Alasdair turned his horse around, speaking over his shoulder. “The ship leaves at high noon on the morrow. It’s a special trip, with Morgan, Magni, and Cormac joining us. We’ll have plenty of room for your brother and sister.”
Puzzled but pleased, Edan had to ask. “Grant, a question, if you will.”
“Ask it.” He stopped his horse and faced Edan.
“Why were you so agreeable? I expected an argument.”
Alasdair gave a slow nod, staring off into the trees before turning back to him. “Because this is the first time I’ve seen Ailith truly happy in seven years. I prefer to keep it that way.” Then he brought his gaze back to Edan’s. “But you brought danger and darkness to our doorstep. Know that I will be watching, and if you ever cause her a moment’s pain, iron blood or not, I will end you.”
Alasdair Grant rode off into the dark with a raise of his hand.
Chapter Forty-Two
Ailith
Ailith sat on a bench built into the side of the Mull Cog, the salty breeze blowing the loose hairs back from her face. The light wind, a result of the calmest waters she’d ever seen, pleased her. The gray sky kept the sun hidden, which Ailith didn’t mind, as it kept her eyes from hurting in the bright light.
Edan sat next to her, Heilyn asleep on his chest in some contraption Maitland had helped him maneuver with an extra plaid. The others mostly moved about, except Sylvi, who was now prone on the deck from a bad headache. They’d decided to take two trips, the Duart group leaving first, with the rest of Edan’s family following on the second trip with all their belongings for their journey to MacClane Castle.
She stared over the waters, the sea nearly like a calm loch on the best summer day.
His breath warmed her ear before he spoke, “Ailith Grant, I have to admit I’m enjoying falling in love with you. I never expected it to happen to me.”
Her heart swelled in her chest, her smile so broad it nearly hurt. “I love you too, Edan, but why wouldn’t it happen to you?”
His eyes misted, but he squeezed them shut and swiped away any wetness. “Because I just seemed to draw bad things to myself. You and Heilyn are the best things to ever happen to me.”
“Life will calm down, Edan. Now you know why things have been different for you.”
“Do you think my iron blood made those flowers wilt in Dunyvaig?”
“Aye.”
“And Catrina always wondered why our milk never soured. Now she says it’s because of my iron blood. That was a good thing of course, but it was confusing.”
“You must feel better knowing why your father could not stop giving you strange advice.”
“Or yelling unbelievable notions at me?”
“You have a fine character, Edan. Do not let anything convince you otherwise. You are strong, honest, honorable, and loyal to your clan. The makings of a true Highlander. Someday I’ll take you to Grant land.”
“I would like that.” He held her hand, staring over the sea.
Ailith was happier than she’d ever been. Edan was exactly what her soul needed, and the best part was that her parents knew it too. They’d stepped away from her and let her set the pace of their romance.
Heilyn popped her head up, patted his cheek, and said, “Da.” Then she turned to Ailith, lifted her hand as if reaching for her, and said, “A.” She rested her head back on her father’s shoulder and closed her eyes.
He kissed the top of his daughter’s head, but then they both turned toward the stern as people stirred about.
The ship slowed, and Magni ran to the back of the ship, staring over the railing. “Here she comes on her favorite pet.”
Ailith peeked over the side in time to catch Lia’s approach on a dolphin. A few moments later, the lass boarded the cog as it rocked.
“Greetings to you all. I’ve come for a quick visit. May I gather the four seers for a wee chat? I don’t need the others unless you would like.” The seers, along with Edan, Alasdair, Maitland, John, Grant, and Connor, joined her. The others took the time to move about the ship.
“So here you are, the four threads of the Woven Circle.” She took Ailith’s hands in hers. “You have completed the circle, andI will need you all to help me uncover the location of the five items I must give to Gruin. I’m confident that with the addition of Ailith, we will find everything we need. I’ll allow you a short time to settle, then I’ll visit you at Duart Castle. I’m pleased you will be staying together.”
Dyna said, “It’s for the best, and we’ll help you any way we can.”
