miss.” Stepping aside to let her pass, she continued. “Laird MacLeod is waiting for ye.”
Nodding, but with no intention of eating with any of them, Abby slipped on shoes made of rawhide, held on by a tie that zigzagged across the dorsal of her foot, and walked from the room . They were rather comfortable.
The tower staircase was steep and long, coming out into a corridor that housed the front double doors. Abby headed straight for them, needing to get outside and away from this castle.
The storm that had passed through overnight was lessening. In between the