Page 46 of A Matter of Time
As the fog thinned, Angelina, Richard and Nick emerged. The men looked overjoyed, while the young woman appeared to be in shock as she took in her surroundings.
“Richard, come quickly. I’ve horses fer ye just yonder. I cannae be sure that ye have nae been followed, so ’tis best we leave right away.”
“They were right behind us,” Richard stated, glancing back over his shoulder.
“Come, the fog has nae left yet and that concerns me.” Edna led the way to the horses that had been saddled and waiting for them. “We’ll have time enough for introductions later.” They mounted and cantered off through the trees. Richard stayed close by Angelina’s side, not knowing her equestrian skills, but he was pleased to discover she seemed quite comfortable on her mount. As soon as they hit a clearing, they kicked the horses into a gallop, and headed in the direction of Castle Fionn.
Malcolm couldn’t believehis luck. He had watched the fog swallow Nick and his companions, never believing that he’d reach it in time to follow them, but he had, as had his men. He had made it to the year 1514! He knew he was in the right year, because as they emerged from the fog he spied Nick, Angelina and Richard riding away with two others. Their friends had apparently stayed behind in San Francisco, which suited Malcolm just fine.
“We’re here! We did it,” he said to Pierce, who was looking suitably amazed.
“Where are we?” Gabe asked. “What just happened?”
“We’re in sixteenth century Scotland. The year 1514, to be exact. Gentlemen, we have just experienced time travel.”
Dane and Nash appeared completely dumbfounded by this announcement, turning in slow circles to study their surroundings.
“We’ll need to find the site where I’ve been told the sword was hidden, and then we’ll need to find ourfriends. They’re our ticket home.” Malcolm glanced around, trying to figure out what time of day it was. The sun was attempting to peek through the clouds to the east, which made him think it was early morning, perhaps around eight a.m. “We’ll have plenty of time to locate a campsite for tonight. Perhaps we’ll run across a village and we can find some food.” Malcolm was exhilarated and it showed in his voice. “Isn’t this exciting?” When his men didn’t respond, he set off in the direction Nick and the others had gone. He’d follow their horses’ tracks, in hopes of getting his bearings. He had a map tucked away in his pocket and he’d need time to study it before they could set off in earnest on their search for the sword.
“First things first. We need food, water, shelter and…” he glanced down at what he was wearing, “…appropriate clothing.” Again, none of the men answered him, apparently still too stunned by what had just happened. Malcolm bristled angrily. Just because they weren’t in San Francisco any longer, was no reason for his men to cease doing his bidding. “Come on! Get your asses in gear and let’s go.” Malcolm started marching through the trees, not bothering to check if they followed.Naturally, they would follow him,he thought smugly. What choice did they have?
Richardand the others rode hard through the whole day, until they were forced to stop for the night when darkness fell. Richard wasn’t particularly worried about Malcolm catching up with them, because he knew they had no horses. Setting up camp was easily accomplished with everyone’s help and when he had a moment, he stopped to speak with Edna. “Thank you for getting us back safely, I wasn’t sure if you’d hear me when I called your name.”
“Never fear, laddie. I’ve been keeping track of ye since I sent ye on yer way, always waiting to hear my name called if ye needed me.”
Nick joined them. “Edna, I’m Nick Mackall. I’m pleased to make yer acquaintance.”
Edna took his hand in greeting. “And who is this lovely young woman ye’ve brought back with ye, Richard?”
“Angelina Lawson, this is Edna Campbell.”
“Edna, I have so many questions, I don’t even know where to begin.” Angelina reached out and grasped Edna’s hand in hers.
“Well, I’m sure I can answer them all, but first, let’s get some food in our bellies, shall we?” Edna kept hold of Angelina’s hand and drew her towards the fire.
The fire was blazing and Angus pulled more food from his saddlebags than Richard thought seemed possible. Edna smiled happily while she watched him. Richard had the distinct impression that every time Angus put his hand in the bags, Edna was manifesting another item for him to reveal. If she was capable of transporting him through time to a distant land, he had no doubt she could feed them with little effort. He shook his head at the things he’d once considered unbelievable, which he now accepted without question.
“Are you alright, Angelina?” Richard sat down next to her, concerned about how she was handling this transition. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she observed the goings on of the camp. She clung to Richard’s arm tightly, a sensation he was enjoying. As she had told him on more than one occasion, she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, so the fact that she was leaning on him to get her through this situation warmed his heart.
“I’m fine. Just a little shocked I guess. I’m happy to be here with you, though.” She smiled up at him and his heart skipped a beat.
Richard glanced over Angelina’s head, to discover Edna appeared quite happy and proud as she observed the two of them. “Where do we go from here?” he asked.
“We’ll head to Castle Fionn. After a good night’s sleep, Angus will guide us on our way. He tells me it’s only a few short hours from here.”
“Can you tell if Malcolm followed us here?” Richard asked.
“Let me see.” Edna spent a minute or two staring into the flames of the fire and then shook her head in dismay. “It appears that he did indeed come through the mist and he brought four others with him. He is on foot though, so that is in our favor. The fact that he’s here for the Twin Sword frightens me. We cannae allow him to get to it.”
“We won’t,” Angelina stated confidently.
“I like you,” Edna said, cocking her head and gazing at Angelina. “You’re a good strong woman and that will come in verra handy.”
Handy for what?Richard wondered. He was hoping to get Angelina back to his home in England without further incident. As far as he was concerned, there was no need for her to be a part of whatever was going to happen with Malcolm. He was more than willing to help, but wanted Angelina safely away from the danger. “I would like to take Angelina back to my home as soon as possible.”
“Of course, of course,” Edna said. She rose, and went to sit with Angus, but Richard had the uneasy sensation that there was something else Edna wasn’t telling them.
Angelina awokewith a smile on her face, despite the fact that she was shivering with cold. She had spent the entire night snuggled in Richard’s warm embrace, but now that he wasn’t there beside her, she was a bit cold. She wrapped herself in the blanket she’d been given the night before and sat up. The others were already up and moving about the campsite. She smiled again – this was better than the best Ren Faire she had been to. She rose and moved closer to the fire to get warm.
