Highland Circle of Stones Read online

  Highland Circle

  of Stones

  Florence Love Karsner

  SeaDog Press, LLC

  Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

  SeaDog Press, LLC

  Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Design: Dar Albert, Wicked Smart Designs

  Ship Logo: © Dn Br | Shutterstock

  Ouroboros Design: Caroline Karsner Bowen

  Copyright © 2015 Florence Love Karsner

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 978-1-943369-06-5

  Table of Contents

  Copyright Page

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  CHAPTER 25

  CHAPTER 26

  CHAPTER 27

  CHAPTER 28

  CHAPTER 29

  CHAPTER 30

  CHAPTER 31

  CHAPTER 32

  CHAPTER 33

  CHAPTER 34

  Also By Florence Love Karsner

  About the Author

  CHAPTER 1

  W

  inter had been slow coming to the Lowlands, but in the upper Highlands it had no trouble announcing its arrival. The dark, brooding mountains were peaked with snow, and on this frigid night a sharp, scissoring wind left frost-furred windows in the lodge, and a mournful howl followed in its wake.

  A fine mist hovered over the moor and a thick fog crept along the frozen ground, further reducing visibility. There was only one who could make his way in this eerie darkness. He had roamed these moors and mountains his entire life, and his great rack spoke of his longevity and intelligence. Tonight he stood on the crest of this moor as he had other nights, knowing he was safe in his surroundings. Those that dwelt in this place would never harm him. But on this night, even the great stag felt the stirrings of unforeseen events on the horizon. His great wisdom and guile had kept him safe over the years, and the same would be needed by the inhabitants of the lodge below if they were to survive the trials awaiting them.

  "Oh, Holy Jesus, Caitlin. No lass, don't bring the lightning — ye'll kill us for sure. Alex, ye need yer arse kicked for bringing her here. She's as dangerous as a keg of powder I tell ye!"

  Jack's loud voice carried throughout the lodge as he came flying out of his bedroom, running down the hallway wearing nothing but a long nightshirt that flapped about his hairy knees. He was the largest of the MacKinnon brothers, known for his short fuse and hot temper.

  A cracking bolt of lightning lit up the sky, its brightness and powerful magnetism consuming the lodge. An ear-shattering cascade of thunder rumbled across the moor, echoing for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, a slight quivering of the earth brought another moment of uneasiness as nature's Kabuki dancers gracefully executed their carefully choreographed moves.

  For a few seconds, the silence in the MacKinnon lodge was palpable. No one made a sound. No one moved. No one had the courage to speak up. But each of them had the same thought: was this the first indication of yet another harrowing event about to take place?

  Jack had been fast asleep and was tired, as all the men were. But when the thunder rolled across the moor and the lightning illuminated the landscape, he had jumped out of bed and grabbed his pistol.

  "Caitlin, control yer powers lass — don't let 'em get away from ye," he yelled as he continued down the hallway, moving quickly for a man his size.

  A scream got his attention and he saw his brother, Alex, running from the other end of the hallway. The men shared a look that needed no words. Other than their large build and height, they looked nothing like brothers. Jack was auburn haired and blue eyed, whereas Alex and the other brothers had dark hair and eyes like Da. Alex also had a cleft chin — another trait he shared with Da. One other notable difference was that unlike Jack, Alex was always in control of his thoughts and emotions.

  "Caitlin, is that man still alive? I just knew he wasn't dead. But don't bring the lightning again. Control ye powers, lass, lest they bring disaster to all of us," Jack yelled out.

  He continued down the hall, pistol in hand, ready to take action. Alex grabbed his younger brother by his arms and stopped him before he got any farther.

  "Jack, hold on now. There's no one here. It's just a storm, brother, just a storm."

  Alex removed the pistol from Jack's hand and gave him a moment to come to his senses. "I heard someone scream, Alex. That wasn't a dream." Jack's breath was coming in shallow gasps.

  As if on cue, everyone decided to react at once. Caitlin came hurrying into the hallway that ran the length of the lodge. Her floor-length dressing gown was wrapped around her, and her long, curly, fiery hair streamed behind her as she rushed along. Her great protector, a large black wolf named Willie, was running beside her, his growl growing louder by the minute. Willie stayed as close to Caitlin as possible, but other than his growl, he wasn't showing any signs of alarm—no standing hackles or baring of canines. His sheer size was often enough to ward off any offender.

  The scream that had awakened the men had come from Caitlin, and now she stood shivering in the hallway looking as if she might release another one.

  "What is it, mo chridhe? (my heart) Another nightmare?" Alex asked.

  Caitlin was a small woman, and in Alex's opinion very attractive. He took her by her shoulders and saw sheer terror on her face. Caitlin's anger usually flared when she was afraid, but at this moment she was uncharacteristically calm, and her look was beyond fear.

  "No, no nightmare. Didn't you hear the thunder, and feel the quivering of the earth?" Her arms were wrapped around her, as if in defense of something as yet undefined and unseen.

  "Yes, Caitlin, I heard it, too. 'Tis just a storm, lass, just a storm."

  Another piercing cry filled the air, and a woman fled into the hallway carrying a small bairn close to her breast. This woman, Millie (Lady Millicent Sinclair), was the opposite of Caitlin. She stood six feet tall and was a striking beauty. Her long, ebony mane was swirling about her head and her face was flushed with the fear she felt inside. Her normally well-modulated Lady's voice was louder now and could be heard throughout the lodge.

  "Jack, where are you? What's going on? What's that shaking? Jack, what's happening?" She peered down the hallway and, seeing Jack, ran to him seeking comfort or explanation for what was transpiring. As tall as she was, Jack stood even taller.

  Jack's memories of recent events were seared into his brain, and some of them had been seared into his hands at the time. Presently, his fears relating to Caitlin's powers had come front and center. So far he had managed to keep his qualms to himself regarding the healer's extraordinary gifts, but having been awakened from a deep sleep his worries had made themselves known. And his words had registered with Alex.

  Far in the recesses of his mind, Jack wasn't convinced the soldier who had been chasing Caitlin, Commander Campbell, h
ad been killed even though Alex assured him he had seen the soldier breathe his last breath.

  Jack shook his head. "I didn't just dream that, Alex. I heard a scream I tell ye."

  "Yes, Jack. Caitlin and Millie were awakened by the storm and ye heard them screaming. These ladies are not accustomed to the wretched weather we have up here, ye ken?"

  Alex knew Jack was never at his best when awakened abruptly. In fact, it was a joke within the family. As a young lad, Jack would sleep walk and the brothers would tease him about being the "sleeping giant" as he was six feet tall even at that young age. Well, apparently he still had difficulty thinking straight when he was awakened in the middle of the night.

  Is that man still alive . . . lass, don't bring the lightning again . . . control yer powers.

  Alex had heard Jack's question about Commander Campbell, and his comments regarding Caitlin. Jack was unsure about Caitlin and her powers. To say he feared her to some extent might be more to the point. But Alex was sure his dirk, along with the streak of fire coming from Caitlin's fingertips, had taken Commander Campbell's life. The event was still fresh in everyone's mind, and it was fair to say the recent experiences had taken a toll on each person in the lodge.

  What if Jack's right? What if she is dangerous? Should I reconsider my plan to marry her?

  Alex had his own questions — fears, too, if he admitted it — regarding Caitlin's powers. But the lass was ever so important to him, and he'd not let anything come between them. Since Jack obviously had worries on this subject, maybe they should have a meeting of minds, but later, after they all had slept and could think rationally. Alex was aware he would have to lead the way, as Jack was prone to act first and think later.

  "Now, lasses, it's just a storm passing through. These Highlands are known for producing some of the worst weather in Scotland. There's nothing to worry about. Come on, now. Let's all get to bed and tomorrow it'll all be over."

  Then, almost as an afterthought, two more doors were flung open at the far end of the hallway. Two oldsters, Da and Uncle Andrew, stood there wearing their long nightshirts. Da looked about. Seeing the lads and the women, he shook his head slightly then turned to Andrew.

  "Tis just the youngsters, Andrew. Maybe having troubles with their women. We're too old to get involved with that."

  He yawned and they both returned to their rooms.

  Jack took the child from Millie. She'd been born just a short while ago, in the middle of a snowstorm. In fact, it was the event that had brought Millie and Caitlin together. The healer had come upon Millie, alone in the forest, pregnant and in distress. She had helped deliver her child and the two women had become friends instantly.

  Jack felt the infant snuggle up to his neck, which pleased both of them. He was not her father, but anyone witnessing this scene would certainly have thought so. She had slept through the entire episode, as children seem to be able to do. Millie, a lady by anyone's standards, managed to get her emotions under control and walked with Jack to her quarters, located on the second floor at the west end of the lodge. These were formerly the master's rooms. When they had first arrived at the lodge, Jack had insisted Millie and the bairn needed more room, and there was no use arguing with him.

  Alex put an arm around Caitlin and escorted her to Mam's sewing room, where she had slept since they arrived. She'd refused a larger room when it was offered later. This room suited her and Willie and she felt a connection with the person who had dwelled in it before.

  Alex said goodnight to Caitlin at the door to Mam's room. When she had first gotten to the lodge, Caitlin was nursing a broken leg sustained in an accident at Cameron Castle, an estate belonging to Millie's grandmother and where they sought refuge from the snowstorm. Alex, being the oldest and leader of the MacKinnon clan of brothers, and the intellectual of the group, insisted Caitlin use this room as it was located on the lower level of the lodge and was the warmest room in the house. His mother, Mam, had used it as a sewing room, and also spent her last days there as she could view the moor outside the large, multi-paned windows. The cancer took away her strength and certainly all her abilities, but she could still enjoy watching nature through these windows. Even on her bleakest days, the view brought comfort to her.

  Likewise, on this cold evening, Caitlin peered through those same windowpanes, tracing the icy edges with her finger. Sleep was difficult most nights, and after the event this evening she knew it would be impossible. She stood at the window, her arisaid (tartan wrap) held tightly about her shoulders. She was able to see clearly as the full moon flooded the moor with its brightness. She once again marveled at the beauty that lay out there, just waiting for her to immerse herself in it —the mountains in the distance, each one tipped with a blanket of pristine snow, the tall pines, the small rowans and elm trees that reached to the sky, and the rolling, unending moor that always called to her.

  These Highlands were so different than the Western Isles, the part of Scotland she had come from. How strange, she thought, that she felt she belonged here, at this place.

  She, too, had heard Jack's comments relating to her powers — the same concerns were running through her mind also.

  My life has changed so much recently. If the MacKinnon brothers hadn't come along, I probably would not have survived my battle with Commander Campbell and Lord Warwick. But if I marry Alex, will I be able to continue my work as a healer? And what about these powers I've been given? Will I be able to use them for good and not harm my loved ones? Will Alex accept me with these powers? Will his brothers always be afraid of me? And there are so many MacKinnons. I've been a loner all my life — what if I can't adjust to being with a crowd? Will I ever belong?

  Knowing it was useless to go to bed and hope for sleep to come, she stood at the window for the longest time, just thinking.

  THE LATEST IN A LONG line of healers, Caitlin had spent her entire life on the Isle of Skye. When her mother died in childbirth, her father had fallen into an abyss of grief that left him unable to care for a child. His parents took over his responsibilities and he boarded a ship bound for the West Indies. No one had seen him since. That was twenty plus years ago. Upon the death of her grandparents, an eccentric old man Caitlin knew as Uncle Wabi took her in and acted as both her protector and mentor.

  For years she did not know Uncle Wabi was not a blood relation, but merely a family friend. Only recently had she become aware he possessed unusual skills, or rather, powers. He was, in fact, what you might call a wizard. Children are much more accepting of differences in folk, and Caitlin never questioned any of his eccentric ways; she just accepted Uncle Wabi was different than others.

  A few months ago, Caitlin had been forced to flee her home on Skye. She and Uncle Wabi, as well as other locals within the village, were part of the Jacobite Uprising that many of her countrymen were participating in, trying to return Bonnie Prince Charlie to his rightful place on the throne.

  During an errand to buy a jug of wine for Uncle Wabi, Caitlin had overheard Thomas, the owner and barkeep of the Wild Boar Inn and Pub, and an Englishman, Lord Edward Warwick, planning to harm these Jacobites, steal their properties, and do away with their families. The barkeep had seen Caitlin and realized she'd overheard them. He and Lord Warwick knew she could make trouble for them, so they began to search for her before she could reveal their plans to the authorities.

  Caitlin was certainly in a predicament, which was not exactly an unusual state for her — trouble seemed to follow in her wake wherever she went. But at that point she'd had a decision to make.

  She knew the men were ruthless and had no doubt they would harm her, Uncle Wabi and her friends, too. She knew she must leave immediately and try to protect those she cared about.

  She'd left the Isle in the middle of the night, her destination unknown. She ultimately found a cave south of Inverness, where she practiced her healing skills in a nearby village and cared for the soldiers returning from the bloody Battle of Culloden. As fate would have it
, one of the soldiers in her care died despite her best efforts to save him. His father, Commander Campbell, was consumed with grief and accused her of being a witch who had taken his son's life. So he began to pursue her as well.

  On one particular afternoon, she had been returning to her cave from the village when she was accosted by the MacKinnon brothers, who all but trampled her with their horses.

  "Hey, ye there, are ye the healer? We need yer help, now!"

  The large man who'd spoken dismounted, as did two others. Another was draped over his horse, apparently unconscious. The men were all huge, and their presence was most daunting as they encircled her, almost daring her to escape them.

  The young man draped over the horse was their youngest brother, Ian. An enterprising lad of only fourteen or so, with a real penchant for not following his brothers' orders to stay at home, he had found his way to them at a battle site called Culloden. That battle turned out to be the worst battle of all, and the young lad was severely wounded when a British soldier slashed his leg with a Lockerber axe. Seeing the battle was lost, the MacKinnon brothers deserted the camp in search of someone who might help Ian. Finally they found the young healer, Caitlin, who was especially gifted. With her skills and knowledge she managed to save Ian's life, albeit at the expense of amputating the lower part of his leg. She cared for the boy until he was able to travel with his brothers.

  The MacKinnons were anxious to return to their home in the Highlands and resume their lives. However, they were most uncomfortable leaving the young woman alone. She had only her protector, a very large black wolf who never left her side. Perhaps that would be sufficient in most circumstances, but they knew she was being pursued by Commander Campbell and the insane English Lord Warwick, who also wanted to see the end of her. The brothers, particularly Alex, did not like leaving the young woman with just a wolf for protection.

  "Lass, are ye sure ye won't come with us? We've a large home and ye could practice yer healing in the Highlands. There are folks up there who could benefit from yer skills."