Page 92 of A Thistle Beyond Time
Lena smiled at her and seemed to be able to read Jenna’s expression. “I’m Lady Lena and you must be Lady Jenna,” Lena said. “Robert, if you and Ewan would excuse us, I’d like to have a chance to get to know Jenna.”
“Of course, my love,” Ewan responded and he and Robert disappeared into the crowd.
“I just discovered that you’re Edna’s daughter,” Jenna said.
“Please don’t be angry with me,” Lena teased. “I had nothing to do with your being here. My mother fancies herself to be a bit of a matchmaker.”
“No worries. I’m not angry with you. I just wondered how you got here. Did your mother send you to meet Ewan?”
“No. I found my way here all on my own. It was a case of a willful teenager ignoring her mother’s warnings to stay away from the bridge. Obviously, I didn’t, but I wouldn’t change a thing, even if I could. I’ve been verra happy here.”
Jenna sighed heavily. “I guess I’m the only time traveler who hasn’t wanted to stay.”
Lena arched an eyebrow. “No?”
“No. I plan on leaving when my time here is up.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Cormac obviously hasn’t been able to convince you to hang up your time-travelling boots,” Lena asked.
“He hasn’t. Not for lack of trying though.”
“Well, you know what’s best for yourself and there’s no point in staying, if you’d rather be elsewhere.”
Lena was the first person who hadn’t tried to convince her she belonged at Breaghacraig. Jenna was surprised by that, but was happy to have someone finally in her corner.
“How much time do you have left, Jenna?” Lena asked.
“Today’s my fifth day, so I guess I’ll have to leave tomorrow in order to get back to the bridge in time to go home. Your mother is pretty accurate with her timing, isn’t she?” Jenna suffered a moment of worry.
“Some of this time travelling stuff is new to her. Cormac is the first person she’s sent from here to another time and place, but I’m sure if she did it once, she can do it again. I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Besides what’s the worst that could happen?”
Jenna didn’t want to think about that idea. She could end up in the wrong place and the wrong time, completely alone – no Cormac, no Ashley and no Dylan. The thought of it had her feeling a bit woozy.
“I’m going to go find Irene and see about getting something to drink. Would you care to join me?” Lena asked.
“No. I’ll stay here. Thanks though.” She watched as Lena went off in search of Irene. Jenna scanned the room and couldn’t see Cormac anywhere. Cailin was missing as well. Where could they be, she wondered? She was headed for the doors, thinking to look outside for them, when a hand reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into an outer passageway. Jenna almost screamed, but stopped when she realized who it was.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, Jenna,” Sophia said. Jenna searched for Latharn, but he was nowhere in sight.
“What do you want?” Jenna snapped.
“Don’t be mad at me, Jenna. I need your help,” Sophia explained.
“Help? With what?”
“It’s Latharn. There’s something wrong with him. I think he’s sick. I looked around for Cormac, but I couldn’t find him. Please, I’m really worried about him.”
Jenna searched the great hall once again for Cormac or Cailin, but they weren’t there. “Okay. Lead the way.” She reluctantly followed Sophia, all the while on the lookout for someone else from the castle that could help. She hesitated when she noticed that surprisingly, none of the men she’d seen earlier were at their posts.
“Hurry, please,” Sophia pleaded, grabbing her arm and dragging her outside to the courtyard.
At first, Jenna couldn’t see. It was so dark outside and the few torches placed here and there around the courtyard gave off very little light. “Where is he?” she asked as her eyes slowly adjusted.
“This way. In the stables,” Sophia said, sounding frantic.
“Are you sure?” Jenna asked. Something was wrong. She could feel it in her bones, but Sophia seemed so distraught. Jenna had to help her.
“Yes, please hurry, there’s not much time.”
