Highland Circle of Stones Read online

  But recently, listening to Uncle Andrew at night, she found herself wishing she knew more about her ancestors. How would she ever find out anything about them? Wabi had known her mother and father, of course, but he had never made comments that she recalled.

  Huh. That's strange now that I think about it. Why have I never wondered about my folks before now? Uncle Wabi is my only family.

  She thought once again about just disappearing in the middle of the night. Willie would always be with her, so she would have his protection. Millie would understand why she left, and Jack would most probably be glad. She sensed his fear and it was always just on the edge, waiting to express itself. She'd miss Ian, Hector, Da and Uncle Andrew. Most of all, she'd miss old Jamie. He had a place in her heart unlike the others.

  But just the thought of leaving Alex was unbearable. He had a place in her soul — a place she hadn't even been aware of. How would she ever forget his smile, the crinkles around his dark eyes, his quiet, thoughtful ways? Just hearing his deep voice could send shivers down her spine. And with his touch he had branded her as his. So while a part of her felt she should leave, another kept her here, surrounded by this clan of brothers and her friend.

  I'm sure I was meant to be a healer, almost as if I had no choice. But will my life forever be one in which I am constantly being challenged to follow a destiny written for me? Or will I choose to write a new one for myself?

  ALEX SADDLED ZEUS, mounted and started out to take his morning ride around the farm. This had been his routine for several years now, and today he found himself on the northeast side of the property, the same place where he had found Caitlin recently at the henge. Reining Zeus to a halt, he stopped and looked about. All was quiet, no sounds whatsoever.

  Why have I come here? This is not where I usually go. There's nothing up here except the burial plot and that area where the circle of stones was placed, eons before we MacKinnons were here.

  For a second Alex recalled seeing Caitlin standing within the circle, that look of contentment on her face. Mam always told him the stones were put here by folk called Druids, so the stones had been here for thousands of years. She believed the stone circle was only to be entered by folks that had been called to perform extraordinary feats, not for common folk. And she never wanted the stones to be moved. They still stood as they always had.

  The graves of a number of MacKinnons were located here, some from long ago. Of course, the most recent gravestone was that of Mam—Alice M. MacKinnon. Alex climbed down from Zeus and let the reins loose, knowing the horse would stay there until he called for him.

  Mam's grave looked almost as fresh as it had the day they buried her. Alex had an inkling it was kept in such fine shape by Da, but he felt he shouldn’t ask about it. Today there was a fresh bouquet of holly, its bright red berries peeping through the snow that had fallen the night before. Certainly they all missed Mam, but surely Da felt her loss even more so.

  He walked a bit closer to the gravesite then knelt, leaned back on his heels, and wondered again why he had come here. Well, no, that's not exactly right. He knew why he had come, but wasn't exactly sure what he thought to accomplish by coming. He reached and brushed the snow away from the holly.

  Ah, Mam, ye wouldn't believe all that has happened to us — all of us: Da, Hector, Jack and Ian, and me, too. Maybe by telling ye about it I'll get a better understanding of it meself. But it's a bit complicated.

  Ye would be so proud of young Ian, yer favorite. Aye, we all knew that, but then he's our favorite too, so not to worry. He suffered mightily from a wound he got at Culloden. Mam, Culloden was an awful battle. Men from every clan were there. Some of them survived, but many didn't. I won't go into detail, but just know that we had to find help for Ian.

  As luck was with us, we found a young woman, a healer called Caitlin, just south of Inverness. She lived in a cave and we took our Ian to her. She saved his life, Mam, and we are ever so glad to have him still with us. But he lost a foot in the process, ye see, and was getting about on crutches, and doing fairly well at that. Then Da, Uncle Wabi, and old Jamie made him a new foot attached to a boot. Ye had to see it to believe it. He gets around now just like always.

  Wabi? Oh, he's uncle to Caitlin. Now that's another story, and maybe I'll come again and tell ye more about that. But as it is, Caitlin and I are to wed soon, as are Jack and Millie. Millie is a fine Lady, Mam. And our Jack is so smitten with her and her little one, Midge. So now, in addition to all us menfolk, we have two fine ladies and a young bairn to keeps things a bit lively around here.

  We all miss ye, ye ken, but yer still with us. Everywhere we look we still see yer touch, and yer name always brings a smile to our faces. Today, however, I'm not sure what to do, ye ken? Caitlin is having a real problem with a nightmare that won't let her be at peace. She's a most unusual woman, Mam, and I'm no real sure how to tell ye about her.

  First of all, she's a very independent lass. She's got a mind of her own and sometimes I don't agree with her way of doing things, but I'm sure she'll come around to my way of thinking if I'm patient long enough. She's been given special powers, and I can't say I'm understanding them just yet. She saved my life, as well as Jack's and Millie's. She's special, Mam. Ye always told me, 'listen to yer heart, Alex. It'll no tell ye wrong.' And my heart tells me to hold this woman close and be thankful she belongs to me. Aye. I'll do just that.

  He stood, brushed the snow from his knees and mounted again. He had come here a couple of times before, but thought now he might make it a regular habit. Sharing his thoughts with Mam eased his soul. He wondered for a second if Caitlin had spoken to someone special here, too.

  CHAPTER 4

  W

  abi's life had gotten back to normal and he was busy with Maximo, the young beagle pup he'd been working with. Having completed his training, the dog was ready to go to his new owner. Wabi really didn't want to let this one go. The little fellow had taken to sleeping on Wabi's bed at night, right next to Groucho, his ancient feline, and the three guys made quite a full bed. This was the part of the job Wabi disliked —turning the dogs he had worked so closely with over to the new owners. But it had to be done. A dog trainer knows better than to get too attached to the animals he trains. Still, this particular small beagle had wound his way into Wabi's heart, and letting him go would definitely be difficult.

  "Max. Come boy. We need to go."

  The wooden floor resounded with the patter of beagle paws as Maximo hurried from the bedroom to the front door where Wabi was retrieving a leash — not that either of them needed it, but the new owner might.

  Max's compact little body all but pranced as he stood next to Wabi, eagerly waiting for either a hand signal or a verbal command. Wabi had convinced him he was the best beagle ever, and the pup was determined to prove him right. The old wizard picked him up, snuggling him close.

  "Ok, pal. We're off to the village. Told Laird Gordon I'd bring you to his place today, so we might as well get it done."

  They walked out the door and started down the lane leading to the village. Wabi's ears perked as a humming noise came riding on the wind, a sound that always brought a smile to his face. A visitor, and one he especially enjoyed.

  Owl came to a screeching halt in mid-air — he still liked to impress his Master with his abilities — and slowly fluttered his wings, gently landing on Wabi's shoulder.

  "Owl, what a pleasant surprise."

  Master Wabi. And Maximo, I see. And where are you two headed?

  Wabi smiled. Owl's clipped British accent was in full bloom this morning. Wabi knew that in one of his lives Owl had resided with a proper Englishman and had adopted his manner of speaking, which Wabi found entertaining. And to think that today he was keeping company with Wabi, an old wizard who spoke with a gruff Scottish brogue, and certainly not proper English.

  "As it happens, we're going to the village where I'll turn this little fellow over to Laird Gordon. His training is complete and he'll make the laird
a fine hunting dog."

  Ah. Then you've been successful as usual, Master.

  "Well, he was a treat from day one. He's not any ordinary dog, Owl."

  They never are, Master.

  "Just so. Now, as glad as I am to see you, I guess that you didn't just drop by for a chat."

  Right you are. I've been sent from the Highlands. Caitlin is doing well, the leg is almost totally healed, and she's getting about a bit. As of late, she's been plagued with disturbing nightmares — for more than a week now. They have her in a quandary, Master. She's unable to understand them and they get worse each night. Not only is she not getting any rest, neither is Alex.

  "Oh? Wonder what's causing her to have nightmares? Hmm. She's had a lot of changes in the last few months, Owl. Maybe that."

  She's most concerned, Master. She would like you to come and help sort her out. Of course, the weddings are next week. She is wondering if maybe you could come a few days before and help her decipher these nightmares.

  "I see. Of course I'll do whatever Caitlin wants, but you know, Owl, Alex may not especially welcome me coming to her side every time a problem comes up that she's not sure how to deal with. He's her mate now and I expect he's more than able to handle most situations. Nightmares don't usually happen without a good reason though. Just let me take care of getting Max to the laird, then I'll start out immediately."

  As you wish, Master. I'll be on my way. It's a magnificent flight from the Highlands. You should see it from my vantage point.

  Wabi and Maximo watched as Owl wheeled high and entertained them with a couple of spiraling aerial maneuvers, leaving the old wizard and Maximo standing in the lane.

  Letting go of Caitlin is proving to be more difficult than I thought it would be. It's something I must get a grip on, though. My caring for her was necessary, but now Alex is the one she should call on. And I must remember that. I must let her go.

  CHAPTER 5

  C

  aitlin? Are you out here?" Millie walked out to the hut with a snoozing Midge resting on her shoulder — the child could sleep anywhere it seemed.

  "Here. Over here, Millie."

  "Thought you might be. I find myself wandering out to this spot also, just for a bit of peace and quiet, you see."

  "Well, you know, it may take a while before we get used to a lot of folks around, and all of them men." Caitlin laughed as Millie sat on the bench next to her.

  "Isn't it just so different? I do love being here, though. And I'd never want to be anywhere else. But you know, just an occasional reprieve from a lot of male voices and discussion about sheep and who's got to go where would be nice."

  Caitlin was laughing aloud now.

  "I believe we brought this on ourselves. You were running and so was I. Who knew we'd end up in the northern Highlands with a bunch of sheepherders with voracious appetites?"

  Millie was also laughing, though both women knew how fortunate they were. They could have easily never seen the light of day again had these men not come to their assistance on that fateful morning.

  "Aye. At that moment I don't think I even cared. I was just past living with Edward another day, and anything was better than that."

  Millie's life as the wife of Lord Edward Warwick had been a living hell from the first moment. She thanked her lucky stars for the changes that had come about through Caitlin, Jack, Alex, and her most beloved little child, Midge. Her life today couldn't be more satisfying.

  "I wasn't running from a husband, but Warwick and that soldier certainly made my life miserable for a bit there. But you know, Uncle Wabi believes life has a way of bringing us experiences that lead us to greater understanding and, if we survive, then we become better persons as a result."

  "Hmm, that's probably true. I don't ever wish to go through another experience like that one. Maybe because I had a babe it was different, but I'm certainly more thankful for everything now, and know I belong here in this place with these people.

  "So now, what are we going to do about these nightmares you're having? Alex was talking about them with Jack and Da. They all want to 'fix' the situation you know — typical male response to anything we ladies might complain about."

  This comment led them into another fit of laugher, which was good for their souls.

  "The nightmares really are becoming a problem, Millie. The only person I think can help is Uncle Wabi. And even he may not know what to do."

  "Then let's send one of the men to get him—today."

  Caitlin smiled at her friend. "It's taken care of already. Owl has left and will take a message to Wabi."

  Millie had already accepted that Caitlin and Wabi were unique, out of the ordinary. What they were exactly she didn't know, but she didn't care either. She and Midge were safe because of them. She'd let that be enough.

  "Then let's hope he can get to the bottom of this. He's a wise man, no doubt. And I know you trust him."

  Caitlin looked around, toward the old hut. "Have you ever looked inside the hut? Alex says Mam kept her special things there, but he doesn't know what they are. Do you think we could maybe look inside? I'm anxious to know more about this woman. All the brothers speak of her still. It's as if she left a large emptiness and they haven't been able to fill it yet. Sleeping in her sewing room, I often feel her presence. There's something about her that calls to me."

  "Then maybe she's trying to know you, too. After all, you've stolen the heart of her firstborn, and I know a little about how special that first one can be. But my bet is they're all special, no matter what the birth order. To answer your question, no, I've never looked inside the hut. But I believe we may be called on to clean it out soon."

  "Oh? Why would we need to do that?"

  "Uncle Andrew has asked for one of the huts to be made available to him. It could be this one, I suppose, as it's the largest. Although there are several others farther away from the lodge."

  "Why would he want to move to a hut? He's lived in the lodge for years now, ever since Florence passed away."

  "It seems he found more than just family history on his trips to Edinburgh. According to Jack, Uncle Andrew is bringing a 'friend' to the farm to live — with him. She's one of the ladies who helped him go through the ledgers from the old kirks, and she's an expert on clan history. It seems they have an 'understanding,' as Jack put it."

  "What does that mean, an understanding?"

  "Jack says they've decided to make a home together, but are not going through any sort of official ceremony, as we are planning. It seems they've agreed to have a "hand fasting" as was done in the olden days. They think they're old enough to follow their own inclinations about such."

  "What? Uncle Andrew and a woman? Holy Rusephus, what's going to happen next?" Both women dissolved into another of their female giggle fits as Jack called them.

  "I've used all the herbs I found in Mam's storeroom and I've only got enough juniper berries and wild garlic to make a couple more batches of my tinctures. I need to gather herbs, but I'm not sure where to even start looking for them. As soon as I'm walking better, I'll go scouting. But until then, I need to find a person in the village who may have herbs they'll sell me. Last week I met a young lass from Spain—Lourdes—that sells her flowers down in the village — she had a few herbs too. Maybe I can buy from her until I can gather my own."

  "Jack talks about an old woman who used to come by before Mam passed on. She'd trade her herbs for Mam's jams and jellies. Mam wasn't a healer as such, but she did know how to put together a few remedies for small problems, apparently. I'll ask him where we can find her."

  "Good. Once I get enough remedies and ointments prepared, maybe I can talk Alex into letting me practice my healing again. He's overly protective in my opinion, and still thinks he can make my decisions."

  "Yes, don't they all. Certainly they all mean well. Hector and I are struggling to work out our differences, and with so many mouths to feed, we do need to work together. Today he's at Cameron Castle working with
the resident hands, Clint and Winston. Jack told me that Hector can 'talk a jackass into braying at the moon,' which I suppose means he's good at talking people into helping him. I know I must go myself at some point and get a feel for what is happening now that grandmother and Aunt Moira are gone."

  The estate was hers now, what with her grandmother and aunt having been killed by a highwayman just a few days before she and Caitlin had sought refuge at the castle. During their couple of days at the castle, Millie had been surprised and pleased to have a visit from Dorothea, her childhood nursemaid and friend of a lifetime. They had been apart for several years now as shortly after he married Millie, Lord Warwick sent Dorothea back to Scotland and Millie had not heard from her since. When she had seen her recently at the estate, Millie had promised Dorothea she would return. And she would. Just as soon as things settled here at the home place.

  Just before he left, she had handed Hector a letter to give to Dorothea. "Don't forget to give this letter to Dorothea, please."

  "I'll make sure she gets it. Don't worry about that."

  With all the men gone for a few days it was quiet around the lodge. Come nightfall, Caitlin hesitated to go to bed. Finally, she had to make herself retire for the evening.

  A few hours later the dream came again, only now she could hear voices coming from a far distance and tinkling sounds — maybe bells — and soft singing far in the background. The scents were so familiar she could almost taste them. But again, the moment she could almost grasp something or someone, the dream floated away and she was left in the fog. When she awakened her heart was racing and there was a deep longing for something she couldn't even define.