Page 15 of Wild Scottish Rose

Sophie gasped and grabbed my arm when the tender green shoot shifted, unfurling and flinging the last of the seed cap off, before climbing steadily toward the sky, small leaves unfurling as it grew. Within thirty seconds, it had reached about fifteen centimeters high with a few brilliant green leaves, and I spoke once more.

“That’s just fine there, sweet one. You’ve done an amazing job. I’m going to give you a lovely spot next to your friends now.” I busied myself by gently removing the plant, taking care with the roots, and putting it in a bigger pot, before tucking it amongst similar plants. The women stayed silent as I worked, and my heart hammered in my chest as I waited for their judgment. Finished, I dusted off my hands and turned.

“That is so freaking cool,” Sophie exclaimed, excitement dancing in her eyes.

“Waycool,” Agnes agreed, her eyes lighting.

The tension that had coiled inside me loosened, and Ibreathed a sigh of relief, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ears.

“When did this start happening for you?” Agnes asked.

I shrugged.

“It’s hard to pinpoint it. Sometime over the last year. Maybe the last six or eight months? It’s still new to me.”

“That’s when I arrived.” Sophie twirled a lock of her hair around her finger, tugging it as she tapped a finger against her lips. “I wonder if my arrival kicked off a new wave of the Order and triggered your magick.”

“I have no idea how to answer that.” I laughed, despite the seriousness of the conversation, and Agnes grinned.

“That’s fair. The real question is, are you willing to still do the ritual? Do you want to become a member of the Order of Caledonia? Loren Brae needs you.”

“When you say it like that, I mean of course I do, but what are the responsibilities?” I asked, worry filling me that much like my inability to keep my cottage clean, I’d also fail to help the Order.

“Once you do the ritual, you’ll accept your role as a member of the Order, and step into your power. At that time, you’ll choose your magickal weapon.”

“Weapon?” I shuddered.

“This role comes with a responsibility to protect Loren Brae.” Sophie’s voice sobered. “The Kelpies are a very real threat. The more power we have to push them back, the better.”

“You want me to fight a Kelpie?” I was so not prepared for this.

“God, no. Please don’t. The reason the Kelpies are here is because the Order isn’t filled. Our job istwofold. Fulfill the Order of Caledonia, thus banishing the Kelpies into rest, and protect the Stone of Truth. It’s our job to make sure nobody, and I mean nobody, gets too close to that island.”

“Lachlan’s mum.” A memory from childhood surfaced of a stricken Lachlan, his mum having drowned in the Loch.

“Yes, it was the Kelpies.” Sophie’s face held sadness for her man.

“Och, the poor lad.”

“It’s also why they surfaced when Owen’s friend got too close. We have to keep people away at all costs,” Agnes said.

“Right, so no small challenge, is there?” I raised my eyebrows.

“Speaking of challenges, you’ll have to pass three of them before the Stone accepts you as a member of the Order.” Agnes grinned when I looked at her askance.

“Challenges? Like I have to fight someone?”

“One would hope not. The Stone determines the challenges. Mine were more challenges of the heart—emotionally driven ones based on courage and generosity. Traits aligned with the Knight. Lia’s were healing and nurturing. We’re not sure what yours will be yet. That is a path you must follow,” Sophie said.

“Och, that’s a lot, isn’t it then? Do a ritual, pick a weapon, pass some challenges, pick up a familiar, banish Kelpies, and protect the Stone of Truth at all costs. Anything else?” I asked, dryly.

“Aye. Keep your new guest from asking too many questions.” Agnes angled her head toward where we could just make out Owen racing from his cottage to his car in therain. “If his friend starts talking, we need to do damage control.”

“And hide all mystical circumstances from my new guest who plans to stay for a month.” I nodded my head maniacally. “No big deal.”

“You got this,” Agnes promised me.

She might have more faith in me than I did, but nevertheless, I gave her a stressed smile.

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